By Robin E. Simmons
NOW PLAYING:
LOBSTER
David (Colin Farrell) is a man who has just been dumped by his wife. He lives in a society where single people have 45 days to find true love, or else they are turned into the animal of their choice and released into the woods. David has checked into a mysterious hotel where he searches for a new partner, but he makes a daring escape and joins a The Loners a rebel faction who reject the very idea of romance. Soon, David meets an enigmatic stranger (Rachel Weisz) who stirs strong feelings.
(Photo by Kay Topping Shackleton) 
THE LOBSTER was a perfect fit for the final Q&A at Cinemas Palme D’or where part owner Bryan Cranston shared a lively and revealing conversation with Colin Farrell. Personal and professional stories from both men held the packed house enthralled. This audacious film — is it a romantic fable? –From writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos and his terrific cast may not be for all tastes. It is goofily absurd in places and the overall oppressiveness never fully evaporates. Is it a satire? Or a sci-fi fantasy? I have no idea, but as discomforting as it was, I loved it. Mainly for its sheer audaciousness and dark humor. This film does not pander to one’s expectations. Even now in retrospect, I have no idea what this movie is really about, but I think Kafka, George Orwell and Jean Paul Sartre might put it on their top ten list. Recommended.
ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
I was disappointed but fully immersed in the lush world of Alice (Mia Wasikowska) as she returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp). Lewis Carroll’s characters come alive again thanks to a returning all-star (Depp, Anne Hathaway, Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter plus the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. New characters included Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), the latter a peculiar creature that’s part human, part clock. The 3D is great and I was entertained not so much by the story as by the extraordinary production values. But when it was over, I was not satisfied and still hungry for a more fulfilling and rewarding story. And frankly, I’ve seen enough of Johnny Depp, as talented as he is, in white face.
NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:
ANOMALISA
Hailed by top critics as a “stop-motion marvel,” “staggeringly inventive” and “the most human film of the year.” Anomalisa marks another brilliant and utterly distinctive highlight in Charlie Kaufman’s filmography. It’s a thought-provoking treat for fans of introspective weirdness. The story follows Michael Stone – husband, father and noted author – as he travels to Cincinnati to speak at a customer service conference. But once he’s separated from the comfortable routine of his daily life, a chance encounter helps enlightens him to what he’s been missing. Charlie Kaufman’s play has been adeptly brought to life by the genius of animator Duke Johnson. It was the 2016 Oscar© Nominee for Best Animated Feature Film.
A one-night stand in the hotel Fregoli (Google the word) merges love, laughter and loneliness in this remarkable parable featuring the superb voice acting of David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan. You’ve never seen a “puppet movie” like this. The haunting images will linger long after final fade out. The critic who called it “the most human film of the year” is correct. Nice extras explore the creative process that went into the crafting of this masterpiece. Recommended. Paramount. Blu-ray.
THE PLAYER (1992)
Tim Robbins is Hollywood studio executive with a defective moral compass who finds himself caught up in a criminal situation that would be right at home in one of his movie projects. This widely loved film is more than a biting industry satire. From my experience in the movie biz, it rings truer than one might guess. Especially the stark and naked ambition displayed throughout and the many outrageous justifications for shameful behavior. The story is based on Michael Tolkin’s stylish novel about a Hollywood murder. Director Robert Altman adeptly mixes elements of film noir with dark comedy. The perfect supporting cast features: Peter Gallagher, Whoopi Goldberg, Greta Scacchi, Dean Stockwell, Fred Ward and a dollop of star cameos that make for an engaging Hollywood who’s who. The pristine 4K digital restoration is beautiful and consistent with Criterion’s high standards. Among the generous extras:
• Audio commentary from 1992 featuring director Robert Altman, writer Michael Tolkin, and cinematographer Jean Lépine
• Interview with Altman from 1992
• New interviews with writer Tolkin, actor Tim Robbins, associate producer David Levy, and production designer Stephen Altman
vCannes Film Festival press conference from 1992 with cast and crew
• Robert Altman’s Players, a short documentary about the shooting of the film’s fund-raiser scene.
• Also, “Map to the Stars,” a gallery dedicated to the cameo appearances in the film. Criterion. Blu-ray.
HAIL CAESAR
When the world’s biggest movie star (George Clooney) goes missing, it’s up to studio ”fixer” Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) to rescue him. Besides Clooney and Brolin, this richly detailed period comedy set in Hollywood’s Golden Age features Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Jonah Hill, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Alden Ehrenreich and Frances McDormand. The story unfolds during a single day in the complicated life of fixer Mannix who must recover his leading man while simultaneously appeasing singing cowboy star Hobie Doyle (Ehrenreich), disgruntled director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes), swimming sensation DeeAnna Moran (Scarlet Johansson) and song-and-dance superstar Burt Gurney (Channing Tatum), all while horse trading information to keep his talent’s names out of the gossip columns written by rival siblings Thora and Thessaly Thacker (Tilda Swinton). This well-crafted celebration of old Hollywood’s crazier life-style is a perfect fit for Writer/director Coen brothers who have previously explored their shared fascination for vintage Hollywood. This is not among their best films, but the exuberance of the enterprise and the lush production values make it worth a watch. Universal. Blu-ray.
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