Change Your Image
mischarp
Reviews
Wrong Is Right (1982)
TV News as entertainment.
Although this film is rather coarsely made by todays standards, the subject matter still makes it eminently watchable. It is a black comedy set in the time of much turmoil in the world about oil and its power over people in tandem with the idea that news these days leans toward its being a form of entertainment. The satire is biting and has all of the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It is a very "tongue in cheek" film with a "no holds barred" comedic bent. More of a "slash and burn" type of film making. Sean Connery is Patrick Hale a roving international news reporter, think Christiane Amanpour with a sex change operation. The movie has all of characters which might come out of todays news headlines. There is a funny little joke near the end that Connery tells on himself-not to be missed.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
A handsomely realized autumnal film.
While this production is strictly fantasy, it lacks all of the bells and whistles of modern day films of this genre. Ray Bradbury, like Spielberg, has an affinity for telling stories from a child's point of view. Without CGI technology, this movie still is compelling in its own right. Pam Grier puts in a good performance as the truly menacing temptress, a little creepy but alluring at the same time. The film is about regrets and unreliazed dreams. It also manages to work in several of the Seven Deadly Sins-greed, vanity, lust, and anger. The character most burdened by events from his past is the Jason Robards part. He regrets being held back by his upbringing from acting during a crisis, something not learned during childhood that most normnal children take for granted. This film would be a nice change of pace during Halloween, a little dated, but still worth a couple hours.
The Handmaid's Tale (1990)
A dark and brooding picture of the near future.
This film is a somewhat disturbing and cautionary depiction of the dangers of theocracies. As Joni Mitchell once wrote- "You get witch-hunts and wars
When Church and state hold hands" Natasha Richardson and Aidan Quinn portray a couple trying to change their situation by action which might mean their deaths. In an attempt to mollify the psyches of the "Handmaids",Victoria delivers the expedient remark- "There is more than one kind of freedom... Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, you were given freedom to ... Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it. .".
The atmosphere is akin to what it must be like to live life under the yoke of religious tyranny such as the present Iran or under the rule of zealots such as the Taliban of Afghanistan. A must see for free thinking people of every stripe.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1989)
Poignant and compelling portrayal.
This made-for-television gem is made all the more poignant by the untimely death of Charlotte Coleman (Jess)in 2001. Ms. Coleman provides a touching and heart felt performance. The cult-like nature of her upbringing along with her strength in the face of such almost fanatical religiosity shows the value of forbearance in the face of such adversity. The entire cast provide solid and almost chillingly real acting within the storyline. Jess is the epitome of forgiveness and understanding given the predicament she finds herself in. This program is well worth a look if only for the thought provoking nature of the subject matter. This film received several awards and stands the test of time. In a way the production was ahead of its time with its frank assessment of Jess's personality. You can't runaway from your self.
The Restless Conscience: Resistance to Hitler Within Germany 1933-1945 (1992)
A disturbing remembrance of the past.
This film, through interviews of survivors and recountings of actions taken by the resistors, paints a dark yet compelling picture of the price one sometimes has to pay for following ones conscience. The most memorable character was the German lawyer and dissident Helmuth James von Moltke. He was as the French say-"Comfortable in his own skin". He had the strength of his convictions to push him to continue to resist despite the potential costs. For this he paid with his life. The other dissenters-Oster, Bonhoeffer, Stauffenberg, and others are dealt with in a compassionate, humane manner, revealing their probable states of mind when they fought to bring down Hitler. Ms. Beller has done a great service to the world in completing this thought provoking film.