I have always found Nicolas Cage to be one of cinemas' most interesting actors. Everything from the projects he chooses to his subtle nuances as an actor have made him one of the most polarizing celebrities in Hollywood. Up until now, I have been unfamiliar with his earlier work. As I watch more of his movies, it will be fascinating to see how his career has evolved. My first choice is the 1986 film The Boy in Blue.
The Boy in Blue is the true story of Ned Hanlan, the Canadian sculler who would go on to become the World Champion. This film effectively chronicles Hanlans' (Nicolas Cage) days growing up in Canada, and the events that transpired as he went on to become internationally famous. One of the things that keeps this movie grounded, and not just a puff piece, is that it shows that while Hanlan is the best sculler in Canada, he has trouble competing with the big boys around the world and truly has much to learn. In fact, he does not even win his first race once he leaves Canada. He is even bullied and looked down upon for being an outsider and not having professional training. Again, it is all of these factors, as well as Nicolas Cages' performance, that make this story believable. Other than the fact that it is unclear that Hanlan is not American ( I actually had to look up where he is from), this is a wonderful film about having the strength to accomplish your goals, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Nicolas Cage plays Ned Hanlan. There is a certain recklessness, and yet determination, to Hanlan throughout the beginning of the film. Hanlan enjoys living life and taking risks, but when it comes to sculling he is extremely focused. Cage balances these emotions well, and even makes you laugh at his recklessness not because it is funny, but because he is wasting his potential. However, once he begins to make it big in the United States, his determination is kicked into overdrive. There is also a certain humbleness to Hanlan that Cage plays into quite well. Hanlan is an every-man who is a casual sculler, and is not used to a celebrity status, so when he is greeted with thunderous applause it is awkward for him. Cages' performance is the heartbeat of the film, and he displays all of these emotions in such a well-rounded way.
Christopher Plummer plays Knox. Knox is a wealthy businessman who sees Hanlan as a financial investment, and not as a talented man. He is ruthless, and has Hanlan training vigorously for the championship. It takes a truly great actor to make you hate the character they are playing, and Plummer plays the role with such conviction that every fiber of your being despises his character. He virtually steals every scene that he is in. This is such a deliciously evil performance delivered by an acting titan.
Charles Jarrott is the director of The Boy in Blue. I love what Jarrott brings to this film because he brings you into the world and culture of sculling. The sequences at the Centennial Regatta are a sight to a behold. I also like the way Hanlans' relationships with Knox and Margaret (Cynthia Dale) are handled. One is affecting him in a positive way, and the other is affecting him in a negative way. Jarrott handles these relationships with great care. Of course, the main character arc is about Ned Hanlan, and his story truly has an epic, "zero-to-hero" feel to it. Jarrott does a magnificent job directing this film.
The Boy in Blue is a must-own movie for any film enthusiast. With great characters and a compelling story, this film will truly capture your heart. This film may be hard to find, but if you do, I highly suggest you pick it up.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Age Is Only A Number
I have been a huge fan Clint Eastwood fan ever since I graduated high school. Personally, I believe that his career as a director outshines his career as an actor, which is saying quite a lot. However, there are still many of his earlier films that he directed that I have not seen. After watching Breezy, and rather enjoying it, I can finally cross this movie off of my list.
Breezy is the story of a teen-aged hippy and a middle-aged divorced man who unexpectedly fall in love. Ultimately, this film shows how profoundly one person can affect your life. Frank Harmon (William Holden) has just gone through a bitter divorce, and is living a live of seclusion. He is cranky, old and lonely. However, when Breezy (Kay Lenz) enters his life, there is a youthfulness that springs up inside of him. It is quite beautiful to see how their relationship progresses throughout the film. This film also sends the profound message that it does not matter who you love. Even though there is a vast age difference between Frank and Breezy, you can tell that they are perfect for each other. This is a solid, well put together film about enjoying life and finding love. However, there are some minor plot points I have with the movie. Relatively early in the film, Frank and Breezy find a dog lying helpless on the side of the road. Breezy gets out of the passenger side to help, and Frank....does the same??? Why does he not get out of the drivers' side??? Later in the film there is a scene in a bar, but why is the dog taken inside the bar?? Why is he not tied up outside?? Then, towards the middle of the film, Frank says he is going out. He tells Breezy that he will be home around 10:00 p.m. It turns out that he gets home much later. When he gets home, Breezy is not even mad at him. Instead, there is an impromptu love scene. Why is Breezy so forgiving of this?? Why is she not more worried about him??? Again, these are all EXTREMELY minor flaws in an otherwise good film.
William Holden plays Frank Harmon. I love this character because you can tell that even though he lives a life of seclusion, he actually does want happiness and companionship in his life again. In fact, it seems as if he is unwilling to admit to himself that Breezy is giving him all of this even though deep down he knows it to be true. I love the way Holden plays the character because what could be viewed as grumpiness towards Breezy actually shows that he knows that she is the right woman for him. The banter and chemistry that he has with Kay Lenz is impeccable, and you truly believe that these two are a couple. Franks' character arc is quite well done as well because we see him struggle with this relationship throughout the film, and it is only at the end that he realizes that this is meant to be. This is a remarkable performance by Holden that almost steals the show from the title character/actress.
Clint Eastwood is the director of Breezy. I love the way Eastwood handles this movie. Breezy is such a pivotal character in this film because she has such a strong impact on everyone she encounters and, because of this, Eastwood naturally has her on camera for virtually the entire film. Even when she is not on screen, you can still feel her presence. The relationship that she has with Frank is also such a driving force in the film, and Eastwood lets those two characters chew up every piece of celluloid that they are in together. The scene where Frank takes Breezy to the beach is so emotional to watch because it marks a turning point in their relationship, and Eastwood handles it in such a way that just makes you smile. While I would not rank this as one of Eastwoods' best films by any means, he does show that he can make a film about a romantic relationship without it being overly dramatic. This movie is a solid gem in his directorial filmography.
Breezy is a fine film directed by one of the industrys' greatest legends. It has a beautiful story, great characters, and a powerful message. However, to be perfectly honest, this is probably a "one-and-done" movie to the casual viewer. Unless you are a massive film fan or a Clint Eastwood enthusiast, you can probably skip this movie without any regrets.
Breezy is the story of a teen-aged hippy and a middle-aged divorced man who unexpectedly fall in love. Ultimately, this film shows how profoundly one person can affect your life. Frank Harmon (William Holden) has just gone through a bitter divorce, and is living a live of seclusion. He is cranky, old and lonely. However, when Breezy (Kay Lenz) enters his life, there is a youthfulness that springs up inside of him. It is quite beautiful to see how their relationship progresses throughout the film. This film also sends the profound message that it does not matter who you love. Even though there is a vast age difference between Frank and Breezy, you can tell that they are perfect for each other. This is a solid, well put together film about enjoying life and finding love. However, there are some minor plot points I have with the movie. Relatively early in the film, Frank and Breezy find a dog lying helpless on the side of the road. Breezy gets out of the passenger side to help, and Frank....does the same??? Why does he not get out of the drivers' side??? Later in the film there is a scene in a bar, but why is the dog taken inside the bar?? Why is he not tied up outside?? Then, towards the middle of the film, Frank says he is going out. He tells Breezy that he will be home around 10:00 p.m. It turns out that he gets home much later. When he gets home, Breezy is not even mad at him. Instead, there is an impromptu love scene. Why is Breezy so forgiving of this?? Why is she not more worried about him??? Again, these are all EXTREMELY minor flaws in an otherwise good film.
William Holden plays Frank Harmon. I love this character because you can tell that even though he lives a life of seclusion, he actually does want happiness and companionship in his life again. In fact, it seems as if he is unwilling to admit to himself that Breezy is giving him all of this even though deep down he knows it to be true. I love the way Holden plays the character because what could be viewed as grumpiness towards Breezy actually shows that he knows that she is the right woman for him. The banter and chemistry that he has with Kay Lenz is impeccable, and you truly believe that these two are a couple. Franks' character arc is quite well done as well because we see him struggle with this relationship throughout the film, and it is only at the end that he realizes that this is meant to be. This is a remarkable performance by Holden that almost steals the show from the title character/actress.
Clint Eastwood is the director of Breezy. I love the way Eastwood handles this movie. Breezy is such a pivotal character in this film because she has such a strong impact on everyone she encounters and, because of this, Eastwood naturally has her on camera for virtually the entire film. Even when she is not on screen, you can still feel her presence. The relationship that she has with Frank is also such a driving force in the film, and Eastwood lets those two characters chew up every piece of celluloid that they are in together. The scene where Frank takes Breezy to the beach is so emotional to watch because it marks a turning point in their relationship, and Eastwood handles it in such a way that just makes you smile. While I would not rank this as one of Eastwoods' best films by any means, he does show that he can make a film about a romantic relationship without it being overly dramatic. This movie is a solid gem in his directorial filmography.
Breezy is a fine film directed by one of the industrys' greatest legends. It has a beautiful story, great characters, and a powerful message. However, to be perfectly honest, this is probably a "one-and-done" movie to the casual viewer. Unless you are a massive film fan or a Clint Eastwood enthusiast, you can probably skip this movie without any regrets.
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