rjdurbin Reviews

The Endurance (2000)

I already knew the story, but this makes it even better

[9/10 · 15 January 2002]

I have read several books about Shackleton's amazing expedition to Antarctica. I first became aware of the story from a PBS documentary several years ago, and being amazed by the story of survival and endurance, sought out books for more of the story. As a teacher I have used parts of this story as examples of leadership, enduring hardship, teamwork, loyalty, service, and hope. Being so familiar with this story, I wasn't sure what would be new in the film, but there was plenty there for me to enjoy and still learn about. I found it interesting that the descendants of survivors consistently said that their relatives, as is common from many trying circumstances, rarely talked about the events. It was also great to see the pictures I have seen over and over again put into a format where I could see them on a big screen. Even more amazing is the surviving film footage from the expedition. The preservation of this footage is wonderful, and in conjunction with the newly filmed footage of the unchanged antarctic landscape, gives you a better understanding of the wilderness these men were up against. Shackelton is portrayed as the excellent leader that he was, but is not presented as an infallible genius. He was a man who demonstrated amazing qualities in difficult circumstances, and he was a man who understood the burden of his leadership and the importance for getting his men home safely. If you've never heard of Shackleton, you are in the same boat (pun intended), as my wife, who was completely new to Shackleton's story. She loved the film as well, and was fascinated by the story. So if you are well aware of the story, or totally new to it, I highly recommend this story of survival and endurance.

In the Bedroom (2001)

Overrated, deceptively promoted

[4/10 · 15 January 2002]

Having heard a lot of great buzz about this "thriller" (trust me, almost all the thrilling scenes are in the trailer), I saw this with high expectations. By the end of the film, I was very disappointed. Yes, the acting is excellent, and deserves the Oscar buzz, and the cinematography is beautiful, but I felt the pacing was painfully slow, and found myself wanting the story to hurry up and end. I know the slow pacing is intended to build the tension between characters, but I just got bored. Some may say that I just "didn't get it", but I understood everything that was attempted in the making of the film, I just didn't enjoy it. This goes on my list of "Movies that are well made, but I still didn't like."

Memento (2000)

Draws you in and keeps you

[9/10 · 15 January 2002]

Rarely have I been pulled into a movie the way Memento pulled me in. This is one of the few times when I think the trailer for the movie, and the reviews, actually HELPED in enjoying a film. From seeing the reviews and previews, I had the benefit of knowing the basic structure and premise of the film. I think if you go into it not knowing the backwards/forwards method of storytelling, it may take longer to figure out what's going on. Since we watched it on video, we could rewind it a few times just to review what we just saw, and make sure we were catching all the details. This is an excellent film that keeps you thinking about itself long after it is over. Guy Pierce is excellent as the main character, and the supporting cast keeps you guessing about their actions, motives, and background. It all comes together in a startling and puzzling way. Highly recommended!