Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Goldfinch - I was told this movie was bad by someone who is a big fan of the book (I've never read it, but now I definitely want to). I was surprised at how much it bombed at the box office because of the cast and the popularity of the book (it cost 45M to make and had a worldwide gross of only 10M - yikes!). Ansel Elgort needs a career boost - STAT (with this and Billionaire Boys Club, he's in trouble- but it can be fixed - Taron did BBC and followed it up with the disastrous Robin Hood, and he's recovered quickly). I don't really think Ansel is hot, though, but he does have a screen presence that is interesting (on an epic side-note, I think it's hilarious when he trends on twitter because it's always a new picture that showcases his...um...gigantic...YOU KNOW. I also appreciate that he used this influence and posted a "thirst" picture of himself practically naked with the post "more here" that linked to a Brooklyn hospital that was in need of PPE supplies. The dude's okay in my book. Although, I hope he actually donated and not just directed his fans to do so - more on this type of celebrity influence later in the post). So, anyway, I actually liked this movie. It was far too long, it has some editing issues, and the kid from Stranger Things is tragically miscast, but it does have a lot of good stuff. Nicole Kidman is in her lane and I LOVE IT - just icy cold, entitled, and somehow still sympathetic. There's a lot of depth to the story, with interwoven plot-points, and I was invested through its entirety. It actually could have been really, really good. This is why I want to read the book - there's so many interesting ideas presented, it's just a shame that it's not done as well as it should have been done.

2. Pain and Glory - I'm really disappointed with this movie. Possibly because I had high expectations? Or because it just has nothing interesting to say? I'm not really sure, but it's just so dry and self-indulgent. Definitely my least favorite Almodovar (my favorite is The Skin I Live In). It's supposed to be an autobiographical story about an aging director looking back at his life, but it's just not at all interesting. I can connect to the chronic pain memories - the "anatomy of pain" scene is brilliant. While people have grandiose dreams of love and success, I dream of waking up without pain for just one day. ONE DAY (without drugs. I refuse.). I try not to let it effect my life, but sometimes I think about how much worse it will be as I get older and it's fucking depressing. Anyway, I enjoyed the parts with him as a child more than the rest of the movie (plus Penelope Cruz back to her strength - I had a really hard time with her performance as Donatella Versace. One of the worst performances I've ever seen.). Same for Antonio Banderas (I've only liked him in The Skin I Live In). I thought this movie would impact my updated Top 10, but sadly it doesn't come close.

3. 1917 - I had high hopes for this - there were a lot of comparisons to Dunkirk which I LOVED, some even calling it better. I can't agree with that statement at all, but I did like most of it. Obviously, it's a stunning achievement, technically speaking. I really appreciate how much work went into every single second of the movie. Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins know how to make a beautiful movie. Unfortunately though, I found most of the story boring and there were so many weird unnecessary scenes (like the baby scene - wtf was that?). Also, ***spoilers ahead*** I assumed that Dean-Charles Chapman's character was going to die - I thought that was obvious (for many reasons, story-structure, the fact that George MacKay is a more well-known actor, did most of the promotion for it, and is featured on the posters), but I guess if you don't know much about movies, it might be a surprise (I saw two different people who said it surprised them). But also, THANK GOD, he does die, because he is a terrible actor. Especially compared to the great actors he's surrounded by. And am I supposed to believe that he looks like a younger version of Richard Madden...because LOL. And, while I'm on the topic, was Richard supposed to be hiding his accent? Because he failed in just the few lines he had. I'm not complaining - he was never my type, but I binge-watched The Bodyguard for his accent alone (and also, it's really good). Also, it's weird that so many famous actors appear only to literally have 3 lines (Madden, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Hot Priest). It felt unnecessary and distracted me from the story.

4. The Lovebirds - Cute movie. It's nothing great or anything, but it's exactly what I expected it to be. Although, this couple is my least favorite type of couple - the kind that just bicker back and forth all day long. I think it's supposed to be cute and funny, but I always find it so grating. They are both very likeable, though. I think this is the first time I've ever seen Issa Rae in anything, and she's great (Insecure is on my list!). I laughed many times - I think my favorite is the "who the fuck do you think we are, Hobbes and Shaw?" line. I also laughed at the frat boys listening to Third Eye Blind (seemed so random, but also hilarious). The plot is pretty dumb - I mean, they literally do the opposite of what they should do at every turn. But, it has a really great ending - *spoilers* the cops know from the beginning that they didn't do it, and are only after them to protect them, which is a great twist for such a cliched story. There's really not much else to say. I recommend it if you just want a fun, quick movie to watch to take your mind off of things.

5. Seberg - I watched this movie about 10 days ago - not really realizing the relevance to current events that have taken place since. If you're not aware of the story - it's about Jean Seberg, a fairly famous (white) actress from the 60s/70s whose life was destroyed by the FBI because of her open support of the Black Panthers (along with a romance with one of the members). What's fascinating is that as a Film Studies student, I was not aware of the full-story. And as any Film Studies student can attest, we watched her most famous film, Breathless, approximately 32 times in a 4 year program, so I obviously should know this story. Part of this is because I never studied acting or actors in the Film Studies program (in order to study acting, you had to want to act - which I always thought was dumb. I'm so fascinated by the profession and would have loved to study it, but almost every curriculum required actual acting as part of the course. And I would rather die than be on a stage with a crowd of people looking at me). This film is an interesting watch at this particular time for two reasons - (1.) The importance of white people supporting black movements and initiatives. I've been really struggling with how to support and truly show a commitment to ending systemic racism without it being performative. I agree with the sentiment of the White Silence is Violence anthem, but I also think that maybe it's time for white people to just shut the fuck up and listen (and support, donate, sign petitions, etc). I know so many white people who seem more actively involved than I am, but then again, I don't think posting black boxes on social media or going to a protest only to take 100 selfies to "prove" your activist status is really helping anyone. There has to be a better way, but I don't have the answer. And (2.) The importance of celebrities speaking up. Usually, I get so annoyed at celebrities taking over awards shows to talk about whatever "issue" they feel is important at the time, and right now I feel like a lot of celebrities are falling into the "performative" activist category. However, it is absolutely necessary for celebrities to get involved. Unfortunately, a lot of people are influenced by whatever their favorite celebrity does. But my biggest plea for celebrities to get involved is really for ONE reason - and that is $$$$$. The only headlines I want to see about white celebrities right now is that they are donating a significant amount of money to relevant charities (and while it's nice that they are also posting links for "normal" people to donate. They are the ones who can significantly effect change, not the person who makes minimum wage, who is also most likely on unemployment anyway due to Covid-19). So anyway, I don't know if any of that makes sense, but I couldn't write a post right now and not address what is happening - especially with the topic of this movie. As far as the actual movie goes, it's not as good as it should be. The cast is great - this should be a role that Kristen Stewart knocks out of the park (she doesn't), plus Anthony Mackie, Margaret Qualley and the scene-stealer, Jack O'Connell. The best way to describe the film is soul-less, and a story like this should feel lively, thought-provoking, and authentic. I wish they delved into her paranoia more (which wasn't actually paranoia), and the repercussions she suffered - her miscarriage is left as an afterthought. The costume design is gorgeous, though. That pink dress with the diamond collar is so stunning - sadly, I could not find a picture of Jean in a dress like this.