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The Virgin Spring
City of Gods
The Last Picture Show
Wild Strawberries
The Little Foxes
Network
Seven Samurai
All About Eve
Rebecca
China Syndrome
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
Reds
True Grit (2010)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
The Silence of the Lambs
Favorite Actresses of All Time
Meryl Streep
Bette Davis
Nicole Kidman
Tilda Swinton
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Favorite Actors of All Time
Daniel Day Lewis
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Philip Seymour Hoffman
Jack Nicholson
Adam Driver
Joaquin Phoenix
Willem Dafoe
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Reviews
Marvin's Room (1996)
Selflessness: Purest Form of Love
While the movie may not claim the status of an all-time great, it undeniably carves its place in the realm of emotionally resonant storytelling, catering to those seeking narratives that tug at the heartstrings. The cinematic journey begins with Diane Keaton as Bessie, the compassionate caregiver to her father and aunt, portrayed with nuance by Gwen Verdon. The plot takes a crucial turn when Bessie, portrayed with vulnerability and depth, discovers her leukemia diagnosis through the character of Dr. Wally, played by the ever-talented Robert De Niro.
The narrative pivots around the need for a potential bone marrow donor, prompting Bessie to bridge the gap with her estranged sister Lee, a role masterfully brought to life by the incomparable Meryl Streep. Lee's arrival, accompanied by her two sons, introduces a layer of familial complexity, especially with the inclusion of the troublesome Hank, skillfully portrayed by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio.
The canvas of the story is painted with the backdrop of Iowa, where Bessie and Lee confront not only the medical challenges but also the emotional baggage that has accumulated over the years. As family dynamics play out in the heartland, bottled-up emotions rise to the surface, adding layers of tension and authenticity to the unfolding drama.
The intricate relationships take center stage, with Bessie forming an unexpected and heartwarming bond with her nephew Hank. This dynamic, portrayed with depth and sincerity, introduces a poignant element to the narrative, exploring themes of connection and healing amid adversity. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Hank brings a nuanced complexity to the character, making the audience empathize with the troubled soul navigating familial complexities.
The plot thickens as the characters grapple with the pressing need for a suitable bone marrow donor. Testing ensues, and the revelation that none of Lee's sons qualifies adds a layer of urgency and desperation. The film carefully navigates through the complexities of medical decisions, family ties, and the inevitable confrontation with mortality.
Amidst these trials, Bessie's unwavering strength and resilience become evident, and her journey becomes a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. The emotional core of the story is heightened as the characters confront their own demons, making "Marvin's Room" not just a tale of illness and family dynamics but a profound exploration of the human condition.
As the narrative unfolds, the spotlight is not just on the medical challenges but on the intricate web of relationships, addressing unresolved issues, and ultimately emphasizing the profound impact family has on shaping our lives. The climax of the story sees Lee, initially reluctant and guarded, succumbing to the transformative power of love and familial bonds, realizing that, indeed, family matters most when faced with life-altering circumstances.
In conclusion, "Marvin's Room" stands as a cinematic gem, weaving together outstanding performances, heartfelt storytelling, and a tapestry of emotions that resonate even after the film finishes. Diane Keaton's portrayal of Bessie, coupled with the stellar cast's collective brilliance, elevates this family drama into a poignant exploration of life, love, and the enduring strength found within the bonds of family.
The Hours (2002)
The Deafening Sound of Silence
Adapted with eloquence from Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer-winning masterpiece The Hours, this cinematic gem artfully unveils the intricate interplay of three women across different epochs, their destinies intricately woven by a single thread. This narrative thread delicately unravels years of emotional turmoil and unspoken battles hidden within a vault of suppressed struggles.
Guided by the masterful direction of Stephen Daldry, "The Hours" invites the audience to palpably experience the burdens of accumulated mental and emotional distress. Amidst these struggles, the trio of central characters-Virginia Woolf, Laura Brown, and Clarissa Vaughn-navigate the tumultuous waters until their breaking points. Each character adopts a unique coping mechanism; one vocalizes her shattered mental fortress, another seeks solace in silence, while the third masks pain behind the façade of lively gatherings. Distinctive avenues, yet they share the common ground of grappling with profound mental strife. Tragedy befalls one through suicide, another breaks free from familial chains, and the third halts the cycle by embracing the raw truth of life's struggles.
Elevated by stellar performances from Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Meryl Streep, complemented by an unmatched supporting cast, and a script by David Hare that skillfully articulates the emotional tapestry of each character, "The Hours" stands as an epitome of cinematic excellence.
A haunting line lingers in the echoes of time, spoken ominously by Virginia Woolf: "One has to die in order for the rest of us to value life more." This poignant proclamation foreshadows her tragic demise, a choice justified by her as a twisted means of escapism, leaving an enduring imprint on the fabric of human existence.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
A Portrait of Self-Destruction
A vivid exploration of self-destruction unfolds in "Promising Young Woman," marking the directorial debut of the British actress, Emerald Fenell. Fenell, also the creative mind behind its quirky yet dark screenplay, orchestrates a cinematic symphony brought to life by the stellar performances of an exceptional cast. Carey Mulligan, radiant in the titular role, effortlessly showcases the expansive range of her acting prowess.
Within the narrative folds, Mulligan breathes life into Cassandra "Cassie," a young woman burdened by an emotional weight born from the heinous sexual assault on her dearest friend, Nina. The duo, once aspiring medical students, found their lives forever altered one fateful night at a party where Nina's playful intoxication took a sinister turn. Classmate Al Monroe, fueled by inebriation like his peers, subjected Nina to a traumatic assault witnessed by their callous classmates.
The aftermath diverged starkly for Cassie and Nina. In the sobering light of the morning after, they confronted a dismissive school board unwilling to challenge Al Monroe's affluence and social clout. Nina, unjustly labeled, spiraled into a tragic demise. Cassie, grappling with her own mental toll, abandoned medical school. Meanwhile, their classmates, including Al, ascended the ladder of success within the medical profession.
Cassie's life unfurls as a double-edged tapestry. By day, she toils in a coffee shop; by night, adorned in provocative attire, she infiltrates bars frequented by young men. Under the guise of intoxication, Cassie lures unsuspecting men only to unleash her maniacal revelation, leaving them horrified. This clandestine existence persists until an opportunity for vengeance materializes. Blackmailing her boyfriend Ryan, a spectator during Nina's assault, becomes Cassie's method to exact retribution on Al Monroe.
The climactic confrontation unfolds at Al's stag party, with Cassie assuming the role of a hired prostitute. Alone in a room with the inebriated Al, she orchestrates a plan that takes a tragic turn. Overpowered, she becomes the unintended victim of Al's aggression. A macabre collaboration with Al's friend ensues, resulting in the mutilation and incineration of Cassie's dismembered remains, eradicating any trace of evidence.
Yet, Cassie's foresight echoes in the release of a prearranged video, a mechanism triggered by her demise. The revelation casts a pall over Al's wedding reception, leading to his arrest for Cassandra's murder-a twist orchestrated by a former lawyer burdened by a guilty conscience.
Beyond its roots in the #MeToo movement, the film transcends advocacy, delivering a resonant message on personal accountability. Cassie, the enigmatic anti-heroine, embodies the wisdom of moving forward over vengeance, elevating her character to a powerful reminder within the narrative tapestry.
Fenell's nuanced writing and direction subtly weave the film's feminist undertones as subtext, establishing it as a genius work of art. Carey Mulligan's seamless portrayal further cements "Promising Young Woman" as a triumphant cinematic masterpiece, earning its place among the finest films of 2020.
Anatomie d'une chute (2023)
An Acting Showcase
At the narrative's epicenter lies Sandra Voyter, a German novelist whose life intertwines with that of Samuel Maleski, a French pedagogue. Nestled within the tranquil confines of a small French town, their domestic tapestry expands to include their son, Daniel. The film opens with Sandra, in the throes of an intellectually invigorating discourse with a literature protégé, abruptly thrusted into discord by Samuel's resonant music, precipitating the hastened departure of her guest. The ensuing tableau unfolds with Daniel's discovery of his father's lifeless form nestled in the snow. The revelation that Samuel's demise appears to be a fall from the balcony on the third floor of their house adds a layer of intrigue and gravity to the unfolding drama. In the quagmire of uncertainty, Sandra finds herself indicted for Homicide, thus commencing a legal labyrinth where her ally, the astute lawyer Vincent Renzi, takes the reins of her defense.
The narrative's focal point shifts seamlessly towards the court's hallowed halls, becoming a crucible for the intricacies of Sandra and Samuel's tumultuous matrimony to unfurl. Samuel, grappling with the relentless specter of depression, stands as a testament to the emotional tempest within their shared existence. Sandra, in turn, grapples with a poignant discontent rooted in her transcontinental relocation from the literary landscapes of Germany to the pastoral allure of France. A revelatory moment is etched in time through a recorded confrontation on the eve of Samuel's demise, where his grievances against Sandra's flourishing literary career and his own creative stagnation are laid bare.
The courtroom, a bastion of legal scrutiny, metamorphoses into a battleground where science, speculations, and logic engage in a complex dance to ascertain Sandra's culpability. Amidst the legal maelstrom, Daniel emerges as a pivotal witness, offering a second testimony that unfurls a poignant memory shared with his late father. Daniel discloses Samuel's cryptic foretelling of his imminent disappearance, an utterance that, in hindsight, aligns with the defense's hypothesis of Samuel's self-inflicted fate. This revelation serves as the linchpin, leading to Sandra's acquittal, a resolute exoneration in the eyes of the law.
Sandra Hüller shoulders the film's narrative with a consummate performance that transcends the screen, inviting viewers to traverse the tumultuous realms of grief, uncertainty, and the eventual journey toward renewal. The supporting cast, an ensemble of virtuosos, merits commendation, with Milo Machado-Graner's fierce portrayal of Daniel and Swann Arlaud's nuanced performance as Vincent infusing the cinematic tapestry with layers of depth and resonance. In the canvas of this cinematic odyssey, each thread intricately woven, the audience is beckoned into a world where the human experience is explored with eloquence, complexity, and an indelible sense of style.
Poor Things (2023)
The Terrifying Depth of the Human Psyche
In "Poor Things," Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed director of the highly-celebrated films "Dogtooth", "The Lobster" and "The Favourite," presents a candid exploration of the inherent capacity within human beings to contemplate and intentionally engage in malevolent actions. This cinematic endeavor serves as a meticulous examination of humanity's position as the most intellectually endowed species, a designation that grants us the privilege of free will. With this freedom comes the constant choice to navigate the recesses of our innermost thoughts, susceptible to the corrupting influence of darkness. Yet, it is precisely this power of independent thought that affords us the ability to alter our perspectives and embark on a journey of redemption.
The characters, notably Bella Baxter, embody the film's rich tapestry, delving into the complexities of existence. Bella/Victoria, having succumbed to suicide, experiences a resurrection through scientific intervention and the advanced realms of human cognition. As a reanimated being, she stands as a testament to human evolution-an entity void of experience yet brimming with an insatiable curiosity destined to be tainted by the inevitable loss of innocence. Through the exercise of free will, Bella becomes a poignant illustration that the crucible of hardships and horrors molds individuals into either refined products or decayed remnants.
"Poor Things" unfolds as a chiaroscuro painting depicting the shadows of life. One character imparts to Bella a profound warning that "hope is squashable, realism is not," urging her to shield herself with this unyielding truth. Despite the cynicism of this advice, Bella navigates the world through her own lens, making decisions aligned with her deeply held beliefs.
While not the pinnacle of Lanthimos's oeuvre, the film remains a visual delight, particularly owing to the fearless and compelling performance by Emma Stone as Bella. It stands as an astonishing exploration of imperfections, illustrating how these flaws intricately contribute to the construction of a resilient fortress within the human experience.
The Zone of Interest (2023)
Noise Within
The film begins with a poignant portrayal of a blissful family within what seems to be mid-20th century Germany. Initially anticipating a family drama unfolding, the narrative introduces each character meticulously - Rudolf Höss as the father, Hedwig Höss as the mother, and their children, all accompanied by a silent and dutiful house help. The ambiance exudes serenity, mundanity, and typical family life, appearing uneventful at first glance.
Yet, beneath this seemingly idyllic tableau of tranquility, a disconcerting background resonates with agonizing sounds of subdued screams and occasional gunfire. These unsettling noises hint at the adjacent presence of a camp imprisoning Jews, with scenes suggesting the execution of these prisoners. In a chilling moment, a Nazi soldier elucidates to Rudolf Höss about the drastic temperature fluctuations, alluding to the use of an incinerator.
The narrative takes a disturbing turn when Hedwig engages in casual conversations with other women about coats and furs that once belonged to Jews. In an unsettling scene, she even tries on a fur coat, treating it as if it were any other garment, having it cleaned without acknowledging its dark origin. The eldest son nonchalantly plays with golden teeth during bedtime, and a gardener softens soil mixed with ashes-presumed to be remnants of exterminated Jews. Even the night sky fails to conceal the fiery glow emanating from the nearby camp.
As the film progresses, an eerie apathy envelops the Höss spouses, seemingly oblivious to the atrocities next door. Despite lives being tortured and extinguished in their vicinity, they don't manifest overt evil. The complexity arises as one contemplates whether their indifference is a result of wartime mentality, with Rudolf Höss merely executing his duty, and Hedwig dutifully supporting her husband, or if their knowledge of the malevolence next door makes them complicit in the evil.
The profound dissonance embedded in the narrative unveils itself through the striking paradox of a sanctuary meticulously constructed for the Höss family, set against the chilling backdrop of the adjacent concentration camp-a theater of unspeakable atrocities where the Jews endured torment and met their tragic end. This cruel interplay of diametrically opposed realms not only underscores the profound depths of human depravity but also serves as a haunting testament to the writer's narrative acumen, deftly weaving together disparate threads to create a tapestry of unsettling brilliance that resonates with the profound complexities of human existence.
Towards the conclusion of the film, seemingly apathetic workers methodically cleaned up glass containers filled with an overwhelming array of shoes, numbering in the thousands, if not millions. The camera delicately and intentionally shifted focus, moving slowly to hone in on a pair of children's shoes. This poignant moment encapsulated the profound tragedy and human loss, underscoring the film's exploration of the Holocaust's impact on innocent lives.
The film, a masterful creation by Jonathan Glazer, stands out as his magnum opus among his four directed works. It skillfully presents the Holocaust through the lens of passive participants, illustrating that evil can exist without direct participation, yet maintaining a delicate balance by interweaving family drama within the Höss household. The horror is not blatant but rather haunting, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer. The pervasive use of the color white, ironically juxtaposed against the darkness of the times, underscores the film's visual and thematic richness.
Grace of Monaco (2014)
Not disGraceful at all.
After lingering on my watchlist for years, I finally delved into this film, despite its long-standing reputation of being pummeled by overwhelmingly negative reviews. The deciding factor, however, emerged from the scattered praises for Nicole Kidman's stellar performance amidst the critical wreckage.
Upon initiation, it's imperative to declare that the movie grapples with one of the most lackluster scripts to grace (pun intended) the silver screen, coupled with direction so woefully misguided that even Kidman's nearly flawless portrayal finds itself trapped in mediocrity. These two substantial pitfalls, the lamentable script and subpar direction, become the burdens that the lead, Nicole Kidman, valiantly shoulders. Despite her commendable efforts to elevate the dismal writing, her exceptional performance is somewhat sabotaged by the director's missteps. Kudos to Kidman for breathing life into her portrayal of "Grace Kelly." Amidst online dissent claiming Kidman never truly embodied Kelly's essence, it's crucial to acknowledge the Herculean task she faced - a challenge where makeup fell short. The film thus leans heavily on Kidman's acting prowess, and she rises to the occasion admirably. A decade prior, this role could have marked a pinnacle in Kidman's career. Despite her stellar performance, the inevitable truth surfaces - Kidman, already in the later stages of her career, may have been slightly too mature for the part. The accent, however, is a non-issue, as Kidman skillfully mirrors Grace Kelly's breathy vocal nuances and distinctive mannerisms.
In the final analysis, the film earns a commendable 7/10, owing predominantly to Kidman's impeccable performance, complemented by the captivating set design, costumes, and cinematography. The cinematic zenith arrives towards the movie's closure, where Olivier Dahan orchestrates an intensely intimate shot of Kidman during a pivotal speech. Kidman's expressive eyes steal the spotlight, effortlessly eclipsing any distraction posed by a possibly botoxed visage. This climactic moment attests to Kidman's unparalleled brilliance throughout the film.
Queen of the Desert (2015)
Botched Up Great Biography
Despite my high expectations, the Herzog film left me utterly disappointed within the first 30 minutes. Persisting through the entire movie, the lone commendation goes to the cinematography, tarnished by subpar editing. As an avid Kidman fan, I anticipated greatness, yet her technical finesse couldn't salvage the wretched script. While she typically leans towards directors over scripts, Herzog faltered, delivering a subpar film.
Gertrude Bell's captivating journey deserved a more nuanced portrayal, focusing on her ascent to the "Queen of the Desert" and her connection with desert dwellers. Instead, the film's abrupt transitions between Bell's visits to tribes and communities left a disjointed narrative. The unnecessary 36-minute diversion into Bell and Cadogan's relationship served as a glaring red flag for poor writing. James Franco's English accent, deemed offensive, adds to the film's missteps.
Reflecting on the experience, it becomes apparent that a 5-part mini-series could have aptly conveyed Ms. Bell's story. While tempted to award a dismal rating, Kidman's commendable effort prevents a complete descent, even if she couldn't entirely rescue the lackluster material.
Riverdale (2017)
A great first season that went downhill so fast
The only reason I gave a rating 6 is because the show maintained the dark theme but the story-lines of the 3rd season and current 4th season are downright ridiculous. The first season was well-written with great acting and the second wasn't bad but failed to match the freshness of the first season. I hope the writers will actually use their brains in coming up with a clever season 5.
See (2019)
As Stupid As It Gets
If the writing is stupid, the characters are stupid, and so the show is stupid.
Destroyer (2018)
Diving into the deep dark abyss
This film doesn't cater to everyone, especially those accustomed to mainstream action flicks. It transcends the conventional cop-on-duty narrative, delving into the emotional, mental, and physical toll on a female officer haunted by unresolved matters.
Enduring the film posed challenges, but Nicole Kidman's astounding performance anchored me to my seat. The prosthetics, aimed at aging and wear, never diverted my attention. Kidman's eyes became a poignant vessel, conveying the profound brokenness stemming from her past partner's tragedy. Critics dismissing the film as a mere serious stroll fail to grasp its depth.
The diner scene, a heart-wrenching exchange between Kidman and her daughter, radiates maternal care with palpable emotion.
Kidman's willingness to plunge into a dark character aligns with her reputation for embracing unconventional roles in films like Dogville, Birth, Fur, and The Paperboy. Despite flawed writing and direction, Kidman's compelling portrayal bears the weight of the narrative.
While Kidman's Oscar-worthy performance deserved recognition, her omission wasn't surprising. The film's lack of Academy appeal likely contributed to the oversight.