November 19, 2008
Movie Recommendations #13: Biographies
Below are some biographies you may want to consider the next time what you're looking for isn't available.
The film follows the rise and abrupt fall of Joy Division's front man Ian Curtis. Curtis is a mopey fellow with a haunting voice. As his band climbs through the ranks for the Manchester music scene, he hastily marries his girlfriend Deborah. Like clockwork, as Ian's fortunes rise, his marriage falls apart. This collapse is plain to see given the two appear to be far too immature when they tie the knot and Curtis is obviously too selfish to be in a relationship. They crank out out a child and the pressures of life begin to weigh the singer down. On top of this, he is stricken with epilepsy which intrudes on his band's live performances as well as his private life. Curtis' slow implosion is respectfully handled and is surprisingly compelling. If you're a lover of music or just enjoy good performances, this would be a great pick.
A gushing review of the former President’s life that manages to only touch the high points…what the heck, at least the guy knew the meaning of the word “is” and could pronounce “nuclear”. While it is a little fat with needless scenes it otherwise delivers an interesting story that spans a broad life. Starting when Truman is in his thirties, the film quickly rushes to his political life (an obviously good choice) and then seems to stall somewhat with all of the various moral choices Truman is faced with while in office. The moral choices he is faced with (Hiroshima and how to end WWII, the establishment of Israel, the rise of Communism, etc.) were massive, history-making decisions and they received their weight in the film, but at the expense of the narrative. This trade off is a double-edged sword. Although the film seems to suffer, these issues were required to be involved. I honestly can’t think of a better way to have presented them.
Control (2007)
The film follows the rise and abrupt fall of Joy Division's front man Ian Curtis. Curtis is a mopey fellow with a haunting voice. As his band climbs through the ranks for the Manchester music scene, he hastily marries his girlfriend Deborah. Like clockwork, as Ian's fortunes rise, his marriage falls apart. This collapse is plain to see given the two appear to be far too immature when they tie the knot and Curtis is obviously too selfish to be in a relationship. They crank out out a child and the pressures of life begin to weigh the singer down. On top of this, he is stricken with epilepsy which intrudes on his band's live performances as well as his private life. Curtis' slow implosion is respectfully handled and is surprisingly compelling. If you're a lover of music or just enjoy good performances, this would be a great pick.Truman (1999)
A gushing review of the former President’s life that manages to only touch the high points…what the heck, at least the guy knew the meaning of the word “is” and could pronounce “nuclear”. While it is a little fat with needless scenes it otherwise delivers an interesting story that spans a broad life. Starting when Truman is in his thirties, the film quickly rushes to his political life (an obviously good choice) and then seems to stall somewhat with all of the various moral choices Truman is faced with while in office. The moral choices he is faced with (Hiroshima and how to end WWII, the establishment of Israel, the rise of Communism, etc.) were massive, history-making decisions and they received their weight in the film, but at the expense of the narrative. This trade off is a double-edged sword. Although the film seems to suffer, these issues were required to be involved. I honestly can’t think of a better way to have presented them.John Adams (2008)
The series follows the life of founding father John Adams (Paul Giamatti) from his days as an upstart lawyer in Boston to his final days, decades later, on his farm with his children. This mini-series is a very strong defense of the man. History hasn't been generous to Adams, who spends his time in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (which is how he spent good portions of his life). This series serves to concentrate on his sacrifice, his ideals and his hand in the creation of the most prosperous and generous country in the world. The film also serves to promote his wife Abigail Adams (Laura Linney) as a foundational figure during her time. Abigail, the first second lady and second first lady of the country, is presented as the "woman behind the man" who not only keeps the overly emotional Adams in line but guides his policies as well. The performances of Linney and Giamatti are very strong and help make this seven part series an entertaining way to spend your time.
The series follows the life of founding father John Adams (Paul Giamatti) from his days as an upstart lawyer in Boston to his final days, decades later, on his farm with his children. This mini-series is a very strong defense of the man. History hasn't been generous to Adams, who spends his time in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (which is how he spent good portions of his life). This series serves to concentrate on his sacrifice, his ideals and his hand in the creation of the most prosperous and generous country in the world. The film also serves to promote his wife Abigail Adams (Laura Linney) as a foundational figure during her time. Abigail, the first second lady and second first lady of the country, is presented as the "woman behind the man" who not only keeps the overly emotional Adams in line but guides his policies as well. The performances of Linney and Giamatti are very strong and help make this seven part series an entertaining way to spend your time.Labels: movie recommendations
posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 12:00 PM
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1 Comments:
Just added Control to my Netflix queue. Thanks, I didn't even know about the movie. The others are already in queue.
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