Tag: Stephen Frears

In Their Words

Born On This Day – June 20, 1941

Michael J. Casey

“Well, while you’re shooting, you’re bringing a story to life. It always goes in slightly unexpected ways. You’re trying to make sure everybody’s in the same film. John Gielgud always said, ‘If you’re lucky, you know what film you’re in.’ You want everyone comfortable with each other, agreeing on circumstances. You’re asking actors, indeed, everybody on set, to be intimate, to be a family in a world that’s the product of their mutual imagination. You’re the patriarch, holding the whole thing together, depending on everyone being collaborative. In editing, you discover what you’ve got, what you’ve missed, what you should … Continue reading Born On This Day – June 20, 1941

Movie Beat

Movie Beat – 11.22.13

Michael J. Casey

Bettie Page Reveals All – She was the original pin-up girl. That magnificent cocktail of beauty, innocence, naughty and nice. What was so compelling about a picture of Betty Page was her joyous approach to sexuality. Anyone looking at her picture would immediately let their mind wander to possibilities and what a good time it would be. Of course, the notorious Mrs. Page came along in a very reserved and conservative time, and she disappeared from view, but her image and legacy lived on. Writer/producer/director Mark Mori found Mrs. Page and got her to narrate her life story, and here … Continue reading Movie Beat – 11.22.13

Reviews1 Comment

PHILOMENA

Michael J. Casey

It was only a few days ago that Lindsay and I were discussing religion and identity. Namely, what happens to a person who defines themselves by their religion, then suffers a blow that runs counter to their belief? The example I used was of my Grandmother, a woman who chose and chooses to define herself as a Catholic. When her son committed suicide, she was faced with a very difficult decision, go on identifying as a Catholic-even if that meant damned her son to hell for committing a mortal sin, or cast off her beliefs and save her son’s soul. … Continue reading PHILOMENA

Movie Beat

Movie Beat – 12.07.12

Michael J. Casey

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding – A period piece of manners, or sorts. Dolly (Felicity Jones) is upstairs and about to be wed, but an old flame waltzes back into her life and everything is thrown out the window. She sits upstairs, fretting her future, while downstairs, her fiance and ex-lover (Mackenzie Crook & Luke Treadaway) await her decision.  Will she stay true to her fiance, or will true love, true unbridled-scary-as-hell-what-the-heck-am-I-doing-love triumph? Beautifully photographed with stunning actors to gaze at, it may be predictable, possibly even boring, but at least it looks good. Direction from Donald Rice and out in limited release … Continue reading Movie Beat – 12.07.12