I remember when this film was released. There was a lot of buzz around it, mostly the director, and I now see why.
It is the story of a man who through the use of Polaroid pictures, finds his wife's murderer while suffering from a short-term memory disorder contracted during the murder. The story is based on a short story idea by the director's brother, Jonathan Nolan, yet from what I can tell, is a unique story in itself. Christopher Nolan developed the idea independently from Jonathan's story, even though the germ of the story is the same. I now see why Christopher Nolan is one of my favorite directors. Memento is a noble effort, and stretches the film noir genre.
This film is definitely film noir with a modern twist (and not just because of the Burbank location shots), and is worth seeing if you enjoy suspense films. The themes are adult, but I do not recall any overly violent or gory scenes. Instead, it is what you imagine which gets you. (Su, you probably don't want to see this one.)
Rating:
4 of 5 stars
For creativity of storytelling
Recommendation:
I recommend this film if this is a genre that you enjoy. I also recommend it if you like stories that are unusual in their structure of storytelling.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Jane Eyre (1942)
In my effort to balance my film knowledge, I recently watched Jane Eyre (1942) with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine, directed by Robert Stevenson, the screenplay by Aldous Huxley, Robert Stevenson, and John Houseman.
It doesn't matter how old a film is, or how many quality movies I see of recent production dates, there is no equivalent to films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Wow. Orson Welles was overshadowed in his life and now post-humously by his brilliance of the radio play The War of the Worlds and the film Citizen Kane. But did you know he was also a dynamic actor? Even when he wasn't controlling everything in the process? Orson's subtlety of emotion whilst coexisting with his brazen nature was surprising and delightful to see. My favorite moment was when he ascends a hill and his cape flaps in the wind. Wow. And they say that John Wayne was the symbol of the masculine. Obviously not enough people saw that moment in film history. Phew! Mercy!
This black and white film tackles some intense themes, including duty and love, and while I have not read Charlotte Bronte's novel, I believe the commentaries that say this film remained true to her original vision. It isn't easy to distill a classic novel into a film, but director Stevenson was able to make it work. The lighting was stark and high-contrast, yet I can imagine it no other way.
To be fair to Joan Fontaine, she did a fantastic job of "standing up to" Orson's bigger than life presence. She never overshadowed him, nor was weakened by his strength. Rather, she remained poised and dignified without ever losing the femininity the role required. See the film for her as much as for anything.
Rating:
4 of 5 stars
Recommendation:
If you're looking for a classic black-and-white film about a love that endures, see this film. And keep your eyes open for that fantastic moment of Orson and his cape.
It doesn't matter how old a film is, or how many quality movies I see of recent production dates, there is no equivalent to films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Wow. Orson Welles was overshadowed in his life and now post-humously by his brilliance of the radio play The War of the Worlds and the film Citizen Kane. But did you know he was also a dynamic actor? Even when he wasn't controlling everything in the process? Orson's subtlety of emotion whilst coexisting with his brazen nature was surprising and delightful to see. My favorite moment was when he ascends a hill and his cape flaps in the wind. Wow. And they say that John Wayne was the symbol of the masculine. Obviously not enough people saw that moment in film history. Phew! Mercy!
This black and white film tackles some intense themes, including duty and love, and while I have not read Charlotte Bronte's novel, I believe the commentaries that say this film remained true to her original vision. It isn't easy to distill a classic novel into a film, but director Stevenson was able to make it work. The lighting was stark and high-contrast, yet I can imagine it no other way.
To be fair to Joan Fontaine, she did a fantastic job of "standing up to" Orson's bigger than life presence. She never overshadowed him, nor was weakened by his strength. Rather, she remained poised and dignified without ever losing the femininity the role required. See the film for her as much as for anything.
Rating:
4 of 5 stars
Recommendation:
If you're looking for a classic black-and-white film about a love that endures, see this film. And keep your eyes open for that fantastic moment of Orson and his cape.
Michael Clayton
The film Michael Clayton is definitely worth the time. Yes, George Clooney is more than a pretty face (although if you want a movie that shows that, see Good Night and Good Luck), but it is Tom Wilkenson who steals the show. At least for me. He is a brilliant actor who is somewhat recognized yet delivers some of the finest acting of our time. He does it again here, making this role unique against his other work, and it is his performance that is worth watching.
The script is well-crafted and intelligent, as are the characters. Production elements are strong - direction, sound, production design, wardrobe, etc. - so it is also a quality film to watch. Did I mention that it's timely, too?
Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Recommendation:
If you like suspense stories with intelligent characters in real-life settings, I strongly recommend this film.
The script is well-crafted and intelligent, as are the characters. Production elements are strong - direction, sound, production design, wardrobe, etc. - so it is also a quality film to watch. Did I mention that it's timely, too?
Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Recommendation:
If you like suspense stories with intelligent characters in real-life settings, I strongly recommend this film.
Where has the time gone?
Is it really October 19th? Is it really the fourth quarter of the year, and Fall & moments before The Holidays? I suppose that is what happens when you're racing at 65mph in the slow lane. (My apologies if this is a repeat of any kind. Another side effect from being so diverse and busy.)
September was everything God had said it would be, and more. Labor Day with family in Goldsboro was delightful. I got to know my cousin Tyra better as she is a fellow writer and a delightful girl growing up by the minute. I also got to see Rob & Ang's house, and celebrate Ellie's birthday by helping in the kitchen. It was a great time. So great, I just got back from a weekend in the DC area at Tom & Su's house! (more on that in a few)
September also brought a paid section leader position at a choir in Greensboro, NC. I'm starting to get my groove there, and it's a blast. The choir is delightful, and the choir director, Ben, is a joy to work with. He is light-hearted, Christ-centered, and helpful. He works quickly, but that is because we have a 50-minute long rehearsal. We have a lot to do in a short period of time, and he definitely keeps me on my toes. I love it. Each rehearsal and service shows me where I need to grow to become a better musician. And they're paying me for the fun! Unbelievable. Thank you, God!
The Eucharistic Congress in September was a great event again this year. I sang at the Friday night concert, then again at the Closing Mass. It was great to sing with the Diocesan choir again this year. In addition, Linda Booker, director of Love Lived on Death Row, and I hosted a booth in the Vendor Section. While it was not as overtly "successful" as we'd hoped, I think being there as a presence was important. Next, we've got to book some screenings. And, get the blessing of the US Council of Catholic Bishops. (If anyone has any connections or helpful hints for that process, please contact me. You can also contact Linda through the website.)
October has also been good. Settling into singing at the two churches - Holy Trinity Episcopal in Greensboro & my parish, St. Leo's - and getting used to attending Lay Ministry classes each month again. We just finished up our class on Vatican II & so far, that has been my favorite. Scripture with Sister Mary Hugh was amazing, but since I knew nothing about Vatican II, I appreciated reading the actual documents and coming to better understand its significance. So great! Then, this last weekend, as previously mentioned, I traveled to the DC area to visit with family. Good stuff.
Did I mention I've also been asked to be a sponsor to a teenager in RCIA? RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is my church's process to helping those who are interested in becoming Catholic & are too old for Faith Formation. I have to say I couldn't be more thrilled to be on the other side of the line. I converted 5.5 years ago, out of obedience, and my life has never been better. Being Catholic is who I am, even before I was officially Catholic, and I'm so excited to help someone else find herself through The Church. And to have God bring me a teenager is beyond perfect. I love teenagers & she is very cool. I'm thrilled to be a part of this process, even in the midst of everything I'm doing.
Janine, Brian, Cora & Baby-to-be drove up Thursday night to see the Tom Draper house. They have lived there for 11 or so years, and this was my first visit. I have one thing to say: "I'm an idiot." They are within minutes of a Metro station & it is so easy to get into DC as a result. I rode the train down to Falls Church to visit with a friend who works in the area, and it's hard to believe it was so easy!! I say I'm an idiot because they are moving to Princeton in the near future, and I may not have another chance to make it up there before they move. Oh well. I can hope for one more, but if not, I'll visit Princeton & NYC. Bummer, huh? = : ]
Lastly, I'm collaborating with a new friend of mine on one of my screenplays & one of his stories. That combined with a challenge put forth my Cuzn B with Tyra, my goal is to have my screenplay fully drafted by Thanksgiving. The three of us agreed to have something for each other to read at our next gathering, and I'm so blessed to have family who is not just interested in my life/work, but who shares a passion for words. I look forward to our Writing Group Pow-Wow.
I expect that since I've now updated this blog, it is more understandable that my entries have been fewer than usual, and why I'm feeling the blur. Oh yes, I've also been keeping up with my movie watching. (Reviews under separate cover.) One of the benefits of being single with no kids...
So now it's nearly Cora's birthday (the 23rd) and Halloween. Then it will be Thanksgiving, and family is coming here. Advent starts Thanksgiving weekend, and then it will be Christmas.
And again we will be asking, "Where has the time gone?"
September was everything God had said it would be, and more. Labor Day with family in Goldsboro was delightful. I got to know my cousin Tyra better as she is a fellow writer and a delightful girl growing up by the minute. I also got to see Rob & Ang's house, and celebrate Ellie's birthday by helping in the kitchen. It was a great time. So great, I just got back from a weekend in the DC area at Tom & Su's house! (more on that in a few)
September also brought a paid section leader position at a choir in Greensboro, NC. I'm starting to get my groove there, and it's a blast. The choir is delightful, and the choir director, Ben, is a joy to work with. He is light-hearted, Christ-centered, and helpful. He works quickly, but that is because we have a 50-minute long rehearsal. We have a lot to do in a short period of time, and he definitely keeps me on my toes. I love it. Each rehearsal and service shows me where I need to grow to become a better musician. And they're paying me for the fun! Unbelievable. Thank you, God!
The Eucharistic Congress in September was a great event again this year. I sang at the Friday night concert, then again at the Closing Mass. It was great to sing with the Diocesan choir again this year. In addition, Linda Booker, director of Love Lived on Death Row, and I hosted a booth in the Vendor Section. While it was not as overtly "successful" as we'd hoped, I think being there as a presence was important. Next, we've got to book some screenings. And, get the blessing of the US Council of Catholic Bishops. (If anyone has any connections or helpful hints for that process, please contact me. You can also contact Linda through the website.)
October has also been good. Settling into singing at the two churches - Holy Trinity Episcopal in Greensboro & my parish, St. Leo's - and getting used to attending Lay Ministry classes each month again. We just finished up our class on Vatican II & so far, that has been my favorite. Scripture with Sister Mary Hugh was amazing, but since I knew nothing about Vatican II, I appreciated reading the actual documents and coming to better understand its significance. So great! Then, this last weekend, as previously mentioned, I traveled to the DC area to visit with family. Good stuff.
Did I mention I've also been asked to be a sponsor to a teenager in RCIA? RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is my church's process to helping those who are interested in becoming Catholic & are too old for Faith Formation. I have to say I couldn't be more thrilled to be on the other side of the line. I converted 5.5 years ago, out of obedience, and my life has never been better. Being Catholic is who I am, even before I was officially Catholic, and I'm so excited to help someone else find herself through The Church. And to have God bring me a teenager is beyond perfect. I love teenagers & she is very cool. I'm thrilled to be a part of this process, even in the midst of everything I'm doing.
Janine, Brian, Cora & Baby-to-be drove up Thursday night to see the Tom Draper house. They have lived there for 11 or so years, and this was my first visit. I have one thing to say: "I'm an idiot." They are within minutes of a Metro station & it is so easy to get into DC as a result. I rode the train down to Falls Church to visit with a friend who works in the area, and it's hard to believe it was so easy!! I say I'm an idiot because they are moving to Princeton in the near future, and I may not have another chance to make it up there before they move. Oh well. I can hope for one more, but if not, I'll visit Princeton & NYC. Bummer, huh? = : ]
Lastly, I'm collaborating with a new friend of mine on one of my screenplays & one of his stories. That combined with a challenge put forth my Cuzn B with Tyra, my goal is to have my screenplay fully drafted by Thanksgiving. The three of us agreed to have something for each other to read at our next gathering, and I'm so blessed to have family who is not just interested in my life/work, but who shares a passion for words. I look forward to our Writing Group Pow-Wow.
I expect that since I've now updated this blog, it is more understandable that my entries have been fewer than usual, and why I'm feeling the blur. Oh yes, I've also been keeping up with my movie watching. (Reviews under separate cover.) One of the benefits of being single with no kids...
So now it's nearly Cora's birthday (the 23rd) and Halloween. Then it will be Thanksgiving, and family is coming here. Advent starts Thanksgiving weekend, and then it will be Christmas.
And again we will be asking, "Where has the time gone?"
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