Tag: Identity

20th Anniversary: “Pride & Prejudice” & “Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith”

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Recently, there were special events (incl. re-releases) centered on 2 much loved (and much-maligned) blockbuster movies from my mid-20s- Pride and Prejudice (P&P) and Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith (TRS). Nostalgia is a big thing these days, esp. among those who are Xennials (b. 1977-1983) and Millennials (b. 1981-1996). Were you a fan (or hater) of P&P and/or TRS upon 1st release? Have you re-watched these movies? Have your opinions changed? Let me know your thoughts (in comments below)!

P&P (which boasted a cast of soon-to-be famous/cute/young faces) is an important film to my fam: we watched it in the theater over Thanksgiving 2005 (w/ my future BIL)! On a recent re-watch, I realized that it’s still a fun/well-made movie, though NOT accurate to Jane Austen’s book (as many have said in past). The young/British director, Joe Wright, had a fresh/controversial take on the Bennett fam (incl. their farm-style home, hairstyles, clothes, and-perhaps a BIT too quirky- personalities). I was (again) impressed by ALL the British character actors. When it came to casting, Rosamund Pike (who studied Austen in college) fitted the role of Jane perfectly. The best things about this adaptation are its music (composed by Dario Marinelli) and Matthew McFadyen. The tall/theatrically-trained actor conveys Mr. Darcy’s (unspoken) shyness, sadness (he lost parents when young), and vulnerability. And when Darcy (a socially awkward hero) finally smiles- wow, he wins over the audience!

In the climax of TRS, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen)- in Sith mode- declares to his Jedi mentor/BFF, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor): “If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy!” For the “olds” (like me), this may remind you of former prez. (Dubya’s) words after 9/11: “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Is the acting good? Well, it’s a mixed bag; Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is compelling/effective in his scenes. The film’s most important element is Anakin’s seduction to the Dark Side of the Force by Palpatine. One reviewer on IMDb said: “He is the lifeblood of the film.” Is the writing good? Well, it’s still basic (as w/ the 2 earlier prequels). Is the directing (by Lucas himself) effective? This is tough to judge, but Star Wars fans know Lucas is infamous for NOT saying much to help along the performance of his actors. There are times when I cringed, wondering why he didn’t give the actors another take of a scene. The first 20 mins. (mainly action) are quite exciting, as are the final 30 mins. (incl. the battle btwn. Anakin and Obi-Wan). The music (composed by John Williams) continues to be impressive, as you’d expect. Hey, I still got a BIT emotional at the end- I’m NOT immune to nostalgia!

“Duel in the Sun” (1946) starring Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, & Gregory Peck

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A biracial (white/Native American) teen girl, Pearl Chavez (Jennifer Jones), who was raised in Mexico is sent to live w/ her distant relatives on a ranch in Texas. She is warmly welcomed by Laura Belle McCanles (Lilian Gish) and her lawyer son, Jesse (Joseph Cotten). Pearl meets w/ hostility from the patriarch, Sen. Jackson McCanles (Lionel Barrymore). Pearl is (at first) wary of the interests of younger son, Lewt (Gregory Peck), who is undisciplined/untamed. Jesse is calm/educated; he ultimately sides w/ the railroad against his father, saying: “I’d rather be on the side of the victims than of the murderers.” Long-held family tensions are exacerbated by her presence!

David O. Selznick spent the rest of his life trying to top Gone With the Wind. He was also obsessed w/ making 2nd wife (Jones) into the greatest leading lady. He didn’t succeed at either, but it wasn’t for lack of trying (from what I’ve heard from classic movie critics)! Jones got an Oscar for her 1st film- The Song of Bernadette. Selznick realized that she couldn’t play saintly women forever, so Pearl became the total opposite.

This movie is a hot/cringe-y mess, to keep it short! I saw it last month; I’m sure also watched it as a kid, BUT blocked it out (LOL)! This was one of few times where Peck played the bad guy; it may be awkward for fans (b/c he’s NOT doing his best). I’m thinking most of blame was on direction/producing- it’s doing TOO much (as Gen Z say)! The issues of (overt) racism and consent (or lack thereof) will offend those who are more sensitive viewers- so be warned.

[1] One thing with Selznick, he spared no expense. He got the best in talent for this film. Dimitri Tiomkin did the score, King Vidor the direction, Ray Rennahan the color photography which is absolutely stunning. […]

It misses being a classic mainly because Selznick couldn’t keep his hands off it. Sometimes the acting is about as subtle as a sledgehammer from all the performers. I’m willing to bet it’s Selznick more than Vidor.

[2] Everything about “Duel in the Sun” is overripe: the music, the photography (those red sunsets a la GWTW), the strong emotions and the climactic duel on a blazing desert sun by the two mismatched lovers. Indeed, the excesses are almost operatic in proportion–and yet, a viewer can get caught up in this sprawling western rightly termed “Lust in the Dust” by some reviewers.

[3] Pearl just can’t resist Lewt, no matter how bad he treats her. Leave your political correctness at the door, folks. This one’s got a little something to offend almost everybody.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Sibyl” (2019) starring Virginie Efira, Adele Exarchopoulos, Gaspard Ulliel, & Sandra Huller

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This French film (made for ONLY 5M euros) from Justine Triet (director/co-writer) and partner, Arthur Harari (co-writer/supporting actor), follows a 30-something psychotherapist, Sibyl (Virginie Efira). She is also wife to Etienne (Paul Hamy) and mom to 2 young kids. Sibyl decides to return to writing (her 1st career), yet still keeps a few patients. Harari plays Dr. Katz (Sibyl’s therapist), as is required in the mental health profession. One night, while dealing w/ writer’s block, Sibyl gets a (frantic) call from 20-ish/up-and-coming actress, Margot (Adèle Exarchopoulos). As Sibyl becomes more… and more wrapped up in Margot’s (turbulent) life, she starts to blur her past from the present… and reality from fiction!

I became curious re: this (genre-defying) film b/c it involved Triet, Harari, and Huller; it was made before they achieved international fame/critical acclaim w/ Anatomy of a Fall (2023). This is the last film released during his lifetime for Gaspard Ulliel (who plays Igor); he died in a ski accident in 2022 at just age 38. I hadn’t seen Efira’s acting before; she hails from Belgian. Efira and Niels Schneider (who plays Gabriel) are a couple IRL w/ one child. Exarchopoulos (then only 26 y.o.) has a French mother and Greek father; she co-starred in several well-known indies. The movie w/in the movie (starring Margot and Igor) was shot on the island of Stromboli (a part of Sicily, Italy).

From the trailer, I was expecting the tone of a dark/thriller; however, there are funny moments! This is free on streaming, so check it out (if in the mood for something unusual). Some viewers wondered: “Who is the patient and who is the therapist?” Gathering from reviews (IMDb; Letterboxd)- ppl are conflicted re: on this movie. Some called it a “hot mess” w/ “hot people”- LOL! Some expected more, yet did enjoy Huller’s performance as a perfectionist/Type A director. As in Anatomy of a Fall, Huller speaks more in English than in French. How cool is it that she can act in 3 languages!?

[1] You have to suspend your disbelief quite a lot and go with the flow. Having a love for making movies and understanding what can go on behind the scenes (it almost feels like someone is doing their own curing by doing the movie – the writer, the director, producers … all of the above and more?)

[2] I can’t recall seeing a film with so many good and great elements: cinematography, acting, a good deal of great dialogue, that was assembled into such a let down of total experience.

[3] The most enjoyable scenes for me were those with Sandra Huller, playing a film director, especially her reactions to the difficulties the actors are creating on her set. Her sensible response to the psychotherapist’s behaviour is long awaited and ultimately very satisfying.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The Riot Club” (2014) starring Sam Claflin, Max Irons, & Douglas Booth

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Filthy. Rich. Spoilt. Rotten. -A tagline for the film

The Bullingdon Club (founded in 1780) was notorious for booking a restaurant, trashing it, then handing the owner a check for damages on the way out. The unofficial club (which still exists today) consists of a group of male elites at Oxford. This film is based on the play Posh (by Lauren Wade); it premiered at the Royal Court Theatre (2010), before transferring to the West End. The Danish director, Lone Scherfig, was at the helm of An Education (2009) and The Kindness of Strangers (2019). Alistair (Sam Claflin) and Miles (Max Irons: son of Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack), both come from the British aristocracy. They start their 1st (freshman) year at Oxford. Miles appears relaxed w/ a down-to-earth personality; he starts dating a (middle-class) student, Lauren (Holliday Grainger). Alistair is uptight and wants to emulate his uncle (played by Tom Hollander)- a Tory Minister of Parliament (MP). These two young men end up being tutor partners and pledge to join the Riot Club.

This title came up as I was looking up films of Josh O’Connor; he plays Ed- goofy, naive, yet snobby. George (Jack Farthing- in his 1st movie) is quiet, wide-eyed, and eager to please. The president of the club is James (Freddie Fox: recently on S2 of House of the Dragon); the cast referred to him as “the most posh one” (in press interviews). Fox is the son of 2 veteran British character actors- Edward Fox and Joanna David. Harry (Douglas Booth) has a model-like face and eye for women; his family has a country estate (recently opened for tours). Hugo (Sam Reid- currently on Interview with the Vampire) is confident, titled, yet cash poor. Each of the young actors gets their moment to shine; all give believable performances.

This film could’ve been titled Toxic Masculinity: UK College Edition; it delves into issues which are timely and timeless. What happens when (rich/white) males grow-up w/ (unchecked) privilege? When any problem comes up, their 1st solution is to throw money at it! Women are seen as conquests, NOT friends or potential love interests. Isn’t the time of these type of clubs over? some may ask. Well, there are college boys who die still in hazing rituals at fraternities! College (late teens-early 20s) is time when we become adults (under the law), yet are still forming our identities (and susceptible to peer pressure). This story will take you on an emotional journey. At first, there are a LOT of laughs from witty one-liners; these kids are smart after all. Then, it becomes darker w/ some shocking scenes (which will make you tense/uncomfortable).

[1] As most will know, The Riot Club is inspired by the Bullingdon Club, an Oxford University dining society infamous for its destructive hedonism that boasts alumni such as David Cameron, Boris Johnson and George Osborne. The film’s main target of attack isn’t the purported anti-social behaviour of such people, the obnoxious decadence we witness is not endemic to the highly disagreeable “Riot Club,” what it attacks is rather the characters’ raging, blue-blooded superiority complexes that causes it.

[2] My only complaint about the movie would be the main character (Miles Richards) being a flawless Mary Sue – rich, handsome, witty, intelligent, kind and well meaning, as well as some of the other positive characters being presented as these morally superior beings. That felt very strange for a movie, the main idea of which is that not everything is as black and white as it seems, and we all just try to justify our own actions while doing what we feel (not think) is best.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Gladiator II” (2024) starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, & Fred Hechinger

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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 Gladiator II (available on VOD).

After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people. -Synopsis

This sequel directed by Ridley Scott (and one of the most anticipated movies of 2024) is a hot mess! As we saw in promos/trailers, Paul Mescal (who plays the lead- Lucius) and Pedro Pascal (Gen. Acacius) do indeed look hot (esp. w/ those added muscles). However, as time went on, I got worried; Napoleon (2023) was also written by David Scarpa (pls get a new job)! I saw Gladiator II about 2 wks after its theatrical release; I’d planned to go during Thanksgiving break (but screenings were mostly full).

I re-watched Gladiator (2000) in mid-NOV; I was entertained (joke intended), though the SFX didn’t hold up. Crowe owned that role, as a LOT of critics/viewers noted (over 20+ yrs). As Maximus, he had a movie star presence/charisma and confident line delivery. FYI: The script was weak when filming began and there was much improv from the actors. As for the baddie, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) was a strong foil to Maximus (the man he felt usurped his role and his father’s love).

Macrinus [to Lucius]: You will be my instrument!

IF you’re a big fan of Denzel Washington (like me), you MAY enjoy some of this movie; the veteran actor plays Macrinus (a wealthy/charming owner of gladiators). He’ll remind you somewhat of Proximo (Oliver Reed) from the 1st movie; the actor (an alcoholic) died before filming ended. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Gracchus (Sir Derek Jacobi at aged 85- wow) are the only returning characters; Crowe appears in flashbacks (archive footage). Pascal and Joseph Quinn (Emperor Geta) will also be seen in MCU’s Fantastic Four as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Johnny Storm (The Human Torch). Quinn was cast after Barry Keoghan dropped out to work on an indie film instead (smart move).

The gates of hell are open night and day;

Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:

But to return, and view the cheerful skies,

In this the task and mighty labor lies.

-Lines from John Dryden’s 1697 English translation of Vergil’s epic poem Aeneid

The acting is ALL over the place; it’s as if Scott gave totally different guidance to each of the cast! Washington, Quinn, and Fred Hechinger (Caracalla- 2nd of the twin emperors) are having a fun time w/ their (scenery-chewing) acting. These twins don’t have strong motivations for why they act as they do (unlike Commodus); they act like crazed/drunken frat boys. Pascal is taking it all V seriously; Acacius comes off as weary, morose, and disillusioned w/ military life. I know some ppl liked his portrayal, BUT I wanted to see some charm. Nielsen doesn’t have a LOT to do (yet more than in original); I felt something was missing from Lucilla, though that mostly comes down to the writing. As for Mescal, it takes time for him to grow into his role, so that made me wonder ask: why didn’t Scott allow for more takes? As for the “rage” that Macrinus keeps mentioning, we don’t see much of that from Pascal. Was he miscast here (some have wondered)?

This sequel follows much too close to the original; there is even a graphic depicting key moments from that story in the opening credits. In the 3rd act, Maximus is referred to as Lucius’ father many times- I had to roll my eyes. Some fans wondered: since Maximus was so big on “honor,” why’d he cheat on his beloved wife (w/ whom he had a son nearly the same age as Lucius)!? For such a pricy movie, I expected the SFX to be much better! Many were cringing (or laughing) re: the (unrealistic) baboons, BUT that’s NOT the only case of shoddy effects work. The one-on-one fighting scenes, esp. the one w/ Mescal and the super-sized warrior in the emperors’ tent was V impressive. If anyone disses you for saying that The Last Duel was well-made, just point them to his epic disappointment!

Lucius: Know this: where death is, we are not. Where were are, death is not! By my sword, strength and honor!

There is some BTS controversy to explain, as those of you (like me) who’re always online MAY know. In May of 2023, Variety reported that Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy had been cast. Deadline Hollywood reported that Calamawy’s character would be V important to the story; Scott did a broad search before she was finally cast. She was featured in the official trailer, BUT for unknown reasons, she ended up w/ a non-speaking background role. Calamawy is NOT credited in the end credits and wasn’t part of the promo tour. Contrary to gossip on social media, she wasn’t replaced by Israeli actress Yuval Gonen, who plays Arishat (wife of Lucius).

[1] There seems to be a trend these days when making follow ups to beloved classics that you need to add more. More characters! More action! But that doesn’t always equal better. It’s almost like filmmakers these days think we’re stupid and want more of everything but all this does is sacrifice quality.

What made the original such a classic was the relatively simple plot, a protagonist you cared about and action that felt earned and impactful.

This one is so overstuffed it feels rushed. The plot feels like a lazy retread of the first but I didn’t care about any of the characters. Paul Mescal was so wooden it sounded like he was reading his lines. If this is how he acts, I really don’t see what all the fuss is about with him. Am I missing something?

[2] I approached this movie truly trying to give it a fair change on its own by not holding and comparing it too much to its original, But this movie just pulls of A Force Awakens and has 80% just recycled nostalgia bait its impossible to not compare them.

It recycles quotes, plot, narratives, even very same camera shots.

And yeah, alas, the first did absolutely everything, every single aspect better to much better and most definitely story/drama character wise. […]

This movie definitely looks glorious and expensive and had a big grandeur (although some CGI looked comically fake), but it fails to have a coherent driven plot.

[3] The “games” in the Colosseum are superbly presented and yes, exotic animals and water battles were really fought there in Roman times. The twin Emperors are superbly crazy… […] I was initially disappointed with Paul Mescal’s performance, but in hindsight I now wonder if it’s character rather than his performance that was disappointing. Hanno is no Maximus – no leader of men, no charismatic warrior – in fact he tells as much a number of times in the film. But maybe that’s Scott’s point this time? Even a simple soldier can achieve great things?

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews