OCR Text |
Show MAR 2 2 - 2001 RED S3 LOVS continued from page RIO they are taking the right stance? Why are the two so ashamed about spending time with one another that they hide from the landlord? While a Hollywood film would be eager to resolve all its questions quickly, "In the Mood for Love" is more interested in posing them right. Visually, Wong finds the right mood, tone and pacing for the movie. There are several different scenes in which the couple discuss their future, pretend they are confronting their spouses, or do whatever else they can find to do besides make love. The repetitions and reassurances of the lovers who are speaking in code are interesting because of the passion hidden in each word and each silence. The film's story is simple, and if told in the current trend of breakneck-pace filmmaking, it would not work. Wong's visual flair is seen in the film, with his trademark use of pixilated images. When time has almost stopped for the characters, the audience feels it in the freeze frames and jumpy movement. "In the Mood for Love" won the Best Actor award for Leung's performance, and the Grand Prix du technique at the Caiines Film Festival. The latter award, presented cinematography, editing, set design and other technical categories, is a testament to Wong's integration of film to his art. Christopher Doyle and Mark s Lee rich and dark cinematography and the use of shadows, rain and staircases recall filmnoir. But while film noir looked at the seedy underworld of crime, the mood of "in the Mood for Love" is one of unfulfilled passion where the only crimes committed are crimes of love. When the simple final scenes in the movie arrive, they recall the secret meetings, ths hiding out, the honorable agreement not to cheat every scene of the film with a regretful sadness. While many films can wrap up a strand of plot points, few can create a truly fulfilling ending. And most films like the heroes of "In the Mood for Love" don't even try. for Ping-bin'- - ID lock:' Genius or J at Work NMy THE REEL - Rll screenplay's or novel's. Perhaps it was ju st never known. And in the end, his mysterious nature makes the artist all the more neurosis. It is never explained why he is the way he is what triggers this rage and depression within him. This is not necessarily a shortcoming on Harris' part, or on the interesting. i "Pollock" Sony Pictures Classics Produced by Fred Berner Screenplay by Barbara Turner Based on the book Jackson Pollock: An American Saga Directed by Ed Harris Starring Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Amy Madigan, Jennifer Connelly (of four) by Katherine Marlowe d Harris takes his first stab as a director in "Pollock," a film covering 15 years in the life of Jackson Pollock, the abstract expressionist painter. Harris also handles the leading role, which he does with great skilL One moment he is wailing in pain and rage, the next blissfully engaged with painting. Like many great artists, Pollock was troubled by feelings of depression, and often sought the bottle to ease himself from reality. The film pays great attention to this aspect of his life, which is important because it leads to his early demise in an auto accident The story's structure follows Pollock's rise in popularity and his rocky marriage to fellow artist Lee Krasner. When the title character is first introduced, he is already depicted as melancholy and disturbed. Krasner sees his talent from the beginning and the two form an immediate bond. She becomes an important force in Pollock's life, constantly encour-- ' aging his career while setting her own on hold. This she does with complete selflessness. Pollock's earlier work was much like that of Picasso or Miro; it wasn't until his later painting that he made a name for himself. He adopted a rather unusual technique at the time he would drizzle andor splatter pain onto the canvas. It was after this experimentation that Life Magazine did a full story on his work and he reached trie height of Ids career. Even at this high point, Pollock was consumed with negative feelings and melancholia. His best work was produced during a stint with sobriety, which, sadly, only lasted a few years. His marriage to Lee began to crumble as his drinking became more and more excessive and Ms extramarital affairs more dominant. The mood in this film perfectly echoes the tormented mind of the painter. At times it is still and quiet and others brash and violent. The lighting too is worth noting. A lot of shadows and silhouettes are used to further articulate the moodiness of the character. The shadows add a rich, beautiful quality to the film. "Pollock" has been receiving a bit of Oscar buzz and it is easy to see why. Harris gives one of the greatest performances of his career, and his directorial debut is equally impressive. His style is straightforward and not fussy. And his portrayal of Pollock is convincing and sympathetic. Marcia Gay Harden as Lee Krasner is equally noteworthy. At times, she is a s brash as Pollock and at others contemplative and controlled. The love Krasner had for Pollock is evident in the way her character in the film is always there to guide him and help him stand on his own two feet when he (lit- Mahatma GadW m NUCLEAR WEjfifoNS: Distant Memory cr Tomorrow's Nightmare? Tuesday, March 27 7:30 p.m. CARIBUI EARON u - or Non Existence Options for the 21st century Non-Violen- erally) can- 12:00 p.m. One of the draw backs of the film is BY: the unde- en '"Pollock" eamtd km a best-ea- or Library, United Nations Association of Utah World Federalists of Utah Gandhi Alliance Women Concerned Utahns United Back from the Brink ratio- vJMMjD for Peace ves Pollock's Harris' riveting performance ce March 28 Wednesday, Gould Auditorium Marriott not. fined Marriott Library, Gould Auditorium Panel includes Arun Gandhi, Rear Admiral Eugene Carroll Jr., Bishop George H. Niederauer, Right Reverend Carolyn Tanner Irish and moderator Ken Verdoia. nal that dricontinued from page - ill sss-Asy- y WW A5UU t'TAH.IDU Oscar nod. RIO Yeah, I know, it's either that or subtitles. But people still watched "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and that film was just as important in its country of origin as it was here, if not more so. As tailored to an American audience as it is, I doubt the same could be said u dcity jewishn salt lake March for "Enemy." the stagnant that has been this year in film, "Enemy at the Gates" sticks out like an Oscar contender (for next year, of course) waving high in a desolate field of Still, considering dreck of mediocrity All films showing at w film festival m 24th - 28th the University of Utah In ths Union Theater Admission Donations of Canned Food and Money Proceeds to benefit charity " horse dung. No, it's not "Saving Private Ryan." But it's also not "Saving Silverman." And it's got that crazy Tetris music. All said, you could do a lot worse. So go on, my little friends. Don't worry, it'll be dark and you'll be amongst your own kind. Maybe I'll even be there. If you don't believe me, check a chat room. Look up the movie online. Download the FAQ. Head to your local theater today. And catch the action before it catches you. s Feature Movies: Dad on the RunGood Evening, Mr. WallenbergSpeak up! Its So DarkCup FinalA Life Apart: Hasidim in Americ?.White LiesHcstcr Street www j Udance . com Sponsors: IMPACT- a project of the United Jewish Federation of Utah: University of Utah Hillel; Special thanks to the Morriot Library; Chabsd Lubavitch of Utah |