danmorhaim

Talent and a potentially great biopic wasted. Cooper is self-indulgent and overlooked key parts of Bernstein's life and especially that of his wife Felicia. They were also political activists who fought for civil rights and against the Vietnam War. Bernstein's music was barely covered so that time could be devoted to his sex life. Basic facts are confusing: Lenny and Felicia seem to have 2 kids...or is it 3? There's a scene of him wildly conducting in a church with no context (historically, it was a big event). I watched at home with subtitles which indicated the name of the music and composer during the score. That was helpful, but I doubt it was shown that way in theaters which makes the movie even less accessible.

Although visually stunning with talented actors and great production values, this movie stinks. In the end, it's a disappointing story. The led character, Bella, does not learn from her trials and tribulations, and has the opportunity to do something right (inthe last scene) and does not. Therefore, this is an exercise in depression. Characters should evolve. This one doesn't. Additionally, it's a gross male fantasy to have a beautiful women with the mind of a child who craves sex. Her work in a brothel overlooks the exploitation that's taking place. Unfortunately, this move will get accolades and awards. It shouldn't.

A friend strongly recommended Night Train to Lisbon. Some of the reviews were good but several weren't that good, but we watched it anyway. What a surprise! This is a carefully crafted serious drama involving fate, politics, repression, and personal honesty and change. It may have been ahead of its time, as it came out in 2013. But with the world the way it is now in 2023, the film makes great sense. Terrific acting from seasoned veterans and (to me) unknowns. Having been to Portugal, the locations shots were captivating. But the key to this masterpiece is the overall sense of being caught in a place and time, the illusion of being in control and not in control of one's life and experiences. Not a miss-step in any way. If you can read up first on Portugal's history during the 1970's, especially about the Salarzar regime and the Carnation Revolution. So good, that I went out and got the book. This is a truly great and engaging movie. Don't miss it.