I spent the weekend catching up on several movies--all recommendations from my friend, Jessica. I had to get them in before starting work again tomorrow! They were all outstanding films, and, of course, the special features (my favorite part) did not disappoint.
Then She Found Me (2007) With a star-studded cast (Helen Hunt, Matthew Broderick, Coin Firth, Bette Midler), this movie was surprisingly enjoyable and unpredictable. Helen Hunt directed, produced, and starred in the film, which is about a woman (Hunt) who finds herself "on the other side of the biological clock," whose husband (Roderick) leaves her, and who meets an equally undone person (Firth). It's the story of betrayal, trust, and longing, and includes a really positive commentary on adoption, which I love. Beautifully written and powerfully performed, this film is a must-see!
Last Chance Harvey (2008) Starring Academy Award winners Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, who are friends in "real life," this movie had depth and a human quality that was particularly appealing. In his interview in the special features, Hoffman claims that he and Thompson acted as much like themselves as possible, giving them an accessible quality rather than an unattainable ideal that so many actors leave us with. This film tells the story of two people who have given up on love and find it, by chance, in an unexpected place. While the story line is a bit far-fetched, the script is smart and meaningful and the acting, of course, brilliant. Another winner.
{Proof} (2005) I had never heard of this movie before, and discovered that it's a film adaptation of a play that Gwyneth Paltrow also starred in. The movie version also has a strong cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal. Hopkins plays a mentally ill former math genius whose mind is reduced to gibberish in his later years. His daughter (Paltrow) shares his genius as well as his tendency toward mental instability, and she quits school to care for him in his final years. In the process, she meets one of her father's students (Gyllenhaal) who provides her great love and great pain. The title has multiple meanings--something that becomes clear as the movie progresses. Don't be intimidated or turned off by the math part of the movie; it's minimal and serves as a perfect backdrop for the deeper themes of doubt, belief, relationships, loyalties, and sanity. A phenomenal movie!
Then She Found Me (2007) With a star-studded cast (Helen Hunt, Matthew Broderick, Coin Firth, Bette Midler), this movie was surprisingly enjoyable and unpredictable. Helen Hunt directed, produced, and starred in the film, which is about a woman (Hunt) who finds herself "on the other side of the biological clock," whose husband (Roderick) leaves her, and who meets an equally undone person (Firth). It's the story of betrayal, trust, and longing, and includes a really positive commentary on adoption, which I love. Beautifully written and powerfully performed, this film is a must-see!
Last Chance Harvey (2008) Starring Academy Award winners Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, who are friends in "real life," this movie had depth and a human quality that was particularly appealing. In his interview in the special features, Hoffman claims that he and Thompson acted as much like themselves as possible, giving them an accessible quality rather than an unattainable ideal that so many actors leave us with. This film tells the story of two people who have given up on love and find it, by chance, in an unexpected place. While the story line is a bit far-fetched, the script is smart and meaningful and the acting, of course, brilliant. Another winner.
{Proof} (2005) I had never heard of this movie before, and discovered that it's a film adaptation of a play that Gwyneth Paltrow also starred in. The movie version also has a strong cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal. Hopkins plays a mentally ill former math genius whose mind is reduced to gibberish in his later years. His daughter (Paltrow) shares his genius as well as his tendency toward mental instability, and she quits school to care for him in his final years. In the process, she meets one of her father's students (Gyllenhaal) who provides her great love and great pain. The title has multiple meanings--something that becomes clear as the movie progresses. Don't be intimidated or turned off by the math part of the movie; it's minimal and serves as a perfect backdrop for the deeper themes of doubt, belief, relationships, loyalties, and sanity. A phenomenal movie!
1 comment:
I've had Last Chance Harvey in my Netflix cue for monthes and it keeps getting bumped by Alias episodes. Maybe it's time to move it to the top!!!
I haven't heard of the Helen Hunt movie and I've never seen Proof. Thanks for the tips!
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