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Stripped BROKEN FLOWERS: Directed, written and produced by Jim Jarmusch. Produced by Jon Kilik, Stacey E. Smith. Original music, Mulatu Astatke. Cinematography, Frederick Elmes. Editor, Jay Rabinowitz. Production design, Mark Friedberg. Costume design, John A. Dunn. Starring Bill Murray, with Jeffrey Wright, Julie Delpy, Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, Tilda Swinton, Brea Frazier. With Chloe Sevigny, Alexis Dziena, Pell James, Heather Simms. Focus Features, 2005. R. 105 minutes. Don Johnston (Bill Murray) is not a happy man, and Broken Flowers is not a happy movie. Nor is it a comedy, except in the driest, most distant sense of the word. Johnston shows life only when he's talking to his neighbor, Winston (Jeffrey Wright), or Winston's wife, Mona (Heather Simms), or their kids.
Right now, Don's morose because his live-in girlfriend, Sherry (Julie Delpy), is leaving him. Moreover, she says she's splitting for the same reason the women who preceded her left him: Don's "an over-the hill Don Juan." Although he does not seem a likely womanizer, Don's been through this dumping routine lots of times. He is stunned but not touched by Sherry's going and can't quite muster the energy to keep her. Ah, ennui, blessed inactivity, which passes for emotional pain too strong to bear. The day Sherry departs, Don receives a letter in a pink envelope, with his name and address in red ink, no return address. Unsigned, the letter could be from anyone, although the content strongly suggests a former lover wrote it. Don has a son he never knew about, the typewritten letter says, and now the 19-year-old has left home and is probably looking for him. That gets Don's attention. So does Winston's insistence that Don go to see each former girlfriend who could have been the mother of his child. Winston's big on detective work. When Winston pulls together addresses, airline reservations and car rentals, Don reluctantly heads to the airport. Over the following days, Don sees a number of women he knew 20 years earlier — the widowed Laura (Sharon Stone) and her nubile daughter, Lolita (Alexis Dziena); Dora (Frances Conroy), his former hippie lover, and her husband (Christopher McDonald); "Animal Communicator" Carmen (Jessica Lange) and her assistant (Chloe Sevigny); biker girl Penny (Tilda Swinton, nearly unrecognizable in a black wig) and her burly boyfriend, Dan (Chris Bauer, from HBO's "The Wire"). Don awakes in the middle of a dusty, stubbled field, an apt metaphor for the whole, futile project and perhaps for his former relationships themselves. Two additional, enigmatic encounters add to Don's confusion, which by now has assumed a comic bent. He meets a wide-eyed young woman improbably named Sun Green (Pell James) in a florist shop, and a young man (Mark Webber) whom he runs into TWICE. The real pleasure to be gained from this or any Bill Murray vehicle are the minute changes in his deadpan façade which indicate he's in there, alive and noticing everything. Many critics write about Murray's impeccable comic timing, but you must be almost as still as he to observe this gift, an act that is strangely rewarding. Filmmaker Jim Jarmusch enjoys being out of the mainstream, so it has been difficult for him to appreciate being told this is his most approachable film. The master of minimal filmmaking, Jarmusch distances himself from his characters, creating a cool, unemotional effect. This film is so spare, so stripped down that some viewers may have trouble connecting with it at all. The small happiness in the film comes from the brief performances of some of the film's fed-up women. Delpy can't hide her charms even as Sherry dumps Don. Stone relishes her role as the widow of a race-car driver and mother to a precocious teen nymph, whom Laura apparently does not see. Wright enthusiastically attacks his role as an ebullient Ethiopian father of five. Lange plays Carmen as so guarded and careful she seems kinky. The usually restrained Swinton howls her head off as poor Penny.
The
Married Woman ASYLUM: Directed by David Mackenzie. Written by Patrick Marber and Chrysanthy Balis, based on the novel by Patrick McGrath. Produced by Laurence Borg, David E. Allen, Mace Neufeld. Cinematography, Giles Nuttgens. Editors, Colin Monie and Steven Weisberg. Production design, Laurence Dorman. Music, Mark Mancina. Starring Natasha Richardson, with Ian McKellen, Marton Csokas, Hugh Bonneville. With Judy Parfitt, Gus Lewis and Joss Ackland. Paramount Classics, 2005. R. 96 minutes. When we first meet Stella Raphael (Natasha Richardson), she is moving into a house on the grounds of a hideous asylum, dressed fashionably in the 1950s style: high heels, straight skirt, sweater or blouse, pearls, hair in a chignon. Stella's psychiatrist husband, Max Raphael (Hugh Bonneville) has accepted a position running the asylum. Their son Charile (Gus Lewis) seems happy to explore the gardens and woods. The other member of the household is Brenda Raphael (Judy Parfitt), who takes care of the boy on occasion.
We don't need a shrink to tell us Max and Stella's marriage is in trouble. Her bored expression and passive behavior, his hints that he is keeping an eye on her, and Brenda's running of the household give us plenty of clues. This is a juicy melodrama wrapped around an obsessive love affair between Stella and Edgar Stark (Marton Csokas), an inmate at the asylum under the watchful care of Dr. Peter Cleave (Ian McKellen). Cleave is the staff psychiatrist who deals with the criminally insane patients, as well as the doctor passed over for promotion when Max was brought in. The story is engaging but muddy. The film is torn between being an intellectual expose of manipulation by multiple characters or of becoming a trashy soap opera, tricked out with what's euphemistically called "unbridled" sex. (I lean toward the soap, myself.) Actually, the sex scenes get right to the crux of Stella's problems with the stiff-upper-lip society she lives in. Steamy sex with Edgar gives her an outlet for her stifled passion, even as her sexual need shames her. Stella is the only woman Edgar's been around for years. Their slow dance at the staff and patients' Christmas party scandalizes everyone. Afterwards, all are edgy, holding their collective breath until the next lightning bolt strikes. This moody meller needs a strong director, but David Mackenzie fails to rise to the occasion. Too many of the characters appear to be as drugged as the patients in the asylum, including Richardson at times. She is more persuasive as a woman eager to shed her scruples while remaining true to herself than as wife or mother. Csokas makes the early Edgar engaging, even though later he has to walk though Edgar's resignation and desperation. When Edgar unmasks another character, Csokas is terrific, right there. Bonneville plays the feckless but ambitious Max with a business-like stoicism, but his work turns subtle when Max shoulders his responsibility for all that has happened. McKellen shows us little behind the paternalistic half-smile of the professional mind-reader, Dr. Cleave. Despite its dark themes, the film is interesting on several layers. Who can say what passes between a man and a woman? Can love be measured and judged? When is obsession "magnificient" and when is it "pathological," and who decides? Between doctors and mental patients: Who's manipulating whom? For many viewers, the question may be more basic: Who cares? But no car crashes, gun fights, special effects or alien creatures has its own appeal here at summer's cusp. Asylum isn't so bad. The film opens Friday, Sept. 2 at the Bijou.
OPENING
OR RETURNING: Archaeology Mini Film Festival: The final program includes three films: Kurtal Snake Spirit (Australia, 28 min.), Secrets of the Dead: Search for the First Human (USA, 57 min.) and Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer (USA, 20 min.). Films only $6; with dinner at Feast and Film participants: Adam's Place ($20), Oregano's Grill ($15), Oregon Wine Warehouse ($10). At 8 pm on Sat. 9/3 at DIVA. Aristocrats, The: Paul Provenza directs this obscene talent show where about a hundred comics tell the same filthy joke, an oldie from at least early vaudeville, in which unspeakable acts are performed. Each skit is original, while the joke remains. Comic talents include Paul Reiser, Jake Johannsen, Chevy Chase, Whoopi Goldberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Kevin Pollak, Bob Saget, Robin Williams, Erik Cartman, Jon Stewart and Sarah Silverman. Film has been banned by some theaters. Caution: Not for the faint of heart. NR. Cinema World. Asylum: Set in a 1950s-era asylum for the insane, film tracks the scandalous affair between the wife (Nastasha Richardson) of the psychiatrist running the asylum (Hugh Bonneville) and an inmate (Marton Csokas). Moody melodrama also stars Ian McKellen as the patient's doctor. Not half bad. R. Bijou. See review this issue. Bad News Bears: New take on 1976 comedy of same name about a grizzled former minor league baseball player recruited to coach inept Little League team to a championship. Directed by Richard Linklater (Before Sunset), film stars Billy Bob Thornton, Greg Kinnear and Marcia Gay Harden. Recommended for the simple vices it enjoys: cussing, fighting and irresponsibly driving a Caddy convertible while drinking. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Constant Gardener, The: Directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God) and adapted from a John Le Carre novel, this thriller also stars the excellent Rachel Weisz (pronounced Vice) and the ever masterful Ralph Fiennes, playing a career diplomat who plunges into the mystery of his wife's murder. He uncovers a world-wide pharmaceutical industry criminal conspiracy. Also stars Danny Huston, Bill Nighy. R. Cinema World. Cinemark. Dark Water: Psychological thriller directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries) stars Jennifer Connelly as a young mother starting a new life with her daughter in an apartment that takes on a sinister life of its own, including persistent leaks of dark water. PG-13. Movies 12. Hobart Shakespeareans, The: LA teacher Rafe Esquith teaches inner-city fifth graders "an compromising curriculum of English, mathematics, geography and literature." At the end of school year, each student performs in a full-length Shakespeare play. Hobart is a National Medal of Arts winner. Documentary producer, director Mel Stuart says the film is "a testament to the powers of art and to the difference one thoroughly committed person can make." Shows on 9/6, "POV" on PBS. Check TV listings for times. Point Blank (1967): John Boorman directs this Lee Marvin movie, in which gangster Marvin is betrayed, shot and left for dead. Then he's out for revenge and his share from the Organization. Also stars Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, Carroll O'Connor. Discussion follows, led by host Henry Weintraub. Free. R. Plays at 6 pm on 9/4 at DIVA. Sound of Thunder, A: According to the IMDB's Anonymous review, the film is about a hunter (Ed Burns) on a time-traveling safari who wanders off the path and kills a butterfly. Safari owner (Ben Kingsley) and other experts must go back and replace the butterfly or humanity will not exist in the future. Also stars Catharine McCormack as the game's inventor. PG-13. Cinemark. Stripes (1981): A clueless Bill Murray and John Candy enlist in the Army, where they and other players from "Second City" act out skits, many using Warren Oates as the fall guy. Plays at 12 midnight on 9/2 and 9/3. Movies 12. Transporter 2, The: Former Special Forces operative (Jason Statham) must find the kidnapper who took a boy from the wealthy family he works for. Written and produced by Lu Besson, directed by Louis Leterrier, film also stars Alessandro Gassman, Amber Valetta, Mathew Modine and Kate Nauta. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Underclassmen: Nick Cannon (Drumline) stars as a street-smart cop who goes undercover at an elite private high school to infiltrate a group of rich, smart students under suspicion for murder. PG-13. Cinemark. Unfinished Life, An: Contemporary Western directed by Lasse Hallstrom working from a screenplay by Mark Spragg, based on his excellent 2004 novel (reviewed 12/9/04 EW; archived). Life changes for two old, hard-working cowboys (Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman) who have lived on the same piece of Wyoming ranch land for 40 years when a young mother, Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez), and her 10-year old daughter, Griffin (Becca Gardner), invade their familiar routine. Jean is fleeing an abusive boyfriend (Damian Lewis). Sneak at 7:30 pm on 9/3 and 9/4 at Cinemark.
CONTINUING: Batman Begins: Christopher Nolan (Insomnia, Memento) directs an all star cast to bring you the story of how young Bruce Wayne (Christopher Hale) becomes the Dark Knight. Also stars Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Katie Holmes. PG13. Cinemark. Online archives. Bewitched: Nora Ephron (You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle) directs this story about the remaking of the classic 1960s sitcom "Bewitched" starring Will Ferrell as Darrin and Nicole Kidman as Samantha. Best when it's a sweet love story but always watchable. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Broken Flowers: Bill Murray plays a man who looks up all his ex-girlfriends, searching for a son he might have fathered. Jim Jarmusch's minimalist film is touted as his most accessible yet, which would be good news for most filmmakers but not for this iconoclast. Also stars Julie Delpy, Jeffrey Wright, Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, Tilda Swinton. R. Bijou. See review this issue. Brothers Grimm, The: Terry Gilliam directs this tale of the legendary brothers who brought fairytales to the world, Will Grimm (Matt Damon) and Jake Grimm (Heath Ledger). Set in the Napoleonic countryside, the brothers have to wrestle with the demons and magical characters their imaginations have brought to life. Also stars Jonathan Pryce, Lena Headey, Peter Stormare and Monic Bellucci. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark. Cave, The: A giant underground cave system in Romania entices thrill seeking professional spelunkers Jack (Cole Hauser) and his brother Tyler (Eddie Cibrian); other divers include Piper Perabo and Morris Chestnut. The trailer is really scary and kind of cheesy. PG-13. Cinemark. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Tim Burton's reimagining of Roald Dahl's perennial children's favorite dark chocolate treat stars Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka with Freddie Highmore, his child co-star from Finding Neverland, along with Helen Bonham Carter. Loved it! Highest recommendations. PG. Cinema World. Cinemark. Online archives. Crash: Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby) wrote, directed and produced this urban drama set in Los Angeles, which looks at the complexities of racial tolerance in contemporary America. Stars Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe and Lorenz Tate. One of the best films of 2005. Very highest recommendations. R. Movies 12. Online archives. Dukes of Hazzard: Good ole boy cousins Seann William Scott and Johnny Knoxville are drivin' the back roads of Hazzard County with cousin Jessica Simpson. With Willie Nelson, Burt Reynolds, Joe Don Baker and Lynda Carter. PG-13. Cinemark. Online archives. Fantastic Four: Marvel Comic's superheroes, transformed by cosmic rays while on an outer space mission, battle the evil powers of Doctor Doom. Directed by Tim Story, movie stars Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon. PG-13. Movies 12. Forty-Year Old Virgin: Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) has lived a life of involuntary chastity, and his friends are determined to do something about his state. Directed by Judd Apatow, the film stars Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd and others. R. Cinema World. Cinemark. Online archives. Four Brothers: After their mother is murdered, four brothers reunite to avenge her death. From John Singleton, the director of 2 Fast 2 Furious, this disappointing film stars Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, Andre Benjamin, Garrett Hedlund, with Terrence Howard. R. Cinemark. Online archives. Great Raid, The: John Dahl directs Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Connie Nielsen and Joeseph Fiennes in the true story of the 6th Ranger Battalion's men who travel 30 miles behind enemy lines in 1945 to liberate more than 500 American POWs held by the Japanese in the Phlippines. R. Cinemark. Herbie, Fully Loaded: More hijinx and shennanigans from that animated, but so unlike Christine, VW bug, Herbie as he heads to NASCAR. Starring Linsay Lohan and Justin Long. G. Movies 12. Longest Yard, The: Lots of world-class athletes from NFL players to kick-boxers and wrestlers star along with Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds and Chris Rock in this comic tall tale of a group of diverse inmates who team up to play against their guards. PG-13. Movies 12. Madagascar: Computer-animated comedy stars voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith as animals who escape from the Central Park Zoo for a big city adventure. But they are captured and put on a ship headed for Africa, where they must survive in the wild. Directed by Eric Darnell (Antz) and Tom McGrath ("The Ren and Stimpy Show"). PG. Movies 12. March of the Penguins: Documentary director Luc Jacquet's film chronicles the oft-repeated survival of the species in the wind-strewn wilderness of Antarctica. Film tracks a pair of Emperor Penguins across continent. Includes intimate scenes of the big birds mating. The female lays one egg, passes it to the male and takes off for a three months round trip to the sea and food. Meanwhile, the male penguins don't eat but focus exclusively on keeping the eggs alive for the gestation period. G. Bijou. Cinemark. Mr & Mrs Smith: An action adventure romantic comedy thriller about a bored married couple (Angelia Jolie and Brad Pitt) who is surprised to learn that they are assassins hired to kill each other. Directed by Doug Liman (Bourne Identity). PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Red Eye: You've all seen the trailer: Rachel McAdams is horrified to learn that her father has been kidnapped and the monster (Cillian Murphy) who's in on it is seated right next to her on a red eye to Miami. Directed by Wes Craven. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark. Skeleton Key: Something wicked lurks in the Louisiana mansion where Kate Hudson works as a live-in nurse. PG-13. Cinemark. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith: The long-awaited final episode in George Lucas's series stars Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman. From Village Voice reviewer Ed Halter: "Lucas packs his latest with physics-defying deep-space dogfights and zhoozhing lightsaber battles, frequently cutting back and forth between two simultaneous melees on separate planets, deploying his signature Flash Gordon wipes." PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Undiscovered: Meiert Avis directs an ensemble cast, which includes Steven Strait, Ashlee Simpson, Carrie Fisher, Pell James, Kip Pardue, Peter Weller and Fisher Stevens. Comedy. PG-13. Cinemark. Valiant: Vanguard Animation's first film includes voices by Ewan McGregor as Valiant, John Cleese, Jim Broadbent and Ricky Gervais. Set in WWII, the film's about the competition between brave English carrier pigeons (the good guys) and German falcons. Computer animation looks great. G. Cinemark. War of the Worlds: Directed by Steven Spielberg, this retelling of H.G. Well's seminal sci-fi adventure thriller about an invasion of Earth by Martians, as seen through the eyes of ordinary people played by Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto, and Tim Robbins. Riveting, challenging and moving; very highest recommendations. PG-13. Cinemark. Online archives. Wedding Crashers: Hyper pranksters Owen Wilson and Vince Vaghn star in this throwback to a rowdier time in movies. Things go well for the boys until they meet up with Rachel McAdams and Isla Fisher and their parents, Christopher Walken and Jane Seymour. R. Cinemark. Cinema World.
MOVIE
THEATERS Bijou
Art Cinemas Regal
Cinemas Cinemark
Theaters
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