Jenny’s Wedding

I don’t usually watch family dramas. Few films in this genre manage to say something that resonates with me, so I usually pass them by when surfing Netflix.

(The only other family drama I can think of that I love is Family Weekend)

However – I couldn’t pass up Jenny’s Wedding. I’d been eyeing it for some time, and finally decided to give it a chance last week. By the end of it I was a mess – tears, sniffles, and a bunch of feels.

I found it a refreshing change of pace from the usual family drama where either everything ends saccharine sweet or so broken beyond repair that there’s nothing to be done but give it up as a bad job (or worse, nothing is solved and everything’s still as it was in the beginning). “Jenny’s Wedding” managed to balance the heartbreak of family with the happiness of knowing you’re loved by the people you care about.

It surprised me. It was a thoughtful exploration of what happens to a well-to-do, small town family when one of them reveals their true self. It’s called “Jenny’s Wedding” because of the focus on Jenny and her family’s reaction, so it isn’t focused on Jenny and her partner, or their relationship, although from what we see, it looks like they’ll be much healthier than Jenny’s parents or sister and brother-in-law.

Jenny’s announcement starts the chain reaction that ends with a crumbled family system, but it isn’t her doing. The unhealthy patterns were already there. Her decision to live authentically simply called everyone else’s authenticity into question.

Once uncovered, Jenny’s secret affects each of her family members in a different way, and it changes how they interact with each other, for good or ill. Jenny’s sister finally reveals how she feels about the relationship between Jenny and her mother, Jenny’s father and mother discover just how far they’re willing to go to keep the family together, even at the expense of their relationship, and Jenny’s relationship with her father, mother, sister and brother change drastically as their secrets begin to spill out.

It felt so real – each of Jenny’s family members reactions, conversations with Jenny and with each other rang true to life, in their good and bad moments. I kept imagining me and my family in their place. i think that’s why it was therapeutic (and therefore a deeply emotional experience) for me to watch it.

By the end, we see how the relationships that remain are stronger, and that Jenny is in a healthier state now that she can be completely herself. The end result of sharing her secret has allowed her family to acknowledge their secrets and begin the work of healing from having to live hidden for so long.

“Jenny’s Wedding” is a beautiful film with a sharp script and excellent cast. If I were sure I wouldn’t dissolve into a puddle by watching it again so quickly I might be tempted to re-watch it tonight.

Have you seen “Jenny’s Wedding”? What did you think?

 

Victor Frankenstein: Man or Monster?

“Knowledge is knowing that Frankenstein isn’t the monster. Wisdom is knowing that Frankenstein is the monster.” – Unknown

Frankenstein was the first sci-fi classic I ever read, and the first time I recognized that I felt sympathy for the monster character (though it wouldn’t be the last). Mary Shelley’s tragic tale about man’s attempt at creation gone horribly awry is haunting, and though there have been many, many films attempting to re-create that feeling, they, like Frankenstein, have failed — until now.

“Victor Frankenstein” is both a re-telling and a new story, taking the original one step further and investigating just who is the monster and who is the man, told from the vantage point of Victor’s lab assistant, partner, and friend, Igor.

Daniel Radcliffe is stunning as the rescued circus clown Igor. His humanity, despite the people who treat him as a monster, shines through in his face, all the pain and joy of human existence present in those bright blue eyes. My heart broke watching his attempts at navigating a world in which he was viewed as a subhuman. His curiosity, his innocence, and his kindness make him more human than any other person in the film.

James McAvoy, who plays the title role of Dr. Frankenstein, is both endearing and terrifying as he veers from humanity toward monstrous behavior to everyone around him. He communicates his passion and intensity through his expressions, without resorting to the “mad scientist” caricature. He is clearly a genius, but pursues knowledge from an emotional point, rather than an intellectual one. His emotions and ideas are larger than life.

Andrew Scott’s turn as Detective Turpin is also magnificent, as a chilling, orderly person who is intent on dissolving Dr. Frankenstein’s experiments, no matter the cost. Bent on following the trail of Frankenstein and Igor, Turpin will stop at nothing to catch Frankenstein before he shakes society’s belief in the finality of death.

I also have to say that I was surprised and deeply pleased at Jessica Brown Findlay’s character Lorelei, a circus performer, a deep thinker, and a courageous individual. She wasn’t there to provide a reason to fight, she wasn’t there to be arm candy, she wasn’t there to die. She was there as one of the people affected by Frankenstein’s experiments, who had her own thoughts and feelings on the matter, who spoke words of wisdom to those who needed them.

The film is warmly-toned, mostly shown in browns and yellows, lending a sort of candlelight effect that adds to the atmosphere of the tale. People fade in and out, slipping into shadow or stepping into the light, literally and figuratively, as they stumble toward the answers they so desperately seek.

The performances, set pieces, special effects, music, and editing pulled together into a beautiful, poignant, deeply moving tale about how people cope with death — each character deals with it in their own way, and acts according to their beliefs. The backstory we never had in the original tale is put forth here, and strengthens the story in such a way that it feels completely real.

It asks, “What do you think about life and death?” and “Will those thoughts keep you human or turn you into a monster?”

Each character must ask themselves these questions and deal with the fallout of their choices. It’s a breathtaking film and a highly emotional one, which is still quite rare in science fiction films. I came away having to catch my breath, wipe the tears away from my eyes, and consider my own views on death, and what that might lead me toward.

Unfortunately, the film isn’t doing well — according to some, it’s a flop.

So please, go see Victor Frankenstein, and judge for yourself – who is the man, and who is the monster? Are we perhaps both?

 

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed – NEW Flash Fiction!

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Above is a creepy little short I had the idea for while traveling a few weekends back. It’s different from what I usually write, but the idea stuck with me and I wanted to see how it turned out.

Comment below with your thoughts, constructive criticism, or a link to your own creepy short story!

25 Films To Watch This Fall

Autumn is my favorite season – for a myriad of reasons. The windy weather, the cozy sweaters, the holidays, the food, and the nostalgia that creeps over me and takes hold for the season.

With the nostalgia comes a craving — a craving that results in binge-watching my favorite “fall” movies, the ones that feed my nostalgia, the ones that feel like fall to me, or cult classics.

Here, then, are 25 of my favorite “fall” films (in no particular order):

1. The Royal Tennenbaums – Several of Wes Anderson’s films have a fall palette (Rushmore, Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, etc.) but this one is my favorite.

2. The Village – my favorite of the Shyamalan films, haunting and beautiful. The music by James Newton Howard is superb.

3. Persuasion – my favorite of Jane Austen’s novels. It’s a love story between people who aren’t young and beautiful, who have kept each other in their hearts for years, barely daring to hope to find one another again.

4. The Lake House – Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in a sci-fi love story inspired by Persuasion (it’s even discussed in the film). Beautiful cinematography and music by Rachel Portman.

5. Labyrinth – this cult classic stars David Bowie as the 80’s glam rock ‘n roll Goblin King, and Jennifer Connelly as an imaginative, intelligent girl determined to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King’s grasp. My favorite part is the ballroom scene.

6. Clue – I love movies that can be silly and smart. The cast is incredible, and of course I’ve been a fan of the board game since I was a kid.

7. Murder By Death – similar to Clue in basic concept, but based on a play by Neil Simon. Absolutely delightful (and another great cast).

8. Ratatouille – my favorite Pixar film, because a) I love food and b) I love the message about creativity and identity.

9. Coraline – a weird little tale from Neil Gaiman, told via stop motion.

10. Boxtrolls – another film from Laika Studios, with cheese puns, Richard Aoyade, Elle Fanning, and lots and lots of boxtrolls. Brilliant.

11. Moulin Rouge – I think it’s the color palette that reminds me of fall. This heart-shattering musical by Baz Lehrman is one of my Top Ten favorites, and it’s fascinating to see a Greek myth re-told.

12. Jeff Who Lives At Home – an indie film that I was surprised to love. This is my favorite quote from the film: “You’re all I have left, and none of you understand me.”

13. A Series of Unfortunate Events – I know Daniel Handler doesn’t love this version of his story, but I think for combining three books and keeping the original flavor, it’s a wonderful film. I adore it.

14. The Iron Giant – just know you’re going to cry in this one.

15. Land Before Time – one of my most favorite animated movies ever.

16. Muppet Treasure Island – I know this takes place in the tropics, but again, the color palette to me suggests fall. I also can’t stop singing “Something Better” and “Professional Pirate”. Tim Curry is magnificent.

17. Oscar – I know Sylvester Stallone doesn’t love this film, but I think it’s actually one of his best. A hysterical screwball comedy about a bad guy who tries to be good.

18. The Tale of Despereaux – although this doesn’t retain much of the original, it’s still a poignant story about string, soup, and sadness. The animation is breathtaking.

19. Arsenic & Old Lace – based on the play by Joseph Kesselring. Another silly screwball murder mystery. I have a problem, ok?

20. We’re Back – a tiny bit heavy-handed and cheesy, but come on – it’s a pack of dinos running around New York with two adorable children. It’s pretty great.

21. What’s Up, Doc? Again, I have a penchant for loving something someone involved dislikes. Barbara Streisand did not understand the humor of this film, which is sad because it’s the funniest film I’ve ever seen. Another screwball comedy, of course.

22. Shadow of a Doubt – my favorite Hitchcock film (I also adore Joseph Cotten).

23. Pan’s Labyrinth – Guillermo Del Toro’s mix of Spanish history and fairytales. Genius.

24. Spirited Away  – Arguably Miyazaki’s best film. Absolutely stunning visuals and a thrilling score by Joe Hisaishi. While the first part reminds me more of spring, the overall feel is one of fall.

25. Fantastic Mr. Fox – A collab between Roald Dahl’s delightful picture book and Wes Anderson’s nostalgic film quality, in a glorious stop-motion world. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Have you seen any/all of these films?

Here’s some new movies I’m looking forward to this fall:

Victor Frankenstein

The Good Dinosaur

In The Heart of The Sea

The Revenant

And of course, The Force Awakens

Also — watch for my Christmas Film List!

Bear Necessities — For Chuck Wendig’s Creative Non-Fiction Challenge

It all started when Josie left a bag of dog food by our stack of firewood. We’d put a tarp over our supplies because of the steady rainfall, and no one noticed the bag was gone until the next evening.

“Where’s the dog food?” Josie peered into the tent, checked in the car, and then remembered that Miss Scarlett’s food had been propped up next to a few of the bigger logs for the fire. The bag was nowhere to be seen. Stepping deeper into the woods, Josie finally located a now empty bag and a pile of vomit near the creek. We surmised that raccoons had carried the bag to the creek, washed themselves, and then glutted on the food until they could hold no more. “Nice outdoor vomitorium they have,” muttered Josie.

We decided Miss Scarlett would have to share our food, and thought no more about it. Until that night, when noises in the woods made it evident that although the bag was empty, someone wanted what was left of it.

We had just wiggled into our sleeping bags. Melissa was already blissfully snoozing. Miss Scarlett was curled up next to me, and I was drifting off when I heard a loud grunt. I froze. “Did you hear that, Josie?” I asked.

More grunts were explained to me as Scarlett’s snoring, but I knew better. That tiny dog’s nose was not capable of these deep, unhappy grunts.

“It can’t be wild boar,” I thought. Having lived in Spain, I knew the hazards of hiking and camping in the wild there, with wild boar and lynxes. I doubted very much that there were the same animals roaming the North Carolina woods.

The grunting got louder. “Josie, that isn’t Scarlett,” I persisted. No one else heard the noises, and after a while, they subsided. Then we heard a thud, and what sounded like an animal running away. We argued about whether it was a turkey buzzard, a raccoon, or some other sort of middle-sized creature having hit the ground after falling out of a tree. The weather had been rather bad, with a constant heavy drizzle and strong winds.

After settling back in for the night, I was about to fall into oblivion when we heard it, the sound I will never be able to erase from my memory: a low, chilling growl rolled through the woods and around our tent as Josie screamed and the hair on my neck rose to attention.

We frantically woke Melissa, who was grumpy even as we explained the need to evacuate the tent. We armed ourselves with our heavy duty flashlights, grabbed Miss Scarlett, and once we’d made sure there weren’t animals surrounding the tent, ran for the hills. Or rather, Josie’s car. I started laughing hysterically, unable to hold back the scared giggles.

We decided to speak to a ranger and drove to the campground entrance. The ranger, who was a tall, mustachioed gentleman who looked like he’d been a pro-wrestler in the 80’s, loomed over our car, framed by the pale yellow light of the lamp in his office. He told us we must have heard a branch fall and that raccoons were plentiful in this area.

“Did you hear them chattering to each other?” He asked.

Josie and I glared at him. “No, it was a bunch of grunting, like a pig, and then a deep growl.”

He hesitated.  “Well…people have said they’ve seen bears, but it’s never been confirmed.”

He made it abundantly clear that he thought we were just idiot girls who’d heard a raccoon and freaked out, so Josie and I decided (against Melissa’s advice) to forego asking him to call in someone to take a look.

We drive back to the campsite and (from the safety of our car) checked out the two empty lots beside us, catching glimpses of eyes in the darkness peering back at us.

We decided to sleep in the car.

The next morning, we went back to the site of the ravaged dog food back to discover it was gone, but there had clearly been a fight for it. We argued about what it could have been and then looked up what sort of animals could have made the noises we’d heard.

“Bears grunt as a warning,” read the Animal Advisory page on the campground site.

Josie and I looked at each other, eyes wide with horror. We had camped next to a bear.