MOVIES:
A SEPARATION – 2011 – Grade: A+directed by Asghar Farhadi, starring Leila Hatami, Peyman Moaadi, Shahab Hosseini, Sareh Bayat, and Sarina Farhadi
HUGE mistake not seeng this film in the theater because it could easily be my favorite film from 2011. My wife pleaded for it, yet I kept casting my vote for flicks (like “The Artist”) that would involve less screaming. A misconception thinking this was the Iranian “Kramer Vs. Kramer”, after my reading a review on how it detailed the collateral damage of a modern Iranian divorce. But the bickering couple featured in the promotional material only sets the table for a rather sophisticated story of have’s & have nots. There are toxic relationships on display, and screaming, but there are quiet, intimate moments as well. To sell this as a “divorce story” is a disservice for the TWO court cases; and it’s the OTHER case which acts as pressure cooker for two familes, one fairly affluent and the other poor. NO SPOILERS. And after viewing, I can understand why A SEPARATION is so hard to promote. There’s a conversation which takes place early on in the film between a family and a caretaker. It’s not in anyway telegraphed how critical it will be in the course of the film, yet later I found myself wanting to rewind again to monitor the reactions of the players involved. Was a specific character within earshot when a piece of information was exchanged? We remember the conversation as it ‘s discussed in court, and all of the sudden the audience becomes the eyewitness; Did he/she know something beforehand then lie about it open court?
What a rewarding film. I can’t remember the last time I watched a film set in the Middle East that didn’t have a rocket launcher. It’s a story that could have been set in Nebraska, but thank goodness it wasn’t. It’s backdrop and how religion drives good men & good women to the most impractical solutions is what sets it apart from most Hollywood dramas. And don’t make my mistake in assuming it’s depressing; You will be so interested in these richly performed non-stereotypes, and the compromises make in their journey to be bummed about anything.
TV:
LUTHER –Season One & Two – BBC America - starring Idris Elba – created by Neil Cross Grade A-
My wife and I joke about how LUTHER is “jump the shark proof” because LUTHER jumps one in the very first episode, with Idris Elba’s detective forging a bond with a psychopath, who later assists him in his cases. If you accept that premise, you’re fine. Because the sharks lurking about weekly are shorter leaps of faith.
Like Breaking Bad and other recent cat/mouse crime dramas, if one stops to ponder the astounding coincidences which keep the heroes afloat the show will unravel. But such incredible plots are hoisted on the backs of very capable actors. Elba is vulnerable, intelligent, and so intense. There’s no doubt he will be an international film star, as soon as movies discover how to harness what makes him such a special talent.
We finished Season One per the BBC America repeats this weekend then discovered all of Season Two is on demand, via the BBC America HD outlet (I’m so thrilled Verizon finally upgraded BBC America to include HD. DOCTOR WHO’s first rate cinematography, as well as LUTHER’s, should be enjoyed in HD).
LUTHER is part of what BBC America calls “Dramaville” in it’s Wednesday night line-up. And it was recently announced that Elba will come back for Season 3. I’m a fan of BBC’s short run series, Season 1 being six shows followed up by the four of Season 2. It allows great actors like Elba, Kenneth Brannaugh, Benedict Cumberbatch and others to pursue movie projects and yet return to play detectives on the small screen.
- Dale Beggars
