Wednesday, February 8
Quick film review
Saw Woody Allen's new movie, "Matchpoint", last night. It's a story about an ex-professional tennis player who marries the daughter of a rich, English family but falls for his brother-in-law's fiance (who hasn't THAT happened to...). First thing you should note is how bad the lead bloke is at tennis. Apparently he took it up to Aggasi but he'd be about sixth seed at the Christmas Woodlawn tournament. Techincal issues aside, it's an entertaining film. I usually can't watch relationship dramas without cringing and it took considerable willpower not to walk out half way through it. With Woody, I was expecting twists but everything that looks like it will happen does, until the last 20 minutes or so. It reminds me a bit of the Notting Hill/Love Actually style of movie mostly because it's set in the same surroundings but also because the acting, apart from the leads, is as good as you'll ever see. Not sure about the lead male but Scarlet What's-her-name (with the big lips) is very convincing. Woody isn't in it (writes and directs) and it's not a comedy (although it's very funny in parts). It will give Roff couples MUCH to discuss on the way home in the car. I suspect the girls will be disturbed by the relatively sympathetic treatment the tennis player gets given his behaviour but the boys mightn't entirely share that view. Here's a tip: hide your husband's shotgun before you go out...
6 comments:
I grew up in the '50s and spent every Saturday afternoon with Glenn and Stuart at the Armidale picture theatre watching cowboy movies. Here's some breaking news: THEY NEVER KISSED EACH OTHER! There was a one line review of Borkeback Mountain in a Texas newspaper that I liked: "They've killed John Wayne". The floodgates are open now - next it will be motorcyclists. Can't wait for "Hell's Angels in Love". Give me a break, will you. Actually, the real reason I'm disinterested in Brokeback Mountain is that Jake Giggenhaaul or whatever his name is is in it. Didn't you see "The day after tomorrow"? I caught the end of "Home Alone 3" last night in my hotel room and Scarlet Biglips was in it as the kid's (slightly older) sister. Bet she doesn't put that on her current CV.
Looking forward to a heated discussion on Match Point and fixing your washing machine. Your old Dad xxx
What was wrong with "Lost in Translation"? Talk to me again about Scarlet after you've seen her tonight in Match Point. Wish I was going with you - I'd kill for a proper choc-top ice cream..
Will you go and see Brokeback Mountain when it wins Best Picture at the Oscars Dad? The Academy is a relatively conservative group but it is still the favourite.
It is ridiculous to have such a strong opinion on the film without having seen it. What's the mysterious Texas rag that that you quoted? I read the same quote in the Sydney Morning Herald but it was attributed to a drunk bigot in a bar.
Here is what the more credible US publications have written:
The New York Times
Stephen Holden
Mr. Ledger magically and mysteriously disappears beneath the skin of his lean, sinewy character. It is a great screen performance, as good as the best of Marlon Brando and Sean Penn.
Wall Street Journal
Joe Morgenstern
Brokeback Mountain aspires to an epic sweep and achieves it, though with singular intimacy and grace.
Rolling Stone
Peter Travers
Ang Lee's unmissable and unforgettable Brokeback Mountain hits you like a shot in the heart. It's a landmark film and a triumph for Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Regarding me being a drunk bigot in a bar, I'll have you know I don't go to bars. I'm sure I'll see it eventually - it might even be on the aeroplane on the way home from Singapore tonight. What did you think of it, Adam?
I haven't seen it either! Am I a hypocrite or what? Have a safe trip home Dad.
Nick is staying at them moment and we are having a pretty fun, but seriously irresponsible, time.
Thanks for looking after Nick (and keeping an eye on the blog). I saw "Capote" on the plane home - how unhomophobic am I! Full review to follow. Got back this morning and have just had an excellent lunch with Amanda and Annika. I have a tiny bit of jet lag but nothing a litre of red and a good night's sleep won't cure. I WILL see Brokeback Mountain eventually...
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