Film No. 43 (2016) July 12th. 10.20 AM NOVA Cinemas, Carlton, Melbourne.
"You are a little green dynamo of energy Doris and don't let anyone tell you any different" (Observes a motivational guru (Peter Gallagher) to a wide eyed Doris)
The chance to visit my favourite cinema complex in Melbourne (Nova Carlton)was slipping away. A small window of opportunity arose on the day before departure and so a chance to lounge back in the most comfortable cine seats in Australia was taken. The fare however was a tad disappointing.
Sally Field reminds us of how charismatic a performer she is in this disjointed yet charming film. Doris (Field),is a sixty something spinster coming to terms with the death of her mother after years of care and commitment in the family home. This oddball tale of an older gal punching above her weight in the romance stakes is a light fairy tale of the independent variety.
Doris works in accounts for a company run by hipsters and wanna bees. A new consultant, John (Max Greenfield) arrives in the workplace and Doris is smitten by his charms. At the same time Doris's brother and sister-in-law are pushing Doris to sell the family home divide the proceeds. Our Doris is also a hoarder who has difficulty letting go of things, including memories, possessions and people. There are a plethora of issues mostly related to aging on show, perhaps too many.
Basically Sally is a one trick pony in this. The narrative has more holes in it than a sieve. If, however, you have fond memories of that warm and engaging look, the fingerprint of Sally's work, then I doubt you'll be disappointed with Hello, My Name is Doris. However, like the silly title, you'll soon forget the film. I have better memories of the plushness of my seat in cine 13 at Nova Carlton. 6GUMS.
Sally Field reminds us of how charismatic a performer she is in this disjointed yet charming film. Doris (Field),is a sixty something spinster coming to terms with the death of her mother after years of care and commitment in the family home. This oddball tale of an older gal punching above her weight in the romance stakes is a light fairy tale of the independent variety.
Doris works in accounts for a company run by hipsters and wanna bees. A new consultant, John (Max Greenfield) arrives in the workplace and Doris is smitten by his charms. At the same time Doris's brother and sister-in-law are pushing Doris to sell the family home divide the proceeds. Our Doris is also a hoarder who has difficulty letting go of things, including memories, possessions and people. There are a plethora of issues mostly related to aging on show, perhaps too many.
Basically Sally is a one trick pony in this. The narrative has more holes in it than a sieve. If, however, you have fond memories of that warm and engaging look, the fingerprint of Sally's work, then I doubt you'll be disappointed with Hello, My Name is Doris. However, like the silly title, you'll soon forget the film. I have better memories of the plushness of my seat in cine 13 at Nova Carlton. 6GUMS.
And there are lots of wonderful films to see in Nova especially with the Melbourne International Film Festival close upon us on Friday.
ReplyDeleteI'm something of a Sally Field fan, myself.
Too many issues relating to aging?
The plushiness! I don't think I've been to cinema 13.
Last time I went to Nova was because of OUR KIND OF TRAITOR two weeks ago [Sunday 10 July 2016]. Crinini's is a wonderful restaurant - I hope you go there and to the Italian Museum if you're interested.
Perhaps Doris's story works better in the theatre. There is a good play called BOY FROM THE COUNTRY. I think Hunter [the protagonist] and Doris would probably get along.
"A light fairytale of the independent variety".