Life Begins At...

The Retiree Autumn 2011

Life Begins At.....

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MOVIE REVIEWS For all of the hip connotations which the Coen Brothers invoke, the cinematic themes and symbolism found in their work are undeniably biblical by nature. The Grit Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Rated: M Running Time: 110 min Distributor: Paramount Pictures By Matthew Pejkovic From the Christ like figure of The Big Lewbowski, to the exploration of mans relationship with God in A Serious Man, the Coen’s have expertly utilised a source of material often exploited by lesser filmmakers. True Grit continues that trend, with the Old Testament providing inspiration in this tale of revenge and retribution, instigated by a 14-year- old girl who will not rest until a life is given for a life. Said girl is Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld in an impressive debut performance), a stubborn and intelligent young lady whose father was murdered by one of his hired hands, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Set on hunting Chaney down, Mattie Movies which revolve around the death of a child are usually not the type worth recommending, yet none come as honest, vibrant, or witty as Rabbit Hole. Rabbit Hole Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Nicole Kidman, Tammy Blanchard, Sarah Oh, Miles Tenner, Dianne Wiest Directed by: John Cameron Mitchell Rated: M Running Time: 91 min Distributor: RoadshowPictures By Matthew Pejkovic Based on the play by David- Lindsay Abaire (who also wrote the screenplay), Rabbit Hole focuses on Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart), a married couple who lost their infant son eight months prior in a tragic accident. Both are still in mourning, yet in contrasting ways. Howie is open with his grief, while Becca puts on a facade of indifference and anger. The authenticity in its range of human emotions and interactions makes for engrossing, challenging and often awkward viewing, yet is filled with as much light as there is darkness. Such restraint and sensitivity is surprising, considering director John Cameron Mitchell’s last feature was the controversial hipster porno 138 THE RETIREE AUTUMN hires the services of US Marshall, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a harsh man in a harsh world, who gives no quarter to his enemies nor to our ears, with Bridges’ grizzled grunts perfectly in character, yet in need of subtitles. With a gasbagging Texas Ranger by the name of LaBoeuf (an always excellent Matt Damon) along for the hunt, the trio embark on an often violent pilgrimage across broad landscapes. The relationships between these characters are filled with depth and complexity, whether it be the post Civil-war political spouts between Cogburn and LaBouef, or the bond developed between the Marshall and his ward. Yet under the direction of the Coen Brothers, True Grit also becomes a parable of strong spiritual significance in its exploration of the attainment of sin in the pursuit of revenge, and mercy in the face of death. Shortbus. Here he takes to Abaire’s words and expertly translates both its tragic and comedic elements to the screen. But it is the performances that make Rabbit Hole such as a great movie. Eckhart has built a reputation as a sturdy leading man, and here he gets to flex his acting muscles with an impeccably contained portrayal of a father and husband longing for love and filled with rage. Kidman compliments Eckhart with a performance filled with defiant sorrow, tapping into that well of emotions which is her calling card, playing sassy, sad, and angry (often in the one scene). An exchange between Kidman and Dianne Weist, who portrays Becca’s mother, answers those questions with a touching honesty that hope springs from tragedy and light will always follow the darkness, a message for all to cherish.

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