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April 28, 2008
A Broad Spectrum
These two movies are so far apart on the quality spectrum, it's weird just mentioning them in the same breath (or blog, as the case may be). But, alas, they both release tomorrow on dvd, so mention, I will.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a serious film based on the serious book of the same name. Jean-Dominique Bauby, the world-renowned editor of French ELLE magazine, suffered a stroke and was paralyzed by locked-in syndrome at the age of 43. This is his story, told from his point of view. Despite knowing beforehand that this is a true story, you may not be able to resist the urge when it is over to double-check that fact. I know I did. It seems impossible. What a brutal yet beautiful film! I will refrain from saying more except to say that it is an experience you should not miss.
Onto the other end of the quality spectrum...27 Dresses. "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." Is it proverb? An old dance hall number? A Listerine commercial? Wherever the saying comes from, this movie (please do not call it a film) about a girl...who's kind of plain...and her name's Jane...who's been a bridesmaid 27 times...and, oh, puh-leez(!)...it had me worried for my worry lines from all the wincing I was doing. The characters were so dumb, the dialogue even dumber, and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse...it didn't. In fact, there was a moment. And then another moment. So, as much as I'd love to jump on the bashing-bandwagon for this movie, the bottom line is, it's not ALL bad (let's face it -- it's not really fair to compare this kind of movie-fluff with something like "Diving Bell"). Hint: If you get as far as the really bad "Benny and the Jets" karaoke scene, the worst is over.
Also coming out tomorrow is The Golden Compass and it's a visual treat. There are fabulous sets, really great and gorgeous costumes, and fantastic special effects. And, as long as we're talking about visual treats, don't forget that Daniel Craig and Sam Elliott star.
Posted by BarbaraT at April 28, 2008 12:45 PM
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