June 25, 2007

If .... and Away From Her

Tonight I can recommend two films. My latest from Netflix was the newly released Criterion Collection edition of Lindsay Andreson's anti-establishment, public school tale If .... . It's one of those things that I've heard about for years, but never seen - and I've got to say it lives up to the hype. It's superbly constructed, technically, it's engrossing, and presents a world that's both exceedingly real and appropriately dream-like (especially considering the last section of the film). If you are interested in Britain in the 1960's or the early career of Malcolm McDowell, well those are extra reasons to see it. Anyway, I liked it a lot.

Jumping ahead to a film released 39 years later (that is, this year) Away From Her is also enjoyable, though obviously it's an extremely different movie. It's not quite what I was expecting. I was expecting a film that centered more clearly around Julie Christie's performance, and really it's more immediately centered around the character of her husband. But nonetheless it's moving, very well written, and nicely acted. Though honestly the performance that stuck with me wasn't Christie's (though she's good) but Kristen Thomson's nurse. But no matter, the film has several points to recommend it, and if you are looking for something that's touching and deals with relationships you might very well enjoy it (though be prepared to tear up at least once).

Posted by armand at June 25, 2007 11:17 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies


Comments
Post a comment









Remember personal info?