JULES (2023)

August 11, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Senior citizens sometimes nearly cease to exist for the outside world, or at best, are humored in a ‘there-there’ manner. So, what do you think happens when an elderly gentleman in a small western Pennsylvania town repeats the same suggestions at multiple City Council meetings, and then, in a nonchalant way, mentions that a spaceship crash-landed in his backyard, damaging his azaleas and birdbath? Right, others just shrug and move on, assuming the ol’ geezer is just imagining things.

But what if the old man is not imagining? What if that spaceship/UFO did crush his azaleas and he’s now being quite hospitable and nursing the injured alien back to health? Well, that’s the story here in the first feature film screenplay from Gavin Steckler (“Review”) in a film directed by Marc Turtletaub, best known as a Producer on such fine films as THE FAREWELL (2019), LOVING (2016), and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006).

Oscar winner Ben Kingsley plays Milton Robinson, a gentle soul and widower whose veterinarian daughter Denise (Zoe Winters, “Succession”) helps him out with finances, while also encouraging him to see a doctor in hopes that he’ll agree to move into an assisted living home. We see her concerns as Milton is forgetful and repetitive and lonely … yet we also see his insistence on maintaining independence. Obviously, this is a situation many families deal with on a daily basis.

Things get really interesting when a couple of the other town elders become involved. Sandy (Harriet Sanson Harris) is the chipper do-gooder who is always trying to better the community, while Joyce (Jane Curtin) is the nosy one who wants to know everyone’s business. Watching these three deal with the quiet and calm alien they name Jules is almost a therapeutic experience in bonding over a secret.

Mostly a charming, feel-good movie, Ms. Curtin does deliver a dose of comedy with her rendition of “Free Bird”, and having Milton admit to three jaywalking tickets while addressing the City Council is a nice touch. This little film is full of kindness – unless you are a cat – and most will recognize that sliced apples take the place of Reese’s Pieces. It’s likely the most pleasant and easy-going science fiction movie we’ve seen … at least until the few moments when the government is involved. Let’s hope we would all treat outsiders the way Milton treats Jules.

Opens in theaters on August 11, 2023

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2 Comments | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DALILAND (2023)

June 9, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Sure, it’s an unusual approach; however, when it comes to Salvador Dali, the eccentric and iconic Spanish surrealist, a ‘normal’ introduction simply won’t do. Director Mary Harron (I SHOT ANDY WARHOL 1996, AMERICAN PSYCHO 2000, THE NOTORIOUS BETTIE PAGE 2005) shrewdly opts for an opening scene of the artist appearing on the classic TV game show, “What’s My Line?”. Lead actor Ben Kingsley (Oscar winner for GANDHI, 1982) has been superimposed over the familiar archival footage as he mimics the artist’s actual answers more than 60 years ago.

Screenwriter John Walsh (director Harron’s husband) structures the story around James (newcomer Christopher Briney), a young man Dali selects as his new assistant … and nicknames San Sebastian. This approach makes some sense as Dali was seemingly always on display and viewed as a curiosity to most. Yet James turns out to be the least interesting character on screen, and we wish for less of him and more of Dali, or Dali’s wife Gala, or Dali’s transgender nurse and muse Amanda Lear (Andreja Pejic), or even the flashbacks with Ezra Miller and Avital Lvova as young Dali and Gala.

It’s 1974 and “Welcome to Daliland” is how James is first invited into the St. Regis Hotel suite where Dali spent winters in New York City for forty years. Production Designer Isona Rigau captures the essence of the hotel, especially during the infamous parties thrown by Dali … even as Gala urged him to focus on work. Gala, played exceedingly well by Barbara Sukowa (HANNAH ARENDT, 2012), and Dali, show us the ups and downs of a codependent arrangement. She is shown pushing him towards success, and also at least partially responsible for his burnout and decline. Money was a constant battle as both enjoyed the high life. Dali loved the parties, while Gala enjoyed the company of younger men. The long-rumored signatures on blank canvas and the uncashed personal checks with the valuable signature are both addressed here.

Although it’s been forty years since Sir Ben Kingsley won his Oscar, he still knows how to seize a character and fill the screen. Not only does he embrace the pumped-up ego of a genius, he also conveys the worst fear of an artist – a tremor in his painting hand … although, to be fair, his fear of abandonment might have been even stronger. This is a man who knows he’s approaching the end of his career and life, but chooses to live until he can’t.

The flashbacks and the artsy moments where Dali conducts the wind from atop a seaside cliff are creative inserts worthy of one viewed as an icon, rather than as a man. Watching Dali hum while he works, or dominate a moment with his verbosity, or become emotional with Gala, all combine to provide a glimpse into Dali, the man and the artist.

In theaters and On Demand beginning June 9, 2023

2 Comments | Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson