Reviews from the Platinum Cheap Seats

Last night Tracey joined me at ROMULUS, MY FATHER, an Australian tale of immigrant life and a study in mental illness. Touching. Fabulous acting.

Tuesday we saw the second of Two Kiera Knightley flicks, the better one, called SILK. Start in France a hundred plus years ago, and meet the villagers whose wealth depends on the health of the tiny silk worm. Young Herve is sent journeying across the world to acquire eggs, and experiences the beauties and trials of Japan and her conquests. Achingly beautiful ending. Worth getting through the rest.

The previous KK flick, ATONEMENT, was less redeeming though also twisty at the end. 1935 England. She also falls in love with the hero, but doesn't marry him. War happens. We watch the wayward lovers in imagination.

All tragic epics, though each finds a ray of hope in the narration.

Themes for me this festival year:

Everyone smokes all the time (though I'm not allowed to while watching them);

Each film begins with a flashforward in time—no surprises for us;

Everything is epic at 9pm at the Elgin VISA screenings;

Quality is higher with lesser known stars. Translation: movie is more watchable;

Cell phone pics don't do Brad Pitt, atc., justice.

Two more to go!!