I know House Of Sand And Fog was one of last year’s Oscar nominated films, but things take a while to get here. It was a powerful film and it seems Jennifer Connelly has been solid since her performance in Requiem For A Dream; Ben Kingsley is excellent as usual. The supporting cast members are impressive as well. It is a powerful story of hope and loss. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains. When the book, by Andre Dubus III, first came out and was endorsed by The Oprah Book Club, I thought some writer was trying to distinguish himself from the same named Andre Dubus, a favorite writer of mine since college, with the 3rd title added to his name. I lamented that it was sad that some upstart gets the exposure that a talented writer like Dubus deserved-incidently two excellent films inspired by his writing have been made: In The Bedroom and We Don’t Live Here Anymore. Later I learned it was his son, so I’ll cut him some slack, and the story he has created really resonates-a very powerful modern tragedy.
The Motorcycle Diaries has been deservedly getting good reviews. It is a beautiful film; part “buddy-road movie and part coming of age-as the experiences that Guevara has on his trip influence his decision to give up medicine for politics. The cinematography is great-someday I’d like to visit South America as well. Gael Garcia Bernal, rightfully, is becoming an international star and gives a star turn here as well. His sidekick Rodrigo de la Serna is also equally adept. But the real star of the film, for me, is the South American countryside. Walter Salles captures it in all its beauty.
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