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| alitar (profile) wrote, on 3-10-2004 at 12:34am | |
| Just finished watching Gattaca. I know gbk and Tim will be pleased to hear it. Not at all what I expected, given the name - seemed like some Star Trek crap. Not so. Very interesting, and it was for the better that I knew nothing coming into the movie. Like the Hours, this wasn't a film that captured my heart, but it was one that had a brain, and raised all sorts of interesting questions. Perfection, the manufacturing of it, its value, the pressure associated with physical prowess, the unhappiness of being astonishingly blessed, but only second best. In a society so obsessed with physical ability measured in every way possible, all human elements are ignored. Cold cinematography, so impersonal, so stainless steel, reflects the lack of emotion, heart. All interactions are stiff, no warmth, no happiness, even for those who should have it all. Great relationship between Jude Law and Ethan Hawke, loved the irony in what's considered valid and invalid. Disappointed with Jude's character's choice. Didn't see the brother thing coming. Original idea, excellent execution, intelligent film. Awesome. Thanks for bugging me to watch it, guys. Yes, the reason I decided to watch this now was Jude Law, after falling madly in love with him in Cold Mountain, and to an extent, Ripley. Done some research on the man, and his career choices, and I really admire the directions he's taken his career. He's fantastically capable - glowing, golden god in Ripley, morbid photographer in Road to Perdition, ordinary but soulful soldier in Cold Mountain, and now arrogant, bitter, but eventually loyal and somewhat passionate cripple in this movie. He's got an intensity that's extremely alluring; he steals every scene he's in. Magnetic presence (some of which, admittedly has to do with his physical perfection), the ability to play passion, heartache, and sadness, and then arrogance, cruelty, crushing confidence with equal credibility. He's got the versatility and intelligence of Matt Damon (whom I respect tremendously as well), but with a dark side that simmers closer to the surface, a fact that makes him much more captivating to watch. He's also got a raw, sexual appeal that Matt doesn't have. He's got a million very diverse projects in pre, post or current production, so that makes me very happy. I've seen Enemy at the Gate in French, so that doesn't count. I'll just have to rewatch it sometime. I can't wait to get my hands on Wilde, his breakthrough role. Interesting casting news: Tom Cruise was originally supposed to play Inman in Cold Mountain, but dropped out for rather obvious reasons - thank GOD. THANK GOD. This could have been an entirely different character. Matt Damon and Jude Law both coveted the role, and Anthony Minghella gave it to Jude. In a better world, it would have been interesting to compare how the different actors choose to realise that character. Too bad. Jude Law turned down Shakespeare in Love, in which he probably would have done a fanstastic job, but Joseph Fiennes was excellent, so I can't complain too much. He's sort of a flashier, more charismatic, better Matt Damon and Viggo Mortensen. I'd like to see him in something less serious in the future, preferably where he didn't die. |
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| Anonymous | 03-16-04 1:33am YAY! YAY! I didn't like Cold Mountain at ALL, so I won't spoil the love for Mr. Jude Law, but yes. He's a good actor.
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