First off, I really like this movie, so lets talk about all the aspects I like since that will probably take up the bulk of this post. 1) Let's start with the most obvious, the cast. Awesome. Love Emma Stone. And Lisa Kudrow, and Thomas Hayden Church, and most of all, Stanley Tucci (he never gets enough credit as an actor in my opinion... but that's another blog for another day). I even liked Amanda Bynes for her role, even though most of the time she annoys the shit out of me. So great job on the casting. 2)Now we will move on to the storyline (writing). There are so many great things going on here I don't even know where to start. Being promoted as a "teen comedy", it completely blows it's predecessors (movies such as "American Pie") out of the water. I actually might like it even more than "Mean Girls", which is really saying something... anyway, sorry for the digression. I have always been a huge fan of movies that draw from or are inspired by literature; not necessarily adaptations because few are accurate, but movies that intertwine other works into an original story. In this case, "Easy A" incorporates "The Scarlet Letter" into it's story line as inspiration for the main character's (Olive) shananigans. Also, throughout the movie there are not-so-subtle tributes to some great John Hughes movies from the 80's, which is awesome. I love this because it not only adds depth to an otherwise mediocre and simple plot, but it lets movie nerds like me enjoy it just a little bit more!
So here's the breakdown of the plot. NOTE: the whole movie is narrated which I usually find annoying, but there's actually a reason for it which you find out in the end. Olive, a high school goodie-goodie lies to her best friend in the bathroom about losing her virginity to some college guy, figuring it would go no further. However, the school Bible-beater, MaryAnn (and I hate using that term, but in this case it's completely fitting. I will visit again later in the blog)was listening from one of the stalls and proceeds to spread the gossip throughout the entire school, even after Olive tried to explain that it wasn't true (great Christian example, huh?). Consequently, the entire student body started labeling her "slut", "trollop", etc. Since she figured her reputation was shot anyway, she decides to embrace her new popularity (because being talked about in high school, even if it's bad, is better than not being noticed at all, right?).
She does not actually DO anything with anyone, she just accepts payment from a few socially shunned guys to make people think she slept with them. Meanwhile, MaryAnn goes to great lengths to make her life miserable by getting her band of "Christians" to try and minister to Olive, all the while calling her names to her face and behind her back.
So that is the premise of the movie, and obviously it continues from there, and there are a lot more relationships which I didn't discuss, but that's the important stuff.
Now, I'm not sure if the writers intentionally did this or not, but the portrayal of the "Christians" in this movie is actually a great parody. Unlike the movie "saved", I feel like this was done not to bash Christians, but to show how any type of extremism is not good. It also goes to show the great hypocrisy that occurs so much in the church today. For instance, MaryAnn is the ring leader of the movement to destroy Olive and her reputation, calls her a "slut" or some variation of the word on NUMEROUS occasions, however we see her leading a prayer circle/ worship group on campus every morning! She also makes ridiculous claims that if God had wanted her 21 year old, 4th year high school senior boyfriend to graduate, He would have given him the right answers for the tests, therefore allowing him to pass. REALLY? This is a very far-fetched (yet I am sure some believe to be accurate) notion of the subject of "God's will vs Free will". I'll let you pick up the rest of these fun little treats on your own, I just think it's funny.
In conclusion, I do have to pose this question. Is it wrong to let people think one thing, even if it's not true, to benefit another? In this case, Olive was lying about sleeping with tons of people to better their social standing (and her pocketbook). And even though she didn't actually DO anything, she still lied about doing IT. AND, for that matter, is what MaryAnn did by spreading the rumor (gossiping) under the banner of "God's work" any better? I guess what it comes down to is, is any sin worse than the next? That is the "Truth" being addressed in this movie, whether or not it was intentional.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sin By Silence
So I generally reserve this blog for new releases or films that I have not seen until recently, but this time, I am going to write about one that I am all too familiar with. In fact, it's one that I actually worked on. The motivation behind this is that it was recently aired on the Investigation Discovery network. The Director/Producer, who has been putting her blood, sweat, tears, and finances into it for the last ten years was kind enough to allow me to be a small part of it, and I couldn't be more proud of the success it has seen.
In my fourth year of undergrad studies and a communication/film major I was in need of an internship in the "field". My digital communications professor had mentioned that she worked at a studio fairly close to school (because the commute to L.A. from the O.C. was very unappealing to me) so I asked her if there was a position open there. She told me the only thing I would be doing there would be making copies and cleaning, BUT, she mentioned to me that she could use an extra pair of hands on the project she was personally working on, and since she was friends with the head of the department, if I was willing help her with her documentary, it would be able to count for the credits I needed. Little did I know...
When I first signed up to work with her I had no idea how much this project would change my life. If you refer to my other blog, you will see the documentation of some of the work I did for her throughout my internship. The internship turned out to earn me my first (and turns out my only real) job working in the industryI, where I continued to work with the physical and a little of the technical parts of the project. The entire time I spent around this project literally change both my perspective of the judicial system, as well as my outlook on life. From the shoots inside the prison walls in Chino, to meeting the inmates and having one-on-one conversations with them, to the photoshoots where I saw my friends and colleagues in blood, scabs, and scars, to editing actual audio collected from 911 calls from children effected by domestic violence, my eyes were opened and I realized that it wasn't something you JUST hear about on the news.... it was something that actually happened to people every day... to be physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by someone you love.
This documentary is more than just a story caught on film. It is a tool to help women (or men) who are living with this terror. It exposes the horror and fear that millions live with every day. It is a beacon of hope to those who have made the decision to stand up for themselves, often with dire consequences. Starting on this project I had no idea how effective and powerful it would become, but it has gone from being the brainchild of a brilliant woman trying to find the answers to help a friend in trouble, to an opportunity for those who have been through it to have a voice, those who are going through it to get help and recognize the signs before it happens. And though I played a very small part in helping this amazing project along in its early stages, I feel very honored and blessed to have been a part of it at all. Congratulations to Olivia, Avant Productions, and everyone else who worked so hard to help this film become what it is.
In my fourth year of undergrad studies and a communication/film major I was in need of an internship in the "field". My digital communications professor had mentioned that she worked at a studio fairly close to school (because the commute to L.A. from the O.C. was very unappealing to me) so I asked her if there was a position open there. She told me the only thing I would be doing there would be making copies and cleaning, BUT, she mentioned to me that she could use an extra pair of hands on the project she was personally working on, and since she was friends with the head of the department, if I was willing help her with her documentary, it would be able to count for the credits I needed. Little did I know...
When I first signed up to work with her I had no idea how much this project would change my life. If you refer to my other blog, you will see the documentation of some of the work I did for her throughout my internship. The internship turned out to earn me my first (and turns out my only real) job working in the industryI, where I continued to work with the physical and a little of the technical parts of the project. The entire time I spent around this project literally change both my perspective of the judicial system, as well as my outlook on life. From the shoots inside the prison walls in Chino, to meeting the inmates and having one-on-one conversations with them, to the photoshoots where I saw my friends and colleagues in blood, scabs, and scars, to editing actual audio collected from 911 calls from children effected by domestic violence, my eyes were opened and I realized that it wasn't something you JUST hear about on the news.... it was something that actually happened to people every day... to be physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by someone you love.
This documentary is more than just a story caught on film. It is a tool to help women (or men) who are living with this terror. It exposes the horror and fear that millions live with every day. It is a beacon of hope to those who have made the decision to stand up for themselves, often with dire consequences. Starting on this project I had no idea how effective and powerful it would become, but it has gone from being the brainchild of a brilliant woman trying to find the answers to help a friend in trouble, to an opportunity for those who have been through it to have a voice, those who are going through it to get help and recognize the signs before it happens. And though I played a very small part in helping this amazing project along in its early stages, I feel very honored and blessed to have been a part of it at all. Congratulations to Olivia, Avant Productions, and everyone else who worked so hard to help this film become what it is.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Bridesmaids
So I saw this movie a few weeks ago... twice. The first was with my boyfriend who was cool enough to take me to see it, even though it was technically promoted as a "chick flick", and the second time, the next night with one of my best friends. She called me and asked if I wanted to see it, and I absolutely wanted to see it again. Now, if you know me at all, you know I have NO problem seeing a movie of any sort more than once, because it lets me pick it apart more each time I see it. Well, that's exactly what happened here. The first time I saw this movie, I was so terribly entertained that I had no capacity to break it down. The second time around however, I was able see it for more of what it was. It's more than a ridiculous and (in some cases) accurate portrayal of the wedding process on the female side of the spectrum. While movies like "The Hangover" show a parody of what a man's pre-nuptial experience is like, "Bridesmaids" portrays the pre-wedding festivities from the female's perspective.
THE PLOT:
This somewhat predictable basic plot consists of two friends, one, in a relationship, unsure of where it is going, which surprisingly ends up in an engagement. The second friend, a very lost, beaten down woman who has recently had her dreams shattered by a failing economy and who has a steady hook-up plan with the stereotypical playboy, but no steady relationship except with her best friend. The spark in the plot is when Lillian (the friend in the steady relationship, played by the hilarious Maya Rudolf from SNL) gets engaged. Her hot-mess-of-a-friend, Annie, whom she has been friends with her entire life, is naturally expected to be the MOH (Maid of Honor). The conflict comes in at the posh engagement party when Lillian's new friend, Helen, steps in and begins the process of pushing Annie out of the wedding party. Meanwhile, because she is less than financially able at this point, Annie has neglected many necessary things in her life. One of these being the non-functioning taillights to her 1992 POS coupe. Consequently, she is pulled over by an awkwardly handsome Irish cop with whom she strikes up a relationship with.
Now, like I said, the first time I saw this movie, I laughed until I cried. The combination of relatable situations and shitting in the street was just too good. The second time I saw it is when I realized that there was more to this movie than just the shenanigans of a MOH dealing with a major life change, as well as potentially losing her best friend to a rich, spoiled, and fake woman with no other friends.
The actual main plight of this film is a woman who has faced trials professionally, and has been beaten down so long in her personal life, she doesn't really know a good thing when she sees it. I guess you could say that she has been mistreated for so long and has come to accept it, she really takes for granted something great when it comes her way. She seems to settle for something that's far below what she deserves in exchange for something that has extraordinary potential.
In contrast to other movies of this nature, this film portrays something that women actually deal with. So often we assume that what we have, especially when the chips are down, is what we deserve, when in reality, what is in front of us is infinitely better and we don't even see it. The main moral of the film is being able to find the good in life, and sticking with those, through thick and thin, who have been with you all along. Sometimes those who know us the best are the most accurate mirrors to show us who we are and who we are destined to be. Needless to say, I think this movie was great, not JUST for girls, but guys will enjoy this one as well. It's got enough crude "poop" humor to keep any guy entertained! A solid A!
THE PLOT:
This somewhat predictable basic plot consists of two friends, one, in a relationship, unsure of where it is going, which surprisingly ends up in an engagement. The second friend, a very lost, beaten down woman who has recently had her dreams shattered by a failing economy and who has a steady hook-up plan with the stereotypical playboy, but no steady relationship except with her best friend. The spark in the plot is when Lillian (the friend in the steady relationship, played by the hilarious Maya Rudolf from SNL) gets engaged. Her hot-mess-of-a-friend, Annie, whom she has been friends with her entire life, is naturally expected to be the MOH (Maid of Honor). The conflict comes in at the posh engagement party when Lillian's new friend, Helen, steps in and begins the process of pushing Annie out of the wedding party. Meanwhile, because she is less than financially able at this point, Annie has neglected many necessary things in her life. One of these being the non-functioning taillights to her 1992 POS coupe. Consequently, she is pulled over by an awkwardly handsome Irish cop with whom she strikes up a relationship with.
Now, like I said, the first time I saw this movie, I laughed until I cried. The combination of relatable situations and shitting in the street was just too good. The second time I saw it is when I realized that there was more to this movie than just the shenanigans of a MOH dealing with a major life change, as well as potentially losing her best friend to a rich, spoiled, and fake woman with no other friends.
The actual main plight of this film is a woman who has faced trials professionally, and has been beaten down so long in her personal life, she doesn't really know a good thing when she sees it. I guess you could say that she has been mistreated for so long and has come to accept it, she really takes for granted something great when it comes her way. She seems to settle for something that's far below what she deserves in exchange for something that has extraordinary potential.
In contrast to other movies of this nature, this film portrays something that women actually deal with. So often we assume that what we have, especially when the chips are down, is what we deserve, when in reality, what is in front of us is infinitely better and we don't even see it. The main moral of the film is being able to find the good in life, and sticking with those, through thick and thin, who have been with you all along. Sometimes those who know us the best are the most accurate mirrors to show us who we are and who we are destined to be. Needless to say, I think this movie was great, not JUST for girls, but guys will enjoy this one as well. It's got enough crude "poop" humor to keep any guy entertained! A solid A!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Water For Elephants
Whether we realize it or not, the stories that resonate with us the most, that stay with us, are those that depict the themes of salvation and reconciliation. As human beings, we are hard wired to gravitate towards these; we are all in need of salvation from sin, and in turn we also possess a longing for reconciliation with God. Movies that depict these themes, whatever the context, may not always be the most “critically acclaimed”, but they are always the ones which the audience walks away from with a feeling of satisfaction. These are the two themes that make up an exceptional narrative, and they are both present in “Water for Elephants.
As excited as I was to see this movie, I still tried to remain objective going into it. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, all I knew was that the combination of Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson could either end in triumph or disaster, and though I tried to let objectivity rule, within the first five minutes I was already swept up in the story and knew I was going to love it. The story centers around Jacob, a veterinary school almost-graduate (Pattinson) living in the middle of the great depression. On the day of his last final exam and graduation, he is pulled out of the test and informed that both his parents had died in a car accident, leaving him parentless, homeless, and without a degree. That day, he decides to start walking to the nearest city which is Albany, and on his way hops onto a train in the middle of the night. The train happens to be a traveling circus, and the men allow him to stay aboard and give him work. He is soon introduced to the owner, August, who allows him to stay on as the circus vet after learning of his background. The moment he see's Marlana (Reese) who he later learns is the boss' wife, is hooked and knows he has to stay. She is not only the horse trainer, but also the main act in the show. This is where I will leave you as far as the plot is concerned, at least for the time being, because there are so many aspects of this movie to cover, and so little time...
The exposition of every character in this movie is flawless... We meet Jacob in present day as an old man who has run away from his nursing home to rejoin the circus. As he tells his story to the circus manager, we are immediately introduced to young Jacob, and made to understand the type of man he is and why he decides to "join the circus". As much as I loved this honorable, strong, endearing, and nearly perfect character, I was much more drawn to both Marlena and August and the relationship between them. August basically has built this circus from the ground up, during the most difficult era for traveling entertainment. He is a brutal, cut-throat, nearly heartless employer who doesn't hesitate to beat his animals or throw men off the train to their death if he can't afford to pay them anymore. It seems that his only weakness is Marlana, his wife. He cannot handle her being upset or angry at him, yet doesn't hesitate to beat the crap out of her on a whim. It is difficult for me to describe how fabulous the plot is without divulging a little more, so I will try to keep it to a minimum....
Because the circus business is doing so badly, August makes one last attempt to redeem his empire by purchasing an elephant named Rosie to attract crowds. He appoints Marlana to work with the elephant as the main attraction, and appoints Jacob to be the trainer. The two become close friends working with Rosie. They are united in the attempt to make Rosie ready to perform, as well as keeping August from beating her with the bull poke, usually in vain. Sooner or later Jacob figures out that Rosie understands and responds to commands given in Polish (he himself grew up the son of Polish immigrants who spoke mostly Polish... lucky turn of events for both Jacob and Rosie) All the while we as the audience are put through a painful yet exciting process of delayed gratification waiting for the honorable Jacob to finally make his move on Marlana.
The actual love story between the two starts out slow and continues as such throughout the first half of the movie, until the two escape a prohibition raid at one of August's parties and share a kiss in the alley. From then on, things get more complicated (details you will have to see for yourself, because in case you haven't picked up on it yet, I want you to see this movie).
I know I said before that the plot centers around Jacob, however the real cohesion of the story is found in Rosie and Marlana. These two are the characters around which every major decision is made, and the two who are in need of the most salvation throughout the story. As with most exceptional narratives, this one plays into the truth that humans have a natural need for salvation and reconciliation. Both Rosie and Marlana are helpless, condemned to live life in their own version of hell, and their salvation is found in Jacob, who risks everything in order to free them from their fate of living life with August and the traveling circus. At one point in the film, Marlana confesses to Jacob that she grew up in foster homes and at seventeen met August. right then and there she decided that she would not go back to the outside world. She sees him as her savior from "the outside" where she feels there is nothing for her, and puts up with the abuse because it is better than the life she know before she met him. Jacob gives her a new hope of a better life, bringing her back to the “outside”, which is infinitely better than the life she’s been enduring.
So, I MAY have given away some of the story, and you may have even guessed how the story ends at this point, but I guarantee you will miss out on an amazing story and an amazing visual experience if you don’t go see it for yourself. I have to warn you that if you are sensitive to the depiction of human or animal abuse (like I am) it will be hard to watch at times. However, it is incredibly pertinent to the story and I am sure no animals were actually harmed, but I just thought I would mention it because it did make me cringe. Also, the cinematography is spectacular. The colors and lighting really give a feel for the time period, and the candid, sometimes gruesome shots make you feel like you are in the middle of the dirty underworld of circus life. The costumes, set, etc, are great as well. There really isn’t anything I can say that is inherently bad about this movie. The one thing that was very obvious to me was that it is based on a book. I’ve come to realize that most movies that have a supporting narration throughout usually are. Unlike some other movies which depended on the narration, the one in this film serves as a supporting exposition for the most part. That aspect, as well as a few others such as time period, vivid use of color, forbidden love, and exposing the grotesque underbelly of the entertainment industry of the early 20th century, to me are reminiscent of Moulin Rouge, without the singing, of course.
It also goes without saying that the acting was superb. Reese is one of my favorites, and is great in just about everything including this. Christopher Waltz, who played “August”, is perfect in that he has the ability to create a character which is so easy for the audience to hate. His menacing smile and arrogant, smart-ass demeanor not only served him well in this film, but also as the Nazi general in “Inglorious Bastards”. I think he might be one of my top favorite perpetual villains, second to Kevin Spacey, of course. I must confess I was a little bit nervous about Robert Pattinson playing a leading role in which he wasn't a blood sucking hottie, (after all, he will ALWAYS be Edward Cullen in my mind, just a little bit) but he proved to be much more than eye candy, although he did do that exceptionally as well. Because I feel like I can call myself a fan of his, I am worried that he is falling into the type-casting trap. I didn’t see “Remember Me”, but from what I hear, he plays a tragic hero/leading man in that as well. I feel like it would be a wise career move for him to try and get a part as an antagonist, just to keep us on our toes and prove that he can be more than just a great romantic leading man….just a thought.
This movie had it all, as far as I’m concerned; a great script, amazing cast, beautiful production value, and universal themes which resonate with the audience. Go see it. Or at the very least, rent it. A+
As excited as I was to see this movie, I still tried to remain objective going into it. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, all I knew was that the combination of Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson could either end in triumph or disaster, and though I tried to let objectivity rule, within the first five minutes I was already swept up in the story and knew I was going to love it. The story centers around Jacob, a veterinary school almost-graduate (Pattinson) living in the middle of the great depression. On the day of his last final exam and graduation, he is pulled out of the test and informed that both his parents had died in a car accident, leaving him parentless, homeless, and without a degree. That day, he decides to start walking to the nearest city which is Albany, and on his way hops onto a train in the middle of the night. The train happens to be a traveling circus, and the men allow him to stay aboard and give him work. He is soon introduced to the owner, August, who allows him to stay on as the circus vet after learning of his background. The moment he see's Marlana (Reese) who he later learns is the boss' wife, is hooked and knows he has to stay. She is not only the horse trainer, but also the main act in the show. This is where I will leave you as far as the plot is concerned, at least for the time being, because there are so many aspects of this movie to cover, and so little time...
The exposition of every character in this movie is flawless... We meet Jacob in present day as an old man who has run away from his nursing home to rejoin the circus. As he tells his story to the circus manager, we are immediately introduced to young Jacob, and made to understand the type of man he is and why he decides to "join the circus". As much as I loved this honorable, strong, endearing, and nearly perfect character, I was much more drawn to both Marlena and August and the relationship between them. August basically has built this circus from the ground up, during the most difficult era for traveling entertainment. He is a brutal, cut-throat, nearly heartless employer who doesn't hesitate to beat his animals or throw men off the train to their death if he can't afford to pay them anymore. It seems that his only weakness is Marlana, his wife. He cannot handle her being upset or angry at him, yet doesn't hesitate to beat the crap out of her on a whim. It is difficult for me to describe how fabulous the plot is without divulging a little more, so I will try to keep it to a minimum....
Because the circus business is doing so badly, August makes one last attempt to redeem his empire by purchasing an elephant named Rosie to attract crowds. He appoints Marlana to work with the elephant as the main attraction, and appoints Jacob to be the trainer. The two become close friends working with Rosie. They are united in the attempt to make Rosie ready to perform, as well as keeping August from beating her with the bull poke, usually in vain. Sooner or later Jacob figures out that Rosie understands and responds to commands given in Polish (he himself grew up the son of Polish immigrants who spoke mostly Polish... lucky turn of events for both Jacob and Rosie) All the while we as the audience are put through a painful yet exciting process of delayed gratification waiting for the honorable Jacob to finally make his move on Marlana.
The actual love story between the two starts out slow and continues as such throughout the first half of the movie, until the two escape a prohibition raid at one of August's parties and share a kiss in the alley. From then on, things get more complicated (details you will have to see for yourself, because in case you haven't picked up on it yet, I want you to see this movie).
I know I said before that the plot centers around Jacob, however the real cohesion of the story is found in Rosie and Marlana. These two are the characters around which every major decision is made, and the two who are in need of the most salvation throughout the story. As with most exceptional narratives, this one plays into the truth that humans have a natural need for salvation and reconciliation. Both Rosie and Marlana are helpless, condemned to live life in their own version of hell, and their salvation is found in Jacob, who risks everything in order to free them from their fate of living life with August and the traveling circus. At one point in the film, Marlana confesses to Jacob that she grew up in foster homes and at seventeen met August. right then and there she decided that she would not go back to the outside world. She sees him as her savior from "the outside" where she feels there is nothing for her, and puts up with the abuse because it is better than the life she know before she met him. Jacob gives her a new hope of a better life, bringing her back to the “outside”, which is infinitely better than the life she’s been enduring.
So, I MAY have given away some of the story, and you may have even guessed how the story ends at this point, but I guarantee you will miss out on an amazing story and an amazing visual experience if you don’t go see it for yourself. I have to warn you that if you are sensitive to the depiction of human or animal abuse (like I am) it will be hard to watch at times. However, it is incredibly pertinent to the story and I am sure no animals were actually harmed, but I just thought I would mention it because it did make me cringe. Also, the cinematography is spectacular. The colors and lighting really give a feel for the time period, and the candid, sometimes gruesome shots make you feel like you are in the middle of the dirty underworld of circus life. The costumes, set, etc, are great as well. There really isn’t anything I can say that is inherently bad about this movie. The one thing that was very obvious to me was that it is based on a book. I’ve come to realize that most movies that have a supporting narration throughout usually are. Unlike some other movies which depended on the narration, the one in this film serves as a supporting exposition for the most part. That aspect, as well as a few others such as time period, vivid use of color, forbidden love, and exposing the grotesque underbelly of the entertainment industry of the early 20th century, to me are reminiscent of Moulin Rouge, without the singing, of course.
It also goes without saying that the acting was superb. Reese is one of my favorites, and is great in just about everything including this. Christopher Waltz, who played “August”, is perfect in that he has the ability to create a character which is so easy for the audience to hate. His menacing smile and arrogant, smart-ass demeanor not only served him well in this film, but also as the Nazi general in “Inglorious Bastards”. I think he might be one of my top favorite perpetual villains, second to Kevin Spacey, of course. I must confess I was a little bit nervous about Robert Pattinson playing a leading role in which he wasn't a blood sucking hottie, (after all, he will ALWAYS be Edward Cullen in my mind, just a little bit) but he proved to be much more than eye candy, although he did do that exceptionally as well. Because I feel like I can call myself a fan of his, I am worried that he is falling into the type-casting trap. I didn’t see “Remember Me”, but from what I hear, he plays a tragic hero/leading man in that as well. I feel like it would be a wise career move for him to try and get a part as an antagonist, just to keep us on our toes and prove that he can be more than just a great romantic leading man….just a thought.
This movie had it all, as far as I’m concerned; a great script, amazing cast, beautiful production value, and universal themes which resonate with the audience. Go see it. Or at the very least, rent it. A+
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Kings Speech
I have been excited to see this movie since it's theatrical release, which I never made it to, but I finally got to see it tonight. It certainly did not disappoint. It was steeped in dry British humor, history, and heart. The film is set in early 20th century Britain and is centered around the royal family. George V is aging and is not unaware that someday soon one of his sons will need to take over the throne. His oldest son David is first in line, but is a great disappointment to the family in that he prefers to date married American women. The second, Albert (Colin Firth), or "Bertie" suffers from a life long speech impediment which causes him to stammer when he talks to anyone but his wife. The inciting incident is when Bertie, in his older brothers absence is forced to deliver a speech to the British empire and fails miserably. He is then referred to a doctor who tells him that smoking will help "relax the vocal chords" (never trust a British doctor, that's what I always say...). Finding no solace or help in the doctors many (ridiculous) remedies, he makes his wife promise not to solicit any more help. However, being the good wife that she is, she goes behind his back and finds a lower-middle class speech therapist Loinel(played by Geoffrey Rush, who is brilliant). In the interest of not spoiling the story, that is all I am going to say concerning the surface plot.
Instead, I am just going to focus on the underlying and more important theme. The conflict built between Bertie and Lionel is perfection. They come from completely opposite worlds, yet Bertie can do nothing to help himself concerning his speaking ability, and though throughout the movie refuses time and time again to admit it, he actually needs Lionel, both for his professional services and more importantly his friendship and camaraderie. Lionel not only helps him work on the physical mechanics of his problem, but as the movie continues and helps Bertie face the insecurities built up from his childhood. Though the relationship between the two men started out rigid and cold to say the least, it ended as a lifelong friendship.
I know this sounds super cheesy, and set in any other time and place, played by anyone but Colin Firth (<3) and Geoffrey Rush, it would be. There are very few special effects, but great, authentic English scenery. And it really is no wonder Colin Firth won the Academy award for best actor. He was positively outstanding. He made me forget I was watching him play the Duke of York, and made me believe he really was a damaged, self conscious, pitiful soul in search of human contact, emotion, and acceptance, which up until this point in his life was only given to him by his wife. Characters like this allow us to tap into a part of ourselves, and if done well, allow us to identify with their struggle and ultimate humanity, and the need for some sort of salvation. The Kings Speech delivered this rare opportunity for its audience perfectly, and did it with classic, good old British charm. A+
Instead, I am just going to focus on the underlying and more important theme. The conflict built between Bertie and Lionel is perfection. They come from completely opposite worlds, yet Bertie can do nothing to help himself concerning his speaking ability, and though throughout the movie refuses time and time again to admit it, he actually needs Lionel, both for his professional services and more importantly his friendship and camaraderie. Lionel not only helps him work on the physical mechanics of his problem, but as the movie continues and helps Bertie face the insecurities built up from his childhood. Though the relationship between the two men started out rigid and cold to say the least, it ended as a lifelong friendship.
I know this sounds super cheesy, and set in any other time and place, played by anyone but Colin Firth (<3) and Geoffrey Rush, it would be. There are very few special effects, but great, authentic English scenery. And it really is no wonder Colin Firth won the Academy award for best actor. He was positively outstanding. He made me forget I was watching him play the Duke of York, and made me believe he really was a damaged, self conscious, pitiful soul in search of human contact, emotion, and acceptance, which up until this point in his life was only given to him by his wife. Characters like this allow us to tap into a part of ourselves, and if done well, allow us to identify with their struggle and ultimate humanity, and the need for some sort of salvation. The Kings Speech delivered this rare opportunity for its audience perfectly, and did it with classic, good old British charm. A+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)