Tag: Marraige

“The Squid and the Whale” (2005) starring Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg, & Owen Kline

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In 1986 in Brooklyn, we meet the (dysfunctional/intellectual) Berkman family headed by prof/writer, Bernard (Jeff Daniels- then aged 50), and his wife/writer, Joan (Laura Linney- aged 40), who’ve recently decided to separate. Bernard is bitter, cheap, and arrogant; he has no time for “philistines” (ppl who don’t read the type of books/watch the movies he likes). Bernard published a successful novel in his 20s, BUT is having a tough time getting his recent work published. Joan (who has been unfaithful) is finally finding success as a writer; she has grown tired of her husband’s ways. Their sons- 17 y.o. Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) and 12 y.o. Frank (Owen Kline- son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates)- take sides in the divorce. Walt leaves w/ Bernard for an apt in another neighborhood; he takes on his father’s opinions/style/values. The more quiet/introverted Frank stays w/ Joan in the family’s townhouse. It turns out that BOTH kids feel the separation deeply and start behaving uncharacteristically.

This indie (made 10 yrs. after Baumbach’s 1st feature) was screened at Sundance; it received 3 Golden Globe noms and a best screenplay Oscar nom. The budget for this indie film was around $1.5M – wow! Director/screenwriter, Noah Baumbach (at age 36), took inspo from docs, the French New Wave, Scorsese’s early films, and work of John Cassavetes. Several viewers (fans/critics) refer to this film as “the prequel to Marriage Story.” The boy protagonist of The Squid and the Whale– Walt (whose POV we see from)- could be viewed as the precursor to the adult Charlie of Marriage Story. Both characters are dealing w/ divorce in their respective families. Linney was given the script by Eric Stoltz in 2000, while they were filming The House of Mirth; she agreed to do the film immediately! Many of Bernard’s grad students are portrayed by Baumbach’s IRL friends; his father and younger brother also appear in the film.

My mom saw this movie quite a while ago and was impressed by it; she liked the fresh dialogue and thought the characters were unique. I know Daniels mainly from HBO’s The Newsroom and some (V thoughtful) interviews he has given on the craft/business of acting. Here, the veteran actor creates an unexpected version of “toxic masculinity,” as Bernard uses his brain (words) to manipulate those around him, rather than brawn (physical violence). The role of Walt suits Eisenberg (21 y.o. at the time of filming) to a tee; this was a few yrs. before he got the lead in The Social Network (2010).

[1] He [Bernard] has become a bitter, unfocused, pompous ass of a person, father, husband and professor. The inability to recapture the magic of his early writing success has caused him to look down on all other writers… whether they be Fitzgerald or his own wife. This is Daniels’ best work ever on screen and is at once, painful and a joy to behold.

Laura Linney plays his wife as a woman who loves her kids unequivocally and has a zest for life that her downbeat husband no longer shares. Her new found success as a writer sets her off on a trail of confidence and joy, all the while understanding that her family still needs her very much.

The kids really take the film to the next level. Jesse Eisenberg (brilliant in Roger Dodger) and Owen Kline (son of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates) are both scene stealers as they struggle in their own distinct ways with their separated parents and their continuance through adolescence.

[2] A word about the humor: don’t expect any big gags. In fact, in the interview Noah talks about how he had to tell the actors not to read their lines as if they’re funny. He didn’t intend it to be a comedy, but still (owing largely to the fantastic deadpan performances by Jeff Daniels & Jesse Eisenberg) you might find yourself cracking up at how plain bizarre everything is.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The Gift” (2015) starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, & Joel Edgerton

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The Past Will Be Your Present. -Tagline for the movie

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an acquaintance from Simon’s high school sends their world into a harrowing tailspin. Simon doesn’t recognize Gordo (Joel Edgerton) at first, but after a series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts prove troubling, a horrifying secret from the past is uncovered after more than 20 years. As Robyn learns the unsettling truth about what happened between Simon and Gordo, she starts to question: how well do we really know the people closest to us, and are past bygones ever really bygones? -Synopsis (STX)

This is the 1st film written/directed/produced by Aussie actor Joel Edgerton; I hadn’t seen much of his work before. As he wanted to focus on directing, Edgerton filmed his scenes as Gordo after 2 wks of shooting and completed them in 7 days. He had his hair dyed reddish-brown and wore brown contacts; he naturally has brown hair and blue eyes. This is a 3-hander w/ Edgerton, Bateman (who grew up acting), and Hall (an under-rated British actress from many indies). The cast fit their roles V well; Bateman is known as an easygoing/likeable guy (who the audience will want to root for), while Hall is able to convey strength and vulnerability (w/o saying much).

I’ve been bullied and I’ve also been the bully. –Joel Edgerton (filmmaker) on the theme of the movie

Simon and Gordo grew up near this town in SoCal; Simon and Robyn recently moved into a mid-century modern house (w/ a LOT of glass). Simon has a new job at a big architectural firm; Robyn works from home as an interior designer. They seem to have a loving/strong marriage and want to have kids soon. Edgerton (who has a smaller role than Bateman and Hall) plays Gordo as a socially awkward striver eager to please. He leaves several gifts for the couple; secrets are eventually revealed re: Gordo’s connection to Simon. Bateman gets to stretch himself (show his range) here, esp. in the final act. This is a rare thriller that has (unexpected) thrills, even IF you’re a fan/know this genre well. It is best to go in NOT knowing much; this story will keep you on the edge of your seat (w/ its clever direction).

“Saltburn” (2023) starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, & Archie Madekwe

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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 Saltburn (streaming on Amazon Prime).

Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten. -Synopsis

Woo boy- what can I say re: this (unhinged) British/indie movie!? Yikes, it’s hard to put into words suitable for all ages of readers! I was curious b/c I’m a big fan of The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. I have NOT yet seen the two miniseries of Brideshead Revisited (1981; 2008). After I watched Saltburn (written/directed by Emerald Fennell), I was a BIT surprised that it was free on Amazon Prime. Speaking of shock value, yeah- there are several scenes which were unexpected (rarely depicted in movies)! We’ll never look at bathwater the same way…

Barry Keoghan is trying to create a role out of the disparate parts of other ones (Norman Bates, Tom Ripley, Patrick Bateman), yet doesn’t get all the way there. He couldn’t have. There is no “there.” -Wesley Morris (New York Times)

The cast is made up of (mostly) fine/experienced actors, BUT w/ such poor writing/shallow character development, there isn’t much they can do. Keoghan (an Irish character actor) doesn’t disappoint; it’s TOO bad that this was his 1st leading role. Oliver speaks w/ a Liverpool accent; it is revealed that he comes from a comfortable middle-class family. Elordi (an Aussie who recently played Elvis in Priscilla) has potential; I hadn’t seen his acting before. There are a LOT of shots which linger over his handsome face and tall/lean body; I thought this was overkill (hey, I’m NOT a teenage girl). Felix’s parents, James (Richard E. Grant) and Elspeth (Rosamund Pike) are removed from their feelings and say whatever they want- it’s just absurd. Some critics (incl. POC) weren’t pleased w/ the way Felix’s cousin, Farleigh (Archie Madekwe), was depicted. Taking it back to the Ripley comparison, Farleigh (w/ a Black/American father and white/English mother) reminded me of Freddie Miles (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), as he is one of the few characters suspicious of Oliver’s motives. Just when things could get interesting, Farleigh is removed from the story! Oliver’s socially awkward/Math major friend, Michael, is played by Ewan Mitchell (one of the young stars of House of the Dragon).

This is a V glaring case of style over substance; I noted this before re: other (modern) media. As the time period is 2006/2007 (when Fennell was in college), we see looks which were popular then, incl. pierced eyebrows, bleached (damaged) blonde hair, long belts, etc. The real location for Saltburn is Drayton House in the village of Lowick in North Hampshire; it was built around 1300. Fennell stated she considers this “a vampire movie,” even though the story does not have supernatural elements. Oliver refers to himself as a vampire in the (now infamous) garden scene w/ Felix’s younger sister, Annabel (Sadie Soverall).

[1] For me, unfortunately its third act is probably its most memorable feature because it requires an enormous suspension of disbelief.

[2] The twists – I saw all of them coming, most are heavily contrived, and none felt shocking in the slightest. […] Saltburn is a seriously dull watch, the humour is barely present at all. I would have turned off after about an hour, but having got that far I stayed in hope of a clever ending. Nothing clever here, in fact, rather than clever they went for nonsensical.

[3] …the issue of character: no one in the film is a real person: all of them are pawns to serve the grand plot which, when dissected, falls apart. These aren’t people; they’re vehicles for the screenwriter (director, producer, etc.) to show off an interesting, but ultimately flawed story.

[4] Saltburn is a film that promises much, but delivers little. Despite its grand setting and talented cast, it fails to provide a compelling narrative or engaging characters. It’s a film that tries to be a critique of the English aristocracy and a psychological thriller, but falls short on both counts.

[5] The suspenseful bits aren’t suspenseful. The funny bits aren’t funny and the sexy bits aren’t sexy.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Anatomy of a Fall” (2023) starring Sandra Huller, Swann Arlaud, & Milo Machado Graner

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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 Anatomy of a Fall (available to rent/buy on VOD).

A woman is suspected of her husband’s murder, and their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the main witness. -Synopsis

Samuel Maleski (Samuel Theis) is found dead in the snow outside the isolated chalet (in the French Alps) where he lived w/ his wife, Sandra Voyter (Sandra Huller), and their partially-sighted 11 y.o. son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner). An investigation leads to the conclusion of “suspicious death,” as it’s impossible to know for sure whether he took his own life or was killed. Sandra’s old friend, Vincent Renzi (Swann Arlaud), is her lead defense attorney. Sandra is indicted, so we follow her trial, where her marriage is dissected. The French legal system is quite different from our own! Daniel is caught in the middle- btwn the trial and life w/ his mother.

When we started working on this film, it was like a genre film. We have so many thrillers on all the platforms and I wanted to do something different. The original idea was to have a film where there was a lack of visual elements and images, unlike films which depict a trial where there are all sorts of flashbacks and you see the life of the couple – that might have been easier – I could have shown their lives in that manner. But everything is based on absence. The child doesn’t see very well and there aren’t many images, yet you have this loud, loud music which is a focal point for the film. Whence the idea of placing the spectator in a position like the child or the jurors where there’s a lack of facts and evidence – everything is interlinked. This delirium springs from the fact that there’s so much that’s missing. -Justine Triet, director/co-writer (Cannes 2023)

Sandra [testifying in court]: Sometimes a couple is kind of a chaos and everybody is lost. Sometimes we fight together and sometimes we fight alone, and sometimes we fight against each other, that happens.

The screenplay was written by Triet (who started her career in documentaries) and her life partner, Arthur Harari. They have 2 kids together and started writing this movie in the COVID-19 pandemic (when under lockdown in Paris). This movie is a blend of domestic and legal drama- something which we (Americans) don’t often see. Triet explained that she was influenced by the Amanda Knox case, esp. how the young American woman was treated by the media. She noted that there was a LOT of misogyny in the way the press covered that case.

Sandra [to her son, Daniel]: My love. I just want you to know that I’m not that monster, you know. Everything you hear in the trial it’s just.. it’s twisted. It wasn’t like that.

Anatomy of a Fall (which is in English and French) won the Palm d’Or at Cannes. Language plays an important part here. We notice that English is the language that Samuel (a Frenchman) and Sandra (German) have in common. Daniel can speak English and French well; it’s easier for adolescents to pick up languages. At times, Sandra is at a loss for the appropriate French words in court, so she requests to speak in English (which is allowed).

The lead character is NOT always likeable and remains somewhat mysterious; some may wonder IF Sandra could be guilty. IMO- no- she was innocent (though that’s NOT the only focus of the filmmakers). In the middle of the movie, there is a flashback to a fight btwn her and Samuel. Some viewers said they were shocked by how realistic it seemed! As some of you may’ve guessed, Triet said that she was inspired by the fight btwn. the characters played by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson in Marriage Story (2019). Sandra was more successful as a writer than her husband; Samuel earned money by teaching. Daniel (a V smart/sensitive boy) was closer to his father than his mother; his loyal dog is his constant companion.

The film moves towards this point, where it’s the child who becomes the centerpiece of the trial. What does the film talk about? It talks about a child – he carries around a very heavy weight. He’s very close to his mother, he trusts her and then there are cracks that appear and he effectively finds himself in the position of the jury; in other words having to decide whether his mother is guilty or not. We’ll never know. We’ll never know whether his testimony is true or not. I was deeply touched to see this kind of situation and it’s particularly moving as a child. I think this is the first film where I’ve really given the floor to a child. The whole of the film moves towards this point. -Triet, when asked re: the testimony of the son in the trial (Cannes 2023)

I’d heard positive buzz about this movie for several mos. before I saw it (by renting on Amazon Prime). I enjoyed it a LOT, as it subverted my expectations; IMO it’s one of the best movies of 2023! The acting is terrific, incl. by Graner and the dog (Huller’s pet IRL). Huller is garnering attention for Zone of Interest, as that film was also released in 2023. The advocat general (Antoine Reinertz) is a tough prosecutor; he has a quick wit. Some critics said that they loved to hate him! Arlaud (keeps things grounded/has charm) has the kind of (angular) face which looks different from different angles; he and Huller have great chemistry. At a recent awards event, Triet joked w/ a journo and Graner: “Doesn’t he look like a baby Adam Driver?” Such a cute moment! Check this movie out for yourself, IF you haven’t done so already.

“The Killing of a Sacred Deer”(2017) starring Collin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, & Barry Keoghan

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After the untimely death of 16 y.o. Martin’s (Barry Keoghan), father on the operating table, a bond forms btwn him and the cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Steven Murphy (Collin Farrell). Martin gets an expensive watch, then an invitation for dinner w/ the family in Stephen’s spacious/suburban home. The (humble/shy) teen quickly wins the approval of Steven’s wife/eye doctor, Anna (Nicole Kidman), and their 2 kids: 13 y.o. Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and 11 y.o. Bob (Sunny Suljic). Soon, Martin invites Stephen to come to his home and meet his widowed/lonely mother (Alicia Silverstone). Unexpectedly, the sins of the father come back to affect the entire Murphy family!

This is a modern take on a Greek myth; the movie’s title comes from the ending of the tragedy Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides. It’s a (lesser-known) Greek myth; in JHS, I got V interested in Greek mythology when we studied it in English class. Before Greek director/writer, Yorgos Lanthimos, became famous/Oscar-nominated for The Favourite (2018), he made this domestic drama/horror/mystery. Despite it’s V dark events/serious themes, much of the movie is shot on sunny days or in bright lighting. The film was shot on location in Cincinnati, Ohio (which is NOT often shown in media). Farrell starts off attempting to do a Midwestern accent, BUT then it falls off half-way through the movie. Kidman does a better job; she played a LOT of Americans in her career. Keoghan does a good job w/ the American accent; I think he slipped once. When Martin talks re: his father’s favorite film, the actor’s natural/Irish accent can be heard on the word “father.”

This is one of those films where you ask yourself: “Whoa, what did I just watch!?” It’s definitely for those looking for fun/escapist entertainment! It’s also NOT for more sensitive viewers, such as those who dislike seeing blood, violence, etc. The characters speak in a stilted manner, which is NOT quite naturalistic; their responses are often weird/unexpected (from what we’d expect in everyday society). Steven has bought into his own self-importance/power; he needs to be in control (in and out of surgery). Anna is able to stand up to Steven; she is NOT a pushover in this story. This was a “breakout” role for Keoghan (at just 24 y.o.) The actor makes himself appear younger/smaller (baggy clothes/stooping down) and takes on a (sad-eyed/down-trodden) physicality for Martin. At first, the audience feels sorry for Martin; he maybe just needs attention/guidance. Then, we start to wonder IF something is unstable about his personality. What are Martin’s true motives?

[1] Because this is such a primal story, it could be the most powerful and disturbing film of the year. The characters speak in a kind of dead tone, usually on banal matters (like how waterproof a watch is). The music alternates eerie silences with harsh nerve-wracking strings and drums. Shots of surgery and blood churn the stomach. The widescreen settings have an amphitheatrical stretch. Alone among recent films, it sends you out in catharsis — “calm of mind, all passion spent.” This film releases you, drained.

A man’s misdeed brings down a curse upon his entire house that only his own immense sacrifice can expiate. That’s the Greek tragedy, beside which our mundane stories of simple guilt, rationalization, mercy, forgiveness, and even human justice — the business of cops and courts — dwindle into insignificance.

[2] From the very first scene, to where your mind goes in regard to the sexual nature of the relationships, to the inappropriate or generally eyebrow-raising topics of discussion between some of the characters, this film is MEANT to BE “creepy” and to make the viewer FEEL odd, off – and even dirty.

Much of the creepy-factor, if you will, comes PRECISELY FROM the amazing way in which most of these talented actors made these characters come across as disturbing, unappealing, ALMOST like most of us, ALMOST worth sympathizing with, but not quite. It would have lost much as a film of this nature had the acting been that of a normal or run-of-the-mill family). Again, EVERYTHING, from the topics of conversations, to their postures, to their almost detached delivery, was purposeful and meant to lend to the eeriness of the film and the discomfort of the viewer.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews