Ralph Fiennes’ sophomore directorial turn, “The Invisible Woman,” is a handsomely crafted (it boasts Oscar-nominated costume design) but rather bloodless recounting of author Charles Dickens (played by Fiennes) and his secret romantic relationship with 18-year-old stage actress Nelly Ternan (Felicity Jones). Ternan is said to be the inspiration for several female characters — including Estella […]
biopic
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Film Review: “Saving Mr. Banks”
It is often said that history is written by the victors, and that viewpoint goes a long way in explaining the slightly bitter taste left in my mouth by “Saving Mr. Banks,” John Lee Hancock’s (“The Blind Side”) otherwise charming retelling of the behind-the-scenes battle to make Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” It’s expected that liberties will […]
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“The Fifth Estate”
For nearly the entire year leading up to the release of “The Fifth Estate,” WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has actively campaigned against the film, which depicts the creation of his controversial online organization. He’s done everything he can to ensure the film’s failure; supposedly he even met with Benedict Cumberbatch early on to implore him […]
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“Renoir”
Whatever the complications and challenges in making any motion picture, films about great artists, especially in the graphic and plastic arts, should really make themselves. Beyond the inherent interest in the life of a particular famous person, the sheer process of creation holds its own fascination, and above all, the images themselves provide a rich […]
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“42”
No doubt consciously timed for the opening of the baseball season, the new movie “42” provides a valuable lesson in contemporary American history, showing viewers the culture of baseball and of the nation not all that long ago. As everyone must know, the picture deals with some of Jackie Robinson’s struggles as the first black […]
