• Digital marketing consultant Chris Dorr points out missed online opportunities with “Bright Star.” [Thompson on Hollywood]
• Steve Pond jumps on the “Up in the Air” train, says it renders the expectations irrelevant. [The Odds]
• Lying about seeing “The Godfather.” [The Guardian]
I didn’t really talk too much about Lone Sherfig’s “An Education” when I saw it a few months ago beyond starting the drum circle on Alfred Molina’s wonderfully warm, authentic performance. But I find the film on my mind more and more with an October 9 limited release right around the corner.
The film is sublime and in perhaps (for me) the best movie year of the decade, it continues to stand out as one of the 2009’s most refined films on nearly every level. The acting, of course, is impeccable. I couldn’t possibly write anything new about Carey Mulligan’s work, and Peter Sarsgaard, who will hopefully be in the awards conversation but could be unfortunately forgotten in the clutter, delivers his finest work since “Shattered Glass” (and probably ever). The entire cast, in fact (and as noted in this space) is likely to get a well-deserved SAG ensemble nod.
Back in June I wrote that “An Education” was an example of “that rare occasion when a filmmaker taps into profound truths with the help of a cast that gets it, the themes surging through every vein, a driven vehicle of purpose.” I don’t feel any different today.
I have to say, as enchanting as this new one-sheet for Lone Sherfig’s “An Education” is, and as attractive as the composition might be, I don’t feel like it properly capitalizes on the tone or the underlying theme of the film. That’s a shame. I like it, it’s just…it could have been something meaningful. We’re talking about the best film of the year so far. Is it wrong to expect more? Anyway, your thoughts?
