Movie: NORMAN--The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer

Junebug and I watched a film last night on cable movies on demand.  I remember when the movie came out it interested me.

This movie might not be everyone's cup of tea.  It certainly isn't a film that cost a billion dollars to make and is about comic book characters, animation or films geared for male aggressive pleasure.  If that is your taste I apologize.  I mean no insult.  It's just that in this day and my age there are so few films that appeal to my taste.  This is sort of a dark comedy/drama.  We thought it was great.

Richard Gere plays the lead character (Norman Oppenheimer).  I thought this was one of his best performance.  He should do more character roles.  He has the chops to do it.  The cast is impressive too:  Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Hank Azaria, Josh Charles and others.

RottenTomato gave it an 89% critic rating which is high.  Although I could care less what critics say. If a movie interests me I'll watch it, just as we did with Norman.

Gere delivers an impressive performance.  IMDb describes the story :  "Norman Oppenheimer is a small time operator who befriends a young politician at a low point in his life. Three years later, when the politician becomes an influential world leader, Norman's life dramatically changes for better and worse (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4191702/)"

It is an impressive ensemble cast performance, a very curious story line, great cinematography and film editing as well as directing.  The ending was absolutely perfect in my opinion.  There are a few moments in the film that seem prescient to the lunatic Donald Trump.  The film was made in 2016 so someone was a little clairvoyant in the Israeli Prime Minister character.   There are many moments when two characters are communicated by phone and the screen juxtaposes both actors side by side.  It looks like they next door to each other.  I know I'm not explaining it well, but I really was impressed.

This is a small little film that delivers on every level.

I have a feeling some of you mayfind it boring.  We didn't.  It was a compelling, piercing, emotional, heartfelt piece of film-making.

Richard Gere is at his finest (although this is not his only commendable performance)!

INDEPENDENT films: 3 Generations & This Beautiful Fantastic

 I love movies and have for my entire life.  Unfortunately, the film industry's obsession with comic book-themed films that are obscenely over budget (and not interesting) are the overwhelming product that are made these days.

I have always loved independent films.  They aren't very prolific these days.  So I don't see movies very often.

Tonight was an exception.  We watched two movies that were pay per view on tv. They were good in different ways.  But I feel satisfied, which is rare, with our movie viewing experience tonight.

The two indie movies that the Bug (my mom) and I enjoyed tonight are:

3 Generations--Naomi Watts, Susan Sarandon, Elle Fanning and others.  "After Ray [Elle Fanning} decides to transition from female to male, Ray's mother, Maggie [Naomi Watts], must come to terms with the decision while tracking down Ray's biological father to get his legal consent."  Sarandon plays the mother to Naomi Watts and grandmother to Elle Fanning.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4158624/

This Beautiful Fantastic--Starring most notably Tom Wilkinson and Anna Chancellor (she played "Duckface" in 4 Weddings and a Funeral).  "A young woman who dreams of being a children's author makes an unlikely friendship with a cantankerous, rich old widower."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4560008/

A GREAT Independent Movie: TABLE 19

We just finished watching a great, quirky small independent film titled, Table 19.  It has a great cast (Lisa Kudrow, Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, among others).

Years ago in my 20's, 30's and 40's I relished indie films.  And they were prolific compared to 2017.  Most movies are made for young men.  They have recently been the drivers for the billions of dollars generated by testosterone-geared movies.  I was very happy to see that Wonder Woman which is from that genre, defeat and make huge amounts of money.  I'm thrilled.  But I doubt I'll watch the movie.

Table 19 is a film about a handful of odd characters who find themselves seated at the last table of a wedding dinner.  They are individually eccentric, to say the least.  I really enjoyed this film.  I wish more indie films were made.  I'm so old that maybe I'm just clueless.  But I would recommend Table 19!  If you don't like it then go watch the latest $300 M Mavil comic book which will premiered next Friday.

Great cast.  Good script.  Good production values.  And not about comic book characters.  I doubt they even spent more than $20-$30M to make it.