Saturday, April 20, 2019
Wild Bill (1995)
The early career of legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickock is telescoped and culminates in his relocation in Deadwood and a reunion with Calamity Jane.
Ambitious, but in the end failed attempt to demystify a Wild West legend is well produced, but lacks coherence and a stringent plot; Jeff Bridges is good in the title role, but most of the star cast is condemned to playing sallow bit parts.
Halliwell*: "A complex, fragmentary look at the life of Wild Bill Hickock that strips away the heroics to present a confused and unhappy killer; spasmodically interesting, if rather too glum."
Maltin**: "Odd revisionist take on Wild Bill Hickock, told in episodic form that creates distance from - rather than understanding of - the legendary hell-raiser of the Old West...Barkin is fun as Calamity Jane, but other characters are superficially drawn at best."
Breaking the Waves (1996)
Oilman Jan is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when Jan urges her to have sex with another.
Immensely intense and depressingly realistic drama investigating issues of compassion, love, faith and innocence; Emily Watson's performance is spectacular.
Halliwell****: "A remarkable and striking film, though in some ways a dislikeable one. It has a raw, emotional power rarely encountered on film, owing its soulful and guileless central performance and the restlessly casual, close-up camerawork; but its theme, an apparent celebration of self-sacrifice through sexual degradation, is often unlovely and hard to take."
Maltin***1/2: "Extraordinary story...A bold, often unsettling examination of love and faith, given immediacy and power by von Trier's documentarylike approach and Robby Müller's faded visual scheme, which root the miraculous in the everyday world. Watson, in her film debut, is unforgettable in the lead role."
Friday, April 19, 2019
Thursday, April 18, 2019
First Lines: Thomas Pynchon - Mason & Dixon
Snow-Balls hae flown their Area, starr'd the Sides of Outbuildings, as of Cousins, carried Hats away into the brisk Wind off Delaware, - the Sleds are brought in and their Runners carefully dried and greased, shoes deposited in the back Hall, a stocking'd-foot Descent made upon the great Kitchen, in a purposeful Dither since Morning, punctuated by the ringing Lids of various Boilers and Stewing-Pots, fragrant with Pie-Spices, peel'd Fruits, Suet, heated Sugar, - the Children having all upon the Fly, among rhythmic slaps of Batter and Spoon, coax'd and stolen what they might, proceed, as upon each afternoon all this snowy Advent, to a comfortable Room at the rear of the House, years since given over to their carefree Assaults.
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror.
Chilly adaptation of a John le Carré spy thriller emphasizes the political implications, competently made with a top-notch cast.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Darkest Hour (2017)
In May 1940, the fate of Western Europe hangs on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire.
Excellently staged with good period detail and a great cast (and Gary Oldman giving a stellar performance), the movie isn't so exacting concerning historical accuracy - and Winston Churchill remains an enigmatic figure.
Monday, April 15, 2019
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