Category Archives: Biographical

2008, Biographical, Documentary, Fashion, Gay theme, Italian, Love Story, True Story, Unusual

Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Tracing Valentino’s life from his 70th birthday to his final couture show, this fashionable documentary captures the spirit of the legendary designer’s influence on the style and substance of the way we look. Highlights include an intimate, behind-the-scenes peek at his relationship with longtime business partner and lover Giancarlo Giammetti, as well as an up-close and personal look at the designer’s creative process.

"Tony, I want to see 'Valentino: The Last Emperor"
"Kathy, you mean that fashion film ?"   "Yes"
"Why would anyone want to watch an hour and a half about a fashion designer ?"
"You get all those NetFlix DVDs that I don't even care about, and I really want to see this one"
"Ooooooookay, if you insist"

Had this fashion documentary not been made, we would have lost some notable moments in a part of the world’s culture that I certainly did not know even existed. It’s a bit like a tour of Machu Picchu or seeing the exquisite terracotta army of the first Qin Dynasty ruler Shihuangdi. Who knew ?

One of the dominant themes of this documentary is the 50 year relation between Valentino and his life partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Kathy’s comment is “Giancarlo must be some kind of saint”. It was fun watching the two bicker about trivia, as in “you have applied too much tan today”. But what came through loud and clear was that they truly love and need one another. Valentino is the impractical dreamer, the creative force, but without Giancarlo’s gentle guiding hand, Valentino would have gone nowhere.

In fact the minutiae involved with fashion must be daunting. There are an awful lot of unsung heroes. In a certain sense everything depends on the skill of the seamstresses. It’s a lot like computer programming: omit a semi-colon and the program stops working. Today it would be impossibly costly to sew by hand thousands of sequins on a gown. I buy my clothes at Target (pronounced “Tar-jay”).

Every now and then I see a fashion photo of some female model. Quite often they are made to look like freaks. Not so with Valentino. Of course, all his beautiful models are stick thin (dare I say anorexic ?). But his trademark was long flowing gowns that really made the models beautiful.

I copied the following paragraph from the internet:

Produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, Valentino: The Last Emperor provides a first-time glimpse into Valentino’s world of bygone glamour. Filmed from June 2005 to July 2007, the crew shot over 250 hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his entourage. The resulting non-fiction film is a portrait of an extraordinary partnership, the longest running in fashion, and a dramatic story about a master confronting the final act of his celebrated career.

Indeed the film leads up to Valentino’s sensational farewell celebratory show and party in Rome. It’s fun seeing how many celebrities you can recognize (Princess Di, etc). But the circumstances are not entirely happy. Valentino’s company is purchased by a giant corporation in which only the bottom line is important (sound familiar ?). His world has changed so much that Valentino retires. Little by little his former group of loyal workers are replaced.

And don’t miss his five pugs!

2009, Biographical, Drama, Love Story, Nudity

The Last Station (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Set during the last year of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy’s life, this biopic explores the fractious relationship between Tolstoy (Oscar nominated Christopher Plummer) and his wife (Oscar nominated Helen Mirren), as he embraces a life of asceticism. Paul Giamatti co-stars as impassioned Tolstoy devotee Vladimir Chertkov, with James McAvoy playing the aging writer’s assistant, Valentin, who is caught in the middle of various struggles.

Leo Tolstoy died in 1910 at the age of 82. The biography in Wikipedia speaks of his deteriorating relations with his younger wife towards the end of his life. Reviews of this film criticize it for “over acting”. But Mirren’s histrionics may well be justified.

We all know Mirren, PLummer, and Giamatti. James McAvoy, who does a fine job, has played in Atonement (2007) , The Last King of Scotland, and State of Play.

Seeing this film in a theatre is worthwhile because the scenery is beautiful. Be sure to stay past the end of the film because you then see actual films made of Tolstoy himself. Remarkable to think that movies were made prior to 1910.

2004, Ballet, Biographical, Documentary, Feel Good For All

Born to be Wild (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Fans of the American Ballet Theatre will delight in this documentary about the renowned company’s four lead male dancers: Angel Corella, Vladimir Malakov, Hose Manuel Carreno and Ethan Steifel. Find out how each dancer got started in classical ballet, learn about their individual approach to the discipline, their backgrounds and their strengths onstage, and view clips of their best performances from the beginning to the apex of their careers.

It’s hard to believe that human bodies can do what these 4 men can do. The climax of this documentary will be all 4 men dancing together to the finale of Robert Schuman’s 4th piano quartet in a dance choreographed by Mark Morris. But interspersed with the rehearsals are biographical interviews with the dancers. Who knew that ballet was alive and well in Castro’s Cuba ?

2008, Biographical, Drama, Drugs, Feel Good Not For Children, True Story

The Soloist (2008)

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From NetFlix:

This true-life drama tells the poignant tale of Los Angeles newspaper reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), who discovers brilliant street musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), and the unique friendship that transforms both their lives. In helping his new friend deal with his demons, Steve ends up battling with his own. Joe Wright directs this inspiring drama based on the bestselling book by the real Lopez.

In my opinion Jamie Foxx carries this well-acted enactment of a true story. The film isn’t perfect and barely escapes being maudlin at times, especially when Robert Downey Jr. sometime seems too precious (or am I harsh ?). But if you think this is a Disney film in which the musician finally presents a redeeming recital, think again. One saving feature of the film is the suspense revolving around whatever will happen next. In fact some of the unpredictable solutions that the reporter devises just made me laugh out loud. I find it an irony that in real life Robert Downey himself has suffered much from drug abuse.

Some things did not feel right. Towards the end of the film the musician apologies to the reporter in a speech that was too coherent, too calm, too controlled for the wildly paranoid schizophrenic. I mistakenly assumed that the musician had accepted his illness and was taking his meds.

Catherine Keener doesn’t seem to get much credit in reviews. But I thought she provided important glue in the plot. She sometimes hit the nail on the head, such as telling the reporter that in a certain manner he was using the musician as a way to write a book and get attention. Ouch!

Pay attention to the final, barely readable, screen text that talks about the aftermath. Note that Los Angeles is the capital of homelessness with more than 90,000 homeless people. If any of the Los Angeles scenes are anywhere near accurate, I would not step foot in the city.

Wife Kathy started to watch, decided she would instead go to bed, but continued to watch and finally said “What a good film”. Now that, folks, is a real recommendation.

2005, Biographical, Drama

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)

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From Netflix:

With 10 children to feed, postwar Ohio housewife Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) has gotten used to being resourceful, stretching her husband’s meager salary to the limit. But when clipping coupons won’t cut it, she’s forced to rely on her creativity and enters a jingle-writing contest for extra income. Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern co-star in this uncommon comedy-drama based on a heartwarming memoir by Ryan’s daughter, Terry.

No, it is not treacle, but possibly hard for a child to watch. This is supposedly a true story based on a memoir written by a daughter. It is hard to believe that the wife could support the 10 kids by consistently winning contests, but I’ll go along with the joke. Sadly, the reason she has to bring in winnings is that her husband, believably played by Woody Harrelson, is a mean drunk. More accurately, his heart is in the right place when he is sober, but each night he consumes a 6-pack of beer and a pint of whiskey and goes on rampages. He also secretly takes out a second mortgage on their home and spends all the money. It is also hard to believe that all the kids didn’t hate him. But through it all the wife just smiles and maintains her role as shining example (that detail was a bit hard to swallow).

If nothing else, this film is a piece of post-WWII cultural history. Women stayed home. A woman would never vote for a woman president. After one of the husband’s rampages, their Catholic priest comes to counsel the wife and tells her she will just have to try harder. As the priest leaves, one of the children says “The priest’s breath smells just like daddy’s breath”.

If you start to watch the film, just don’t be put off by the beginning. Julianne Moore peppers the entire film with little jingles she has created. It seems so corny that I almost gave up. But in the end I was glad I watched the entire film. And if you do stick with it, do NOT miss the credits because they tell you what happened in real life to each of the 10 children.

Finally, have you or any of your children ever seen anyone in an iron lung ?

2008, Biographical, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Not Feel Good, Revenge, Suspense, Violent, War

Defiance (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Daniel Craig stars as Tuvia Bielski, one of four Jewish brothers who escape from Poland into the forests of Belarus during World War II to lead a band of resistance fighters and create a safe haven for Jewish refugees. The real-life sanctuary established by the Bielski brothers saved more than 1,000 Jews from persecution and death. Edward Zwick directs this moving historical drama that also stars Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell and George MacKay.

Go the Wikipedia article for the history of the Bielski Partisans.

“Defiance” tells a story, an exciting, suspenseful and meaningful story to be sure. Yes, there is some nuance of personalities, but the story is first and foremost (as it was in “Shindler’s List”). However there is also quite a bit of philosophical questioning: what happens to moral principles under the pressure of persecution ? Also there is the ever present anti-semitism, for example among the Russian partisans.

Sometimes the staging seems a bit suspect (a beautiful snowy wedding under a silk canopy in the forest ?). But hopefully for the most part the forest encampments looked as filmed.

Daniel Craig (Tuvia Bielski) is well-known as the current James Bond. Liev Schreiber (Zus Bielski) is the bad guy in the current “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and has played in 4 CSI TV episodes. It is a pleasure watching these two actors escape their unfortunate Hollywood pigeon holes and do an excellent job. Even their voices take on that low rumble associated with rough Slavic speakers.

Finally if you want to see a wonderful historical dramatization, DON’T MISS THIS FILM !

2008, Biographical, Could Be Sad, Drama, Imperfect, Not Feel Good, Redemption, Violent

What Doesn’t Kill You (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Partners in crime Paulie (Ethan Hawke) and Brian (Mark Ruffalo) find themselves at odds after years of pulling dangerous jobs, surviving turf wars and evading a determined detective (Donnie Wahlberg) in this gritty crime drama set in South Boston. The childhood buddies have gone through the wringer together, but when Brian’s relationship with his wife (Amanda Peet) begins to fall apart, their loyal friendship is tested.

I almost did not finish this film. It just seemed like any other film about South Boston hoodlums. However, the last part of the film contains the film’s message. Indeed that half belongs to Mark Ruffalo who beautifully portrays a discouraged former alcholic who desperately wants to be a good father to his sons. This story is based on the life of Brian Goodman who plays Pat Kelly in the movie. The film ends, as do many “true” films, with lines of text that explain what happened in Goodman’s life beyond the end of the film. Note also that the minor role of Detective Moran is played by the brother of Mark Wahlberg. This is only a B-film, but Ruffalo does a wonderful job.

2008, Biographical, Could Be Sad, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Haunted by the death of her mother, 14-year-old Lily (Dakota Fanning) escapes the dreary life she lives on her father’s farm and heads to Tiburon, S.C., with her friend and caregiver, Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), setting off on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. Set amidst the hotbed of racial tensions in the South in the 1960s, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s dramatic tale is based on the bestselling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Basically this is a really sweet and gentle film. Just ignore the incident of racial violence near the beginning that starts Lily and Rosaleen on their odyssey (and even that incident is not too hard to watch). Do I believe there was this oasis of black happiness somewhere in the South of the 1960s? Who cares! Just enjoy the conceit. Did Lily become awfully mature for a girl her age? Who cares! Did the film sometimes border on the maudlin? Who cares!

For some background on the author and her novel see the Wikipedia article.

1001BeforeDie, 2002, Biographical, Could Be Sad, Not Feel Good, Unusual

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Australia’s aboriginal integration program of the 1930s broke countless hearts — among them, those of young Molly (Evelyn Sampi), Gracie (Laura Monaghan) and Daisy (Tianna Sansbury), who were torn from their families and placed in an abusive orphanage. Without food or water, the girls resolve to make the 1,500-mile trek home. Meanwhile, a well-intentioned tracker is trying to return the girls to the authorities.

Do not expect a happy ending for this film recommended in “1001 Films To See Before You Die”. For historical background see the Wikipedia article. This is a film that tells a story, nothing more. But I could not take my eyes off these determined (and, in the case of the oldest, clever) aboriginal young girls as they struggled for nine weeks and 1,500 miles across a desert in order to reach their mother from whom they had been taken by the misguided British “Protector of Aborigines” because of their unpardonable crime of being half-caste.

2008, Biographical, Gay theme, Not Feel Good, Revenge

Milk (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about
Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was
murdered along with mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city
employee Dan White (Josh Brolin, in an Oscar-nominated role) in 1978. Director
Gus Van Sant’s compelling biopic (nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award)
co-stars Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna.

Where to begin! That’s easy: First you could watch The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) which is an excellent documentary. More than that, ‘Milk’ often intersperses parts of the documentary into the film. Secondly, there is an excellent Wikipedia article on Harvey Milk which is long and very detailed.

I worry about a film which is an historical interpretation lest it become an historical distortion. For example, at one point Sean Penn says he thinks Dan White is really a closeted gay. Did the real Milk ever say such a thing? If not, I object to inserting such a gratuitous comment. However, the Wikipedia article together with the documentary lend much credibility to the Hollywood version. The article more than the film shows Harvey Milk as a complicated man who in fact did have many sexual affairs, who had a bit of an an attitude and could be very difficult to get along with, had several lovers involved with suicides (threatened and real), and who in his 40s was pushed into reacting and becoming involved politically by external forces. Granted any film has to focus on some aspect of the subject and there is too much to tell about Milk and his colorful era to put into one film.

Sean Penn captured Harvey Milk surprisingly close in looks but especially in manner as the documentary shows the ever smiling Milk. Josh Brolin looked like and captured Dan White to a remarkable degree. In fact, the very end of the film pairs photos of actors with their real-life counterparts, and the similarities are often striking.

The documentary (and, in all fairness, the film) made it clear that the double murder was meticulously planned. I wish the film had explained more what a joke the murder trial was (e.g. gays were excluded from the jury). The Wikipedia article explains how the “twinkie defense” motivated subsequent California laws which abolished “diminished capacity” as a defense to a charge.