I know exactly what a Besson production will mean: high-concept action rendered as a high-octane cartoon in live-action, with a severe chance for martial arts. The French filmmaker’s name equals a style equals a brand. His aesthetic appears even when he doesn’t direct. His creative stamp supersedes all. And so it is again with Lockout, […]
Guy Pearce
Posted inArts & Culture
Seeking Justice
Now that he’s made two movies that have skipped wide theatrical openings this year on a quick route to video, as Trespass and Seeking Justice have, perhaps it’s time for him to step back and make his next few choices really, really carefully. Here’s the irony: Seeking Justice is one of the better things he’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Mildred Pierce
In a way, Todd Haynes’ adaptation of “Mildred Pierce” for HBO is as subversive as the “Superstar” of 1988 — the difference being the manner of millions and a legal release. A more-faithful remake of the 1945 Oscar winner, “Mildred Pierce” adheres tightly to the time, place and dialogue of James M. Cain’s 1941 novel, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Mildred Pierce
In a way, Todd Haynes’ adaptation of “Mildred Pierce” for HBO is as subversive as the “Superstar” of 1988 — the difference being the manner of millions and a legal release. A more-faithful remake of the 1945 Oscar winner, “Mildred Pierce” adheres tightly to the time, place and dialogue of James M. Cain’s 1941 novel, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
But let’s give credit where credit is due: This is a remake of a fondly remembered, made-for-TV movie in 1973. Although effects have come a long, long way, baby, I still prefer the original. Living underneath the new-to-them Rhode Island mansion of architect Alex (Guy Pearce, “Animal Kingdom”); interior-designer girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes, TV’s “The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
But let’s give credit where credit is due: This is a remake of a fondly remembered, made-for-TV movie in 1973. Although effects have come a long, long way, baby, I still prefer the original. Living underneath the new-to-them Rhode Island mansion of architect Alex (Guy Pearce, “Animal Kingdom”); interior-designer girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes, TV’s “The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
In Her Skin
The IFC Films release continues a recent home-vid trend of giving away a huge plot point it needn’t. Same goes for the trailer below; watch only at your own risk. You’ll learn the twist of the Australian drama; after all, it’s based on a true story. But in not knowing, Simone North’s film keeps you […]