iffershortt Reviews

Words and Pictures (2013)

For lovers who think and thinkers who love--with words, pictures, and other art.

[9/10 · 16 September 2014]

I'd give it a 9.5, if that were possible, because nothing is perfect. That point, among others, is brought home quite sincerely and wittily in this gem of a picture, which reminds us that expressing a first principle or truth well depends first upon understanding it. To understand demands courage, for it often requires that one give up habits and hubris and all manner of other self-defensiveness. Our protagonists are teachers who have set the bar high for themselves and for their students. Both battle letting that bar collapse. As the literature teacher and the art teacher, respectively, Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche are more than solidly believable in their roles. They are nuanced and brave, offering up a complexity reminiscent of Tracy and Hepburn. Other reviewers have said as much as needs be said, and I feel no need to reiterate. Read all the opinions, if you wish; but if after a few you don't want immediately to see this movie, pouring over the remaining reviews will likely be a waste of your time. Words and Pictures resonates like a feather floating on a still lake limned by the first light of the moon. How Jack Marcus would take me to task for that line--and how Dina Delsanto would muse while he did it!

Deadrise (2011)

The re-edited version under a new title ends on the right note.

[8/10 · 20 March 2012]

Clever and engaging; watch every moment carefully to get the most out of the piece. The details matter. It's fun trying to make sense of the neo-Gothic journey the heroine takes. She willingly enters a world that is visually impressive, spooky, surreal. I was disappointed in the original film's ending and a few of the plot points leading up to it. I didn't predict it for the simple reason that I could not believe so predictable a conclusion for an otherwise engrossing film. Then I saw the revamped version. The retooling pays off; Deadrise tells a stronger, albeit darker, story, and so it is a better movie than in its first incarnation. The acting, which is a bit campy or stagy at times, generally serves the film well and is even quite compelling in places. The characters fit the action, the cinematography is stunning, and a better set would be hard to find. In order to preserve the suspense, I am unwilling to say much more about the plot details, which a movie-goer can find in other reviews. Having come up myself with a more satisfying conclusion to the original film, I'm happy to report that I don't even remember now what it was. Deadrise ends in just the right key.

R2-D2: Beneath the Dome (2001 TV Short)

A gem!

[10/10 · 22 April 2009]

Anyone who is a fan of Star Wars (and especially someone whose favorite character is R-2) should love this three-part film. Its loving, if stern, treatment of the tempestuous robot gives "the trashcan on wheels" great dimension. There are biographical surprises, such as his family history, that must endear the little guy to anyone but his enemies. This well-written paean to one of filmdom's unique and fascinating characters deserves to be seen as a feature on the big screen, or at least as a television special. I wish there were more installments. Everything from the performances on camera to the narration is professional. Hats off to the creators, to Don Bies, in particular, for his inspiration. Beneath the Dome is witty, funny, absurd, and--amazingly--quite touching. In fact, it is as clever a mockumentary as I've seen.