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FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Author(s): Maia (CA)
Darwin Discovered
Directed by Jean-Jacques
Annaud
Written by Matt Greenhalgh
Edited by Tim Squyres
Cinematography by Eric Gautier
Production Design by Patrice Vermette
Makeup by John E. Jackson
Costume Design by Milena Canonero
Original Score by Elliot Goldenthal
Original Song “The Power of Place” written by Elliot Goldenthal
And performed by Ecuador’s National Academy of Music
Main Cast
Anthony Hopkins as Charles Darwin
Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Darwin – Age 35
Pete Postlethwaite as Captain Robert FitzRoy
Jeremy Northam as John Stevens Henslow
Bill Nighy as Julian Ferguson
Hugh Dancy as Thomas Malthus
Georgie Henley as Annie Darwin
And Penelope Wilton as Emma Darwin
Tagline: “A man of evolution, a life of revolution”
Synopsis:
1836, The Galapagos Islands (Sunrise)
Five years had passed since the morning Charles Robert Darwin left
London and embarked on the second voyage of the prestigious HSM Beagle:
It had only been two months since the sudden passing of his daughter
Annie but his wife Emma already knew he had changed forever. It is
well-known the young naturalist lost his faith after Annie’s death but
it is also true his grief only made him even more curious and
adventurous. Intrigued, driven by his new found skepticism, Darwin took
the advice of his old friend and mentor, John Stevens Henslow; and met
with Robert FitzRoy, the captain of The Beagle. Friendship was born
almost immediately; some even say they became like father and son during
their five-year journey. Truth is, both men shared a deep passion for
the secrets of nature and both were used to be misunderstood.
But the journey had now come to an end; this was the last sunrise Darwin
would see in the mysterious, spellbinding Galapagos. There would be no
more encounters with its magical creatures and they would be no longer
called monsters or the fantasies of drunken sailors. They were real, as
real as the last image he’d see as he walked back to the Beagle that
last morning: there was his Annie, so fragile and so vivid. It would be
a memory that would haunt him forever…
Twenty five years later, the young explorer had become a celebrated yet
controversial author; he had evolved just like his mythic creatures from
Galapagos. He was now an old, bald man with a bushy beard but he was
also a wise man, one who could share his stories with the many young
pupils (like that vigorous Thomas Malthus) who would listen to them.
But not everyone was so impressed with Darwin’s theories. Since his book
The Origin of the Species had stirred controversy a few years ago;
Charles and Emma had grown apart. She, being a devoted christian,
couldn’t live knowing her church was accusing him of heresy. Still, she
stood by his side as any wife back then would, but the incessant attacks
from influential politicians like Julian Ferguson were slowly breaking
her apart.
A decade of equal fame and mockery later, Charles Robert Darwin knew the
end was close. It was now when his usual dream had become a lively,
recurrent fantasy. He could see Annie and Galapagos everywhere; even
awake while he walked by the mighty Thames. It was the one vision in his
mind that had never changed; the one he didn’t want it to evolve…
What the press would say:
Exhibiting a unique richness of sensory detail and poetic narrative,
Annaud’s “Darwin Discovered” is among the most inspiring and satisfying
biopics in recent years. Combining the fantastic elements of the magic
realism and a stunning visual style that is able to captivate the viewer
without being a distraction, the French director has found the most
graceful style to represent the world as seen by an avant-garde
personality like Charles Darwin.
During the film’s early minutes, Annaud and his crew introduce us to
their vision, or shall we say Darwin’s vision of the undiscovered
Galapagos. A magic territory where magnificent creatures, from giant
reptiles to colorful birds; come to life in beautiful, surreal
sequences. Here in this eye-catching world, Matthew Macfadyen steals our
attention as soon as the pic begins; the Pride & Prejudice actor plays
the young Darwin as a man suddenly becoming a boy playing explorer,
thrilled by the unknown world around him. His expressive performance is
the vehicle for Galapagos to come to life but most importantly, for us
to understand the real greatness of Darwin’s discovery on nature and
evolution.
Once the film takes a twenty-five year leap, it’s only fitting to have a
screen legend like Anthony Hopkins playing an icon like Darwin. Apart
from the effective casting work, Hopkins is able to deliver a majestic
performance filled with courage, depth and empathy but also packed with
a distinguishable dignity that makes us connect with the unique man he
is playing. Hopkins embodies his character with grand determination and
the result is a reflective, magnetic portrayal of a man born ahead of
his time.
The rest of the cast doesn’t disappoint: West End veteran Penelope
Wilton portrays Darwin’s tormented wife with poise and bravado; Oscar
nominee Pete Postlethwaite is captivating on the film’s early minutes as
the illustrious captain Robert FitzRoy and although she is mostly seen,
not heard; Narnia’s Georgie Henley gets her chance to shine during that
climatic sequence when Galapagos emerges out of the Thames and her
character and Hopkins’ make their heartbreaking farewell.
“Darwin Discovered” is indeed a touching portrayal of a man who lived
his life as a genuine revolution and who never settled to live it as a
simple process of evolution.
Please consider “Darwin Discovered” during the upcoming awards season in
the following categories:
Best Picture (Drama)
Best Director (Annaud)
Best Actor (Hopkins)
Best Supporting Actor (Macfadyen)
Best Supporting Actress (Wilton)
Best Supporting Actor (Postlethwaite)
Best Supporting Actress (Henley)
Best Adapted Screenplay
Author(s): AJ Bell
(TN)
Dementia Ascending
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED by
Sean Penn
Main Cast
Ewan McGregor as Private Till
Christian Bale as Captain Wade
James McAvoy as Private Kearney
Colin Farrell as Private Hughes
with Geoffrey Rush General Pine
and Ewan Bremmer as Charles Scout
Tagline: "IN THE DARK BEAUTY OF EMPTINESS, WHO CAN SEE THE LIGHT?"
Synopsis: Private Till has always looked up to Captain Wade. When they
attacked the British embassy, he was right there. In fact, Wade had even
saved his life there. There was no mention of this afterward, of course,
because Wade didn't think anything of it. "This is war, and in war we do
what we must," he would always say. But deep down, hidden by all that
pride, Till knew that it meant something to him. When his homeland of
Ireland declared war on England, he knew now, that he could prove his
worth to his Captain. Show him that he too, could be a hero.
Four years into the war, General Pine delivered Wade a special
assignment. British Prime Minister Laughlin would be traveling to an
encampment near the border of Russia, and he gave him the honorable task
of executing the assassination. His crew, which consisted on Pvt.
Kearney, Pvt. Hughes, himself, and Pvt. Till, would complete the task.
But before they know it, they must flee for their lives and end up
crashing their helicopter into the middle of the Russian wilderness.
With all communications systems out, they would have to rely on no
British finding them, and their own countrymen locating them instead.
Trapped in the icy, dark, forest-like tundra of the U.S.S.R. they soon
lost all hope of ever being found. They began to build shelter, and hunt
for food, while also trying to fix what little communication devices
they had. But the dark, and vast emptiness of the terrain was too much
to bear for some, and over time, Wade and Hughes start to lose
themselves to isolation.
While hunting for their dinner, Till spots something among the trees. He
looks a little closer and notices that it is an English Scout. He fires
a round into the scout's leg, and he falls. They capture him, and Wade
tries desperately to get information out of him. Kearney becomes friends
with the scout, and they talk about how the scout was originally an
Irishman, but moved to England as a teenager, and was drafted for the
war. Then Wade bursts into the conversation and takes the scout out in
front the entire troupe. With the devil burning in his eyes, he executes
the scout. This upsets Kearney, who lets Wade know that that is not the
way to treat a POW. Wade only replies with, "This is war, and in war we
do what we must." Kearney and Wade get into a dispute, ending in Kearney
being shot alongside his friend, the scout.
Till cannot take Wade anymore, with his dementia ascending at the rate
it is, he fears that they will all be dead soon. He tries to tell
Hughes, but Hughes is just as crazy as Wade. The conclusion Till can see
is to kill Wade. He stands over him while he sleeps, holding a gun to
him. He just can't find it in himself to shoot a man he admires so much.
He walks out of the tent, just as Hughes pulls a gun on him. Hughes
tells Wade what Till was about to do, and they prepare Till for an
execution. Seconds before he would've pulled the trigger, an Irish
helicopter flies in from the distance. General Pine is seen standing
near the doors, but it is too late. Pine watches as Wade finally loses
all control, and fires a round into Till.
What the press would say:
Sean Penn's masterful
adaptation of the classic novel, Lord of the Flies, is beyond words.
Penn crafts the haunting tale of a not so distant future in which
Ireland and Britain are at war. Private Till (Ewan McGregor in what is
indeed his finest performance since Trainspotting) is torn between his
mentor and father figure, and doing what he in his heart knows is right.
Christian Bale gives on hell of a performance as the crazed Captain
Wade. When he is sitting alone in the woods, Bale's expressions just
ooze psychotic mess. This is the one performance this year that is sure
to rack up award after award. Ewan McGregor is fantastic as the young,
naïve protégé of Bale, and when he is debating whether or not to kill
Wade, it is truly heartbreaking. McAvoy shines as the one person who
stands up to Wade and pays for it dearly. And Farrell gives one of his
best to date as the right hand man in the crazy whirlpool that is Wade.
Bremmer has a brief cameo, and it is scene stealing. And Rush is
terrific as the General who was the cause of all this turmoil. Penn's
stylistic and artful direction is astounding, and he truly shows the
isolation these characters are going through. Dementia Ascending is the
one to beat this year, and it will prove difficult to any of those who
try.
BEST PICTURE
BEST DIRECTOR – SEAN PENN
BEST ACTOR – CHRISTIAN BALE
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – EWAN McGREGOR
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – JAMES McAVOY
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Author(s): Tony (PA)
A Final Prayer
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Written by Mark Romanek
Main Cast:
Mark Ruffalo as Jozsef Barsi
Elle Fanning Judith Barsi
Marcia Gay Harden as Maria Barsi
Sydney McCallister as Cassidy
Tagline: "When happiness is reached, so is tragedy"
Synopsis: Jozsef Barsi carries his exhausted wife Maria out the door as
he rushes for their departure from the country. They are Hungarian
immigrants, desperately trying to flee from the Hungarian revolution
into America, where opportunities await. He caresses his wife closely
and holds her tightly; she is difficult to hold being pregnant with
their first born child. Jozsef can't wait to be a father. He knows he
can give her promise and satisfaction, perhaps life in another place. He
kisses Maria's forehead and tells her they are almost to their
destination, Los Angeles. This is where their daughter is born, Judith
Eva Barsi.
Jozsef becomes a role model for his wife and child. The job search is on
but no luck, until he lands a job being a plumber. His dream is to
provide his family with the love and care he never experienced growing
up. Maria has dreams of becoming an actress, but those dreams never come
true for her. While young Judith is skating at an ice rink, she is
spotted by a talent scout. Judith has the look and personality for
television, but she is small for her age. Therefore, she is forced to be
injected with growth hormones. As of that day, Judith Barsi becomes a
star. She appears in over 70 commercials and lands jobs doing voice
acting for films such as "Land Before Time," and "All Dogs Go to
Heaven."
In the beginning, Jozsef becomes more envious of his 6 year old daughter
the more she becomes famous. They are still on welfare and Jozsef is
laid off. He watches her career grow, thus triggering an emotional
distress and paranoia coming from his painful childhood growing up in
Hungary. This causes him to snap and profusely threaten to kill Judith
and Maria. Maria doesn't know where the rage comes from, but she still
sees the man that saved her life in a falling country. He refuses to
have her work as well. Judith is finally encouraged to see a child
psychologist after all the mental and physical abuse. She even began to
pluck at her eyebrows and eyelashes to relieve the pain. Maria never
pressed any charges, therefore the case was never followed up.
It is at the start of 4th grade when Judith begins bringing in 100,000
dollars a year. This money buys a house in a small neighborhood. This is
where she meets her best friend Cassidy. At this time, Jozsef, still
unemployed, becomes an alcoholic, and threatens his family with knifes
and pans. With jealousy and anger clouding his thoughts, it is only a
matter of time before he does something devastating. Maria glows
watching her daughter succeed, but feels her soul burn watching her
husband deteriorate as he continues to threaten her.
On July 25, 1988, Judith hears the footsteps moving towards her bedroom
door, hoping it is her mother coming to tuck her in. The noise gets
closer as the door creeks open. Jozsef Barsi walks towards his daughters
bed, looks down at her, and pulls the trigger. Maria barges into the
room as another shot is fired. He falls to the ground in tears and
anguish as he pours the gasoline all throughout the house. He walks out
into the garage, and pulls the trigger one last time. That night the
neighbor phones the fire department, and they later find the bodies.
Days go by and Cassidy is without her friend. She takes care of Judith's
cats, which she loved so much. The memories live on, but the tragedy
would stay branded in their hearts forever.
What the press would say:
Strange occurrences happen all over the world. Sometimes we look at
movies to escape the on-going bizarreness of our nature. However,
sometimes it's the movies that makes us question if our species as a
whole can count on each other to survive. Sidney Lumet's "A Final
Prayer" is one of those films. The film is based on the horrific story
that happened a little under ten years ago that brought hopelessness and
shock to a city. A precious gem was taken away from us on an unspeakable
and puzzling crime. Pure Lumet is added onto this masterpiece by the way
he develops the characters and how he creates tension through the
anxiety from his camera work. With the help from "One Hour Photo" writer
Mark Romaneck, the two explore how fragmented a family can become when
an evil and external force lurks in the air. Mark Ruffalo plays that
force as Jozsef Barsi. In the opening scene we're introduced to a humble
and caring individual. Mark Ruffalo's transition can be somewhat
compared to Jack Nicholson in "The Shining," only less forced and based
on development. Ruffalo gives more emphasis to the role with the
Hungarian accent and strong, brutal presence that builds on after each
scene. What makes this performance more scary is his behavior isn't
cliche, but more real. Playing the infamous Judith Barsi is young Elle
Fanning. Fanning has never been so deep into a performance. It demands
her to be lovable but just by the look in her eyes, we must see sadness
and pain. Fanning feeds all her emotions from this role and does our
beloved Judith justice. Her later scenes in the film with Mark are
mentally unstable to watch which creates a terrific, yet disturbing
atmosphere. Lastly, Marcia Gay Harden plays our troubled mother, caught
between her loyalty and perhaps stubbornness towards her husband. We
know from the dialogue that Jozsef did great things for Maria to earn
her trust and respect. To see her husband dwindle in front of her eyes
is a challenge for any actress that must be put under that immense
pressure and heart break. Harden always has a knack for posing as the
antagonist in some minds. The scene where she turns down the press
charges makes us all question her decisions; in the end it may have cost
her life and her daughter. It's a character we sympathize with, but
never admire.
Closing out this review, "A Final Prayer" never answers the whys or
wherefores. The script is simply made for us, the viewers, to make our
own judgments on what really did trigger Joszef's actions. There are
many layers to look into, but at the center is the life of Judith Barsi.
A life that every child dreams of, being someone important. It's also a
life that some of us recognize, how truly thankful we are for what we
have. One minute she was there, and the next she wasn't. The final scene
where Cassidy feeds Judith's cats as she breaks down in tears may very
well solidify this film to having one of the most powerful conclusions
ever on screen. Even if the viewer is familiar with this story and
outcome, it still comes off as harrowing, chilling, and simply put real.
FYC:
Best Picture - Sidney Lumet and Mark Romanek
Best Actor - Mark Ruffalo
Best Supporting Actress - Elle Fanning
Best Supporting Actress - Marcia Gay Harden
Best Director - Sidney Lumet
Best Original Screenplay - Mark Romanek
Author(s): Chris P.
(IL)
The Great Affair
Directed by Stephen
Frears
Screenplay by Tom Stoppard
Cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel
Edited by Pietro Scalia
Music by Howard Shore
Main Cast
Clive Owen as Richard
Burton
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Elizabeth Taylor
Harry Connick, Jr. as Eddie Fisher
Emily Watson as Sybil Burton
Tagline: "Their lives
were all but a scene."
Synopsis: It's the
glamorous scene of 1960's Hollywood. 20th Century Fox's highly
anticipated film, "Cleopatra" is suffering from a heap of negative
press. First, the movie nearly bankrupt the studio because of its
extremely high budgeting price and second, the off-screen love affair
between co-stars, Elizabeth Taylor (Jones) and Richard Burton (Owen), is
causing a tremendous amount of chaos and has created an international
scandal that the public, media, paparazzi, and tabloid magazines are
devouring with pleasure.
For Liz and Richard,
their love was a way of finding admiration away from home. He was
married to his long time wife, Sybil (Watson), and she was wed to her
former co-star and companion during the death of her last husband, Eddie
Fisher (Connick, Jr.). Once news breaks about their extramarital
activities on the set of their film, it damages their marriages, their
reputations, and even their own relationship. Sybil, who is devastated
over her husband's unfaithfulness, leaves him. This leads Richard to
become dependent on alcohol and causes him to repeatedly call off his
relationship with Liz so he could reunite with his estranged wife.
Elizabeth, who is rushed to the hospital with food poisoning, is
confronted by Eddie who wants to reconcile with her but is unsure on how
to forgive her.
But soon, Liz and Richard
are back together and are married a year later. Their marriage, however,
is plagued with many tempestuous set backs. Richard begins to lose
credibility as a respected stage actor and becomes more unstable as his
drinking and insomnia gets worse, Liz starts to gain weight as her
indulgences for food and liquor grows ,which makes her an ideal target
for the press, and their constant bitter fighting and arguments leads to
a divorce and finally to an unsuccessful reconciliation. "The Great
Affair" is the spectacular story about two of cinema's greatest actors,
their complicated relationship, and the personal demons they had to
face.
What the Press Would Say:
"The Great Affair", the
latest from Academy Award-nominated director, Stephen Frears ("The
Queen"), is a masterful Hollywood epic done to perfection. Telling the
story of two of Hollywood's greatest icons and their tumultuous romance
would have been a failure if done by any other director at the helm. But
Frears succeeds by capturing the true nature of this famous couple's
relationship and really digs deep into the personal struggles they had
to face. The screenplay written by Tom Stoppard ("Shakespeare in Love")
is just as impressive. Stoppard ignores the usual biopic clichés and
gives these characters real depth and humanism. Technically speaking,
this film looks fantastic. The viewer really feels the enchanting
atmosphere of the era and what it must have been like for these
characters to live during this time. The amazing performances are
definitely worth recognizing as well. Oscar winner, Catherine
Zeta-Jones, probably delivers the most risky and challenging performance
of her career playing the fabulous Elizabeth Taylor. Jones gives her
best work since "Chicago". She perfectly captures Elizabeth's essence.
The glamor, the drama, the larger than life persona, it's all there and
done in such a magnificent way.
Academy-Award nominee,
Clive Owen, stars as Richard Burton. Owen manages to steal every scene
he's in. He superbly portrays the legendary but troubled actor with an
incredible amount of intensity and shows the real misery this man had to
face while up against the public and his life. The supporting
performances by Harry Connick, Jr. and Oscar nominated Emily Watson
really make a lasting impression. Connick, Jr. plays Eddie Fisher, Liz
Taylor's supportive husband who only wants to be with his wife but is
frustrated by all the media attention her affair is getting him in. He
does a phenomenal job at portraying a man who loved his wife but was
unsure on how to accept her betrayal. Emily Watson portrays Sybil
Burton, Richard's heartbroken wife who leaves her husband after he does
the unthinkable to her. Watson creates a character that is sympathetic
yet strong at the same time. It's extraordinary work. Overall, "The
Great Affair" should be called one of the best films of the year. It's
stunning performances, directing, writing, and technicals are all top
notch and the film does a riveting job at showing what it was like for
the people involved in this sensational Hollywood affair.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - Stephen Frears
Best Actor - Clive Owen
Best Actress - Catherine Zeta-Jones
Best Supporting Actor - Harry Connick, Jr.
Best Supporting Actress - Emily Watson
Best Original Screenplay
And In All Technical Categories
Author(s): D.W. (NV)
Her Journal
Directed by Kathryn
Bigelow
Written by Robin Swicord
Inspired by the novel "Ella Price's Journal" by Dorothy Bryant
Music by Mark Isham
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Lucy Fisher
Main Cast:
Jacqueline McKenzie as
Felice Chandler
Mark Ruffalo as Judd Chandler
Scout Taylor-Compton as Melanie Chandler
Kiefer Sutherland as Professor Barry Harkin
Kathleen Quinlan as Debbie Plain
Tagline: "The words came and made her free."
Synopsis: 1967, San Francisco, California. The streets of Haight-Ashbury
are roarin' with hippies, protestors, stoners and artists galore. The
Vietnam War reaches it's pinnacle, the world is changing and people are
engaging. It is the 'Summer of Love'. For 35 yr old Felice Chandler
(Jacqueline McKenzie), devoted house-wife and mother, it is the 'Summer
of Change'.
Struggling novelist of a husband, Judd (Mark Ruffalo) called it a phase,
but for Felice, taking a creative writing course at the local bay area
community college was a chance at finding a missing piece in her life.
Out of touch and out of time, but ultimately tired of watching the world
turn without her, she took her studies seriously. Her first assignment;
Begin a journal.
Her journal would give us insight into a woman that would test herself
with tough decisions, and break down the gender barriers. Her journal
would lead to the steamy attraction, yet unsatisfying affair with her
sexually inept English professor, Barry Harkin (Kiefer Sutherland) that
leads to a forbidden abortion. Her journal takes her to the violent
protests against the war where she meets her new best friend, the
bi-curious journalist, Debbie Plain (Kathleen Quinlan), who is anxious
to publish her journal to promote women's lib. Her journal is an object
of jealousy for her husband when he finds out her affair and plans to
publish, after his hokey western novels are continually passed over. Her
journal hugely influences her once innocent daughter, Melanie (Scout
Taylor-Compton) who joins the burning-bra/free-love/pro-drug movement
that leads to a disturbing end when she is sexually corrupted by someone
close.
Thanksgiving 1967
Dearest Journal,
The turkey is stuffed, the sweet potatoes are baked, and the pumpkin
pie...well, the pie is bought. Melanie promised she would be here, I
hope she comes. Judd said he would let her come, but it's her decision.
This holiday has not come easy. It was only two weeks ago when I found
her in my bed crying while my "best friend" lay naked and dead from a
drug overdose. This journal has been both my savior and my nemesis, yet
remains the only friend I have left. But I have to let go and build a
heaven on the ground or maybe...hold that thought...there's a knock at
the door.
What the Press Would Say:
Roger Ebert once said of
director, Kathryn Bigelow, "...she is interested in the ways her
characters live dangerously for philosophical reasons.". Her talent is
unquestioned and admired by her peers, and "Her Journal" is her stamp of
approval and masterpiece. Known for her critically acclaimed
action-thriller Point Break, Bigelow sets out to showcase her
versatility and sensibility.
"Her Journal", a story inspired by Dorothy Bryant's acclaimed novel,
"Ella Price's Journal" that centers around a stereotypical housewife
(Jacqueline McKenzie) of the 60's living in a 50's household, watching
the world change without her, prompting her to take up a class at the
local community college where her assignments center around writing a
journal. The journal is the outlet she needs that allows for her
emotions and feelings to pour out. And they flow like a river. She
enters the peace/protest movement, experiments with drugs, sex, and
everything the district of Haight-Ashbury could offer at that time. What
wasn't expected were the effects it would have on her family dynamic.
When the three closest people in her life uncover her journal, their
worlds are rocked. Husband Judd (Mark Ruffalo) succumbs to his jealousy
when he can't fathom how his wife can write about her short-comings and
promiscuity, while he can't find a publisher who'll give his western
novels the time of day. Felice's teenage daughter (Scout Taylor-Compton)
falls into the hippy crowd, and ultimately out of her element. The
antagonists, teacher Barry Harkin (Kiefer Sutherland) who sexually
seduces her into a love affair and abandons her with news of her
pregnancy, and best friend Debbie Plain (Kathleen Quinlan) draws Felice
into a life she wasn't ready for. Perfectly cast Quinlan and Sutherland
play down their characters who are real, relatable and often times
eccentric. Sutherland’s performance is thickly layered in the affair
scene where he under performs; his reaction is shameful but his actions
play as a metaphor for the times when he blames his lackluster
performance on the woman. Quinlan as best friend Debbie, a character
inspired by Glenn Close’s feminist crusader Jenny Fields in The World
According to Garp plays as her evil twin sister. A pair of memorable
performances that should not go unrecognized come Oscar season.
Writer, Robin Swicord (Little Women) carefully pinpoints each cause and
effect action her lead character makes, and leaves no question
unanswered. It is a straight-forward, uncompromising look at a woman
fighting for her own independence. She accentuates her flaws, but is
sure to celebrate Felice's inspiring moments. It's not everyday a
woman's role like this comes. Australian-born actress Jacqueline
McKenzie is best known for playing the precocious girlfriend in Russell
Crowe’s break-out film, “Romper Stomper”. McKenzie, who famously beat
out many actresses for the role, makes her mark here as the rebel
housewife, displaying fear, nervousness and anxiousness through more
expression than dialogue. Her narration is a brilliant tool Bigelow uses
for McKenzie to experiment with a more silent-acting approach. In the
beginning her journal entries are narrated, where as time moves on, she
becomes more independent and outspoken, with no narration, only until
the final bittersweet scene.
In the end, Felice will go through emotions she never wanted, decisions
she'd never thought she'd make...to live a life of complete freedom, but
at what cost? Her memoirs would take her from liberation to tragedy but
end with a sense of hope for not just her but for her wayward daughter.
"Her Journal" is a film not to be forgotten with some of the most
memorable scenes ever put to film. Watch it for Bigelow's canvas like
settings and tricky direction. Watch it for Swicord's original spin on
an acclaimed novel. Watch it for the unforgettable chemistry Jacqueline
McKenzie has with the likes of Ruffalo, Sutherland and Quinlan. Watch it
for Mark Isham's tantalizing score. "Her Journal" is a film that is
written in the wind, caught in mid-air, framed and placed in a museum.
Best Picture
Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow
Best Actress - Jacqueline McKenzie
Best Supporting Actor - Mark Ruffalo
Best Supporting Actor - Kiefer Sutherland
Best Supporting Actress - Kathleen Quinlan
Best Adapted Screenplay - Robin Swicord
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