Tag: Identity

Mature Women/Mature Dramas: “Fleishman is in Trouble” (Hulu), “Dead Ringers” (Amazon Prime), & “The Diplomat” (Netflix)

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Fleishman is in Trouble (2022) starring Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, & Adam Brody

“Fleishman Is in Trouble” follows recently-separated surgeon Toby Fleishman as he enters the world of app-based dating and finds more success than he ever had the last time he was single. When his ex-wife Rachel disappears, he’s left with their kids and no hint of where she is or whether she plans to return. Balancing parenting, friends, a long-awaited promotion at the hospital, and all the eligible women Manhattan has to offer, he realizes that he’ll never be able to figure out what happened to Rachel until he can more honestly examine what happened to their marriage. Libby is Toby’s long-time friend and the narrator. -Synopsis (The Hollywood Reporter)

During a JAN 2023 interview w/ Tonya Mosley on NPR’s Fresh Air, Taffy Brodesser-Akner (a 1st time showrunner/creator) confirmed that many of the main cast were chosen at least partly b/c they’d been well-known as teens and were now middle-aged: “It was so intentional. It was–you know, there was this idea that these actors were too young to play these roles. […] But most of all . . . if I don’t, as a 40-year-old, yet understand what is happening to me in my life, the idea that Jesse Eisenberg–yes, from The Squid And The Whale, yes, from The Social Network–that it’s happening to him, too, that it’s happening to Claire Danes from My So-Called Life, that it’s happening to–oh, my gosh–to Adam Brody [from The O.C.], to Lizzy Caplan [from Mean Girls], to Josh Radnor–all these people that we knew so well as very, very young people. It hits home for me so much to say, oh, my God, this is a force you cannot fight–if you’re lucky. If you’re lucky and you get to live, this is a force that you won’t be able to fight. We’re all going to get old.”

At first, you think this show (a limited series w/ 8 eps) is all about Toby: his (newly) single life, job as a doc, and parenting 2 (adorable) kids. However, after 3 eps, the show dives deep into th the lives of his old pals, Seth (Brody) and Libby (Caplan), then ex-wife Rachel (Danes). This is a show centered on mature, intelligent, successful, and thoughtful women (perhaps reminding us of a gal pal or fam IRL). Libby is happily married to a loving/supportive hubby; she recently became a SAHM (stay at home mom), BUT this role leaves her dissatisfied. Rachel is NOT the villain that Toby paints her as in the early eps; she’s a V complicated woman who has suffered trauma. Danes is known for her ability to access (V strong) emotions in her acting; she continues to impress here. As one viewer wrote: “It is thought provoking and rich on several levels. Its main achievement is to get the viewer to sympathize with then later become cold towards certain characters. The subjectivity of perception is examined. I was reminded how quick we are to judge.” Other viewers noted being surprised (in good ways). There are moments that are just cringe-y, emotional, and/or funny (often coming off as too real). Though these are upper middle-class/ Jewish ppl living in NYC (and nearby ‘burbs), most of their struggles are universal. If you’re single (over 35), you may relate to Seth; he’s in finance (like many in NYC), extroverted, and dates often; he’s still hoping for a deep connection w/ a woman.

Dead Ringers (2023) starring Rachel Weisz

The Mantle twins, identical from head to toe, are on a mission to change the way women give birth. -Synopsis

Warning: This show is NOT for more “sensitive” viewers who generally avoid “body horror” (incl. blood), dysfunctional relationships, and dark themes. Are you a fan of the 1988 David Cronenberg film Dead Ringers? Then, you may want to check out this show (6 eps; limited series). I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this before; it was tough to watch sometimes! The Mantels are NYC-based OBGYNs on the cutting edge of their profession; their dream is to have a birthing clinic where pregnant women (of all incomes/backgrounds) can go to deliver their babies. Elliott and Beverly (Brits) are played by a woman (Weisz in a dual role); we know she can handle any type of role. Weisz explained that she’d shoot a scene as Elliot 1st, opposite scene partner/stand-in (Kitty Hawthorne- recently graduated from RADA), before heading back into hair/makeup to transform into Beverly. Then Weisz (who didn’t attend acting school) would act out the same scene w/ an earpiece in place (so she could hear her own lines). There are strong supporting performances; I was esp. impressed w/ Jennifer Ehle (who also played a key role in She Said) as a tough/uber-wealthy/businesswoman interested in investing in the clinic. The show is smart, atmospheric, and is centered on a (real-world issue)- maternal child mortality. However, there is a TOO much going; some scenes may be confusing (even if paying close attn) and a few characters aren’t well-developed. I wasn’t a fan of the (dark) lighting/filters used in certain scenes. Women (of diverse backgrounds) are prominent in front of and behind the camera. This is an ambitious endeavor, BUT certainly NOT for everyone!

The Diplomat (2023) starring Keri Russell & Rufus Sewell

In the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler, a career diplomat, lands in a high-profile job for which she is not suited, with tectonic implications for her marriage and her political future. -Synopsis

Are you a fan of The West Wing, Veep and/or political shows? Then this is the series (9 eps) for you! The showrunner (Debora Cain) worked on The West Wing earlier in her career. We are in a time when both the man and the woman in a relationship are in high-status/high-paying careers. Kate (Keri Russell- worked w/ Adam Driver on Bdwy in 2019) and Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) are an attractive/smart/mature “power couple” in diplomacy. They met on the job many years ago, BUT are now serious re: divorce (though keeping it quiet). These actors have great chemistry and play both comedy and drama well. Sewell (who still looks handsome) can do an American accent nicely; he’s perhaps best known for British period dramas. Russell and David Gyasi (who plays British Foreign Sect. Austin Dennison) also have great chemistry; we wonder what could happen when they have to work closely together. I think Gyasi (who in his mannerisms reminded me of Sidney Poitier) has a bright future ahead! Rory Kinnear (who plays Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge) is also V interesting to watch; you never know what he’ll say. This show is intelligent, well-written, and easy to binge. I can’t wait for Season 2!

“Sliver” (1993) starring Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, & Tom Berenger

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You like to watch… don’t you. -Tagline for the movie

Hoping for a fresh start after a recent divorce, a 35 y.o. book editor, Carly Norris (Sharon Stone- who was signed for $2.5M), moves into an elegant/high-rise apt. in Manhattan. However, the luxurious “sliver” building comes w/ a history of unsolved murders! Carly catches the eye of middle-aged crime novelist, Jack Landsford (Tom Berenger- in a thankless role), and the 20-ish video-game designer, Zeke Hawkins (William Baldwin). There is a voyeur watching the tenants’ every move using some (then high-tech) equipment. Is this movie really as bad as most people say? Oh yeah, it’s just a mess! The dialogue is cliched, the characters are shallow (or cartoonish), and the plot is basic (and predictable). The screenplay credits go to Ira Levin (who wrote the source novel) and Joe Eszterhas (whose credits incl. Jagged Edge, Basic Instinct, and Showgirls).

Stone alleged in her autobiography that one of the producers, Robert Evans, wanted to see her naked and treated her in a misogynistic manner. Stone (who gets to show some vulnerability in this movie) didn’t want him on set while she was working. As one viewer commented on IMDb: “Stephen Baldwin [one of Alec’s younger bros] is utterly intolerable, why this man was given leading roles in big budget Hollywood films I will never know.” If you thought Madonna was limited in her (vanity project) Body of Evidence, well Baldwin is worse! Johnny Depp, Val Kilmer, and River Phoenix turned down the role of Zeke. The script originally called for full male frontal nudity (which has become less controversial in the past 5 yrs), but Baldwin changed his mind (after the scenes had been shot). Though he does bare his backside in Basic Instinct, Michael Douglas said no to full frontal nudity.

Philip Noyce (an Aussie w/ extensive TV/movie credits) previously directed Dead Calm, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger. A crew was sent to Hawaii to film an active volcano for the opening credits. The volcano erupted and the helicopter carrying the crew crashed- yikes! No one was killed, BUT all film was lost. Eszterhas’ original ending was confusing to test audiences; an alternate ending was quickly written/shot. I don’t think you can blame Noyce much, as doesn’t have much to work w/ here. According to the director, Stone and Baldwin disliked each other so much that they demanded their scenes be filmed separately (when possible). As for the steamy scenes, they’d have been more effective if there was any romantic chemistry. A young Polly Walker (who went on to work on Rome and Bridgerton) plays Carly’s model neighbor. I think modern viewers will be bored, IF they happen to watch this movie!

“Mulholland Falls” (1996) starring Nick Nolte, Melanie Griffith, & Jennifer Connelly

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The power of love vs. the love of power. -A tagline for the film

This neo noir is set in the 1950s; the LAPD cops we meet are part of the anti-organized crime squad (“the Hat Squad”). These men are big/tough and do NOT hesitate to break the law, IF it suits their purposes; the drive around in a black convertible (1949 Buick Roadmaster). The leader of this unit is Det. Max Hoover (Nick Nolte); he and his wife, Katherine (Melanie Griffith), seem to have a V happy marriage. A local young woman, Allison Pond (Jennifer Connelly), is brutally murdered and dumped at building site; the investigation reveals she’d been romantically linked to several prominent men. One of her lovers was Gen. Thomas Timms (John Malkovich), the head of the Atomic Energy Commission; he is shown w/ her on a film. Hoover gets a shock when he sees Allison’s body; he knew her as well!

It kind of shocked everyone who knows me that I wound up doing this movie, because I had always been so careful about nudity; it was very much a part of this character and I couldn’t be coy or guarded or self-conscious, otherwise it wouldn’t work. It was sort of a challenge I wanted to take on, I guess. -Jennifer Connelly on her nude scenes

There are SO many familiar (some who became famous) faces here in cameos or supporting roles: Rob Lowe, Louise Fletcher, William Petersen (before his CSI days), Andrew McCarthy (as Allison’s gay bestie), Treat Williams (who passed away last wk.), Kyle Chandler, Michael Madsen, Daniel Baldwin (older bro of Alec), and Chazz Palminteri (as a somewhat sensitive cop). All of Connelly’s scenes are shown in flashbacks. This was the 1st American film directed by a New Zealander (Lee Tamahori); his mother is British and his father is Maori. He gained the attn. of Hollywood after getting critical acclaim for the indie drama Once Were Warriors (1994); I need to check that out soon. The DP is Haskell Wexler; he is considered one of the best in the field of cinematography.

Gen. Timms: These tiny particles of matter, which are so small that no one’s ever seen them – never – they contain enough energy to blow up this house, an entire city, every person on Earth. Now that is inconceivable.

Hoover: General, I really don’t think much about those things. I’d probably see too much.

Gen. Timms: What do you see?

Hoover: People dead before their time.

Gen. Timms: That’s the history of the world, Lieutenant. Some people die before their time so that others can live. It’s the cornerstone of civilization. War, religion, democracy. A hundred die so that a thousand may live.

This was a time of great change is the U.S. We see the suburbs being built; some cops are skeptical about these planned developments (long drive from the city). Max’s partner, Elleroy (Palminteri), has been seeing a (female) therapist. Unlike Max (who keeps things bottled up), Elleroy is able to talk about his (conflicting) feelings on the job. Malkovich gets some of the best lines; he plays a cold/smart/privileged man who thinks he’s above the law. The costumes, sets, and atmosphere reminded me V strongly of the older noirs. As one astute viewer wrote: “It isn’t your traditional cop drama/political thriller because of the nature of the main characters. They don’t always play by the rules, but in the end, they are the good guys. And, it’s got a good finale.”

Quick Reviews of the Indiana Jones Movies

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Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) starring Harrison Ford & Karen Allen

Indiana Jones – the new hero from the creators of JAWS and STAR WARS. -Tagline

In 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers. -Synopsis

This past month, I’ve been binge-listening to The Fordcast, a V fun/informative podcast re: career of actor Harrison Ford. I have been (re-watching) some of his (’80s & ’90s) movies. The 1st of the Indiana Jones movies is considered “one of the 1st Summer blockbusters” (after Jaws); it was directed by Steven Spielberg and story is credited to his friends/frequent collaborators (George Lucas- who created Indy, Lawrence Kasdan, and Phillip Kaufman). The music (which suits the action/adventure V well) was composed by John Williams. Long-time fans (according to what I’ve read online) consider it to be the best (or 2nd) best of the franchise. I saw this movie (on network TV) many yrs ago; I didn’t recall much about the plot. I re-watched it last month and had a LOT of fun! In the title role, Ford has a LOT more to do than in the (also iconic) Star Wars franchise. Indy’s (buttoned-up) professor is almost like a different man from his (risk-taking) adventurer; I was reminded of the Clark Kent/Superman dichotomy. Ford was NOT considered “conventionally handsome” (when he went to auditions early in his career). I’m guessing that he was the (rare) male actor who wasn’t vain.

Marion: You’re not the man I knew ten years ago.

Indy: It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage.

Indy’s line to Marion (smart, independent, and sassy) when they are on the ship (see above) was ad-libbed by Ford. Marion (Karen Allen) returns in a later film; she’s considered to be the “true love” of Indy’s life. In the opening of the story, we see a (young/slim) Alfred Molina. Indy’s Egyptian friend, Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), will be seen in later movies also; many know him from the LOTR trilogy. The posh/British dean at Indy’s college, Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), will be recognizable to period drama fans; he appeared in A Room with a View (1985) and Maurice (1986). The famous scene in which Indy shoots the swordsman was NOT in the script. Ford was supposed to use his whip to get the sword out of his attacker’s hands, BUT the food poisoning he (and the rest of the crew) had gotten made him too sick to perform the stunt. After several tries, Ford suggested “shooting the sucker;” Spielberg liked the idea!

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) starring Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, & Ke Huy Quan

In 1935, Indiana Jones is tasked by Indian villagers with reclaiming a rock stolen from them by a secret cult beneath the catacombs of an ancient palace. -Synopsis

Indy: [groping desperately down Willie’s dress] Where’s the antidote?
Willie: Oh, listen, I just met you! Oh, I’m not that kind of girl…
Short Round: Hey, Dr. Jones, no time for love. We’ve got company.

A LOT of (younger) ppl are discussing this movie lately; Ke Huy Quan (Short Round), has received many awards for his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022). His mom saw an ad in the newspaper looking for child actors; Quan (aged 12 in this movie) got an audition! The Chinese-American actor (who worked mostly as a stuntman) appeared in another famous movie- The Goonies (1985). Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw (Willie), met and fell in love during production. Quan does a good job w/ what he is given (though he never acted before); he later said “I was just a kid having fun.”

This is NOT a V effective film (aside from a few scenes of action and humor). The pacing is NOT good; it drags in many places. Worst of all, there are stereotypes and MANY problematic elements involving POC (most notable those playing Indians). I don’t know what the co-writers (William Huyck and Gloria Katz) or producers were thinking! Indie film fans may recognize Roshan Seth; he is a fine character actor known internationally. Amrish Puri shaved his head for the role of Mola Ram (the main baddie here); he kept that look and became one of India’s most popular film villains. Women/girls will NOT be amused; Willie (the singer) is characterized as a shallow, nearly helpless, and complaining re: everything; Capshaw later admitted that the role was “mostly screeching.” For the bug chamber scene, Capshaw was covered w/ over 2,000 insects; she took sedatives to get over her initial fear, and said “they definitely worked.” There is a shirtless scene in the cave; Ford (who is looking esp. fit) worked out using the Body by Jake program. Y’all remember all the exercise crazes we had in the ’80s!?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, & Alison Doody

Have the adventure of your life keeping up with the Joneses. -Tagline

In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers. -Synopsis

I consider this to the best of the franchise; it was enjoyable from start to finish! The opening (flashback) is terrific; we see a teenaged Boy Scout, Indy (River Phoenix), facing off against some big/tough men attempting to steal artifacts in a cave. Phoenix (older brother to Joaquin who died in ’93) played Ford’s son in The Mosquito Coast (1986); the older actor recommended him for young Indy. Though they are NOT that far off in age, Ford and Connery make a great duo. If you weren’t impressed w/ Connery much before, check this movie out! Did anyone recall the 23 y.o. actress Alison Doody (Elsa)? She’s Irish, worked as a model in the ’80s, and went on to work as a painter. Doody recently had a baddie role in the Indian hit movie RRR (2022).

Prof. Henry Jones: [accidentally shoots their own plane with the machine gun]
Indy: Dad, are we hit?
Prof. Henry Jones: More or less. Son, I’m sorry. They got us.

Ford cut his chin in a car accident in SoCal when he was 20 y.o. This cut is explained by young Indy cutting his chin w/ a whip. As w/ the other movies in this franchise, Ford did many of his own stunts. According to his stunt double, Vic Armstrong, he had to pull Ford to one side and ask him to let him “do some work”- LOL! Armstrong commented: “If he wasn’t such a great actor, he would have made a really great stuntman.” Most of the uniforms worn by the Nazis in the Berlin book-burning scene are real WWII uniforms, not copies. I learned that 2,000 rats were bred for this production; this was necessary, as ordinary rats would have been riddled w/ disease- wow!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) starring Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, & Karen Allen

In 1957, Indiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. -Synopsis

Indy: What’s your mom’s name again?

Mutt: Mary. Mary Williams. You remember her?

Indy: There’ve been a lot of Marys, kid.

Mutt: [jolts up from chair] Shut up! That’s my mother you’re talking about! All right? That’s my mother.

Indy: You don’t have to get sore all the time just to prove how tough you are.

I heard that it was (mostly) bad- and yup- those critics/viewers were right! Here we see that even the FAB Cate Blanchett (who plays an Eastern European villain) didn’t “hit it out of the park” every time. Of course, some ppl will be avoiding this movie b/c of (the problematic IRL) LaBeouf. The CGI looks dated, too. Ford convinced David Koepp (co-writer) to incl. some jokes re: Indy’s age in the script, believing they’d help reduce the “American paranoia about aging.” He also refused to dye his hair for the role, arguing Indy’s appeal wasn’t in his youth, BUT in his imagination and resourcefulness. I had assumed (when I was younger) that The Last Crusade would be the final of this franchise.

Spoiler-Free Reviews of Two Indies (2023): “Polite Society” & “Joyland”

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Polite Society

A merry mash up of sisterly affection, parental disappointment and bold action, Polite Society follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting the help of her friends, Ria attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.

-Synopsis (Focus Features)

Are you a fan of the (genre-defying) indie hit Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) directed by the Daniels? Then, THIS is the next film (written/directed by a young woman- Nida Manzoor) is for you! Polite Society is an unique blend of action (incl. martial arts) and comedy w/ domestic drama and horror elements mixed in. A modern-day British Pakistani teen, Ria (Priya Kansara), aspires to be a stuntwoman like her idol Eunice Huthart (recently a stunt coordinator on Star Wars and Marvel movies IRL). Her parents, teachers, and peers are skeptical about her ambition. However, Ria is supported by her older sister, Lena (Ritu Arya), who left art school and is back home wondering what to do next. In their community of British Asians, there is a wealthy woman w/ a (single/doctor) son named Salim; when he meets Lena, they quickly hit it off. Ria is NOT so happy to see her sis dating (and maybe falling for) this man.

Joyland

The youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque and quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show.

-Synopsis

I heard re: this film while watching the Independent Spirit Awards (which streamed on YT this Spring). The young director/co-writer, Saim Siddiq, was applauded for Joyland (his 1st feature film). The movie was originally banned in Pakistan, but the censors later cleared it; a ban remains in Punjab, (where the story is set). During an interview at Cannes w/ an Indian film critic, Siddiq said that he edited parts out for his native country: “though most directors would not allow it, I wanted this to be seen by a broad audience.” The film got an 8 min. long standing ovation at Cannes. It is Pakistan’s submission to the 95th Academy Awards. As one of the programmers at TIFF (a Canadian Indian young man) commented, this is “a story of family, desire, and who gets to express that desire.” It is the type of restrained story that is rare to see today; there isn’t much music (therefore no pushing to elicit emotions from the audience). Siddiq chose to use silence a LOT, as he felt that was more powerful.

In modern-day Lahore, a quiet/unassuming young man, Haider (Ali Junejo), serves the (unofficial) caretaker in his “joint family.” At first, you may think of him as a bystander in his own life. His wife, Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq- close friend/classmate of Siddiq), works at a beauty salon. The head of the household is Haider’s elderly father; he is a widower who uses a wheelchair. Haider’s older brother (Saleem) and his wife (Nucchi) have 3 young daughters; they’re expecting another baby soon (perhaps a son). After several yrs. w/o a job, Haider gets an interview at an “erotic theatre” (part of an amusement park- “Joyland”). A confident/fast-talking trans woman, Biba (Alina Khan), is one of the dancers; she also choreographs the routines. Biba needs 6 men to be her back-up dancers; Haider is NOT naturally a dancer, BUT the pay is V good.