Movies

Two movies I've recently seen:

We Need to Talk About Kevin

A haunting portrait of a mother (Tilda Swinton) tortured by the memories and reality of a school massacre initiated by her psychopathic son. This is not a spoiler - it is revealed through a series of flashbacks set against the present day. While Kevin sits idly by in prison, she must deal with outraged community on a day-to-day basis.

Sometimes painful to watch, but not due any gratuiotous violence. That much is implied. The hard parts come in watching Kevin's upbringing and the difficulties which lead him to his actions.

It's impossible not to draw obvious parallels to Columbine, especially if you have the read the book, which goes into great detail in the interviews with one of the shooters' parents. I found that to be the most interesting aspect of the book.

All acting goes above and beyond in this movie of uncharted territory. The academy let this film go largley unnoticed, but they missed the mark on a lot of things this year.



Martha Marcy May Marlene

Starring the younger unknown Olsen sister, Elizabeth, this drama outlines a young woman's journey during and after life in a Manson-like cult.

The movie, much like Kevin, starts out in the aftermath of Martha leaving the cult, and lives the story through a series of flashbacks as she spirals into paranoia.

Martha finds it exceedingly difficult to orientate herself back into society with her sister and well-to-do husband. This movie could double as a case study in stockholm syndrome, as Martha continously identifies with her former group. This is even after she manages to escape.

Once again, this is spoiler free...but an ambiguous last act, it will certainly leave your mouth wide open by the time the credits start to roll.

Olsen was also shunned by the academy, but she turns in a magnificient performance in her first go-round in a major motion picture.

If both of these movies sound like downers, they are. Both of these movies will also make you think, and do so without big budgets, stars or marketing. Check them out on a rainy day.