A Good Woman (DVD)
This loose modernization of the Wilde play “Lady Windermere's Fan” could have been even better. The ingredients are all there (a cleverly deceptive plot, brilliant dialogue, excellent actors, fantastic locations) and yet something is missing. For me it's the vital chemistry among the actors, and the casting is partly to blame. Also, both the female leads would have benefited from more flattering camera angles and lighting, and stronger direction, as they seemed reluctant to inject much personality into the roles of two devastatingly alluring women.
Helen Hunt gave an anaemic and overly depressed performance, and was simply not believable as a career mistress who had been the luxuriously-kept darling of the wealthiest men in New York. Scarlett Johansson sleepwalked through the entire movie wearing the same sulky expression and surprisingly failed to convey the intriguing duality of her character. Mark Umbers, a competent English actor, was awkwardly cast as an American; he did his best but was hampered by said lack of chemistry with the main female characters. |
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Among the perplexing departures from the original text is the metamorphosis of the exceedingly English Lord and Lady Windermere into Mr and Mrs, an American couple. Finance-driven, I would say. On the positive side, Stephen Campbell-Moore gave an elegant and utterly convincing performance as a charming but dissolute aristocrat. John Standing was delightful as the slightly squiffy socialite. Milena Vukotic provided many hilarious moments with a perfectly straight face. In fact, all the supporting characters gave very good performances, but the stand-out was undoubtedly Tom Wilkinson who routinely stole every scene he was in. What saved this film was a seemingly inexhaustible supply of Oscar Wilde's epigrams which ran like a bubbling stream throughout the play. In fact it was almost overdone, as nearly all of Wilde's famous quips seem to have been utilized, many harvested from his other material.
The play urges society to take an honest look at how narrow-minded attitudes and malicious gossip can wreak havoc with innocent people's lives when “circumstantial evidence” is taken at face value, and also how sometimes the truth can hurt more than a discreet obfuscation of past events. It also shows how someone with a bad reputation can rise above a blemished past and achieve redemption through an act of noble self-sacrifice. Anyone familiar with Wilde's life will recognize his personal knowledge of these themes, however, in his inimitable style he makes his points through humour rather than by preaching. Another excellent reason to watch this production is the visual feast of the villa interiors and the beautifully photographed Amalfi location. I have deducted a star because of the uneven cast, but that has not stopped me from watching this DVD several times already and, to me, the brilliant dialogue alone would justify a purchase.
The play urges society to take an honest look at how narrow-minded attitudes and malicious gossip can wreak havoc with innocent people's lives when “circumstantial evidence” is taken at face value, and also how sometimes the truth can hurt more than a discreet obfuscation of past events. It also shows how someone with a bad reputation can rise above a blemished past and achieve redemption through an act of noble self-sacrifice. Anyone familiar with Wilde's life will recognize his personal knowledge of these themes, however, in his inimitable style he makes his points through humour rather than by preaching. Another excellent reason to watch this production is the visual feast of the villa interiors and the beautifully photographed Amalfi location. I have deducted a star because of the uneven cast, but that has not stopped me from watching this DVD several times already and, to me, the brilliant dialogue alone would justify a purchase.
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Miss Congeniality (DVD)
This silly little romp has become a bit of a classic in its own way and, since a visiting friend had never seen it, we had a quick look on Amazon and found it bundled with the sequel, "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous". Two days later we were sitting down to watch it again in DVD splendour.
The storyline is well known and basically a combination of many classic themes: Cinderella, the Ugly Duckling, role reversal, the tough cop with the heart of gold, a small woman proving herself in a male-dominated milieu, a sceptic reassessing her preconceptions. A cacophony of clichés, but as everyone knows, clichés work because they are true to life. The attempt to make beauty contests seem less shallow and sexist than they really are is half-hearted and it only pays lip service to the cause, which is just as well because anything heavier would get in the way of the humour. Sandra Bullock is one of my favourite contemporary actresses and in this she establishes her full acting range: she is funny, screwed up, self-mocking, committed, moving, and physically impressive in her athletic scope (I know she had a stunt double, but in many scenes she does the punching and kicking herself). |
The other pageant contestants, unfortunately, are mediocre at best in both acting ability and looks (that part, at least, is true to life). Michael Caine waltzes through a typically brilliant performance and Candice Bergen is convincing in her role. The real surprise for me was William Shatner, who provided some of the funniest moments just by cringing or delivering a killer line with perfect timing. I didn't know he had it in him.
My idea of entertainment is light-hearted comedy with a feel-good factor. I'm glad we bought this DVD because, old as it is, it's still worth watching in preference to some of the depressing dross that passes for movies at the moment.
My idea of entertainment is light-hearted comedy with a feel-good factor. I'm glad we bought this DVD because, old as it is, it's still worth watching in preference to some of the depressing dross that passes for movies at the moment.
RED (DVD)
This is a brilliantly funny action movie with very wide appeal. I couldn't resist adding my superlatives to the long list of positive reviews, especially since I have watched this DVD recently for the third time. Even the extra features are interesting!
All the main players are in top form and their obvious chemistry adds so much to the generally upbeat mood. They are having a ball and not taking themselves too seriously, while poking fun at a series of events which are both topical and credible. We learn from the extras that an ex-CIA agent oversaw the production and it shows! The story begins with a look at the life of early retiree Frank Moses (Bruce Willis at his sardonic best), and it is immediately clear that this freakishly neat, mild-mannered man has secret depths. He calls to complain about his pension payment being late, but this is a blatant excuse to chat up his caseworker (competently portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker). It becomes clear that, despite their age difference, they have both been enjoying these conversations for some time and soon, with some misgivings, she agrees to meet Frank in real life. |
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From here on, the action takes off as Frank's past catches up with him and, facing mortal danger, he is forced to re-assemble a team of his former associates.
John Malkovich gives an unforgettable performance as a mentally-damaged but still sharp former CIA operative (“I'm getting the PIG”); Helen Mirren is equally fantastic as the gun-toting ex-spy who is unable to make a complete transition to her new life as the suave hostess of a luxury guest house (“I take the odd contract on the side. I just can't stop.”). Brian Cox is priceless in the role of a love-sick Russian agent and manages to steal many scenes (“But you didn't come just for the vodka”). Morgan Freeman is both touching and hilarious and Karl Urban deals expertly with his conflicted character. Ernest Borgnine brings a life-weary, seen-it-all, deep humanity in a superb cameo appearance. I could go on, as there isn't a weak performance in this whole movie and the stunts and special effects are nothing less than spectacular.
The movie moves along at a lively pace and there are surprises right up to the end. This is a true comedy, a rare gem in a wasteland of hyped-up funny films that simply aren't amusing, to me anyway, and I have enjoyed it more each time I have watched it.
John Malkovich gives an unforgettable performance as a mentally-damaged but still sharp former CIA operative (“I'm getting the PIG”); Helen Mirren is equally fantastic as the gun-toting ex-spy who is unable to make a complete transition to her new life as the suave hostess of a luxury guest house (“I take the odd contract on the side. I just can't stop.”). Brian Cox is priceless in the role of a love-sick Russian agent and manages to steal many scenes (“But you didn't come just for the vodka”). Morgan Freeman is both touching and hilarious and Karl Urban deals expertly with his conflicted character. Ernest Borgnine brings a life-weary, seen-it-all, deep humanity in a superb cameo appearance. I could go on, as there isn't a weak performance in this whole movie and the stunts and special effects are nothing less than spectacular.
The movie moves along at a lively pace and there are surprises right up to the end. This is a true comedy, a rare gem in a wasteland of hyped-up funny films that simply aren't amusing, to me anyway, and I have enjoyed it more each time I have watched it.
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The Girl in the Cafe' (DVD)
Every time I watch this film, I am strongly affected by this quietly-spoken but powerful look at the incomprehensible phenomenon of extreme poverty (the kind that people die from). This is an exquisite TV drama presenting a socially-aware fantasy peeking through a charming, unconventional love story.
The strength of the acting and the integrity of the script lend credibility to what so easily could have become a shallow cry for action from the privileged world of entertainment. Instead the sincerity of the message comes through clearly (for me anyway) and usefully because this was released in the run-up to a vitally important G8 Summit back in 2005. In that real-world conference, well-meaning decisions were taken but the situation is now actually worse. Even more reason to heed the message, which is actually more urgent than ever and to embrace the idea that, just because a global problem is complex and far-reaching, we shouldn't simply retreat into our self-serving entrenched positions and do nothing about it. Bill Nighy portrays Lawrence, a painfully shy senior aide to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer. Despite a lifetime of civil service compromise, Lawrence still retains some hope about people's ability to bring positive change to desperate situations. |
Shortly before the British delegation is to host a pivotal G8 meeting in Iceland, where the central theme will be the endemic world problem of extreme poverty, by pure chance Lawrence happens to share a café table with Gina, a girl with a similarly diffident personality. The acute shyness of both characters provides some gently humorous situations as the two lonely people start to connect despite their radically different lives and backgrounds. When Lawrence invites Gina to accompany him to the G8 Summit, she has a chance to observe the conflicts inherent in his work while a tragedy from her past prompts her to act in a way that takes everyone by surprise, including herself.
The film has been criticised for its “strong political message” but I wonder how else anyone with conviction can make the point when a world with such huge resources can be in such a mess. For those who are open to the message, the love story is sufficiently well developed to be satisfying and, although the conclusion is ambiguous, I came away with a sense of hope and the idea that a happy ending is entirely possible and, specifically for the two protagonists, highly likely. This movie is clearly not for every one, but it should appeal to those who appreciate subtle comedy and the many ironies of the human condition. In fact, the subtext is similar to that explored in a much lighter vein in those classics of political satire “Yes Minister” and “Yes Prime Minister”.
There is a conspicuous lack of violence, gore, car chases and special effects and only the mildest sex scene but the quality of the acting and the relevance of the core material make this a very worthwhile watch. Bill Nighy, an actor I have come to appreciate more with each role, does a brilliant job of breathing life into a fairly dry husk of a man, while the choice of Kelly Macdonald was truly inspired. Her pronounced Scottish accent adds a powerful human dimension to Gina's simple statements which, in the end, hit their target with such devastating accuracy. As improbable as they seem as a couple, the chemistry is strong and their interactions delightful. The supporting cast are equally excellent. Intellectually satisfying and, sadly, still topical.
The film has been criticised for its “strong political message” but I wonder how else anyone with conviction can make the point when a world with such huge resources can be in such a mess. For those who are open to the message, the love story is sufficiently well developed to be satisfying and, although the conclusion is ambiguous, I came away with a sense of hope and the idea that a happy ending is entirely possible and, specifically for the two protagonists, highly likely. This movie is clearly not for every one, but it should appeal to those who appreciate subtle comedy and the many ironies of the human condition. In fact, the subtext is similar to that explored in a much lighter vein in those classics of political satire “Yes Minister” and “Yes Prime Minister”.
There is a conspicuous lack of violence, gore, car chases and special effects and only the mildest sex scene but the quality of the acting and the relevance of the core material make this a very worthwhile watch. Bill Nighy, an actor I have come to appreciate more with each role, does a brilliant job of breathing life into a fairly dry husk of a man, while the choice of Kelly Macdonald was truly inspired. Her pronounced Scottish accent adds a powerful human dimension to Gina's simple statements which, in the end, hit their target with such devastating accuracy. As improbable as they seem as a couple, the chemistry is strong and their interactions delightful. The supporting cast are equally excellent. Intellectually satisfying and, sadly, still topical.
Under the Tuscan Sun (DVD)
Judging by the hundreds of reviews on Amazon and elsewhere, this film polarizes opinion. People seem to either love it or hate it; I am in the first camp. I have read so much unjust criticism of the film with regard to stereotypes and the Italian characters that I thought perhaps a few home facts from an Italian native might be in order (and I will try my hardest not to give away the plot).
For a start, the portrayal of the people is very well done, although it certainly shows Italians mostly on their best behaviour, but still very accurate. They are generally helpful, friendly and quick to accept Americans and other foreigners especially if the “stranieri” appear to sincerely appreciate a different lifestyle and don't focus entirely on the inefficiencies and shortcomings that go along with it. The scene in the notary's office is a very good example. The deal is done in a competent way but with a good dose of humour and humanity. The people in the street scenes are as authentic as can be, they are Cortona residents and, unsurprisingly, speak with the local accent. The building crew are Polish and that explains their accents. |
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I was amazed to find so much venom directed at the Marcello character. His behaviour became perfectly understandable if one grasped the fact that months had elapsed between their initial meeting and the second one. The parade of potential builders is obviously meant to be a comic caricature of personalities, but it really doesn't stray too far from the truth. I have met people just like them. In fact, all the characters in the movie are fairly believable, the single exception being Ed, who (even considering his limited role) is completely wooden and exhibits the personality of the proverbial door-knob.
I detest the term “chick flick” and this film does not deserve it. I think the story was handled with such a soft, restrained hand that it was misinterpreted as being lightweight, when in fact it dealt undramatically with many human dramas. Not everything has to be guts and gore to be heart-felt. I thought Diane Lane gave a perfectly nuanced performance, her character suffered a great deal and yet she tried to handle the humiliating collapse of her marriage and ultimately her entire life in a dignified and adult way. Any sensitive person would feel her distress, no histrionics needed. The many supporting actors also gave warm, masterfully well-judged performances; particularly good, in my opinion, were Vincent Riotta, Lindsay Duncan and Pawel Szajda.
The single failing of the film might be that grasping a random opportunity and rebuilding a happy life out of the ruins of your previous one is too often a dream that does not come true, but I will never complain about an optimistic and uplifting viewpoint. It certainly beats the current fixation with wallowing in the ugliest and vilest possible view of mankind which so-called “serious” film makers try to pass off as gritty realism.
The photography is of the highest level, the Tuscan countryside and Positano coastline appear in all their glory (even off-season) and Audrey Wells did a great job of the screenplay and direction, despite the obvious technical challenges of adapting a book to the wide screen and, apparently, a tight budget. And finally, contrary to another common complaint, my husband and I both enjoy watching this beautiful production and do so at regular intervals whenever we need a bit of cheering up and a virtual visit to the Tuscany we know and love.
I detest the term “chick flick” and this film does not deserve it. I think the story was handled with such a soft, restrained hand that it was misinterpreted as being lightweight, when in fact it dealt undramatically with many human dramas. Not everything has to be guts and gore to be heart-felt. I thought Diane Lane gave a perfectly nuanced performance, her character suffered a great deal and yet she tried to handle the humiliating collapse of her marriage and ultimately her entire life in a dignified and adult way. Any sensitive person would feel her distress, no histrionics needed. The many supporting actors also gave warm, masterfully well-judged performances; particularly good, in my opinion, were Vincent Riotta, Lindsay Duncan and Pawel Szajda.
The single failing of the film might be that grasping a random opportunity and rebuilding a happy life out of the ruins of your previous one is too often a dream that does not come true, but I will never complain about an optimistic and uplifting viewpoint. It certainly beats the current fixation with wallowing in the ugliest and vilest possible view of mankind which so-called “serious” film makers try to pass off as gritty realism.
The photography is of the highest level, the Tuscan countryside and Positano coastline appear in all their glory (even off-season) and Audrey Wells did a great job of the screenplay and direction, despite the obvious technical challenges of adapting a book to the wide screen and, apparently, a tight budget. And finally, contrary to another common complaint, my husband and I both enjoy watching this beautiful production and do so at regular intervals whenever we need a bit of cheering up and a virtual visit to the Tuscany we know and love.
