Tag Archives: Robert Downey Jr.

Film Review of Ondine

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Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda in OndineThis weekend I treated myself to an “old-fashioned” movie – a movie minus special effects explosions and magic, fast and furious chase scenes, and torrid sex scenes one or two nude shots short of triple X theater. The movie was Ondine starring Colin Farrell as Syracuse (a.k.a. Circus) and Alicja Bachleda as Ondine. At the core of the movie is a story; that’s what I would consider old-fashioned for so many movies today lack this ingredient and are rather a series of escapades with no unifying message about life, society, or human nature. Additionally, these story-absent films often have characters, such as Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Sherlock Holmes (also, Robert Downey Jr.), which are frenetically portrayed. In both Iron Man II and Sherlock Holmes I wondered why Downey seemed to be on amphetamines (Yes, I know he’s a reformed addict, but I’m not alluding to that). I found his characterizations highly annoying. Downey delivered a terrific performance in Fur. I hope soon he’ll return to acting in offbeat dramas with real story lines; if not, I’m going to scratch him from my favorite actors list.

I digress.

Once again, at the heart of Ondine is a story. In a nutshell, it is the tale of a reformed, alcoholic seaman, Syracuse, who one day while out fishing nets a nearly drowned woman, Ondine. He revives her and hides her, per her request, within the house left to him by his deceased mother. Shortly thereafter, he tells his pre-adolescent daughter, handicapped by kidney disease, that he has snared a woman from the sea. His daughter, very erudite, suggests that he has captured a selkie, a mythological creature that can shed its seal skin to become human. As events unfold, Syracuse wonders if his daughter’s assertion is correct. Ondine, quite a woman of mystery, puzzles Syracuse, and when he begins to feel trepidations about his future, viewers can’t help but feel anxious and wonder how the story will end for him, his daughter, and Ondine.

Colin Farrell gives a very believable and genuine performance. It’s a sure thing that if he hadn’t, the movie would not have resonated with me. I want the actor TO BE the character. Even highly talented actors can deliver less than authentic performances; Meryl Streep’s performance in It’s Complicated comes to mind.

Alicja Bachleda was cast perfectly in the role of selkie. Her mermaid-likeness makes me think no one else could have settled into the role as well. I’m eager to see other films in which she’s appeared. She may be one of those rare gems who is both beautiful and talented.

Neil Jordan definitely seems to be filmmaker interested in telling stories. He’s one of a select group of directors who know how to lead an audience to conclusions and then surprise them in the end. That’s a gift!

So, if you’re looking for something to do on a hot, summer day that will keep you alert, challenge you, and definitely entertain you, I suggest you take a chance on Ondine.

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Film Review of Fur

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FurThis weekend I watched the movie Fur, a strange film, but strange in a magnificent way. Firstly, it’s one of the few films for which I can say, “Nicole Kidman is fabulous!” Secondly, it costars Robert Downey Jr., one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. Downey is a wonderful character actor, and what a character he portrays in this film! You’ll love him as much as Diane Arbus (Kidman) did. Thirdly, it’s visually exciting. There are so many layers of visual interest – the colors, the staging, the 1950s fashion, the carnival costumes, the makeup, the physical attributes of the various characters, etc.

The film is an imaginary biopic of Diane Arbus, a photographer known for her documentary style and her fantastic subject matter – anyone and anything considered not normal (e.g., giants, dwarfs, the insane…). Honestly, I knew little of Arbus until I watched this film. What I know of Arbus today is a result of learning from Internet resources. As I stated, the film is an IMAGINARY biopic. I advise anyone who wants to watch the film to go in with no knowledge of the artist or her work. It’s after the film that you should learn about her life and her photography. Reading her biography and viewing her photos will help you appreciate the film in a new way. You’ll understand what director Steven Shainberg and screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson were after. You’ll appreciate the genius, Arbus!

I recommend this film to all who feel inhibited and desire to break loose. You’ll relate to Arbus’ (Kidman’s) need to be more than the daughter of a wealthy man and the wife of a successful photographer. You’ll appreciate her intellectual and emotional identification with individuals considered abnormal. She herself felt abnormal. Kidman is very believable in this role; she is Diane Arbus.

Also, if you liked Steven Shainberg’s Secretary, another film about “abnormal” characters, you’ll love this. Shainberg has a way of making atypical behavior unobjectionable. What is common to both films is love. Underneath the fantastic story is a beautiful love story, an unforgettable love story.

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Are you interested in other film reviews? If so, read the film review for Stage Beauty.