Tag: Race

Spoiler-Free Reviews of Three 2023 Movies

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Killers of the Flower Moon

In 1920s Oklahoma, a simple-minded/former WWII soldier, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), comes under the influence of his powerful/businessman uncle, William Hale (Robert DeNiro). In this area, the members of the Osage nation are V wealthy, as they hold land rights (to where oil was discovered). While working as a driver, Ernest meets and courts Mollie (Lily Gladstone), a young/single Osage woman who comes from a family of several sisters. Ernest and Mollie marry and have children, though their life together is NOT always smooth. In time, we learn of (mysterious) deaths of several Osage; the (newly formed) FBI sends agents to investigate, incl. Tom White (Jesse Plemons).

IF the 3 hrs. and 26 mins. run time doesn’t put you off, then you should check it out. I feel V important events, issues, and themes are discussed. I saw it w/ 2 of my friends a few weeks after it was released. I think younger (under 25) audiences could have a tough time, as they have shorter attention spans. Modern viewers are also NOT used to such long takes of scenes, some of which could’ve been edited further. IF you’re sensitive to blood, racist/sexist language, and violence, this MAY be difficult to watch; director Martin Scorsese films don’t shy away from these elements.

DiCaprio (who made a salary of $30M) is wearing a downturned (frowning) expression w/ his brows knit tightly; some critics commented that Ernest is working hard to understand what’s going on (as he’s NOT V smart). Gladstone is prominent in the 1st half of the film; she can express a LOT while speaking little. DeNiro plays the affable (unofficial) patriarch; he speaks the Osage language and knows the culture. I thought that most of the supporting (mostly NOT famous) characters did a good job and fit their roles; the standout was Louis Cancelmi (as several critics have noted). The production design was V impressive; you can tell that a LOT of research went into this production.

I was disappointed that the FBI storyline was NOT as developed much as I expected. The FBI came in ONLY in the last 1/3 of the movie; Tatanka Means (son of activist/actor Russell Means) is the young/handsome Native American agent. As some of you MAY know, the (original) script had DiCaprio playing Tom White and focused more on the law & order angle. When Scorsese decided to focus more on Ernest and Mollie’s story, Plemons was brought on to play Agent White (who became a supporting character). There are some V effective shots which will stay in your mind; we wouldn’t expect less from Scorsese. What did you think of the ending? I think it was an unusual directorial decision. This story did get me emotional in the final moments.

Napoleon

I went to see this movie on a TUES about one week after it was released; I ONLY paid $7 for the ticket (at Regal). I didn’t have high hopes, BUT was curious to see what director Ridley Scott had done. I was disappointed to see that French actor, Tahar Rahim (who plays aristocrat/general Paul Barras), was ONLY in the first 1/3 of the story. English actress Vanessa Kirby (Josephine) is a strong onscreen presence; I wanted to know a BIT more about her. As for Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role, I was NOT impressed by the characterization (we know he is a strong actor). He speaks w/ an American accent and is now close to 50; Napoleon accomplished much as a young man. Napoleon often looks tired, annoyed, and petulant; we see him planning battles (in ONLY one scene) though he was famed for strategy. As one critic said, this movie shows us “the greatest hits” (just 3 of his battles). As for these few action scenes, I thought they were done quite well. Some of the background CGI is NOT that realistic. At the end, I saw that the (small) audience I went to see it w/ was NOT impressed. Scott’s work in the past 15 yrs. has been hit or miss.

Oppenheimer

I went to see this movie the day after it was released, as I had time off that afternoon; the (IMAX) theater was full w/ viewers of ALL ages. I’m sure MANY of you have heard/read re: this movie, so I won’t give a synopsis. I was glad to see that Cillian Murphy (an Irish actor I admire) got a starring role; he is now 47 y.o. (so it’s high time). He is up to the challenge of carrying the film; there are MANY close-ups of his face. My audience seemed to enjoy the scenes w/ Murphy and Matt Damon (in the 1st act); they have good onscreen chemistry and quippy banter. Even more so than w/ KOTFM, we see supporting actors who each get a chance to shine. The standouts among the scientists are two Americans: David Krumholtz (who started out in teen comedies) and Benny Safdie (also an indie director). There are some cameos which MAY surprise viewers.

Unfortunately, we don’t get a LOT of character development for the 2 main women- Kitty (Emily Blunt) and Jean (Florence Pugh). Blunt gets more to do than Pugh; as some critics said in the past, director Christopher Nolan doesn’t focus much on women. Another issue is the (incessantly overdramatic) music which I did NOT appreciate! There are a few shots (whether practical or special effects) that were V impressive. When we get to the last act, it looked like people were NOT as engaged. This is the section where we see more of Robert Downey, Jr; his young aide is played by Alden Ehrenreich (who was the co-lead in Fair Play). It was a V long movie, BUT I was mostly interested in the material. Nolan isn’t much for emotion (as y’all cinephiles know), BUT he does have an unique viewpoint here.

Re-watching “The Searchers” (1956) starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, & Natalie Wood

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Introduction

The Searchers was voted both the 13th “Greatest Film” of all time and the “Greatest Western” of all time by Entertainment Weekly. It was among the 1st 25 movies to be selected by the LOC for preservation in The National Film Registry in 1989. In 2007, AFI ranked this as the #12 Greatest Movie of All Time. Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Jean-Luc Godard, John Milius, and Paul Schrader regard this as one of the films that have most influenced them. David Lean (British filmmaker) noted that the way that the landscape was shot (by director John Ford) influenced scenes in Laurence of Arabia (1962).

While on the desert locale, Ford was stung by a scorpion. Worried about his investment, financial backer C.V. Whitney asked Wayne, “What if we lose him? What are we going to do?” Wayne offered to check in on the “stricken” director. A few minutes later he came out of Ford’s trailer and said to Whitney, “It’s OK. John’s fine, it’s the scorpion that died.” LOL!

Synopsis

In 1868, a hardened/middle-aged Confederate veteran of the Civil War, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne), turns up on the small Texan ranch of his brother (Aaron). Instead of settling down to a life of peace, Ethan chooses to embark on a journey of revenge, after Comanches- lead by Chief Scar (Henry Brandon)- who murdered his family, burned their home, and abducted his 2 nieces: Lucy (a teen) and Debbie (9 y.o.) Ethan is joined by a young man (1/8 Cherokee)- Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter)- an orphan/unofficial member of the Edwards family. The 15 y.o. Debbie is played by Natalie Wood (who was still in HS); she has about 10 mins. of screen time in the final act. Young Debbie is played by Lana, Wood’s sister.

The screenplay was adapted by Frank S. Nugent from Alan Le May’s 1954 novel. It was based on the real Comanche kidnapping of Cynthia Ann Parker, a young white girl in Texas in 1836. Parker, who was given the name “Narua” (“one who was found”) would become mother of a Comanche chief, Quanah Parker. She was recaptured after 25 yrs. and never adjusted to life among whites, starving herself to death after the illness/death of her remaining child. Yikes!

Blood Family vs. Found Family

It is V clear that Ethan does NOT consider Marty (who is part Navajo) to be part of his family; he keeps telling the younger man to stop calling him “uncle.” This MAY seem cold/mean to some viewers; after all, Ethan is the one who found Marty out in the desert (after his parents died). He has been raised for many yrs. in the same household as Aaron’s kids. Marty considers the Edwards kids to be his siblings; he refers to Debbie as “my sister.”

Some astute viewers wondered: Is Ethan Debbie’s birth father? Several times, Ford hinted that Ethan had had an affair w/ Aaron’s wife, and was possibly the father of Debbie. Ethan’s thirst for vengeance then could stem NOT from the murder of his brother, BUT of Martha (the woman he’d loved). On a recent re-watch, I saw the subtle clues! In the 1st act, Ethan and Martha share a few meaningful looks. In an early family dinner, Aaron, Lucy and Ben (both blonde-haired) are on one side of the table; on the opposite side are Martha, and Debbie (who all have dark brown hair). Martha strokes Ethan coat when she brings it to him. When the local preacher/sheriff, Rev. Capt. Clayton (Ward Bond), asks why he hung around Texas so long, there is a moment where it looks like Martha wants to speak (before Ethan answers).

Hate, Racism, & Revenge

The actors playing Comanche Indians are ALL Navajo, w/ the exception of Brandon (a German-born Jew). The language, clothing, and dances seen are Navajo, NOT Comanche. Much of the film’s plot is revealed on a prop that most viewers rarely notice. Just before the deadly raid on the homestead, the tombstone (of Ethan’s mother) that Debbie hides next to reveals the source of his hatred for Comanches. The marker reads: “Here lies Mary Jane Edwards killed by Comanches May 12, 1852. A good wife and mother in her 41st year.” We learn that Marty’s parents were also killed by Comanches, BUT he doesn’t have hate for Native Americans. Marty is NOT nice to the Native woman (“Look”) who follows them, thinking that he has bought her (instead of a blanket). Ethan jokes about Marty’s “wife,” who meets a tragic end (at the hand of a different tribe).

Comedy & Romance

There are some light-hearted scenes, a few which hold up, while others are cringe-y. Marty and Laurie (Vera Miles- before Psycho fame) grew up in this same community and are in love, BUT (like some IRL couples) can’t seem to communicate. When the local men first leave to search for the girls, Marty shakes Laurie’s hand good-bye- LOL! Two yrs, later, when Ethan and Marty (w/ facial hair) come to the Jorgensen home, Laurie throws herself into Marty’s arms and kisses him first. Laurie is more sensible/mature than Marty; he acts petulant/boyish when angry. Since Hunter (captain in the Star Trek failed pilot; Jesus in King of Kings) was in his late 20s while filming, it doesn’t seem fitting. In their 5 yrs, of separation, Marty writes Laurie one letter; he hasn’t had a LOT of education (we assume). Laurie fears becoming an “old maid;” there were NOT many options for husbands in the Old West.

Laurie’s father, Mr. Jorgensen (John Qualen- veteran character actor) talks w/ a thick Norwegian-like accent. Laurie’s replacement beau, Charlie McCorry (Ken Curtis), speaks in drawling/slow manner which is annoying! Curtis objected to the accent, BUT Ford argued it’d get him noticed in a thankless role. In the dance scene before the (failed) wedding, the males are some of the most famous stunt men of the era: Chuck Hayward, Terry Wilson, John Hudkins, Fred Kennedy, Frank McGrath, and Chuck Roberson. After this scene, the crew nicknamed them “Ford’s chorus girls” – LOL! The role of the eager/young cavalry officer, Lt. Greenhill, is played by Patrick (Wayne’s son).

Ethan Edwards: Hero or Anti-Hero?

There is TOO much anger, bitterness, and hate in Ethan for him to be close to others. Even after yrs. on the road together, he and Marty don’t become (emotionally) close. He makes Marty his heir when he thinks that he’ll die, BUT Marty refuses. Until his sudden turn in the 3rd act, Ethan considers Debbie to be ruined/savage; she won’t be able to live w/ whites. We are relieved when he decides NOT to kill Debbie! Godard commented that no matter how much he despised the actor’s right-wing political beliefs, every time he saw Wayne taking up Debbie in his arms at the end, he forgave him for everything. What did you think of the ending shot? Is the door closing on Ethan b/c his time (and way of thinking) is coming to an end?

This was one of Wayne’s 3 personal faves, along w/ She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) and The Quiet Man (1952). These films were all directed by Ford. Unlike his usual manner, Wayne decided to stayed in character between takes. When a Navajo child became ill w/ pneumonia, Wayne had his pilot take the little girl to a hospital in his private plane. For this good deed, the Navajos named him “The Man With The Big Eagle.”

[1] An integral part of the combined elements that makes THE SEARCHERS great is Max Steiner’s outstanding score. It is the picture’s driving force – its backbone. Steiner’s music propels the film forward, unifies the narrative and gives greater density to its key scenes. In fact without his music much of the picture’s impact would be considerably diminished.

[2] Ethan Edwards is probably the most racist man Wayne ever portrayed on the screen, yet we feel sympathy for him at the same time. It’s been a hard and bitter life on the frontier for him. Just as it’s been for the Indians as well. Chief Scar, played by Henry Brandon, is Wayne’s opposite number and he makes clear what he thinks of whites. Two of his sons were killed and he’s going to take many white scalps in reprisal.

[3] With all of Ford’s unique ‘touches’ clearly in evidence (the doorways ‘framing’ the film’s opening and conclusion, with a cave opening serving the same function at the film’s climax; the extensive use of Monument Valley; and the nearly lurid palette of color highlighting key moments) and his reliance on his ‘stock’ company of players (Wayne, Ward Bond, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Harry Carey, Jr, Hank Worden, and Ken Curtis), the film marks the emergence of the ‘mature’ Ford, no longer deifying the innocence of the era, but dealing with it in human terms, where ‘white men’ were as capable of savagery as Indians, frequently with less justification.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The Tin Star” (1957) starring Henry Fonda & Anthony Perkins

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In the able hands of Henry Fonda and Tony Perkins THE TIN STAR shines like gold! -Cecil B. DeMille

Morg: A decent man doesn’t want to kill, but if you’re gonna shoot, you shoot to kill.
Ben: How about hittin’ them in the arm?
Morg: That hokey-pokey’ll get you killed fast. There’re a lot of guys bragging about shooting a gun out of somebody’s hand. They’re lying. They shot to kill. A wounded man can still kill you.

A world-weary bounty-hunter, Morg Hickman (Henry Fonda- at 52), rides into a small town w/ the body of a criminal he captured. The (formerly safe/orderly) town is facing danger; their sheriff was recently killed. A young/inexperienced local, Ben Owens (Anthony Perkins- just 25), is named the temporary replacement. Ben desperately wants to be sheriff, BUT needs to convince the town’s leaders. His fiancee, Millie Parker (Mary Webster), refuses to marry Ben unless he gives up this goal. While Morg awaits his payment, he stays w/ a widow just outside town, Nona Mayfield (Betsy Palmer), and her young/half Native American son, Kip (Michel Ray). When Ben hears that Morg was a sheriff for many yrs, he asks the older man to teach him what he needs to know.

Morg: [to Ben] Learn what to stay out of. If you step into a fight, make sure you’re the better man. Paste this in your hat: a gun’s only a tool. You can master a gun if you got the knack. Harder to learn men.

I heard about this movie on the Hellbent for Letterbox podcast; it’s “a thinking person’s Western” (as one viewer commented). It was directed by Anthony Mann; he made several movies in this genre w/ Jimmy Stewart. I learned that Stewart was supposed to star here, BUT then (his BFF) Fonda took on the role. Fonda always gives a strong performance; he and Perkins (before Psycho) make a fine- though unexpected- duo. They’re both V tall (6’ 2”) w/ wiry builds, yet give off different types of energy onscreen. Perkins (who studied at The Actors Studio in NYC) isn’t afraid to show Ben’s youthful insecurity and vulnerability.

I thought that the dialogue was great; the 3 writers (Dudley Nichols, Barney Slater, and Joel Kane) were nominated for the 1958 Oscar for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen. The supporting characters get their moments. The kindly/elderly Dr. Joe McCord (John McIntyre) is a trusted friend to Ben and the unofficial historian of the community. There are two villains (played by Neville Brand and Lee Van Cleef); these actors also appeared in many noir films. We see how those w/ Native American heritage are treated; they’re relegated to the outskirts of society. The production design is well done; i.e. the large window of the sheriff’s office looks out onto the town square (so Ben can see what’s going on).

[1] You can never take your eyes off Henry Fonda – tall, dark and brooding if there ever was one. Anthony Perkins is (of course) very different to Norman Bates in Psycho and for those of us who saw him in that long before this earlier work, will not be disappointed.

The near-silent ending is as tense as you’ll find anywhere within any Western – and you will be both too – silent AND tense…

[2] We have all the necessary ingredients for a fine screenplay. We have greed, hate, violence, racism, ignorance, and just plain human decency all exposed on screen with an even pace to measure the morals meted out by Fonda’s character as the plot unfolds.

[3] The Tin Star is undoubtedly a very important Western featuring some of the most memorable and heart-warming moments of the genre’s history and a wonderful performance from Henry Fonda.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews


“Godless” (2017) starring Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery, & Jeff Daniels

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Welcome to no man’s land. -Synopsis

In the late 1800s, infamous criminal leader, Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels), and his outlaws are on a mission to get revenge on Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell), the former “brother” who betrayed their gang. On the run, Roy seeks refuge near the mining town of La Belle, N.M. He gets a job and a place to stay w/ Alice Fletcher (Michelle Dockery), a widow/single mom/outcast. The local sheriff, Bill McNue (Scoot McNairy), is keeping a secret, BUT still trying to do his job. Bill’s deputy, Whitey Winn (Thomas Brodie Sangster), is eager to fight, yet untested. Mary Agnes McNue (Merritt Wever) helps Bill care of his 2 young kids; she wears pants and handles a gun well (like her brother). When word of Griffin’s imminent arrival, the residents of La Belle (mostly women) band together to defend themselves.

Godless (7 eps) was released on Netflix in NOV 2017. Scott Frank (writer/director) was nominated for the 2018 Emmy in Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special. Frank is known for Logan (2017), Out of Sight (1998) and The Lookout (2007). Daniels (a veteran of film/TV/stage) won the Emmy that year for Outstanding Supporting Actor; Wever (mainly a theater actress; seen in Marriage Story in 2019) won Outstanding Supporting Actress. La Belle is an actual town that was located in Taos Co. around the turn of the 20th C. The character of John Randall (Rob Morgan) of the 10th Cavalry Union Army and the legend of the Buffalo Soldiers is true. Blackdom was located in SE New Mexico (close to Roswell), NOT in the North of the state (as other towns mentioned on the show).

This show both subverts, and builds upon, the common tropes of the Western genre. Though the setting here is the Old (& V wild) West, the issues explored are universal: grief, generational trauma, desire for redemption, search for knowledge, etc. The women have no choice; they MUST be self-sufficient, work w/ own hands/bodies, and develop mental toughness. Masculinity is depicted in nuanced ways (which pleasantly surprised me); there are no swaggering John Wayne-type heroes. Some of the work was done by casting male actors of slim builds/average height; also, the dialogue and (subtle) acting is key. The men in this show are able to cry, fall in love, and (sometimes) verbalize what is affecting them. The costumes, production design, cinematography, and music are ALL superb.

[1] Godless is easily one of my favorite westerns I’ve seen in a long time. I’m actually blown away by how much I liked it. I had high expectations because of all the great ratings and reviews and it not only met those expectations but surpassed them in every way!

[2] Jack O’Connell and Jeff Daniels lead an absolutely incredible cast who are all at the top of their game here!

[3] The writing of this show is what surprised me the most, how the scenes of each character from their past to the present are presented in such a subtle yet moving way. […]

The direction of Scott Frank is really among the best when it comes to how he sets up the scenes, the camera work, and how he spent time with these characters that went further than western to date. I wish there were more Westerns made this way…

-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!