Film ReviewsI have seen three really good films this week.
The Woodsman (Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick)
In this intense psychological thriller, actor Kevin Bacon performs a startling feat of imaginative identification playing Walter, a heterosexual paedophile re-entering society after twelve years in prison. Fearful that he'll be exposed and punished anew in his new community, he's just as terrified that he'll be tempted again to abuse the innocent trust of a child. The intervention of Vickie, a strong-willed woman, weary of male aggression and drawn to his evasiveness, holds the promise of the normality he craves.
Wow. This film is really good. The subject matter, as you would expect, is highly controversial and will no doubt, turn a lot of film goers away. But that would be a shame as Kevin Bacon delivers what has to be the performance of his career. I've always thought that Bacon was a good actor (he shone in Mystic River) and in this role, I believe he is definitely in contention for an Oscar nomination. The director of the film manages, somehow, to make the audience sympathise with Walter. A rather disconcerting feeling to be honest. Overall, I'd recommend this film. 4/5
The Queen of Sheba's Pearls
It is 1952 and England is still recovering from war, heartened by the sweet, measured tones of the young Princess Elizabeth on the radio. In this appealingly low-key comedy drama, the hushed, proper and rather sad household of a country vicarage is brought back to life by the arrival of a beautiful, mysterious foreigner. What startles everyone is the woman's resemblance to Emily, the daughter of the household who was killed by a crashing plane in 1944. No-one is more shocked than Emily's 16-year-old son Jack, who remembers his mother vividly, and is so convinced that life continues after death that he's ready to believe that she is indeed his mother reincarnated. To say that Jack is more open-minded than anyone else in this family is putting it mildly. It transpires that Nancy, the stranger, is Swedish. As her mystery is unravelled, so are decades of secrets and lies.
Another top quality British drama that is a lovely story. It unfolds at an easy pace and is beautifully shot. It's a low-key comedy, subtle and simplistic and very very appealing. Highly recommended. 4/5
Millions
When an enormous bag of English pounds falls from the sky into the hands of two young boys, they have only seven days to spend up before the country converts to the Euro.
A very funny delightful film from director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Shallow Grave) and written by Frank Cottrell Boyce (24 Hour Party People, Welcome to Sarajevo). It's a heartwarming story and the two actors who play Anthony and Damian do a great job playing imaginative and adventurous characters. Recommended. 3/5
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Tart at 10:19 AM |
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