Cinematography: Michael Spiller Editor: David Codrob & Janice Hampton
Cast: Kirstie Alley, Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Brittany Murphy, Amy Adams, Will Sasso, Mindy Sterling, Ellen Barkin, Allison Janney, Sam Mcmurray, Alexandra Holden, Matt Malloy, Mo Gaffney, Adam West, Nora Dunn, Jacy King, Amanda Detmer, Michael McShane, Jon T. Olson, Laurie Sinclair
A small-town beauty pageant turns deadly as it becomes clear that someone will go to any lengths to win.
This should have been a bigger hit or at least better remembered. This movie had a cast of many before they were stars actresses.
The film keeps it’s dark sense of humor throughout despite being more aimed at being a mainstream comedy. The film might think itself more of a satire but comes off more as straight comedy. It’s Inspired but the jokes don’t come off as sharp as they should.
Watching this film originally in a theater was a memorable film experience if only because it is one of the few I watched with one of my best friends. It was a late summer movie and we were the only ones who seemed to laugh non-stop cementing our budding friendship. As we had the same kind of sense of humor.
Denise Richards looks the part, but also seems a little to long in the tooth for her role. As she looks noticeably older then the rest of the contestants. She also looks too polished. But does look like a beauty queen.
Kirsten Dunst is good as the lead. The beginning of her best roles playing more small town girls.
Though this is more of a teen movie. It spends just as much time on the adult characters. Who are more guilty in their influences and rivalries.
This is a kind of more studio oriented version of the 1970’s comedy SMILE. Which was also an ensemble comedy looking at a small town beauty pageant that was more risqué at the time and had a lot of material you couldn’t get away with now. This film is cleaner and snarkier then that one.
Amy Adams and Brittany Murphy are standouts amongst the cast. This is really Adams first big role and Brittany Murphy is hilarious in her supporting role. One wishes she had been given more to do and be in as she makes the material work and rise.
I remember this was one of the first roles I remember seeing Alison Janney in next to 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. As she and Ellen Barkin steak their scenes together and even when apart they do.
This is one of the better film roles for Kirstie Alley has played. Here she is the villain and head of the pageant community and ceremony.
The movie is directed by Michael Patrick Jann who was a member of the sketch comedy group THE STATE as well as director of most of their specials. The performances end up better than the film overall.
The problem is at times the film comes off as too goofy and is mostly safe. Playing it’s
The Midwestern angle is strong. I guess they need representation in movies at the time. When it’s Strengths are more when it explores it’s dark side.
Though the humor never has quite the sting you expect and want
A successful investment banker struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. With the help of a customer service rep and her young son, he starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.
The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2007 Blacklist; a list of the “most liked” unmade scripts of the year.
This is one of those almost movies. That feels like it is almost o to something but seems to get lost before it can say ultimately what it wants to or before actually saying something profound.
The film stays off-center yet always pretty in its presentations the films end up feeling too designed like the products he dismantled to see how they work. Which the film tries to work in the same way. But seems too on the nose to be quirky and accepting as it seems to want to be offbeat.
A character study where the protagonist tries to find himself and ends up attracting other so-called misfits fighting to find and be themselves. While also trying to be seen as normal and fit in. Though really questioning what that is.
It is basically the main character having to dismantle and destroy his life to rebuild and start again. Which is why his character seeks to take things apart and study them. To see how they work and how they function.
The film is meant to be more of a character study which it achieves and as usual unfortunately also introduces characters more interesting than the lead. Who get scenes of depth and drama, but ultimately seem more like ornaments meant to distract and beautify the film add some flavor, but never really get to shine themselves.
Which is becoming more common in director Jean Marc-Vallee oveure of films. Presenting a kind of reality that always comes with some quirk or bigger than life or life-affirming meaning that seems more magnified than normal. Her he seems to go through realistic characters take on life and challenges as we watch to see their journey through it to the other side. More like emotional action movies with a sharp eye for visuals
It feels more a film about trying to win awards. Though there is some heart in here and tries to say something about the human condition. More about finding yourself. Here it seems like the character was already on that path. Only a tragedy happened that really opened his eyes and lead him to it.
The film feels transparent. It speaks to the audience as the film asks how are you supposed to react to tragedy? Is it disrespectful if in your reaction you aren’t emotional enough or know how exactly to feel? It’s not exactly Always textbook. As we are all individuals. So it Aldo’s how do you feel when what came before was almost on autopilot of what was expected but. Ever felt fulfilling, deserving so that it was almost a lie.
It feels like a film as all of the things that happen seem more announced. I can go with the suspension of disbelief, but when made so obvious it is hard.
This is a feel-good film, yet it becomes what it seems to want to avoid by becoming overbearing after a while.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s detached performance is what will win you over. As he is at total opposites at times but he keeps the film spirited and lively. Where he not only becomes the center of attention, but the most entertaining aspect of the film.
What is at least original is that the film doesn’t paint the main character as some kind of saint or hero. He freely admits his faults and the bad things in the past. It doesn’t praise his wife but makes them look more like a human coup going through the motions of a relationship and never really talking about their problems or dealing with them before this accident happens.
I wish the same could be said of Naomi watts character who is interesting. As her problems are laid bare, but her wrong decisions make her at least interesting when it comes to her character’s psychology. Even as we are used to Naomi watts playing these complicated characters. The character is there but the performance never quite catches on as it feels too plain when it might be better to showcase more of her at war with herself. Here her character keeps it maintained maybe due to her pot smoking. Which might regulate those feelings.
As his late wife throughout the movie haunts him and the other characters but we learn little about her though by the end she becomes more real for us in the audience to get more of a sense of her and not exactly the saint she has been made to be at the beginning. Just that something bad happened to her that she didn’t deserve. As with most of the characters. She was just trying to figure things out and all the people who believe they have it all figured out have comfort but aren’t necessarily being truthful to themselves or are rather simple The other aspect of the film that is eye-catching is the more modern designed clothing and appliances. That comes off shiny and smooth and provide the perfect facade, before revealing their grungy and dirty insides once explored.
Other Than the tragedy the film easily comes off as more middle-aged wish fulfillment than anything else.
Though the film does manage to win you over at certain points and feels personal to a degree when it’s supposed to.
Directed By: Alan Metter Written By: Amy Spies Cinematography By: Thomas E. Ackerman Editor: Donald Rawlins & Lorenzo DeStefano
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, Shannen Doherty, Jonathan Silverman, Ed Lauter, Biff Yaeger, Ian Giatti, Holly Gagnier
Janey is new in town, and soon meets Lynne, who shares her passion for dancing in general, and “Dance TV” in particular. When a competition is announced to find a new Dance TV regular couple, Janey and Lynne are determined to audition. The only problem is that Janey’s father doesn’t approve of that kind of thing.
Based on the popular Cyndi Lauper hit song. That strangely isn’t used instead a cover version is.
This film is a perfect film for teenagers that parents will want them to watch as it is inoffensive and most of the trouble the characters get into is so innocent It’s almost cute. You don’t really have to edit this film much to broadcast it on television.
It tries to have more blue-collar characters versus the rich even though they all come from the suburbs, but it’s so easy to just make the villain a pampered rich girl that to Defeat. The protagonist as more working-class makes the divide and the lire of selling out so much more great.
Just like Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare the supporting characters are so much more interesting than the leads. Who strangely for a change really has very little angst and very little to actually rebel against.
As one would be more entertained by watching her best friend played by Helen Hunt and his best friend played by Jonathan Silverman romance one another them the two leads. That would have truly been different. One of the many early performances I remember her in even if Helen Hunt in this film looks a little long in the tooth but she gives the most fun performance throughout. I believe this might actually be my favorite performance of hers.
This is also an early role for Sarah Jessica parker who at this point I only remembered from SQUARE PEGS and FOOTLOOSE. Though for quite a while it was her definitive performance in my view until maybe L.A. STORY
One can admit this is not a good film but It’s thoroughly entertaining, but very 1980’s. This could easily be a cult classic which is Interesting because like most it didn’t start out trying to achieve that honor. Instead, it tries to track and include all of the fads of the time period.
The title of the film is based on the popular Cyndi Lauper hit song, but they couldn’t get the rights for her to sing it so they use a different vocalist and beat.
His father saying to forget his job when Faced with being fired unless his son throws the competition. Telling him if you can win this dance contest do it. Is a scene that means well but is hilarious to watch in all seriousness that it is intended
The fact that she never tells her father why she is sneaking out. This might help her and make things easier for her to go to dancing practice he may understand though he is strict it’s only dancing. Though then there would be no movie.
The 80’s cliche it the bad boy rebel who can dance immaculately well is one that strangely never caught on. His sister is played by a young Shannen Doherty. So this film is filled with plenty of child actors who amazed to gain life-long noted acting careers.
Co-star Holly Grangier is actually a trained dancer and did all of her own dancing.
Even the punks who crash and ruin the rich rivals debutante break into choreographed dancing. Through the close up’s slow mayhem and wild dancing throughout.
This movie is a trip but a worthwhile oddity to the collection.
Even though this movie can easily be seen as a cash in on Cyndi Lauper’s popular single and building a movie or story around it.
It’s ridiculous but fun and a pretty good representation of the theme of the song and the times it takes place in even if slightly toothless. It manages what it aims for and entertains It’s audience and luckily left an impression on them and a noted memory.
If I didn’t know better it seems like this type of innocence is what the Saturday morning show SAVED BY THE BELL aimed for
Kristi Somers was originally supposed to work only one day on this film. However, Director Alan Metter liked her performance so much, that a couple of additional scenes of her were added into the movie. This is one of her more legitimate movies and performances. As usually, her body of work was playing best friend happy characters who were sexy and usually bad influences in many T & A sex comedies of the ’80s. yet she was always someone to watch and enjoy as an actress also, even though she was usually topless.
I have a confession to make this film is a total guilty pleasure for me. I used to watch this all the time on cable and even had a taped version of it to watch.
This film continued my crush with Sarah Jessica Parker at the time. So it’s nice to see her be a child star who made it a life-long career. In movies, I first noticed her in FIRSTBORN, FOOTLOOSE and the television show SQUARE PEGS. Here she is rebellious against her father’s strictness but so cute and innocent and quite the dancer.
Written By: Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson & Dave Sirus
Cinematography: Robert Elswit
Editor: Jay Cassidy, William Kerr & Brian Olds
Cast: Pete Davidson, Bill Burr, Marisa Tomei, Steve Buscemi, Bel Powley, Moises Arias, Carly Aquilino, Maude Apatow, Kevin Corrigan, Pamela Adlon, Rich Vos, Keith Robinson, Jimmy Tatro, Dominick Lombardozzi, Colson Baker, Ricky Velez, Lou Wilson
Scott has been a case of arrested development since his firefighter dad died. He spends his days smoking weed and dreaming of being a tattoo artist until events force him to grapple with his grief and take his first steps forward in life.
This is not Writer/Director Judd Apatow’s worst or most disappointing movie, but disappointing to a certain degree.
Saw the somewhat similar BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE where Pete Davidson played a similar aimless character who seems stuck in arrested development and mental illness. That film had a more straight to the point story whereas this seems to be comfortable in the moments. Wherever they go. Which is great for the performers, for the audience it can go either way. Which might be why this film isn’t as good as I had hoped as it feels a little familiar.
One of Judd Apatow’s talent is always getting comedic actors who he wants to work with to kind of write their own stories and movies that are a bit autobiographical and then they can try to tie it to a more central plot-oriented conceit. Allowing them to bring out the talents and charm of the actors. As well as make it feel more real as it is partly based in the leads life. This helping to bring out the best in them and showcase their talents. Usually giving them more depth and heart then they have ever been allowed before.
He has become so good at mixing comedy and drama he feels like a modern-day James L. Brooks. Strangely Judd Apatow movies are also always reminiscent of John Cassavettes films. As he always wants to cut to the truth of the scenes and characters. Where he also let’s then scenes flow freely from comedy to devastating drama. This usually works when his films are further away from formula.
It also helps that the characters in these movies might be more comedic and therefore humor but they also feel loved in more than just actorly in performance.
This is one of the few films he has made that is less high concept. Usually there is a concept and users the comedians personality, charm and instincts to make it more of a character piece.
The film is big yet the main character is aimless. Things happen throughout making the film more eventful but leaving the film still kind of formless. Even with a skeleton underneath. As the film is too long.
Pete Davidson is pretty much playing a less successful version of himself or his public persona. He is a charming knucklehead who seems charming and fun. Yet has presence and you would be friends with. It never totally understands.
The cast gives it all but feels like a pilot. As it seems to set up a lot but never quite pull the trigger. so that there seems to be more room for development amongst the characters.
The film offers comedian Bill Burr a great role close to the leading man and he is excellent in the role.
One wishes Pamela Adlon was in the film more and had more to do. The same with Marisa Tomei. As the film comes off more like a boy’s club. It’s the same fate As well for bel Powley as she is funny and sexy in her role. As a sometimes love interest who gets tired of being used and taken for granted.
The film doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go. As it leads us to various places. Sometimes it stays around, but often makes a pit stop and then moves forward going along and not really looking back too much and it doesn’t really have an ending. An Especially satisfying one
Once a plot does rear its head. The film stays with it then takes a turn to allow for some more wandering. Which leaves the film entertaining but makes it feel endless.
The film leaves a lot of plates spinning. Where some characters appear and then disappear. Which works as it shows once away from the lead their influence is on existent. Their lack of importance to the main character is that small of an important overall to the Film and they almost come off as forgotten by the end.
Directed By: Tanya Wexler Written By: Brian Sacca Cinematography: Guy Godfree
Editor: Casey Brooks
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Judy Greer, Jai Courtney, Jermaine Fowler, Noah Reid, Lusia Strus, Lorrie Odom, Brian Sacca, Raymond Ablack
Set in the underworld of debt-collecting and follows the homegrown hustler Peg Dahl, who will do anything to escape Buffalo, NY.
These are the type of mid-budgeted, character comedies that you wish studios still made. Even though comes off more like a low budgeted one that has a good cast
This is the second time I can say that actor Jai Courtney has given a performance that is impressive in A film. He is practically unrecognizable (In case you are interested SUICIDE SQUAD is the other)
When it comes to actress Zoey Deutch, I don’t know if in some roles all she has to do is look Good without much effort or engagement and or works for those films or that at times she either overplays here roles, putting in so much energy or we can more see the strings on her performances. And we don’t expect it from her that’s what makes her so surprising. That like Anna Faris she excels in comedic Roles giving her all only more subdued.
It also depends on the strength of the material. Which might be why Anna Faris isn’t quite the star she should be yet. The scripts and material are not particularly strong and in her favor. She is recognizable but not thought of in the great comedic stars of the time. Thanks to movies and roles that never quite took off.
One is hoping Zoey Deutch doesn’t serve the same fate. Here she plays the role almost like a recurring SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE character at first. Who becomes more dramatic and real throughout. always chipper and calculating.
The character seems like she is a character from FARGO, only here the character is over ambitious and from Buffalo. She also happens to be the smartest person throughout the film.
Where the performance is actually better than the film. As her performance makes the film and you can’t imagine anyone else playing the role. But you need the other characters and the film as a garnish to get the performance and have it make sense. Making the film a good time.
A film that basically offers or gives Ms. Deutch a spotlight role. That makes her leading performance the highlight but not off of star power but how strongly She plays the character going for gold. This Is more of a star-making performance. That is not necessarily sexy.
Luckily the script and the rest of the film Doesn’t keep the pace but clears the way for a successful run.
Written & Directed By: Karen Maine Cinematography: Todd Antonio Somodevilla Editor: Jennifer Lee
Cast: Natalia Dyer, Timothy Simons, Donna Lynne Champlin, Wolfgang Novogratz, Alisha Boe, Francesca Reale, Susan Blackwell, Parker Wierling
After an innocent AOL chat turns racy, a Catholic teenager in the early 00s discovers masturbating and struggles to suppress her new urges in the face of eternal damnation.
A star vehicle of sorts for actress Natalia Dyer of the television show STRANGER THINGS. That seems a little controversial but by the end might be shocked at how human and tame it ends up being.
The film is short but makes it presence filled just enough.
This presents itself as a kind of teen comedy about sex or at least puberty and feelings of sexuality and masturbation in particular.
Though the film is small scale and feels a lot more Personal. As it presents a bunch of different problems for the characters but doesn’t offer all the answers. As the ones it does provide can be seen as right or wrong depending on the individual.
It takes it’s time but doesn’t offer much in the form of energy. As it plays more dramatic at times and has it’s own moments to ponder and take into account what has just happened.
Not a typical teen coming of age comedy. As the characters have a Hypocritical nature but you can understand the characters somewhat and see that they mean well
What is honorable about the film is that not every character is good or evil. They are not right or wrong. They go with what they believe is the truth even if not living by those rules.
They live by what they believe is best for all. They aren’t doing it to be cruel just to help in their own way.
The characters are allowed to be flawed and not totally good or evil. Though some might be more annoying and some just don’t know any better. Even the ones who are going to have it all together and know what they are talking about and strong, in the beginning, prove to be weak by the end.
Finally what works is that even though some of the events come off as cynical throughout the film like it’s lead character never seems to go that route. They have faith and belief that they stick to despite it all throughout and by the end have their own kind of acceptance.
PATTI CAKE$ is centered on aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$, who is fighting an unlikely quest for glory in her downtrodden hometown in New Jersey.
I remember in the past where a movie like this that was a hit at Sundance and had a strong word of mouth from critics would do respectable business after being gobbled up by an independent studio and be well placed. As well as given a lot of exposure and publicity.
This film just seems to be put out at random to little and no fanfare. Not even playing in the usual art houses (at least as far as New York goes)
It’s a shame as this movie is a strong crowd-pleaser. That has heavy mainstream appeal. That I am shocked it wasn’t promoted more. As it doesn’t seem to be a hard sell as some independent films of its ilk might be.
The film is predictable and plays like 8 MILE only a little lighter in theme and not quite as serious. Though it does have a white female who dreams of being a rapper.
What the film does right is that it fills the film with reality but also adds in the absurdities that even when down and depressing it adds humor and a lightness of mood.
The characters are all outcasts in their own way. Especially from what is expected of them. With a positive comedic middle eastern hype man. Who works for a pharmacy by day and is a weed smoker. A producer who is a black goth and musician. The main character is an overweight bartender rapper on the search for a permanent job. To help pay the bills at home as well as help pay the medical bills for her grandmother (played by an unrecognizable Cathy Moriarty) meanwhile having to deal with a mother who was a wannabe singer and is now a lush who sings at karaoke and slides up to any man who treats her nicely.
So as you can see the cast is diverse and plays to a wide audience. Mainly anyone who feels different or ostracized. That makes the film kind of empowering.
You know where the film will end up and that victory of some kind is inevitable. Though the film has something to say about struggle, artistry, and talent.
The filmmaking isn’t awe-inspiring but it is solid. Watching the journey is fun if at times rough. But the film is rough around the edges but always has a sweetness. Even when the film chooses to be cruel or bitter to the characters at times.
The ensemble is strong, though it is rounded by a good performance by Bridget Everett as her alcoholic mother. Who is convinced sex appeal always works. Watching her here especially if you ever get to see her one-woman cabaret show is a marvel. As is the performance by the lead actress Danielle Macdonald who is actually Australian but gives off a flawless jersey accent. She had to learn to rap and master the New Jersey accent for her role. Though the writer-director wrote all the rap lyrics
The films cast being so diverse adds to the eclectic quality of the movie and its soundtrack. As well as acknowledging that most communities in society intersect.
The film does bring up race in a few scenes and even explores how real she is or isn’t in a scene with her idol a legendary hip hop record producer who tells her about realness and commodification of a race and it’s culture. So these films at least go there and acknowledge it.
The question of cultural appropriation does come up. More as an accusation from a person of color tho at first was an inspiration then drawn more to represent a villain or at least an adversary. Now by putting that opinion into a character who ends up representing bad is already bias especially when This film is written and directed by a caucasian. Making it even more questionable by kind of dismissing the idea and even more villainizibg The person go color for stating it.
The film already makes one question that invisibly this is a story about overcoming fear and following your dream a kind of rags to riches story that covers an overweight white girl and making herself feel good and overcoming her problems but the question remains would an audience or even critics like it feel the same way if the film was about an overweight African American female or would it be seen as familiar or typical. Would there be an interest or audience?
This is a film definitely worth your time. Though it will seem a bit familiar. Just as it is following a trend I am a fan of and hope to see more of, having more coming of age, uplifting stories about women and not being about romantic relationships. More films about empowering themselves and following their dreams with very little sex involved. Not tom mention a great soundtrack
Written & Directed By: Robert D. Siegel Cinematography By: Michael Simmonds Editor: John Trank
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Michael Rappaport, Matt Servitto
A hard-core New York Giants fan struggles to deal with the consequences when he is beaten up by his favorite player.
This film feels like a dark odyssey but it’s one that takes place in a lake, not an ocean or river. A hard-core New York Giants fan struggles to deal with the consequences when he is beaten up by his favorite player.
This is a film that I wanted to love but I ended up only liking a lot. It appealed to me but scared me at how much the main character resembles me and my life. Only I hope not as depressing.
In full admission, I am one of the biggest fans of Patton Oswalt. I actually met him while he was in town filming this movie. It’s a darkly comedic film where all the characters might fit a few stereotypes but they felt real. No one was perfect they all had flaws, They all had good things and bad things about them.
The Writer-Director of the film is Robert Siegel who also wrote THE WRESTLER. In his direction Siegel is a simple storyteller he doesn’t use visual trickery or distracting angles, He still gets his point across. The film’s low budget also adds to the film’s believability. In his writing, at first, you could write him off as someone interested in characters in sports but each film goes deeper than the actual sport, Which ends up only plays a small part in the overall stories, as the film is showing the in’s and out’s of the sport.
The film let’s you get inside they’re heads and what is going on and affecting them in their immediate life. It shows the characters and the trouble they find themselves inevitably in usually done to themselves and the fact that the world is cruel. And of course, when it rains it pours.
Not a fan of the film’s ending but if it ended any other way it wouldn’t have made the impact or told it’s the message the way it clearly wanted do. The film is a downtrodden character study that seems to revel in its misery and you feel it deeply as the situations and characters feel more realistic, then fabricated for the story.
Of course, the film will be compared to the better TAXI DRIVER. But the film has an identity of its own and lends itself to the 70’s era type of filmmaking. Where character comes before story and plot. The reason I believe those films are so well remembered is that the films felt real and believable and the people who made the film wanted to tell stories and not show off they’re technical know-how and care more about pleasing studios, audiences, and box office returns than making a memorable film and maybe art.
What this film does cleverly leads you down a dark road. That shocks you and fills you with despair the further you go and at each pit stop you think you know and feel dread thinking you know where it’s going to lead. It goes in that direction, But then gives you a detour. Making it all the more revealing. It’s a Must see but it is not a film that needs to be in your film library.
Cast: Victoria Carmen Sonne, Lai Yde, Thjis Romer, Yuval Segal, Adam lld Rohweder, Morten Hemmingsen
Young and beautiful Sascha discovers her dream life of luxury, recklessness and fun comes at a price when she is welcomed into the “family” of her drug lord boyfriend at his holiday villa in the port city of Bodrum on the Turkish Riveria. Physical and psychological violence are a way of life for this gangster family, but when the velvet veneer is stripped raw to the bone, Sascha’s eye drifts towards the “normal” life she is leaving behind–is it possible she could still be accepted by polite society?
This film feels like a Study or gazes more an examination. As we watch the main character on vacation with her boyfriend who seems to be a gangster of some sort. Who is mostly low keys she seems to be his moll and the film mainly stays with her except for a scene or two.
The film seems to want to present and show how Women always having to be nice and look pretty to be noticed and fit in. Also to be taken care of.
This is a movie that Is either a love or hate film. No real middle ground as it is a polarizing film.
Not much happens. It’s not even really episodic more days in the lives. Where you begin to examine any event big or small looking for clues as to where it is going or to reveal more about the characters.
At times the film feels tedious. There are only so many angles of her good looks, body, and tropical landscapes to look at
We more watch things from her experience so while they might be laid out they are never quite explained. The film doesn’t even really come off as a character study.
As her character seems more innocent and naive. As she is roughed up and usually upset yet seems to enjoy all the indulgences and does nothing to rebel or stand up for herself.
Though the film tries to present her constantly as desirable and a bombshell anytime sex comes into the equation the camera pulls away as sex seems to be usually taken or is more violent. So that when she is about to be revealed the film chooses to move on. Sort of like her blocking it out of her mind.
later found out this is only when watching the film on TUBI. As they decided to cut the films sex scenes) which actually makes it seem more profound and reasonable in that version.
Which might get on the audience’s nerves. At the amount of abuse, she seems to take, and never strikes back out of revenge. Which is where you are hoping the film is going to.
Her boyfriend/boss takes members of his family kids and maybe even wife as well as members of his crew. While she comes off more as an assistant though really his girlfriend.
The rape scene is disgusting and shocking and Was actually cut out of the version I Saw and when I watched the uncut version. It’s like a horror scene that does affect the rest of the movie. Even if the film and character want to treat it more as an everyday occurrence. What is worse is that family members seem to be coming down to see about the noise and once they do see just retreat back up and is never spoken of nor does anyone try to help her. Which shows whole shocking this is everyday behavior for him And maybe what those around him have come to expect
When a story seems to be starting it does so subtlety. Like when she seems to strike up a flirtatious friendship with a guy. Who is clearly into her. Who comes across as normal and middle class and seems like he might be able to be her escape. Her boyfriend gets jealous but also seems turned on. As someone else desiring her and not knowing what kind of trouble he might be in as the boyfriend is obviously an alpha and wants to assert his power and influence by inviting the guy over then embarrassing her by molesting her and threatening him. While not the worse he does to her during the movie. This is another in a long line of degradations. Where we feel like the suitor disgusted and don’t understand her at all and she actually begins to disgust him.
When she does finally take out her anger towards the end. It seems more misplaced even though insulted and the person speaks to her plainly out of anger. She attacks with a random act of violence that seems off but definitely has been waiting to be unleashed. As it is ok for her boyfriend who she believes loves her to degrade her in all sorts of ways but a stranger disrespecting her verbally is too much.
That turn at the end. When she even goes to a police station shows she wants to do the right thing. Maybe to just escape what she seems trapped into, but even then she doesn’t have the strength or bravery to speak and for it. Which is her character’s problem throughout.
In the end taking responsibility and working would disturb her comfort and gifts. Just as her the film seems to stay aloof and at a distance. As the film never passes judgment on any of the characters. Nor does it ever get emotional.
The end seems to show she has become just as corrupted as the company she keeps, with a perfect ending theme song to describe the situation she has found herself in.
It feels like the film was aiming for controversy though would help if it was more structured into an ongoing story rather than a study where not much happens except for a graphic rape scene and ends up provocative though with no depth.
You keep wondering where is the film going or hopefully some kind of revenge will Happen. Unfortunately, the film never quite rises and Delivers the promise that we were hoping for.
The film does show the price that is paid for that beauty and all the dirty things done to achieve and maintain it.
Never choosing to show any acts of brutality in close up until the end. Where by that time each main character has done an unforgivable act of violence.
It’s an interesting film showing privilege and entitlement and taking abuse just for the riches to a degree and when push comes to shove when offered an escape chooses to want to keep her status even if rough to a degree.
The film could have had something to say if it had made more decisions and gave the lead character, character. Her third act changes the whole welcome feels unearned. As if the movie realized it needs a catharsis or something to happen. As it just seems to continuously show older rich men abusing young scantily clad women. Having power over them they that they use these women with money and by the end of the film. The film seems to choose to agree with it. As we know this goes on in real life and the film chooses to show one particular situation. Which is still shocking considering the movie is directed by a female.
Based on the book “ LADY MACBETH OF MTSENSK” by Nikolai Leskov Cinematography: Ari Wegner
Editor: Nick Emerson
Cast: Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, Christopher Fairbank, Golda Roseuval, Anton Palmer, Bill Fellows
Rural England, 1865. Katherine is stifled by her loveless marriage to a bitter man twice her age, whose family are cold and unforgiving. When she embarks on a passionate affair with a young worker on her husband’s estate, a force is unleashed inside her, so powerful that she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
This movie features Florence Pugh in a star making performance and also one of the all time great cold femme fatales on screen.
The title makes you believe this Will be a take on Shakespeare’s Play. Only focusing on one main character from their point of view, but this is based on “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” by Nikolai Leskov
That might have served as inspiration for the play and the title just happens to deal with the same machinations, manipulations, and themes as that character and play
Though some will see this from a modern context of a female asserting herself in a suppressed time. That she is sticking up for herself and choosing to use her strengths and power. As after all she comes off as a mastermind even though motivated more by being dumb in love. If she wasn’t so selfish she might have been a strong female role model. Though she might still end up being one to some audience members
The film allows us to see how she comes upon her decisions. How as soon as she gets there she is mistreated by her husband who refuses to actually consummate the marriage and then disappears leaving her feeling bored and degraded. Even when not suffering the disdain of her father in law.
Once she spies the help trying to sexually assault her handmaiden and sticks up for her she feels an attraction and passion for the
Young field worker who originated it and begins to flirt with him until he comes to her bedroom And is aggressive with her and she fights back but also accepts his demands. Once started the affair intensified and anything or anyone who stands in the way she is willing to sacrifice.
She does so coldly, but to a certain extent, you can understand why. Until the third act when she goes to far. Even shocking the audience as well as her lover.
Throughout it is easy to not feel sorry for the male characters in her life. They don’t necessarily deserve death, but they are also not the most sympathetic characters. The film also makes it seem like the lover will eventually use her but in the end. He is more a pawn as she loves him And tries to prop him Up as more respectable. Though he can be expendable if he chooses to betray or cross her.
The most sympathetic character is her handmaiden Anna, who witnesses everything and goes mute from shock. While still being made to serve her and seemingly punished by her from time to time. What she is put through and where she ends up is just cruel. It’s Disappointing though not shocking.
Since the character is African American she more seems like a slave so watching her being mistreated is not all that shocking and while it’s nice to see people of color in the film. While being historically accurate it does get on the nerves or brings the audience to a dark place to be reminded of this time In history. Especially as in the end classism And racism stand supreme. Even when the one who so thought to be more privileged is the one who has done the worst and should have a bad reputation
The film also manages to be quite sexual though not quite erotic.
The film is quite a surprise from what you might think the film will be about or go to. It is actually richer even if also more cerebral and remote, with beautiful backgrounds.
I really enjoy this film and am only recently becoming a bit of a fan of period pieces.
Cut To The Chase 