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For instance, "American Beauty," is one of my favorites over the past what is it ten or so years. Why? Generally speaking it captures a mood, a suburban bliss but the way all bliss is, not really, and the main character Kevin Spacey, afflicted with a glowing example of mid-life crisis, questions his occupation, his marriage, his role as father, nursing a real hunger for youth, his own or just to be next to it, so to speak, he quits his job, starts smoking pot, working out, takes a job at a hamburger joint and lusts after his daughter's best friend.
There's a surreal quality to the ambience of this picture, the music is haunting, I'm sorry I can't remember who did it, but as I write this I can hear it in my head. We find out in the opening narration that the Spacey character will be dead within a year, which of course lends an immediacy to everything that follows, and a bit more empathy than we might have had for his character otherwise; though I, a middle-aged guy with a busy past that I also mourn would have been able to relate regardless.
His daughter's newfound boyfirend, is also his pot supplier, and is played by Wes Bentley, someone I've seen never before or since, and considering the totally captivating performance he gives as the fatalistically surviving son of an abusive, closeted homosexual retired Marine colonel, I wonder why. His father is Chris, can't think of his name, but he's great and his mother is someone else who I've seen often and who was superb as the wife of this guy, and who keeps her head turned away from the abuse both her son and she herself live with, and maintains a life of silent desperation.
If you haven't seen this movie check it out; it has that releasing quality of a movie theme that many of us can relate to, the relief we would all feel if and when we had the guts or were otherwise fed up enough to roll the proverbial dice and bust out of our ill-conceived lives.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy are my favorite movies. I think it is the best production of any movie since Lawrence of Arabia. The story draws you into another world supported by visuals that are unprecedented. The 17 Oscars for the series says it all.
Status:
"Pickleball-Free American"
(set 16 days ago)
Location: St Simons Island, GA
23,497 posts, read 44,172,454 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ExPit
I don't know that one. Who's in it? What's it about?
It's based on an actual murder trial that took place in colonial Kenya in the 1940's. It's a very wry commentary on the British caste system of the time (a 'gentleman' would never commit murder). Greta Scacchi is one the most ravishing creatures I've ever seen in this film, and Sarah Miles is an absolute scream.
Status:
"Pickleball-Free American"
(set 16 days ago)
Location: St Simons Island, GA
23,497 posts, read 44,172,454 times
Reputation: 16910
Quote:
Originally Posted by ExPit
His father is Chris, can't think of his name, but he's great and his mother is someone else who I've seen often and who was superb as the wife of this guy, and who keeps her head turned away from the abuse both her son and she herself live with, and maintains a life of silent desperation.
The father is played by Chris Cooper (also amazing in Adaptation), and the mother by an almost unrecognizable Allison Janney.
And you are right to heap accolades on AB; it is just about perfect.
The Red Violin for the personification of an inanimate object. Absolutely amazing.
The Red Violin IS an amazing movie, but I have to admit that I didn't feel that way until the big "reveal." But then I was sitting there on the couch with my mouth hanging open. Amazing movie.
My favorite movie is Chariots of Fire. I love costume-dramas...period pieces. The acting and direction is superb. And I'm a sucker for "triumph of the human spirit" movies, which sports movies often are.
My favorite movie is "Once". Described as a musical by some people, it is the modern story of a Irish busker - street musician - who meets a young Czech woman who is a gifted pianist. They enjoy a week long friendship during which they inspire each other to pursue their dreams. A beautiful sound track and endearing story accompany this low-budget film. Rated R for that earthy abundance of the F word that the Irish so love, but otherwise about as wholesome as they come. Please rent it!
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