Movie(s) of the Weekend: Alice in Wonderland, The Ghost Writer, Brooklyn's Finest
Solid but so-so film. I didn’t really like the look of the film and I think I expected more from Helena Bonham Carter. However, I would watch it again if just to further analyze the relationship between Alice and the Mad Hatter.
I do like political thrillers but we all know how they end. The U.S. government is evil. Fine. I know. One thing Polanski did successfully (besides provide us with the opportunity to make thoroughly inappropriate jokes before the movie) was make me forget how predictable the film was as it went on. By that I mean, I guessed who the CIA agent was very earlier in the film but by the middle I had forgotten and by the end reveal I was surprised. Good job.
A couple of things. First, Vincent D’Onofrio sighting! I didn’t expect it and it lasted all of four minutes but was still a pleasant surprise. Wesley Snipes was also a pleasant surprise. He turned in a strong performance opposite Don Cheadle. Also on the subject of acting, there is a fine line between the mannerisms of a weight-of-the-world-type stressed person and the mannerisms of a junkie going through withdrawal. Ethan Hawke crossed that line. As far as the other lead, Richard Gere, goes - I wonder if when he read the script he thought his bit was like a realistic version of Pretty Woman.
Next week: Undecided. Any suggestions?