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Married with one daughter and 3 sons.
Author of 2 books.
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Reviews
Dear Frankie (2004)
I would not mind a father like that
The topic is original: "a father for hire". That the son who needs a father is deaf, adds to the drama. There are three, quite independent relationships intertwined in this movie. Between mother and son is a strong bond of love, understanding and mutual consideration. Then there is the developing friendship between the hired father and his alleged son. And finally a hint of a love story between a man and a woman, that started as a purely business like agreement. The movie depicts very successfully the important role of a father and the need of Frankie for such a figure in his life. It is hard to believe though, that such mutual affection can flourish after one or two encounters. It is refreshing to see, that speech is limited to the absolute minimum. Often, nothing is said at all. That way one can judge the actors by their acting alone. A few pearls include the scenes with the seahorse, with the flat stone that skips across the water and with the football that Frankie catches in the goal, when his father is present. And the Scotch like their whiskey, of course! That adults so often underestimate young minds, is demonstrated towards the end of this moving story.
East Side, West Side (1949)
Love triangle, in which the femme fatale is murdered
Barbara Stanwyck is the lady. What a grace, what a style. Ava Gardner the temptress. A gorgeous woman, full of desire. Fortunately the word "sexy" was not yet invented, and Ava can therefor not be trivialized by that description. Powerful acting by top actresses, perfectly matched by James Mason in a glorious setting of old New York. Cigarettes were an essential part of the movies in those days. And amazing, to see all those vintage cars on Fifth Avenue. Indoors the stairs, rooms, wooden furniture, chandeliers and beds of an age long gone by. The story is classic. Each actor is given the opportunity to show his or her character. The women play the essential roles. The male actors are secondary, but essential, of course. They don't make movies like that anymore.
Beyond Borders (2003)
a tale of suffering without hope
The title is all wrong. The events of the movie occur well within the borders of the countries depicted. It are the very borders and what happens within these borders, that have been, are and will continue to be the source of human suffering. Many excellent documentaries have depicted this suffering. I guess Hollywood felt obliged to add their version. If at least the proceeds of this movie had been designated for relief of the victims. The dying mother and child and the water gusher in Ethiopia, the baby with the hand grenade in Cambodja nor the Chechnian freedom fighters, some with salafi, less we forget they are muslims, made much sense in the big scheme of things. A very chaotic movie indeed. In fact a flop. The TV series MASH did a so much better job. Thankfully a low profile was kept about the extramarital affair. May be the only credit of this movie is, that it may have inspired Angelina Jolie, to dedicated much of her time now on humanitarian work with refugees.
Connie and Carla (2004)
two drag-queen imposters put op a great Broadway-type show.
I saw my first drag-queen show at age 12, in Almelo, Holland in 1945. We just had been liberated by the 1st Canadian Division.The three hulks that entertained the troops as female impersonators were stationed at our home.Therefore we were allowed, as civilians, to see the show. I'll never forget the high boisterous laugh of my younger sister when she recognized the three drag queens on stage as the men, staying with us. As this film clearly demonstrates, behind the facade of the drag queen is a man, a human being, looking not only for an identity, but for recognition of that identity. Especially by his family and friends, who frequently reject him, once they find out. The same rejection and denial experienced by so many AIDS patients. The director weaves aptly, throughout this tragi-comedy a delightful barrage of Broadway songs and performances. He could not have chosen a better cast for Connie and Carla as Nia Vardalos (born around the same time in Winnipeg, Manitoba as my oldest son) and Toni Collette. The appearance of Debbie Reynolds (born in El Paso, TX, where my family spent a great ten years of their lives) was a pleasant surprise. You want to see this movie at least twice.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Trials and tribulations of a West-coast art teacher at an East-coast women's college.
The setting in Massachusetts with its 4 seasons, lakes, forests, wood panelled floors, fireplaces and blueberry pancakes can't get any better. The teachers and students, the college and the upper-class atmosphere are close to reality. The times - the '50s, big bands, swing, synchronised swimming, hairstyles and veterans homes are almost melancholic. The story itself is the weakest link, in vain trying to separate career from marriage, at times confusing one with the other. A little less sentimentality would have improved the picture. Fortunately Julia Roberts straightens things out in one of her more convincing roles. The class on Van Gogh is a gem.
Rhapsody (1954)
A young woman falls in love with a self centered violinist, who has no time for her but she rejects the love of a young pianist, dedicated to her.
Sometimes it is not the movie itself, or the actors, that draw the attention, but rather the photography, or in this case the music. "Concerto #2 In C Minor For Piano And Orchestra" from Sergei Rachmaninoff by the famous French pianist Claudio Arreau and "Concerto In D Major For Violin And Orchestra" from Peter Ilyitch Tschaikowsky by the violinist Michael Rabin from New York. Most directors do not want to spend time for that. The movie is dull, and so is Elizabeth Taylor's acting. Hardly any intrigue or adventure. But it is a tribute to the genius of Michael Rabin. In fact the biography of this genial violinist is worth a movie in itself, not in the least because of his too early, tragic death. So, although this movie is not worth watching twice, it can certainly be listened to, over and over again.
Dying Young (1991)
a drama of terminal love
A modern opera of love, music and dying. Julia Roberts is as young and beautiful as ever. Campbell Scott dramatizes the physical and psychological effects of chemotherapy on a young man, dying from leukemia, to perfection. I could not think of a better setting than the rocky Pacific coast of Mendocino, California with its melancholic moods and its somewhat eccentric population, to give perspective to the end of this tragic story. The pieces of modern art, shown in this movie, are gorgeous and most appropriate. I am no fan of the saxophone of Kenny G. Give me Ben Webster, Charlie Parker, Gerry Mulligan, Coleman Hawkins or John Coltrane anytime. This is a film for mature audiences. I am afraid that most young people don't relate very well to this kind of story.
Local Hero (1983)
Ah, Scotland, its people, its beaches and the Atlantic !!
I could sit on this beach forever, talk with the locals, eat clams, sip whiskey, dance with the girls and watch the Northern lights. This story has been told so many times in so many different ways. A remote village on an idyllic spot somewhere on earth. Threathened by the advance of modern age. And saved by the ageless wisdom of a local eccentric. The producer succeeds in portraying individual characters with great clarity, yet never places them out of context. The local music is genuine and the colors of the photography, with an abundance of shades of grey, are superb. Burt Lancaster as the Texas oil magnate at the end of his career, accepts the fact, that money cannot buy everything. In fact, towards the end of life other things matter.