The lives dramatized in these films aren’t always easy to look at but we will all recognize parts of ourselves in them and be glad that these talented actresses and filmmakers have the courage to look honestly at these women. Quirky, ambiguous, contradictory, idiosyncratic, independent films are like real women themselves, always surprising, and in a class by themselves.
When nominees were announced last month, there were once again no women directors, and no black directors.
When the Academy Award nominations are announced, we bemoan the lack of women recognized by the industry itself, not to mention, the virtual absence of any diversity this year. However, there are two categories that by their very nature cannot exclude women. This silver screen velvet ghetto includes Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. And this year, there are many fine contenders in each.
It may be an even greater testament to Jennifer Lawrence’s talent that she shines through an otherwise choppy movie. Her pluck, her determination and her eventual triumph are well worth rooting for.
Whether you’re looking forward to the characters we’ve come to love (and in some cases hate), the human drama unfolding upstairs and down, a happy ending for the Bateses (we can only hope), Dame Maggie’s clever quips, or everything that 'Downton Abbey' has served up over the past five years, be sure to watch the final season premiere on Sunday January 3rd on your local PBS station.
One of the remarkable things about the film is that the issue of homosexuality is almost “incidental.” The film is a love story first, and the details of the lovers are secondary. Within the story, many of the familiar but important themes are present: How much pain can the lovers endure? What will they be willing to risk to be together? Can their love endure after they have hurt each other and is real forgiveness possible?
'Trumbo' tells the story of “The Hollywood Ten,” a group of screenwriters blacklisted by the studios in the late 1940s and through the 1950s for their alleged affiliation with the Communist Party. The film’s release is timely. At what point does freedom of speech or religion or political affiliation become a threat to national security? When does our collective fear of “others” intrude upon our nation’s promise of inclusion and asylum?
It’s this fact that makes 'Brooklyn' so relevant. As our country debates whether to allow refugees in, we need to reflect upon our own histories and recognize so many common dreams and goals. . . If America is home, it’s because the country welcomed one of our ancestors and gave them a chance to build a new life. We have an opportunity — and I would argue an obligation — to pay it forward.
'Miss You Already' tackles two topics that are important to women. If you see the movie, its unflinching portrait of breast cancer will stay with you. Sadly, the friendship between Jess and Milly probably won’t.
One thing that these films share, besides quality, of course, is that they depict the lives of women as complicated, embattled, and full of conflict. They also show us heroines who rise to the task of mastering the obstacles that are in their way simply because they are women.
The script is so fine, the performances so fearless and the story so engrossing that the background becomes simply background. This is one of the richest stories of motherhood (and human-hood) we’ve seen at the movies in a long time.
Women’s rights are a complicated subject. They were in 1913; they are today. And, 'Suffragette' is a complicated, richly detailed period piece, but the struggle it dramatizes — and the very real danger its characters face — is always present. There isn’t much time for tea and crumpets when you have mailboxes (not to mention politicians’ country houses) to blow up.
'The Intern' examines two fairly complicated subjects: the marginalization of both women and our rapidly aging population.
Writer and director Anna Muylaert has woven an interesting and layered story around the theme of a mother’s sacrifice. She began the project as a reflection of motherhood and social structure in her country.