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GigoloJoe1814
Reviews
The Human Stain (2003)
An Incredibly Relevant Film
Though, now that I think about it, the casting may be far-fetched considering Coleman Silk is supposed to be a light skinned African American and Nicole Kidman is supposed to be a janitor, I do believe that Anthony Hopkins can pull it off (I have met light skinned African Americans that can "pass" for white Americans) and Nicole Kidman is incredible in her role (she may be beautiful, but that doesn't mean a janitor can't be, and similar to her role as Virginia Woolf in "The Hours" Kidman seems to emotionally alter her appearance to successfully create a character not overshadowed by her natural poise and grace).
This movie, however, almost seems like a completely contextual movie, leaving figurative conventions behind, except for that of the underlying Greek drama influence and the idea of a tragically flawed hero, in this case Silk's pride.
Silk's character is a captivating one. Though many would see his abandonment of his race to be harsh, abrasive, I can empathize with the idea that if there is a door opened for you, take it. He was born with a genetic advantage at a time where no matter how intelligent or how athletically superb one is, he is pretty much left for jobs not equal to his potential because of something as minute as skin color.
However, I believe it is Nicole Kidman who shines in this movie, appearing as a woman, mysterious, who has a tough shell. It is as this tough shell gradually deteriorates that the viewer sees her potential as an actress, over-shadowing Hopkins, something that wasn't as emotionally captivating as her role in "The Hours" or "Moulin Rouge." And when she weeps, when her mood swings, when she describes herself as wanting to be a crow, when she visits her crow, when she feels uncomfortable at the restaurant she accentuates her talent.
This film is culturally relevant because of the nation's own emphasis on political correctness and lack of passion for life. When I saw this film, it reminded me of the absurdity of racial roles, age roles, economic "caste" roles, and the idea of love being catalyzed by those boundaries.
Snake Eyes (1993)
Gotta Give It Credit
Madonna is known for not being the best actress, and she agrees, as seen in her documentary "Truth or Dare." However, the fact is, in this movie, Madonna gives the best performance I have seen. I believe it is even better than Evita. The way the movie is set up is also interesting, crossing between a the story, scenes from the film in the story, and a documentary about the film within the story. Yet, the set up isn't confusing at all. I would consider it one of my favourite movies along with Madonna's best.