This film was terrible... And they say Halle Berry degraded herself
1. The chemistry between Mirren and Gooding was nonexistent.
2. Macy Gray was the worst thing about this absurd film. She was annoying and hideous to look at. I literally hated her in it.
3. The plot was way too much. Less is more, less, more.
4. I didn't believe in any reason for Levitt to be with Mo'Nique. I don't care if he was just using her. I didn't buy him doing that.
5. The camera work, cinematography, slow motions and editing style all made for a 93 minute long music video.
6. The performances were less than stellar.
And what was up with that music?
I only cared for Ferlito and her son. My genuine concern was slightly tainted by the behavior of Ferlito against Gooding midway through the film. I also felt for Gooding at times, for his character's backstory and most of all, his obedience to Mirren and Ferlito. He looked like a slave the whole film. I never saw him use his own mind or make his own choices. He obeyed Mirren too the fullest.
I am constantly on the message boards defending Halle Berry from idiots who call her a whore for playing nothing more than a wounded, desperate woman in "Monster's Ball." I know half the hate wouldn't exist if she never won an Oscar for the role or screwed a black guy in the film instead. Nonetheless, she was awarded for playing a character I could only recognize as fragile, lonely and vulnerable. What did Gooding get for playing a modern day black slave?
This film gets a 2/10 at best, and I'm being nice only because I'm in love with Helen Mirren.
No Country For Old Men Academy Award® Winner for Best Picture of 2007