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Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Wonderful! Aged amazingly well.
What a wonderful and witty script, filled with cynicism and an immaculate set up of two characters-Joe Gillis and Norma Desmond-who are so different that they perfectly drive each other deeper into each other's hubris. The more I learned about the history of that time, and the wise allegory the film makes so ahead of its time, the more I appreciate this cinematic gem.
It's hard to know where to begin. The larger than life settings are awesome in the true sense of the word: from the formidable and grotesque mansion (with more trinkets than those owned by the world's best hoarders), to the real film sets in Paramount Studios, and the humdrum writing office turned into a courting stage filled with spark and excitement. The acting is fantastic, and Gloria Swanson seems to have been born for this part-perhaps her creation of Norma was inspired by her own experience, being a silent film star herself.
The intelligent plot and character development brings both Desmond and Gillis to self-destruct, and bury each other further in delusions, while staying entirely convincing throughout. The misery of both of them, and their consequent desperation and need for each other, makes the viewer even more engrossed in the picture and the inevitable fate of the two.
There are not enough words to describe the magnificence and precociousness of this film-it simply needs to be experienced and taken in. How lucky to have been able to watch it on the big screen! Thank you TCM.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Meditation on love and human needs
This film takes such a fresh (and at times disturbing) approach to love that it might repel some viewers. Yet, for those who possess and open mind to witness the unconventional transformation of the two protagonists Woodcock (Day Lewis) and Alma (Vicky Krieps) luscious surprises await, not the least of which are the gestures of appreciation and jealousy they wreak on each other.
The structure of the story brings to light all the internal conflicts within ourselves, the seemingly conflicting feelings and urges of loving someone, growing increasingly jealous of them, and needing the other to love and appreciate us all collide in sequences of unexpected-- but perfectly executed-- scenes of mutual quips turned insults, leading up to understanding and acceptance of these very contradicting qualities. Less abstraction would reveal key details of the plot, but all I'll say is that this emotional pendulum between the two protagonists is wonderful to watch and supplies much fodder for future (self) analysis.
The performances are fantastic, across the board. Aside for the two leads who nail each gesture, eye shift, and facial expression of their characters, Lesley Manville (who plays Cyril, Mr. Woodcock's sister) is particularly fantastic. I really hope she makes the Oscar lineup this year. She's simply marvelous.
Go watch this movie, with an open mind, and prepare yourself for some beautifully shot and compellingly written surprises.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
A flat-out masterpiece.
This film tells you by compelling you to experience Elio's world, embodied so beautifully by Timothee Chalamet and under Luca Guadagnino's careful direction, which lends this masterpiece its timeless quality. This film sneaks up on you, as you feel that you are walking with Elio in his journey of self-discovery and are implicated in every juncture in his path.
Let this film-- this experience-- engulf you and activate all of your senses. It will, and when it does, don't resist it. Like Elio, I went through a cinematic journey that left me feeling never quite the same. A must-see.
A Better Life (2011)
Bichir is excellent, but the movie often misses.
"A Better Life" has a lot of material in order to create a moving and truly appealing story. It follows the lives of Carlos- an illegal alien working as a gardener in Los Angeles, and his son Luis. Carlos is trying to set the ground for a better life for his son. He spends his last savings (including money from his sister, who helps him out) on a truck, hoping to become an independent gardener. This will enable him to save up and hire a lawyer in order to take care of all of the paperwork needed.
Unfortunately, this complex situation isn't enough for the screenwriter to leverage his story into a compelling tale.
More than a third of the film focuses on Carlos's efforts to retrieve the truck he had just acquired, which was stolen from him by another laborer he offered a job to one day. This screenwriter's decision may have made sense, if the journey to find he truck would have exposed us, the viewers, to the complexities of the lives of illegal aliens in the States. Instead, most of the characterization remains shallow and unsatisfying. That's too bad, since this subject could have "forced" the viewer to go in depth into such issues, which he/she would rather swerve off his sight.
However, kudos must be given to Bichir, the shining pearl of this film, for expressing Carlos's sincere hopelessness in a situation caused by hopeful decisions. I could really feel the parent in him, his true concern for his son- his sole purpose in life. I'm glad he was recognized (unbelievably) by the Academy. Hopefully this will jump start his career and we'll get to see more of this talented actor.
Tender Mercies (1983)
Wonderful film, thanks to Horton Foote and Robert Duvall.
This is the kind of film you leave with a new appreciation for life. The story focuses on Mac Sledge, a retired Country singer who had lost faith in everything- life, love, success, and hope. He moves to a motel in plans of drinking himself to death. Just then, perhaps of unbearable loneliness and his destructive state, he befriends with the motel's manager, and she agrees to let him stay and help her run her gas station.
Slowly but gradually, Sledge begins to fall in love with her, and his appreciation of the tender mercies in life is sparked. The quite lifestyle he now conducts makes him give up his major bad habit- the drinking.
Horton Foote, the screenwriter, does brilliant work in weaving Sledges experiences and inner thoughts into an inspiring story. Using no cheap Hollywood manipulations, he subtly constructs a sincere and deeply moving portrayal of a man who wouldn't easily give up on his past demons- only to find out life had different plans for him. We slowly get to know Sledge, one piece at a time, and by the end of the film we identify with the character to such a level, that we wish we could feel the empowering impact of life, just as he did.
Robert Duvall is fantastic in his honest portrayal, mastering the smallest of nuances and brilliantly conveying Sledge's inner feelings and dilemmas.
This is a movie for the patient watcher. Especially in this modern era where the watcher's eye can't focus on an image if it's still for more than five seconds. I assure you, however, that as this film unfolds, you will find yourself having a similar fulfilling journey just like the one the main character goes through. And how many modern films are able to grant you the same experience?