slich-1 Reviews

Man Down (I) (2015)

An Excellent Character Study of A Marine

[9/10 · 25 August 2017]

A well-crafted script, interweaving time-lines, following a marine through family exchanges, training, combat, debriefing results in an iconic, touching and classic film. I was very disappointed that this film was not hailed as a critical or popular success, and wonder if the studio publicized it adequately. Shia LaBeouf's world-class performance was nuanced, masterful and merited awards and accolades. His co-star Kate Mara was natural and authentic, and Charlie Shotwell, who played their young son, was very talented and moving. Gary Oldman's performance was also compelling. Rarely has a film that I felt was so classic been so little appreciated. Not only was there a very personal story here, but a more universal narrative resulting in sensitivity training in the horrors of war and the number of veterans suffering from PTSD. It is my hope that this film will find more viewers, since it is of a very high quality. It is also my hope that the director, writers and actors are not discouraged, and go on to make more films.

Leonie (2010)

A Magnificent Film about An Independent Woman

[10/10 · 23 October 2013]

This film has so much going for it: beautiful cinematography, sets, costumes, wonderful actors and a strong script. I don't understand why other viewers gave it such a low rating. Emily Mortimer plays Leonie, with sensitivity and intelligence, demonstrating a complex range of emotions. The narrative is framed in the style of an older woman writing letters reflecting on her life, traveling back to her young adulthood and beyond. Leonie fits the description of a feminist and non-conformist, has a very strong education and a gift for language. She is given a position to edit the work of a Japanese poet in New York, and soon the professional relationship evolves into a romantic alliance, with some heartbreak and many disappointments along the way. Leonie travels from New York to Pasadena California with her son, fathered by the poet, and decides to go to Japan, at his invitation, to continue the relationship, and give her son an opportunity to know his father. In Japan, which is rendered in the most stunning scenes, evoking early nineteenth century design, Leonie faces things about the poet which eventually make her decide to live away from him, in a charming house designed by her ten-year-old son. Eventually, she sends him back to the United States, since she feels that it is the best place for him to be educated. Her son is a "free spirit" with the soul of an artist, and she wants to allow him to maximize his potential. The theme of artistic freedom is very strongly expressed in this film, with Leonie guiding her son into his own self-confidence, nurturing his process, helping him to turn away from a medical school in favor of what fits his nature and talent. Leonie's son, the great, visionary designer and artist Isamu Noguchi is allowed to actualize his potential largely because of his brilliant and visionary mother. Her poet lover and father of Isamu, Yone Noguchi is a great example of a man who has enormous talent for his own art of poetry, but is very limited in the art of "life," at least in the way in which he dealt with Leonie, behaving in an arrogant and narcissistic manner. As a student of art and literature, I loved this film, which was achingly beautiful in so many ways, and brought to life a bygone era with so much convincing detail. The musical sound track by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek was beautiful and worked very well with the drama on the screen. I think this wonderful film should have received many awards, and should be appreciated by all who love art and literature.

The Tree of Life (2011)

A transformative film, Intrapsychic Space Odyssey

[10/10 · 28 April 2012]

A movie that ascends into a new art form. It takes on the most profound aspects of human consciousness, moving in a non-linear way through stream of consciousness, depicting emotion with exquisite forms in nature, outer space, marine life, biology, all streaming into one another to augment and exemplify the twists and turns of recollection, yearning for meaning, faith, understanding oneself in the context of ones childhood and relationship to parents and siblings. Iconic, overpowering images and music coax the viewer into deeper and deeper alignment with the protagonist, played by an adult Sean Penn, who works through the legacies of his childhood—a spiritual, gentle, loving and wise mother, playfully creative, and a difficult father whose punitive attitude harms his children and pushes family life into discord and chaos at times, and a sweet gentle brother, whose death at an untimely age generates a world of grief that must be traveled and transcended. For those who have done deep work on themselves in therapy or other forms of self help, and who are spiritually driven, this film is a rare gift of beauty, insight and light. Intuitive, finding story in non-linear, abstract and intra-psychic ways, the film makes a perfect organic sense, and leads to revelations and healing. An inner world, neo-Jungian Space Odyssey of sorts, epiphany following epiphany, this expansive, multidimensional voyage works a magic of transformation. A work of rare genius, which sets the bar very high for films that are brave enough to take on the human condition in a way in which more is more.

Multiple Sarcasms (2010)

A Brave Film About the Creative Process

[9/10 · 31 August 2011]

Multiple Sarcasms Timothy Hutton gives a great performance of a man who is tired of his work and married life, and is driven to work out who he is by writing a play. It is a process that is riddled with angst, his creative self attempting to emerge in spite of the inevitable obstacles, in the form of his wife, who he fears "doesn't get him," to his guilt about striking out for himself in an authentic way as possibly harming his gifted and appealing daughter, his job as an architect, which ceases to satisfy him creatively. His unkempt, "just gotten out of bed" look, complete with five o'clock shadow, hair with a will of its own and rumpled clothes give a physical presence to his discontent and yearning for something more. At times, there are surrealistic scenes, reminiscent of "The Singing Detective," (which are inspired, and for me some of the best moments of the film) where he re-writes interactions that had painful ramifications for him, e.g. his argument with his wife while they were visiting her family for Christmas, and his well-intentioned but maladroit attempt to come to his daughter's aid during a crisis at school. The other actors give natural and resonant performances, including Dana Delany with her cool, porcelain sadness as his wife, and Mira Sorvino, the wise, funny and vulnerable best friend (an iconic representation of every man's "anima"), India Ennenga as the precocious and lovable daughter, and Mario Van Peebles, playing against his usual type, as his gay friend (he gives a monologue that is so effective that it would be a good audition piece). Stockard Channing was perfectly cast as the agent, industry and worldly-wise, funny and charming. It is an ode to Manhattan as well as a right-brained, intuitive look into a man's struggle to become his authentic self through self-expression. At times he appears childlike, selfish, depressed, even crazed, and yet he is doing what he has to do to make life bearable. This brave gem of a film presents a classic view of the struggle of a creative person, highs, lows, absurdity and revelations. The images captured by his daughter and superimposed with artfully free cursive reminded me of some of the work of Corita Kent, projected into a new medium, for a new century. The music was well-chosen, beautifully performed, fit the narrative and emphasized the emotion and themes.

High Life (2009)

Hilarious!

[9/10 · 27 April 2011]

The only criticism of this movie, is that it left me wanting MORE. It is one of the most darkly hilarious drug user movies I have ever seen, and each character was unique and quirky. The dialog, rhythm and strange twists and turns of the plot were highly entertaining. I would like to see more work in future projects by all these talented actors, who worked so well together. Rossif Sutherland, as Billy, was sensational, and presented a fascinating characterization. Timothy Olyphant was a very believable drug abuser, roughing up his usual extremely handsome appearance, and provided a kind of heroic center. This is edgy, brilliant work!

White Lightnin' (2009)

Magnificent, but not for young people

[10/10 · 24 January 2011]

White Lightnin' is a dark revelation, so filled with poignant and archetypal scenes, great writing and acting, and music that takes ones breath away. I don't know why Edward Hogg and Carrie Fisher haven't gotten many major awards for this gem of a film, including Oscars and Golden Globes. The violence makes this a film not suitable for young people or the "feint of heart." The main character reminded me of many great, damaged geniuses, a Hillbilly Antonin Artaud. The casting of the young and older version of the main character worked so well, and seamlessly, as we go on the spellbinding journey of his life. Carrie Fisher offered a brave and inspired performance. This film is a classic, that deserves to be included on many "great" lists: biography, music, dance, Americana, religion. It is "Songcatcher" in total eclipse.

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

A Masterpiece!

[10/10 · 20 November 2009]

Surrealistic and strange at times, this movie takes the craft into a whole new level of externalizing intra-personal and interpersonal issues. The plot weaves in surprising ways, and yet it all makes profound sense in terms of the inner world of the main character. Philip Seymour Hoffman's protean talents are showcased, along with an excellent supporting cast. Charlie Kaufman, who has written many original and compelling scripts, has outdone himself here, with a film so universal in terms of the human condition. As many geniuses, Mr. Kaufman is probably ahead of his time in ways, and may attract an "art house" audience for this film. His ambition and risk taking in this film was a great inspiration, and the contents could be the subject of seminars and interest groups. Funny and tragic, sometimes simultaneously, this movie is a Rosetta Stone for understanding the creative process, human relationships, the cycles of life, achievements and disappointments, and everything encountered on the road of life.

The Departed (2006)

A Great Movie

[10/10 · 9 October 2006]

Martin Scorsese has directed a modern classic, with a well written script which recounts an enthralling police/crime drama. The actors gave stellar performances, including a quirky, demonic, at times humorous, and consistently brilliant character study by Jack Nicholson, who can add this role to his many classic portrayals. Both Matt Damon and Leonardo Di Caprio gave complex and riveting performances. I have admired Di Caprio ever since he played the developmentally disabled young man in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?". He brings a depth and sensitivity to his roles, and in this film, surrounded by great actors, he is the focal point. He gets across volumes in a facial expression, and his complex hero is fed by many hidden springs. He deserves many awards for this extraordinary piece of work, including an Academy Award. Hopefully, Martin Scorsese will finally receive that much deserved Academy Award for his magnificent work as director. I highly recommend this film.

Enduring Love (2004)

A Fascinating Exploration of the Nature of Love

[10/10 · 4 August 2006]

This film is a mood piece about the complexities and nature of love. The characters are interesting, with the main protagonist (Daniel Craig, actor) pondering love, along with other internal and interpersonal mysteries. This search at times puts his relationship with his significant other (Samantha Morton, actress) at risk. A compelling story combined with breathtaking cinematography, especially of the countryside, along with evocative music that follows the dynamic range from tuneful, haunting bucolic melodies to more strident dissonance, and profoundly natural and nuanced acting performances come together to craft an unforgettable cinematic experience. Rhys Ifans is an actor of Protean skill, and has a knack for choosing off beat and interesting roles, his role in this film being no exception. I highly recommend this film as a provocative and original work of art.

Sexual Life (2004)

A smart, realistic film

[9/10 · 19 July 2005]

This is an excellent, non-linear film of intimate social mores. The dialog is very well written, with completely believable characters. It is at times funny, heartbreaking, and on some levels disturbing. The acting is world-class, with a wonderful cast. It deals with the complexity of one's sexual life, which can take directions that are against one's overall health and integrity. Each scene was tight and spare, leading beautifully into the next. Human sexuality is probably one of the great mysteries, and it has been given a brilliant and unyielding observation here. The score was at times breathtakingly beautiful. I hope to see more from this writer, director and composer.

Millions (2004)

A Soulful Film

[9/10 · 4 April 2005]

This is a delightfully complex and heartwarming film dealing with the themes of childhood, family relationships, loss, the nature of good and evil, and love. The main character is portrayed by a talented young actor who cannot fail to warm the hearts of all who see him. The rich inner world of the young protagonist left me not wanting the film to end. The religious material was kindhearted, innocent and at times very funny without being sacrilegious. The combination of a good story, excellent acting, moments of suspense and pathos, and innovative cinematography makes this a very good film that is uplifting and rings true. I especially liked the musical score. Although this is a film that is about children, it is not necessarily a film for young children, since it deals with more adult themes.

Wonderland: Pilot (2000) Season 1, Episode 1

One of the Best Series on Television

[10/10 · 24 August 2004]

This promised to be a great series, with compelling characters and realistic and excellent writing. I suppose the sponsors were frightened of being associated with a program that took such a naturalistic view of what it is like to work in a mental hospital, and especially with the outcome of one particular patient. I hope that the series is picked up by another network or cable sometime in the future. I am certain there are episodes that were not aired. It is sad that something so good would not "make it" past the first two episodes. We need to understand more about true aspects of life and have fewer silly shows that do not even come close to reality.

A Mighty Wind (2003)

An hilarious comedy with excellent music!

[10/10 · 22 April 2003]

As a former folk scene junky of the sixties and seventies, I really enjoyed this film. Every scene was packed with humor, at times subtle, and other times broad. The artists and groups featured were excellent parodies of popular groups of the folk era. Achingly funny, it also touched the heart and took many clever and unexpected twists and turns. The music was world class and very enjoyable. This is a real comedy classic.

Love Come Down (2000)

A very absorbing film about a blended family.

[10/10 · 23 November 2001]

I knew nothing about this film before I saw it on Black Starz, a pay channel on cable. I loved the way the director/writer mingled past and present in the film, revealing a family mystery and source of anguish to two brothers. The acting was superb. I am looking forward to more films by this writer/director. He is immensely talented and original. At times viseral and passionate, at times wispy and poetic, this was a work of great art.