nobodyz

Set in 1930's small town Texas are two unlikely characters: one who is an accomplished writer and one who "wants to be". Their journey is a rare story these days (writing this in 2009) in writing or on the screen. Not since watching "84 Charring Cross Road" have I applauded such realism. Bob Howard, famed author of "Conan the Barbarian" is seen as he was in real life through the eyes of an unusually brave woman, Novalyne Price (the story taken directly from her book "One Who Walked Alone").

Howard (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) was a real loner who found himself in love; an impossible situation for any recluse, let alone a perhaps misunderstood misanthropic one. Price (played by Rene Zellweger), carries the other hard end of the bargain, a sociable yet independent single woman in 1930's Texas who's burden of loving him is even more unimaginable to bear, but not in any of the trite ways one might think. Most of us cower from those who do not "behave" as society dictates, or to be more blunt, as our loved ones dictate; Price does and doesn't, in a classy yet grounded blend of grace. Both characters are surprising and totally human. Shot in only 24 days, this "little" movie is a buy-to-own keeper. No wonder Zellweger went on to movie stardom after this role.

To quote Rene, her performance is in part "Many thanks to Vincent". An amazing portrait of the best of both actor's range of talent. Recommended highly.

Having written a few reviews that berate other movies for not having a storyline, I thought it my duty to write at least one review for what I consider to be EXCELLENT in this department.

You could remove all the special effects, the beautiful and amazing Linda Hamilton, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger from this film, and STILL have a gripping, edge-of-your-seat, can't-go-to-the-bathroom for fear you'll-miss-a-single-moment story.

Many have written about T2. I only add my comment to point to what I consider to be an example of the best story telling around. If only Hollywood realized it's the story that either makes or breaks any movie! How can they miss this simple truth, when people stayed up all night, often going without sleep, in order to read books; and did so for centuries with no pictures, sound or special effects? Well, once in a while, we all get lucky and a movie like Terminator 2 comes out. This is true story telling at it's most intimate, frightening, hopeful, despairing and inspiring best. I would rate it 20/10 if they let me.

At first, this movie draws you in. At first, there are promises made. Any writer worth their "salt" knows better than to make promises then not keep them. How this movie got it's fame is beyond me. Shame on Roger Ebert for being sucked into Hollywood's need to be worshiped, regardless of the cost.

If this movie is "inventive" I want to know why the songs I wrote as an angst-ridden teen aren't being played on radios the world over! For god sakes, I could write a better script than this one, and I've never written a script. But one thing I am well aware of as a writer: there needs to either be the standard "beginning, middle, end" or it needs to be so incredibly astounding a ride that the viewers go willingly. Let's just say, I kicked and screamed all the way through it, cursing those who gave it such high praise.

The only good thing I can say about this movie is that I did not recognize Cameron Diaz. That's an amazing trick.