S H

The film by Cassevetes highlighted the gifts of Gena Rowland but squandered some interesting contrasts (theater stage vs movie scenes), script vs improve by concocting a wild toad’s ride through an incoherent plot. Self-indulgent & psychologically false.

A slowly unfolding entry into Mumbai life, quiet torments, simple pleasures… Reminiscent of early Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.

So much plot detracts from interesting Chas racers & performances. A bit pushed in every way...but once involved- a ride.

Great actors in a puerile gimmick p,it that may posture as tackling tech arrogance or foolish reliance on ‘experts’ - or maybe somebody’s doubts about coupling. But the conceit diminished the movie, made relationships seem shallow & depended on a psychologically incoherent premise.

Shocking , creepy & a bit tedious. Nightmarish conviction with little of the Greek mythology ss the cardiac surgeon (Colin Farrell) is both a sort of fraud, monster & worthy of torturous vengeance. Redeemed by pure performances but made migrainous via a shrill soundtrack- it seems a film designed to create suffering as much as depict it.

May creates an utterly unique experience, starting with a vague crime, a probable hit and a childhood friend called to rescue his wild eyed buddy. What’s most extraordinary is how over the course of a predominantly 2 man situation..we come to know Nicky more than Mikey. In a gradual reveal, we come to loathe him -quite rare in any film. And most astonishing, we wish him to be murdered! The semi-improvised dialogue is both an authentic place between these guys (Philadelphia is not much there) but also makes some scenes unappealing. Too bad Elaine May’s quirky genius, her determined pursuit of a character’s transformative journey kept her films from being the slick & finished product studios value. Messy true & original.

Astonishing experience that moves filmed life into the viewers’ mind. Seyrig carries us with her. Extraordinary journey of watcher creating meaning and having waves of feelings while entering into a woman’s existence- staring at her back washing dishes for 2 minutes- eating a bowl of soup, mashing ground beef into a meatloaf, bathing…until a wholly unexpected ending.

Unsettling disorienting character study of an extraordinary woman engulfed by music. We enter a world of arcane chatter & OCD/savant intensity- that can stir knee-jerk reactions or fester for a few days. That is in itself a worthy film , festering for days, despite its flaws.

Nick never coalesced while Francis grows more textured. Back story of Francis father feels adrift. Unlike Normal People which enhanced the novel- this is an odd trip- sometimes with distracting casting.