INSOMNIAC SONG

DRAMA

My Week with Marilyn

Starring: Michelle Williams, Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh, Julia Ormond
Directed by: Simon Curtis
Rating: R
Run time: 99 minutes

Synopsis: Colin Clark, an employee of Sir Laurence Olivier's, documents the tense interaction between Olivier and Marilyn Monroe during production of The Prince and the Showgirl.

 

I had a few issues going into this one. As a fan of Marilyn Monroe’s films, I wasn’t sure whether the tale of Colin Clark’s alleged time with Miss Monroe would be any good. There is truth to the story. Mr. Clark had worked on The Prince and the Showgirl as a personal assistant/third director. Miss Monroe did star in the film and have trouble with Sir Laurence Olivier, her co-star and director. She was frequently late and disruptive by the accounts of several members of the crew and cast. However, I’m fairly sure that’s where the truth ends.
 
With all that aside, the film stands on the performance of Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. Miss Williams captures the essence of Miss Monroe fairly well with all the vulnerability and sensuality that she was capable of. It’s in the scenes where she’s allowed to flourish that Williams shines the brightest. Sure, she doesn’t look like Marilyn Monroe, but she captured the most important elements. This is particularly clear in the scene where the depths of Marilyn’s loneliness are explored. ‘People always see Marilyn Monroe. As soon as they realize I'm not her, they run.’  The actress was most often seen as an object instead of a person.
 
Most of the other performances aren’t lacking. Dame Judi Dench is well suited to her role as Sybil Thorndike. Julia Ormond does a good performance as Vivian Leigh. Yet, both of these actresses weren’t given nearly enough screen time. Dougary Scott falls into the same category as the actresses. He was quite believable as the exasperated husband of Miss Monroe, Arthur Miller. Kenneth Branagh does a superb performance caught between expectant director and accomplished actor as Sir Laurence Olivier.
 There is just something flat about the rest of the film. Eddie Redmayne as Colin Clark felt out of place to me. This wasn’t exactly where the downfall happened. There was much about the movie that seemed as if there was simply something missing. This can only be the fault of a weak script and the work of the director. Simon Curtis failed to really make the film feel like he’d captured the nuances of his characters and locations. I can’t help wondering what a more accomplished director could have done with it.
 
If you’re a fan of Marilyn Monroe, you may want to stay away from this film simply due to preconceived notions of what Miss Monroe was like. Take a chance on it if you’re open minded. You may enjoy Michelle Williams’ take on Marilyn. 

Rating: 3;5/5

 

​DRAMA

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

 

Starring: Gianna Jun, Li Bingbing, Vivian Wu, Archie Kao
Directed by: Wayne Wang
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 120 minutes
Synopsis: Dual storylines set in 19th century and modern day China centers on the lifelong friendship between two sets of women.
Based on: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
 

If you’ve read Lisa See’s 2005 novel of the same name, you’re likely not going to like this film. The novel strictly tells only the story of Snow Flower and Lily. The film, however, adds the characters of Sophia and Nina. Most fans of the book would dismiss the film simply for that addition. Put the novel aside and enjoy the film as a tale of two sets of women bound together through love and friendship. Those who find it hard to put the novel aside or follow dual storylines simply won’t enjoy this film.

 

The stories both focus on how life can twist and change relationships. Snow Flower and Lily come together as laotong (old sames) after being set up by a matchmaker. It’s thought that this will aid each girl by raising their status for arranged marriages. They are taken from their families and learn to rely on one another as they communicate in a secret language called Nu shu. Both girls have had to go through the brutal practice of foot binding and are eventually set up with marriages. This move separates them once again. Over the years, their relationship strengthens and fails as the hardships of their lives are faced.

 

Sophia and Nina are introduced to the idea of laotong as teenagers. They had been friends since childhood and sign their laotong contract on the cover of their favorite Faye Wong album. Just as Snow Flower and Lily faced changes in their relationship so do Sophia and Nina. They’re first separated by Sophia’s stepmother who disapproves of the friendship. As they grow older, the women must learn how to remain united and the depths of their bonds.

 

There’s a delicate balance in portraying the two sets of friends. Both sets are played convincingly by Li Bingbing and Gianna Jun. While Li Bingbing’s performance often outshined her costar, both women did very well in their dual roles. It’s in these emotional moments of the two women together that you get the sense that they only truly found affection and acceptance from one another.

 

Wayne Wang has crafted a beautiful film about the depths of friendship. The cinematography is great. Locations and costuming also help to weave the stories into something visually striking. However, the film often moves very slowly which will disappoint most viewers. It’s not the film for those who aren’t willing to emotionally invest in a slow, steady plot.

 

Rating: 3.5/5

DRAMA

Robot & Frank

Starring: Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler, Peter Sarsgaard, James Marsdene
Directed by: Jake Schreier
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 89 minutes

Synopsis: Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.

 

I didn’t know much about this film going into it. The synopsis seemed interesting enough for me to give it a try on a rainy afternoon. An elder man lives alone sometime in the near future. His children are busy with their own lives. The daughter is a philanthropist. The son has his own family and a law practice. They’re reluctant to place him into a care facility so the son gives him a robot caretaker. Frank is reluctant to live with the robot, but it soon becomes his best friend.
 
This isn’t a film where you’re going to be pushed to think or driven to act. It’s a film that is ultimately driven by the desire to move the audience to feel something. The filmmakers were right to rely on simplicity and focus on the emotions of the story. There aren’t any elaborate sets. Most of the film takes place in Frank’s home and the library he frequents.
 
Frank Langella’s performance makes the entire film. The character development for him as he changes from a lonely, neglected man into someone happier through friendship was heartwarming. James Marsden does well as the neglectful, distracted son. He can’t be blamed for having his own life. Liv Tyler’s character seemed a little odd as the daughter who hates robot servitude, but she grows on you as her scenes go on. As usual, Susan Sarandon’s performance was superb. To tell you anything else would be to give away too much of the film.
 
Robot & Frank is funny, heartwarming and sad all at the same time.  For the fans of indie films, dramas and the heartwarming, give Robot & Frank a chance. Hopefully, it’ll leave you feeling a little more aware of those around you and the friendships you cherish. 

Rating: 4.5/5