The Last Waltz
Scorcese's film of the farewell concert of The Band is fabulous. Not the film, you understand, but the music. The film is a pretty average view of a concert. Let's face it, there's a limit to how innovative a concert film can be. (Though perhaps Jonathan Demme's Stop Making Sense film of Talking Heads is the exception.) It is the music that carries the film. With a steady and impressive stream of guests The Band knock out some of their best and let their guests have their own way too. Even Neil Diamond, who looks like he's turned up at the wrong theatre. It has it's comical moments too. From the interviews with the band members to the coke befuddled Neil Young, who is truly Helpless as he struggles to find the key for his own song. Great stuff.
posted by Colin Sunday, January 02, 2005
About Schmidt
Not for the emotionally faint hearted. Schmidt's world disintegrates as he retires and his loveless marriage to his wife ends when she dies. His sometimes comic, often tragic, falling to pieces is played out on the stage of his new mobile home. His shaky relationship with his distant, in many senses, daughter is a key part of him coming to terms with his new life. Her unacceptable planned marriage forces him to address the problems of their relationship. Schmidt's slightly out of character sponsoring of an african child is a medium to hear him talk about his views through letters to the child. Jack Nicholson has to be commended for playing this unflattering role and allowing himself to look his age. Kathy Bates is superb as the slightly offbeat mother-in-law to the daughter. Strong performances. Despite the marketing this is not a comic film, though it has its moments. (It annoys me that Hollywood has to stress "comic" moments because its almost impossible to market a downbeat film. I think the cover sleeve describes this film as "hilarious". It ain't that.) This is a film that I will watch again and will probably get more out of it on a second viewing.
posted by Colin Sunday, January 02, 2005
Past Reviews
January 02
February 06
March 06
April 10
June 05
June 12
June 19
June 26
November 27
June 24