MGM wanted June Allison to play Marguerite opposite Lana Turner. She turned the role down because she didn’t think anybody would believe that William could prefer her to Lana. MGM then essentially drafted Donna Reed into the role, whose misgivings were also strong (but she had no clout at the studio).
Donna Reed as Marguerite
On the island of St. Pierre in 1847, young adult sisters Marianne (Turner) and Marguerite (Reed) lead happy, comfortable lives as the daughters of shipping magnate Octavius Patourel (Edmund Gwenn, who played Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street) and his wife Sophie (Gladys Cooper). Marianne has a sharp mind and knows a lot about her father’s work, which he thinks is not quite ladylike. Marguerite is more reserved and dreamy. From afar, Marianne is loved by a young local man, Tim Haslam (Van Heflin), much to the dismay of his girlfriend.
When new neighbors move in next door, the sisters rush over to welcome the family: Dr. Edmund Ozanne (Frank Morgan, who played the wizard in The Wizard of Oz) and his handsome son William (Roger Hart). At first, William is not that impressed with the girls, but thinks they’re very pretty. But in no time, the three become good friends.
William and Marianne dream of adventure
One day, Marianne insists on taking William out to see a large shipping vessel, The Green Dolphin. It’s under the command of a gruff, yet kind-hearted Irishman, Captain O’Hara (Reginald Owen, who played Scrooge in A Christmas Carol). He proudly shows the young people around his ship, and tells them a bit about his adventures. He’s been as far away as New Zealand! Both Marianne and William are fascinated by the thought of such a life.
Marianne with her father
Since William wants to be a sailor, Marianne convinces her father to provide the funds. (Being a man, he can do the things she’s always dreamed of doing.) William goes off to London for 2 years. Their families don’t realize that William and Marguerite have fallen in love; they decide to keep it a secret. They do, however, write letters to each other.
Lana captured Marianne’s pragmatic, incisive, ambitious nature which veils a deep-seeded vulnerability and need to be loved. And Donna Reed was certainly lovely even next to Lana, and did well with Marguerite, who is sweet-tempered, feminine and agreeable, but not as intellectually captivating as her sister. Marguerite is more like William. They are both indolent, romantic and playful. But Marianne has the drive, savvy and fortitude… –Comment on IMDB
I’m not going to reveal too much, because I want you all to check it out! I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys large-scale, old-fashioned epics (such as Gone with the Wind). However, because of its few main leads and focused theme (first love vs. love that grows over time), it seems like a small picture. There is fine acting, sharp dialogue, and lots of character development. I especially liked Heflin’s anti-hero character.
NOTE: This film is intended for mature audiences (MPAA rating: R – Restricted for audiences under the age of 17).
I learned about this little-known film (on Amazon) when I was searching for William Petersen’s DVDs. He’s best known for his work on the CBS hit drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. I saw him first in Young Guns II. Petersen starred in Manhunter (1986); in To Live and Die in L.A. (1985), he worked withnoteddirector Michael Mann. Why didn’t he become a big star back then? He turned down lead roles in Platoon, Goodfellas, and Heat so that he could be near his kids.
Jeff (William Petersen) and Marty (Gary Cole)
Jeff, an architect (Petersen) and Marty (Gary Cole), a lawyer, are lifelong friends from L.A. They’re both going through a mid-life crisis, feeling discontent w/ their careers (though very lucrative) and marriages. Both also have children. “The American Dream” has left them feeling empty. Jeff was in an institution a while back, but is now worried for Marty’s sanity. Marty, who studied Eastern Philosophy as an undergrad, is taking anti-depressants. Jeff decides that they should have an adventure (like in their 20s). He convinces Marty’s wife, Beth, to let him go.
The two men head to the city of Manila in the Philippines, then eventually to a stunning secluded island. They meet a young Australian woman, Andy (Sheryl Lee), and a Dutchman living as a Buddhist monk, Kosen (Terence Stamp). But even in “paradise,” they can’t escape themselves or their problems!
Don’t read more, unless you want to know more details from, and analysis of, this film.Comments in blue come from IMDB users.
In the opium den
In Manila, the men check out a manufacturing plant. Then they party- indulging in wine, women, and… opium (whoa!) While lying in the opium den, they hear about a very special island from an older Filipino man. Notice how the director had them keep their heads very close together? (Someone commented that this film is an early “bromance.”) The two pals function more like brothers. Jeff is charming, confident, and a fast-talker. (His wife, Frannie, knows he’s a player. He flirts openly with women.) Marty is a straight-arrow; he never cheated on his wife in 20+ years.
The seduction conversation between Sheryl Lee and William Petersen has some of the best dialogue I’ve ever heard.
When Ilsa and Andy arrive at the resort, the men notice Ilsa first. (After all, she’s Swedish and wearing a skimpy dress.) At dinner, it’s obvious that Jeff is intrigued more by Andy. She’s intelligent (went to Oxford and works in publishing in London), attractive (but not in a cheap/obvious fashion), and gives off that mysterious vibe. He follows her to the night markets and they have a very interesting conversation. Poor Marty is stuck with Ilsa, who complains all night long.
Jeff purposely guarded against falling too deeply for Andy. He wanted to leave after their first night together because he saw in her the type of woman he could fall for. The thing that attracted her to Jeff was his ability to detach himself. She could see decency in him, but another part of him proved to be a challenge to her. He tapped into that part of a woman that wants the unattainable.
After Jeff leaves, Andy gets to know more about Marty. He’s a good listener, unlike his buddy. Jeff gives snappy retorts instead. When Jeff returns, he’s surprised (and a bit angered) to know that they got together. Then, he thinks up a solution- they can both share Andy! She agrees to this unique arrangement, seeing it as another adventure. The threesome frolic on the beach and swim in the gorgeous blue ocean. Eventually, they are joined by one of her old loves, Kosen, who has been living 30 years as a Buddhist monk. He’s composed, wise, yet humble.
This film showed how women gravitate towards Alpha males like Jeff, while though she had affection for Marty, she wasn’t drawn to him the same way… it really rang true to me regarding relationships between men and women, expectations, how we communicate (or don’t communicate).
Jeff smiles on the beach
Jeff gets an idea to build a type of getaway on the island- a haven where people can just be themselves. They decide to cut ties with their families; Marty provides the cash ($200,000). The local people think this is a crazy idea, but they work on it for one month. Frannie (Patricia Charbonneau) air mails an order of separation to Jeff. He’s quite affected to see the letters and photos of his two daughters.
Andy gets very hurt/angry after Jeff has a one-night stand with a Filipino photographer. In the pivotal scene, Andy and Jeff have a huge falling out. By this point, we know that Marty has fallen in love with Andy. But she’s in love with Jeff! Andy didn’t want to get so deeply involved, she admits in tears. She goes back to London.
We have to wonder: Did Jeff truly love Andy? Andy is only 29 and has much more of life to live; she’s not in the same situation as these middle-aged men (w/ a lot of baggage). Neither of them would’ve been right for her, anyway.
The monsoons come early- everything comes crashing down! Jeff, who’s been living at the construction site, is devastated. Then, he makes a decision that will surprise the audience.
Jeff hugs Marty goodbye
The character of Jeff, who never finishes anything, always full of doubts, is very human.
I was surprised to see that Marty was the one who went with Kosen to the monastery. He walked away from his family, just as Buddha did as a young prince. Cole proved that he’s not just a one-note actor, like in some of his other films. Jeff chose to go back to his family, but the last scene showed that he was always going to be conflicted about wanting something different. Jeff was a multi-faceted character, not a clichéd jerk. Petersen’s acting is subtle, but it draws the viewer in!
Gatsby’s mansion on Long Island (as imagined by director Baz Luhrmann)
Most critics say that The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a nearly un-filmable book. You can’t translate the words (loved by many readers of all ages) into a typical movie. Onscreen, Gatsby’s dialogue is stilted and comes off as fake. (It’s supposed to be like that, as he’s playing a role he wasn’t born into. Jay Gatz’s roots are very humble.)
Tom, Myrtle, & Nick party in NYC hotel
Nick (Tobey Maguire), a bit younger and more naïve than the other character, is drawn into Gatsby’s world of glittering parties, beautiful/famous women, and freely flowing alcohol. After WWI (“The Roaring 20s”), Nick wants to be a writer, but ends up taking a job on Wall Street (stockbroker). He rents a little cottage beside Gatsby’s opulent mansion and wonders what’s going on inside. Finally, he gets to meet Jay Gatsby, who has a strong/emotional connection to his cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan).
Gatsby waits nervously for Daisy’s arrival at tea
As readers know, everything Gatsby has done has been to be worthy in the eyes of Daisy, who hails from one of the “old families” of Kentucky. They met several years ago, when Gatsby’s roots were hidden under his soldier’s uniform (“a great equalizer”). She’s now married to a former polo player from old money, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). However, Tom is cheating on her with Myrtle Wilson (Isla Fisher), the wife of his mechanic.
Not even a box-office powerhouse like Leonardo DiCaprio can save this film! It’s too much- too bright/colorful, noisy, and doesn’t really go anywhere. “It looked like Disney Land- cartoonish,” one viewer commented after the screening. Maguire does what he can with what he’s given. Edgerton makes Tom a blowhard and jerk (as needed), but it’s pretty much a one-note performance. Mulligan’s talents are wasted here; she has zero chemistry with DiCaprio. For those who came to see Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan- he doesn’t have much to do, but looks cool in those period outfits.
Daisy sees Gatsby’s house for the first time.
The director’s vision comes across (very obviously), but it’s style over substance. The disjointed (modern) music may be the biggest flaw of all! Laughs were elicited by the audience at some un-funny moments, I recall. I was wondering: Where is this all going? Some of my friends loved the book, so they may re-read it. There are so many themes to explore in this little story, but I fear this film won’t inspire the younger generation to look into the book. If you want to see Luhrmann’s best film, check out his debut work- Strictly Ballroom.
About 400 films are made in the U.S. each year. Even more (600) are made in India. But, did you know that about 100 films are made in Indonesia each year? The Indonesian ambassador to the U.S.,Dr. Dino Patti Jalal, and his wife were joined by the Singaporean ambassador’s wife, actorNicholas Saputra(star of Joni’s Promise), and members of his staff during the first film showing. Recently, Dr. Jalal met with Hollywood director Michael Mann, who will be shooting his film, The Philosopher, in Jakarta. The film’s lead actor will be Aussie actor, Chris Hemsworth.
Lovely Man (2011)
A daughter gets to know her absentee father for one night
This is a 75 minute film, but it packs some big punches. (It won many awards in Asia.) It focuses on the relationship between a transvestite streetwalker in Jakarta and a small-town/devout Muslim teen, who just happen to be father and daughter. Without telling her mother, Cahaya (Raihaanun), travels by train to see the father who left home many years back. Cahaya is dressed conservatively and wears a white hijab (headscarf). When she gets off the train, she stops at a mosque to wash and pray. She’s amazed by the sights and sounds of the big city, as she goes in search of her father’s address. (This film uses shadow and lights very well.) At the side of a bridge, she talks to some women (who are obviously streetwalkers). She meets Ipuy (Donny Damara)- dressed in long wig, sparkly red dress, and high heels (reminiscent of some of the characters in the films of Pedro Almodovar). Needless to say, they are both shocked.
Actor Donny Damara accepting an award
Ipuy wants nothing to do with Cahaya- his life is tough enough as it is. Most people look at him with disgust and treat him unfairly. What would a hijabi like her know about someone like him? (Eventually, Cahaya takes off her hijab, to make her father more comfortable.) She’s carrying a secret, which is giving her much worry. Cahaya exclaims that she needs a father to talk to about important matters. What she doesn’t know is that some gangsters are after Ipuy for stealing a lot of cash.
Joni’s Promise (2005)
Joni goes through a LOT in one day
This funny, light-hearted film is considered to be “one of the first comedies made in Indonesia.” (It reminded me of a French comedy.) A 22 year-old man, Joni (Nicholas Saputra) delivers film reels- a job he likes and considers to be quite important. One afternoon, she sees a very pretty girl standing in line at the theater, but he’s too nervous to talk to her. We learn that she’s with her boyfriend (an entitled rich kid). She gets fed up with her guy, so she goes out. She notices Joni’s good nature and they have a chat. She doesn’t get her name or get give his out. The girl says that they can talk more of he gets done with his deliveries on time. Joni is happy with that- he’s never had a girlfriend yet. Joni’s motorbike gets stolen, he witnesses childbirth, gets a walk-on role in a film, plays the drums, and meets a mysterious artist. Can he make it back to the theater to have his first date?
IMDB photo of actor Nicholas Saputra
The Dancer (2011)
Srintil and Rasus share some fruit
This is a full-length historical drama based on a trilogy of novels. The story focuses on the love between two young people in the village of Dukuh Paruk in Java. As a small child, the parents of Srintil are killed by some fellow villagers, who believed that they were poisoning food. The ronngeng (village dancer) also died- she ate the food.
The teenaged Srintil (Prisia Nasution) and Rasus (Oka Antara) love each other deeply, though they are poor, illiterate, and don’t have many prospects. Rasus works in the rice paddy fields, like the other young men. However, Srintil thinks that she may have the spirit and the talent to become ronggeng. Her grandfather champions her cause, even though they are first met with doubt and derision.The local dance master won’t come to see Srintil perform.
Srintil goes through various rituals to become ronggeng
Rasus has a little dagger-like object which belonged to the former ronggeng. After he presents it to Srintil, everyone proclaims her to be the next ronngeng. She will not only dance , but belong to the village. Her virginity will be sold to the highest bidder- a fact that greatly upsets Rasus. (The elderly blind drummer is the only older person who senses what is going on with the couple.) Rasus runs away to the nearest town, then meets with a military commander (who thinks he could one day become a “loyal” soldier).
Srintil realizes that Rasus has joined the military
Srintil has to go through various rituals, aided by the dance master’s wife. Men bring goats, cows, and money to present to her grandfather and teacher. Before the “deflowering” ceremony, Rasus returns and they sneak off together. Later that night, Srintil pushes him away, explaining that she can’t run away with him forever. (We know that she has status and money in her community now.)
Srintil shines as a dancer (but not in her personal life)
While Srintil adapts to the lifestyle of a dancer, Rasus adapts to that of a soldier. His superiors look on him well and he finally learns to read. He crosses paths with Srintil on very few occasions. They only spend one more night together, but their lives must always be separate. When Srintil urges him to come back to the village and offers money to start his own business, Rasus refuses (too proud).
A (Communist) man from the city comes to talk to the villagers, but they only want more food, and don’t grasp what allegiance to his ideas truly mean. (In fact, 1965-1966 was a very bloody year was Indonesia’s history. Many people, who were thought to be Communist or sympathizers, were killed by the military.) This man also wants Srintil and village musicians to perform at his rallies.
Rasus and Srintil meet after the 1965 war
This film is very powerful! It won the 2011 Best Picture award in Indonesia and was submitted for a Foreign Film Academy Award. It just draws you in with it’s setting, characters, and values (which are quite different from those of urbanized, modern Indonesia). The love story starts out very gently and innocently, then we see the darker aspects (depression, frustration, etc.)- this pair must stay apart because of Srintil’s chosen path. Being a village dancer was being above others- connected to the gods (ancestors.)
This is a slice-of-life indie film (set in the mid-sized city of Gloucester, MA) centering on several executives working for GTX, a fictional manufacturing company that has had some heavy lay-offs. It was written/directed by John Wells (ER, Mildred Pierce, The West Wing, etc.); Maria Bello (also from ER) has a role in the film as a shrewd businesswoman. Though it focuses on white, upper-middle class men, I could relate to it on several levels.
Glen McClary (Tommy Lee Jones), Sally Wilcox (Maria Bello), and others discuss lay-offs
Old friends James Salinger (Craig T. Nelson) and Glen McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) have built GTX from the ground-up, but Salinger, the president, wants to trim costs in order to raise profits. McClary feels like he’s going about it the wrong way; he also feels guilty for benefitting from the rise in company stock. Sally Wilcox (Bello) handles the lay-offs, which come as a shock to Robert Walker (Ben Affleck), a top sales exec (w/ MBA) who’s worked for the company for 13 years (all of his career).
Bobby (Ben Affleck) & his wife Maggie (Rosemarie DeWitt)
Bobby drives a Porshe, lives in a beautiful house (beside a golf course), and has a lovely family. However, he’s reluctant to share the bad news with his family (including parents), or rely on them for support. Bobby thinks that he can get a job right away, but turns out to be wrong (you’ve been there). Bobby’s understanding wife, Maggie (Rosemarie DeWitt), goes back to work as a nurse. She urges him to cut back on costs, but he exclaims: “I need to look successful!” When you don’t have a job, you feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and- perhaps this is more so for males- useless.
Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) & Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper)
Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper, one of my favorite character actors) is let go in the second round of lay-offs; he takes it very hard. He worked his way up from the factory floor (where he installed parts on ships) and is pushing 60. One of his daughters is in college (Brown, no less) and the other is eager for her school’s senior trip to Italy. His wife suffers from headaches and doesn’t seem like much of a helpmeet. Phil tells Gene: “My life ended and nobody noticed.”
Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner) & Bobby
When his brother-in-law Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner, in a low-key but pivotal role) offers Bobby a job with his small carpentary business, Bobby quickly rebuffs him. That’s not the type of work he sees himself doing (been there, too). After a few months of disappointment, Maggie reminds him that they can’t pay the mortgage. Bobby has to swallow his pride and make some uncomfortable decisions.
What drew me to this film is it’s ensemble cast. I thought Cooper, DeWitt, and Jones performed their roles especially well. Affleck and DeWitt have good chemistry in their scenes. Most of the situations are very relateable. Bobby is still a lucky guy, even without the trappings of success.
Knightleyemma 