Eastwood turns 90

Actor/director Clint Eastwood turns 90 today and his filmography covers nearly seven decades of films and TV. I grew up watching reruns of Rawhide and later his spaghetti westerns like A Fistful of Dollars and their followups. He was the avenger cop in Dirty Harry over five films with his signature line. "Do you feel lucky?" No one can forget his iconic moment in Where Eagles Dare as he straps on two machine guns. When he began to direct, one of his earliest films, The Outlaw Josey Wales, proclaimed him a talent behind the camera through Oscar winning films Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.  He never completely left acting, scoring in some gems along the way like In the Line of Fire. He would try drama, comedy, (even a musical like Paint Your Wagon) and war films, but his westerns were memorable. From early work as an extra on Tarantula (below) through his stardom rivaling those of Sean Connery and John Wayne to industry darling with no signs of retiring (his mom lived to 97), it's quite a career. My first Eastwood film in a theater was The Gauntlet, and I was hooked.

Funny Guy

Veteran comedian Fred Willard dies at 86. This  actor appeared in an enormous number of TV shows like Modern Family and Everybody Loves Raymond. He had significant roles in the Christopher Guest film comedies like This Is Spinal Tap and especially Best in Show where he improvised outrageous commentary during a dog show. Many will remember him as the harried director in the Anchorman films.  

A Novel Approach

The season 7 ender for The Blacklist was partially shot before shutting down for the pandemic, but the producers finished the episode with realistic animation giving the show a unique look like a graphic novel. It worked but was a novel approach. I would not mind after the show ends to have an action show like this continue in this style. It allows it to expand the scope beyond budgetary limitations. Good job.

Comedy Couple Rules the Airwaves

Comedian Jerry Stiller passed away at 92. Together with his late wife, Anne Meara, they were Stiller and Meara, the most popular comedy couple of the sixties and seventies, ruling shows like Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson. Their careers often crisscrossed theater, TV and films. They had two kids including Ben Stiller. I cannot help thinking they are now together somewhere bickering, bantering and loving each other.

SNL and Dreams

 SNL had another At Home episode which served as its season ender. This time the technical production was even more polished and while it was your typical mixed bag, there were highlights (a terrific Masterclass parody and a nice reunion of Boys II Men) capped off by a segment titled Dreams, a standout.

Cameo guests like Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, and Martin Short were led by Kristen Wiig, and the show kept Mother's Day in its theme. Come September, I could watch more of these creative, home edition shows, but like that last segment, dream of this talented cast interacting again. Thanks for entertaining us, SNL.

A New Normal

Never knew Zoom til recently. Ironic if not for the internet, it'd be tough going for entertainment. The absence of theatrical movies is telling, and now, TV shows are starting to cut short their seasons with pseudo finales (at least Westworld has its actual finale tonight) while a few late night and special events shows are being done Zoom style with a noticeable lack of a live audience response; such are the times. Even commercials seem different as they reflect stay at home. Sports networks are victims of no sporting events. That's never ever happened like that before, ever. Not 9/11, not World War Ii, not The Depression. Nada. This would have been Kentucky Derby weekend. Ah, the new normal-for now.

Actress and Beauty Gone

Actress Shirley Knight is gone at 83. A veteran of six decades of roles that garnered Oscar noms, a Tony Award, and Emmy Awards, she was a favorite of Tennessee Williams and worked steadily til recent years including a memorable role as Helen Hunt's mother in As Good As It Gets. For me, one of her best, haunting moments came in a seminal Outer Limits episode The Man Who Was Never Born with Martin Landau. At that time, she displayed acting abilities and beauty that propelled her to a long, distinguished career.

A Worthy Cause

   

Global Citizen's One World: Together at Home Concert tonight was to benefit and support WHO and healthcare workers worldwide. Nothing like this has ever been attempted before even with LiveAid. 

Hosted by the late night trio of Fallon/Kimmel/Colbert and opened by Lady Gaga, it was fascinating to hear the variety of songs old and new, foreign and domestic. There were Taylor Swift, Andrea Bocelli, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Jennifer Lopez and many others. The production was remarkably smooth with videos varying in quality but transitioning seamlessly among healthcare worker interviews, former first ladies, film and TV stars, and especially world class music artists. Performing from home settings, many of them singing covers of thematically relevant songs. And more than a few performances were so good (especially that finale), they brought tears. A worthy event for all.

Actor of Stage and Screen Passes

Actor Brian Dennehy passed away at 81. This two time Tony winner had 6 Emmy noms and starred in many films like First Blood (the first Rambo title), Gorky Park, Silverado, Cocoon, and more while he also featured in a multitude of TV films and series most notably in a significant arc for The Blacklist. He was respected by his peers especially on stage, and his crowning moment may have been his well honored role in Death of a Salesman.

War as First Hand Participant in 1917

Imaginatively staged with breathtaking moments filled with suspense and irony, 1917, inspired by director Sam Mendes' grandfather's experiences in World War I, is a remarkable cinematic triumph.

In France during World War I, two British soldiers are given a daunting mission to warn the front line that they are heading into a trap set by the Germans. One of the soldiers has a brother in harm’s way. Thus begins the harrowing journey of survival and a perilous race against time through war-torn enemy battlefields, booby traps, German snipers, and more.  In the compelling climax as British troops prepare to advance, will they be warned in time and who will survive?

This film has such a basic, simple premise, but the way it is presented is a meticulously choreographed narrative that unfolds as purely visual technique in a seemingly single shot with no cuts, something that has rarely ever been attempted in a major movie (Hitchcock’s 1948 Rope comes to mind).  The camera movements and action are so well staged, the film flows from location to location seamlessly with the audience given a subjective point of view to witness unfolding events first hand. Mendes and Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins have accomplished a remarkable achievement in filmmaking by not only pushing the limits of narrative exposition, but presenting an engaging, immersive experience in war.

The two, relatively new leads, George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, are excellent and surrounded at key moments by  noted actors, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Richard Madden, and Mark Strong.   

Filled with memorable images and set pieces, and with its desperate search, echoing Saving Private Ryan, this is one of the greatest war films ever committed to celluloid.  Should be seen on a big screen.

**** of **** stars

Female and Proud in LITTLE WOMEN

Little Women (from the classic Louisa May Alcott novel) is a delightful semiautobiographical tale of a group of sisters in 19th Century New England and their desires, loves and regrets. It's a powerhouse cast and a strong script beautifully adapted and directed by Greta Gerwig.

In the waning years of the Civil War with their father away, the March family of females led by their mom (Laura Dern) struggles to survive amid harsh conditions.  Jo (Saoirse Roman) an aspiring writer, Meg (Emma Watson) searching for a husband, Amy (Florence Pugh) studying art in Paris, and the youngest, Beth (Eliza Scanlen), a budding pianist. While events swirl around them amid rivalry and jealousy and suitors including Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) to tempt the sisters, the family yearns for a better life as they confront adversity and tragedy amid kindness and generosity. As Jo grows into an independent woman, she reaches a crossroads in her career ambitions and search for love.

The stellar cast is quite good especially Ronan whose fully developed Jo has dreams of being a published author; she is full of pride and independence yet protective of her family. The film realistically portrays the limited options of women in this period and contrasts the class disparity between the poor March family with wealthy benefactors (Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper).  Life is shown as interchangeable moments and an individual’s destiny can turn on missed opportunities or unspoken feelings. Above all the film is a constant reminder of family bonds and solidarity.

Beautifully shot, the production does an excellent job of period authenticity particularly in costume design and musical score.  Despite abrupt and confusing flashbacks, it has a cumulative, emotional effect and a Sense and Sensibility vibe.  Simply a lovely film.

**** of **** stars

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER and Fan Service

Director J. J. Abrams was given the momentous task of ending the nine picture Star Wars saga culminating in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and the result is an emotional sendoff and a bittersweet farewell to some beloved characters.

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) thirsts for power with the First Order to crush the Resistance led by Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac).  He also desires to tempt Rey, a kindred wielder of The Force and who continues to train in the ways of the Jedi. As Princess Leia fears for her heroes, she intercedes as Rey and Kylo faceoff with huge ramifications leading to a grand showdown with an all-consuming, supreme evil.  As the outnumbered Resistance fighters face a last stand, will anyone respond to their pleas for help?

It is the relationship and conflict between Rey and Kylo that form the emotional crux of the film, and there is the question of Rey’s lineage and her confronting the Dark Side even as The Force coalesces and manifests itself in powerful ways.

The chemistry among the three leads is such that one wishes for more adventures.  References to the past include plenty of surprise cameos, sounds, and even props. The late Carrie Fisher’s unused footage is well integrated in key moments. Visual effects are impressive with composer John Williams interweaving all his principal Star Wars themes.

Drawing from three trilogies, the film brings everything full circle with a satisfying conclusion and new beginning. Despite a slower start, it’s a real crowd pleaser with heart.  Sure there are inconsistencies and corny moments, but there are tears to be shed and powerful, rousing scenes of redemption and last minute heroics that true fans should love. 

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for fans)

The Culture Shock of BOMBSHELL

Real life events form the backdrop of Fox News head Roger Ailes whose sexual harassment of female employees led to landmark changes. As directed (Jay Roach) and written (Charles Randolph), it is a fascinating examination of corporate culture run amuck and the ensuing disarray when victims of harassment begin to fight back. It’s also a display of acting royalty in key roles.

Starting in 2015 with Fox News, a major player in news broadcasting headed by Roger Ailes, a powerful media boss whose belief in ‘sex sells’ and his sexual harassment of a number of female employees is a hidden, dirty secret that threatens careers and reputations including rising Fox star, Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron).  A new intern (Margot Robbie) personally experiences humiliation first hand during an interview with Ailes. In the thick of Presidential election coverage and faced with intimidation by Fox management and the firing of another major star, Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), for her sexual harassment claims against Ailes, Kelly must make a momentous decision with enormous consequences.

The pervasive sexist climate is convincingly portrayed at Fox News as sexy reporters draw big ratings and viewership. Ailes is shown as a man who can make or break careers in exchange for loyalty.  The film makes note how Fox News and Donald Trump had a symbiotic relation during his Presidential campaign with each needing the other as this scandal developed.

Theron eerily nails Kelly in her voice, appearance, and mannerisms amongst the stellar cast with John Lithgow having a field day as Ailes. Both portrayals are immensely aided by great, (Oscar winning) makeup effects.

Although it could easily have been a cable/streaming event film, this dramatization is an intriguing look at how brave women risked everything to make a difference.

***1/2 of **** stars

MARRIAGE STORY Is a Love Story with Pain

Perhaps the most earnest film on divorce since Kramer vs Kramer, Marriage Story is a heartfelt drama impeccably written (and directed by Noah Baumbach) and acted.

Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are a young couple who love their young son. Charlie is an up and coming, self-absorbed theater director while Nicole is an actress who put her career and identity on hold to raise their child. When their marriage falls apart, they go through the process of counseling and then divorce which upends their personal lives.  Traveling to Los Angeles to stay with her mom, she shoots a TV pilot hoping to revive her career while Charlie struggles to balance his responsibilities to his theater and as a father.  Divorce evolves into a complicated, expensive endeavor where lines are blurred.  Still caring for each other, they have to reinvent their own lives and find a new normal.   When both engage lawyers, things become raw and contentious, and life will never be the same.

These two characters, whose lives diverge, are shown as seemingly normal with flaws and regrets, and yet neither is necessarily a bad person, each perhaps making unfortunate choices.  Johansson and Driver make you realize what gifted actors they are beyond starring in Hollywood blockbusters like Star Wars and The Avengers, respectively. (Somebody put Driver in a musical. Who knew he could sing?) Laura Dern won an Oscar for her effective turn as a savvy lawyer, and Alan Alda and Ray Liotta complement the strong acting ensemble.

The film shuttles back and forth to contrast different points in this narrative, but it is always presented with honesty and insight even in the quiet moments.  A winner all the way for those open to this topic.

**** of **** stars