Tag: Marraige

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!

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.

Spoiler-Free Review: “Infinity Pool” (2023) starring Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, & Cleopatra Coleman

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While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. -Official synopsis

WTF did I see!? What exactly are the filmmakers trying to say? The writer/director of this horror/drama is Brandon, the son of veteran Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg. Like his father, Cronenberg does NOT shy away from controversy; this film contains a LOT of blood, drug use, explicit scenes (w/ nudity), and dark (possibly unsettling) themes. It was originally rated NC-17 for “some graphic violence and sexual content.” After an unsuccessful appeal for an R rating, NEON (the distributing studio) edited it. The uncut version was screened at the Sundance Film Festival; the edited (R-rated) version was released in theaters.

James Foster: I actually came here looking for inspiration. To a resort. It’s quite pathetic.

Alban Bauer: So what do you do for money then? Do you teach, or?

Em Foster: He married rich.

Alban Bauer: That’s a good one. Well, its’ good for an artist to have a patron, isn’t it?

James Foster: Yes.

Em Foster: Oh, sure. I’m in danger of becoming a charitable organization at this point.

Alexander Skarsgard (son Stellan/brother of several other actors) is in his anti-hero stage; I was recently impressed by his (complicated) husband role in HBO’s Big Little Lies. The Swedish actor is considered one the most (classically) handsome men onscreen (V tall, blond, blue-eyed, w/ a trim/sculpted body). Well, there is NOT much “hot” (or even likeable) about the role of James! He’s feeling emasculated, being dependent on Em (his wealthy/young wife). James has been suffering writer’s block (after early success); Gabi Alban (Mia Goth- a Brit w/ a Latina mother) boosts his ego w/ her compliments… and more. I’ve only seen 2 movies w/ Goth; you may know her as the wife of (troubled actor) Shia LaBeouf. In a recent podcast, LaBeouf commented that being w/ him has hurt Goth’s career; she is known for her work in the horror genre. I don’t know the supporting actors; they all play unhinged characters.

I have to admit I did like the scene where Gabi (boldy) touches the hollow of James’ throat to illustrate a point on the beach. Who acts that way w/ a stranger!? When the married couples go out to dinner at the Chinese restaurant, Gabi looks at James like she wants to eat him up! Modern viewers sometimes complain re: the overuse of close-ups; there are TOO many here (and often unsettling). If you are squeamish re: blood, then I recommend you avoid this movie. I just didn’t like the style of directing, incl. the use of (discomforting) graphics. The music is disturbing; if I knew more on this topic, I could say more. It is rumored that Robert Pattinson was offered the lead, but passed; he would’ve made it worse than it already is IMO! The ending is just frustrating, as is most of the film. I learned that some viewers walked out at Sundance.

[1] I just felt like it didn’t really amount to anything except for shock for the sake of shock and weirdness for the sake of weirdness. […] The visuals were admittedly cool and the overall aesthetic of the movie was well done, but what was the point? It ultimately just amounted to being a very pretentious, try hard, extreme film for commercial audiences.

[2] The story makes no sense with cloning being the predominant theme. Skarsgard, Goth and the entire cast are wasted with a silly script and story.

[3] Sad no one spends the time to think things out and develop a scary story and use atmosphere and tension.

This movie has atmosphere and tension, but it’s of the lower kind .

If this movie is trying to say something it’s that people with connections and money get away with murder .

[4] This film had the potential to be something new and creative in the horror genre, but writer/director Brandon Cronenberg settles for more of the same of his usual style with little in the way of an understanding of why these events are occurring or even caring that they are happening. […]

All the acting is very well done; Mia Goth is always a sure bet when playing a sinister crazy person. Alexander Skarsgård, unfortunately, isn’t given enough material here to truly shine in his role. He’s a practically one dimensional shell of a character, and that is one of the main reasons the film did not work for me. I felt nothing for his character, and the character makes some of the worst decisions I’ve seen on film. Barely any of the film makes sense, if I’m being honest. Best not to ask why to any of the questions you have because, more than likely, they will not be answered.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Fatal Attraction” (Paramount+): Episode 1

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A deep-dive reimagining of the classic 80s thriller, exploring timeless themes of marriage and infidelity through the lens of modern attitudes toward strong women, personality disorders and coercive control. -Synopsis

Introduction:

Are you a fan of the (iconic) movie Fatal Attraction (1987) starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, or perhaps the erotic thriller genre? If so, then you may want to check out this new Paramount+ streaming show (w/ a subscription on Amazon Prime). Three eps were released last SUN (April 30th); there will be a total of 8 eps (about 1 hr./ea.) For fans of the original, there are “Easter eggs” to be found, as co-writer Alexandra Cunningham noted. James Dearden (who wrote the original screenplay) is credited; long-time fans may recognize (discarded) ideas from his original script. Beth has a much larger role to play; she has a small business (so is not a housewife). Dearden originally wrote Beth as a schoolteacher who’d taken a few yrs off, BUT was planning to return to work. Producers didn’t like that idea, so that’s why movie Beth (Ann Archer) was an ideal “happy homemaker.”

Episode 1:

15 years after Alex Forrest’s murder, Dan Gallagher is paroled and reaches out to his estranged daughter Ellen. In the past, a crushing career defeat drives him to first connect with Alex. -Synopsis of the pilot episode

Do you know the (alternate) ending to the ’80s movie which the producers rejected? That finale included Dan being convicted of murdering Alex! The ep opens w/ Dan’s hearing in front of the parole board; he has served his sentence of 15 yrs. It sounds like he has been a model prisoner during this time. His manner is humble and his speech is V serious/calm. Though he doesn’t notice her, the adult Ellen (a grad student in Psychology) is at the hearing.

The setting of the story has been moved from NYC to LA. In 2008, Dan (Joshua Jackson, 45 y.o.) is still a lawyer, BUT he’s a Deputy District Attorney (NOT in corporate law). As in the movie, he has a comfy home, loving wife (Beth), and young daughter (Ellen is aged up to 8 y.o.) He seems to be respected/liked by most of his colleagues at the Criminal Courts Building. Dan is turning 40 soon and up for a judgeship. Alex (Lizzy Caplan, 40 y.o.) isn’t a book editor here; she works in Victims Services (and is also a colleague of Dan’s). In the era of #MeToo, this adds another layer to the classic story of infidelity.

This show has 2 timelines: the present (2023) has a cool color palette, while the time period of the affair/its aftermath (2008) has a warmer look. In the past, Dan is often in the center of the frame (as one would typically present a main character). He wears suits, talks fast, and walks in an upright/confident manner. In the present, Dan is sometimes on the sidelines (as the story is NOT just his anymore). He has more gray hair, is dressed V casually, talks carefully (slowly) and has his head/shoulders lowered. There is more to see, so check out the show for yourself!

My first reaction was that I missed the (more glam) setting of Manhattan. Then, I wondered how much of the story would focus on law and order. Ellen’s focus is on Carl Jung; I wonder if this may play out in the show. Do you think the casting of the leads is fitting? I will keep on watching and post review of the full series when it has finished. If you’re active on Twitter, I’ve posted some related tweets. (See videos below.)

“Damage” (1992) & “Obsession” (Netflix: 2023)

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Damage (1992) starring Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, Miranda Richardson, & Rupert Graves

With love comes risk. With obsession comes… Damage.

The most talked about novel of the year is now the most talked about film of the year.

-Taglines for the film

A middle-aged/married member of Parliament, Dr. Stephen Fleming (Irons), falls passionately in love w/ his son’s young fiancée/art curator, Anna Barton (Binoche). They conduct their affair recklessly. Soon, Stephen wants to leave is wife, Ingrid (Richardson), to be w/ Anna. She has no intention of allowing him to do that. They’re eventually discovered by the son, Martyn (Graves), and must deal w/ the resulting “damage.”

Anna: Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.

This is a terrific/character-driven drama (directed by Louis Malle) re: emotionally damaged people and romantic obsession. It is effective, b/c emotions are portrayed honestly. Stephen has a great career, a pretty/supportive wife, two kids, and a lovely home. Why threaten it with an affair!? We think he is making a huge mistake, yet many others have done this IRL. At an event in Parliament, Anna seeks out Stephen and introduces herself. (Some of you may wonder if her dating Martyn was a way to get to him.) All they can do is stare at each other (in a quite strong scene, as Roget Ebert noted). For Stephen, part of the appeal lies in unleashing the passion which he perhaps sublimated in his youth; there is also danger. Anna remains (mostly) a mystery; she has a tragedy in her youth involving her brother.

[1] The acting is marvelous – Binoche is exquisitely dressed, though some of those marvelous clothes are ripped off of her – she brings an exotic, androgynous and mysterious quality to the role of Anna. Irons is excellent as an up-tight father and half-crazed lover. […]

The last 30 minutes of this movie are some of the most shattering moments in film, and what makes them so shattering is not only the situation but the absolutely devastating, visceral, no holds barred performance by Miranda Richardson.

[2] “Damage” is, has been, and is going to be, a beautiful and interesting film to some. To others, it is, has been and is going to be cold and dull. Count me in as somebody in the former camp, while totally seeing why it won’t connect, and hasn’t connected, for others and am not in any way going to hold that against them.

[3] …the sex between Irons and Binoche is not there just to get the audience all hot and bothered. You have to look at it within the context of the story… […] From the moment they meet, they are both captive to an overwhelming, inexplicable passion, due to deep-seated, subconscious motivations stemming from each person’s individual history and emotional nature. It’s fairly clear from the mostly silent, often awkward, and sometimes almost painful-looking sex that they are not in it for the sheer physical sensation, or even to show affection/love for each other. They simply can’t help themselves.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Obsession (Netflix: 2023) starring Richard Armitage, Charlie Murphy, Indira Varma, & Rish Shah

IF you haven’t watched this (TV-MA) miniseries yet, then don’t (you can thank me now)! IF you think that most of Netflix content is crap, this will NOT change your mind. There is so much wrong here, starting w/ the format of 4 eps at 40 mins/ea. Why drag it out!? This (simple) story doesn’t need to be broken down; as some reviewers said, it could’ve been a 90 min. movie. Secondly, there is almost zero character development (which pissed me off)! Next up, we have the (cringe-worthy) sex scenes which were (no joke) directed by a husband-wife team. There is NO chemistry btwn the two leads- Armitage (looking FAB over 50) and Murphy (who has a V odd hairstyle)! As y’all know, I’m a fan of Armitage, BUT he can’t save this on his own. The actor wears a look of confusion in a LOT of the “steamy” scenes. Some media execs still don’t realize that the script is the MOST important thing! Some of my pals (IRL and online) commented that they were impressed by Varma; she is TOO good for the material. This is a waste of talent! Nothing erotic. Nothing thrilling. Perhaps the worst element here is the (painfully) dramatic/loud musical score. OK, I have to stop, before I get TOO angry!

[1] This was a very un-sexy letdown, due to completely lacking writing and plot. I watched this for Richard Armitage who is, frankly, too good of an actor for such a lame script…

I understand that it’s labeled a thriller, but for such ominous music to be playing during supposedly passionate scenes is just bizarre and a huge turnoff. Am I gonna be jump-scared? It’s confusing.

[2] What a waste of talent. I even disliked Richard’s acting in this role. No on screen chemistry. I cared not what happened to anyone here. I wished there was a voice off the screen yelling “cut!”. “This is crap. I am not doing this.”

The female protagonist is totally unlikable. Totally. Unlikable. No internal substance. Nothing. […]

Oh- the intimate scenes were laughable at best. I cannot believe I actually fast forwarded through them. Yes. I skipped the supposed “juicy” parts. Not compelling. They were boring

[3] …there was nothing thrilling in this mini series. The biggest problem is that we are offered no character development – two people meet once and are immediately obsessed with each other abandoning all reason. […]

There is no real chemistry between the characters. The sex scenes are a frankly ridiculous – as if they were all choreographed by a socially-awkward person. The hotel pillow scene actually made laugh.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews