Very disappointed in this sketchy HBO presentation. which glosses over many key characters and injects bits and pieces of real events and presumed behaviors to a viewing audience which can be easily confused by the scattershot script and direction. It seemed like a series of story boards out of order. The film needed much more character development, as well as more coherent storytelling.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Indignation
(2016)
Truly a Landmark Film--One for the Ages
17 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
After reading the novel and watching the film on four different occasions, I am constantly blown away.
Missing from the film are the section headings in the novel, chief which is the first section, entitled: Morphine--and this gets your mind thinking one way, while by the end you realize what really happens. There are hints throughout the film, including the Korean War scene briefly at the beginning; the R.O.T.C.students parading in widely separated scenes; and by the so-called dream monologue after his surgery where he reveals the secret of the film.
The film and book preset the finest dialogue I've ever heard in any recent films. The confrontations between Marcus and the Dean are priceless and appeal to thoughtful viewers everywhere.
One nasty scene in the book had to be excised from the film, as it presents a sordid and incredulous display of sexual lust as Marcus' gay roommate masturbates all over Marcus' single room.
Finally, who are the indignant characters in the film? One could say that nearly all the characters are indignant. Marcus is the master of indignation as he protest the manipulation of his actions by the Dean, who is co-master of indignation, as all his beliefs are debunked by Marcus. Olivia is driven to a nervous breakdown, partly because Marcus is forced to reject her. Marcus' mother is greatly indignant because of her husband's erratic behavior. The nurse who watches the hand job by Olivia. And so on.
Finally, has anyone mentioned the profession of Marcus' father? Butcher. One who cuts and slices meat--just like the slaughtering in the Korean War. Nice touch!
Missing from the film are the section headings in the novel, chief which is the first section, entitled: Morphine--and this gets your mind thinking one way, while by the end you realize what really happens. There are hints throughout the film, including the Korean War scene briefly at the beginning; the R.O.T.C.students parading in widely separated scenes; and by the so-called dream monologue after his surgery where he reveals the secret of the film.
The film and book preset the finest dialogue I've ever heard in any recent films. The confrontations between Marcus and the Dean are priceless and appeal to thoughtful viewers everywhere.
One nasty scene in the book had to be excised from the film, as it presents a sordid and incredulous display of sexual lust as Marcus' gay roommate masturbates all over Marcus' single room.
Finally, who are the indignant characters in the film? One could say that nearly all the characters are indignant. Marcus is the master of indignation as he protest the manipulation of his actions by the Dean, who is co-master of indignation, as all his beliefs are debunked by Marcus. Olivia is driven to a nervous breakdown, partly because Marcus is forced to reject her. Marcus' mother is greatly indignant because of her husband's erratic behavior. The nurse who watches the hand job by Olivia. And so on.
Finally, has anyone mentioned the profession of Marcus' father? Butcher. One who cuts and slices meat--just like the slaughtering in the Korean War. Nice touch!
The Americans
(2013–2018)
This is Top Notch Intrigue and Suspense
16 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Just finished watching series 1 and 2 and I was blown away by the story lines, the acting, directing and cinematography.
This is way, way better than I ever expected. Had to binge watch, stopping only for food and sleep.
The characters are all memorable. The intertwining of plots and people is brilliant.
The FBI and the KGB battle it out with cerebral dexterity. The killings are powerful and shocking. The use of spy and counter-spy roles very well done.
Character developments flow throughout the first 2 series. You really get into the minds of the Centre, the handlers, the illegals; and the FBI members. There are tensions and intrigues within each organization. And to top it all off we have plot twists and a major surprise endings. This ranks among the top suspense series ever made!
Cannot wait to watch season 3.
This is way, way better than I ever expected. Had to binge watch, stopping only for food and sleep.
The characters are all memorable. The intertwining of plots and people is brilliant.
The FBI and the KGB battle it out with cerebral dexterity. The killings are powerful and shocking. The use of spy and counter-spy roles very well done.
Character developments flow throughout the first 2 series. You really get into the minds of the Centre, the handlers, the illegals; and the FBI members. There are tensions and intrigues within each organization. And to top it all off we have plot twists and a major surprise endings. This ranks among the top suspense series ever made!
Cannot wait to watch season 3.
Beautiful Ohio
(2006)
Remarkable characters in a very intelligent film
8 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I was captivated by all the fine actors in this film that I never knew existed until a 2011 presentation on Showtime. Finally there arrived an intelligent screenplay with a wide assortment of unusual characters assembled into a unique family arrangement along with two friends of the math genius Clive--Sandra and Elliot The most astounding performance was by Brett Davern who shines as the prototypical normal kid facing challenges from his demanding parents and the aloofness shown to him by his older brother, Clive. As William, Brett enraptures the audience with his innocence and his driving desires to make love to Clive's girlfriend Sandra, played by Michelle Trachtenberg, who always plays her roles in a brilliant fashion. William finally achieves a most perfect sexual union with Sandra and we all can appreciate his joy. Brett Davern has a sparkle in his eye throughout the film, and lights up every scene he's in.
Clive represents a mysterious youth. speaking to his friend Elliot in a foreign language unknown to any of the characters. Clive, Elliot and Sandra hang out and smoke dope and play guitars.Eventually, William gains acceptance and the four of them produce a very unusual team.
William Hurt and Rita Wilson are the boys' parents and add a quirkiness to the film that's much appreciated by this viewer. They perform wonderfully.
Now this film takes place in the 1970s, in the era of AIDS, and out of the blue the genius Clive and his friend Elliot are discovered caressing each other naked in the basement. His so-called liberal father slaps him hard, as the audience is really shocked by this last-minute development. Of course, we now understand that the secret language between the boys (a love poem in Hungarian)reflects the secrecy of being gay in that time period. Whether Clive is bi-sexual or merely uses Sandra as a beard is not known.
If the film has any fault, it is the fact that the viewers would like to have seen another 20 or 30 minutes of plot development. Instead, we are presented with a penultimate scene many years in the future in which Clive is dying of AIDS with his family at his bedside.
It is quite a touching scene, but without any plot to cover the missing years, we are left a bit empty.
Finally, Clive is married with two children and discovers quite by chance his brother's secret language.
I'm sorry so few people have seen the film. It's about intelligent people filmed for an intelligent audience, which unfortunately is quite rare these days.
Clive represents a mysterious youth. speaking to his friend Elliot in a foreign language unknown to any of the characters. Clive, Elliot and Sandra hang out and smoke dope and play guitars.Eventually, William gains acceptance and the four of them produce a very unusual team.
William Hurt and Rita Wilson are the boys' parents and add a quirkiness to the film that's much appreciated by this viewer. They perform wonderfully.
Now this film takes place in the 1970s, in the era of AIDS, and out of the blue the genius Clive and his friend Elliot are discovered caressing each other naked in the basement. His so-called liberal father slaps him hard, as the audience is really shocked by this last-minute development. Of course, we now understand that the secret language between the boys (a love poem in Hungarian)reflects the secrecy of being gay in that time period. Whether Clive is bi-sexual or merely uses Sandra as a beard is not known.
If the film has any fault, it is the fact that the viewers would like to have seen another 20 or 30 minutes of plot development. Instead, we are presented with a penultimate scene many years in the future in which Clive is dying of AIDS with his family at his bedside.
It is quite a touching scene, but without any plot to cover the missing years, we are left a bit empty.
Finally, Clive is married with two children and discovers quite by chance his brother's secret language.
I'm sorry so few people have seen the film. It's about intelligent people filmed for an intelligent audience, which unfortunately is quite rare these days.
Transamerica
(2005)
Kevin Zegers gets no respect from the critics
23 February 2011
I read most of the reviews, most of which are very favorable, and in not one of them is Kevin Zegers acting mentioned. This is quite puzzling as he is a major factor in the film and does a superb job of acting in a very difficult role. Why would he not receive any mention at all? It's not like he had a minor part. I am really puzzled by the lack of any mention of him in the major and minor papers and sites reviewing the film. His performance is breathtaking and poignant. He underplays his part so well that you accept him in the role without any hesitation. Kevin, if you ever read this comment, I must say you were brilliant in this daring and powerful film. Kudos to you!
Thank You for Smoking
(2005)
Top Notch Satire
27 October 2006
You don't always see a good satire--they are really tough to write and produce, but once in a rare while a good one comes along. In fact, along with WAG THE DOG, this fine film ranks as one of the best political and social satires in recent memory.
You don't always see a good satire--they are really tough to write and produce, but once in a rare while a good one comes along. In fact, along with WAG THE DOG, this fine film ranks as one of the best political and social satires in recent memory.
You don't always see a good satire--they are really tough to write and produce, but once in a rare while a good one comes along. In fact, along with WAG THE DOG, this fine film ranks as one of the best political and social satires in recent memory.
(The reason you see three repeated paragraphs, is IMDb's absurd rule that you must write 10 lines. Ridiculous regulation!) But it's a great film. Go see it.
You don't always see a good satire--they are really tough to write and produce, but once in a rare while a good one comes along. In fact, along with WAG THE DOG, this fine film ranks as one of the best political and social satires in recent memory.
You don't always see a good satire--they are really tough to write and produce, but once in a rare while a good one comes along. In fact, along with WAG THE DOG, this fine film ranks as one of the best political and social satires in recent memory.
(The reason you see three repeated paragraphs, is IMDb's absurd rule that you must write 10 lines. Ridiculous regulation!) But it's a great film. Go see it.
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