Tag: Drama

“Carmen” (2022) starring Melissa Barrera & Paul Mescal

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Love is a rebellious bird that nobody can tame… -A tagline for the movie

To escape a cartel, a young Mexican dancer, Carmen (Melissa Barrera), heads north to the US (California). Her route takes her through a desert guarded by the US Border Patrol, as well as a small group of (coded as fanatical) white men who seem to hunt ppl for sport. Mixed among these men is a newcomer/Army veteran, Aidan (Paul Mescal), desperate to earn money for the mortgage on his humble family home. Soon, the mismatched pair meet and start toward LA together. Carmen’s goal is to seek refuge in a club run by her deceased mom’s best friend, Masilda (Rossy de Palma).

This is the 1st film of choreographer/dancer Benjamin Millepied (ex-hubby of Natalie Portman); he and the actress met while working on Black Swan (2010). As some of you MAY know, they had a bad break-up (after he cheated w/ a younger woman). Jamie Dornan was originally going to play Aidan, BUT was replaced by Mescal (who is much younger). Barrera (who I’d never seen before) appeared in Lin Manuel Miranda’s movie musical In the Heights (2021). Recently, Barrera made comments on social media (re: Israel-Hamas); she was fired from the upcoming Scream movie. This movie was shot in Australia; Elsa Pataky (Chris Hemsworth’s wife) has a small role. I recall seeing her in the (short-lived) TV series Queen of Swords (2000-2001).

IF anyone asks for an example of an undercooked movie, then refer them to Carmen! The characters are V shallow (as in drawn w/ a broad brush); there is barely any plot. Perhaps worst of all, the dancing (NOT an expert here) looks basic/easy! I’m a fan of Mescal (who is Irish and just 27); here we see that he’s NOT yet 100% comfortable w/ an American accent. He does some dancing, which was pretty good (IMO). Hey, let’s give him a break here; youth is for trying new things, making mistakes, and growing! The filmmakers needed to realize that you can’t just rely on attractive actors/settings. As the Youngbloods say, this is “just vibes.” I’d suggest y’all check out Carmen Jones instead.

[1] I had high hopes for this feature. I’m a ballet and opera fan and am familiar with Benjamin Millepede. Unfortunately this was a sometimes excruciatingly slow movie to watch. There were some highly stylized scenes that were memorable… most of them were not. The scenes for the most part did not hang together to form a whole storyline.

[2] As it’s heralded as Carmen, and clearly veering towards Carmen Jones, I am utterly confused as to what this mess was. […]

I’m just so confused as to how this had none of the operatics. It was awful and yet I was SO excited to watch this. It was a mismatch of desultory exchanges and unexciting conversations.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The Bigamist” (1953) starring Edmond O’Brien, Joan Fontaine, Ida Lupino, & Edmund Gwenn

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Wanted by two women! -A tagline for the film

Harry Graham (Edmond O’Brien) and his wife of 8 yrs, Eve (Joan Fontaine), are trying to adopt a baby; they have a successful/small business. The head of the adoption agency, Mr. Jordan (Edmund Gwenn), senses that Harry is hiding something, so does some investigating. There are several in-jokes about Santa Claus here; Gwenn played Kris Kringle in the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street (1947). The agent soon discovers that Harry has done a LOT of traveling from his (luxury/condo) home in San Fran to L.A. Mr. Jordan goes to a lovely house in LA, where Harry has a 2nd wife- Phyllis Martin (Ida Lupino, also the director)- and (shocker) a baby! Desperate to explain himself, Harry reveals to Mr. Jordan (via flashbacks) how he ended up w/ 2 lives.

Writer/producer Collier Young was then the husband of Fontaine; he’d previously been married to Lupino. Wow, Hollywood is a small world! This is the ONLY time Lupino directed herself; she’s one of the 1st female stars to direct herself. Her best known film is the “The Hitchhiker”(1953) which also co-starred O’Brien. All of Lupino’s (small-budget/indie) films are marked by a concern for the lives of ordinary folks.

Harry Graham [re: meeting Phyllis]: For the first time, I felt needed; I loved Eve, but I never felt she needed me.

This is a small gem of a film that MAY surprise you; the issues delved into are modern. The acting from the 3 main actors is V good. Some reviewers commented that their sympathies were mostly w/ Eve; after she became “career-focused,” Harry felt like he was NOT needed. It turns out that Eve is a great assistant to her husband, so they BOTH benefit from the resulting success. Phyllis is a waitress who lives in a rented room; she’s NOT the type of woman who’d be “threatening” to most men. As this is in the public domain, so you can watch it for free.

[1] I found this to be an interesting film; it certainly wasn’t the sort of topic I expected to be explored in a film of this era… especially given its sympathetic portrayal of Harry. […] Edmond O’Brien does an impressive job as Harry and gets fine support from Joan Fontaine and Ida Lupino as Eve and Phyllis. Ida Lupino also does an impressive directing…

[2] The movie is shown through flashbacks. And, despite the sensational plot, the movie is actually done very sedately and avoids sensationalism. Instead, it tries to portray O’Brien in a pretty sympathetic light–while not excusing his actions. And, by doing so, the movie really gets you thinking. An excellent job of acting by all, but the star of this picture is Ida Lupino…

[3] Lupino and the script manage to provide an honest look at the situation with few hindrances from the strict production code of the era. Only at a couple of odd moments can you tell that they had to shift gears slightly, so as to placate the censors. Although the movie is low-key and straightforward, it’s a commendable effort, and it makes for good drama.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Unfaithfully Yours” (1948) starring Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell, Rudy Vallee, & Barbara Lawrence

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A Funloaded story against a Backdrop of Magnificent Music! -A tagline for the film

Barbara [to her husband, after seeing Sir Alfred being romantic]: You see, some men just naturally make you think of Brut champagne. With others you think of prune juice.
August, her husband: Oh, ho!
Barbara: You have nothing to laugh at!

While conducting a symphony orchestra, Sir Alfred De Carter (Rex Harrison), imagines 3 different ways of dealing w/ his wife Daphne’s (Linda Darnell) suspected infidelity. When he tries acting out his fantasies, things don’t go how he saw in his imagination! I rented this movie from Amazon Prime; it was also recently part of the Noir City DC Film Fest. Unfaithfully Yours was written/produced/directed by one of the early auteurs in Hollywood- Preston Sturges. As y’all cinephiles may know, Sturges also worked on w/ Remember the Night (1939), The Lady Eve (1941), and Sullivan’s Travels (1941) among other films. The music primarily used is from 3 composers: Rossini, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner.

Sir Alfred [to his wife, Daphne]: A thousand poets dreamed a thousand years, and you were born, my love.

The release of Unfaithfully Yours was delayed for several mos. b/c studio officials feared a backlash from the negative publicity surrounding the drug overdose/suicide of actress Carole Landis in July 1948. She was involved in an affair w/ Harrison; her body was found by him at her house. Although considered a classic today, the movie was a box office failure. The fantasy flashbacks were thought to be too experimental for its time and in poor taste. Fans of the (usually suave) Harrison objected to how he was portrayed here (doing pratfalls; behaving frenzied). The actor later called Sturges one of the V few men of genius he’d met in Hollywood.

Det. Sweeney [being a fanboy of Sir Alfred]: You handle Handel like nobody handles Handel. And your Delius – delirious!

[1] Preston Sturges, the creative mind behind this enjoyable film, was at the top of his profession. With this film, he solidified his position as one of the most innovative directors of that era in Hollywood. He wrote and directed with impeccable style that characterized most of the work he did for the cinema.

Rex Harrison gave an amazing performance as Alfred, the conductor whose jealousy gets the best of him. The last sequence at his apartment, after the concert is one of the best comic turns by this actor who goes through all the emotions, and furniture, in a frenzied manner.

[2] This movie is, at times, very black. It starts out pretty funny with Harrison spitting out his lines rapidly and his sense of comic timing was just perfect. When he has the fantasies though it turns dark and is pretty gruesome–especially for 1948. However, when he tries to carry them out and things go wrong, the film is uproarious.

[3] Rex Harrison comedy in films was mostly of the tongue and mind. He is known in most of his comedic roles for the witty quips, humorous repartee and funny dialogue. While there’s a smattering of that here, “Unfaithfully Yours” is mostly a departure from the normal Harrison persona. Here, he is very funny for his antics and the fumbling, bumbling and pratfalls. He reminds one instantly of the Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Passages” (2023) starring Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw, & Adele Exarchopoulos

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SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen, or don’t want to know, details from the movie Passages (2023) streaming on MUBI.

…a form of cultural censorship that is quite dangerous, particularly in a culture which is already battling, in such extreme ways, the possibility of LGBT imagery to exist. -Ira Sachs (co-writer/director) on the NC-17 rating given to the film by the MPAA

At the wrap party for his latest movie, 30-something director, Tomas (Franz Rogowski- a German actor), celebrates w/ his hubby, Martin (Ben Whishaw- a British character actor), the film crew, and their guests. Among these guests is a 20-ish teacher, Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos- a Frenchwoman), who invites Tomas to dance. Soon, the two begin an affair, which puts strain on the relationship btwn Tomas, Martin, and their wider social circle.

I really liked how in this story the 3rd person is a woman. Because it shows how awkward it is to maybe try to have that balance of freedom and being open to people exploring, but also wanting traditional needs met. […]

He [Tomas] is not interested in making anyone else comfortable but himself.

-Excerpts from YouTube video by Jelly Fish Reviews (8/1/23)

This indie film was rejected by both Cannes and the Venice film fests; it had its world premiere at Sundance. Ira Sachs (who is American) and the film’s distributor, MUBI, rejected the NC-17 rating; it was released in theaters (unrated) in AUG 2023. I heard some positive things from media critics I follow, so had high hopes for this movie. I think many ppl are hungry for mature dramas w/ serious themes. This story has a V unusual/interesting premise, BUT there is little in the way of character development. Polyamory is NOT a topic we see discussed much in media.

The unlikeable protagonist (NOT a hero) doesn’t grow/learn/change by the end. FYI: Ragowski speaks w/ a lisp, which is his natural speaking manner (hard to understand at times IF you’re not using subtitles). Tomas is a narcissist who causes havoc w/ his words/actions wherever he goes. Some viewers commented that he isn’t “conventionally handsome”; Tomas has a patchy beard, gaunt features, dresses in mismatched clothing, and moves in a “snake-like manner.” We may wonder why Martin (a successful artist/business owner) and Agathe (an independent-minded/strong woman) found him SO appealing! After all, it’s easier for the audience to relate when a baddie IF he also happens to be a hottie (i.e. Brando in Streetcar; Newman in Hud).

The visual style of the film is NOT impressive; there are even scenes where the framing seems off and a character is hidden from view (while speaking). There are no camera “tricks,” which could’ve made this film a BIT more effective. The pacing is slow and I didn’t sense tension building as the story went on; there are common issue in (modern) movies. As for the “controversial” scenes, the sex looks “animalistic” (NOT romantic), as a few viewers commented. I saw little passion/connection btwn the characters.

[1] Not all films need to be message driven, but I think any director or writer makes a film because they have something to say. In that sense, I’m not sure what ‘Passages’ wanted to say.

[2] …a rather dull introspective of characters that didn’t really leap off the screen at me. […] The production and pacing all contribute to the general ennui of the whole thing and to be honest, I was just a bit disappointed with this whole thing.

[3] Without style, the absence of substance dominates this lackluster experience.

[4] The movie transcends type and finds the truth in its relationships, it dotes on and suffers with its protagonists in a manner that does feel intimate, both emotionally and physically.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Two Films Directed by Christopher Nolan: “Inception” (2010) & “Dunkirk” (2017)

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Inception (2010) starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy & Cillian Murphy

Your mind is the scene of the crime. -Tagline

Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep w/in the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back, but only if he can accomplish the impossible, inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea, but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming. -Synopsis (Warner Bros.)

What to say about this movie!? Did y’all understand what was going on (w/o a re-watch)? I felt nothing- to keep it short! OK, that’s NOT quite true; I did enjoy seeing ’80s star Tom Berenger (Browning), Tom Hardy (Eames), and Cillian Murphy (Robert Fischer). Hardy gets to be funny/quirky; he has good banter w/ Joseph Gordon-Levitt. As the uber-rich businessman who the gang kidnap, Murphy speaks w/ an American accent (which is flawless). Marion Cottilard doesn’t have much to do in the (undercooked) role of Dom’s wife. Maybe she wanted more (international) exposure? A LOT of media critics commented that Nolan is NOT good at writing female characters. The CGI was somewhat interesting, though since I saw it last month on Max (on TV), it didn’t make a huge impression. I’m sure many viewers (back in 2010) were more impressed. This is a prime case of style over substance, sad to say!

Dunkirk (2017) starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Tom Hardy, & Cillian Murphy

When 400,000 men couldn’t get home, home came for them. -Tagline

Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Commonwealth and Empire, and France are surrounded by the German Army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. -Synopsis

The Mole [beach]: One Week, The Sea: One Day, and The Air: One Hour. -The 3 timelines of the film

Thank goodness- this movie (shot on the actual beach at Dunkirk) was a LOT better than Inception! There were camera operators floating in the water w/ actors. For many of the cockpit shots, Nolan had a two-seat plane rigged, so that the front canopy and cockpit looked like a real Spitfire (BUT w/ non-functioning flying controls). The actual pilot was flying the plane from the rear cockpit, so that the actor could play the pilot (as the plane actually flew). Nolan mounted front and rear-facing cameras on a reconditioned Spitfire. This movie is focused on the experience of battle (incl. its sounds and sights). The individual characters don’t have many lines. Germans are heard/talked about, BUT never seen; this story is NOT about them. The ticking sounds in the score were recorded by Hans Zimmer from one of Nolan‘s own pocket watches; the composer then put the sounds into synthesizers and altered them for the soundtrack.

This is an essential moment in the history of World War II. If this evacuation had not been a success, Great Britain would have been obliged to capitulate, and the whole world would have been lost, or would have known a different fate. The Germans would undoubtedly have conquered Europe, the U.S. would not have returned to war. It is a true point of rupture in war and in history of the world. A decisive moment. And the success of the evacuation allowed (Sir Winston Churchill) to impose the idea of a moral victory, which allowed him to galvanize his troops like civilians and to impose a spirit of resistance while the logic of this sequence should have been that of surrender. Militarily, it is a defeat. On the human plane, it is a colossal victory. -Christopher Nolan (director) re: importance of this battle

While scouting locations, Nolan found a button from an English soldier’s uniform in the sand. After first-hand accounts of this evacuation revealed how young/inexperienced the soldiers were, Nolan decided to cast young/unknowns (aside from pop star Harry Styles- of course). Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) and a French deserter in the uniform of a dead Englishman- Gibson (Aneurin Barnard)- are among the many young soldiers trapped on the beach (The Mole). Styles does a good job in his small role; he should stick to those. Mr. Dawson (veteran character actor Mark Rylance), his son Peter (Tom Glynn Carney- before House of the Dragon), and his 17 y.o. pal George (Barry Keoghan- before fame) are the civilians on the sea. They rescue Cillian Murphy, an (unnamed) soldier shaken by the cold and PTSD; he was the most interesting character. Farrier (Tom Hardy) is the RAF pilot in the air in his Spitfire plane; he liked working w/ Nolan (so took this small role). As w/ Bane (in the Batman movies), he wears a mask most of the time- LOL!

Who are the heroes of Dunkirk? Tommy and Gibson (scared/hungry) try to hide/preserve their lives however they can. George jumps aboard the boat b/c he wants to contribute. We learn that the sub the survivor was on got destroyed by German bombs; also the boat he was escaping in was also destroyed. Murphy’s character has reached his limit; he attacks Mr. Dawson (who was empathetic toward him). George quickly stops him, BUT is grievously injured in a fall! If (eager/naive) George hadn’t sacrificed himself, a LOT of men could’ve died (3rd act). Tommy doesn’t tell the survivor that he caused the death of George. Mr. Dawson remains even-keeled and stoic; we eventually learn that he lost his (older) son in war. Though Farrier’s plane runs out of gas, he continues to protect the beach from attack. In the last scene, he’s forced to land on a small strip of land, then captured by Germans. I almost cried at the end; it was (quietly) emotional. This is unlike what I experienced in 1917.