 | Category: | Movies | | Genre: | Other |
remember the first time you saw Amelie?
that air of magical realism, slight absurdity, sublime humor, and genuine pathos?
that's the feeling you'll get upon watching Everything is Illuminated!
well, that, plus a grand tour of the Ukraine.
it's like a perfect episode of The Lonely Planet,
showcasing the severe-looking architecture the Soviets left behind,
the pastoral beauty of Eastern European farmlands,
both infused with excellent choices of authentic Ukranian (!)
traditional folk and rap (!) songs,
add the gorgeous sundrenched cinematography during the daylight scenes, and the moody grays of the moonlit shots,
and you've got total eye+ear candy.
you get as your Illuminated tour guide,
a character (played by Eugene Hutz) every bit as entertaining
as the great Ian Wright,
the best and funniest host of The Lonely Planet.
and in this movie,
Elijah Wood proves that he's 1st in the line of succession
to follow Johnny Depp as the King of Oddball roles.
Oddball indeed, he looks as if he divided his shooting time between
Illuminated and Sin City. yet the roles couldn't be further apart.
It's almost unbelievable that this is the debut directorial effort
of Liev Schreiber, a solid character actor best known for his roles in Scream and The Manchurian Candidate.
He's crafted Everything Is Illuminated into a fine, fine film.
it's best described as a sweet movie,
bittersweet perhaps,
but endearing, definitely.
it ought to stay with you long after you finish watching it,
and it's surely one of those movies that you''ll want to see again.
It's a feel-good movie about friendship, families, and yes, a dog.
Spaseeba, Mr. Schreiber!!
note:
i usually hate dogs in crappy commercial American movies,
(remember Independence Day? millions of people killed, but the pooch is safe! hooray!!!)
but since Illuminated looks and feels like a European indie,
how can you not love a dog who looks like an "askal"
is named Sammy Davis Jr., Jr., and has got that Eurotrash vibe?
p.s. don't forget to read the book by Jonathan Safran Foer! 
| |
|
