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Buildman
Reviews
A Shine of Rainbows (2009)
Great actors, simple story
Very sweet film that reunites Aiden Quinn and Connie Nielsen after their smoking "Return to Sender". Quinn is perfect as Alec O'Donnell, Irish countryman, who can't hide his disappointment in the timid boy whom his angelic wife brings home from the orphanage. He and Nielsen are very tight, but the main interaction of the story is between the beautiful and self-giving Maire and the very needy boy, Tomas, exquisitely played by John Bell. Under her loving grace he blossoms and learns to accept himself and to live a joyful life, but will he and Alec be able to stick together if Maire goes away?
Connie Nielsen is one of the most beautiful and gifted actresses working, and effortlessly fills this sugary roll with no false notes. For contrast see her sullen Charlotte in Return to Sender.
Return to Sender (2004)
Well Crafted Film
A powerful performance by Connie Nielsen, well supported by Aidan Quinn and Kelly Preston. The plot holes don't really matter here, it's the psyche of Charlotte Cory, as revealed by Nielson, that draws one through this film. Like Quinn's character Frank, one needs to learn why this beautiful person will passively accept execution by the state rather than defend her innocence. Self-condemned, because she miserably failed her sister Stella years before, Charlotte seems to believe she can atone for her sins in a twisted kind of sacrifice.
Neilsen reveals with her face and eyes the inner beauty of her character, the sadness on learning the (false?) circumstances of her father's death, the meaningfulness of her relationship with Frank, the love of her sister, the hope of a new life.
Aidan Quinn provides a solid, believable Frank, the shyster turning hero, resonating with Nielsen throughout.
The overwhelming impression of this film is its realism, in character portrayal, settings, musical score, it seems authentic, even when viewed through the lens of a security camera. In contrast, the fantasy sequences are whimsical and far out.
The solution of the mystery is satisfying, leading to a good ending.
Screen Two: Persuasion (1995)
A Masterpiece
I agree, this film is the best! Every time I watch it (at least 7 or 8 so far) I like it better. It is a spare film and never bores. Since the DVD has been available, the darker scenes and undertones are no longer a problem to understand. Ciaran Hinds brings perfect tension to his role of Frederick, like a taut spring, pretending to be aloof, while inside crying out for Ann. Amanda Root perfects Ann's self-effacing, self-denying, patient and kind character, who honestly makes no claims on the man whose hand she turned down eight years earlier except the right to silently love him. The film masterfully builds to and illustrates The Conversation and The Letter scene, in which Frederick and Ann find their hopes restored.
For another masterful love letter scene, see Ralph Fiennes' Onegin and read Pushkin's poem.
In This Our Life (1942)
Fine Classic
I loved this film, and it had me howling in several parts, such as the classically predictable ending. Such a great morality tale. I especially liked the portrayal of the developing and mature relationship between Olivia de Havilland and George Brent. This is the best Brent role in a Davis movie. I appreciate Davis not playing a more subtle character, such as in Mr. Skeffington, because the Stanley character is so boorish that she can't consider anything but her own whims and pleasures. She is not evil in the sense of making reasoned choices, but as a child, has no capacity for self denial. Delusionally, she actually thinks that Brent can be lured back under her spell after what she has done to him, and that a wealthy white woman's claim will alway be considered above a young black man's. Her world starts to crumble after she reels off the list of those who accepted her story over Parry's, when her sister, de Havilland says "I believe him." This is an emblematic tale of deliverance and hopeful new beginning. Bravo to all involved.
Chicago (2002)
Unfortunate vulgarity mars film, should be rated R
I thought Chicago was entertaining, with fantastic performances by Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The musical numbers are first rate and many of the dance routines are a pleasure to behold. I also found the movie unfortunately and needlessly distasteful in some of the choreography, camera shots and film editing. Of course one of the main themes of the tale is sexual profligateness (see dictionary), and the movie is a paean to Bob Fosse (my only other exposure is All That Jazz). But in my opinion, up-close, rear crotch shots and simulated intercourse detract from, rather than enhance this film. It may be one thing to watch these routines on the stage, but close proximity on film isn't the same. Chicago should be rated R rather than PG-13, and you should think twice about who you watch it with.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)
Fine Work for a Documentary
It ain't Ken Burns, but "Expelled" provides needed, engrossing exposure to an important subject: the forcible control of science and academics (thus our culture) by a set of elite gatekeepers. These high priests of science have limited the acceptable directions of inquiry to include only those based on the premise that there is no "Intelligent Designer" of life. Those who leave the reservation, in a grand or small way are dismissed, denied tenure, blacklisted and otherwise denied further participation in their academic and scientific fields. A legal SWAT team is established to challenge any public school curriculum where the notion of accidental life and evolution of species could be questioned, and to take it to court if necessary.
Others have noted that the Berlin Wall is the central metaphor of the documentary, an artificial, oppressive barrier, to keep free ideas from infiltrating. Who would have thought that atheistic evolution is the premise that needs to be protected by an elaborate system of bulwarks from dissenting views. Ben Stein interviews various scientific promoters of atheistic evolution, who indicated that it is their goal to indoctrinate students in order to supplant their religious faith and reduce the influence of religion. One wonders why they feel the need for this much control.
Others have questioned the purpose of connecting atheistic evolution with eugenics, National Socialism and abortion. I think it is clear that a "Creatorless" man wants to improve and hasten the course of evolution. Totalitarian societies, historical and modern, always have an elite core that exercises control over the masses. Ben Stein's challenge to support freedom of thought is important if we are to avoid succumbing to a new totalitarianism and our own "1984".
I like the opening soundtrack, a sweet rendition of Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower and other classic rock throughout. It, and the rather loose camera work emote the sixties sensibility of longing for freedom.