I found this film to be very creative and moving. The cinematography and means by which the story is told is gorgeous. Ana is radiant in her portrayal and her performance is Oscar-worthy. Does it have some dark and gritty moments? Yes. And that's exactly what Hollywood can do to some people...especially those who don't know their own value as human beings. I think this film depicts all the facets of this complex women; she sparkled so brightly; yet she's a flawed, imperfect diamond. I can especially appreciate the bigger story contained in this film...Here we are in 2022--and women's rights to their own bodies are being denied--it makes this vulnerable, damaged woman's story just that much more poignant. We don't know if MM ever was sexually taken advantage of as depicted in this film--but Oates and these filmmakers got it right, in light of Weinstein's behavior...many, many women have paid a high price to be allowed a place at the table in Hollywood and other places. Some of the brightest and most talented women have come forward to share their stories...and those are just the brave ones whose names and faces we know. Be honest--if this story were centered around a no-name--would anybody pay attention? This is an homage to all the women who've been trivialized, marginalized and consumed then spit out by men; be it in the movie industry or at the hands of self-righteous (male) politicians or businessmen or presidents. It's not really just about Marilyn. But a lot of viewers, well...they just don't get it.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Devil in Ohio
(2022)
Some Bad Writing and Incredibly Implausible Moments
8 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This could have been promising, but nobody seemed to have given this a good once-over to see the glaring flaws in the story and the eye-roll-worthy dialogue. Good grief, how did this get to production? One of the biggest nonsensical moments is when FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER the bad sheriff points his flashlight at the ground to reveal the footprint in the muddy grass. (Yes, the same footprint that is pointed out to the viewer wich was made by the character who is creeping around spying on the cult--so of course, the audience knows we it will be found.) He just arbitrarily points it right down to where it is. . . In the one spot in the grass that has some mud to leave a footprint...but WHY would a footprint be suspicious? There are many, many people on the property! Ugh. So many ding-dong amateur-hour gaffs in this series it's laughable. Some of the acting is fine but other moments are just really bad. Why does Mae put that big ugly thing BACK over her dress at the Harvest Dance when she's already slid it off--revealing her messed-up back--which the kids all applaud her then for her "bravery" (one of the most cringy, face-plant moments in the series.) Overall, there was potential but the script needed more scrutiny and refinement and whoever directed it was not up to the task...and the editing was problematic too. I don't recall the last time I gave a Netflix series so low a score. Not up to snuff.
The Lost Daughter
(2021)
Slow, Psychological Burn that Never Ignites
10 January 2022
First, I am a fan of slower-moving, deeply engaging films that explore people's psyche. I am a huge fan of Olivia Coleman, who is on top of her game in this one. Jessie Buckley is luminous and heart-breaking as well (both women deserve nominations for their work.)
The story is fraught with tension and mystery...but it doesn't really ever explode or coalesce into a satisfying story for all that long, drawn-out tension. Most of the dialogue is quite good. Some of it makes zero sense. In a few spots, I had to go back and listen to it again because I thought I'd missed something or didn't understand what was happening (as in the scene between the caretaker and Colman at her apartment.) All of the actresses (including Dakota Johnson, who speaks in the same whispery, little-girl voice as her mother Melanie to interesting effect in his film) are exceedingly captivating to watch and their mystique is what kept me intrigued and staying with the story...but in the end, I felt cheated. Maggie Gyllenhaal's work as a director is Very Good, the Writing is Good. The real winners in this film are the actresses, who are brilliant.
The story is fraught with tension and mystery...but it doesn't really ever explode or coalesce into a satisfying story for all that long, drawn-out tension. Most of the dialogue is quite good. Some of it makes zero sense. In a few spots, I had to go back and listen to it again because I thought I'd missed something or didn't understand what was happening (as in the scene between the caretaker and Colman at her apartment.) All of the actresses (including Dakota Johnson, who speaks in the same whispery, little-girl voice as her mother Melanie to interesting effect in his film) are exceedingly captivating to watch and their mystique is what kept me intrigued and staying with the story...but in the end, I felt cheated. Maggie Gyllenhaal's work as a director is Very Good, the Writing is Good. The real winners in this film are the actresses, who are brilliant.
The Song of Lunch
(2010 TV Movie)
Rickman and Thompson in Top Form
15 November 2021
This film is not going to be for everyone. I knew that just five minutes in. But I loved it. The poem, the dialogue, the acting. Any lesser actors than these two could not have pulled it off. It is heartbreaking, because fairly early in, it becomes clear that someone has a problem and it is this issue, along with other feelings of inadequacy that is the true root of their relationship's demise. What is especially interesting is the fact that the viewer doesn't despise Rickman's character--rather, feels his humiliation and loss.
I gave the film eight stars rather than 10, because unresolved for me is the "WHY" of it. Why does he ask her to meet him for lunch to begin with? Is it to punish her? To rekindle something? Is the scene outside the apartment in Paris meant to illustrate obsession? Why does she agree to meet? Is she just being kind? If so--then why is she so cruel in her assessment of his book? The motivation/impetus for this lunch feels unclear to me.
I gave the film eight stars rather than 10, because unresolved for me is the "WHY" of it. Why does he ask her to meet him for lunch to begin with? Is it to punish her? To rekindle something? Is the scene outside the apartment in Paris meant to illustrate obsession? Why does she agree to meet? Is she just being kind? If so--then why is she so cruel in her assessment of his book? The motivation/impetus for this lunch feels unclear to me.
The Chestnut Man
(2021– )
Edge-of-My-Seat Thriller
16 October 2021
This was so well done and scary. Terrific plot, really fine acting and one that I couldn't wait to watch over the three nights that I watched it. My only complaint is it that it has the same backstory for one of the characters as a screenplay that I just finished writing! Good series with a big question left in the viewers mind in the last 60 seconds of the finale. I would love a sequel with Hess and Thulin partnering again!
Marie Antoinette
(2006)
A MODERN PERSPECTIVE ON TWO TRAGIC HISTORICAL FIGURES
9 May 2019
I actually rather enjoyed the film. Beautiful art direction. Kirsten Dunst (luminously) portrays Marie Antoinette; a young soon-to-be queen, full of love and yet terribly flawed, a royal with nothing but her bloodline to offer France. The film offers a female perspective on what it must have been like to be a bargaining chip to maintain peace between 2 powerful countries. In the film, Marie Antoinette is not unlike many privileged and wealthy young people today; easily bored, constantly seeking distractions and amusements, and in desperate need of direction, attention, and affection. She is a young woman who appears to have held no real interest in politics--she simply wants to fulfill her duties as wife and mother. At heart, she is a "country girl" in many regards. She seems happiest in when in the country with nature and with children. It was insightful to see Marie Antoinette portrayed as a woman with foibles and weaknesses--in the framework of most histories of the French Revolution, she is painted as a conniving villainess. This movie offers a more human perspective on this period of time in history, and reminds the viewer that these two monarchs were just teenagers; terribly ill-equipped to manage the responsibility of ruling a country that was already deeply in debt. I appreciate the viewpoint of this film...it's a fresh portrait of the history of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The contemporary music mixed with classical reminds us that history can and will repeat itself. The films is a cautionary tale against allowing wealth-based leaders to override the needs of a struggling nation. Too much decadence pushed under the noses of the poor will only lead to a revolution.
The Haunting of Hill House
(2018)
FASCINATING START. . .DISAPPOINTING FINISH
18 December 2018
There was SO much to love about this series (and I am not a fan of the blood and gore "horror") I stuck with it because as it unravels, it is beautifully-crafted psychological horror. The characters both young and in later years were clearly articulated and interesting and the acting was strong all across the board. Visually delicious and intriguing storyline. . .but the last two episodes, (particularly the last) just didn't work for me. Turned melodramatic, convoluted and I'm rather confused as to what the "take-away" was supposed to be. It feels forced and a bit contrived...I do want to read Shirley Jackson's story; I suspect what she wrote may be difficult to translate to film. I got really confused in the last 2 episodes as to what was going on.
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