(Fair warning, may have spoilers along with the reviews so if you haven't seen the films or don't want to know more about the plots skip over the post)
"Revolutionary Road" - Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon and Kathy Bates, Directed by Sam Mendes, written by Richard Yates (novel) and adapted by Justin Haythe. For those expecting to see a continuation of Kate and Leo's romance in "Titanic" pass on this most recent period piece. Revolutionary Road tells the tale of a young couple trying to be special in an ordinary world. Through all the ups and the downs of familiar life the couple is setting plans to travel and live in Paris, to emerge from the "hopeless emptiness" of suburbia. The longing for the truth and honesty within their relationship is paramount to the intensity of the film with the most memorable line being "Tell me the truth Frank remember that? We used to live by it. And you know what's so good about the truth? Everyone knows what it is however long they've lived without it. No one forgets the truth Frank they just get better at lying." The entire cast gives a strong performance with Winslet leading the way. Shannon's performance also lends itself to be Oscar worthy, within his brash characterization there is great control. DiCaprio's performance, although strong, was the weakest in the group because I fear he's not quite onto the definition of the word nuanced, at least it didn't show in this film. 4.5/5 Remotes
"The Reader" - Starring Kate Winslet, David Kross, and Ralph Fiennes Directed by Stephen Daldry, written by Bernhard Schlink (novel) and adapted by David Hare. While the tag line to this movie (according to IMDB) is "Unlock the Mystery," but that's not quite fair there were at least 3 mysteries that I counted when I saw the movie. If you go to simply detect what is happening within the plot you will not enjoy the film, but if you go to experience a morality play that dives into the questions of repentance, honor, legality, obstinacy, love, and innocence you will be pleasantly surprised. Carefully embedded within the film are nuanced performances that lead the viewer through; tenderness, outrage, compassion, suspense, enlightenment, ignorance and growth as it muddles through one of the worst periods in "western" history. Winslet's performance is particularly spellbinding at times and "newcomer" David Kross' portrayal of innocence lost is one of the best in recent memory. Fiennes' portrayal of a conflicted man is near perfect and is a welcomed escape from his more recent roles. While the plot is easily explainable, the undertones and depths of the film are majestic and true. While it is truly one of the best of the year it does lack some visual panache and pizzazz however the intricate feelings concentrated throughout more than makes up for the lack of visual dexterity. 4.75/5 Remotes
"Doubt" - Starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis, Written and Directed by John Patrick Shanley. Set at the time of great transformation within the Catholic Church (1964, Vatican Council II 1962-1965) Doubt tells the story of a small Irish Catholic school and parish dealing with an abuse accusation upon the parish priest (Hoffman). While the headstrong headmistress (Streep) implores the use of discipline and order the parish priest is beginning to open towards the Church's movement towards ecumenism and modernity. While the entire affair and scandal is being witnessed and interpreted by the neophyte sister James (Adams). Questions of loyalty, transparency, change and compassion arise and the human emotion of doubt is paramount throughout the piece. The acting is superbly passionate by the entire cast who project uncertainty throughout the entire ordeal. While the simplistic set, costume and backdrop add to the central theme of human emotions as well as the Church's continuing struggle with identity and definition. I, like fellow reviewer, C2, was a little dismayed by the "sermon" reference instead of "homily" (such a simple thing to correct, why didn't they do it) but was mightily impressed by the cast and the story. 4.5/5 Remotes
Side notes: Does Kate Winslet have to die in seemingly every movie she's in?
Amy Adams could be one of the prettiest nuns that I have ever seen, EVER!
Is it wrong of me that the only movie I've ever liked "Leo" in is Blood Diamond?
1 comment:
It's between Slumdog and The Reader for me as far as best movie goes...this has been a surprisingly good year for movies. I can remember when there wasn't that much to choose from. Too bad the majority of them aren't in mainstream theatres.
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