Rev: My Blueberry Nights

MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS
Directed by:
Wong Kar Wai
Starring: Norah Jones, Jude
Law, Rachel Weisz,
David Strathairn, Natalie Portman

PLOT: Internationally acclaimed director Wong Kar Wai, takes us on
a dramatic journey in his English feature film MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS
starring an all-star ensemble cast. Making her big screen debut,
Norah Jones stars as Elizabeth who, in an attempt to escape painful
memories and disappointment, sets out on a long journey across the

US

leaving a new special friend (Jude Law) behind. In her quest to heal
her broken heart, she waitresses her way through the country and
encounters several other crushed souls yearning for friendship,
direction and closure.

CRITIQUE:
Overall, I thought this was a creative, visual,
heartbreaking, emotional and educational journey to self-healing and
discovery. Although the story was equivocal at times, the attempt to
unfold the emotional journey and recovery from heartbreak came full
circle and brought closure to each dysfunctional existence

Elizabeth

befriended along the way. Best of all, the script wasn’t another
CRASH flick burdened with multiple vignettes.
There were several subplots but the focus was on one main
character that intertwined with each entity in her journey to
self-exploration. I particularly admired how others’ misfortunes
and adversities became a positive lesson and aid in

Elizabeth

’s personal growth.

However, a very slow pace weakened the script. As the plot
unraveled, the film dragged on almost intentionally to elucidate and
identify with

Elizabeth

’s emptiness and loneliness. Although I understood Wai’s
intentions, I believe they backfired due to a lack of excitement.
The acting was superb, visceral and spontaneous. Many
musicians have tried to make the transition from singing to acting
and I think Jones did a fine job in embodying a vulnerable woman.
She portrayed a plausible innocence and innate quality, which evoked
empathy for her sweet and intoxicating personality. On the other
hand, I found Law’s rough looks and raw honesty incredibly sexy
and appealing.

Respectively, Weisz, Strathairn and Portman exhibited strong
and compelling performances reaffirming their extraordinary talents. 
I felt especially mesmerized with the direction of
photography and its use of vibrant colors. Most scenes were
accentuated with a unique slow motion and vividity, which awakened
the senses while creating a memorable impact. A particularly
memorable scene for me was a very passionate, slow and silent kiss
shared by Law and Jones which for me solidified their surprising on
screen compatibility. Although
I was very impressed with the acting, directing and photography, the
main deterrent for me was the slow progression of the storyline. — 5/10

CLICK
HERE FOR MORE
"MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS" PHOTOS