Catch me not going to a movie with Robert De Niro in it. Despite my partner in crime Ramesh being preoccupied with a second honeymoon as he calls it, I managed to go all alone to watch the movie earlier this afternoon.
And I fell in love with Nancy Meyers who has written the story and directed this film. For the first time ever in my film going experiences, I came across a writer and director who has understood men of my generation and has produced a character in Ben Whitaker, so ably portrayed by De Niro, with who I totally identified. When he tells one of his younger colleagues, “A man carries a handkerchief to give to ladies who cry’, my heart melted. The younger males portrayed are so real modern IT types that I meet all the time and I thought that this film could be made in India and the story would resonate with Indian viewers, at least in the cities.
I have seen Anne Hathaway in other films notably, Brokeback Mountain and Les Miserables. In this, she portrays the moving spirit behind a successful start up internet based company and she does a magnificent job.
What do I need to say about De Niro. For the first time ever, his portrayal, thanks to the storyline and superb direction, sends the message loud and clear that male roles showing gentle, kind and sensitive men can also succeed in movies. He produces such an unusual performance that my already high opinion of his histrionic ability got reinforced.
It is a fantastic movie, without any of the violence, melodrama, sex etc that seem to permeate modern films and I will be very surprised if it does not succeed in the box office and may even get an Oscar or two.
Don’t miss it. I wish that I could give a higher rating than [rating=6].
Sounds different, I find De Niro either brilliant or poor depending on the movie but the plot sounds intriguing, marked “to see”.
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wisewebwoman recently posted..An Observation
Yes, his role is very different to whatever he has done so far. Very subtle and very effective.
I haven’t seen this particular film, but I think you’re right that “gentle, kind and sensitive men” are too scarce in movies, and violent, tough, unyielding men are still very much in favour. I for one would like to see more of the former.
nick recently posted..Don’t ask
There is another film in which De Niro plays the role of a father of children – Everybody Is Fine which I reviewed in August. There too he plays a very unusual role but this one is much better for its rather current topicality.
There’s an interesting article in the Guardian today saying that Nancy Meyers’ films are repeatedly trashed by male film critics who simply don’t understand the appeal of her films. http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/01/the-intern-has-been-panned-by-male-film-critics-why-am-i-not-surprised
nick recently posted..Don’t ask
I find that unsettling. I would like to see more films like this from her. I have actually ordered for one “It is complicated”.
sounds like I should see it…love your write ups on movie reviews.
You will not be disappointed and I thank you.
I have seen it yesterday. It was such a nice and relaxing experience. The subject applies also to retired corporate women, like myself. One needs to continue to feel a part of something bigger. Hopefully having positive impact. Loved the film and Anne Hathaway with Robert de Niro.
There is an earlier film by Nancy Meyers, It’s Complicated with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin where the woman’s side of post divorce story is shown with a great deal of sensitivity and humour. If you can, please try and see it.
I know the film, have seen it more than once. LIke it. I already have Missing Out, thank you for recommendation.