Change Your Image
rexdana
Reviews
The Illusionist (2006)
As Good as its Reviews, and Better than I Expected
Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell own this film. They are engaged throughout, -- efficient, thorough, and subtle. One sees the film through Giamatti's eyes, and one dies a death from Sewell's lack of vision (characters, of course!). A close-up of Giamatti's face is as if seeing a topographical map of the world -- with its ever-changing landscape. He is turbulent. Sewell is stoic (as required). The fall of Leopold's facade is his destiny. Sewell succeeds.
Jessica Biel is luminous as Sophie. As an aristocrat, what is asked of her as actress is a wan, noncommited countenance. She provides it well, and not simply because she has nothing to offer other than her beauty -- one senses this actress really knows what she is doing.
Edward Norton, an American actor of ability, does not (so much) disappoint -- rather, he is sorely miscast. He simply does not "look" European. No one can change it -- he is American as "apple pie." Sobeit! Still, -- his performance is extraordinary.
Kudos to all involved!
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Strictly Enchanting!
Although recommended to me by a co-worker, I didn't see this (?) on a "BIG" screen in a theatre; I finally saw it on VHS. BUT, once seen, I unequivocally tell you -- it is my FAVORITE film of ALL TIME. It is enchanting. Nobody dies. Nobody swears (as I remember!). All the performances "hit their marks," (and that's something!). There are scenes that take breath (I won't enumerate them, so as not to "spoil" them). As my sister said, after having viewed it (VHS) in my living room, "This is a visually interesting film, isn't it?" "Yes!!" I replied!. (But, it's so much more, too!).
Don't be swayed by my "affectation." See this film for yourself. You won't be sorry!