Tuesday, August 27, 2024
I Origins
- Commentary: This is not a typical "catch" movie (see descriptions of other of her movies below) of Brit Marling's. It hit me as a "trick" movie and left me a bit uncomfortable with the story. The elements were fine, but the design into which they were put was a little too mushy for me. Otherwise the production is top notch, as is Marling's usual. Her single job in this production was as an actor. The writer is one she's worked with before, but her own thoughtful magic was missing. Maybe that's what was wrong with this movie for me. It certainly scored well with other "members of the audience".
This movie generated three articles at RogerEbert.com. The first, linked in the title to this post, a "general review", is Brian Tallerico's. The second, also by Brian Tallerico, is an interview with Mike Cahill and Michael Pitt "dissecting" (word lifted from the title) the movie. The third, by Alan Zilberman, is a curious and very interesting meditation on the eye, Lenses and Reflections: "I Origins" and the history of the eye closeup, in film.
The eye is the subject of the movie. Why shouldn't it be the subject of an essay about the eye in film?
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Michael Pitt Ian Gray Brit Marling Karen Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey Sofi Elizondo Steven Yeun Kenny
Archie Panjabi Priya Varma Cara Seymour Dr. Jane Simmons Venida Evans Margaret Dairy William Mapother Darryl Mackenzie
The cast also includes Kashish Kumari as Salomina.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Mike Cahill.
Labels: brit-marling, drama5, fantasy2, mystery1, romance1, science-fiction1
Thursday, June 09, 2022
A Few Good Men
- Commentary: I ended up with this movie as part of a package deal, although I can't remember which movie came with it. I like it, and have watched it more than once. If I hadn't gotten it as an add on, I wouldn't own it, but I don't think I'll be sending this one off to the library. It's a great I-want-to-watch-something-but-I-don't-know-what movie.
The famous Nicholson-in-the-courtroom scene is one of my all time favorites.
Update 6/9/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tom Cruise Lt. J.G. Daniel Kaffee Jack Nicholson Col. Nathan R. Jessup Demi Moore Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway Kevin Bacon Cpt. Jack Ross Kiefer Sutherland 1st Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick Kevin Pollak Lt. J.G. Sam Weinberg Wolfgang Bodison Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson James Marshall Pvt. 1st Class Louden Downey J. T. Walsh Lt. Cnl. Matthew Andrew Markinson J. A. Preston Judge (Cnl.) Julius Alexander Randolph Michael DeLorenzo Pvt. 1st Class William Santiago Geoffrey Nauffts Lt. Sherby Noah Wyle Cpl. Jeffrey Owen Barnes Cuba Gooding Jr. Cpl. Carl Edward Hammaker Xander Berkeley Cpt. Whitaker Matt Craven Lt. Dave Spradling John M. Jackson Cpt. West Christopher Guest Cmdr. (Dr.) Stone Joshua Malina Tom Aaron Sorkin Bragging Lawyer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Rob Reiner.
Labels: aaron-sorkin, drama5, jack-nicholson, legal, military, suspense1, tom-cruise
China Beach Complete Series
- Commentary: I worried, when I first bought this series (for, I must say, much, much, much less than it retails for now) that my memory of it might be disappointed. Didn't happen. It's my kind of war video, more character driven than action driven, surprising, moody, realistic (for the most part; sometimes, especially in the first season, it panders a little too much to the audience). I'm not at all sorry it's now a part of my permanent collection of video material. I read, somewhere, a long time ago, that it was the first war series/movie that was done from the women's point of view. Maybe that's why I like it, but I don't think of it that way.
My copy of this series is not the boxed set spoken of in the link connected to the title. When I bought the series, the seasons were still being distributed as separate entities. Thus, my "set" includes only 18 of the 21 discs this review touts. It includes all the series episodes, just not quite as much special feature material, which is fine with me. When my mother was alive, it was a bit irksome that there were no subtitles. However, I have no problem with that. Perhaps I will when I get older??? Perhaps, as well, I will want to replace my discs with the set. We'll see.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dana Delany 1st Lt./Cpt. Colleen McMurphy Nan Woods Cherry White Michael Boatman SP4 Samuel Beckett Marg Helgenberger Karen Charlene "K.C." Koloski Robert Picardo Cpt. Dick Richard Tim Ryan Cpt. Bartholomew Austen Concetta Tomei Mjr. Lila Garreau Brian Wimmer Cpl. Boonwell Lanier Jeff Kober Stf. Sgt. Evan Winslow Chloe Webb Laurette Barber Megan Gallagher Airman Wayloo Marie Holmes Troy Evans Mst. Sgt. Bob Pepper
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 1988-1991
Directed by several people, a few more women than usual, and some women who were regulars.
Labels: drama5, female-director1, historical2, jesse-borrego, military, period2, political2, TV1, violence2, war1
Breaking Bad Complete Series
- Commentary: I would never have watched this series had not one of my sisters, the one who has been the source of more than a few of my very favorite movies, been electrified by it and started sending me the seasons. Nothing else to say. I'm like everyone else, a staunch fan. Many (if not all) of the episodes continue to stick in my head and at least once every couple of weeks I become captured by one and have to watch it. Again. And again. My sister and I are still looking to hear from Jesse.
I want to link to one more review but, since I'm not sure how long it will be available, I'm not attaching it to the title of this post. Forbes published a review of Breaking Bad in 2013 at the end of the series. It's quite interesting. With any luck to me, and you, Dear Reader, it will remain accessible.
Once this series got going, there were many, many notable actors who participated in small and bit parts. I picked out as many as I could without rendering the following Actor/Table overwhelming.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bryan Cranston Walter White Anna Gunn Skyler White Aaron Paul Jesse Pinkman Dean Norris Hank Schrader Betsy Brandt Marie Schrader RJ Mitte Walter White Jr. Giancarlo Esposito Gustavo Fring Bob Odenkirk Saul Goodman Jonathan Banks Mike Ehrmantraut Laura Fraser Lydia Rodarte-Quayle Jesse Plemons Todd Alquist Raymond Cruz Tuco Salamanca Krysten Ritter Jane Margolis John de Lancie Donald Margolis Danny Trejo Tortuga Steven Bauer Don Eladio Vuente
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 2008-2013
Directed by mostly men, some women each season, a few female regulars.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama5, female-director1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, john-de-lancie, me-favorite1, satire1, thriller2, tragedy1, TV1, violence2
The Bourne Classified Collection
- Commentary: Go ahead. Make fun of me. I don't care. I love this series of movies for just pure action thriller enthrallment. I even like the one without Matt Damon. I was introduced to these movies through a friend of mine who you wouldn't expect would like them, since she's not ordinarily a fan of spy action-thrillers. She nagged me, though, until I finally started checking them out of the library, one by one. It is these movies that hooked me on action-thrillers. I don't know why I developed a taste for them late in life but, well, I did, and I'm enjoying the hell out of the flavor.
They are all personal guilty pleasures. Not much more to say about these movies that hasn't already been said, except I understand there's another in the theaters and I can't wait until it hits DVD. Well, I can wait until the price drops. There is even a slot in the collection's case for that DVD. You can bet I'll be filling it.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
The movies in this collection are:
The Bourne Identity
Did you know there is a 1988 version of this film (same name), a TV Mini Series starring Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith? Although IMDb rated it a bit lower than this one, it wasn't a ratings slouch. If you read the comments, you'll notice that almost everyone liked to loved it; some even preferring it to the Matt Damon/Jeremy Renner franchise.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne/David Webb Franka Potente Marie Kreutz Chris Cooper Alexander Conklin Clive Owen The Professor Brian Cox Ward Abbott Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Nykwana Wombosi Gabriel Mann Danny Zorn Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Doug Liman.
The Bourne Supremacy
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne Joan Allen Pamela Landy Brian Cox Ward Abbott Franka Potente Marie Kreutz Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons Karl Urban Kirill Marton Csokas Jarda Oksana Akinshina Irena Neski
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed Paul Greengrass.
→ joan-allen
The Bourne Ultimatum
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons David Strathairn Noah Vosen Scott Glenn Ezra Kramer Paddy Considine Simon Ross Édgar Ramírez Paz Albert Finney Dr. Albert Hirsch Joan Allen Pamela Landy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Paul Greengrass.
→ joan-allen, david-straithairn
The Bourne Legacy
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jeremy Renner Kenneth James Kitsom/Aaron Cross Rachel Weisz Dr. Marta Shearing Edward Norton Col. Eric Byer Stacey Keach Mark Turso Dennis Boutsikaris Terrence Ward Oscar Isaac Outcome #3 Joan Allen Pamela Landy Albert Finney Dr. Albert Hirsch David Strathairn Noah Vosen Donna Murphy Dita Mandy Željko Ivanek Dr. Donald Foite Shane Jacobson Mackie
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2012
Directed Tony Gilroy.
→ joan-allen, željko-ivanek, david-straithairn
Jason Bourne
Update 2/5/2018: Yes, I purchased the fifth installment to fill the fifth slot in this collection, Jason Bourne, which surprised me. I actually expected it to be, well, more of the same. It was, but different. Interesting. Yes, I enjoy it as much as the first four. Yes, the purchase included a DVD copy, as well as a Blu-Ray copy. I may, later, pass the DVD copy off to someone who wants it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne Tommy Lee Jones Robert Dewey Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons Alicia Vikander Heather Lee Vincent Cassel The Asset Ato Essandoh Craig Jeffers Riz Ahmed Aaron Kalloor Scott Shepherd Edwin Russell
→ tommy-lee-jones
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2016
Directed Paul Greengrass.
Labels: §4, action1, adventure1, chris-cooper, david-strathairn, drama5, edward-norton, joan-allen, neo-noirB, oscar-isaac, political2, rachel-weisz, spy, super-hero2, thriller2, tommy-lee-jones, violence2, željko-ivanek
Saturday, June 04, 2022
Miss Hokusai
- Commentary: There are so many reasons why I could have missed this film, not the least of which is that I was unfamiliar with the manga series. Suffice it to say, I am ever grateful to the movie gods that I didn't. This evocative film is right up my alley. The animation, as well, is stunning. It roils underneath while observing a startling surface propriety. Just a gem.
Here's a second review that I found interesting, as well.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role O-Ei Erica Lindbeck Katsushika Hokusai Richard Epcar Ikeda Zenjiro Ezra Weisz Utagawa Kuninao Robbie Daymond Koto Barbara Goodson O-Nao Courtney Chu Iwakubo Hatsugoro Marc Diraison Kichiya Kevin T. Collins
The Wikipedia write-up for this film (and manga series) is here.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Keiichi Hara.
Labels: animated, drama5, father-daughter-dynamics, film-art1, haunting1, historical2, period2, spiritual1, women's-movie1
Mildred Pierce 2011 TV Miniseries
- Commentary: I've been a fan of the original Mildred Pierce movie with Joan Crawford for a long time. The story so intrigued me that I borrowed a copy of the James Cain novel upon which it was based. In fact, I did this while Mom was alive and we read it, together, out loud. Were we surprised! The novel and the movie are much different. This did not dampen my love for the movie. We decided, though, after the introduction to Mildred's plight at the beginning, the movie and the novel had to be considered different stories, not just different takes on the same story. Then, this miniseries arrived. I was intrigued by the publicity and was able to check it out of the library when it was released on DVD. I was not disappointed. So, which do I prefer, the miniseries or the movie? I love that the miniseries adheres so closely to the novel. It's so well produced and acted. It's one of my favorite series. I have to say, though, I have no preference between it and the movie. I love both equally well. I notice that the Wikipedia article, to which I've linked in the title, above, recorded some significant criticism of the miniseries, but I have none. Each rendering is different. Both are equally satisfying for me. I like, in fact, to watch them back-to-back, the movie first, always. Joan Crawford sets the tone. Kate Winslet embellishes it. Funny, isn't it, that the movie could not be considered a period piece since it is true to the time it was filmed, but the miniseries definitely is.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kate Winslet Mildred Pierce Guy Pearce Monty Beragon Evan Rachel Wood Veda Pierce Miriam Shor Anna Melissa Leo Lucy Gessler Morgan Turner Young Veda Pierce James LeGros Wally Burgan Brían F. O'Byrne Bert Pierce Mare Winningham Ida Corwin Hope Davis Mrs. Forrester Quinn McColgan Ray Pierce Waltrudis Buck Mrs. Temple
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Todd Haynes.
Labels: drama5, guy-pearce, hope-davis, me-favorite1, melissa-leo, neo-noirC, period2, TV1
Random Harvest
- Commentary: Why, oh why, do I own this movie, especially since, after Mom's death, I quickly passed Mrs. Miniver, a favorite of hers, on to the library? Aren't they both Greer Garson movies? Aren't they both painfully poignant, an attitude that Greer Garson was particularly adept at playing? Isn't Greer Garson as uniquely beautiful, stunning, really, in both? Yes, yes and yes. I can only say, I was indifferent to the WW II promotion of Mrs. Miniver and oddly intrigued by the WW I fallout of this movie. This movie, however, was not one of Mom's favorites, even though it was and is one of mine. So, I didn't own this movie until after she died.
What do I love about this movie? Well, first, Greer Garson. She has the same effect on me as Audrey Hepburn. I can't stop looking at her. The story, while bizarre, is involving. I love how Garson portrays the duality of her situation as an employee of her husband when he doesn't realize she's his wife. Her glossed over loss of her child is a bit jarring, but that's the only false note in the movie, for me, other than the fact that the story, itself, is implausible. Finally, I enjoy this movie so much that, between watchings, I forget that it's black-and-white! By which I mean, remember the scene where her husband-by-convenience (once her husband by love) gives her the bejeweled necklace and she fishes out the beaded necklace he once gave her and fondles it? I always remember those necklaces in color and am always shocked when I watch that scene, yet again, in real time and realize those necklaces are portrayed in black-and-white! It's that effect on me that I love about this movie.
It's also the best of a snuggle-in-on-a-snowy-or-ho-hum-day movie for me.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ronald Colman Charles Rainier/John Smith Greer Garson Paula Ridgeway/Margaret Hanson Philip Dorn Dr. Jonathan Benet Susan Peters Kitty Chilcet Henry Travers Dr. Sims Reginald Owen Biffer Bramwell Fletcher Harrison Rhys Williams Sam Una O'Connor Tobacconist Margaret Wycherly Mrs. Deventer Ivan F. Simpson Vicar Marie De Becker Vicar's Wife
You want the Wikipedia write-up? Here it is.
Release Date: 1942
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, drama5, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda2, romance1
Moana
- Commentary: Truth is, I first watched this movie when it was on Netflix and I was in the middle of an at-ends evening and didn't want to do anything, let alone watch a movie that would require mental involvement on my part. I figured this would be a good movie to watch and expected it to be the first in an evening that promised a lot of movie switching. I couldn't imagine I would like the movie or stay with it long. See, I was raised on an island for the bulk of my childhood and young adulthood. I was absolutely positive that Moana would get everything, everything psychological and emotional, anyway, about the island experience wrong. Turns out, I was wrong.
Despite the fact that it featured yet another wide-eyed, plucky, Disney heroine, the type I loathe, it got a surprising number of island-heart things right. The fear of swimming, for one thing. This was standard on the island on which I was raised. The chickens, Cuban Cocks, to boot. Ye gads! Cuban chickens were everywhere on my home! I wasn't pleased with the protrayal of the Cuban Cock sidekick. I thought he either could have been improved, along the lines of the mini-dragon in Mulan, or dropped altogether from the story. The resolution of the conflict in the movie, which ends with Te Fiti curling up and "going to sleep" as an island was intriguing in light of the legends I'd learned about the creation of my home island. And all the characters were well drawn, particularly Moana and Maui. "Yep," I thought after watching it, "this movie I have to own, even if it is a Disney cartoon."
Update 2/10/18: I know, Moana isn't the classic super-hero, but Te Fiti is, and Maui is a demigod with possibilities of becoming a super-hero. By the end of the movie it's easy to wonder if Moana might have turned him around in his tracks through her display or non-super heroism.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Auliʻi Cravalho Moana Dwayne Johnson Maui Rachel House Tala, Moana's Grandmother Temuera Morrison Tui, Moana's Father Nicole Scherzinger Sina, Moana's Mother Jemaine Clement Tamatoa, Coconut Crab Alan Tudyk Heihei, Rooster/Villager #3 Oscar Kightley Fisherman
Release Date: 2016
Directed by Don Hall & Chris Williams.
Labels: adventure1, animated, coming-of-age1, drama5, musical1, popcorn-and-soda2, road-movie, super-hero2
Thursday, June 02, 2022
The Godfather II
- Commentary: For years, ever since I've owned The Godfather, I've wanted to own the trilogy. This part, of course, rivals the original. It has a different style, a different mood, a different feel, but it's great. I don't think I need to say anything else. I'm sure you know why I'm the proud owner of this trilogy.
Once again, no surprise, to me, anyway, Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
Update 8/17/2016: Last night I watched this movie after having watched The Godfather on the previous night. Although I continue to enjoy this one and was thoroughly involved, I realized that, to me, The Godfather is a far superior movie. It's so tight nothing leaks. It is complete in and of itself, while The Godfather II (and The Godfather III, for that matter) demand that you watch the one or two parts previous to get everything. Additionally, they both contain extraneous scenarios that aren't really needed, even though they're interesting. When The Godfather ends you do not wonder what happens to Michael Corleone and everyone else, you "know". You don't wonder about anything at the end of the original, not even individual character biography. Granted, the Vito Corleone biography contained in The Godfather II is interesting and illuminating, but if the trilogy had not become a trilogy parts II and III would not be missed. Neither of the other two is necessary to be overwhelmed by the saga of The Godfather. To be overwhelmed by either Part II or Part III, the original is necessary. This is what makes The Godfather the superior film in the trilogy.
Update 8/12/2021: And of course, somebody disagrees with me. Gerardo Valero, one of Ebert's site "far flunger" correspondents, has posted this argument as to why Part II is the best of the trilogy.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Michael Corleone Robert Duvall Tom Hagen Diane Keaton Kay Adams-Corleone Robert De Niro Vito Corleone John Cazale Fredo Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Lee Strasberg Hyman Roth Michael V. Gazzo Frank Pentangeli G. D. Spradlin Sen. Pat Geary Richard Bright Al Neri Gastone Moschin Don Fanucci Bruno Kirby Peter Clemenza Morgana King Carmela Corleone Troy Donahue Merle Johnson Joe Spinell Willi Cicci Abe Vigoda Salvatore Tessio John Aprea Young Tessio Harry Dean Stanton FBI Agent Danny Aiello Tony Rosato Dominic Chianese Johnny Ola
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1974
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action1, al-pacino, diane-keaton, drama5, gang-movie, harry-dean-stanton, period2, revenge1, robert-de-niro, robert-duvall, violence2
The Godfather III
- Commentary: I know, I know, this is, overall, a third rate movie, even though it's aligned with the trilogy. Some of the actors absolutely suck, those who don't simply throw away their parts, probably because those they were acting with sucked, and the story is a little over the top. But, hey guys, its a trilogy. This part completes the epic. It's important to know how the saga ends, and, believe me, this ends it. It's almost as though Coppola was thinking, "Okay, okay, we have to round it out. I don't really want to do this again, but it's necessary. If I'd stopped after the first, well, no problem, but the second begs the third. So, let's get this over with and we can all go home." Ended, it is. Everyone's either dead or finished. Tawdry, yes, but fun to watch if you're doing a Godfather marathon.
NOTE: I've purposely linked the title to Roger Ebert's fine, forgiving review of this last movie in the trilogy. I sought it out wondering why the movie didn't seem to make the cut. Although I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons, including the speculations I wrote above, Ebert has some more which I found eye-opening and, in fact, cause me to always watch the trilogy as a unit, now.
Just because I can't resist, one more link, to an interesting and insightful article by Pablo Villaça, another of Ebert's "far flungers" about Kay Corleone's clothes throughout the trilogy. Ebert was still with us at the time this was published. I'm sure it must have amused and delighted him.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Michael Corleone Diane Keaton Kay Adams-Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Andy García Vincent Corleone Eli Wallach Don Altobello Joe Mantegna Joey Zaza George Hamilton B. J. Harrison Bridget Fonda Grace Hamilton Sofia Coppola Mary Corleone Raf Vallone Cardinal Lamberto Franc D'Ambrosio Anthony Corleone Donal Donnelly Archbishop Gilday Richard Bright Al Neri Al Martino Johnny Fontaine Helmut Berger Frederick Keinszig Don Novello Dominic Abbandando
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action1, al-pacino, andy-garcía, diane-keaton, drama5, eli-wallach, gang-movie, period2, popcorn-and-soda2, revenge2, violence2
The East
- Commentary: Okay, so I am so pleased with certain work of the dramatist (which is to say writer/producer/director/actor/et al) Brit Marling that I've established a label category for the movies of hers I own, including this one. This story is unique, involving and, by the way, watch it through the credits. The movie polishes itself off through those. If you miss the credits, you'll miss the point of the movie. I've been pushing this woman's work on one of my nieces, who is involved in drama, so far as an actor, and I own four of Marling's DVDs. I try to follow her work in other efforts, such as The Keeping Room and Arbitrage, both of which were satisfying to watch. I am really looking forward to watching her (with others with whom she's worked) scheduled Netflix series, The OA, which hasn't yet been released. Click her label to the left to see everything of hers I own, watch those, then look up the rest of her work. You won't be disappointed.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brit Marling Sarah Moss/Jane Owen Alexander Skarsgård Benji Ellen/Elliot Page Izzy Toby Kebbell Doc/Thomas Ayres Shiloh Fernandez Luca Julia Ormond Paige Williams Patricia Clarkson Sharon Danielle Macdonald Tess
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2013
Directed by Zal Batmanglij.
Labels: adventure1, brit-marling, drama5, political2
Another Earth
- Commentary: This is the movie that introduced me to the marvel of Brit Marling and started me on the journey of following her work. The story is strange and super-real, which I love. The acting is subtle and involving. The production quality is amazing. This movie made me a Brit Marling fan and I will be ever grateful.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brit Marling Rhoda Williams William Mapother John Burroughs Jordan Baker Kim Williams Robin Lord Taylor Jeff Williams Flint Beverage Robert Williams Kumar Pallana Purdeep Diane Ciesla Dr. Joan Tallis Dr. Joan Tallis Keith Harding
This film also includes a narrator, Richard D. Berendzen, an astronomer and physicist.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Mike Cahill.
Labels: aliens, brit-marling, drama5, fantasy2, science-fiction1
Sound of My Voice
- Commentary: This is the first Brit Marling movie I sought out after having fallen for Another Earth. As before, as is true of all her work, the story is unusual and a touch unbelievable, so much so that even characters in the movie don't believe it, which leads to a "catch" at the end, a feature of many of Marling's productions. It's brooding, which also seems to be a Marling trademark, but not heavily so. After I watched this movie it occurred to me that Marling and her regular work colleagues seem to be fooling with the science-fiction/fantasy formula, adding a little here, subtracting a little there, playing around to see what's possible.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Christopher Denham Peter Aiken Jack Griffo Young Peter Nicole Vicius Lorna Michaelson Brit Marling Maggie Davenia McFadden Carol Briggs Kandice Stroh Joanne Richard Wharton Klaus Christy Myers Mel Alvin Lam Lam Constance Wu Christine James Urbaniak Mr. Pritchett Avery Pohl Abigail Pritchett
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Zal Batmanglij.
Labels: brit-marling, drama5, fantasy2, journalism, mystery1, science-fiction1
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Winter's Bone
- Commentary: So, I bought a copy of this movie for my dramatist niece. And, remembered it (and the book) so fondly that I had to have my own copy. Which I watched immediately upon its arrival. I love this movie so much that I've checked it out of the library too many times to remember exactly the number. It's just one of those. You know. This movie is the first time I'd seen or heard of Jennifer Lawrence. It's a spectacular performance. I've seen her in other stuff, since. She's a talented, stand-out actress but, in my mind, she has yet to best her performance in this piece. It is, as well, yet another in my collection that, immediately upon watching it, makes me feel as though I've just dreamt it.
One of Roger Ebert's Far Flung Correspondents, Wael Khairy weighed in, also, with a haunting review.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jennifer Lawrence Ree Dolly Isaiah Stone Sonny Dolly Ashlee Thompson Ashlee Dolly Valerie Richards Connie Dolly John Hawkes Teardrop Dolly Garret Dillahunt Sheriff Baskin Dale Dickey Merab Milton Sheryl Lee April
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Debra Granik.
Labels: drama5, dream1, female-director3, haunting1, john-hawkes, mystery1, neo-noirC, southern-gothic, thriller1
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Maleficent
- Commentary: I was so pleased when I heard a movie was being made featuring my favorite childhood heroine, Maleficent (see write-up for Sleeping Beauty). It took me a long time to get around to watching it. I finally remembered it and checked it out of the library this spring. Upon watching it I knew I had to add it to my collection. Angelina Jolie was made to play Maleficent. The story is interesting and innovative. I especially appreciate the ending. Yes, it is a bit weird that such a kind, sunny, powerful child was named, as an infant, Maleficent. The movie could have included a scene in which a prophetic fairy brooded over her birth and named her in anticipation of what was to come in her life. But, the movie was made for kids, so it probably didn't occur to the makers that a child might know what the name contains in the way of strict definition. Maybe the movie makers didn't know, either. Oh well. The life of the princess was also a bit ho-hum. But I don't care. What I care about is every scene that involved the definition of Maleficent and I was not disappointed. I also enjoy the combination of live-action and animation. Well done, I thought. So, anyway, I'm satisfied and I will watch this movie again and again, just to gaze upon the magnificence of Maleficent. Thank you, Disney.
Roger Ebert's website also has an interesting meditation provoked by this movie and written by Libby Hill, on how Hollywood, and, thus, our culture, is reimagining women and their roles in society.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Angelina Jolie Maleficent Ella Purnell Teen Maleficent Elle Fanning Aurora Janet McTeer Elderly Aurora/Narrator Sharlto Copley Stefan Sam Riley Diaval Imelda Staunton Knotgrass Juno Temple Thistlewit Lesley Manville Flittle Brenton Thwaites Prince Phillip Kenneth Cranham King Henry Hannah New Princess Leila
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Robert Stromberg.
Labels: adventure1, drama5, elle-fanning, fantasy2, imelda-staunton, me-favorite1, pseudo-cgi-animation, super-hero2, women's-movie1
Sleeping Beauty
- Commentary: (See write-up for Maleficent.) I've never been much for animated movies. When I was a kid I really didn't have what I considered to be needed, the patience for animated movies. My parents caught on quickly. Although it seems that my sisters saw all the animated movies that were available when we were kids in the 60s, there is only one animated movie I'd seen that was made before Pixar started making animated movies (I like more than a few of theirs), and I saw it when I was a kid [Where, I wonder, was I when my sisters were watching movies like Bambi, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and One Hundred and One Dalmations (the original)?]. That movie was Sleeping Beauty. I loved it. The reason I loved it was because I fell in love with Maleficent (yes, there is even a Wikipedia page devoted to her, such is her power). There were a few other things I liked about Sleeping Beauty: the wand fights with color, the scene in which Sleeping Beauty waltzed with the animals. I even liked that song, which I continue to call "I Know You". Those, though, were all residuals beside Maleficent. Oh! Maleficent! I day dreamed about her. I could quote many of her lines. Somehow, I saw that particular animated feature more than once when I was a kid, despite the lack of movies-in-the-home, just to catch yet another glimpse of Maleficent. So, it should come as no surprise that I bought this movie when I bought Maleficent: the beginning and the continuation of my love affair with Maleficent. My niece, with whom I share a love of all things drama, including movies, told me a few days ago that the ABC TV series Once Upon a Time has begun to incorporate Maleficent. Lucky for me, it's on Netflix. I'm on my way ...
Update 2/9/18: As I was re-editing this write-up, I thought it would be fun to include some of the more interesting, and many, reviews of Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent. One, in particular, is from 1959, the Los Angeles Times. I hope to keep an eye out for links in this post that will surely go dead, but don't hold your breath!
In the table below you'll note the category "Voice/Perf Actor". "Perf" stands for "Performance. I was going to ignore this split until I noticed that many of the Performance Actors are recognizable actors outside of this movie. Gave new meaning, to me, for Disney animation.
Voice/Perf Actor Role Voice/Perf Actor Role Voice/Perf Actor Role Voice/Perf Actor Role Mary Costa/Helene Stanley Princess Aurora Bill Shirley/Ed Kemmer Prince Phillip Eleanor Audley/Jane Fowler Maleficent Verna Felton/Frances Bavier Fairy Flora Barbara Jo Allen/Madge Blake Fairy Fauna Barbara Luddy/Spring Byington Fairy Merryweather Taylor Holmes/Hans Conried King Stefan Verna Felton/Jane Fowler Queen Leah Bill Thompson/Don Barclay King Hubert Dallas McKennon Owl/Diablo Marvin Miller Narrator Hans Conried Lord Duke
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1959
Supervising Director: Clyde Geronimi.
Labels: adventure1, animated, drama5, fantasy2, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda2
The Bridge on the River Kwai
- Commentary: Now, here's a war movie to my liking, even though it is quite a bit different than the other war movies in my collection.
It's so well known I don't think I have to write much about it, except to say it mesmerized me the first time I saw it and continues to do so with every viewing. Although William Holdenis given "1st Star Billing" in credits, Alec Guinness is the real stunner in this movie.
Something else of which to take note, Dear Reader. I usually abbreviate military rank used in names, but I didn't here because, well, throwing around rank is part of the point of this movie.
By the way, the author of this story is also the author of Planet of the Apes, Pierre Boulle.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role William Holden Commander Shears Jack Hawkins Major Warden Alec Guinness Colonel Nicholson Sessue Hayakawa Colonel Saito James Donald Major Clipton André Morell Colonel Green Peter Williams Captain Reeves John Boxer Major Hughes Percy Herbert Grogan Harold Goodwin Baker Ann Sears Nurse Henry Okawa Captain Kanematsu
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1957
Directed by David Lean.
Labels: drama5, political2, war1
