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#Oscars: “Triangle of Sadness” (2022) starring Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, & Woody Harrelson
In Ruben Östlund’s wickedly funny Palme d’Or winner, social hierarchy is turned upside down, revealing the tawdry relationship between power and beauty. Celebrity model couple, Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), are invited on a luxury cruise for the uber-rich, helmed by an unhinged boat captain (Woody Harrelson). What first appeared instagrammable ends catastrophically, leaving the survivors stranded on a desert island and fighting for survival. -Official Synopsis
Casting Juror: Can you relax your triangle of sadness? Like between your eyebrows here? A little bit more. OK. And open your mouth so you look a bit more available. OK, not that much, a little bit less.
The opening sequence w/ the casting of male models was inspired by writer/director Ruben Östlund’s wife (a fashion photographer). This is the Swedish director’s 1st film in English. This marks the 2nd time that Östlund has was awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes; he previously won for The Square (2017). British actor Harris Dickinson (now 27 y.o.) won his role after 120 others had auditioned; he spent some time in the Royal Marines Cadets, so he’d have known exactly how to survive on a desert island (unlike Carl). This role is a far cry from Dickinson’s (villainous/macho) one in the disappointing movie Where the Crawdads Sing (2022). Charlbi Dean (a South African model-turned-actress) sadly died after the film’s release at age 32; no cause of death was released (though she had a lung infection, complicated by the fact that she’d lost her spleen years before in a car accident).
We [he and his wife] started talking about fashion and the strategy of marketing, and beauty as a currency. Beauty is attractive, but it’s also scary. Beauty is settling the hierarchy so much- that was really the starting point. -Ruben Ostlund
One critic commented that this (NO hold barred) dark comedy/satire is like 3 movies in one. Another said that “nothing is subtle about it’s delivery or message.” The 1st act (titled Part I) is about the relationship btwn two 20-ish models- Carl (Dickinson) and Yaya (Dean)- who are having relationship probs. Carl (though he posed for a fancy cologne ad a few yrs ago) now makes much less money than his gf, Yaya (who walks Paris runways). However, Yaya (who is also an influencer) is happy to let Carl pay for dinner (at a snooty/pricy) restaurant. (FYI: We learn that male models make about 1/3 of what the females in their field make.) Carl says: “I want us to be equals and is in love w/ Yaya. She nonchalantly admits that she’s waiting to become “a trophy wife.” Hmmm, we wonder IF they can make it (in the long-run)?
[Quoting From Noam Chomsky’s Book: How the World Works]
The Captain: ‘How people perceive themselves is nothing that interests me. There are very few that are gonna look in the mirror and say: The person I see is a savage monster. Instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.’
Part II takes place on a luxury yacht (price: $250M) somewhere in the Mediterranean. The diverse crew is made up of Aussies, Greeks, Filipinos, etc. The guests are from all over the world, incl. England, Germany, and Russia. There are a motley crew of character actors which we meet; most are terrible people, though a few are NOT unsympathetic. The boat’s possibly alcoholic/Marxist captain is played by Woody Harrelson (which will come as a surprise to some viewers)! IF you’re a squeamish/sensitive viewer, this section has gross elements (as I noted re: Babylon). As for Part III, I’m NOT going to say much, but it’s quite unexpected! This is the most interesting part of the movie; earlier parts tended to drag on (and could’ve been edited down more). Why are movies SO long lately!?
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (NOW PLAYING) starring Melissa McCarthy
[1] A quirky black comedy everyone will enjoy, but still full of emotion and heart.
[2] McCarthy really shines in her role as author Lee Israel and effortlessly portrays the loneliness and insecurity of her character. Her rapport with Grant (and even with the cat) is wonderful, and the writing is clever.
[3] The screenplay has a wonderful way of portraying Israel and Jack Hock as criminals, but at the same time making them both very human and very vulnerable, each in their own way. There is a scene between them near the end that tore me up. I hope this film finds the accolades it deserves, it’s great to finally see a gem in a year of remakes, CGI and dull comedies.
-Excerpts form IMDB reviews
Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy) made her living in the 70’s and 80’s writing biographies of the famous (Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder, etc.) With bills mounting, and facing loss income, she begins drinking heavily and sinking into a deep depression when (by chance) she discovers that a lot of money can be made by selling letters of the famous (such as Dorothy Parker and Noel Coward). Lee is assisted by her flamboyant/energetic friend, Jack Hock (British actor Richard E. Grant). Jane Curtin has a cameo as Lee’s literary agent.
This is an adaptation of the memoir Can You Ever Forgive Me? by Israel herself. McCarthy’s husband, Ben Falcone, was attached to the project before she was; he recommended her when Julianne Moore backed out. I got a chance to see this little gem of a film (at a free press screening) 3 weeks ago. I think it will appeal to indie fans, esp. teachers, librarians, classic film buffs, and those who write for a career (or even for fun). McCarthy wears (terribly cut/styled) wigs, frumpy clothes, and takes on a difficult/hard-edged personality. She seems to almost disappear into the role! This is the type of (unlikable) role usually written for a male protagonist. This film is playing (in limited release), so check it out if you can, or put it on your list for future streaming.
Meet Singer/Songwriter Sam Riggs
Why didn’t I learn about this FAB voice before!? I’m SO far behind what’s out there (in the music world)! If any of YOU have music suggestions for me, just leave a comment below.
Sam (just 28 y.o.) is originally from Florida, BUT started his music career (singing, writing, playing guitar & fiddle) in Austin, TX. He and his band (The Night People) slowly built their reputation by touring across the Lone Star state in small venues. In the past 3 yrs, Sam’s profile has grown exponentially, thanks to loyal local fans, magazine articles, and Kickstarter supporters who raised close to $38,000 to help produce one of his albums.
I was browsing the $6.99 Country albums (on iTunes) last night when I found his latest album- “Breathless.” But this is NOT the type of voice that belongs in the discount section! Sam’s songs are authentic country (w/ lyrics reminiscent of what I LOVED in the ’90s). There are new/innovative touches- steel drum intro in one song, some rapping in another.
There are a FEW music videos and videos of Sam’s acoustic sessions on YouTube (produced by his wife, Natalie Rhea). I’ve listened to “Breathless”- every song was good, yet different! Five of these songs were written by Sam and his long-time friend/drummer. Never underestimate the power REAL talent and word of mouth! You can subscribe to Sam’s YouTube channel and follow him on Twitter.
AFI Latin American Film Festival (SEPT 17 – OCT 7): Selected Trailers
Hello everyone,
Happy Friday!
It’s time again for the AFI Latin American Film Festival (#AFILatinFilm for those who tweet) in my ‘hood of Silver Spring, MD- YAY! The diverse array of films will be shown at the AFI Silver Theater & Cultural Center (8633 Colesville Rd.) Spread the word to fam, pals, & co-workers- there will be something for everyone (no doubt). On Thursdays and Fridays starting Sept. 18, there are Happy Hours 6-7 PM w/ complimentary snacks courtesy of La Malinche Restaurant, Latin American drink specials and festive music. You can also read my previous reviews here.
***FYI: Tickets for ALL films (except Opening Night) are half price on Sept. 11!***
Full list of films: http://afi.com/silver/laff/latinfilmlist2015.aspx
Below are trailers for the 3 films I’m going to see:
Marshland (FRI, 9/18) – Crime Thriller; winner of 10 Goya Awards (Spain’s Oscars)
How to Win Enemies (TUES, 9/29) – Dark Comedy/Mystery (Argentina); Q&A w/ filmmaker
Trash (WED, 10/7) – In English & Portuguese; starring Martin Sheen & Rooney Mara
Thanks for visiting,
EMMA
Knightleyemma 