She is the BLONDE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix from director Andrew Dominik from the Joyce Carol Oates book Blonde is the look at the life of the most recognizable BLONDE in the world.

Norma Jeane Mortenson (Lily Fisher) starts out her life with a mother who has mental issues. Gladys (Julianne Nicholson) puts Norma’s life in danger more than once and all because of what she believes to be true. When a fire breaks out, Gladys does the unthinkable! Driving with Norma in a car going towards the fire telling the police the child’s father lives in the Hollywood Hills.

All of it puts Gladys in a mental institution and Norma going to an orphanage. Skipping ahead to 1940, Marilyn Monroe (Ana de Armas) is slowly getting the attention of Hollywood – and sometimes for the wrong and most depraved reasons. Her relationship with Charles Chaplin Jr. (Xavier Samuel) and Edward G. Robinson Jr. (Evan Williams) makes her feel safe, until her agent tells her to be careful since now the 1953 role in the film Niagara is getting attention.

The problem being, Norma is pregnant and it begins a roller coaster of emotions that make her question her own mental issues. Walking away from Cass and Eddy, she meets Joe DiMaggio (Bobby Cannavale) who is absolutely infatuated with Marilyn Monroe and proposes. While filming Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she starts getting letters from someone claiming to be her father.  

Joe begins to become violently jealous of the things Norma has done as Marilyn Monroe. After shooting the dress in the windy grate scene from The Seven Year Itch, Joe becomes physically violent and the marriage is over. Soon after, she auditions for the 1955 Broadway play Magda and meets Arthur Miller (Adrien Brody) the playwright. The same thing happens as Miller becomes infatuated with Marilyn Monroe.

Moving to Maine, Norma tries to live the life outside Hollywood and the stage. Thrilled to be pregnant, once again the mental issues come into play when everything goes wrong. The cracks are beginning to show while filming Some Like It Hot and director Billy Wilder is about done with it. Her stress leads to a set doctor continually keeping her medicated.

Soon after, Norma is taken to see JKF in his hotel room. What happens there is more than she can handle because, again, it is about being with Marilyn Monroe the movie star. Returning home she discovers the death of Cass, a gift with a note that sets off an ending the world could never understand.

Ana de Armas makes it clear why she was chosen for the role of Marilyn Monroe. She manages to bring the blonde bombshell to a bit of life with her bleached hair and whispery voice. Was I taken away into this world by her performance? Honestly, occasionally I thought ‘wow, that’s a Marilyn moment’ but other times her voice kept changing and the scenes of nothingness were too long. I didn’t need to spend five minutes of my life watching her tear the house apart for her purse is an example. Then again, on the flip side, she wasn’t given the best material to work with.

Williams as Eddy has finally come into his own for those of us who recognize this actor. In this relationship with Norma/Marilyn, it becomes complicated and a bit vengeful. For those who see a familiarity, Williams was in the hit series VERSAILLES portraying Chevalier. Joining his former castmate is Tygh Runyan who played Fabien Marchal.

Cannavale as DiMaggio was in love with someone who really did not exist. His anger and acts of violence put a bit of a stain on the former beloved baseball player. Cannavale gives DiMaggio the best and worst of a man obsessed. Brody as Miller can play his character in another movie and I’d watch it! Trying to give Norma what she needs while dealing with Marilyn is no easy feat but Brody put in the effort.

Huge shout out to Nicholson as Gladys. Although her role was short, the impact was large and impressive.

Other cast include Toby Huss as Whitey, Ravil Isyanov as Billy Wilder, Catherine Dent as Jean, David Warshofsky as Mr. Z, Michael Masini as Tony Curtis, Caspar Phillipson as JFK, Sara Paxton as Miss Flynn, Rebecca Wisocky as Yvet, Tygh Runyan as Norma Jeane’s Father, Eden Riegel as Esther, Ned Bellamy as Doc Fell, Haley Webb as Brooke and Chris Lemmon as Jack Lemmon.

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information, please visit www.netflix.com.

BLONDE is not a film for everyone and on so many levels. Personally, after sitting for an extensive period of time watching, wondered what the purpose of making this film was. I suppose being a black and white film that it could be under the guise of artistic. The portrayal by the actors is well done with the material given.

My problem lies with the sadistic, gruesome, misogynistic, drawn-out scenes of rape, talking fetuses and that’s just the beginning of my list. The two-hour and forty minutes dragged on from scene to scene of Norma’s victimization and I had to force myself to continue with it. By the end I felt like a dirty accomplice to those who did the victimizing, like a peeping Thomasina!  

Director Dominik gives us nothing more than event after event of horrors to the point of making sure he has put the deep stamp of disgust with the insides of a woman’s body part. In the middle of these acts of terror are flashing cameras and crowds swallowing Norma/Marilyn up time and time again.

This is a film that does not celebrate the life of accomplishments of Norma Jeane and Marilyn Monroe. It is a slaughter of both these women who tried to live in one person.

In the end – watched by all and seen by none!

THE GOOD HOUSE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Maya Forbes, Wally Wolodarsky, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate comes a story from the 2013 novel by Ann Leary with THE GOOD HOUSE.

Hildy Good (Sigourney Weaver) is a realtor in New England who knows the how to talk to an audience. Yes, looking directly at us all, she gives us the skinny on her business, who is making her life miserable and a family that, well, are not happy with her life choices.

One of them being her love of a drink and that love is pushing her to the brink of the worst problems she could ever imagine. Trying to keep up with the housing market, Hildy relies on Frank Getchell (Kevin Kline) to do repair work on houses she is trying to sell. They have a history as well but to hear Hildy tell it, it is a mixture of good and bad.

Hildy also gets to know her neighbor Rebecca (Morena Baccarin) who has issues of her own with a marriage that is a bit messy. The one thing they share in common is the love of a good bottle of wine. But as things around Hildy start to go a little wonky, she is also diving deeper into the bottle and not recalling things that were said and done.

One morning she wakes up after a night of drinking because the whole town is looking for someone Hildy knows. It is Frank who notices that perhaps there is a secret she does not want to tell him or really does not remember, and he wants to protect her. But there comes a moment when Hildy understands what everyone around her has been saying but it took a drop to her knees to believe it is time to change.

Weaver as Hildy is perfection as a woman who is dealing with the past, uncertainty of the present and no guess at the future. In other words, she is everyone in the world but not everyone jumps into a bottle of wine (no matter how good the wine is) to the point of blackout. That explains why, when she speaks to us, we either nod or say to ourselves ‘wait a second Hildy girl!’. The story unfolding is also full of small town living and that means nothing gets past the town gossipers. Weaver gives us all of it and so much more.

Kline as Frank is much more laid back than Hildy. He has lived his life and takes everything one moment at a time. Kline, at first, kind of gets a kick out of Hildy and her antics but once they become involved, a more protective side comes into play. Out of the two, Kline is the comedic side of the pair whether he means to or not. I have to say, ladies of a certain age need more Frank’s in the world that’s for sure. The chemistry between Kline and Weaver is everything.

Baccarin as Rebecca is a neighbor who has issues that are a little bit much for Hildy to deal with sober. Hildy tries to help by listening, but when there is a clash between fun-ship and reality, she doesn’t deal with it to well. Baccarin just wants a friend but there is something off that even I thought, ‘yeaaaaahhhh, something is off here’.

Other cast include Kathryn Erbe as Wendy, Molly Brown as Emily Good, Rebecca Henderson as Tess Good, David Rasche as Scott Good, Kelly AuCoin as Brian McAllister, Beverly D’Angelo as Mamie Lang and Rob Delaney as Peter Newbold.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE GOOD HOUSE is a story of a woman trying to find her way through it all but not in the right way. When the family steps in, including an ex-husband, Hildy starts to feel the walls closing in on being told how to live her life. She laughs it off and lets them know that everything is fine and even tries to sober up on her own just to prove she’s fine.

But it only takes a small thing for the world to get out of hand again and when Hildy has the chance for a big realty deal, it is that small drink that leads to a big problem. For the first time in her life, Hildy can not hide from what she could possibly have done. The only person who wants to rescue her is Frank and, lets be honest, that is not the best thing either.

Hildy is a story of denial and, filled with fear, knowing that redemption is possible when you admit that help is not such a bad thing after all. The biggest get in all this? That Hildy learns that life is messy, families will drive you nuts, careers are in constant flux, the past doesn’t need to live rent free in your head and, love can still be kinda cool.

In the end – nothing is a secret in a small town!

They Can Only DIG

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and VOD from director K. Asher Levin, Lionsgate and Saban Films comes the intensity of the DIG.

Scott Brennan (Thomas Jane) is upset that daughter Jane (Harlow Jane) has to be tracked down. Along with his wife, they discover the girl is in a local bar. Scott is not happy, and his anger is on the edge, and it leads to devastation for the Brennan family.   

Years have passed and Scott is trying to reconnect with deaf daughter Jane, but she is experiencing anger toward her father. Back to his auto repair shop, he meets Victor (Emile Hirsh), a man with a job for him to do for extra cash. At first Scott is not interested but knows the money will help Jane.

Victor tells him to strip down a house that is being taken over for a new housing project. Heading out to the middle of nowhere, the work begins. What Scott and company do not know is that Victor and girlfriend Lola (Liana Liberato) are looking for something very specific. Scott is surprised when they two show up and mayhem begins.

Now Scott must do whatever he can to protect Jane from the gun toting Lola as he pieces together who Victor truly is and what it is he is digging for.

Jane as Brennan is a father who is trying to make up for the tragedy that effected his daughter so dearly. Taking the extra job is a way to get her something she really needs to show that not only is he sorry but wants the best for her. Jane gives us all of that in his character and his role does not physically look like an easy one. Yet, Jane is going to do what Jane does best, take a dangerous situation and keep it moving.

Harlow as Jane is a daughter who has every right to be upset with her father but adds a bit of teen attitude along with it. Going along with her father, things turn into a world she could never have imagined. Harlow portrays all of that rage and fear in her character until she comes to terms with everything that has kept her in a dark place. Well done young lady, well done!

Hirsh as Victor is, how should I put this, dangerously charming? He comes off with charm and a bit of twisted humor but that can turn on a dime. He has no issue with throwing his gun around but even then, he tries to be charming about it at the same time. Just a bit of twistedness to this character with dangerous undertones.

Liberato as Lola is just out and out a psychopath. She has no issue with shooting someone and actually gets upset when she does not get to. Messing with Jane’s mind while holding a gun to her head, she does not break a sweat. Her conscience is clear on everything that she and Victor are doing and won’t apologize for any of it. Wicked, wicked lady!

Shout out to Makana David as Tommy. Trust when I tell you he is the nicest young man and I do wish him every sucess!

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

DIG has twists and turns yet there are moments of predictability which I do not mind in the slightest. Jane comes on strong as a man who wants to protect his family, one event works, and one does not, and both call for him to keep his head. Harlow Jane’s character puts father Scott through the emotional paces and proves the acting apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Hirsch and Liberato together are remarkable and dangerous in their roles, and I loved it. They are on equal ground criminally but in such different ways that work beautifully. Charming insanity works as these two actors make it clear through their characters that they are not here to play – they are here to slay.

Grab the popcorn and watch the story unravel with each shovel full of dirt!

In the end – getting out is the deadly part!

 

 

Season Six of OUTLANDER is Here

 Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital in its sixth season is the STARZ epic and successful series OUTLANDER from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

On the homestead of Frasier’s Ridge, Claire (Caitriona Balfe), Jamie (Sam Heughan), Brianna (Sophie Skelton) and Roger (Richard Rankin) are trying to get past the episode of Claire’s brutal kidnapping. Coming up the road is their next challenge as a man from Jamie’s past, Tom Christie (Mark Lewis Jones) is looking for a place to live peacefully.

Jamie is not sure at first, but Roger already gave permission for them to begin building. They family also meets Tom’s daughter Malva (Jessica Reynolds) who takes a fascination with the doctoring Claire does and son Alan (Alexander Vlahos). Also, Jamie is asked to become a go-between for the settlers and the Native Americans.

Fergus (Cesar Domboy) and Marsali (Lauren Lyle) are having their own issues as Fergus cannot forgive himself for what happened to Claire and finds solace in a bottle leaving Marsali in a physically dangerous place. Ian (John Bell) is still trying to bring his Scottish world to mix with the Native American world he has come to embrace. The story of why he is back at Fraser Ridge is a tale of love, sadness and a fierce protection of Claire and Jamie.

Malva becomes a student of Claire’s which comes in handy seeing her father finally agree to a surgery for his hand, but it has consequences. She also learns about ether and what it can do not knowing that Claire is using it for different means. Roger has been helping Christie’s people and even helps with the church services. He also has a feeling that perhaps it is time to look into Divination school with Bree’s blessing.

Then, Claire and Jamie’s world comes undone as Malva makes an accusation against Jamie that is going to cost them everything. Trying to decide what to do becomes a moot point when what happens to Malva causes an uprising, a gunfight and an arrest of both Claire and Jamie. The surprise is that Christie agrees to go with the Fraser’s for their safety, but it proves to not be enough.

Those that are trying to keep Claire and Jamie apart clearly do not know their history!

Balfe as Claire has brought another amazing season to the OUTLANDER series. Trying to get over the brutal kidnapping, she keeps herself busy as much as she can but there are memories that just will not let her be. Claire also realizes that dates from history are coming close and that the time at Frasier Ridge is about to change forever. What she didn’t count on was Malva, innocent in face, wicked in heart – that describes it perfectly. Balfe shows even more, this season, Claire may be strong, but she also has the same human frailties.

Heughan as Jamie continues to be the strong influence on Fraser Ridge. He tries to keep everything as fair as possible but will not tolerate anyone trying to destroy his family. Staying political without getting arrested, Jamie can not sit idly by while the world needs as many people to speak up as possible. Heughan has come a long way starting out as a wild young Scotsman to this mature statesman Jamie. A man who clearly still love his wife madly and will do anything for those he considers family.

Skelton as Bree returns as a young woman who is using her future knowledge to make life easier for those around her. It may make Roger a tad uneasy because it seems Bree has found her niche. When strangers come around, she wants to help but also, like Jamie, keeps an eye out for something to be uneasy or wrong. Skelton shows Bree as such a strong woman, and I love that about this character.

Rankin as Roger is trying to find his place. He does what he can where he can but then unexpectedly finds solace in speaking at Christie’s church. When he decides that perhaps it is time to consider Divination school, he proposes it to Bree thinking she might not be receptive. He is joyous to find out that his choice going forward is supported but it means leaving Fraser’s Ridge for a time. Rankin is such a charming character; I cannot imagine any other actor making this role so wonderful.

Jones as Christie has a past with Jamie and it is always bubbling on the surface between the two men. That being said, after Claire helps him, he begins to see them both in a different light. Even when Malva has her problem, he wants to oddly protect the Fraser’s. Jones gives his character a stubbornness that it totally outward and Claire sees through it which is probably why he enjoys her company.

Reynolds as Malva is just sweet on the outside and not so sweet on the inside so what happens to her is not a surprise. She attempts manipulation and when that does not work, she goes straight for exploiting situations in her favor and causing so much harm to the Frasers. Vlahos as Alan caught me off guard for a moment. I kept thinking ‘where have I seen those lovely eyes before’, even when he spoke, I didn’t recognize the voice. It finally hit, Phillipe from the series VERSAILLES. I was thrilled to see him once again and on the opposite end of luxury, his character has issues that are not all out yet I’m thinking.

Domboy as Fergus spent the season unable to forgive himself for what happened to Claire. Running the distillery, he finds his own solace in drinking, and it is having a dangerous effect on his family. Domboy shows such sorrow that its heartbreaking. and Lyle as Marsali is trying to understand her husband’s pain but also dealing with a fourth pregnancy that has a difficult outcome for this couple.

Bell as Ian is absolutely fantastic in this series. I have enjoyed so much watching his character grow in such unexpected ways. He is a staple of Fraser Ridge but not always in an upfront way. He is aware of surroundings and has such a keen eye for things going wrong. What we learn this season is that Ian has a story that needs telling and in doing so manages to embrace two cultures that he loves. Bell gives such an awesome performance time after time, and he is such an important character for OUTLANDER.

Other cast include Caitlin O’Ryan as Lizzie Wemyss, Robin Scott as Germain Fraser, and David Berry as Lord John Grey.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

OUTLANDER Season Six brings more of the life that Claire has come to embrace with Jamie and her family. The ending of last season was so sad and horrible that had lasting issues for them all, but mainly Claire.

The series is getting closer and closer to a time in history that Claire, Jamie, Roger and Bree all know is going to change things, but they are not sure how. Instead of focusing on that (as much as I wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about it), they are taking care of more people moving to the Ridge, Indian issues, lies, deceptions, rumors and the stories we didn’t know until now.

Once again, OUTLANDER is a period piece, so I have been all in since season one. I embraced every part of the story being told and hated when the seasons were over. But, as a fan first, I can tell you that all the fans I know of the show are patient and want the series to end in a good place and in fairness to the characters.

The costuming is amazing, the settings are what one would expect of that time period and the actors have made each character they portray their own and we would expect no less. It is clear that Balfe and Heughan have given us Claire and Jamie’s journey and have done it so thoughtfully, wonderfully and, can I add, it looks like they have enjoyed it (even in the tough scenes).

This is a series worthy of binge watching and having season six in your own home entertainment library makes that all possible!

In the end – they are in the heart of the storm!

 

 

 

It is the Story of the CAVE RESCUE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Tom Waller, Grindstone and Lionsgate comes the story of danger, courage and hope with CAVE RESCUE.

In June 2018, a local soccer team, Wild Boars, and their coach in northern Thailand decided to go to the Tham Luang Nang Non (Mountain of the Sleeping Lady) cave as a reward for their hard work during practice. What the twelve boys from ages 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach did not know is that heavy rainfall came while in the cave and trapped their way out.

When a park ranger sees the kids bikes up against the rails leading to the cave, an all-out alert is made. The water and current kept anyone from discovering if the boys were trapped in a pocket or swept away. For two weeks no one knew anything!

Cave rescuers come from all around the world and one such diver is Jim Warny as the diver’s break through and find the boys 1.6 mile from the opening of the cave where they entered. Once the moment of joy has passed, now the serious work begins. As the floodwaters continue, they water has to be pumped out if the divers are to get through.

The monsoon season arrives and more rain so a plan is put in place that includes sedating the boys so they can be brought out panic free. In the process, Officer Saman Kunan lost his life but, on July 10^th – the impossible became possible as all the boys and their coach are recovered.

Cast include Erik Brown as Erik, Lawrence de Stefano as Chris, Nopadol Niyomka as Pooyai Tun, Eoin O’Brien as USAF Sgt. O’Brien, Mikko Paasi as Mikko, Todd Ruiz as Todd, Vesse Saastamoinen as PaCOM Petty Officer, Jumpa Saenprom as Mae Bua, Nirut Sirichanya as Tourism Minister.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

A little more information about those few weeks is that over 10,000 people were involved in the rescue. There were 100 divers and rescue workers, 100 government agencies, 900 police officers and 2,000 soldiers, 10 helicopters, seven ambulances, 700 diving cylinders with a pumping of over one billion liters of water from the cave.  

CAVE RESUCE is a story of bravery by those who went into the caves not knowing what they would find or what the plan was to get the boys out. They went in because it was the right thing to do! The danger came when realizing the only thing they could do was sedate the boys and put them in such a position so that if they did wake up, they would not hurt themselves or the person trying to rescue them.

That is where hope comes in. The boys waited patiently for someone to find them, and hope kept them going when it came time to do the scariest thing they could imagine. Going 1.6 miles took hours as it was a slow-moving process pushing through tight places and heavy current.

The film shows what it took to bring such an operation together but also showed how the people of Thailand from all walks of live wanted to help in any way they could. The whole event was frightening yet, everyone focused and took it step by step to do what many said was impossible.

In the end – you read the headlines now live the adventure!

 

THE AMUSEMENT PARK

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray, DVD and Digital from director George A. Romero and RLJE Films comes a story that is just a poignant today as it was in 1975 with THE AMUSEMENT PARK.

With an introduction by Lincoln Maazel, the viewer is reminded that senior citizens in society are not valued by society. His point about watching the film is that the park itself is the confusing and sometimes dangerous world senior citizens live in.

Maazel is an elderly man sitting in a room by himself covered in bandages and looks as if he has been abused. Entering the white room is another man who is friendly, jovial and not interested when Maazel tells him that there is nothing out there for him.

Yet, the man decides to go find out what is behind the door himself. When he opens the door, he is confronted with an amusement park. It is loud, noisy, and boisterous with people going every which way. He immediately comes face to face with swindlers for his money by overcharging for ride tickets.

The before getting on to the ride, he reads signs that are not in his favor because of his age. When the ride is over, he begins to see the treatment of the elderly with death, losing a drivers license, car accidents, price of food, trying to be kind and basically ignored when he truly needs help. When he starts to see what the man told him earlier, it is to late as he is beaten, and his tickets taken by bikers.

When a child shows him kindness, the man thinks that perhaps the world might have a heart, but it is all quickly taken away from him. Returning to the room, another man comes in.

Cast includes Harry Albacker, Phyllis Casterwiler, Pete Chovan, Michael Gornick, Bob Koppler, Jack Gottlob, Sally Erwin, and Marion Cook.

Special Features include Audio Commentary with Michael Gornick, Re-Opening the Park with Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, Bill % Bonnie’s Excellent Adventure with Bonnie Hinzman, For Your Amusement with Artist Ryan Carr, Panel Interview with Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, Sandra Schulberg, Greg Nicotero and Daniel Kraus, moderated by Shudder’s Samuel Zimmerman, THE AMUSEMENT PARK Official Brochure, THE AMUSEMENT PARK Script and Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery.

Shudder is an American over-the-top subscription video on demand service featuring horror, thriller and supernatural fiction titles, owned and operated by AMC Networks. For more information, please visit www.shudder.com.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK was shot over a three-day period in West View, Pennsylvania and originally produced in 1973. The film was actually thought lost until Romero received a copy of it in 2017. Desrocher-Romero saw to the restoration in 4K along with the George A. Romero Foundation.

The interesting thing about THE AMUSEMENT PARK is that the issues brought up in the film may have been devastating in 1975 but, they are the same issues that are present today with our senior community. What does that say about our society?

Forty-seven years later every issue brought up in Romero’s piece is alive and well and affecting senior citizens in devastating ways. From the affordability of a place to live to the cost of food and medical care, it is not a surprise that there is quite a community of elderly that are homeless.

That is probably the one issue not directly addressed in the film.

This is a very sad film to watch yet an important message. Romero had something to say about these issues and used his platform to bring it to light. I am sure he never imagined that all these years later, those same issues would be present in our world.

In the end – his world is still our world!

They are Looking for a MIRACLE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Bogdan George Apeitri and Film Movement is a story of a novice and a cop in MIRACLE.

Cristina Tofan (Ioana Bugarin) is a young novice in a small-town convent in Bulgaria. Needing to get away quietly to take care of a personal matter, she is helped by Sister Mina (Nora Covali). The nun’s brother Albu (Valeriu Andriuta) drives her into the city minding his own business as to why she needs to stop and change from her habit to civilian clothing.

Making her way through the city, Cristina makes an odd stop before deciding to move on. She makes an equally quick stop at the local hospital deciding it is time to go back to the convent. Hailing a cab, their drive back is filled with small chat and silence until Cristina once again asks if he could pull over so she can change.

The driver has other plans.

Marius Preda (Emanuel Parvu) is a police inspector assigned to Cristina’s case. Trying to understand her movements, he visits each place and speaks with anyone who would know anything. Back at the convent, Mother Superior and the other nuns are together on their silence, but Preda knows one nun who needs to speak up.

The case begins to tear at Preda who becomes enraged as more people do not speak – especially Cristina. She has a bigger story to tell. The only one that can speak on a moment on that day is the Dr. Matalia Marcu (Ana Ularu). Feeling like he is close to taking the law into his own hands, Preda comes face to face so to speak with the evil that men do.

Parvu as Marius is a man that becomes obsessed with the case he has been given. Knowing that there is so much more to the story than he can get from any person, the frustration begins to set in. Parvu gives us the portrayal of a man who is obsessed with what has happened to the young novice and wants to make it right, but at what cost?

Bugarin as Cristina is a quiet young girl who is caught in between worlds. Finding solace and refuge in the convent will not solve her problems and there comes a moment where she knows that. Bugarin gives us a character that is mousy in her approach with people, and in the case of her taxi driver, one moment of worldly trust leads to a horrific crime.

Other cast include Cezar Antal as Batin, Valentin Popescu as Dr. Ivan, Ovidiu Crisan as Officer Macarie, Marian Ralea as Dr. Mihaescu, Natalia Calin as Sister Sebastiana, Catalina Moga as Sister Sofia, Mirea Postelnicu as Officer Amzea, Dan Grigoras as Agent Ticu, Bogdan Farcas as Florin, Bogdan Tascu as Bordei and Ion Grosu as Officer Bodola.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

Official Selection Mostra Internazionale D’Arte Cinematografica La Biennale Di Venezi in 2021.

MIRACLE is such a mix telling the story of Cristina and Preda. One is the story of a young girl trying to solve a worldly problem in the midst of a convent. The other is the story of a man obsessed with what has happened to this young girl and the frustration that leads to a shocking end.

Keeping the cast small allows the story to play out without distraction. Simply put, the story does not become bogged down by other things which kept my interest. I wanted to know Cristina’s story and I wanted to know why Preda was pushed to the point that he was. The choice of locations to film near the bridge and wooded area become a quiet character in the story as well.

MIRACLE is also an Official Venice Film Festival Selection for Director Apetri. The DVD includes a Director’s Commentary and the Bonus Apetri Short Film ‘A Very Small Trilogy of Loneliness’. A man, a woman and a child are seen by themselves at an isolated location in three sequences that convey a haunting sense of longing and alienation.

In the end – it is about a miracle.