Category: Movie of the Week

‘Cyrano’ has no self-doubt

Jeff Mitchell

“Cyrano” (2021) – “I like to think that (this movie) allows (the “Cyrano” story) to speak more universally, and not just specifically to someone my size or somebody who is differently-abled.  We all have that sort of insecurity when it comes to the person that we are.”  – Peter Dinklage, Dec. 26, 2021 “CBS Sunday Morning” interview with Lesley Stahl Edmond Rostand’s 1897 seminal play “Cyrano de Bergerac” – set in the 17th century – is 125 years old, but the title character’s internal struggle has existed as long as…

Movie of the Week: ‘Me and You and Everyone We Know’

Jeff Mitchell

“Me and You and Everyone We Know” (2005) – Writer/director Miranda July’s movie features a collection of characters trying to make their way through each day in modern-day Los Angeles.  As the film ends, it’s not easy to sum up the meaning of the rich connections and off-kilter story lines, but July is a master at turning ordinary events into fascinating ones. The two main souls plodding through life on their daily journeys are Christine (July) and Richard (John Hawkes). They aren’t a couple, although Christine hopes they will someday…

Movie of the Week: ‘Defending Your Life’

Jeff Mitchell

“Defending Your Life” (1991) – Albert Brooks directs, writes, and stars in his surreal, thoughtful comedy, where he plays Daniel Miller, a man defending his life! Unfortunately, Dan’s life is cut short by an auto accident, and he ends up in Judgment City, a type of purgatory that looks like suburban Pasadena.  He’s on trial, although it’s not really called one, where his defender, a prosecutor, and two judges review nine days in Daniel’s time on Earth, which are like snippets from VCR recordings that are made by who knows…