Tag: Romance

“Fearless” (1993) starring Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rossellini, & Rosie Perez

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After surviving a plane crash, a San Fran-based architect, Max Klein (Jeff Bridges), emerges a changed man. He’s unable to connect to his life w/ his wife Laura (Isabella Rossellini) and young son. Max feels like a god- nothing can hurt him! About 3 mos. later, psychologist Bill Perlman (John Turturro) convinces Max to meet w/ another survivor, Carla Rodrigo (Rosie Perez- who got an Oscar nom), who is racked w/ grief and guilt after losing her baby son in the crash. Carla’s husband, Manny, is played by a young Benicio del Toro. Max’s business partner/friend, Jeff, is played by John de Lancie (best known for Star Trek: TNG).

Dr. Perlman: He and your wife are the only survivors I can’t reach. She won’t talk and he won’t admit the crash was bad.

Manny: Is that right? He says it was good?

Dr. Perlman: Says it was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Hero (1992) was based around a similar subject matter and released a year before Fearless; about half a dozen cast/crew worked on both movies. The plane crash here was inspired by a real event from 1989.The source novel by Rafael Yglesias was published in 1993; Yglesias wrote the screenplay (which was his 1st one). Fearless may NOT an easy film to watch, esp. for those who lived through 9/11. This made me V emotional (I cried 3x), though the directing (by Peter Weir) is done in an unsentimental way. The music enhanced the movie V well.

Dr. Perlman: She won’t talk. Very Catholic. Old World, you know. Full of guilt, shame.

Max: I’m full of guilt and shame. How is that Old World?

This is a character-based drama w/ strong acting from the leads and supporting cast. Max is heroic (and called so in the media), BUT he is also a victim. Bridges (charming, relatable, yet troubled) and Perez (who has to carry a LOT of heaviness) have terrific chemistry together! As she a woman of color then relatively new to Hollywood, the studio was unsure re: Perez; Bridges and Weir both wanted her and pushed to get her hired (as she noted).

[1] This is deep introspective film making, as relevant as ever, with great performances from some truly great actors.

[2] Peter Weir is unique in his ability to convey the niceties of life with authenticity. Jeff Bridges is the master of the theatrical understatement.

[3] This movie definitely has flaws- the major one being that there are points when the story does not seem to be heading in any particular direction- but excellent acting, some intensely profound and uncommonly well-thought out character psychology (esp. for a Hollywood film) and the scariest/loveliest air plane crash ever dramatized makes this worth seeing.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Written on the Wind” (1956) starring Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Robert Stack, & Dorothy Malone

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It was a masterpiece of suds. -Lauren Bacall, in an 2000 interview

In the Fall of 1955, a geologist working for Hadley Oil, Mitch Wayne (Rock Hudson), meets an executive secretary, Lucy Moore (Lauren Bacall), in their company’s office in NYC. He invites her to a lunch meeting at 21 Club w/ his best friend/famed playboy, Kyle Hadley (Robert Stack). Mitch and Kyle both fall hard for Lucy! Later that day, Kyle flies them all down (in his plane) to Miami; they check into a luxury hotel by the beach. Whoa, talk about love bombing! Kye shows Lucy her private suite, complete w/ glam clothes and accessories. However, none of this impresses her, so books a flight back to NYC. Kyle races to the airport, revealing his love for Lucy. They get married the next morning and travel to Acapulco; Kyle even gives up alcohol. Meanwhile, Kyle’s sister, Marylee (Dorothy Malone), is raising hell in their hometown (Hadley, TX). She loves Mitch desperately (though goes after other men), he sees Marylee as a sister.

Almost any other actor I know in the business… would have gone up to the head of the studio and said, “Hey, look, man, I’m the star – you cut this guy down or something.” But he never did. I never forgot that. -Robert Stack re: working w/ Rock Hudson

Rock gave me that sense of security whenever I worked with him. -Dorothy Malone (who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1956 for her role) on her bond w/ Hudson

The source novel was based on the death of tobacco heir Zachary “Smith” Reynolds. Though Humphrey Bogart (husband of Bacall) didn’t like it, many modern critics consider Written on the Wind to be director Douglas Sirk’s best. Here we have an exploration of love, betrayal, and social status. The Village Voice referred to the film as “the original Technicolor noir” (OCT 1987). Sirk (born Hans Detlef Sierck; a native of Germany) is called “the master of melodrama;” he used bright colors in the visuals, lavish sets, and sweeping music. Without these types of movies, we perhaps wouldn’t have the soap operas of the ’80s (Dallas; Dynasty). The director and Hudson collaborated earlier on Magnificent Obsession (1954) and All that Heaven Allows (1955). Sirk stated that Kyle had homosexual leanings towards Mitch; this could NOT be mentioned (due to the Hays Code). The implication was so strong that 1956 audiences could read it either way; to today’s viewers, the subtext may be TOO obvious.

I just went and used my imagination, and I was doing DTs and madness and the six stages of drunkenness, and it was a good chance to truly prove that I could either do something pretty good or completely fall on my face. -Stack re: preparation for his role

Bacall and Hudson are an (unlikely) screen pair; she has the (rare) meek/underwritten role. Bacall later said she felt too old to play Lucy. Stack and Malone have the flashier roles; they’re undisciplined, insecure, and shameless siblings. It’s obvious that old/frail Mr. Hadley (Robert Keith) respects/depends on Mitch (unlike his son). Mitch wants to extricate himself from the (dysfunctional) Hadley family; he isn’t always strong. A clever viewer felt that the different cars reflected the personality of the characters. Kyle drives a yellow sports car- Allard J2X Le Mans- representing caution/potential danger. Marylee drives a red convertible-1955 Woodhall Wildfire Roadster- representing passion. In contrast to his flashy friends, Mitch drives a 1956 Plymouth convertible.

[1] WRITTEN ON THE WIND could be considered Sirk’s epic soap opera; indeed, it is so rife with human vulnerability and neurosis as depicted among the very rich that it is as compelling to watch as any real life domestic squabble among the rich and famous, perhaps more so.

[2] It is ironic that during the ’50s, when Douglas Sirk was at his most successful in terms of audience appeal, he was virtually ignored by the critics. He is now seen, however, as a director of formidable intellect who achieved his best work in melodrama.

[3] …the delivery is everything and the film succeeds in making the story and characters engaging. It is hard to describe well, but the story doesn’t really happen in reality, but rather in a sort of melodrama world of high emotions, and I didn’t expect it to draw me in.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Challengers” (2024) starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, & Mike Faist

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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 Challengers.

From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – “West Side Story”), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – “The Crown”) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win? -Synopsis (MGM)

Tashi: You don’t know what tennis is.

Patrick: What is it?

Tashi: It’s a relationship.

Patrick: Is that what you and Anna Mueller had today?

Tashi: It is, actually. For about fifteen seconds there, we were actually playing tennis. And we understood each other completely. So did everyone watching. It’s like we were in love. Or like we didn’t exist. We went somewhere really beautiful together.

Grab a snack (banana, breakfast sandwich, or churros) and watch this film from Italian director Luca Guadagnino and 1st time screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes (a playwright/hubby of Celine Song)! Josh O’Connor recently explained that Patrick taking a bite of Art’s churro was unscripted; he was starving (it was his 1st time eating churros). This movie was completed in April of 2023, but was delayed until April 26, 2024 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. There are time jumps, BUT I didn’t find them hard to follow; the characters age from 18 to 32. While the two men are in love w/ Tashi, she’s more in love w/ tennis! After her injury in college shatters her dreams, she lives vicariously through Art.

Zendaya (who is also an EP) spent 3 mos. working w/ Brad Gilbert (former coach to Andre Agassi). On a break w/ family in Ohio, Faist decided to take tennis lessons for 4 wks. (before officially starting work). The trio had 3 wks. to rehearse in Boston w/ their director (V rare for today); this also helped create chemistry. Each actor worked out V seriously (as tennis players are quite fit athletes); they also had tennis doubles. The majority of the balls hit are CGI, as it was too difficult to achieve the cinematic style using real balls. You may wonder: Is that sweat (prominent in the movie) all real? According to O’Connor, the sweat on Faist was all his (as he worked out hardest on/off the court).

Art: Where does your swagger come from? I mean, you come in here swinging your dick around like I’m suppose to be afraid of it, but… Do you realize how embarrassing is that you are here right now?

Patrick: Not quite as embarrassing as you being here.

Art: I’m just stopping by, man. This is where you live.

Wow, what a burn (above) from Art! In the sauna scene before the (low stakes) Challenger event, Art gets the (rare) upper hand on Patrick. Though I thought all three co-leads did a FAB job, my fave was Patrick (the bad boy), and NOT just b/c of the curly/dark hair and amazing physique. Patrick is charming, self-deprecating, and (maybe) a better player than Art. However, Art is V disciplined w/ the way he lives his life; he lets Tashi steer his career. Back in the dorm room breakup scene btwn Tashi and Patrick, he exclaims: “I’m your peer!” So, he’s NOT the type of man who’s easy to influence/control. I’ve seen some of O’Connor’s movies/shows; he transforms himself for each role!

This feels/looks like a V modern film; it’s playful, sexy, and- sometimes- funny. There is V little nudity, BUT this movie is hot (one viewer was reminded of erotic thrillers)! Zendaya has a “no nudity” clause in all of her contracts. The score of this film (composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) is V effective, it contributes to make viewers tense (as if watching a thriller). Even though I’m NOT into this style of music (electronic), it really fit here!

[1] Wow, “Challengers” is the visual definition of a modern film. The rhythm of the scenes, the change of pace, the editing, the use of the score, the match camera, the variation of the time line. All of this merges into essentially two core concepts: Energy and aesthetics.

[2] Exhilarating. Energetic. Excellent.

Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” is a riveting, pulse-pounding, thrilling sports romance-drama that blew my mind. I loved, loved, LOVED “Challengers” – didn’t know what to expect, and walked out of the theater totally buzzing. It’s smart and sophisticated while still poppy and propulsive.

[3] …as usual, Guadagnino’s direction is a tour de force of exciting choices that push his actors to the limits of expression, presented to us against the backdrop of visually arresting aesthetics. The standout performances are definitely those of Zendaya and Josh O’Connor, but all three protagonists have an intense, seductive chemistry with one another that reads as so authentic, so fervent, so genuine, that the love scenes (which really only extend to kissing) caught me off guard.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “The Promised Land” (2023) starring Mads Mikkelson, Amanda Collin, & Simon Bennebjerg

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A retired military captain, Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkleson), arrives in 1755 on the barren Jutland (region of Denmark) w/ a single goal: to follow his king’s call to cultivate the heath, and thus get rich/earn a noble title. However, the wealthy/powerful/cruel landowner, Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), believes that this heath belongs to him (NOT the king). To make matters more complicated, De Schinkel’s beautiful/unmarried cousin, Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath Thorp), comes to admire Kahlen. After two of De Schinkel’s servants, Johannes and Anna Barbara (Amanda Collin), run away and seek refuge w/ Kahlen, the landowner (also local judge) does everything to drive Kahlen away (and get revenge).

I heard about this movie while watching coverage (via YouTube) of the Venice Film Festival in Fall 2023. This film (Danish title: Bastarden) was the official submission of Denmark for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards. It was directed by Nikolaj Arcel and based on a novel by Ida Jessen (loosely inspired by real historical characters). If you miss “old-fashioned” epics (visually and thematically), then I highly recommend it; fans of the Western genre may also enjoy The Promised Land (available to rent on Amazon Prime). There are at least 2 scenes which I felt were callbacks to The Godfather; y’all can let me know IF you notice that. Mikkleson (who was a dancer for 8 yrs. before falling into acting) has great screen presence; he can do a LOT w/ just his eyes and facial expressions. Keep in mind that this is a time when men are trying to hold in emotions.

[1] …an engaging epic, a character study and a moving drama all in one. With a strong screenplay examining interesting themes, witty, minimalist dialogue and well-drawn characters, the narrative consistently engages. The cinematography and production design are striking, while the score is subtly powerful.

[2] This film uses all the tools of the Western genre: wide landscapes, settlers developing harsh lands, the fight against greed, injustice, cruelty and impunity of the ruling class, a stubborn loner who learns to follow his heart and old vs. new technologies (in this case- agricultural), settlers fighting rich landowners, racial prejudices and- of course- a showdown with a powerful obligatory scene.

[3] First of all Mads Mikkelsen is a phenomenal actor and the perfect choice to play Ludvig Kahlen. He shines especially in the scenes, where he “only” acts out pure emotion with his facial expressions without having to say a word. […]

Throughout the movie you feel all kinds of emotions yourself: anger, hatred, sadness, frustration, disgust, joy, relief,.. I felt it all. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Poor Things” (2023) starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Rami Youssef, Christopher Abbott, & Jerrod Carmichael

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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 Poor Things.

From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation. -Synopsis from Searchlight Pictures)

Wow, what to say re: this movie!? It seems like viewers either loved it, hated it, or were simply confused! I saw it (on streaming) several mos. after it was released in theaters. Being always online (& a listener of movie pods) I learned a LOT about this before watching. I think there are some scenes that you can enjoy, IF you considered this an alternate universe (AU), a BIT like Bridgerton (Netflix). Well, it’s NOT always pretty like that Regency era show. The visual style is unique and eye-catching, as are the costumes and sets (part of production design). Now, Poor Things is NOT for those of y’all who are sensitive re: cursing, nudity, sex, and body horror (reminiscent at times of Canadian auteur David Cronenberg). The run time is TOO long, BUT that is not rare for recent films.

This is mostly a character study centered on Bella (Stone); she “grows up” from a toddler (as she has the brain of a child) to an adult young woman (capable of making her own choices). Do you think that Stone (who also produced this film) deserved that Oscar for Best Actress? Bella decides to to leaver her “father”- Dr. Godwin Baxter AKA “God” (Dafoe)- and start a romance w/ his lawyer, Duncan (Ruffalo). Sorry to say, Ruffalo is NOT working for me here; I’m a fan of his acting usually. Sometimes actors need to be pulled back by their directors, though I doubt Lanthimos asked for that. In the 2nd act, we meet a young American played by Carmichael; he’s a funny/smart stand-up, comedy writer, producer, etc. However, his style of acting/manner of speaking doesn’t fit w/in this world; it just took me out of the story. I thought that Dafoe and Youssef were quire good w/ all that they were given. Many weren’t amused by the way that sex work is handled in this movie; however, the filmmakers aren’t reflecting the real world. Feminism is NOT just about traveling or reading books- of course. No one can say that Lanthimos is risk-averse, that’s for sure! I was disappointed- that’s the conclusion.

[1] I do recommend this if you like the unusual art film. But I can see it as not being everyone’s idea of a fun time at the movies.

I might almost pair it up with “Barbie” as a thematic double feature as both films explore feminism in 2 very different ways.

[2] Completely over the top, mind boggling romp through the imagination of the main character on a journey of self-discovery and a relentless degree of self-indulgence.

[3] It’s a very very very specific type of weird, that won’t be for everyone. […] It’s like a fever dream on the strangest cocktail of psychedelics. If it happens to be your kind of weird, you will love it.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews