I really want to see this because of Terence Stamp, first of all. .. one of my all time favorite actors, but I'm afraid this film is really a downer, and I'm just not up for that these days. . . too much real downer stuff going on in the world.
shareThe film is centered around Vanessa Redgrave's terminal illness and yes it is her death midway through the film(not really a spoiler) that sets up and concludes the story. Yes it is a bit of a downer, it's theme of old age and not being able to go back in time and perhaps change circumstances (particularly with family) is a little upsetting but it has alot of light moments. The older actors let loose, look like a bit of a joke but at the end of the day enjoying themselves! Good music also (Redgrave and Stamp have quite amazing voices), and Gemma Arterton is so beautiful in this. I recommend the film.
Silver Linings Playbook / O. Russell / Jackman / Lawrence / Waltz / Hunt
Terence Stamp was the one good thing in the film, the rest was too predictable and at times unintentionally funny.
The first half of the film is fantastic -- particularly Redgrave's performance -- and everything after it seems pithy in comparison. It could've elevated above the simplistic "old people singing modern music" angle, but it wound up being cutesy most of the time which cheapened any attempts at true emotion.
There are also a lot of amateur directorial/editorial decisions, like cutting too frequently to the happy audience to tell us that we're supposed to be having fun. Other stereotypical touches, like the encouraging granddaughter yelling out to her grandpa to keep him going, are here. It's all too much, and it makes the movie the lesser.
- David
Breaking Down Bergman
http://www.youtube.com/breakingdownfilms
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