"Winter's Bone" and "Cyrus" are two very different films about the bonds of family.
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| Director Debra Granik |
"Cyrus," explores the bond between a mother and son and how much bonding is healthy. John's ex-wife (Catherine Keener) tells him she's getting married then proceeds to invite him to a party to meet other women. John (John Reilly) gets totally sloshed at the party, yet miraculously manages to pick up the most understanding woman, Molly, (the vivacious Marisa Tomei) with his clumsy attempt at honesty. John can't help but be drawn to Molly's kind heart. The relationship gets off to a great start. Then John meets Molly's 21 year-old, home-schooled, new age musician son, Cyrus (Jonas Hill). Suffice it to say that it is a very close family. Single mom Molly is so protective of her boy that she can't see the battle he is waging with John over her affections. "Cryus," has a different tone than most comedies. It is quirky and original, yet it somehow feels real. "Cyrus," is about the ties that blind, eh, bind between mother and son; and whether a mere man should get between them. Can love win out in the end?
It is more than the theme that binds this thriller and comedy. They also share truly original, honest writing and great performances. These are two of the best films I've seen for a while.
Movie blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com
5 comments:
Hi Jana,
*Waves*
Saying hello on your page. :)
Yes, I'm leaving my blog open over here, I might even start posting again I'm not sure. At least the writing only posts. You should try the networkedblogs on facebook, that gets people a chance to see the blog even if they don't use blogger or some other type of blog. :)
I'm not sure if you are on my FB author page, you can have your review of movies there and whatnot. :) It's still writing!
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1538247294748#!/profile.php?id=100001105560598
Hope you are doing well.
Jamie
Jana, I agree "Winter's Bone" is among the best films I've seen this year. I go to the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis. Often it's like having a private screening.
In addition to the portrait of courage, the aesthetics of the film strongly support the theme. The moody pale palette of blues makes the red touches toward the end pop. The spareness of sound and tolerance of silence beautifully sets off the haunting mountain music.
Janet Riehl
Jana, I liked "Cyrus" a lot. I thought it was a story that could have turned into a very typical Hollywood slapstick mess, with the plain-joe nice guy looking like a fool over and over again until the wise-ass kid got his comeuppance, only it played out in a much more realistic way. John C. Reilly was great, and the film-makers also thought to include the timeless Marisa Tomei in order to please me.
(Jonah Hill needs to lose some weight or he's going to become the next Hollywood tragedy.)
Just went to the fascinating panel discussion of "Winter's Bone" at the Film Forward series in Tucson, AZ. Co-producer Kathryn Dean shared how she hung out with the locals to gain their trust to use their property and learn their way of life. Also, they cast as many locals as they could to give the film an authentic feel.
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