Change Your Image
ctarlen
Reviews
My House in Umbria (2003)
Huh?
It is my understanding from the novel that the character Maggie Smith plays is living in an illusion, and we are not supposed to believe her interpretations of events. The books is about someone who lives fictions, and thus her illusions are the source of her creative energy. It questions reality.
However, the HBO adaption seems to intend for us to believe her interpretations of events literally. Thus the plot makes no sense, especially the ending. And it has no theme, unless it is that life in a house in Umbria is just lovely and filled with sunshine and people can overcome their unhappy beginnings with love, forebearance and good Italian cooking.
La dentellière (1977)
More than sexual politics, it's about class
This film is about class, pure and simple. The shy Hubert comes from a lower class than her male lover. He can't accept her because she's not an intellectual like he is. He can't appreciate her quiet beauty because it is a nonverbal beauty, and he lives in a world of words and books.
Hubert's performance is wonderful.
En sång för Martin (2001)
Love Cannot Conquer Alzheimers
I am quite familiar with Alzheimer's Disease. Both my mother and grandmother had it. To me this movie shows that love is useless when it comes to Alzheimers. Eventually the sufferer forgets everything.
While a respectable movie, it is not exactly dramatic or innovative. I felt that I was being told something that I not only already knew, but had lived through twice already and probably will go through myself.
However, I was interested in how the Swedes care for Alzheimer's patients. At least Martin didn't have to die in the horrible nursing home that my mother lived and died in. It helps to have money and socialized medicine, I guess. Do you think I can immigrate to Northern Europe before I get the disease?
Teorema (1968)
Over the top histrionics
A neurotic bourgeois family and their weird maid are visited by a divine Terrence Stamp who lounges around with his legs spread. Pasolini gives us lots of crotch shots. Every member of this messed up brood fall in love with Terrance. Then he leaves. Miracles happen. Funny miracles. and brooding and moaning and groaning and hysteria from the family. The maid levitates. I laughed.
Why does anyone take this seriously?
Life as a House (2001)
Too bad it turns into a sentimental mess
After seeing this movie, my husband remarked that he was looking forward to the sequel, "Life As A Mudslide." It would take place after the first big rainstorm. "Life" has its moments, but these come at the beginning of the film, when Kline gives a finely tuned comic performance. However, the end is just sentimental pap. Death is never that neat and uplifting. I really enjoyed Kevin's disdain and contempt for his really pretentious and snobby neighbors. Also, I liked the old shack he tore down better than the house he built. But then, everything will be a nice muddy empty lot sitting on soggy ground by January or February. A suitable end to a soggy script.