The Truman Show (#82)

I’m sad to say it, but I was underwhelmed by this movie. The premise is cool, and it’s devotedly realized, but it fell flat for me. There was just so much more I wanted explored about the character’s psyches that wasn’t. As I was watching, the question I was asking wasn’t: “Will Truman escape?” but rather: “Once Truman’s escaped, will he choose to stay in the real world or return to the safety of the TV show?” Granted, that would have ruined the most fulfilling moment of the movie - the end (I don’t mean that sarcastically. I really thought the ending was great.) - but it was what was keeping me engaged throughout. The real emotions brought by Ed Harris (well deserving his Oscar nom) and Noah Emmerich are what made me really like the movie while the performances of other character - predominantly Laura Linney - made it a somewhat painful process. So yeah. I get why people like it, but I was left feeling flat.

Beyond Borders (#51)

I thought this was terrific. First off, it reminded me how much I love Clive Owen and how I need to get back into the habit of watching everything he’s connected with. No one does rugged-good-guys-with-compromised-morals-but-really-making-an-effort-all-the-same better than he does these days. This movie also served to remind me that hate Angelina Jolie as much as you want for being a gorgeous superstar and whatnot, she’s also a damn good actress and there’s an actual reason she’s so well respected in the industry. Supporting actors Noah Emmerich and Linus Roache round out the film beautifully (particularly Emmerich). I also always forget about Martin Campbell when I’m thinking about directors I’d like to work with, but he’s really great. (Even though I have to ask who thought it was a good idea to use Papyrus as the credits font. Papyrus? Really? Were those made by a 6th grader?) Great story both in terms of love and wider international themes. I completely loved it.