Change Your Image
eliasteven
Reviews
Things That Hang from Trees (2006)
Imagine David Lynch directing Mayberry
Saw this at SXSW and liked it. The flick centers around a sort-of-autistic kid? whose whacked-out mother (Deborah Unger) models lingerie in the window of her store. The characters are all pretty grotesque and are almost more a symbol to the kid instead of believable peoples. (especially the kids abusive dad played by one of my favs -the crazy priest in Deadwood---Ray McKinnon.) My main problem with the film is the lack of any magical quality to the tree of which the whole film is named?
The acting (casting especially) was good, the story is there---subtle with a deemphasis on plot which has it flirt dangerously with dullness. Every time though, the story surprises.
I found the cinematography to be one of the films strongest elements- Not perfect but pretty impressive for first time director.
A Prairie Home Companion (2006)
Even if you don't know PHC
Saw it at SXSW!! Great ensemble piece. I must admit before seeing this movie I'd only heard of the legendary Prairie Home Companion. This fact didn't hinder me at all. Truly enjoyed and found it hilarious and endearing.
The only real problem I found with this movie was the wooden performance by Virginia Madsen as the Dangerous Woman. Couldn't believe that Lindsey Lohann pulled this off and Kevin Kline was great.
I was particularly struck with the beautiful cinematography---especially for a film that all takes place in one location.
This is fresh Altman---one of his best.