As great as Robin Williams' comedies are, I have always been a huge fan of his dramatic work as well. One Hour Photo is a film that I had heard great things about, but never actually seen until now. This movie is terrifying and flat-out creepy, and further cements my love of the great Robin Williams.
One Hour Photo is the story of an employee of a photo lab who becomes obsessed with one particular family. This movie will creep you out in ways that you never thought were possible, and that is one of the countless reasons I loved it. Everything from the framing of the shots, to the acting, to the pacing is so perfect that you can feel the tension build until the very end. Watching Seymour Parrish (Robin Williams) become increasingly friendly towards his favorite family is extremely uncomfortable to watch. I must say that this film will make you feel very uneasy, and I highly suggest watching something fun and exciting afterwards to put your mind at ease.
Robin Williams disappears into character as Seymour Parrish. Now that I have have seen this film, this is one of my favorite dramatic performances of his. The brilliance of Williams' performance is that he plays the character as if there is this deep anger and hatred buried within him, which we ultimately see come out of him at the climax of the film. The scene in the hotel room is particularly jarring to watch. What is scary about Parrish is that he rationalizes his hobby as "just taking pictures". You will never watch Robin Williams the same way again after seeing this film. I guarantee it.
Mark Romanek is the director of One Hour Photo. I love the way he uses the camera in the film because you feel extremely uncomfortable watching what is taking place. There is also a brief sequence where we see how the photos are developed through the machines which is extraordinary. The sequences in Seymour Parrish's home, in particular, are very well done and are a direct reflection of what his life is like. I also love the cinematography in the film. Color is used to accentuate what Parrish is feeling, and it is actually quite beautiful to watch.
One Hour Photo is not a film you watch with your family on "movie night". This is a horrifying film that true film buffs will love, especially independent film lovers. As for my personal recommendation, I would say that if you are a fan of Robin Williams' dramatic work then you will definitely love this movie. Just be prepared to be a tad creeped out.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Laying Down The Law
It is hard to believe that Beverly Hills Cop is literally as old as I am, and yet I just watched it for the first time. To say that I was excited to finally watch this film would be a glorious understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie from the beginning right up to the last shot.
Beverly Hills Cop is the story of a Detroit cop who pursues a murder investigation. This movie is not just good. It is great. Even though Beverly Hills Cop is an action/comedy, there are really only two major action sequences in the movie. This movie is paced very well, and leaves you on the edge of your seat as Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) edges closer and closer to solving the case. There are a few minor issues that I have with the film. As a first time viewer, I was a little confused when it was revealed that Axel Foley was undercover at the beginning of the film. I would have liked to see more explanation behind that. Also, during the truck chase at the beginning of the film, we see a bus randomly spin around out of nowhere and we also see more cops join the chase even though we never see a police officer call for backup. At the end of the day, though, I have to say that I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.
Martin Brest is the director of Beverly Hills Cop. As I mentioned before, there are two major action sequences in the film. Both are filmed well, and are fast-paced. The truck chase at the beginning of the film is the standout for me, personally. The cities of Detroit and Beverly Hills serve as characters in their own right, and the entire film utilizes authentic locations from both cities. I have always said that, in my opinion, the first job of a director is to get good performances out of the actors, and that is exactly what Brest did with this movie. Eddie Murphy's performance in the film is one that will stand the test of time, and that is partly due to Brest's direction.
It is always great to back and watch a movie that solidified an actor's career. This movie is incredibly fun to watch, and is another one of those films that will last quite a while.. If you have the chance to watch this film, for the love of Odin, do not wait 32 years like I did. I highly recommend watching it.
Beverly Hills Cop is the story of a Detroit cop who pursues a murder investigation. This movie is not just good. It is great. Even though Beverly Hills Cop is an action/comedy, there are really only two major action sequences in the movie. This movie is paced very well, and leaves you on the edge of your seat as Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) edges closer and closer to solving the case. There are a few minor issues that I have with the film. As a first time viewer, I was a little confused when it was revealed that Axel Foley was undercover at the beginning of the film. I would have liked to see more explanation behind that. Also, during the truck chase at the beginning of the film, we see a bus randomly spin around out of nowhere and we also see more cops join the chase even though we never see a police officer call for backup. At the end of the day, though, I have to say that I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.
Martin Brest is the director of Beverly Hills Cop. As I mentioned before, there are two major action sequences in the film. Both are filmed well, and are fast-paced. The truck chase at the beginning of the film is the standout for me, personally. The cities of Detroit and Beverly Hills serve as characters in their own right, and the entire film utilizes authentic locations from both cities. I have always said that, in my opinion, the first job of a director is to get good performances out of the actors, and that is exactly what Brest did with this movie. Eddie Murphy's performance in the film is one that will stand the test of time, and that is partly due to Brest's direction.
It is always great to back and watch a movie that solidified an actor's career. This movie is incredibly fun to watch, and is another one of those films that will last quite a while.. If you have the chance to watch this film, for the love of Odin, do not wait 32 years like I did. I highly recommend watching it.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Consequences Of A Corrupt Conscience
A Few Good Men is a film that will last long after we are all dead and gone. It has a great story, and a superior cast to help tell that story. I have always enjoyed films that take place inside a courtroom. There is something about watching the dramatic elements of a movie unfold in a confined space that make these films quite compelling to watch.
A Few Good Men is the story of a military lawyer who defends Marines who are accused of murder. This film does a couple of things very well that are excellent examples of great film-making. A Few Good Men takes the time to set up the characters and the story so that we actually care what happens. The pace of the film is also incredibly well done. You can feel the tension slowly and methodically build towards the climax and, even though the movie does not necessarily have a storybook ending, you are literally on the edge of your seat taking a deep breath. There are a couple of plot holes in the movie that I would like to address. Towards the beginning of the film, it is mentioned that the characters have to travel on a boat to get where they need to go. Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) then mentions that he does not like traveling on boats. It would have been nice to actually see a scene with them on the boat. I think a scene like that would have added some comic relief as the majority of the film is wrought with dramatic tension. Also, about three-quarters of the way into the movie, Lt. Col. Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh) commits suicide. We then see a scene where Lt. Daniel Kaffee tells Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) and Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollack) what happened. It would have been nice to actually see a scene where Kaffee finds out this information. All in all, though, this is a great film that will keep you glued to your television the entire way through.
Tom Cruise is electric as Lt. Daniel Kaffee. Kaffee is smart-mouthed, cocky and a bit of a procrastinator. Of course, if you were the best litigator in the military you would probably exhibit these characteristics as well. Cruise displays these characteristics with perfection. Also, even though there is no character in the movie that is the "comic relief", Cruise does display quite a few humorous moments simply because of the nature of his character. There is also a great character arc for Cruise in this movie. In the climax of the film, Daniel Kaffee confronts his fears of being an actual courtroom lawyer that is quite dramatic and makes you cheer for the character. Overall, this is a very fine performance from Tom Cruise.
The legendary Jack Nicholson brings a pure icy demeanor to his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup. Jessup is a man with a corrupt conscience. He believes what he does saves lives, even if it means the death of an officer. This legitimization of why he does this is what is truly scary about the character. Nicholson commands the screen like never before, and makes you downright afraid of his character. Watching Nicholson and Cruise go at each in the courtroom almost makes you tremble because of the tension. This is one of Nicholson's best performances, and his deliverance of "You can't handle the truth!" is one of the most coldly-uttered lines in cinema history.
Demi Moore shines as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. Even though Galloway outranks Kaffee, Kaffee is very much her equal and the chemistry between Cruise and Moore is one of the highlights of the film. I love female characters in films that are not just eye candy and Demi Moore, while she is obviously stunningly beautiful, is a crucial part in the telling of this story. Moore also has a couple of beautiful moments where she encourages Kaffee to really be the lawyer that he is afraid of being. Moore gives an exceptionally good performance in this movie.
Rob Reiner is the director of A Few Good Men. This movie thrives on the relationships and interactions between the characters, and every single frame of this film is filled with dramatic tension. The scenes in the courtroom are particularly well done. This is film that, in the wrong hands, could have been quite boring. However, Reiner paces the film in such a masterful way that you cannot wait to see what the next scene will bring. Personally, I believe that Rob Reiner is one of the industry's most under-rated directors. If you get the chance, look up his filmography and check out his films. They are all wonderful.
A Few Good Men is one of those rare films that you can watch over and over again. Not a single frame is wasted in the telling of this story. If you just love good movies, A Few Good Men is definitely for you.
A Few Good Men is the story of a military lawyer who defends Marines who are accused of murder. This film does a couple of things very well that are excellent examples of great film-making. A Few Good Men takes the time to set up the characters and the story so that we actually care what happens. The pace of the film is also incredibly well done. You can feel the tension slowly and methodically build towards the climax and, even though the movie does not necessarily have a storybook ending, you are literally on the edge of your seat taking a deep breath. There are a couple of plot holes in the movie that I would like to address. Towards the beginning of the film, it is mentioned that the characters have to travel on a boat to get where they need to go. Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) then mentions that he does not like traveling on boats. It would have been nice to actually see a scene with them on the boat. I think a scene like that would have added some comic relief as the majority of the film is wrought with dramatic tension. Also, about three-quarters of the way into the movie, Lt. Col. Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh) commits suicide. We then see a scene where Lt. Daniel Kaffee tells Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) and Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollack) what happened. It would have been nice to actually see a scene where Kaffee finds out this information. All in all, though, this is a great film that will keep you glued to your television the entire way through.
Tom Cruise is electric as Lt. Daniel Kaffee. Kaffee is smart-mouthed, cocky and a bit of a procrastinator. Of course, if you were the best litigator in the military you would probably exhibit these characteristics as well. Cruise displays these characteristics with perfection. Also, even though there is no character in the movie that is the "comic relief", Cruise does display quite a few humorous moments simply because of the nature of his character. There is also a great character arc for Cruise in this movie. In the climax of the film, Daniel Kaffee confronts his fears of being an actual courtroom lawyer that is quite dramatic and makes you cheer for the character. Overall, this is a very fine performance from Tom Cruise.
The legendary Jack Nicholson brings a pure icy demeanor to his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup. Jessup is a man with a corrupt conscience. He believes what he does saves lives, even if it means the death of an officer. This legitimization of why he does this is what is truly scary about the character. Nicholson commands the screen like never before, and makes you downright afraid of his character. Watching Nicholson and Cruise go at each in the courtroom almost makes you tremble because of the tension. This is one of Nicholson's best performances, and his deliverance of "You can't handle the truth!" is one of the most coldly-uttered lines in cinema history.
Demi Moore shines as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. Even though Galloway outranks Kaffee, Kaffee is very much her equal and the chemistry between Cruise and Moore is one of the highlights of the film. I love female characters in films that are not just eye candy and Demi Moore, while she is obviously stunningly beautiful, is a crucial part in the telling of this story. Moore also has a couple of beautiful moments where she encourages Kaffee to really be the lawyer that he is afraid of being. Moore gives an exceptionally good performance in this movie.
Rob Reiner is the director of A Few Good Men. This movie thrives on the relationships and interactions between the characters, and every single frame of this film is filled with dramatic tension. The scenes in the courtroom are particularly well done. This is film that, in the wrong hands, could have been quite boring. However, Reiner paces the film in such a masterful way that you cannot wait to see what the next scene will bring. Personally, I believe that Rob Reiner is one of the industry's most under-rated directors. If you get the chance, look up his filmography and check out his films. They are all wonderful.
A Few Good Men is one of those rare films that you can watch over and over again. Not a single frame is wasted in the telling of this story. If you just love good movies, A Few Good Men is definitely for you.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Thank Odin That Bruce Willis Is In This Movie
The Whole Nine Yards is an example of a movie that I saw the sequel (The Whole Ten Yards) before the original. I had heard great things about it and, because I had seen the sequel, I obviously wanted to watch the original. The film as a whole I think is great. As far as the two leading actors are concerned, however, only one of them stands out.
The Whole Nine Yards is the story of Oz Oseransky who finds out that his new neighbor is gun-for-hire Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski. Oz's wife then convinces him to track down the mob boss who wants Jimmy dead. I found this movie extremely entertaining to watch and the comedy, for the most part, is hilarious. Having just watched this movie for the first time, I found the story a tad hard to follow, but not so much that it makes for a bad movie. It is simply that so much was going on so fast that I cannot wait to watch it again just so I understand it clearly. I have one minor problem with the movie, and one HUGE problem (more on that later). My minor problem is that throughout a majority of the film, Oz is nervous to be around Jimmy except for one part where they act like they are best friends....and this is right after Oz finds out Jimmy is a contract killer. This minor story point made no sense to me. However, as I said before, the story as a whole is one of the things that kept me glued to the television during the movie.
Bruce Willis is glorious as Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski. You never know whether Jimmy is going to shake your hand or kill you, and that is because of the way Willis plays him. His banter with Matthew Perry, for his part, is sheer genius. He is delightfully funny in the movie as well, which is something I do not think Willis gets enough credit for. It is always great to see an actor step out of their comfort zone, and Bruce Willis is the other reason why I cannot wait to watch this movie again.
Remember that HUGE problem I mentioned earlier. Well, that problem is Matthew Perry. He is just not a good actor. It seems like all he can ever play is Chandler from Friends, and that is exactly who he is in this film. I mean it was great watching Chandler for 99 minutes, but I think it would have been better to get an actor who is actually funny to play the part of Oz.
Jonathan Lynn is the director of The Whole Nine Yards. This movie thrives on the banter between Willis and Perry, and Lynn is great at comedic timing with his shot selection, especially with the reaction shots. Also, as horrible as Matthew Perry is in this film, Jonathan Lynn knows when to keep the camera on him when he is being threatened by Bruce Willis's character because he actually is funny from time to time. I have a feeling that the sequel, The Whole Ten Yards, would have done better critically and financially if Lynn had been involved.
I have not enjoyed a movie this much in a long time. It is one of those rare action-comedies that actually has a great story. If you are a fan of these kinds of movies, and of course Bruce Willis, definitely check this movie out.
Friday, June 24, 2016
The Clock Strikes At Midnight
When it comes to Woody Allen movies, there is no middle ground. You either love them or you hate them. Even though I have only seen a handful of his films I can honestly say that I am one of those people that loves them, and Midnight in Paris is no different.
Midnight in Paris is the story of a screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris, and gets mysteriously transported back to the 1920's every night. This film falls more into the realm of fantasy than most of Woody Allen's work which is what makes it so interesting to watch. Every night, Gil (Owen Wilson) meets famous people from that era, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, and then when he tells his fiance, Inez (Rachel McAdams), about his adventures she worries that he might have a brain tumor. This makes for humorous banter between the two. Her father ( Kurt Fuller) even has a private detective follow him every night, but then he gets transported as well. The wit, humor and great characters are all there in typical Woody Allen fashion. There are a few plot holes in the movie, but overall it is quite enjoyable.
Owen Wilson plays Gil. Gil is a man who is wrapped up in "Golden Age Thinking". He truly believes that the 1920's is a better time period than the one he is currently living in. Woody Allen wrote his character beautifully. Gil cannot stop talking about how much he loves Paris. Inez is actually quite annoyed by this. In fact, it is not only clear to us as the audience that the two of them are not meant for each other, but we know deep down that Gil feels that way too. I am usually not a big fan of Owen Wilson, but if he did more dramatic roles I would be up for seeing them because he absolutely shines in this movie.
Rachel McAdams plays Inez. Even though Inez cannot stand Paris, she is completely infatuated with her friend Paul because of his intellectual level. She even looks down on Gil for not being more like Paul. It takes a truly great actor/actress to make a completely loathsome character, and that is exactly what McAdams does. McAdams is so good in the film that it makes you want to reach through the screen and grab her by the throat. It has been a long time since I have seen Rachel McAdams in a good movie but, like her counterpart, she is brilliant in her role as Inez
Woody Allen beautifully directs Midnight in Paris. Paris is the central character in the film, even more so than Gil or Inez. In fact, the first few minutes of the film is filled with wonderful shots of the city and the people in it. It is also remarkable to see 1920's Paris recreated. Everything, right down to the costumes, feels authentic. This is truly another landmark hit for Woody Allen.
I had so much fun watching Midnight in Paris. Woody Allen always creates such dynamic characters, and this film is a great example of that. If you are a fan of Woody Allen, you should definitely check out this movie.
Midnight in Paris is the story of a screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris, and gets mysteriously transported back to the 1920's every night. This film falls more into the realm of fantasy than most of Woody Allen's work which is what makes it so interesting to watch. Every night, Gil (Owen Wilson) meets famous people from that era, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, and then when he tells his fiance, Inez (Rachel McAdams), about his adventures she worries that he might have a brain tumor. This makes for humorous banter between the two. Her father ( Kurt Fuller) even has a private detective follow him every night, but then he gets transported as well. The wit, humor and great characters are all there in typical Woody Allen fashion. There are a few plot holes in the movie, but overall it is quite enjoyable.
Owen Wilson plays Gil. Gil is a man who is wrapped up in "Golden Age Thinking". He truly believes that the 1920's is a better time period than the one he is currently living in. Woody Allen wrote his character beautifully. Gil cannot stop talking about how much he loves Paris. Inez is actually quite annoyed by this. In fact, it is not only clear to us as the audience that the two of them are not meant for each other, but we know deep down that Gil feels that way too. I am usually not a big fan of Owen Wilson, but if he did more dramatic roles I would be up for seeing them because he absolutely shines in this movie.
Rachel McAdams plays Inez. Even though Inez cannot stand Paris, she is completely infatuated with her friend Paul because of his intellectual level. She even looks down on Gil for not being more like Paul. It takes a truly great actor/actress to make a completely loathsome character, and that is exactly what McAdams does. McAdams is so good in the film that it makes you want to reach through the screen and grab her by the throat. It has been a long time since I have seen Rachel McAdams in a good movie but, like her counterpart, she is brilliant in her role as Inez
Woody Allen beautifully directs Midnight in Paris. Paris is the central character in the film, even more so than Gil or Inez. In fact, the first few minutes of the film is filled with wonderful shots of the city and the people in it. It is also remarkable to see 1920's Paris recreated. Everything, right down to the costumes, feels authentic. This is truly another landmark hit for Woody Allen.
I had so much fun watching Midnight in Paris. Woody Allen always creates such dynamic characters, and this film is a great example of that. If you are a fan of Woody Allen, you should definitely check out this movie.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Defying Conventional Wisdom
We all know the typical romantic comedy formula: guy meets girl, they fall in love, they have a fight and break, they get back together. I still maintain that a good romantic comedy can be fun to watch. The problem is that not many of them introduce fresh ideas. 10 Things I Hate About You is not only a film that introduces fresh ideas, but it makes you love the genre.
10 Things I Hate About You is the story of a popular teenager who is not aloud to date until her older does. The fact that this movie is incredibly anti-cliche is what makes it so wonderful. The fact that Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger) are so much alike instead of being the typical "opposites attract" couple makes for great chemistry between the two of them. The fact that Patrick never cared about being paid to take Kat out and generally cared about her makes for a great twist. The fact that both Cameron & Bianca and Patrick & Kat end up together instead of one them not working out just makes for a great movie overall. The scene where Patrick sings to Kat is just so much fun to watch. It seems that lately I have been writing about movies that have come close to perfection. If only there were just a small scene where both boys ask the girls to the prom, this film would be just that.
Julia Stiles plays Kat Stratford. Kat is smart-mouthed, opinionated and hard to deal with. Stiles disappears into the role, giving off a genuine anti-social attitude. We do see she has an emotional side, however instead of crying during these scenes, we see her actually get mad at herself for letting her soft side come out. Kat is a girl who is completely out of touch with her feelings, and Julia Stiles crushes it.
Heath Ledger shines as Patrick Verona. Like Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger disappears into his role as the bad-boy, right down to the cheshire cat-like grin. Also, like Kat, Patrick has a soft side which is particularly nice to see considering all the horrible things that we hear he has supposedly done. Ledger does so much with just his face and we see that in this movie, particularly when Kat is reading her poem.
Gil Junger is the director of 10 Things I Hate About You. This film thrives on the moments between the characters, and Junger directs this movie using tight shots for those moments. There is also a great shot of Patrick and Kat slow dancing to a fast-paced song. Everybody around them is dancing vigorously, and to show these two slow dancing shows exactly the kinds of characters that Patrick and Kat are. This is a great feature film debut for Gil Junger.
10 Things I Hate About You is one of those movies that I could watch over and over again. The acting is great, and the dialogue is easily quotable. I highly recommend this film to anybody who has not seen it, and even if you have you should watch it again!
10 Things I Hate About You is the story of a popular teenager who is not aloud to date until her older does. The fact that this movie is incredibly anti-cliche is what makes it so wonderful. The fact that Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger) are so much alike instead of being the typical "opposites attract" couple makes for great chemistry between the two of them. The fact that Patrick never cared about being paid to take Kat out and generally cared about her makes for a great twist. The fact that both Cameron & Bianca and Patrick & Kat end up together instead of one them not working out just makes for a great movie overall. The scene where Patrick sings to Kat is just so much fun to watch. It seems that lately I have been writing about movies that have come close to perfection. If only there were just a small scene where both boys ask the girls to the prom, this film would be just that.
Julia Stiles plays Kat Stratford. Kat is smart-mouthed, opinionated and hard to deal with. Stiles disappears into the role, giving off a genuine anti-social attitude. We do see she has an emotional side, however instead of crying during these scenes, we see her actually get mad at herself for letting her soft side come out. Kat is a girl who is completely out of touch with her feelings, and Julia Stiles crushes it.
Heath Ledger shines as Patrick Verona. Like Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger disappears into his role as the bad-boy, right down to the cheshire cat-like grin. Also, like Kat, Patrick has a soft side which is particularly nice to see considering all the horrible things that we hear he has supposedly done. Ledger does so much with just his face and we see that in this movie, particularly when Kat is reading her poem.
Gil Junger is the director of 10 Things I Hate About You. This film thrives on the moments between the characters, and Junger directs this movie using tight shots for those moments. There is also a great shot of Patrick and Kat slow dancing to a fast-paced song. Everybody around them is dancing vigorously, and to show these two slow dancing shows exactly the kinds of characters that Patrick and Kat are. This is a great feature film debut for Gil Junger.
10 Things I Hate About You is one of those movies that I could watch over and over again. The acting is great, and the dialogue is easily quotable. I highly recommend this film to anybody who has not seen it, and even if you have you should watch it again!
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
The Biggest Wish Of All
For some reason, I think Hollywood is scared of making movies about sex. I have no idea why; it is not as if sex is a controversial issue. Everybody has sex. Some people have it more often than others, but everybody does it. The Sessions is an example of a movie that is about sex, but at its heart is a beautiful and emotional story.
The Sessions is the story of a man who uses an iron lung, and his wish to lose his virginity. The thing that I love most about this film is its refusal to be cliche. This story is not about two people falling for each other. It is about one mans wish to experience the physical act of love. This film is filled with snappy dialogue and great characters. I would have liked there to be just a little more explanation into Mark's (John Hawkes) troubled past, but other than that this is truly a beautiful film.
John Hawkes plays Mark. I love Mark as a character because even though he is extremely disabled, he has such a wonderful sense of humor about life. His character goals in the film are also very clear: he does not just want to have sex with random women. This is a man who does not know when he is going to die, and he wants to experience sex before that time comes. The fact that he contacts a professional sex surrogate shows how seriously he takes this issue. Hawks plays the role beautifully, and gives a wonderful physical performance that shows how troublesome life can be for a person of limited means.
Helen Hunt plays Cheryl. Cheryl is a woman who is not ashamed of what she does for a living. In fact, she embraces it. She is also a woman who understands and accepts Mark's physical condition. Helen Hunt plays the role perfectly, right down to the Boston accent. We see her go places emotionally that you always knew she could do, but we have never seen from her until this film. The scene where Mark and Cheryl decide to end their sessions is filled with emotional tension. Also, just when you think that this movie is going to become cliche and Cheryl and Mark are going to end up together, the story takes an abrupt left turn and leaves the viewer pleasantly surprised.
William H. Macy plays Father Brendan. Even though Macy's character is funny from time to time, he is far from being the film's comic relief. Mark is a religious man, and he seeks guidance on his issue and he gets that from Father Brendan. However, Father Brendan does not give him guidance as a priest; he gives it to him as a friend. He understands Mark's physical condition, and because of that he suggests that the big guy upstairs just might be okay with what Mark wants to do. Macy gives a very wholesome performance in the role. He takes what would ordinarily be a cliche religious part, and makes Father Brendan a genuinely likable man right to the very end. It is also quite humorous to watch his expressions while Mark is talking to him about his sessions with Cheryl because we know that Father Brendan is sexually inexperienced. This may go down as my favorite William H. Macy role.
Ben Lewin is the director of The Sessions. This film has an incredibly emotional and intimate story, and the way Lewin directs is a reflection of that. Every frame of the film is so close in on the characters that you automatically feel the closeness and the personal bond between them. In fact, I do not recall a single wide shot in the entire film. You feel everything in this film, from the pain and awkwardness that Mark goes through and Cheryl's emotional journey, while also feeling the bond of friendship between Mark and Father Brendan.
The Sessions is another one of those rare pieces of cinema that is near perfection. It is also one of those films that you have to be in the right mood to watch. This is a great film, but not one to watch on movie night at your house.
The Sessions is the story of a man who uses an iron lung, and his wish to lose his virginity. The thing that I love most about this film is its refusal to be cliche. This story is not about two people falling for each other. It is about one mans wish to experience the physical act of love. This film is filled with snappy dialogue and great characters. I would have liked there to be just a little more explanation into Mark's (John Hawkes) troubled past, but other than that this is truly a beautiful film.
John Hawkes plays Mark. I love Mark as a character because even though he is extremely disabled, he has such a wonderful sense of humor about life. His character goals in the film are also very clear: he does not just want to have sex with random women. This is a man who does not know when he is going to die, and he wants to experience sex before that time comes. The fact that he contacts a professional sex surrogate shows how seriously he takes this issue. Hawks plays the role beautifully, and gives a wonderful physical performance that shows how troublesome life can be for a person of limited means.
Helen Hunt plays Cheryl. Cheryl is a woman who is not ashamed of what she does for a living. In fact, she embraces it. She is also a woman who understands and accepts Mark's physical condition. Helen Hunt plays the role perfectly, right down to the Boston accent. We see her go places emotionally that you always knew she could do, but we have never seen from her until this film. The scene where Mark and Cheryl decide to end their sessions is filled with emotional tension. Also, just when you think that this movie is going to become cliche and Cheryl and Mark are going to end up together, the story takes an abrupt left turn and leaves the viewer pleasantly surprised.
William H. Macy plays Father Brendan. Even though Macy's character is funny from time to time, he is far from being the film's comic relief. Mark is a religious man, and he seeks guidance on his issue and he gets that from Father Brendan. However, Father Brendan does not give him guidance as a priest; he gives it to him as a friend. He understands Mark's physical condition, and because of that he suggests that the big guy upstairs just might be okay with what Mark wants to do. Macy gives a very wholesome performance in the role. He takes what would ordinarily be a cliche religious part, and makes Father Brendan a genuinely likable man right to the very end. It is also quite humorous to watch his expressions while Mark is talking to him about his sessions with Cheryl because we know that Father Brendan is sexually inexperienced. This may go down as my favorite William H. Macy role.
Ben Lewin is the director of The Sessions. This film has an incredibly emotional and intimate story, and the way Lewin directs is a reflection of that. Every frame of the film is so close in on the characters that you automatically feel the closeness and the personal bond between them. In fact, I do not recall a single wide shot in the entire film. You feel everything in this film, from the pain and awkwardness that Mark goes through and Cheryl's emotional journey, while also feeling the bond of friendship between Mark and Father Brendan.
The Sessions is another one of those rare pieces of cinema that is near perfection. It is also one of those films that you have to be in the right mood to watch. This is a great film, but not one to watch on movie night at your house.
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