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IR Film Review: DAMSEL [Netflix]
The essence of a fantasy and, by expansion, a damsel is an interesting concept of lore in today's society. The crux of "Damsel" from Netflix is wanting the romance but understanding the individuality needed. Millie Bobbie Brown, as a character, persona and performer, is bringing an interesting balance to the table in being able to bridge girlishness but with a sense of power without losing femininity as a matter of course. "Damsel" knows this inherently.
IR Film Review: MAESTRO [Netflix]
The context of an artist comes in the ideas that they want to convey. The rights to Leonard Bernstein's life is one of a necessity of a musician content in the possibility of himself and the vivacity of life but sometimes unable to control the more complex portions of social reality. Writer/Director/Star Bradley Cooper has created a beautiful at times, though disjointed at others portrait of this man, flawed in many ways, angelic in others and yet elusive.
IR Film Review: MAY/DECEMBER [Netflix]
The idea of art trying to imitate life comes down to motivation of the characters. Director Todd Haynes is known for being able to take difficult subject material and either progress it back and forth over the line. This aspect of human nature or sexuality is his forte. "May/December" exists in a different realm than say "Carol" or "Far From Heaven" since the motivations figure in peripherally
IR Film Review: NYAD [Netflix]
The aspect of adversity is reflected in the beholder and their experience. Too often, that focuses on young people. With a film like "Nyad" which chronicled the later attempts by the Olympic swimmer Diana Nyad in her 60s to make the crossing swimming from Havana to Key West, it gives two great actresses the ability to shine in their own way with a story that blends heart, humor and drama.
IR Film Review: PAIN HUSTLERS [Netflix]
It is always great to see a filmmaker stretch his wings beyond his comfort zone and see what new energy he can bring to certain material. Director David Yates and his lead actress Emily Blunt have taken an inherent American but global story and gave it an energy that shows different facets.
IR Film Review: THE KILLER [Netflix]
The approach to a thriller depends on perspective. The consequence of action usually depends on the efficiency of concept and the relationship of the protagonist to the audience. In David Fincher's "The Killer" written by Se7en's Andrew Kevin Walker, it takes both perspectives.
IR Film Review: THE CONFERENCE [Netflix]
The essence of work structure and the context of team building is an interesting background for a horror movie depending on what the characters come to represent. in that way, "The Conference", a Swedish language slasher, does accomplish its mission.
IR Film Review: FAIR PLAY [Netflix]
Jealousy can bite in a context of misery but the way "Fair Play" moves the game is undeniable, truthful and murky at the same time. It takes an older story of love in the workplace compounded by competitiveness and ups it for the new era.
IR Film Review: EL CONDE [Netflix]
The aspect of a vampire debating the textures of life from a very geographical point of view is unusual but with a director like Pablo Larrain, like Jim Jarmusch and Abel Ferrara before -- directors known for different kinds of films —- taking a swing at this idea/genre can produce both interesting results but also missed opportunities.