Flash Movie Review: American Pastoral
ONE could not help thinking that they were the ideal family living the American dream. They lived in the suburbs in a well maintained house that was surrounded by a perfectly manicured lawn. The husband owned a company; the mother did volunteer work and twice a year they and their children would go on a vacation; never to the same place twice. I was friends with their youngest child. As we all grew old they still looked like one big happy family; I knew better. On the outside nothing had changed except for one detail. If you were to meet them now there would be one less child. INSIDE their house the only signs that there was another child could be found in a few photo albums that were stuffed in some drawers. I never knew what happened but their child was not missing; he did not want to have anything to do with his family. The parents and their other children did not know if he was dead or alive, where he lived or what he did to make a living. It really was heartbreaking to see this though as I said the family always kept up a strong face. My friend had told me a few things that had taken place inside the household. From this I learned never to judge someone based on appearances. As they say you never know what goes on behind closed doors. I have witnessed other incidents with other people where a similar situation took place; things much worse than what I just told you. It truly baffles me on what could have happened to have resulted in such extreme measures. This dramatic crime film is an example of what I mean. LIFE was going so well for Swede Levov, played by Ewan McGregor (The Impossible, Star Wars franchise); which only made it harder when his daughter Merry, played by Dakota Fanning (Man on Fire, I Am Sam), started acting differently around the house. Based on Philip Roth’s (The Human Stain, Portnoy’s Complaint) novel, this film festival nominated movie also had as part of the cast Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind, Blood Diamond) as Dawn and Peter Riegert (Local Hero, Animal House) as Lou. Set in the 1960s I liked the look of this picture. The film shots were well thought out; this may sound odd, but everything in the scene was well placed. I felt the acting was this film’s strongest suit. I have not enjoyed Dakota’s acting in recent films but I thought she was excellent in this role. If I am not mistaken this was Ewan’s directorial debut and sadly this was the problem I had with the movie. I thought his directing was unpolished; there were times I was bored with the story. It just seemed as if the action was being sucked out of several scenes. The story was interesting but I do not think it translated well into this script because I found parts of it dull and wasteful. Here is the thing though; based on the trailer I thought this was going to be a better film. I need to remind myself not to go into the theater with expectations that are solely based on a movie’s trailer; looks can be deceiving.
2 ½ stars
Posted on October 28, 2016, in Drama and tagged 2 1/2 stars, crime, dakota fanning, drama, ewan mcgregor, film festival nominee, jennifer connelly, philip roth, radical, uzo aduba. Bookmark the permalink. 11 Comments.
Dakota is actually a good actor, though I’ve not seen her in much worthy of her talent in a long time. I hardly recognized Ewan McGregor. On that note, I would be interested in seeing this since it’s not the worst review rating you’ve given out. LOL Having lived in a house where looks can be deceiving, I’ve learned not to assume all is as it appears. I’ve usually been more suspicious of “too good”, like the sweet best friend, whose father was an artist, but what he did in his studio, belied the happy family I saw.
With your extra understanding of my opening then I think you will find this film of interest. As for Dakota I feel she has taken poor choices; I find her sister Elle has a strong acting ability. Thank you for the comments.
Yes, I agree. I wonder why that is? She’s very good, but you’re right, her acting choices have not really optimized her talent.
I like your style! Definitely much better reading your reviews than the ones in our local newspaper that shall remain unnamed. I am glad I found you!
Hello it is a pleasure meeting you and thank you for your kind reviews. I hope I can surprise you from time to time with some hidden treasures. As my Father use to say, “Geyn in gut gezunt.” Go in good health.
A dank! You don’t have to translate for me – it is my first language. I love surprises!
I am glad you had a good surprise.
A vade! (Do you feel comfortable being bilingual? I don’t want to presume!)
I really only know words and phrases; my parents and their siblings would talk Yiddish when they did not want any of the kinder to know what they were saying. So they never taught us properly.
I’ve heard this one before, I am sure! Nobody taught us, but it was the language spoken at home, to the point that a Ukrainian housekeeper or a Russian nanny also spoke it.
That is wild about the nanny and housekeeper. Thank you for telling me.