First, Salma Hayak is a thief. She is billed below all the other leads in the opening credits, but she absolutely steals the show. I have never cared at all about this actress before, but she is devastatingly good here. It is a deeply truthful and vivid portrait of a very dark psyche. And this film is brimming over with robust and compelling performances. Even supporting roles that only have a few lines are cast with exceptionally talented actors. Story: it's true, and the director is the grandson of the lead detective. The storyline always serves the well-developed characters and what motivates them. Production Values: Attention to 1940's period detail is both very accurate, and full of interesting choices.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Spartacus
(2004)
Dr. Kovac is in a coma!
15 April 2006
If there is any reason to watch this remake, it is Alan Bates' brief appearance as Agrippa. This was his very last, and his easy brilliance is a treasure, as always. There is also some decent camera work and editing in this mini-series. Poor Goran V. is horribly miscast as Spartacus. If he had hoped to break his type-cast as a thoughtful, well-spoken intellectual type with this role, he should have put some organic, animalistic effort into it. Vin Diesel (whom I detest) would have been better casting for this part. And as much as I sometimes tire of Kirk Douglas's over-the-top acting, his raw power in the original Spartacus was a world-away more convincing.
The Emperor's Club
(2002)
Deep Moral Lessons, But Only If You Read Between the Lines
12 September 2004
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS. You may want to see the movie before reading this:
There are indeed important moral lessons to be learned in this movie, but they are not on the film's sentimental surface, they are deep in its barely illuminated subtext. The lesson is: Enablers of Liars are worse even than the Liars they enable. The Professor is at fault for not calling out Bell as a cheat in the first competition, even over the protests of his superior. The most egregious fault is to fail a SECOND TIME at the second competition, when he had the opportunity to publicly humiliate Bell, and perhaps ruin his bid to become a senator. Instead we have the unrealistic sweet ending where the slighted Martin decides to entrust the erring professor with the education of his own son. What we should have had at the end was a flash forward to Bell (whom the film says, got into Yale on a C-minus average because of his father's influence-sound familiar?) being sworn in as President, then sending thousands of Americans to their death for a pointless war. Thanks a lot Distinguished Professor, and all you other enablers of liars and cheats.
There are indeed important moral lessons to be learned in this movie, but they are not on the film's sentimental surface, they are deep in its barely illuminated subtext. The lesson is: Enablers of Liars are worse even than the Liars they enable. The Professor is at fault for not calling out Bell as a cheat in the first competition, even over the protests of his superior. The most egregious fault is to fail a SECOND TIME at the second competition, when he had the opportunity to publicly humiliate Bell, and perhaps ruin his bid to become a senator. Instead we have the unrealistic sweet ending where the slighted Martin decides to entrust the erring professor with the education of his own son. What we should have had at the end was a flash forward to Bell (whom the film says, got into Yale on a C-minus average because of his father's influence-sound familiar?) being sworn in as President, then sending thousands of Americans to their death for a pointless war. Thanks a lot Distinguished Professor, and all you other enablers of liars and cheats.
House of Sand and Fog
(2003)
I'll think about and remember this forever.
26 June 2004
How often do you come out of the theatre saying: I'll think about and remember this forever. In acting class at Goodman, Dr. Itkin used to define drama simply: It must make you feel, or make you think. Sitting here watching the DVD, I was gasping out loud and literally on the edge of my seat. This movie is a textbook example of how, when artfully done, a simple character-driven story can Rock you like nothing else.
In a couple of reviews I had read, critics point out how the producers maintained the integrity of the novel by not providing any solutions or any clear good or evil. For me, it was the essential weaknesses of the Jennifer Connelly character and the Deputy that spun the tragedy. How many people must come away from this story saying, Yes, I know someone like that who let a series of events ruin their life. But despite their weaknesses, their motivations are so easy to identify with and feel sympathy toward. I love the widow's walk with it's view out to God's country, and so many subtle poetic touches. Also, the fact that the events all hinge upon a ridiculous mistake created by a blind bureaucracy.
In a couple of reviews I had read, critics point out how the producers maintained the integrity of the novel by not providing any solutions or any clear good or evil. For me, it was the essential weaknesses of the Jennifer Connelly character and the Deputy that spun the tragedy. How many people must come away from this story saying, Yes, I know someone like that who let a series of events ruin their life. But despite their weaknesses, their motivations are so easy to identify with and feel sympathy toward. I love the widow's walk with it's view out to God's country, and so many subtle poetic touches. Also, the fact that the events all hinge upon a ridiculous mistake created by a blind bureaucracy.
Water's Edge
(2003)
Formulae thriller, just a cut above average
1 February 2004
"Water's Edge" screenwriter Craig Brewer wrote and directed the very low-budget, very compelling and brilliant "The Poor and Hungry", so that was all I really needed to know to put this picture at the top of my rental que. I'm a little disappointed. This is only a formulae thriller, perhaps just a cut above average, with decent casting and direction. I can see the Craig Brewer touch in the screenplay: relatively interesting characters, mostly believable plot considering the contrivances necessary for a formulae thriller, and good dialogue. I will still keep an eye on this remarkable talent for another unforgettable picture like his first. Some day. In the meantime I know you gotta pay the rent.
The Deliverance of Elaine
(1996 TV Movie)
Chris Cooper Fans-Don't Miss It
5 January 2004
Chris Cooper has really emerged recently as a major star, what with his Force of Nature performance in `Sea Biscuit' and his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in `Adaptation'. But his talent was evident long before all this belated recognition, and this little movie is a one place to enjoy it. Yes, this is a TV movie, but beside the obvious asset of Chris Cooper in the lead role, it has more going for it. Good supporting performances from Mare Winningham and Lloyd Bridges. Above average camera work, and locations that feel like a real town with authentic people, help create an environment worthy of these actors. As for Chris, he turns in his trademark understated performance. Like all great film actors he makes it look so easy.
Death Benefit
(1996 TV Movie)
Ostensibly good story, but amateurish, unfocused execution
27 December 2003
I'm confused. Is this a movie called `Death Benefit' that's about building a case in a homicide investigation, or is it a movie called `Family Neglect' about a professional man's responsibility to his family and his firm. Instead of staying focused on the true story, literally Every Other Scene is about how the protagonist is neglecting his insipid wife, his annoying son, his irritating secretary, or his stupid boss. All of these cardboard characters continually detract from what could have been a solid drama between two strong characters. Also, the director/editor keeps using quick-cut flashbacks in what I guess they think adds intensity, but the montage is so artlessly assembled, these only look like a student filmmaker's attempt to be arty.
The Poor & Hungry
(2000)
Simply Riveting
24 December 2003
More involving than at least ninety-percent of all the Hollywood overproduced over-compromised rubbish out there. Why? Better writing, better acting, and better directing. Just look at what you can do with twenty-grand, and real talent. Lindsey Roberts (Harper) is a phenomenal actor. It's painful to see that she has only been cast in one small role since making this movie. The William Morris Agency should be crawling on their knees to her. Writer-director Craig Brewer has scripted a film called `Water's Edge' that comes out on DVD January 27, 2004.
Dreaming of Joseph Lees
(1999)
Insanely Beautiful Movie
11 December 2003
Luminous acting, plus painterly cinematography, plus expert musical scoring, equals heavenly cinema.
Woody Allen cast Samantha Morton as the mute co-star to Sean Penn in `Sweet and Low Down' (remember the girl who never said a word, but spoke volumes?). After seeing her in this film, I don't think she even needed to audition.
This film is especially for those who know that movies which are described by some as `about nothing' are usually the ones that are really about everything-everything that really matters. An intense and unforgettable journey for anyone with an emotional life.
Woody Allen cast Samantha Morton as the mute co-star to Sean Penn in `Sweet and Low Down' (remember the girl who never said a word, but spoke volumes?). After seeing her in this film, I don't think she even needed to audition.
This film is especially for those who know that movies which are described by some as `about nothing' are usually the ones that are really about everything-everything that really matters. An intense and unforgettable journey for anyone with an emotional life.
Kin
(2000)
Gutsy, Brilliant Filmmaking
20 October 2003
There is plenty of action and drama in this film that moves from scene to scene, even moment to moment, living in that Gray Area where people's real lives really happen. Not a typical movie where the conflict grows out of black and white situations. Here, despite appearances, nothing is black and white. Every relationship is unique, and every relationship is made up of layers upon layers. Like real life, every day brings more contradictions and questions than it does answers-along with profoundly simple reasons to endure and celebrate.
(Oh, and it doesn't hurt that the lead actors are two of the most attractive people ever put on film, playing characters that we come to care about deeply.)
(Oh, and it doesn't hurt that the lead actors are two of the most attractive people ever put on film, playing characters that we come to care about deeply.)
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