KEA Productions: DVD Movie Reviews
from the archives of NuReel.com, The Berkeley Daily Planet, and Alameda Sun- written by Kamala Appel
ratings: Plus (highest)-Neutral (okay)-Negatives (pass & omitted from archive)
I: I Am Sam, In the Bedroom, Iris, Italian for Beginners
I AM SAM (Plus)
Acting just does not get any better than this! An all-starcast proves they are worthy of their box office and criticalsuccess. The cast includes: Sean Penn as Sam Dawson, amentally-challenged single father; Michelle Pfeiffer as hisdriven, high priced attorney; Dianne Wiest as as Sam's well-educatedand agoraphobic neighbor; Richard Schiff as one of Sam'smentally-ill friends; Laura Dern as the foster parent whopursues adoption of Sam's daughter; Loretta Devine as theconcerned social worker who challenges Sam's ability toraise his daughter; and a cameo by Mary Steenburgen. Pfeiffer and Penn create a dynamic energy when they areon-screen together that reinforces all the elements that theircharacters possess in common, as well as how they contrast. Even though I think Penn captures the mannerisms and voicefluctuations of someone who is mentally retarded, he doesnot manage to make his eyes look any different than they do when heplays a bad boy, surfer dude, or regular guy. Irealize that this is not an easy task since very few actorsmanage to capture the innocence of their characters, however some have such as Robin Williams in JACK, Tom Hanks inBIG, and Robert DeNiro in AWAKENINGS. I do thinkthat Penn will be on the minds of the Acamedy when the makea list of nominees for best actor for 2001.
Despite the stellar performances by the veterans, newcomerDakota Fanning who plays Lucy, Sam's daughter, steals the show. Her performance exudes confidence, compassion, and intelligencethat seems beyond her years. Apparently Fanning brings a degree ofreal life experience from relationships with her real liferelatives, but even so, her acting ability makes her stand out asone of Hollywood's hottest up-and-coming child actors. Jessie Nelson who brought out the best from another young girlon screen inCORRINA, CORRINA, proves that she knows how to get strongperformances from actors of all ages, especially children. (Whatevery happened to the girl in CORRINA, CORRINA? I hope Fanningdoes not disappear...)
In addition to the fine acting, the cinematographer and editoralso create a style that furthers the character development. The camera placement (angles and proximity to the characters)varies along with the duration of the shots, to contrast thecharacters in terms of their state of mind at the givenmoment. For example the angles become tilted as the chaos andconfusion increases and the pace speeds up as the charactersbecome more distraught.
In short, all the elements add up to create a very powerful,insightful, and moving work. I AM SAM will make audiencesthink and discuss their thoughts about parenthood and mentalcapacity. Personally, I think that a film that can stickwith you after you leave the theater, is a sign of a good pieceof filmmaking. Beatles fans will love the soundtrack.I AM SAM will have a limited release in the key cities of NewYork and Los Angeles on December 28th in time for Oscarconsideration, and I suspect that more than one of the castmembers will make it on the list of nominees. This filmwould be equally enjoyable on video.
IN THE BEDROOM (PLUS)
IN THE BEDROOM features a strong cast: Sissy Spacek, Marisa Tomei,Tom Wilkinson, Nick Stahl, and William Mapotherall, of whom give subtlypowerful performances. Although the title suggests a greater degree ofsexual content, this film looks at family and what we as people (richor poor, educated or illiterate) would do to keep what we deem ours,whether it be because of love or control. (The title actually refers toa fishing term used to describe a lobster trap). IN THE BEDROOM willmaintain your attention but the real punch comes from the lingeringeffect the film has after you leave the theater. You may reassess therole class and culture plays in civilized behavior, after viewing INTHE BEDROOM. This film is far from light entertainment; it contains atwo scenes with graphic violence and the majority of the film revolvesaround the impact these violent acts have on the loved ones of thoseviolated. It is difficult to say much more without saying too much. Youwill feel ambivalent about all of the characters. You will probablywant to discuss your feelings with others who have seen the film- thatis what makes this film powerful, but it will not hit you until afteryou leave the theater.
IN THE BEDROOM will have a platform release starting startingDecember 2001, just in the nick of time for Oscar and Golden Globeconsideration.
IRIS (PLUS)
IRIS is based on John Bayley's memoirs (Iris: A Memoir and Elegy ForIris) about novelist Iris Murdoch's demise into a state of beingwithout memory. The film cross cuts back and forth across time from thecourting years when a younger Bayley (Hugh Bonneville) sought the handof the precocious young Iris Murdoch (Kate Winslet); to their goldenyears when the aged Bayley (Jim Broadbent) cares for the increasinglysenile Iris (Judi Dench).
The casting could not be more perfect. The performances as well as thehair and make up make it believable that Judi Dench is in fact an olderKate Winslet, and impossible to distinguish middle-aged Bayley (HughBonneville) from senior (Jim Broadbent). All four actors give powerful,convincing performances that honor their craft; however, Judi Denchcaptures the downfall of a great mind to such perfection, she blew mymind away. Her performance is indisputably Oscar-worthy.
IRIS will hit you hard both emotionally and intellectually, especiallyif you have endured the mental loss of a loved one to senior dementia.If you want to see some superb acting, then set a side time to seeIRIS. This film opens in a platform release pattern starting February15, 2002. This film would be equally enjoyble on video, but is worthseeing before Oscar time.
ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (NEUTRAL/PLUS)
With a somber air reminiscent of Scandinavian auteur Ingmar Bergman andthe romantic idealism of Italian greats like Giuseppe Tornatore ,ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS combines the best of both national cinemas(Denmark not Sweeden). The fact that this film is somewhat complacentand predictable does not matter since the characters are so genuine,the audience will care about how their lives unfold.
ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS presents the lives of a few differentthirty-somethings in a small town in Denmark who come together at aweekly Italian course offered at the local community center. Theordinary characters may appeal to mainstream audiences, but the Dogmadoctrine of filmmaking may not. The film lacks a central character oran omniscient point of view that many western audiences have come toexpect; however, this style is very typical of Third Cinema in Africa,Australia, and Latin America. The bouncing camera work will remindaudiences of television ground breakers like NYPD and HOMICIDE. Thedark, gritty look gives the film a documentary/ cinema verite feel. Thedogme style stands in stark contrast to Hollywood Classical Cinemasince this tradition of filmmaking strips away all the artificialelements that is so characteristic of more mainstream films. Theaverage looking actors and casual acting style also heighten theauthenticity and voyeuristic experience.
ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS works not for high entertainment value, butrather for the interesting study of the human condition andpresentation of personality types. Director Lone Scherfig explains: "Ithink that life is about comedy and melancholy. These characters areall insecure, which creates very authentic comic moments and also makesthe characters a little forlon." (Press notes c. 2002 Miramax Films)Even though the film depicts realistic plights, conflicts, anddysfunctions, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS manages to maintain an optimistic,dare I say, romantic tone. ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS opens in a platformrelease pattern starting February 1, 2002. This film would be equallyenjoyable on video.
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