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Phillip-7
Reviews
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
A flawed masterpiece
This is one of the most visually stunning films that I have seen in a while. Except for a brief opening segment set in New York, the remainder of the film takes place in Italy and Venice. Not since David Lean's "Summertime" has a film been so beautifully presented. That said, it does suffer from some flaws when it comes to plot and editing. First of all, it is way too long and should have clocked in under 2 hours instead of a meandering 2 hrs, 20 minutes. But the major flaw is the casting and development of Ripley's character. Matt Damon is physically wrong for the part, and while he does a commendable job, if you have read the book, Damon's casting will gnaw at you. An actor such as Jack Davenport (who plays Peter) would fit the character of Ripley better. The biggest downfall of the film, however, is Ripley's character development. He simply doesn't gel. In the book, Ripley is a cold and calculating man who cleverly plots his actions - in the film, Ripley seems to fall accidentally into his misdeeds. Tom Ripley would not hesitate to apologize for clobbering Dickie with a boat paddle - he would do it until the deed was done. Artistically, this is a beautifully crafted film with some excellent performances but it could have been much better had the writers made up their mind about how Ripley was going to be portrayed.
Stigmata (1999)
Noisy, violent and immensely irritating
I really liked the premise of this film (that religion should dwell in the individual instead of a church) but overall, this film is a mess. I had a headache by the time it was over after endless scenes of dripping water, people running out into traffic, car crashes and thundering doves flying over the place. The movie is extremely noisy and violent and yet when the characters are speaking, you can't hear them! Not recommended unless you enjoy seeing entire film sets destroyed with LOTS of noise.
A Thousand Acres (1997)
Surprisingly good
I didn't actually have high hopes for this film because I had read some critics reviews when it first came out. I have not read the novel either. I thought the film was very well done and was moved by it. I agree that many of the supporting characters are underdeveloped but I could overlook that because I knew what was motivating the main characters. The two lead actresses are brilliant, especially Jessica Lange, who deserved an Oscar nomination for this. I loved the way her character slowly changed through the movie and Lange can evoke so much emotion in the viewer with something as small as a hand gesture. Pfieffer is strong as well although the story mainly revolves around Ginny and I don't really see why Pfieffer gets first billing here. I strongly recommend the film, espeically on dvd.
If These Walls Could Talk 2 (2000)
Outstanding
I must say that this film was a complete surprise to me. I started watching it intending to watch the first segment because Vanessa Redgrave never fails to move me. And, needless to say, her performance in this film is exceptional and a masterpiece of acting. I kept watching, however, because of the clever device which weaves all three stories together, and was soon mesmerised by Chloe Sevigny. All three segments were very well done and the performances are all superb. Excellent all around and highly recommended!
Boys Life: Three Stories of Love, Lust, and Liberation (1994)
Excellent coming of age film
I did not expect much from this since I saw Boys Life 2 first (which is very inferior to this one). I was pleasantly surprised however. This is an excellent series of short films (3 all together) that all deal with the coming out experiences of high school/college age young men. All three are well written and produced and the acting is excellent. Raoul O'Connell is completely gorgeous and charming in "A Friend of Dorothy", the second short, but all three actors are memorable.
The Christmas Wife (1988)
Downer of a ending mars otherwise good movie
Jason Robards and Julie Harris are wonderful in this leisurely film that is reminiscent of the great classic movies. However, the revelation of Julie Harris's "secret" in the last 15 minutes totally ruins the story and it leaves you feeling cheated, or at least it did for me. Recommended, but be prepared for a big let down at the end.
Portrait of Jennie (1948)
A romantic masterpiece
This is one of those movies that you always remember where you were when you first saw it. It is like an enchanted dream that totally captivates the viewer from the opening shot.
Joseph Cotten is a penniless artist whose work "lacks inspiration" according to his friend Ethel Barrymore who owns an art gallery. He finds his inspiration one day while strolling through snow covered Central Park when he meets a strange but enchanting young girl named Jennie (played by Jennifer Jones). Cotten is intrigued by Jennie and he cannot get her off of his mind. He meets her again later at the same place but she seems to have grown. Subsequent meetings find Jennie older and more mature until she is a young woman whom Cotten falls in love with. Who is this mysterious girl? Cotten delves deeper and deeper into Jennie's past in an attempt to find out.
This excellent film is noteworthy for the dreamy photography and an outstanding cast. Jennifer Jones is amazing as Jennie and totally believable as a young girl. Cotten and Barrymore are excellent together and their chemistry together is beautiful. Another notable supporting player is Lillian Gish, who plays Jennie's former convent teacher.
This is a lovely film and one that you will never forget.