Lleu Reviews

Déjà Vu (1997)

Overrated

[2 January 2000]

I didn't hate this film quite as much as the reviewer before me who called it the worst film ever, but I do think it was overpraised by most critics. The idea of lovers fated to meet is a familiar one, but a timeless theme that is always worth retelling --if you can do it in an original and compelling way. The problem with Deja Vu is that rather than allow a story to unfold naturally, the characters constantly talk and analyze the subject. They talk so much about love and coincidence that I could not really get into it.There are some good performances -Vanessa Redgrave is always a pleasure to watch-- but the main character (I forget her name, but she is the director's wife --as the last reviewer pointed out, a reason to be wary) was too whiny and silly for me. I think some reviewers are so grateful when a film is about something serious that they are too willing to overlook flaws. As any beginning book on writing says --"show, don't tell." Deja Vu tells way too much.

You've Got Mail (1998)

I Didn't Buy It

[3/10 · 21 June 1999]

This movie irritated me for several reasons. Marketed as a kind of sequel to "Sleepless In Seattle" (which I did like), this one starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan was almost certain to succeed. That it did, and it took no chances, repeating almost everything about Sleepless, but with a far less compelling story. The couple destined to be together begin the film enemies. Ryan owns a small bookstore; Hanks represents a large chain which threatens to put her out of business. After building up this conflict, the film makes no attempt to resolve it. Also, both start out involved with other partners; both Mr. and Ms. Wrong (played by Parker Posey, one of my favorite actresses) are dumped of course, and it's all too quick and painless. I suppose this movie is OK as harmless fluff, but what I saw as the emotional insincerity of it really bothered me.

'Til There Was You (1997)

This one got terrible reviews, but I liked it.

[8/10 · 21 June 1999]

I recently saw this movie, starring Jeanne Tripplehorn and Dylan McDermott, for the second time on cable and I think it's a lot more interesting and original than critics gave it credit for. It does have a meandering nonlinear plot, and the lovers destined to be together don't meet until the end; these facts bother some who are used to a formula plot. It has been compared (unfavorably of course) with Sleepless In Seattle, but aside from the couple not meeting until the end, the two films are not at all similar; Sleepless (which I also liked) is much more conventional; every single scene is directly related to the inevitable conclusion.Til There Was You is actually more like You've Got Mail, where the predestined couple are foes before they meet. Til There Was You, however, is much more original and authentic.You do have to have patience with it; while it's part comedy, it's also a bit like real life; much of what happens is peripheral to the central plot. I liked this; you may not.It has several quirky characters, the most entertaining played by Sarah Jessica Parker.I am sorry that more people didn't like this; the harsh criticism will only encourage future screenwriters to go strictly by the book.

Safe (1995)

Fascinating, important film.

[9/10 · 21 June 1999]

I call this an important film because it deals with a very topical social issue in an original and subtle manner. It is also ambiguous (as the previous reviewer pointed out), which is something American audiences and critics often can't handle. Carol, an affluent suburban housewife played by Julianne Moore, is becoming increasingly disturbed and unable to cope with the alleged pollution and impurities in the environment. What could have been a "disease of the week" TV movie, however, is handled with surprising depth by director Todd Haynes. Carol ends up in a new agey community dedicated to healing people like herself. What is fascinating is that Safe, while exploring the pressures and toxicity of modern life, is also a brilliant look at the pathology of fleeing from life and seeking an environment of "purity." For Carol ends up, instead of recovering, more and more alienated and withdrawn. Safe does not provide answers to this dilemma, but it sure makes us look at some difficult questions.

Welcome to L.A. (1976)

Moving tale of urban alienation.

[9/10 · 21 June 1999]

I like many of Alan Rudolph's films, and this is one of his best (Choose Me is also good). Although it was made in `77, the story is still relevant today. The lonely, alienated characters whose lives sometimes intersect (but only briefly) has a resonance that somehow captures the modern urban landscape, and L.A. in particular. Keith Carradine, as a near-alcoholic songwriter is the central character.He has brief flings with several women, played by Geraldine Chaplin, Lauren Hutton and Sally Kellerman. This is hardly a cheerful film and some may find it too slow-moving but what stands out is the underlying atmosphere and pathos.