After the Wedding

"After the Wedding" is a remake of the 2006 acclaimed Danish film of the same name

written by Susanne Bier. This new version, with an adapted screenplay 

by Bart Freundlich, who also directed the film, stars Mr. Freundlich's wife,

Julianne Moore, and Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup and Abby Quinn.

Remembering the old adage, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it", I found the film

to be interesting and, in the case of Ms. Moore, extremely well acted, but

that's where the accolades end. Although only 110 minutes in length, it

seemed longer. Also, Ms. Williams' performance was under stated

and so low key that it looked like she "phoned it in" for it lacked the

emotional dedication that one would expect from someone playing

her character.

I give the film 2 and 1/2 stars with a suggestion to Mr. and

Mrs. Freundlich that it's sometimes better for an artist to create

an entirely new work of art than to try and touch-up an old

painting.

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio and was

written and directed by Quentin Tarentino. Imagine trying to rate a dinner cooked by

a chef when the oven fails and you have to wait until a later time to finish the meal.

This is the situation I found myself in when, a week ago and  2/3 into the film, the entire theater complex went dark due to a power failure and I had to catch the last 1/3 of the film 7 days later. So now, with that burden disclosed and acknowledging that I never was really a fan of Mr. DiCaprio, I must confess that I found the film not only entertaining but well written and well acted too. Mr. DiCaprio was thoroughly believable as a “Clint Eastwood type” who, like Clint, goes from Western TV actor (i.e. “Rawhide”) to spaghetti-western star, as his character's life ultimately interwines with his neighbors on Il Cielo Drive in the hills above Sunset Blvd.and, ultimately, the intruding members of the Manson family. Brad Pitt is absolutely superb in his role as the friend of and stunt man for the DiCaprio TV western star.

Having lived and been part of the early days of TV as well as the Tate-LaBianca killings, the film is really a trip along nostalgia lane as the viewer is once again reminded of the many landmarks in Los Angeles in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Perhaps this is why those who have no familiarity with the city or the time in which the film takes place found it  less enjoyable to watch. All that being said, this is a movie about Hollywood and those who earned their livelihood in it aided by excellent performances from its to two leading men and a host of major stars in cameo appearances. I give the film 3 and ½ stars for, despite its almost 3 hours in length, for me, at least, it was a worthwhile and positive theatrical experience.