christinahill-59077 Reviews

Lucky (I) (2017)

Aging Flesh

[6/10 · 25 September 2017]

I'm not a fan of aging flesh, my own included. So the sight of Harry Dean Stanton repeatedly washing his armpits each morning? Not pretty. Actually I'm not much of a Stanton fan either, so since he's the lead character here--not my idea of entertainment. Yes the film mostly looks gorgeous, when we aren't focused on Stanton's pathetically thin, age-spotted limbs. But the editing is fun and the music is great. But sorry I'm not a fan of David Lynch either, so didn't much enjoy his supporting role. He should stick to directing, not a great actor. And really--the chain smoking? Made me sick. I didn't accept Stanton's character as either a wise, interesting or heroic man, so the whole enterprise left me cold.

Titicut Follies (1967)

Obscene Care

[8/10 · 24 September 2017]

I had to leave this film after about one hour as so much of it was just too painful to watch. I felt I was, all these years later, still violating the privacy of the men filmed. Especially since they were forced to spend so much of their time naked, in cold bare rooms with nothing to read or view--nothing. How in god's name did the prison establishment think any sort of rehabilitation could take place in those circumstances? And the bullying of the men by the guards was horrific. Enough to drive anyone already in bad mental health completely insane. I rated it as I did, however, because in contrast to the sickening procedures shown, not to mention the shocking testimony of a man who casually spoke about sexually assaulting his daughter, Wiseman's camera caught some wonderfully joyful moments of song. In scenes from performances of the Follies show, one in particular of a white man and a black man doing a beautiful duet, made it possible for the viewer to imagine a better reality. A reality in which hope survives.

Viceroy's House (2017)

Middlebrow But Entertaining History

[7/10 · 22 September 2017]

Viceroy's House does only an adequate job of explaining the complexities of the Parition of India at its Independence, in 1947. Nevertheless it succeeds in being a quite entertaining movie, largely due to the inclusion of a fictional star-crossed love affair, played by two very attractive actors, which serves to illustrate the strong tensions that arouse between Muslims and Hindus. Hugh Bonneville who plays Lord Mountbatten, sent to accomplish the Independence, is always an easy, charming presence on screen, but lacks, in my mind, both the physical grandeur of Mountbatten and his commanding presence. Gillian Anderson is wonderful, however, as his glamorous, highly-accomplished and liberal thinking wife. (The role of their daughter adds nothing to the film and seems an afterthought.) Yet the exotic sights of India in the 40s makes for much visual pleasure, and the bare bones presentation of the history of the era is sufficiently educational to make this a recommended film.

Columbus (I) (2017)

Humanity and architecture

[7/10 · 22 September 2017]

This film demands patience but it does deliver. While still in suspense as to relationships, background facts and a broad overview, the viewer is entertained with gorgeous photography and glimpses of superb architecture, both interior and exterior. No all the blanks will not be filled in, but the total experience is very worthwhile, especially if one considers beauty sufficient sometimes.