Review Date:
Director: Todd Haynes
Writer: Todd Haynes
Producers: Christine Vachon
Actors:
Julianne Moore Dennis Quaid Dennis Haysbert |
The film also reminded me about how much racists suck ass, but that’s a whole other ballgame. Dennis Quaid’s struggle was also intriguing, as well as the true friendship developed between Julianne Moore and her black gardener, played by Dennis Haysbert. One of the issues I did have with the film might also have been related to its very nature of being a little “fake” on the outside, and that was in its lack of true emotion. By the time things got to swirling in the end, I didn’t get as emotionally involved as I was prepared to be (and even though Haysbert was good in the acting department, I never felt any real connection between his character and Moore’s-at least, not from his end) and didn’t particularly shed a tear or shallow a gulp for anyone. I did, however, appreciate how every plot thread was ultimately completed, and how many of them were generally depressing (much like real life). But the film is extremely unique, both in its look and feel, and I especially loved its opening and the way that it would naturally transition from scene to scene (like vignettes). It’s one of those movies that you can watch over and over, at least in terms of eye-candy. It also features a handful of subtext and subtle pokes at the embarrassing patois of the day, some of which actually had me chuckling (sadly). One particular line that had me cracking up was the one that came directly after Moore said: “I hear that everything is pink in Miami”. Funny. I also loved the “relationship” that the parents had with their kids…wow (“Listen to your mother, son”).
But mostly, the movie is appealing in its characters, engaging in their respective plights to “find themselves” and effective in showcasing the façade that many people put on in the mornings in order to “keep up appearances” with the rest of the world. It’s also one of the more creatively crafted movies of the year with some stunning imagery, authentic details and first-rate direction. A deeper connection to its characters might’ve tightened my grip to the material, but it’s definitely one to catch for anyone who enjoys inventive takes on film, gorgeous looking movies and personal struggles from another era.
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