seven pounds--
as biggest movie star on the planet, will smith has his pick of projects (and directors and co-stars and...). it says quite a lot that he selected this story by a rookie screenwriter. and that he went back so quickly to work with helmer of the pursuit of happyness. gabriele muccino Did help smith access something emotionally special therein, directing star to second best actor nom. even More spiritual punch this time around. equally critical: smith's genuine chemistry with rosario dawson (previously partnered on MIB2), who glows--grounded, connected, beautiful, sublime. a wonderful, powerfully moving film.
chemistry: 5 stars
synecdoche, new york--
first time behind the camera for triptastic scribe charlie kaufman. and here's his most personal, most out-there project yet. reminiscent of more esoteric of samuel beckett plays. certainly too deeply existential to grab mainstream moviegoers; some will hail it as genius. we're privy to base inner-workings of protagonist (a writer/director revealing truly heartbreaking self-awareness--is he not kaufman? everyman?), in on the ceaselessly challenging joke of life for many laugh out loud moments and even more melancholy. all the world's a stage, we're reminded. now do with that what you will.
esoteric: 3 stars
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I must say that ultimately I was incredibly moved by this story. Admittedly it's a bit confusing at first, as it seemed to be all over the place, but by god, does it come together in the end in a way that absolutely breaks your heart and gives you renewed hope in the goodness of humanity. The sacrifice that Will's character makes is simply stunning. Will and Rosario truly shine together in this piece. The intimacy and the realness between them is simple and tender, yet woven through a complex web of extraordinary circumstances.
I don't understand why the 'critics' are being so harsh to this piece. Feels like the Grinch trying to steal Christmas.
Bravo to the writer, the director, Will and Rosario!
For what it's worth, I think this piece is a must see. I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you do. If it doesn't make you question your capacity to give, I don't know what will.
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