By Robin Simmons
I love writing about movies for the CVW, and I love living here in what is arguably a hotbed of serious movie-buffs. No matter where I find myself, I always enjoy starting conversations with strangers by asking, “seen any good movies?”
This community is rife with A-list actors and filmmakers. It’s one of my greatest pleasures to have so many opportunities to engage with creative and talented people regarding the power, mystery and allure of film. Now that another Oscar year has passed, as always I found it interesting what valley residents had to say.
The majority of those I spoke to had wonderful things to say about this year’s contenders. Most had actually seen the nominated films!
There was a special affection for Brie Larson as a mother who desperately loves her son in spite of the circumstances of his conception and their unimaginable life together.
Larson Came to the CV’s Palme D’or with her movie “Short Term 12” and talked about her passion for acting which she began as a child. She relayed some of the special challenges of her chosen profession.
Also popular was Bryan Cranston’s memorable portrayal of black-listed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. I appreciated the opportunity to have an extended conversation with both Larson and Cranston when they were here in the CV talking about their movies at Cinémas Palme d’Or.
Cranston shared direct and unfiltered thoughts on screenwriter Trumbo’s heroic stance for freedom of expression which informed Cranston’s memorable performance and underscored a shared belief in the power of films to convey meaningful ideas that define and promote fundamental American freedoms.
Of course, many people mentioned Leo DiCaprio as their favorite to win a lead actor Oscar for his visceral revenge quest performance in “The Revenant.” There were rumors of Leo noshing with friends at Peabody’s only a few bicycle blocks from his new Mid-century-modern home in Palm Springs. The fact that he’s “one of us” and made the CV his home only endears him to us even more. So big congratulations to Leo and all the winners. Movies matter.
NOW PLAYING:
THE WITCH
Set in rural 17th century New England during the era of the infamous witch trials, this dark and creepy film misses numerous opportunities to further explore the engaging and relevant themes of that mysterious chapter of American history.
Writer director Robert Eggers, in his debut feature film, captures an unsettling and realistic ambiance thanks to the wonderfully atmospheric production values and shadowy cinematography.
The story begins when a family is exiled from their religious community because they believe differently. When the eldest daughter is assigned to watch her infant brother and he disappears at the edge of the dark woods that surround their new home, his disappearance raises suspicions of witchcraft that in turn triggers conflict within the family and with their faith.
The movie fails to fully engage the obvious religious debate between the sacred and the profane.
EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT
In the early 1900s, a young shaman (Nilbio Torres) in the Colombian Amazon helps a sick German explorer (Jan Bijvoet) and his local guide (Miguel Dionisio Ramos) search for a rare healing plant.
This hypnotic film reminded me of the infamous disappearance of Michael Rockfeller. I hope this film inspires filmmaker Fraser Heston to follow through on his stated plans to make a feature on the enduring Rockefeller mystery. Will we ever know if the scion of the Rockefeller empire gave up all the perks of unimaginable wealth and privilege for a savage life in a primeval jungle?
In “embrace of the Serpent” I sensed a lot of Werner Herzog’s DNA from “Aguirre Wrath of God” in this dream-like hallucinatory adventure, that’s much more than a bad acid trip.
DEADPOOL
I loved this extremely entertaining diversion about a “merc with a mouth” who is also an unexpectedly self-aware Marvel super hero who knows it and regularly breaks the fourth wall to share his thoughts with the audience.
Ryan Reynolds is just right as the profane self-healing comic hero who makes fun of everything including the fact that he’s in a pop-culture movie that plays with the tropes of the genre. I was really rooting for Deadpool while he hunted down the man who nearly destroyed his life. Tim Miller’s strong direction never lets the inside-jokes destroy the movie.
NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 3D
Experience one of the greatest true stories ever told on blu-ray 3D. Oscar winner Ron Howard (“A Beautiful mind”) directs the action adventure based on Nate Philbrick’s best-seller about the dramatic true story of the New England whaling ship The Essex that was the inspiration for Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick.” Warner Bros, Blu-ray 3D”
PSYCHO-PASS
Animé fans have been chomping at the bit for the home video release of this Japanese hit feature film that opened at #4 in the Japanese box office in January last year.
The movie is the culmination of a two- season TV series which is the most popular new sci-fi show in the past five years. The writing team is the same that worked on “Ghost in the Shell” and the “Arise” series. Funimation. DVD
