haridam0

A morally ambiguous tale is told within a quite murky structure. It seems to wander here and there, without the feeling of anything but free form. Rather reminded me a bit of that similar detective yarn of yore, "The Big Sleep," in which Bogart and Bacall danced around a convoluted script--and managed to get away with it.

The acting in "Gone, Baby Gone" is so confident and dedicated, and the production so convinced of itself, that when one "doesn't get" everything, one tends to think it's just their lack of understanding.

I suppose if one would make the effort to analyze everything, much of it would make sense. Indeed, the production is designed to make one think all the ends are tied up. Still I've a suspicion that some of it's a conjurer's trick, through crafty writing and editing manipulation. Director Afflect shows us just what he wants us to see at any one time, leaving other "bits of evidence" either out or delayed, to create a "surprise effect" down the road.

Lead actor Affect slurs and mumbles his way through his lines, I suppose giving a "realistic" performance. Some of the violence seemed a bit gratuitous and pat; still, I admit the plot needs some action from time to time to liven things up.

How long this film will "last" remains to be seen. I've a feeling it won't be among the "great" detective stories, but only time will tell. On the positive side, Messers. Afflect and cast and crew have made a respectable piece of work, and the much of the public and critics tend to agree. ###

Only days following its New York premiere, "For the Bible Tells Me So" plays Cinematheque, Cleveland Ohio's superb film series.

A capacity audience sits attentively through this informative feature, responding audibly to its content and ending with loud applause. I found the work well prepared and executed, offering varying points of view on the subject of morality and religiosity.

Famed world leaders from far left to far right are given time to express their varied opinions, while the viewer is allowed to reach a personal conclusion. The presentation is comprehensive and fair minded in delineating key points of scripture that are used to judge sexual orientation and practices.

A film worthy of extensive screening, especially in churches of all denominations as well as civic organizations. Ultimately, it's a most valuable addition to any film collection.

. . . That's the way the Director's Cut struck me. Simply too much of a good thing, especially toward the end when the drama should be nearing its wrap up. We have extraneous scenes that only confuse momentum toward a dramatic finale.

As for the film itself, it seems fundamentally skewed, with the author taking what appears little more that a footnote in a Mozart bio, and blowing it up to enormous proportions. The result is long on entertainment, short on history.

Some films benefit from director's cuts; Amadeus does not. Fortunately, the studio cut version remains the better choice.