Tag: Marraige

“The Kindness of Strangers” (2019) starring Zoe Kazan, Andrea Riseborough, Tahar Rahim, Caleb Landry Jones, Jay Baruchel, & Bill Nighy

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Clara (Zoe Kazan- an American) and her two young sons (Anthony and Jude) drive from their small town to NYC. Alice (Andrea Riseborough- a Brit) runs a forgiveness support group out of a church; Marc (Tahar Rahim- a Frenchman w/ Algerian heritage) and his lawyer/friend, John Peter (Jay Baruchel- a Canadian), are recent members. While searching for food at a Russian restaurant (The Winter Palace), Clara meets Marc, who has been given the chance to revitalize the eatery by the owner, Tim (Bill Nighy- a Brit/also served as a producer). After their car is towed away, Clara’s family meets Alice (an ER nurse), who gets them into a shelter. A young/jobless man, Jeff (Caleb Landy Jones- an American), comes upon this shelter and becomes a volunteer.

The title of this indie film (free on several streaming platforms) comes from the Tennessee Williams’s play A Streetcar Named Desire. Blanche Dubois declares “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers” at the finale. The play was adapted into a movie directed by Elia Kazan, the grandfather of Zoe. The writer/director of The Kindness of Strangers is a Danish woman, Lone Scherfig; she directed a (must-see) drama- An Education (2009)- starring Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard. One reviewer was reminded of Frank Capra (a 1st gen Italian-American); this filmmaker’s movies carried positive messages and focused on the shared humanity of Americans. This film (which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival) was shot in NYC, Canada (Ontario), and Denmark.

The Kindness of Strangers has an understated quality, though there are some serious issues explored, incl. domestic abuse, unemployment, homelessness, lack of family/community support, and loneliness. Though the speed of life in NYC is fast, the pacing here allows us to notice each character of the fine international/ensemble cast. Kazan (who may be more known for rom coms) does V well w/ drama here; your heart just goes out to her character! Rahim is NOT only handsome/graceful (perhaps b/c he’s French IRL), he has a quiet intensity onscreen (as his character is mostly reserved). I admired the look of the film; the cinematographer is Sebastian Blenkov. Have you noticed that romantic scenes (dir. by women) are usually quite effective/memorable? There is a kiss btwn Kazan and Rahim which is full of emotion and (heartfelt) desire.

[1] Brilliant story, brilliant acting, brilliant directing. […] From the very beginning, it captures you; quite sad at some points, but it just kept getting better.

[2] The success of the movie depends on how Zoe Kazan carries her part and she carries it well. Good movie for anyone who has an interest in human relations.

[3] Homelessness is one thematic layer to a story that investigates kindness as the social glue that matters most and is possibly also the most underrated of dispositions or inclinations, often being seen as weak or oversensitive. Personally, I found it a lovely film, quite moving in places with its acknowledgment that, without kindness and the generosity of strangers, society would fall apart.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

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!

Quick Reviews: Recent Documentaries of Actors

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Jane Fonda in Five Acts (2018)

A look at the life, work, activism and controversies of actress and fitness tycoon, Jane Fonda.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Does a woman have to be single to be her authentic self?
Jane Fonda [at age 85]: Well, it depends on how you’re brought up. I grew up thinking it was my job to make men love me.

-From the podcast Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus (April 11, 2023)

Director Susan Lacy captures Jane Fonda’s complex life in this V informative, entertaining, and emotional doc (available on Max). The film is divided into 5 stages of the iconic actress’ life: Henry (her childhood/early yrs. w/ her father/family); Vadim (her older/French director hubby); Tom (her activist/lefty hubby); Ted (another American icon/”Alpha man” who became her hubby in middle age); and the last chapter- Jane (her important “3rd act”). The actress is open and honest w/ facts and freely gives her opinions (and we wouldn’t expect less). It was a BIT tough for her to get the confidence to pursue acting, which she began studying at 21: “I grew up in the shadows of a national monument- my dad!” Fonda is also known for her activism (which went way beyond the social media engagement of the young celebs of today), V popular fitness videos (in the ’80s), and entrepreneurship. We hear from her exes, family (incl. son Troy Garity), friends, and collaborators (incl. Alan J. Pakula, Sydney Pollack, Robert Redford, and Lily Tomlin). I will have to check out more of her work.

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021)

A look at the life and work of Rita Moreno from her humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to her success on Broadway and in Hollywood.

She is an original, and she can’t help but be that every minute of her life. So one gets lost in her personality, happily and feels better for being with her. -Norman Lear

There was nobody that I could look up and say “That’s somebody like me”. Which is probably why I’m now known in my community as ‘La Pionera’, or the Pioneer. I really don’t think of myself as a role model. But it turns out that I am to a lot of the Hispanic community. Not just in show business, but in life. But that’s what happens when you’re first, right? –Rita Moreno

This doc (which I saw on PBS) is shown in interviews w/ the iconic actress at age 87. Rita Moreno (who I 1st saw on The King and I as a kid) is one of the few artists who is an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner. She became successful as a petite/minority/woman in entertainment; she hails from Puerto Rico w/ humble roots. Like many young women of her day, she started out as a dancer; in an early role, she danced w/ Ricardo Montalban! Moreno (healthy, energetic, and blunt-talking) expands re: many difficulties she faced as young woman: the “casting couch;” being typecast in “exotic” roles which only required her to look beautiful/speak in accents (even after the Best Supporting Actress Oscar win for West Side Story); and broadening her career to do work which interests her (even if NOT high-profile). She discusses how her low self-worth affected her romantic relationships; she was involved w/ Marlon Brando, then married to Leonard Gordon for 45 yrs. Moreno (who recently appeared on the family comedy One Day at a Time) is also an activist focused on women and minority rights. We hear from her friends, collaborators, and others she inspired, incl: George Chakiris (co-star on West Side Story), Hector Elizondo, American Ferrera, Norman Lear (iconic TV writer/producer), and Lin Manuel-Miranda.

The Last Movie Stars (2022)

In this intimate six-part docuseries, actor/director Ethan Hawke explores the love story and enduring legacy of Hollywood legends Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.

I think of Newman and Woodward as one of the (few) marrieds who made domestic life look fun! Ethan Hawke may win an Emmy for his (must-see for classic film fans) doc on Max. It features the voice talents of of many fine actors, incl. George Clooney (Newman), Laura Linney (Woodward), Zoe Kazan, Alessandro Nivola, and Billy Crudup. There are interviews w/ the iconic actors’/philanthropists’ daughters and excerpts from a many interviews (transcribed from tapes which Newman recorded in the early ’80s). We hear re: the actors’ (difficult) childhoods, their exciting days studying/working in NYC theaters, their (sometimes complicated) courtship/marriage, and much more. Did you know that Newman was Jewish!? Though I was familiar w/ several of Newman’s films discussed (From the Terrace, The Long Hot Summer, Sweet Bird of Youth, Hud, and The Sting), there are MANY that I’ve never seen (esp. from later in his career). I learned that Woodward made her mark (in middle-age) w/ TV movies (acting and directing); she won several Emmy awards. I will have to check out her work in the future; the couple also worked together on some projects. Though some critics felt that Hawke was “too present” in this, I didn’t mind this (unique) take on the doc. When he was V young, Woodward donated $10,000, so that Hawke could start a small theater company- wow! Woodward was a teacher/mentor/friend to Linney.

Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023)

Mary’s vanguard career, who, as an actor, performer, and advocate, revolutionized the portrayal of women in media, redefined their roles in show business, and inspired generations to dream big and make it on their own.

This doc (which came out this month on Max) was produced by Moore’s surviving husband Dr. Robert Levine; the director (James Adolphus) had access to home movies, personal memorabilia, family and friends. I read that Adolphus (who worked 20 yrs, as a cinematographer and producer) wasn’t familiar w/ the iconic actress’ work prior to making this movie; producers saw this as a positive. Moore started out w/ modeling, then got into radio progs and TV commercials. She was TV’s funny/pretty/housewife/mom (The Dick Van Dyke Show) before she transitioned to happily single/career gal (The Mary Tyler Moore Show). While Moore was in front of the camera, her (then hubby) Grant Tinker worked on the business side of the (iconic) comedy focused on TV news reporters in Minneapolis. We hear from those who knew her well and others inspired by her example (from several gens): James L. Brooks, Rob Reiner, James Burrows, Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Oprah, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Reese Witherspoon, etc.

“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 Four Neo Noirs

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The Big Easy (1986) starring Dennis Quaid & Ellen Barkin

He’s got to hide the truth. She’ll stop at nothing to find out. But tonight, everything’s off the record.

-Taglines for the film

Lt. Remy McSwain (Quaid), a cop in Homicide, finds that he has 2 probs: 1) a brutal series of gang killings and 2) Ann Osborne (Barkin), an attorney from the D.A.’s police corruption task force. He begins a relationship w/ her as the killings continue, only to have charges filed against him for accepting bribes (after he stumbles into a sting operation). Meanwhile, the criminal leaders insist that none of their gangs are behind the killings. FYI: Jim Garrison (the judge in Remy’s bribery case) was a real lawyer and judge. He was, for a time, the DA of NOLA. A case he had while in that position was the subject of Oliver Stone’s JFK (1991); Garrison was played by Kevin Costner.

In the opening credits, we see over the bayous and countryside rushing by below (w/ the energetic zydeco music- played through the film). The filmmakers do a good job at bringing NOLA to life w/ its sights and sounds (incl. Creole dialects). Quaid (TOO pushy to get a date in the first 20 mins; this kind of behavior would NOT work today) plays a man who is energetic, obstinate, and self-assured. However, he gets to reveal another (emotional) side when the story asks for it. Quaid also sings a song! Barkin does an better job at selling the movie (as some critics noted); Anne is a woman who is strong, BUT also vulnerable (being unlucky w/ romance in the past). Barkin and Quaid (both 32 y.o.) have a chemistry that is playful and hot; they both said this was their fave movie! There is a (much discussed) love scene where they’re partly clothed, BUT he goes down on her (V rare to see onscreen at that time). A phone call interrupts them (of course), so they have to rush over to a crime scene. A bit later on, there is another (also good) love scene. The supporting characters (cops) incl. John Goodman, Lisa Jane Persky, and Ned Beatty. Unfortunately, the few Italian and Black characters aren’t shown in a nuanced manner.

Mortal Thoughts (1991) starring Demi Moore, Glenne Headly, & Bruce Willis

Something terrible happened that night. Something everyone wanted to talk about. Something no one was telling the truth about. -Taglines for the film

A young hairdresser/wife/mom, Cynthia Kellogg (Moore- w/ big/permed hair), is in a police station (in Bayonne, NJ) being interrogated by an experienced cop, Det. John Woods (Harvey Keitel), and his younger/female partner. Through flashbacks, Cynthia explains how her bestie/co-worker, Joyce (Glenne Headly), married her loud/macho/jobless hubby, James Urbaniak (Bruce Willis); how hard Joyce’s marriage was; and why Joyce ended up killing James (in self-defense). The cop (who is smarter than he acts) finds some contradictions in her statement and pushes Cynthia, trying to get her to disclose the whole truth.

The film’s title refers to Macbeth (Act I, Scene 5), in which Lady Macbeth says: “Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here / And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty…” Siskel and Ebert noted that they liked the movie, esp. the friend relationship btwn. Moore and Headley (who has appeared in theater and many indies). Willis plays a wholly unredeemable villain; he creates a cartoonish character (w/ a NOT so cute goatee). Moore and Willis were married at this time. I found the themes here compelling and it kept my interest; Moore does a good job here (as she is adept at projecting vulnerability). There is a twist in this movie, which makes sense, BUT I didn’t see coming!

Under Suspicion (1991) starring Liam Neeson, Laura San Giacomo, & Kenneth Cranham

How close can you get to a killer before you’re too close? -Tagline for the film

I learned about this movie (set in 1959 in the seaside town of Brighton, England) on the Fatal Attractions podcast. Disgraced cop turned PI, Tony Aaron (Neeson), falsifies adulteries for use as evidence in divorce cases. He involves his wife as the fictional co-respondent for painter Carlo Stasio, BUT both of them are shot dead in a hotel room. In charge of the case is Frank (Cranham), Tony’s former partner who still works on the police force. Frank’s most likely suspects are Angeline (San Giacomo), Stasio’s young/American mistress, who is set to inherit his house and paintings, and Tony himself, whose story doesn’t add up.

It’s NOT easy to get a movie made in the UK, so I think these filmmakers deserve respect for giving it a shot. It MAY be tough for some modern viewers to see Neeson in this (loser-type) role; also, there is no chemistry btwn him and San Giacomo. It looks like they don’t believe the words they’re are saying in the love scenes- a bad sign. The pacing is quite slow, BUT there is good dialogue and colorful supporting actors. There are lovely location shots and some cool-looking costumes (esp. hats and jackets). Cranham did a fine job as a weary/experienced detective. There is a twist ending which I did NOT see coming!

China Moon (1994) starring Ed Harris, Madeleine Stowe, Benicio Del Toro, & Charles Dance

He thought it was passion. It was deceit. He thought it was love. It was murder. -Taglines for the film

This movie was filmed in 1990-91, BUT was thrown into limbo when Orion filed for bankruptcy in late ’91. After a reorganization of the production company, the film finally had its release in 1994. This is a tightly edited (99 min.) simple story in the vein of Body Heat (1981), which is also set in a small Florida town. Det. Kyle Bodine (Harris) quickly falls for Rachel (Stowe) who is trapped in a violent marriage w/ a wealthy banker, Rupert Munro (Charles Dance- w/ blonde hair and a posh Southern accent). Many will know Dance from his (more recent) role of Tywin Lannister on GoT; as a younger actor, he played many baddies. After Rachel shoots her hubby during a domestic fight, Kyle (reluctantly) agrees to help her hide the body. Soon after, Kyle’s younger partner, Det. Lamar Dickey (Del Toro- just 24 w/ a baby face), starts showing initiative and finding clues. As one fan of this (lesser-known) noir wrote: “The main reason to check his out is a great performance from Ed Harris. The feeling of him being sucked into something is written all over his face, and the way he goes from cop in control of all the details into a hunted animal is really good. Stowe is also really good and the support cast also has quality…” Siskel and Ebert liked this movie also, incl. the chemistry btwn Harris and Stowe. There is a twist (which was a surprise), BUT makes sense!