News ... March 2001

Something in Common

by Liz Mayer

"What did you think of the movie?"

It's astonishing, sometimes, how different, how wildly divergent, our impressions of a film can be. Your eyes still glued to the credits, your head still buzzing with the magic that you witnessed, you seek affirmation from the person next to you: "Wasn't that amazing?"

"Amazing?" sniffs your seatmate. "It was awful. I hated it. How could you like it?"

You might think that the movie critics — the people that get paid to pass judgement — could be expected to offer a more informed — and hence more uniform — opinion of a movie's worth. But the friends you shared a beer with after the show have no monopoly on dissension. "A cinematic triumph," says the Vancouver Sun. "A flop," counters the Globe and Mail, "an out-and-out miserable failure." On the entertainment page, at the bar, in our car on the way back home, we're all left asking one question: "Did they see the same movie?"

But let's be fair. Read enough reviews and you'll find that something good about a movie — really good — will find its way into even the most critical review. The essential strength of the film will emerge, revealing an unassailable quality that cannot be diminished.

In the QFA's first March 7th offering, "State and Main," it is the writing, the quick-witted, whip-smart dialogue that draws unanimous critical admiration. "It's not a lie, it's a gift for fiction," says William H. Macey, playing a morally bankrupt movie director in David Mamet's comedic fable about a Hollywood movie crew in upstate New York. "The film's energy is all in the language, in the fast-talking Hollywoodese that Mr. Mamet slings with a devilish understanding of movie industry double-talk," says New York Times critic Stephen Houlden. "What 'State and Main' has, and what makes it distinctly Mamet, is brilliant dialogue," agrees Reel.com reviewer James Berardinelli.

A sense of restraint, of taking the emotional high road, seems to impress the critics of "You Can Count on Me," another American film showing on March 21st. A poignant story about a brother and sister who reconcile their relationship, the film relies on nuance, not melodrama, to examine this rarely portrayed aspect of family dynamics. Says Carla Meyer of the San Franciso Chronicle: "The idea of showing a realistic brother-sister relationship is novel; it's usually overwrought cinematic territory. 'You Can Count on Me' lacks theatrics, incestuous overtones, or a crazy mama in the attic. It's simply a quiet and heartbreaking look at one family." Katherine Monk of the CBC agrees: "Kudos to Longeran for having the directorial humility to let his script do the talking...."

There's no need to hunt between the lines for common ground in the Cannes grand prize-winning movie, "Dancer in the Dark" (April 4th). Though some critics despise it, others herald it, they all agree on one thing: the acting is brilliant. "A landmark performance that is impossible to forget," says the San Franciso Chronicle of Björk, the Icelandic pop diva who also won Best Actress at Cannes for her role in Lars Von Trier's dark, theatric tale. Her achievement is singular, says the National Post: "If you accept that great actors always make it impossible for you to see anyone else in their role, then it is easy to say that Björk delivers a great and astonishing performance." A.O. Scott, in the New York Times agrees: "... Björk seems to be inventing a new style of film acting, if not an entirely new kind of human being."

Graciousness and tolerance are the qualities that emerge in April's second (April 18th) screening. "Not of This World," Italy's top award winner, has been roundly praised for its dignity and quiet inspiration. A tale of a young nun who finds a newborn baby, then pursues the baby's parents, the movie calmly holds its moral fire. "While critical of the whole premise of devoting one's life to a God who may or may not exist," says the Montreal Gazette, "it respects people who practice this form of commitment." Adds James Berardinelli: "Spirtuality and belief are ... never treated with cynicism or disdain." Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times concludes: "Not of This World's continued sense of discovery and revelation, expressed with subtlety and grace, humour and compassion, is its shining accomplishment."

Even with common territory established, critical discord still prevails — just as it does around the table. But as you call for another round, or read another newspaper review, remember this: the best movies make the best arguments.

WHAT'S PLAYING AROUND TOWN?

Reciprocal arrangements with Cinefest Picton and the Great Napanee Film Society mean that QFA members now enjoy an added perk with their annual memberships. The Picton and Napanee film groups will honour your QFA membership for the members' price at films, and Cinefest and Napanee members are invited to pay the members' price at QFA films.

Cinefest Picton
Cinefest movies are screened at the Regent Theatre on Main Street in Picton every second Monday evening at 8 pm. Coming soon ...
     March 12  Best in Show
     March 26  Grass
     April 9  You Can Count on Me
     April 23  Malena
     May 7  In the Mood for Love
     May 21  Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Great Napanee Film Society
The Great Napanee Film Society screens movies at 6 pm on the last Sunday of each month. For more information, please call 613-386-7777.
     Sunday March 25  La Veuve de Saint-Pierre
     Sunday April 29  State and Main
     Sunday May 27  Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

PAST NEWSLETTERS ON-LINE

January 2001 -- Film Circuit Wins Drucker Award for Innovation
Plus: Review of the 25th Toronto International Film Festival Preludes
November 2000 -- QFA Goes to the Festivals
August 2000 -- QFA Supports Canadian Filmmakers
April 2000 -- Small is Beautiful
March 2000 -- Film Festival Get-Away: Cinéfest Sudbury Tour
February 2000 -- Cinéfest Bus Trip
January 2000 -- The Malkovich Effect
November 1999 -- Coming to Earth: Director Deepa Mehta Survives an Indian Fire-Storm
September 1999 -- Welcome to our Fifth Season
May 1999 -- It's Your Turn, Laura / C'est à ton tour, Laura Cadieux
March 1999 -- The Cinematic Tourist: Lessons of Foreign Films