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| Lady Bird and her mother in "Lady Bird" |
On Friday, I went to see "Lady Bird" written and directed by Greta Gerwig.
I tell you my friends that it is very nice to see a film that does not involve killing, detectives, car chases or any of the other typical ingredients of what usually constitutes modern day film entertainment.
"Lady Bird" is about ordinary life. In my view, this is the most fertile ground for film drama that truly resonates and impacts upon ordinary observers. We don't need superheroes or shoot-outs, science fiction fantasies or ultra-drama. Ordinary life is enough.
Set in the suburbs of Sacramento, the film creates a powerful sense of Christine McPherson's community. She is a belligerent and rather wacky high school student with dreams. She even creates a new name for herself - Lady Bird.
Played by the brilliant Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird has a warring relationship with her mother Marion played by Laurie Metcalf. Marion is a psychiatric nurse who often works double shifts just to keep the family afloat. They live on the wrong side of the railway track.
It is a "coming of age" film with many funny and tender moments. Lady Bird ends up at college in New York and comes to realise how much she really values the life she has left behind in Sacramento.
Some film reviewers believe that "Lady Bird" has a real chance of getting the "best film" award at tonight's Oscars ceremony in Hollywood and if it does achieve that glory, I for one will not complain though I think that "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri" is better.
I'm happy to see an 'ordinary life' film from time to time. Paterson, which I saw last year was in a similiar vein and I like that film too.
ReplyDeleteAlphie
Yes. I was happily entertained by "Paterson" too. Good comparison.
DeleteMany movies depend far too much on special effects.
ReplyDeleteA good story doesn't really need all those fireworks.
DeleteThis movie has been receiving wonderful reviews...as have Ronan and Metcalf/ I will get to see it...but not at a theatre.
ReplyDeleteThese days I prefer to watch and enjoy watching movies in the privacy of home and hearth. That is just me and the way I am.
I will be watching the Awards programme which is being shown here, live, from 11 am Monday morning (which is our tomorrow, as I write this response).
Thanks for your thoughts on the movie, Yorkie.
I love to sit in a dark cinema with a big silver screen in front of me - no distractions.
DeleteExcept for other people....
DeleteI prefer the comfort of home; and dressing suitably comfortable for home. I prefer not having to sit next to strangers or have strangers climbing over me to get to seats. I prefer the comforts of home, in front of my big screen TV, with just me and my two furry rascally mates, Remy and Shama. :)
No distractions....
As it happens a young couple with popcorn sat down right behind me so I had to move before the film started. There were only about thirty people present for an afternoon screening.
DeleteI much prefer watching in a movie theatre and these days. They are almost empty mid-morning during the week when we tend to go. Loud, big screen, no getting up for a cuppa. Perfect !
DeleteThis sounds like a film I could enjoy, too. From time to time, though, I don't mind a bit of escapism in the form of a book or a film that takes me to a world completely different from my own. Nothing wrong with a good story told - and often the story behind the special effects or fantastic scenes is not so different from that of an ordinary life, just transported into a different environment.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I still think that there's too much killing in films, too much shooting, too much monosyllabic dialogue. Ordinary life is what really fascinates me.
DeleteSame here. I don't like/want/need to see killing, shooting, and people generally being nasty to each other, just for entertainment. It is bad enough that these things are going on (in some measure) in real life.
DeleteSpecial effects and high drama can be very entertaining but I much prefer low key and subtle 'ordinary life' films.
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy this one then Sue.
DeleteSacramento truly is a place where real life can happen. We're boring to the people who sell their overpriced houses in LA and the Bay area (so stay there, you asses!) and come here to inflate the housing market, because Sacratomato still has agricultural roots. The most common thing said about the city is, "it's easy to get to the Sierras and the Bay Area" from here.
ReplyDeleteI understand that the director - Greta Gerwig - was herself a native of Sacramento. It sounds and looks like a fine place to me.
DeleteI've wanted to see this movie but we haven't yet. It's on my list!
ReplyDeleteIt hasn't been out in British cinemas for long - released here on February 23rd.
DeleteAfter the last two disaster's I might just give this one a go.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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I hope that Tom will be well enough to accompany you Briony.
DeleteWell I found that a good place to rejoin your Blogland. I hate missing bits so usually read them all but have skipped a few this time.
ReplyDelete** สมัคร D2BET**