Maudie: Hawkins and Hawke shine in this odd biopic.
Maudie is slow, deliberately slow. My modern sensibility didn't like the pace. I wanted to know what was next for the Maud. But I had to wait, and wait, and wait. And in the end, it wasn't the pace that was the main issue with the film. The lack of character development and back story was problematic.
Both Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke did well portraying these odd Nova Scotian residents. They are a couple out of time who live off the grid in a small town on the coast of Canada. The characters and setting are compelling; however, their back stories were not well developed. We never learn what motivates Lewis and even Maud's back story is insufficient.
Both characters are damaged. We get a glimpse as to why Maude might be vulnerable and less than capable, but we have little information regarding Lewis's impairment. Why does he not trust others, "hate people" as he says, what led him to this place?
Certainly, it's a movie about Maud, but Lewis is the other main character in the film. As for Maud, her character is revealed little by little and I wanted more. Why does she love painting? The movie only hints at the reasons.
The beauty of Nova Scotia is skillfully captured by the cinematography of Guy Godfree. And the music works well for the tone of the film.
The film won't get much attention from the academy, but Hawkins' performance is Oscar worthy, being at once sincere and unsentimental. And depending on the coming competition, Hawke might deserve a nod as well for best actor.
Rating: Matinée
It's a decent biopic with some flaws in the delivery of the story and two spectacular performances.
Peace, Tex Shelters
Maudie is slow, deliberately slow. My modern sensibility didn't like the pace. I wanted to know what was next for the Maud. But I had to wait, and wait, and wait. And in the end, it wasn't the pace that was the main issue with the film. The lack of character development and back story was problematic.
Both Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke did well portraying these odd Nova Scotian residents. They are a couple out of time who live off the grid in a small town on the coast of Canada. The characters and setting are compelling; however, their back stories were not well developed. We never learn what motivates Lewis and even Maud's back story is insufficient.
Both characters are damaged. We get a glimpse as to why Maude might be vulnerable and less than capable, but we have little information regarding Lewis's impairment. Why does he not trust others, "hate people" as he says, what led him to this place?
Certainly, it's a movie about Maud, but Lewis is the other main character in the film. As for Maud, her character is revealed little by little and I wanted more. Why does she love painting? The movie only hints at the reasons.
The beauty of Nova Scotia is skillfully captured by the cinematography of Guy Godfree. And the music works well for the tone of the film.
The film won't get much attention from the academy, but Hawkins' performance is Oscar worthy, being at once sincere and unsentimental. And depending on the coming competition, Hawke might deserve a nod as well for best actor.
Rating: Matinée
It's a decent biopic with some flaws in the delivery of the story and two spectacular performances.
Peace, Tex Shelters