Patricia Clarkson

Some movies beg for repeat viewings, Shutter Island practically demands it. That is not to say it was hard to follow or the plot baffling in some way. There is so much more than meets the eye here, this is no simply detective story, so many small details and touches that a return viewing would bring already deep characters and scenes into an entirely different light. So profound is the mystery of Shutter Island that a second viewing many be as if watching a new film. Leonardo DiCaprio once again teams with Martin Scorsese, playing U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels. Sent to the fog shrouded tilter island to investigate a disappearance and the local insane asylum. Scorsese once again propels his actors to great heights. DiCaprio?s Marshal Daniels is a severely troubled man, the denizens of the asylum only serving to reminding him of his own labored mind, his past coming back to haunt him. An extraordinarily tight thriller, from the very first frame, as a boat emerges from the fog, Shutter Island is a masterwork of suspense, the plot thickens and the disappearance fades away to the greater mystery of the asylum, truly genuinely creepy. Scorsese has another masterpiece on his hands; the deeper picture slowly builds, each sliver forming a remarkable tense downright eerie account. Music was of particular note, a very quiet film at times, with a sudden, perhaps scary and startling, score. Not from jump scares but slow haunting images, the island itself comes alive, sinking its fangs into the viewer, entangling. Stunning visual and very well acted across the board. Scorsese continues to prove the he is in fact the greatest living director. I genuinely had absolutely no idea how the film would end, I could not imagine a way in which it could wrap up this enigmatic plot. Yet somehow it comes together, an ending so shocking and utterly spine-chilling, it changes this entire pervious events. I must see it again; I need to watch it with new eyes, watching for the small clues, seeing the minute word and actions, hinting at deeper events. A meticulously crafted film, the fog dissolves, reveling something remarkably heart wrenching.

Trust Woody Allen to stand out and make completely non standard movies. Cruz's role and performance is a big reason why the movie stands apart.

Powerful and incredibly well acted, this is one movie that, in my opinion, actually improved on the book. (I saw the movie first.) Incredibly faithful, it made only a couple of minor detours, but they were detours that made the story better. Some might complain about the length, but it never bothers me, as this movie is just too dang brilliant.

This movie tries to be a bit of everything...heartwarming, funny, awkward, bitter, loving, sweet, dark, socially conscious...so much so that it completely loses any kind of focus and makes you cry in 30 minutes, then laugh, then want to wretch at why you cried at a particular scene 30 minutes ago because this movie sucks so much and wastes a talented cast on such nonsense. Other movies I'd recommend besides this, that cover some of the same ground, with much better results, include: The Savages; Girl Interrupted; Dummy; the Virgin Suicides; Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God. Heck, didn't they do this movie already in the 80's, and named it "Mannequin"? (there's even a sequel). Trust me, don't waste 2 previous hours of your life on this, even if you think (as I do) that Ryan Gosling is a deity of acting!

This is a very heart-warming story about Lars, a young man who is virtually unable to interact socially with other people until he buys a large sex doll online. But the sexual implications of this don't even seem to be on Lars' radar. He innocently brings his new girlfriend, "Bianca," to church with him. He talks to her and he hears her speaking to him. He tells others that Bianca used to be a missionary. He brings her to parties. He finds accommodations for her since "it just wouldn't be right for them to sleep under the same roof." The introduction of Bianca into the film was a little awkward, but that actually worked to bring me into the community's predicament of how to respond to Lars. At first, those around Lars desperately try to figure out what the heck to do with him, and with Bianca, the newest member of the community. The Midwest setting is perfect for this story. This movie would have been completely different if it were set in L.A.. This film leans very heavily on its setting, and only works, for me, because of its setting. For the complete review, visit: <a href="http://braidedthreads.blogspot.com/2008/07/lars-and-real-girl.html</a>!

I saw this film for the second time recently. What a delight it remains! The rural Newfoundland setting is sparse, and yet the script moves quickly from one social encounter to the next, each new scene revealing more about these characters and their desires, their anguish, their capacity for childlike joy. The chemistry between the three main characters is so unlikely and so delightful that it is pointless to analyze beyond the obvious forms of emptiness that draw them together. So, one at a time: Peter Dinklage as Finn gives a stunning performance that ranges from shy vulnerability, to rage, to patient endurance. He is an astonishing, smart actor. Bobby Cannavale, the Cuban American, Joe, almost steals every scene he is in. His unfiltered energy and his desperate extroversion is both shocking and delightful. Almost steals. I was too busy watching Finn and Olivia's responses to Joe since those responses were equally fascinating. And Patricia Clarkson gives a slightly veiled but rich performance as Olivia that begins with moments of hilarious clumsiness but slowly grows to reveals a deep woundedness under the surface. The film carries potentially heavy material with amazing light-handedness, and yet the deeper themes manage to resonate. It is light-hearted without treating its characters lightly. It is light-hearted and heartening at the same time.

Thoroughly enjoyed the screenwriting, sets & performances of The Station Agent. The story is one of friendship & acceptance. Haven't we all felt like a square peg in a round hole at some point in our lives? Reccomend to all who enjoy independent films, and art theatres.