“FRANCES HA” ****
Meet Frances. She is young, beautiful, smart and has a noticeable problem, which is pretty much the fact she doesn’t really know what she really wants in life, neither what’s her role in the world. You’re about to open the doors and let Greta Gerwig in because the experience of studying such a character, her behavior, aspirations, self conflicts and her view on life, is an irresistible offer.
The result of her collaboration with director Noah Baumbach, with whom she wrote the screenplay, on creating this figure that reflects on young urban life-style of modern New Yorkers, is a remarkable portrait of a generation looking for an opportunity of reaching out success, facing the insecurities of economy, pollution and over population with a fresh and optimistic perspective on the horizon. Again, Baumbach proves he’s an amazing director, with his tasteful choices of creating social studies based on experiences that resembles reality through his characters’ emotions dealing with love and work relationships. His talent as a filmmaker is definitely one of a kind. With the story of Frances Ha, he makes a superb comedy, getting back to the great sense of humor demonstrated in “Squid And Whale” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, which he penned with another great modern auteur Wes Anderson.
Greta’s performance is lovely and intriguing enough to conquer the Academy’s affection. I’m betting hard she will be granted an Oscar nod. Mickey Sumner, also wins our hearts as Frances’ best friend, and should also be remembered as one of this year’s great performers. It’s a heart-warming experience, with nostalgic and astonishing cinematography in B&W, reassuring the importance of American independent films. A Must-See.
BYZANTIUM
Neil Jordan’s latest, is a sexy tale about two female vampires trying to survive and keep their immortality secret, but unfortunately it never decides between a gore horror comedy or a drama about a girl in search of herself. It has its moments but it doesn’t compensate the dragging narrative.
SHUN LI AND THE POET
Delicate and poignant drama about a Chinese immigrant struggling in Italy to collect money enough to bring her son, focusing on the relationship she develops with a fisherman, known for his talent on creating rhymes. Director Andrea Serge creates a touching portrait of economic crisis, family values, cultural clashes and the poetic connections of these two lonely figures, supported by incredible performances and the stunning cinematography by Luca Bigazzi. Available on DVD on Amazon or Visit www.filmmovement.com
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