"Bee Season" is an engrossing little film, despite being very strange. I've wanted to see this film ever since I saw its beautiful trailer, and I have to say, the trailer is nothing like the movie (though maybe that's a good thing anyway, since it gives the public a listen to Scott Mallone's haunting song). Still, it warrants a recommendation, if you're in the mood for something a little different. Okay, something VERY different.
"Bee Season" tells the story of a Californian family (not the kind one would normally associate with California-this isn't Newport Beach). Saul (Richard Gere) is the patriarch, a professor who studies Jewish mysticism. Mother Miriam (Juliette Binoche) is a scientist who practices some rather unusual activities outside the home and the lab. Aaron (Max Minghella) finds new religion. And daughter Eliza (Flora Cross) finds herself at the center of attention when she wins a spelling bee.
The film touches on a lot of elements; some of which I got, others I didn't. Directors Scott McGhee and David Siegel use many literary techniques to adapt Myla Goldberg's novel to the screen. Symbolism is prominent both in meaning and approach (I won't go into details to avoid giving anything away).
The acting really centers around the four leads. Richard Gere has geared his time towards roles that allow him to act instead of be a "moviestar." His portrayal of Saul is excellent. He is so self-absorbed that he is blind to everyone else's needs and emotions. Gere allows him to be aloof, but ordinary on the surface, not stuck up (he believes in what he's saying). Juliette Binoche is excellent as always (I can't say anything more). Max Minghella is great as the jealous older brother, though he doesn't go for the cliché and take it out on Eliza, he goes for the source (Saul). Newcomer Flora Cross is excellent as Eliza, who has so much suddenly thrown upon her shoulders.
In a way, "Bee Season" is more of a mystery than a suburban drama (though it contains heavy elements of the latter). The story elements are presented a little at a time, and the focus switches from person to person. Yet McGhee and Siegel keep everything flowing like water, and it never drags. The film draws you in and completely envelops you with its spell. Credit goes to the director for being able to do that.
I recommend the film, but its not for everyone. It's for people who pay attention and appreciate intelligent drama. Flawed, but worth your time if that describes you.
"Bee Season" tells the story of a Californian family (not the kind one would normally associate with California-this isn't Newport Beach). Saul (Richard Gere) is the patriarch, a professor who studies Jewish mysticism. Mother Miriam (Juliette Binoche) is a scientist who practices some rather unusual activities outside the home and the lab. Aaron (Max Minghella) finds new religion. And daughter Eliza (Flora Cross) finds herself at the center of attention when she wins a spelling bee.
The film touches on a lot of elements; some of which I got, others I didn't. Directors Scott McGhee and David Siegel use many literary techniques to adapt Myla Goldberg's novel to the screen. Symbolism is prominent both in meaning and approach (I won't go into details to avoid giving anything away).
The acting really centers around the four leads. Richard Gere has geared his time towards roles that allow him to act instead of be a "moviestar." His portrayal of Saul is excellent. He is so self-absorbed that he is blind to everyone else's needs and emotions. Gere allows him to be aloof, but ordinary on the surface, not stuck up (he believes in what he's saying). Juliette Binoche is excellent as always (I can't say anything more). Max Minghella is great as the jealous older brother, though he doesn't go for the cliché and take it out on Eliza, he goes for the source (Saul). Newcomer Flora Cross is excellent as Eliza, who has so much suddenly thrown upon her shoulders.
In a way, "Bee Season" is more of a mystery than a suburban drama (though it contains heavy elements of the latter). The story elements are presented a little at a time, and the focus switches from person to person. Yet McGhee and Siegel keep everything flowing like water, and it never drags. The film draws you in and completely envelops you with its spell. Credit goes to the director for being able to do that.
I recommend the film, but its not for everyone. It's for people who pay attention and appreciate intelligent drama. Flawed, but worth your time if that describes you.