I can honestly say I have never in all my life been more shocked by the negative reaction to a movie. This film has practically become a punch-line, and that's just not fair. What we have here is a small, sweet, beautiful movie. I'll admit right now it's rather odd, with unusual characters that seem fairly unrealistic, but what people seemed to miss is that was kind of the point. Shyamalan has crafted for us a modern bedtime story, a fable, a fairy tale, complete with oddballs and archetypes.
The grounded, shining heart of this movie is Paul Giamatti. As Cleveland the maintenance man he is tragic and enchanting, a man who has completely lost his way in life until Story, the titular "Lady", shows up and allows him to find who he really is. This is a film about finding one's place in life, and living up to the responsibilities that place may grant you or thrust upon you. It is sad, but it is also uplifting, with a score by James Newton Howard that ranks among the best film scores I've ever heard.
I have no problem telling you this movie made me cry, several times. And we'll just forgive Shyamalan his little poke at film critics, modeling the most one-dimensional character he's ever created after them. This is his best work, and if you go in with an open mind and accepting nature, you should be rewarded.
No comments:
Post a Comment