Take This Waltz

Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine) plays the lead in “Take This Waltz” as a restless housewife dealing with a messy love triangle. Living what appears to be an ideal life with a loving husband (the lovable Seth Rogen), Margot (Williams) seems devoted until a handsome new neighbor (Luke Kirby) comes on the scene.  Although the playful marriage she shares with Lou reflects a friendship that evolved into a life together, Margot wants some more passion than a five-year marriage has to offer. Enter the hot new artist next door.

Steamy glances and flirting ensues. Williams is incredibly convincing as a wife in the midst of an emotional struggle. Should she stay in a relationship with her husband or have an affair with the newcomer who literally describes how he would ravish her?

The movie becomes pro-longed and slows as the viewer waits for the decision. Although the premise could be relatable, the audience soon tires of the desperate longing of Margot. By the time she makes her life-changing decision the audience is weary and feels sorrier for Lou.

The most surprising performance in this film comes from Sarah Silverman who plays Lou’s sister, Geraldine. As a recovering alcoholic the comic relief and the most cathartic moments of the strenuous plot come from her. Towards the end of the film Geraldine has a discussion with Margot regarding her choice, saying that there are always gaps in life but she shouldn’t go around trying to fill them with just anything and everything.

If this film makes a statement it is about the acceptance of one’s life and the gravity of making such a choice. The conclusion doesn’t wrap up all the loose ends or whether Margot will definitely stay with the decision she has made. But life doesn’t always have a clean ending either, does it?

Mud

Set in the backwoods of a Mississippi River town, “Mud” explores a variety of issues including friendship, lost love and disturbing truths.

Matthew McConaughey (“Magic Mike”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”) gives one of the strongest performances of his career as the title character. Hiding out on an island in the middle of the Mississipi, Mud is discovered by best friends Ellis (the incredible Tye Sheriden) and Neckbone.  Cautiously the boys befriend him before finding out the crushing reality of why he is hiding out supposedly waiting for his self-proclaimed true love Juniper (played by the incomparable Reese Witherspoon).

The film intertwines the airy idealism of love conquering all before melding into the harsh truth of the real world. It’s heartwarming and surprisingly upbeat despite the consequences of some brutal actions endured by Mud and the posse tracking him down to exact revenge. 

Through it all, “Mud” shows the better, moralistic side of life. McConaughey plays a character that believes in love and respect. Although this belief is evident in his actions, the extremism in which they are portrayed suggests a broken man who only wanted to be with the woman he loves. After this ideal is shattered and the reality is suddenly clear to him, Mud begins the lovable act of protecting his new friends, at any cost. This comes at a risk to him and the boys, but through it all the friendship endures and almost makes this film an adaptation of “Stand by Me” or “A River Runs Through It”.

With outstanding performances by all involved, “Mud” shows a peaceful portrayal of a gritty world. It takes note of imperfect characters, showing all sides no matter how damaged. And the acceptance of these characters by the audience is a true testament to the film’s tragic quality.

Back from a short hiatus...

It's been awhile but I'm back and ready to review some films. The summer of 2013 was a bust for legitimate artful film-making (for the most part). Hopefully the fall/winter will be better, always is due to the Oscar buzz swarming around this time of year.

Starting us off is one of my favorite films from this past year, "Mud"...