Blog Archives
Flash Movie Review: The Secret in Their Eyes
Though it is a cliche, I firmly believe the eyes are the windows to the soul. There have been people where I looked into their eyes and only saw a dark, thick aspic. Then I have gazed into other people’s eyes and saw my peripheral vision expand; as I stared into veils of color stretching for miles, sharing a common pulse. I have always been leery of anyone who does not make direct eye contact with me. In this outstanding thriller, the eyes were essential in the telling of this dramatic story. Benjamin Esposito, played by Ricardo Darin (Nine Queens, Son of the Bride) was a retired federal agent for the justice department in Argentina. Hoping to write a novel based on one of his former closed murder cases, Benjamin returned to his old office to meet with department chief Irene Menendez Hastings, played by Soledad Villamil (Red Bear, Life According to Muriel). Using flashbacks, we observed the determination of Benjamin and his partner as they tried to find the killer of Liliana Coloto. But when it came to things closer to his life, Benjamin was incapable of acting upon them. Would revisiting the case give him the courage to express what had been laying inside of him for all these years? This movie captured me from the start, with its exciting story and wonderful acting by the entire cast. Each scene was perfectly placed and filled with a rich layering of emotions. The film, rightly so, won the Oscar for best foreign movie. What really moved me about this film was the way the actors used their eyes to convey their feelings and move the story forward. A couple of scenes with blood and violence. Spanish with English subtitles.
4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Gaslight
Back in college, one of my sociology professors had a variety of colorful terms in describing people’s marriages. One of his favorite terms was “holy deadlock,” which described a married couple who should not be married to each other; but stay together for reasons that have nothing to do with love. This teacher was an expert in the field, at least that is what he would tell us. I wonder what he would have to say about the couple in this movie. Ten years after her aunt’s murder; newlywed Paula Alquist, played by Ingrid Bergman (Anastasia, Notorious), returned to her aunt’s house with her new husband Gregory Anton, played by Charles Boyer (Barefoot in the Park, Tales of Manhattan). Returning to the house where her aunt’s body was found, Paula soon started to experience strange oddities; each one driving a wedge between the couple. Ingrid won her 1st Oscar with the wonderful performance she did in this psychological thriller. Charles brought a sophisticated darkness to the role that was creepy to me. The supporting cast filled out the spaces around the leads, giving each scene an added rich texturing to the story. It was something to see the film debut of a young Angela Lansbury (Bedknobs and Broomsticks; Murder, She Wrote-TV) as Nancy, earning her an Oscar nomination for her incredible acting. The Oscar winning art direction made this beautiful black and white movie a visual treasure. This was a breathtaking masterpiece on all levels, proving that some movies are simply ageless.
4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Cove
The idea that Flipper could have been the cause for dolphins’ horrific plight today breaks my heart. Remembering a vacation to Sea World with my niece and nephew as I watched this disturbing documentary, I now could never go to a dolphin show again. This Oscar and Sundance winning film played more like a spy thriller. Activist Richard (Ric) O’Barry was the individual who captured and trained the dolphins who played Flipper on the old television series. From that initial introduction; people began to fall in love with these beautiful creatures, spawning the huge industry of dolphin and whale shows around the world. When Ric witnessed what he believed to be a dolphin’s suicide on the show, he changed his beliefs and became the activist and spokesman for dolphins. What is considered the dolphin capital of the world, Ric and his team traveled to Taiji, Japan; hoping to film what really took place in this town. Not only was there the issue of the dolphins’ predicament, there was the environmental issue that was being concealed. With high tech equipment and highly specialized trained individuals, their plan truly played out like a military operation; it was thrilling and exciting for me. Despite the couple of brutal and barbaric scenes filmed, this incredible documentary must be seen. If for nothing else, to become aware how corrupt and vile humans can be towards earth’s animals…and people.
4 stars — DVD
moviejoltz 