Category Archives: Drama

2002, Basically Sad, Crime, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drugs, Gangs, Gloomy, Redemption, Revenge, Violent, Wonderful acting

25th Hour (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Monty Brogan has 24 hours to spend with his two best friends and his girlfriend before he’s sent to prison for seven years for dealing drugs. Spike Lee directs this meditative drama set in post-9/11 New York.

Edward Norton does it again! His portrayal of a drug dealer, Monty Brogan, facing a seven year black hole of almost certain prison sexual abuse is powerful, unflinching, sympathetic and pitch perfect. In fact, some good part of his open expressions of fear center around that sexual abuse, so much so that towards the end (no spoiler) he addresses that problem in a unique way. What was “sympathetic” in his presentation was his openly tearful regret for having taken such a wrong turn in his life, a decision that is next to impossible to correct.

He interacts meaningfully with:

  • Philip Seymour Hoffman as his friend Jacob Elinsky. Hoffman is perfect as a repressed man ashamed of his position as a trust-fund baby.
  • Barry Pepper is wonderful as his other best friend Frank Slaughtery who loves Monty but says that Monty ruined many lives with those drugs and deserves his punishment. He played Lucky Ned Pepper in True Grit.
  • Rosario Dawson played Monty’s girlfriend Naturelle Riviera. She played Connie in Unstoppable.
  • Brian Cox plays Monty’s father James Brogan. He was Argyle Wallace in “Braveheart”.

Because the plot, characters, and acting are all so good, I consider this film a

DO NOT MISS!

2005, AIDS, Clever Plot, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Gay theme, Mostly About Sex, Psychological Drama, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Wonderful acting

The Dying Gaul (2005)

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From NetFlix:

When Jeffrey (Campbell Scott), a slick Hollywood studio exec, offers gay screenwriter Robert (Peter Sarsgaard) $1 million to transform a screenplay’s homosexual protagonists into heterosexuals, Robert takes the bait — and ends up sleeping in Jeffrey’s bed. But complications ensue when Jeffrey’s wife, Elaine (Patricia Clarkson), begins unraveling her husband’s secrets, with nail-biting consequences. Craig Lucas directs in his feature-film debut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of a loved one, infidelity, jealousy, betrayal, and revenge make this tragic gay-themed film an intense experience.

Of the three protagonists, only the wife Elaine, despite her faults, shows a compassionate soul searching for the right thing to do. However, this tragedy would have made Shakespeare proud as each of the three characters move slowly but surely to their deserved sad ends.

Such a well-made and involving gay-themed film deserves a DO NOT MISS!

 

 

1991, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Melodrama, Sex Scenes

Crooked Hearts (1991)

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From NetFlix:

Director Michael Bortman also penned the screenplay for this potent drama based on Robert Boswell’s novel. Sparked by a troubled relationship between family patriarch Edward (Peter Coyote) and defiant eldest son Charley (Vincent D’Onofrio), the dysfunctional Warren clan finds themselves beleaguered by conflict and tainted by scandal. But things come to a head when middle son Tom (Peter Berg) returns home after dropping out of college.

Welcome to the life of yet another dysfunctional family in which children tend to fail spectacularly in important ventures, brothers make other brothers’ girl friends pregnant, father’s have affairs, etc.

What we have here is not a pretty scene.

If the film has a theme, it is “why can’t Charley leave home?” or “to what horrible lengths must Charley go in order to leave home?”

At least you get to see known actors early in their careers. During the filming:

  • Vincent D’Onofrio (born 1959) was a young looking 32 playing a young man of 26. Of all his roles, this approached most “normal”.
  • Noah Wiley (born in 1971) was 20.
  • Peter Coyote (born in 1941) was 50. He was, after all, the father.
  • Cindy Pickett (born 1947) was 44. She played the mother.
  • Juliette Lewis (born 1973) was a mere 18 playing a much younger little sister.
  • Peter Berg (born 1964) was 27. He does a great job as the brother Tom in this film, but for me his name just does not ring a bell. He played “Pistol” Pete Deeks in “Smokin’ Aces”.
  • Marg Helgenberger (born 1958) was 33. She is now well known as Catherine Willows in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
  • Jennifer Jason Leigh (born 1962) was 29. She played Tom’s girl friend Marriett

If I were not a Vince D’Onofrio fan, and if I did not enjoy watching know actors when they were just starting their careers, then I might not have initially chosen this melodrama. But the story was good enough to keep me interested to the end. Tom’s final family toast weepily tied together the story.

During the final credits Tom reads Ask’s “List of Things”.

2006, Adventure, Coast Guard, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Psychological Drama, PTSD, Sea Rescue

The Guardian (2006)

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From NetFlix:

When legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall is appointed to teach at an elite Coast Guard school, he’s compelled to skillfully train and inspire cocky upstart Jake Fischer to excellence, courtesy of some unorthodox coaching methods.

If nothing else, just the sea rescue school sessions fascinated me. Also there are some exciting sea rescue scenes. Costner’s troubled marriage (he is married to sea rescue, the old story) is secondary to the plot.

Costner’s involvement with his student Jake Fischer is fitting, owing to similar past tragedies. One of their discussions could be a real tear-jerker.

Be prepared for one really wild final rescue.

Aston Kutcher (plays Jake Fischer) will play the lead role in the 2013 film “Jobs”. He was 28 during the filming. His film sidekick Brian Geraghty (plays Billy Hodge) played Brian Eller in the TV series “True Blood”. He was 31 during the filming. On the other hand Kevin Costner was 51 during the filming.

Just tell me a good story and I am a happy listener.

2011, Alzheimer's disease, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Iran, Persian, Religious Theme

A Separation (2011)

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From NetFlix:

An Iranian husband and wife split up over his decision to stay and care for his aging father instead of leaving the country with his family. But his fateful choice to hire a stranger to do most of the caretaking breeds unexpected consequences.

After watching this two hour in Persian with subtitles, you will probably be somewhat tired. Do not let the opening give you the impression that you will watching “talking heads”. However, the entire story is one headache after the other for every character. If that is life in Iran, be grateful you do not live there. It is, in fact, the progression of annoying details that got me so interested that even when I felt tired, I still had to finish the film to see if or how so many problems were resolved.

Possibly I got incorrect impressions. But as far as I could tell:

  • Differences between social classes are quite strong.
  • Whereas the upper class seems secular (possibly atheist), the lower classes are religious to the point of scrupulosity.
  • Everyone lies up to a point.
  • One’s honor is very important.
  • Iranians are very volatile.
  • Court justice is somewhat arbitrary.
  • Traffic is quite dense.
  • Life in Iran is a nightmare.

While not at all a feel-good film, as a slice of Iranian life it could be riveting.

1994, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Flirting, Gay theme, Love Story, Optimistic, Unusual, Vulgar, Wonderful acting

The Sum Of Us (1994)

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From NetFlix:

In this Australian comedy based on David Stevens’s stage play, Jeff (Russell Crowe) is a young gay man living with his widowed father, Harry (Jack Thompson). Although Harry has always accepted the fact that his son is openly gay, his acceptance is challenged. Jeff brings home a potential lover one night, and in turn, when Harry gets involved with Joyce, a divorcée, she and Jeff can’t see eye-to-eye.

“Comedy” is not an apt description of this unusual, well-made, gay-themed film. If anything, it is a touching, warm-hearted drama. Filmed in the Sydney (Australia) from a time that reminds me of our own country before the United States became ancient Rome, the anti-gay sentiments portrayed therein are probably similar to our attitudes here in the USA 18 years ago.

Russell Crowe was born in New Zealand in 1964. So he was a young pup of 30 years when he starred in this film. Jack Thompson, who played Jeff’s father, has been in many films. For example, he was Maj. J.F. Thomas in “Breaker Morant” (which you should see!). John Polson (the potential lover) also has a respectable film resume. In this production the acting is excellent.

One device used in the film is that throughout both Jeff’s father and Jeff speak to us directly as a running commentary.

Lest you be hesitant to watch a gay-themed film, I assure you that the most explicit sexual activity portrayed is a kiss. However, the conversation is something else: off-color comments and very explicit discussions abound!

Every now and then I felt I was watching pro-gay propaganda because of the father’s attitude. How rare was it in those days to have such an understanding and accepting father? If there is a theme to this film it is: You have not lived if you have not loved.

Going out on a limb, I will say DO NOT MISS!

2011, Clever Plot, Crime, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, FBI, Grim, Murder Investigation, Mystery Film, Politicians, TV Series, Violent, Wonderful acting

The Killing (2011)

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From Net Flix:

The disappearance of a young Seattle girl sets in motion this moody crime series centering on a detective — Sarah Linden — who’s trying to start a new life in California but is unable to walk away from the mysteries posed by the complex case.

Three years after I first wrote this review (2014), Kathy and I have just finished streaming all 26 episodes of season one plus season two (no, not in one sitting). You must see both seasons to see the entire Rosie Larsen story. Amazon Prime offers four seasons for free. You can also use your Roku to search for all streaming sources for any given film, series, or whatever. There is more than one streaming source for “The Killing”.

This TV series from 2011 is well-written, well-acted, and immensely engaging. How, you might ask, can you spend two TV years investigating just one murder? As soon as you start the series you will understand how the plot intertwines many connected and well-constructed threads.

Rosie Larsen is found drowned in a sunken car. Finding her killer involves her family, her teachers, her friends, two starring detectives, and, possibly most interesting of all, an politician running for the office of Seattle’s mayor against a corrupt incumbent. Searching for that murder brings sorrow, family dysfunction, violence, false leads, FBI involvement, unjustified persecution, and the list goes on.

At times the series seemed to drag. An awful lot of time was spent watching the Larsen family suffer the effects of the murder. Just as much time was spent watching the detective Sarah get so involved with the case that she as a single mother does NOT do a good job raising her son. Thank goodness she has the support of her partner detective Holder.

Many surprises are in store, especially in the last episode. It is perhaps realistic and to the writer’s credit that some of the bad guys get away with their skullduggery.

Watching this series from week to week would have been sheer torture. Thank goodness the NetFlix discs let us watch episode after episode without foolish interruptions such as food, sleep, etc.

DO NOT MISS!

2011, Could Be Hard To Watch, Crude Talk, Drama, Gloomy, Mayhem, Medical Theme, Psychological Drama, Sex Scenes, Unusual, Violent

Perfect Sense (2011)

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From NetFlix:

After sparks fly between a newly single epidemiologist and a charming chef, a puzzling patient — a truck driver who’s lost his ability to smell — drastically alters the couple’s budding relationship in this sci-fi thriller.

To call this science fiction is entirely misleading. Basically it is a meditation on the importance of our senses and a “what if” assuming we lose those senses one by one.

Humanity without exception experiences an epidemic in which each person goes through a series of sense loses and negative emotions. Central to this story is the experience of a woman epdemiologist Eva Green and a chef Ewan McGregor as they go through these stages. Our hope is that they can withstand all these personal disasters and still succeed as a loving pair. I cannot give away the ending, but getting to that end could be somewhat harrowing.

Not for everyone, but a very original film.

2002, Basically Sad, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Magic Realism, Quiet, Redemption, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Till Human Voices Wake Us (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Dr. Sam Frank is haunted by his first love, an unforgettable romance that ended in loss and terror. Years later, he’s become an expert in the psychology of repression but remains a loner. Then, a beautiful stranger on a train changes everything.

At the end of this quiet, slow, sad love story, do not expect everything to have made sense. Just appreciate the parallel between Sam’s boyhood first love and his encounter as an adult with Helena Bonham Carter. Expect a semi-happy ending of acceptance with a bit of magic realism thrown in.

2011, Based on true facts, Biographical, Bullying, Clint Eastwood, Crime, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, FBI, Gangs, Gay theme, Kidnapping, Lawyers, Love Story, Psychological Drama, Violent, Wonderful acting

J. Edgar (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.

Looking for an “Actor’s actor” ? Go no farther. Current movie reviews lament the fact that we are seeing a series of young male wannabes with tight abs who don’t last because they lack the acting skills. But Leonardo DiCaprio is the quintessential chameleon. His portrayal of J. Edgar is nothing less than astonishing. Even if it were complete fiction, the film would be riveting (as the NetFlix caption says).

For a discussion of historical accuracy you can read the Wikipedia article. This article also discusses Hoover’s sexuality. Clint Eastwood, the director, wisely stayed away from any depiction of cross-dressing (except for one brief suggestion) or explicit sexual behavior (except for some kisses). Just enjoy the marvelous production and stop wondering how much is true. If even a little bit were true, Hoover was a dangerous paranoid.

This is NOT a film for titillation. Instead it focuses on Hoover’s bulldog no-holds-barred approach to getting his way, even if it meant blackmailing every politician in Washington. It focuses also on: Hoover’s insecurity, his emotional dependence on his mother (with whom he lived all his life) and Clyde Tolson (who had his own house), his lying, and his barely legal methods.

In all fairness you should read the Wikepedia biography of Clyde Tolson. He was NOT the seemingly weak character portrayed in the film.

Nixon is portrayed as a profane thug.

Additionally I marvel at the long list of known supporting actors, among whom we find:

  • Armie Hammer (who?) played Clyde Tolson very well. Believe it or not, Armie Hammer’s father is the CEO of the Armand Hammer Foundation. Armie was 25 years old during the filming.
  • Josh Lucas played Charles Lindberg, who was very important to the story.
  • Damon Herriman (who?) played Bruno Hauptman, the supposed kidnapper of the Lindberg child. Today the debate still rages over the guilt of Haputman. Once again see the Wikipedia article.
  • Naomi Watts played Helen Gandy, the famous personal secretary for Hoover for 54 years. She is most remembered for spending weeks after Hoover’s death destroying Hoover’s blackmail materials, his “Personal File” (much to Nixon’s chagrin). Once again see Wikepedia.
  • Big surprise: I kept staring at Hoover’s mother and couldn’t believe my eyes. Indeed it was Judi Dench. She spoke a perfect American accent. More to the point she was a professional support actor who received no special credit.
  • Remember Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding)? He played Colonel Schwarkopf.
  • My own award for “Appearing everywhere but not famous” goes to Zach Grenier (who?) whom I once met in person in the San Franciscon Museum of Modern Art. His is the only name I can drop because I never meet anyone famous. Look him up in IMDB and I am willing to bet you have seen him somewhere. He is currently playing a pain in the neck in “The Good Wife” on TV.

Officially I go out on a limb: DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!