Written & Directed By: Alan Alda Cinematography: Frank Tidy Editor: Michael Economou
Cast: Alan Alda, Michael Caine, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bob Hoskins, Saul Rubinek, Lise Hilboldt, Lillian Gish, Lois Chiles, John C. McGinley, Lynne Thigpen
Michael has written a scholarly book on the revolutionary war. He has sold the movie rights. The arrival of the film crew seriously disrupts him as actors want to change their characters, directors want to re-stage battles, and he becomes very infatuated with Faith, who will play the female lead in the movie. At the same time, he is fighting with his crazy mother who thinks the Devil lives in her kitchen, and his girlfriend who is talking about commitment.
When it comes to Alan Alda. A little is a lot though I am still a fan of the series he starred in M.A.S.H.
He comes off too smug throughout even when trying to be earnest. As A know all. As like him, the film feels like it is speaking down to others and considers itself too intellectual.
This film comes off as Woody Allen lite. It feels too general but too sharp and kind of whitewashed.
Wonder if at the time this was seen as biting humor. Watching it now feels basic.
The film has a light touch with a little depth. Which moves along breezily. As it is full-on comedic
Lilian Gish as Alda’s mother seems here more to work and to be a big name in the cast. As her character is another problem for the lead character to juggle. Whose storyline goes nowhere. Not to mention makes his plights more personal.
Michael Caine is effortlessly charming and aloof. He manages to stay in control of his growing set of affairs. Yet never breaks a sweat.
Bob Hoskins is in full New York City accent mode as a screenwriter trying to make it big.
The film In its early scenes is more about the behind-the-scenes movie-making comedy. That feels charmed with itself. Before becoming more of an intellectual farce of sorts.
The score is kind of hammy. As this film feels more made for video. As it’s less cinematic and more small-scale simple.
If not for some language and sexy scenes. This film is clean enough to be a TV movie with a movie star cast.
Despite my misgivings, the film Does have its charms as a film about late to middle age angst
This film would make a great companion piece with the film STATE AND MAIN
Cast: Ben Stiller, Patricia Arquette, Tea Leoni, Josh Brolin, Richard Jenkins, Mary Tyler Moore, Alan Alda, Lily Tomlin, George Segal, Celia Weston, David Patrick Kelly, Nadja Dajani
Five months after the birth of his son, Mel Coplin remains unable to name the child until he has met his own biological parents and discovered who he “really is.” He, his wife Nancy, and his social-worker-in-training Tina Kalb jet off to California to meet his birth mother–who turns out not to be his mother, due to an error with the agency’s adoption records. The quartet sets out in search of Mel’s real parents, with tensions growing because of the sexual chemistry lacking between Mel and Nancy and growing between Mel and Tina.
This film is made in a classic screwball comedy type manner, but it feels more intellectual than these films. As it swings from out and out wacky comedy to more witty humor. So that it feels like a modern for that time Woody Allen movie. Only with his earlier anarchic spirit behind the camera.
The film often goes for shocks in it’s comedy but doesn’t feel blatant and ends up more subtle at times.
Each of the characters perfectly complements the ensemble as each of them appears fairly normal, but as we get to know then their dysfunctions or freaky side is revealed and they are so one of a kind many of them. Could have a whole film built around them.
Though the film is shot small and more like an independent film. Where at first we are in The cramped apartments of New York where it feels overwhelming and tight. As there are scenes that take place more indoors and feel closed off. Once they hit the open road it offers more abundance.
Though the way the camera keeps moving and shooting. It’s shots make it look like the camera like the performers are always exploring be it themselves, space, or boundaries. Which as a viewer excites you as you are never quite sure what will happen next and it keeps you laughing.
The timing And delivery of the jokes and performances as well as the direction are all on point.
The ensemble cast that would be seen as an all-star cast now. Seem more like they are improving like a jazz standard jam. Riffing off of one another and carrying the beat. Though while sure improv was involved it seems like the film was actually tightly scripted. Though when dialogue as said. It seems like it was thought up on the spot.
This is a comedy that delivers real surprises when you don’t expect them.
The strength behind the film is writer/director David O. Russell. He pulls the film together. Cinematically It’s impressive, script-wise it’s impressive and the performances he gets from his cast are amazing. As they go from serious to wacky in an instant. He usually can find laughs and comedy in situations that are not the usual places most would even go looking. Especially in dire depressing situations. Not only with this film but with films
Like his directorial debut SPANKING THE MONKEY (a rather depressing comedy about incest) I HEART HUCKABEES, THREE KINGS, AMERICAN HUSTLE, JOY, THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, and THE FIGHTER. He shows range, talent, and a certain composite. Where you can’t say there snot if his films are the same.
The casting in this movie is inspired as ben Stiller doesn’t seem as in control here nor are his reactions with his usual acting tics in this movie. This seems like one of the last times he would be this pristine performance. Though he usually plays this type of character.
Tea Leoni and Patricia Arquette get to show off their talents. Tea Leoni in a more offbeat styled character who was usually played at that time by Parker Posey. She really shows her chops in a role she rarely gets to do these days more the neurotic sex pot who dresses more like a femme fatale. Who always seems in control but might be just for appearances.
Patricia Arquette has an almost leading lady form and is that attractive girl next door quality as Stiller’s wife.
Mary Tyler Moore as his overbearing Jewish mother. Who likes to show how good her body still is in shape. She tries to steal the movie but is in her realm in a role that at first looks like stunt casting but actually works out well.
Josh Brolin being more comedic and open than usual as a gay/bi FBI agent who tags along on the ride.
This film is a treat I regret not seeing in theaters. As I tried but disappeared fast. Though luckily saw it as soon as it was available on home video. Though I will admit It was A film that had to grow on me. Like the first time, i saw it. I thought it was funny but not hilarious. As I watched it over the years it has won me over. As I began to notice the layers and construction of Jokes, scenes, shots, and characters. It’s an underrated film that needs to be revisited and Given more credit.
Written & Directed By: Noah Baumbach Cinematography: Robbie Ryan Editor: Jennifer Lame
Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johannson, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Laura Dern, Julie Hagerty, Wallace Shawn, Merrit Wever, Mickey Sumner, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Irene Choi, Robert Smigel, Carlos Jacott, Lucas Neff
An incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.
Written & Directed By: Rod Lurie
Cinematography By: Alik Sakharov
Editor: Sarah Boyd
CAST: Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, David Schwimmer, Alan Alda, Vera Farminga, Noah Wyle, Jamey Sheridan, Courtney B. Vance, Angela Bassett
The Film revolves around a reporter who refuses to give up her source in a story that reveals a CIA agent’s identity and is prosecuted and jailed for it. For standing up to the government and refusing to name her source. Behind bars her life falls apart as does her marriage. We also see what kind of damage it does to the ousted CIA agent’s life as she even becomes a suspect to being the anonymous source.
Cut To The Chase 