Maggie Gyllenhall - an actress who as many before her now went behind the camera. Her directorial debut is quite the heavyweight and a movie that will divide those who watch it. On so many levels this was not an easy one to take on and I think she chose this project because of this and not despite of it.
Having said, we have a main character who many viewers will have issues identifying with ... or even have feelings for. Olivia Coleman is superb in that role. As are all the other actors in it. Ed Harris (so good to see him) and also our 50 Shades of Grey love interest - who is able to act, in case you were not aware of that.
This being set in Greece is especially interesting considering the coldness of our main character. It is quite the stark and big contrast to what surrounds her. Early on we are able to see that and that she is quite the odd one out. Don't hold it against her - actually you may even be with her. Feel for her and her situation she finds herself in.
But her not giving a position up for a family ... well that may not go down well with a lot of viewers. But this is not a likeability contest. This is not about how much you should like her - no it is about slowly revealing why and how she became the person she is now.
It is tough to fully understand her actions and really emphatize with her decisions ... but this is where you have to suspend your disbelief a little bit at least. A movie not for the masses ... but I didn't figure Maggie out to do something like that anyway ... only thing that surprised me was a Netflix survey that I got the other day that suggested this might get follow ups/sequels or whatever ... I don't think it's needed to be frank, but what do I know?
Having said, we have a main character who many viewers will have issues identifying with ... or even have feelings for. Olivia Coleman is superb in that role. As are all the other actors in it. Ed Harris (so good to see him) and also our 50 Shades of Grey love interest - who is able to act, in case you were not aware of that.
This being set in Greece is especially interesting considering the coldness of our main character. It is quite the stark and big contrast to what surrounds her. Early on we are able to see that and that she is quite the odd one out. Don't hold it against her - actually you may even be with her. Feel for her and her situation she finds herself in.
But her not giving a position up for a family ... well that may not go down well with a lot of viewers. But this is not a likeability contest. This is not about how much you should like her - no it is about slowly revealing why and how she became the person she is now.
It is tough to fully understand her actions and really emphatize with her decisions ... but this is where you have to suspend your disbelief a little bit at least. A movie not for the masses ... but I didn't figure Maggie out to do something like that anyway ... only thing that surprised me was a Netflix survey that I got the other day that suggested this might get follow ups/sequels or whatever ... I don't think it's needed to be frank, but what do I know?