Since arriving in “Tinseltown,” we’ve had the opportunity to see a few films. Our friend Count, a film critic, was going to take us to the first preview of “The Hateful Eight,” Quentin Tarantino’s new film, but it was cancelled at the last minute.
Of the three films we saw, the two taking place during the cold war were excellent. The third was an experience.
Excellent – Bridge of Spies
This is Spielberg’s latest. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers’ only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man’s freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court.
I won’t be the spoiler, but James Donovan turns out to be quite a guy. We all decided we’d like insurance company negotiators to help out if we were in similar situations. I could easily see an Oscar nomination for Mark Rylance, the actor portraying the Soviet spy.
An Experience – Heart of a Dog
Renowned multidisciplinary artist Laurie Anderson reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother, her beloved dog, and such diverse subjects as family memories, surveillance, and Buddhist teachings.
This got great Rotten Tomato and viewer scores, but we thought it a bit self-important. The closest thing I can think of was Bunuel’s “An Andalusian Dog,” last seen by most in college. I doubt there will be any Oscar nominations. We had originally planned on going the previous weekend when Laurie Anderson was going to do a Q & A after. I suspect this would have been much more interesting.
Excellent – Trumbo
In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. TRUMBO (directed by Jay Roach) recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice of the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren), to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, and Otto Preminger.
We loved the movie. The casting was superb. I would expect to see Bryan Cranston up for Best Actor, and the movie up for Best Picture. It’s got everything, and it’s about Hollywood, the Academy’s favorite subject.
Have you seen any of these films at the old Laemmle theatre in Fallbrook? If not, go…It’s now an AMC and ALL the chairs are recliners. You can book online. VERY comfy, but don’t go if you’re sleepy!