Milk

"You gotta give 'em hope". These are words from Harvey Milk's famous Hope Speech given at the 1978 Gay Freedom Day gathering in San Francisco. These words inspired those in attendance that day, and has continued to inspire many to this day. Milk, directed by Gus Van Sant, is the story of the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office.

The movie begins with Milk, played beautifully by Sean Penn, recording onto a cassette tape, and pretty much predicting his impending demise. We follow him from his 40th birthday in New York, where he meets Scott Smith, played by James Franco, who eventually moves with him to the Castro District in San Francisco. Milk opens up a Camera Shop below his apartment, much to the dismay of his fellow business owners. (See the thing is, it's almost amazing to think that the Castro District had a problem with it's gay denizens at one point. It's a complete 180 of what is reality now).

We follow Milk, and his extended family as it grows. Along the way we meet Cleve Jones, Danny Nicolletta, Dick Pabich, Jack Lira, and Anne Kronenberg. These are people who were around to see all this history come about, and who went on to do their own important things in life as well. Harvey Milk is not perfect by any means, and nor does this movie show him to be otherwise. His faults are shown, and this is showcased in his drive for politics, and the effect it has on his personal relationships. Not to mention that he is never shown to be a legendary figure. He's a man, who had an idea of what his rights as an American citizen should be and we get a glimpse of how he helped his community get closer to that idea.

Milk tries and tries again to get into the position of Supervisor of District 5, and at first fails miserably. It's only with the help of Anne Kronenberg that he finally gets the votes he needed and gets into City Hall. Once in office, Milk meets Dan White. Who is played by Josh Brolin in yet another amazing role he's put out this year. He and White are polar opposites, who begin to show their differences from the get go. The thing about White is that his whole life is built on a house of cards that is ready to collapse at any moment. All it takes is one flick of the finger and the whole thing comes tumbling down. This if course happens, leading to his horrendous actions that shock a city that was already reeling from the events of Jonestown weeks before.

The acting is right on the money from the supporting cast. Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, and Allison Pill all turn in star performances. They all make up this wonderful quilt of a movie that makes it special. Gus Van Sant delivers what is easily his most accessible film. He's encapsulated the 70's in San Francisco, and with the help of his screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, delivers a movie that has a strong message about civil rights, and how easily they can be taken away when left in the hands of others who fear or don't understand you. My only problems with this movie lie with Diego Luna's performance, that just comes off as annoying, and with a part at the end that was better left unseen that comes at a pivotal moment.

There is a line in this movie that keeps resonating in my head. When dealt with the possibility of a crushing defeat in the fight for his civil rights, he says "If this thing passes, fight the hell back!"

I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 pitchforks.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

I'm still on the fence about this one. I didn't think it was awful, but it wasn't that great either. Its hard not to compare this to The Exorcist. Which is a tough act to follow. After all these years and many viewings that movie still gives me the heebie jeebies. It's portrayal of the struggle between good and evil is what made that movie so powerful. That balance comes across beautifully. This is what is sorely lacking in "Emily Rose". It's uneven, and the argument is almost to the favor of the medical aspect of what Emily’s ailment might have been. There was no strong defense, which, if that’s how it was in reality, well, we can see where the problems during the trial arose.

I wanted this movie to be a bit more frightening and more involving where the characters were concerned. The acting is decent, although it tends to fall towards overacting at some points. Laura Linney, believable as a lawyer, takes us through the motions, trying to comprehend what really happened during the exorcism. Tom Wilkinson, who plays the priest, is great, but I did not really understand where he got his strength from, other than his faith of course, but it wasn't brought across strongly enough. The girl that plays Emily, Jennifer Carpenter, shows promise, with her role.

To its defense, I can understand where the director,Scott Derricks, and the writer, Paul Harris Boardman, were trying to go with the movie. They had a great premise for a story, some very good actors, and well, the interest in Exorcisms going for them. I just don’t think it was thought out thoroughly before they decided to go forward with this film.

Originally published in the San Jose Mercury News, September 2005:

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2005/09/16/reader_review_t/

Poltergeist(1982)

1982 's Poltergeist is a spine-tingling film directed by Tobe Hooper, and was written for the screen by none other than Steven Spielberg. This slice of Americana has some iconic moments, and images, that still strike a chord to this day.

The story starts off harmless enough. The Star Spangled Banner playing as the local t.v. station ends it transmission for the night, while the Freelings, rest comfortably in their suburban bubble. Cuesta Verde is the place they call home, a suburban haven nestled neatly above what used to be an old cemetary that has since been relocated. The family is led by the Steve and Diane Freeling, played to perfection by Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams. They have three children, Carol Anne, Robbie, and Dana. It is Carol Anne that begins to notice that all is not well in their normal existence.

Carol Anne, played by Heather O'Rourke, begins to talk to the "t.v. people", in the middle of the night, and it is here that we realize that something otherworldly has begun to communicate with her. Shortly after that incident, more and more supernatural happenings begin to occur.

This movie succeeds in that it starts you off in a safe place, somewhere to call home, and then quickly pulls the rug right out from under you. It's a ghost story that almost anyone can relate to. The cast works well together, and it's their reactions that really get you involved in this movie. The fantastic acting brings up the level of believability, and of course, this makes the audience begin to care for this family in peril.

Tobe Hooper may have been credited as the director, but, you can definitely feel the heavy influence of Spielberg in the movie. The way the 80's are encapsulated, the pace, the shots, and the use of special effects. Also, there is the soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith. It adds the air of mystery needed, and tends to make the more chilling scenes in the movie that much more terrifying. This movie is a neatly packaged thrill ride that is definitely one of the better produced movies of the 80's and definitely belongs on any movie lovers shelf. It ranks right up there with the best in the horror genre, although some people might think it's a bit candy coated.

There were two sequels that followed this movie, but, they were not on par with the magic this movie wielded. It's definitely a horror classic, and one that still holds up to the test of time, depsite the fact that some of the special effects are outdated.

After the Wedding(Efter brylluppet)

After the Wedding is a 2006 Denmark film by Susan Bier. It tells the story of Jacob Pederson, a a teacher, and manager of an orphanage in India. He is sent news of possible funding and leaves to Copenhagen, Denmark. What he doesn't know, is that an appointment with fate, waits for him there.

In Denmark we meet Jorgen Lennart Hannson, a very successful business man, who seems to have it all. A beautiful wife, thriving company, fantastic home, and family. His eldest daughter, Anna, is to be married soon. These two worlds meet in Jorgen's office. It is here that Jacob has arrived to show his presentation to attempt to acquire the aforementioned funds. Jorgen, who seems uninterested in the details, begins to befriend Jacob, and invites him to his daughter's wedding. It is at this wedding that the story begins to unfold, and the drama begins. To go any further into details would be spoiling the story, as a great many things start to reveal itself, and it has long lasting effects on all involved.

The acting in this movie is top notch. Take for the instance the portrayal of Jorgen, played by Rolf Lassgard. He comes across as an obnoxious lout, who's money and power have seemed to taken his view of reality away. He gets what he wants, and anybody that stands in his way will get eaten up, but, beneath that big exterior lies a man that has so much more going on internally that can at first be imagined. His solution to the problems he has may seem unorthodox, but, his heart is in the right place. It's as if he sees the different elements, in his life, from a business person's perspective. Move one thing out, and replace that with something equally, or even more capable of running the company. Also of note are the performances by Mads Mikkelsen, who plays Jacob. It's interesting that you see his character as a caring person, who is putting the needs of his orphanage first. It's only when he reaches Denmark that you realize, he has a checkered past, and there's reason why he is more about helping others now, as opposed to when he was younger.

This movie definitely has a style all its own. There are close ups that are so beautifully shot and those shots only help to add intimacy, or awkwardness to a scene. The use of the "jump cut" is prevalent in this movie as well. Those cuts add to the moments where the technique is used. Susan Bier does a fantastic job with her camera work. It goes hand in hand with the editing techniques used. Also, the story by Bier and the writing by Anders Thomas Jennsen are noteworthy. There is almost a soap opera feel to the story. This isn't a put down by any means. It's just that when you get to the meat of the story, you get a reveal coming from the left and the right, and it leaves you a bit shocked, which soap operas are infamous for. Great drama, and a great movie.

Lars and The Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl is a 2007 movie directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Karen Oliver. The movie is about Lars, played by Ryan Gosling, whose sterile existence, is about to have a drastic change. Lars is a loveable social misfit who lives in the room connected to the family garage. His brother, Gus, and his wife Karin, live in the main house. Early on you see that Karin does her best to make Lars feel included, much to Lars' dismay. His life consists of getting ready in the morning to head out to work and heading right back into his home as soon as its done. Anything else is asking too much of him.

Lars' home world is made up of bleak whites and emptiness, while his family, tends to live among more color. His world is full of people trying to break through the barrier he has put up. His family, co-workers, and friends, do their best to show they want to include him. This seems to go right over his head. He doesn't like people to touch him, and fears social interaction. His sister-in-law repeatedly tries to get Lars to come to dinner. Eventually he accepts and tells his family that he will be bringing a female guest.

Then the reality of the matter hits. His female friend is Bianca, a Real Doll, and his family is shocked to say the least. His brother panics and can't even begin to grasp the thought of what this all means. Karin, on the other hand, does her best to be understanding, and from early on, plays along with the fact that Bianca is a real person, and that she obviously matters to Lars. This movie works solely on the basis that Lars lives in a world that is VERY understanding. Not to mention that the actors play it very straight.

Ryan Gosling plays Lars to perfection. You get a portrait of a young man holding back, but, who's real self is just hiding below the surface, waiting to break out. Emily Mortimer, and Paul Schneider, who play his sister-in-law, and brother, do a fantastic job of being appalled and understanding in their roles. Mortimer makes the character of Karin, sweet, understanding, and just the right touch naive. While Schneider, clearly playing the part of the disturbed brother, plays his role believable enough that he serves as the voice of doubt in the whole matter.

Along the way, Lars' family tricks him into visiting the local doctor/psychologist. This role is played with the right amount of subtlety by Patricia Clarkson. She is supposed to check on Bianca's health. All the while, getting more insight into what has prompted Lars to take up creating this persona, Bianca, and if it's in fact a sign of mental illness. The towns reaction to Lars new friend is surprising to say the least, but, helps to solidify Bianca as a character. I went into this movie being a non-believer as well. Quick to judge Lars, and poke fun at him. This is where the movie tricks you, because, in the end, the viewer, begins to believe as well.

I have to give it to the scriptwriter for being able to create this world where people are more tolerant and understanding of what is different from them. I went into this movie ready to ridicule the Lars character, and walked away with feelings for "someone" I had no idea I would care for in the end.

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly( Le Scaphandre et le Papillon)

This 2007 French film by Julian Schnabel, based on the book by Jean-Dominique "Jean-Do" Bauby, is a beautiful film with fantastic camera work and some amazing performances. The movie is about Bauby, editor-in-chief for ELLE, who suffered a disabilitating stroke at the age of 43. He wakes up in a hospital with what is called "locked-in syndrome", completely paralyzed save for one eye. Jean-Do is played masterfully by Mathieu Almaric, and shows us how he adjusts to his cruel fate. Prior to the stroke he had been a bit of a playboy, and had problems with his family, and social life. He is not able to communicate and has left a slew of tattered relationships that he is not able to fix in his current state. He quickly learns that only one of his eyes functions properly. How this is dealt with, in a scene not for the squeamish, is nothing short of cinema magic.

Jean-Do eventually begins speech therapy. His therapist, Henriette, played by Marie-Josèe Croze, a bit of a dead ringer for Naomi Watts, helps him develop a new way of communicating by blinking and using a system that includes the most frequently used letters in the alphabet. Jean-Do fights this at first, feeling sorry for himself, frustrated at not being able to function properly anymore and feeling disdain for those around him. Eventually he learns to keep going and with the help of his therapist, finds a way to contact his publicist to see about writing his memoirs. All the while we get flashbacks of what used to be, when he was on top of the world, and succeeding at making his important relationships fail. One of the main relationships that he seems to cherish and nurture, is the one with his father, played by Max Von Sydow. Who only has a small part in the movie, which he plays beautifully, but, it definitely has an impact on the viewer and the movie itself.

The acting in this movie is a big factor of what makes it work, but the other big part of it is the work by cinematographer, Jamuz Kaminski. Most of this film is shown from the point of view of Jean-Do. The blurry camera work, which is mostly shown a bit askew, lends to the frustration the viewer feels for the main character. You, in effect, feel trapped and frustrated as well.

I wouldn't want to belittle this film by calling it a message film, but, it definitely makes you think twice about what you haven't done with your life, and begs the question, "What are you waiting for?"

On a side note, this film was originally to be made by Universal with Johnny Depp starring in the lead role. Universal dropped it, and Mr. Depp had to return to the set of the final Pirates film.

The Orphanage(El Orfanato)

This 2007 Spanish film is directed by J.A. Bayona. This non-traditional ghost story takes place, as the title states, at an orphanage where the character of Laura, played by Belèn Rueda, grew up as a child before being adopted. Laura now returns to the orphanage as an adult with her husband, Carlos, and her son Simon. She intends to open up a new orphanage for handicapped children. Early on we see that Laura's family is close, and that Simon loves to play with his imaginary friends. We begin to get the idea that all is not as it seems in the home. Strange incidents begin to happen and Simon develops a new imaginary friend, named Tomas, who has a secret.

Before the orphanage can have its grand opening, Laura, gets a visit from a social worker, named Beninga, who reveals important information about Simon. It's from this point on that her life begins to unravel. Tragedy strikes, on the day of the opening of the orphanage, and Laura begins the task of solving the mystery that has been thrown upon her.

Eventually, she calls upon some local parapsychologists, to assist her with this mystery, in a sequence that reminded me of one of my favorite scenes from Poltergeist. This scene involves a medium, played by Geraldine Chaplin, and it reveals the dark secret that the orphange has been hiding. This only helps to fuel Laura's obsession and it begins to unravel the relationship with her husband.

What I really like about this movie, is how it mixes it's different story elements together. Suspense, belief in the supernatural, and crime drama. The acting is superb on all levels, and there are some geniunely spine tingling moments that you won't soon forget. I'm looking forward to seeing what else the director has to offer in the future. He definitely has great vision, and it's very exciting to see the new wave of directors that have been coming out of Spain and Mexico. If this movie is any indication of what he's capable of, then I'm pretty sure he will join the ranks of Del Toro, Cuaron, and Iñárritu.

Shall we begin...??

"John Milton: Don't get too cocky my boy. No matter how good you are don't ever let them see you coming. That's the gaffe my friend. You gotta keep yourself small. Innocuous. Be the little guy. You know, the nerd... the leper... shit-kickin' surfer. Look at me. "