Greetings,
So, last night, I was delighted when I turned on the TV and saw that my favorite movie was going to air. That movie would be The Ten Commandments. Despite the fact that I think anyone who hasn't seen this movie is very, very sad, I will happily share my review with those who have not seen it and those who have. Well, in this case, it's not just a review. I will be discussing this whole thing in great detail. Therefore, as you can tell by the title of this post, it is a review, but also a retrospective.
This movie was made in 1956, and it's nearly four hours long. I know those two facts are enough to turn a lot of people off, especially the youngsters, but, doubt me not, you will be entertained by what I consider the greatest film of all time. I may only feel that way because it was the only night of the year I was allowed to stay up passed my bedtime when I was a kid. But I bet the awesome special effects have something to do with it, too. Now I have a lot of story to take you through. I just have to do it, because it really is so rich, I want to share as much as I can. So bear with me. And, possibly, enjoy!
We are taken on the journey of Moses, from birth to near death, which is probably why it takes so long. We see his mother set him on the Nile River to spare him from Pharaoh's edict to kill all the male children, See, he's scared, rightfully so, that one of them will deliver the Israelite slaves to freedom. And since good help is hard to find, this is his extremely humane idea to take care of this problem. Humane, and a bit misogynistic, if you ask me. Hello! Just the boys? A girl could have gotten them out of there, too. In theory, anyway. I'm not trying to be sacrilegious. Ironically, Moses is saved by the Pharaoh's daughter, a princess. If she was only a self-proclaimed princess, this is how I imagine Angelina's adoptions always go. Anyway, he is raised as a prince of Egypt, and he grows up to be Charlton Heston. Now the new Pharaoh, the one who didn't try to kill him, actually is leaning towards having Moses be the successor to the throne. And this is instead of his own son, Ramses, played by Yul Brynner, who is actually one of the only people who looks like he could possibly come from Egypt. A little. While the two guys fight for the throne, they are also fighting for the love of Nefretiri, the future queen, whether she likes it or not. I guess she's like a package deal with the throne. She's like the fries that come with a combo meal. And that just feels not so great to me. But when she's as gorgeous as Anne Baxter, any guy will throw down for that. Of course, in the case of Ramses, I'm not sure that love has much to do with his wanting her. How sad.
We also meet a lot of amazing characters, some actual, historical people, some . . . I don't really know. We have Joshua, of course, played by John Derek, quite possibly one of the best looking men to ever exist. Side note: I can't tell you the levels of wrongness I feel kind of crushing on a Bible character. So wrong! He's got a lady named Lilia, again another gorgeous actress. This time it's Debra Paget. Love her, by the way. Now Joshua and Lilia are two of the "good guys" in this film, so we need some contrast. The bad dudes are Vincent Price as Baka, and Edward G. Robinson as Dathan, a total traitor to his own people. If there's one thing that this movie does well, it is the villains. And may I add that every one of the men here has a thing for Miss Debra Paget character, and who can blame them? Although, what this poor woman is put through in this story just breaks my heart, and it makes me constantly hope that she gets a happy ending.
So, thanks to some big mouth servant, who Nefretiri takes out, as in kills, Moses finds out that he's actually a Hebrew and his family are slaves. No surprise, he is a bit shocked. He decides to go out and work with them, so he can experience what his life would have been like. During this time, we get one of the best scenes in the film. It has to do with this old man dying, regretting that his one prayer was never answered. But, as you'll see, it turns out that his prayer was, in fact, answered.
Another thing that happens in this part is that Moses ends up killing Vincent Price as a little side activity and also to save the life of Joshua. All of this gets back to the Pharaoh, including the fact that Moses is apparently this deliverer that everyone feared or hoped was coming. This is something that everyone believes except Moses himself. It all makes Pharaoh a little upset. He honestly seems to feel as though he is loosing a son. So what does he do? He kicks Moses out and erases his name from everything, even the pyramids, I think, which I bet is hard to do. And they send him to the desert. A little harsh. I mean, it wasn't his fault he was born. But isn't that just how some people are.
After some very severe and painful wandering through that desert, Moses runs into some Beduins, where he meets his future wife, Sephora, again, gorgeous. And it's Yvonne DeCarlo, a.k.a Mrs. Munster. Of course, after being accepted in by the father, Jethro, Moses gets his pick of the man's six other daughters, but he loves Sephora and intends to marry her. This leads to some of the most beautiful dialogue in the film. Including my favorite movie quote of all time - "Love is not an art to us. It's life to us." Absolutely perfect.
Now, after several years go by, this is when Moses heads up to Mount Sinai, which they're really not supposed to do because God lives there. Yeah, I know. It's where we get the whole burning bush thing, where God tells Moses that he has to go and free the slaves, and Moses is like, "Excuse me?" He really does not want to go, but when God tells you to do something, you did it. So, after he comes down from the mountain, with gray hair now, which freaks out the wife a bit, he grabs his brother Aaron and off they go.
In Egypt, they find that Ramses is now Pharaoh, married to Nefretiri and father to a little boy. Duh! What was Moses expecting? And here's what happens for a while, by way of some paraphrasing.
Moses - " Let my people go!"
Pharaoh - "No!"
Moses - "Here's a plague"
Pharaoh - "Okay, you can go"
Moses - "There goes the plague"
Pharaoh - "Never mind"
Moses - "Here we go again"
How accurate. Anyway, after the worst plague, the firstborn dying one, Pharaoh actually lets them go for real. But he says it really mean, like he's mad at Moses. He even throws something. Whatever! Look, Ramses, I get that your son died, which I wouldn't wish on anyone, but you could have said leave and meant it after the frogs. You brought this on yourself. In fact, Moses even said that Ramses would be the one to speak the last plague. And he did.
So all the slaves leave, and there are a lot of them. That must have taken a lot of organization. I mean, the hugeness of this scene is overwhelming. Not to mention, this is where we get the moment that always makes me cry a little. Let's just say, we see what seems to be the beautiful end of a long life and the beginning of a new one. Again, perfection.
Anyway, as they head off joyfully into their trip, there's trouble back at the palace. Ramses is all mad and his wife, who is mad at Moses for not hooking up with her, basically insults his manhood enough to convince him to go after Moses and the Israelites, and kill Moses. He's like "Alright" and goes.
Now comes the best part. The former slaves get to the Red Sea, and it's a big sea. Everyone's thinking 'What are we gonna do?'. And Moses just flat out starts yelling, reminding them that they have seen the power of God work to save them time and time again, and they have no reason to have fear. So, therefore . . . "Behold His mighty hand!" Up goes the water, nice dry land for everyone to walk on. Let's get a move on. But about halfway through, something changes. Something that really must have tested their faith. After being held back by a pillar of fire, the pharaoh and his army start charging. They chase after the Israelites, who had a head start. So much of a head start that, once God's people were all safe on land, the walls of water came tumbling down. It's like foreshadowing for that whole Jericho thing with Joshua. Anyway, Ramses loses his whole army and returns to his wife where he utters even more great words when asked about Moses. What does he say? "His God is God". Yeah, no kidding.
But we're not done yet. Calm down, though, we're almost there. Here's where everyone gets annoying. So Moses goes up the mountain to get the titular Ten Commandments for everyone. Apparently, he stays up there for too long, because all the people decide to build a golden calf to worship, instead of God. Yeah, the people who God just saved, multiple times, decide He's taking too long. It's crazy. But we didn't get the fruits of the spirit, one of them being long suffering, until the New Testament. Anyway, we've got Dathan egging them on, and how he bamboozled his way into leaving Egypt with everyone else, I'll never know. We've got Aaron, brother of Moses, building the dang idol, because everyone pushes him to do it. Hello! Weak under peer pressure much! They even try to sacrifice Lilia! What? Always the pretty girls. So then, good timing, here comes Moses with the Ten Commandments, including the one about no graven images. What a coincidence! He's a little mad, so he throws the stone tablets down at the idol, and then, fire galore. It's awesome to behold. This should teach everyone two things: obey God and be patient.
The film ends with a few of the characters way older after all the desert wandering, deciding what to put in the Ark of the Covenant. Then Moses walks off into the sunset or whatever, and the credits roll. And so ends the best movie ever.
I know I said a lot about this film, which is why I decided to call it a retrospective as well, but watch it anyway. It is so worth it. It's beautiful and lyrical and Biblical, when they manage to be accurate. It is everything that a masterpiece of cinema should be. So I say, thank you, Mr. DeMille. You, sir, are a legend.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Stranger Than Fiction - Movie Review
Greetings,
I love movies about writers. Call me a narcissist if you must. I just love watching stories about the process of the work, even though I am well acquainted with it. But, of course, everyone's process is different. Although, I do often wonder what hopes and fears we all share. Turns out, we may share a few bizarre ones. And this is why I wanted to talk about Stranger Than Fiction.
This film is about a man named Harold Crick, an IRS agent who loves numbers. In other words, the most boring man you will ever meet. He is played by Will Ferrell and while this role can be called comedic, it goes much deeper than slapstick. Anyway, one day, as he brushes his teeth, counting as he goes, Harold begins to hear a voice in his head describing his every move. It seems he has kind of life narrator.
Naturally, he's a little curious about what's going on, but when this voice eventually says that he is going to die, he becomes desperate for an answer to what's going on. So he enlists the help of Professor Jules Hilbert, played by Dustin Hoffman, who doesn't seem that freaked out at all. Although, with the eccentricity of his character, it's not surprising. In fact, he almost acts as those this is a normal and usual occurrence. It always made me wonder if, in his experience, maybe it was.
We soon find out that the voice in his head is that of a real author named Karen Eiffel, Emma Thompson's character, who is writing, or rather trying to write a novel with Harold Crick as the main character. Her dilemma? She doesn't know how to kill him, because, in her books, someone always dies. She does not enlist the help of Penny, played by Queen Latifah, but, instead, has this woman forced upon her by the publisher who has a deadline to be met, to assist her in finishing the novel.
In the meantime, Harold is sent to audit a very hippie-like bakery owner, Anna Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhall). She obviously wants to make his life miserable and nearly succeeds, until they begin to see things in each other that they never thought they would find. I'm not sure how I feel about this character, but I see what they were going for, making her such a contrast to Harold. Some of it works for me.
Throughout the film, we follow these two parallel stories, wondering if they're even in the same world. And as time goes on, you can find yourself rooting for both Harold and Karen to succeed at what they are after, though it seems impossible for both of them to win. Still, there's something about this movie that almost asks you to believe in some kind of miracle.
I can't really say anymore without ruining the story, but this is one of those movies that can be difficult to describe and really needs to be seen. It is a great movie though, especially if you enjoy actors stepping out of their typical comfort zone of roles. You'll also love it if you love movies about writers, which, as I mentioned, I do.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
I love movies about writers. Call me a narcissist if you must. I just love watching stories about the process of the work, even though I am well acquainted with it. But, of course, everyone's process is different. Although, I do often wonder what hopes and fears we all share. Turns out, we may share a few bizarre ones. And this is why I wanted to talk about Stranger Than Fiction.
This film is about a man named Harold Crick, an IRS agent who loves numbers. In other words, the most boring man you will ever meet. He is played by Will Ferrell and while this role can be called comedic, it goes much deeper than slapstick. Anyway, one day, as he brushes his teeth, counting as he goes, Harold begins to hear a voice in his head describing his every move. It seems he has kind of life narrator.
Naturally, he's a little curious about what's going on, but when this voice eventually says that he is going to die, he becomes desperate for an answer to what's going on. So he enlists the help of Professor Jules Hilbert, played by Dustin Hoffman, who doesn't seem that freaked out at all. Although, with the eccentricity of his character, it's not surprising. In fact, he almost acts as those this is a normal and usual occurrence. It always made me wonder if, in his experience, maybe it was.
We soon find out that the voice in his head is that of a real author named Karen Eiffel, Emma Thompson's character, who is writing, or rather trying to write a novel with Harold Crick as the main character. Her dilemma? She doesn't know how to kill him, because, in her books, someone always dies. She does not enlist the help of Penny, played by Queen Latifah, but, instead, has this woman forced upon her by the publisher who has a deadline to be met, to assist her in finishing the novel.
In the meantime, Harold is sent to audit a very hippie-like bakery owner, Anna Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhall). She obviously wants to make his life miserable and nearly succeeds, until they begin to see things in each other that they never thought they would find. I'm not sure how I feel about this character, but I see what they were going for, making her such a contrast to Harold. Some of it works for me.
Throughout the film, we follow these two parallel stories, wondering if they're even in the same world. And as time goes on, you can find yourself rooting for both Harold and Karen to succeed at what they are after, though it seems impossible for both of them to win. Still, there's something about this movie that almost asks you to believe in some kind of miracle.
I can't really say anymore without ruining the story, but this is one of those movies that can be difficult to describe and really needs to be seen. It is a great movie though, especially if you enjoy actors stepping out of their typical comfort zone of roles. You'll also love it if you love movies about writers, which, as I mentioned, I do.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
For Maurice
Greetings,
I wanted my first blog of the year to be about something special and important. Few things are more special and important than paying tribute to someone whom I have greatly admired and whom I miss dearly. That person would be Maurice Gibb and today is the day he passed away, eight years ago.
Most people know Maurice Gibb as one third of the Bee Gees, and I'm sure he was always very proud to be that. But, sadly, I think he was the one that people knew the least about, especially if they weren't followers the way I had always been. While it seems that throughout the career of the Bee Gees, it was Barry and Robin who were the focal points, Maurice's contributions were undeniable and incomparable.
I hate to use the word "genius" on anyone after I've seen what can happen to the recipients, but if I was going to call one of them a genius, it would be him. Though his steps up to the mic as a soloist were few and far between, Maurice's musical abilities, vocally and instrumentally, were amazing. I wish more people gave him the credit he deserved,
On a more personal note, I think he was, to put it simply, a great guy. Of course, he had some issues and problems in his life, as we all do, but as far as I can see everyone who knew him, loved him. He had a beautiful wife and wonderful kids who grew up to be extremely talented as well, carrying on his passions for life and music. And, no doubt, he is greatly missed by his brothers, who will continue on while missing a part of themselves.
I am always saddened by the fact that I never got to meet him and thank him for being such an inspiration to me. As a writer and as a person. Maurice Gibb and his family taught me that, if you are meant to do something, never give up on it, no matter what. And, though it is difficult at times, I never have. I never will.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
I wanted my first blog of the year to be about something special and important. Few things are more special and important than paying tribute to someone whom I have greatly admired and whom I miss dearly. That person would be Maurice Gibb and today is the day he passed away, eight years ago.
Most people know Maurice Gibb as one third of the Bee Gees, and I'm sure he was always very proud to be that. But, sadly, I think he was the one that people knew the least about, especially if they weren't followers the way I had always been. While it seems that throughout the career of the Bee Gees, it was Barry and Robin who were the focal points, Maurice's contributions were undeniable and incomparable.
I hate to use the word "genius" on anyone after I've seen what can happen to the recipients, but if I was going to call one of them a genius, it would be him. Though his steps up to the mic as a soloist were few and far between, Maurice's musical abilities, vocally and instrumentally, were amazing. I wish more people gave him the credit he deserved,
On a more personal note, I think he was, to put it simply, a great guy. Of course, he had some issues and problems in his life, as we all do, but as far as I can see everyone who knew him, loved him. He had a beautiful wife and wonderful kids who grew up to be extremely talented as well, carrying on his passions for life and music. And, no doubt, he is greatly missed by his brothers, who will continue on while missing a part of themselves.
I am always saddened by the fact that I never got to meet him and thank him for being such an inspiration to me. As a writer and as a person. Maurice Gibb and his family taught me that, if you are meant to do something, never give up on it, no matter what. And, though it is difficult at times, I never have. I never will.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, December 31, 2010
Top Ten Law and Order Episodes
Greetings,
If you've come for a Top Ten Law and Order episode list, good for you. However, I've made some changes. I originally made this list at the end of 2010, right when the show ended and before I got my massive complete series DVD collection. So, in lieu of a Top Ten, I've done a Top One Hundred. Yes, you can do that with a show that lasted twenty years. If you have read THIS list before, first, thank you for returning, and second, I've made changes to my Top Ten episodes. That can happen when, the first time, you're throwing a list together quickly, trying to narrow it down to only and still also being slightly distraught over the cancellation. However, those episodes did still make the Top One Hundred. So, thanks again, for visiting, and now go ahead and search for more Law and Order goodness.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
If you've come for a Top Ten Law and Order episode list, good for you. However, I've made some changes. I originally made this list at the end of 2010, right when the show ended and before I got my massive complete series DVD collection. So, in lieu of a Top Ten, I've done a Top One Hundred. Yes, you can do that with a show that lasted twenty years. If you have read THIS list before, first, thank you for returning, and second, I've made changes to my Top Ten episodes. That can happen when, the first time, you're throwing a list together quickly, trying to narrow it down to only and still also being slightly distraught over the cancellation. However, those episodes did still make the Top One Hundred. So, thanks again, for visiting, and now go ahead and search for more Law and Order goodness.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
For Dennis
Greetings,
Two things make me sad today. First, it's the anniversary of the death of Dennis Wilson. Second, I'm sure there are many people who do not even know who Dennis Wilson is. The easy answer is to say that he was the drummer for the Beach Boys, which is no small thing, but he was so much more than that.
When people think of the Beach Boys, hopefully, the first thing they think of is the wonderful music they created. Then, of course, they remember the problems that Brian Wilson encountered while trying to keep up with the label of genius with which everyone branded him. I sympathize. He was a genius and it must have been difficult to not disappoint everyone by falling short of that title.
But imagine being a genius and not having anyone know. Well, I think that was what happened with Dennis.
Don't get me wrong. I'm certain that his family and those closest to him knew exactly the amazing things of which he was more than capable. It was the public at large that I don't think ever realized what a gift he truly was and still is. All one has to do is listen to his masterpiece album Pacific Ocean Blue to know what we lost.
That album is full of proof positive that Dennis was as blessed, if not more so, than anyone we label as a legend. Each song, each note, each word is drenched with everything that made him what he was, and he was no doubt extremely proud of this piece of art. Anyone who considers themselves an admirer should be proud of him as well. And anyone who listens to this and feels nothing must have only the coldest parts of that Pacific Ocean coursing through their veins.
Without a doubt, Dennis Wilson is one of the most underrated artists of all time. It's fine to remember and honor him today, but I choose to do so each time I get lost in the beautiful music he gave us. It was as much of a treasure as he will always be.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Two things make me sad today. First, it's the anniversary of the death of Dennis Wilson. Second, I'm sure there are many people who do not even know who Dennis Wilson is. The easy answer is to say that he was the drummer for the Beach Boys, which is no small thing, but he was so much more than that.
When people think of the Beach Boys, hopefully, the first thing they think of is the wonderful music they created. Then, of course, they remember the problems that Brian Wilson encountered while trying to keep up with the label of genius with which everyone branded him. I sympathize. He was a genius and it must have been difficult to not disappoint everyone by falling short of that title.
But imagine being a genius and not having anyone know. Well, I think that was what happened with Dennis.
Don't get me wrong. I'm certain that his family and those closest to him knew exactly the amazing things of which he was more than capable. It was the public at large that I don't think ever realized what a gift he truly was and still is. All one has to do is listen to his masterpiece album Pacific Ocean Blue to know what we lost.
That album is full of proof positive that Dennis was as blessed, if not more so, than anyone we label as a legend. Each song, each note, each word is drenched with everything that made him what he was, and he was no doubt extremely proud of this piece of art. Anyone who considers themselves an admirer should be proud of him as well. And anyone who listens to this and feels nothing must have only the coldest parts of that Pacific Ocean coursing through their veins.
Without a doubt, Dennis Wilson is one of the most underrated artists of all time. It's fine to remember and honor him today, but I choose to do so each time I get lost in the beautiful music he gave us. It was as much of a treasure as he will always be.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
For John
Greetings,
Anyone who has been taught well in their lives knows exactly why today is significant. Thirty years ago today John Lennon died. I could say we lost him, but that would be impossible. He made sure we never would lose him.
Now I could do what everyone else will do today and go on and on about how wonderful he was. I guess he was, as an artist. I could say how he was my hero and how his music saved my life. Unfortunately, that's not really true. Besides, he would absolutely hate that!
Anyone who knows anything about John Lennon knows that he wasn't afraid to mess with people, even his fans. And had you gushed over him to his face, if given such a great chance, he would have made you feel like you were insane for thinking such things. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure he appreciated everyone who loved his music, but I don't think he wanted to be anyone's hero or anyone's savior. That's one of the many reasons why I never nailed him to any cross like a lot of people have done; because he didn't want to be there. He can be a cultural icon, even a genius, but the guy was no saint.
I've always wondered, if I had been given the opportunity to meet him, would he have liked me? Call me arrogant, but I think he would have. Why? Probably, because I wouldn't be afraid to call him a jerk to his face. Sure, I would have told him that I really liked his music and I hoped he would never stop making it, but I would also have told him that sometimes he could be a screw-up, and he's got to watch that. He might have been shocked that someone would have the guts to do that, but I think he would have appreciated that truth more than anything. And, of course,I would have thrown in the fact that, when he tried hard enough, he could probably be a decent gentleman.
All I'm saying is this: he was not perfect. People want to act like he was, which proves that they are merely fans, not admirers or students or true followers. He knew he wasn't perfect, and I think it hurt him when people thought he was. If we could love him while knowing about his flaws instead of denying them, that would be what he wanted.
The truth is, John Lennon was, in fact, the one who pushed me to realize what my true calling in life is, and he has continued to inspire me for many years. And even though I never knew him, I still miss him. So, it is accurate to say that God will use anything or anyone to help us find our path. Mysterious ways, indeed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Anyone who has been taught well in their lives knows exactly why today is significant. Thirty years ago today John Lennon died. I could say we lost him, but that would be impossible. He made sure we never would lose him.
Now I could do what everyone else will do today and go on and on about how wonderful he was. I guess he was, as an artist. I could say how he was my hero and how his music saved my life. Unfortunately, that's not really true. Besides, he would absolutely hate that!
Anyone who knows anything about John Lennon knows that he wasn't afraid to mess with people, even his fans. And had you gushed over him to his face, if given such a great chance, he would have made you feel like you were insane for thinking such things. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure he appreciated everyone who loved his music, but I don't think he wanted to be anyone's hero or anyone's savior. That's one of the many reasons why I never nailed him to any cross like a lot of people have done; because he didn't want to be there. He can be a cultural icon, even a genius, but the guy was no saint.
I've always wondered, if I had been given the opportunity to meet him, would he have liked me? Call me arrogant, but I think he would have. Why? Probably, because I wouldn't be afraid to call him a jerk to his face. Sure, I would have told him that I really liked his music and I hoped he would never stop making it, but I would also have told him that sometimes he could be a screw-up, and he's got to watch that. He might have been shocked that someone would have the guts to do that, but I think he would have appreciated that truth more than anything. And, of course,I would have thrown in the fact that, when he tried hard enough, he could probably be a decent gentleman.
All I'm saying is this: he was not perfect. People want to act like he was, which proves that they are merely fans, not admirers or students or true followers. He knew he wasn't perfect, and I think it hurt him when people thought he was. If we could love him while knowing about his flaws instead of denying them, that would be what he wanted.
The truth is, John Lennon was, in fact, the one who pushed me to realize what my true calling in life is, and he has continued to inspire me for many years. And even though I never knew him, I still miss him. So, it is accurate to say that God will use anything or anyone to help us find our path. Mysterious ways, indeed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Bridges of Madison County - Movie Review
Greetings,
Isn't it amazing how people can make something so good and so . . . not so good all at the same time? I thought of this the other night as I watched The Bridges of Madison County.
First off, let me give you some important information about myself. I love Clint Eastwood. I mean, I loooove, like I love him more than anyone my age should. He's an incredible movie maker, storyteller, story finder, but I don't really have to tell anyone these things, do I? I'm sure enough people know how great he is since he has had a career that has spanned, oh, I don't know, a thousand years or so.
However, in all those years, one can never be on a mountaintop with everything they attempt to do. The valleys must be visited. This particular movie, I feel, is a combination of both.
As far as flat-out movie making skills go, this is a brilliant piece of work. Great acting and directing from the Clint and Meryl Streep. Here, she reminds us why she has been dubbed the queen of all accents. Or do only I call her that? There is so much attention paid to detail, and it was beautifully shot. So, technically, great movie. Now, let's move on to the subject matter.
This has always been considered a great, romantic love story. I could agree with that if not for one little glitch. ADULTERY IS ALWAYS BAD!!! I mean, God put it in the top ten! It's bad. While I can never excuse such behavior, I could understand why a woman may fall into such an act. If, let's say, her husband is a drunk who beats her and the kids and runs around with the pros, if you know what I mean, I could sympathize . . . a little. Still, not excusing it, though. That's not the case in this movie. Her husband is not a bad guy at all. His only crime is not being as awesome as Clint Eastwood. Or as hot. Yeah, I said it. Clint Eastwood was 65 or something when he made this movie and he was still hot. So . . . take that. And if being inadequate in these areas compared to him is a crime for any man, well, does the phrase "not enough prisons on the planet" mean anything!
And let's discuss the most unbelievable aspect of the whole "Bridges" phenomenon. As you may know, this was first a book, written by a man. That's not the unbelievable part, by the way. It was a book embraced by many, many women, I think, mostly, middle-aged housewives. They seemed to be swept away by the story of a (duh!) middle-aged housewife being romanced by a handsome stranger, giving her a break from her ho-hum life. Gotcha! But, hey, here's an idea. Let's switch it up a bit.
Let's have it be a husband who stays home alone while the wife and two kids go off to the cow show, or whatever it was. Then, who should come up the driveway in a pick-up truck, but some Angelina looking broad (type-casting) with a camera asking for directions to a bridge. And then, oops!, they trip and fall into bed. Holy double standard, Batman! I have a feeling that quite a few housewives in this country would want to beat the crap out of that "hussy". Maybe even the sames ones who loved this book and movie so much.
Finally, let me bring up the most disturbing aspect of this film. What kind of mother leaves journals filled with the torrid details of her affair to her children?! Grown children, but still. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Not with each other, nor with some stranger. I would have been like, "Thanks for the secret recipe to your award-winning apple fritters, Mom, but I could have done without your illicit, romance novel diaries!" It proves, yet again, that parents need to be parents to their children, not friends.
Wow. This turned out to be less of a review and more of an indictment of what I and a few others consider bad behavior. My apologies.
Anyway, remember, the best love stories are also the purest. In my opinion. But, hey, the cinematography was great. I know I may have gone a bit off topic here, but I just couldn't help myself. When it comes to movies, sometimes subject matter . . . matters, okay? However, if I am speaking strictly about the skill of film making, this movie is very well done. And if you want to learn how to be a skilled film maker, I say watch it. Actually, watch all of Clint Eastwood's movies should that be your life's goal. And I hope this last statement of acclamation leads to him one day forgiving me for this review.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Isn't it amazing how people can make something so good and so . . . not so good all at the same time? I thought of this the other night as I watched The Bridges of Madison County.
First off, let me give you some important information about myself. I love Clint Eastwood. I mean, I loooove, like I love him more than anyone my age should. He's an incredible movie maker, storyteller, story finder, but I don't really have to tell anyone these things, do I? I'm sure enough people know how great he is since he has had a career that has spanned, oh, I don't know, a thousand years or so.
However, in all those years, one can never be on a mountaintop with everything they attempt to do. The valleys must be visited. This particular movie, I feel, is a combination of both.
As far as flat-out movie making skills go, this is a brilliant piece of work. Great acting and directing from the Clint and Meryl Streep. Here, she reminds us why she has been dubbed the queen of all accents. Or do only I call her that? There is so much attention paid to detail, and it was beautifully shot. So, technically, great movie. Now, let's move on to the subject matter.
This has always been considered a great, romantic love story. I could agree with that if not for one little glitch. ADULTERY IS ALWAYS BAD!!! I mean, God put it in the top ten! It's bad. While I can never excuse such behavior, I could understand why a woman may fall into such an act. If, let's say, her husband is a drunk who beats her and the kids and runs around with the pros, if you know what I mean, I could sympathize . . . a little. Still, not excusing it, though. That's not the case in this movie. Her husband is not a bad guy at all. His only crime is not being as awesome as Clint Eastwood. Or as hot. Yeah, I said it. Clint Eastwood was 65 or something when he made this movie and he was still hot. So . . . take that. And if being inadequate in these areas compared to him is a crime for any man, well, does the phrase "not enough prisons on the planet" mean anything!
And let's discuss the most unbelievable aspect of the whole "Bridges" phenomenon. As you may know, this was first a book, written by a man. That's not the unbelievable part, by the way. It was a book embraced by many, many women, I think, mostly, middle-aged housewives. They seemed to be swept away by the story of a (duh!) middle-aged housewife being romanced by a handsome stranger, giving her a break from her ho-hum life. Gotcha! But, hey, here's an idea. Let's switch it up a bit.
Let's have it be a husband who stays home alone while the wife and two kids go off to the cow show, or whatever it was. Then, who should come up the driveway in a pick-up truck, but some Angelina looking broad (type-casting) with a camera asking for directions to a bridge. And then, oops!, they trip and fall into bed. Holy double standard, Batman! I have a feeling that quite a few housewives in this country would want to beat the crap out of that "hussy". Maybe even the sames ones who loved this book and movie so much.
Finally, let me bring up the most disturbing aspect of this film. What kind of mother leaves journals filled with the torrid details of her affair to her children?! Grown children, but still. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Not with each other, nor with some stranger. I would have been like, "Thanks for the secret recipe to your award-winning apple fritters, Mom, but I could have done without your illicit, romance novel diaries!" It proves, yet again, that parents need to be parents to their children, not friends.
Wow. This turned out to be less of a review and more of an indictment of what I and a few others consider bad behavior. My apologies.
Anyway, remember, the best love stories are also the purest. In my opinion. But, hey, the cinematography was great. I know I may have gone a bit off topic here, but I just couldn't help myself. When it comes to movies, sometimes subject matter . . . matters, okay? However, if I am speaking strictly about the skill of film making, this movie is very well done. And if you want to learn how to be a skilled film maker, I say watch it. Actually, watch all of Clint Eastwood's movies should that be your life's goal. And I hope this last statement of acclamation leads to him one day forgiving me for this review.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
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