Film No. 25 (2020) May 3rd. 2:55 PM. Stan streaming. Redmond Theatre, Ocean Reef.
"Lady Liberty opens her arms to you. Only you can release her". (Bruno's introduction of Ewa, as her stage name, to her prospective clients).
This handsome costume drama with a great cast, interesting story-line and sumptuous settings is fractionally disappointing, but maybe my expectations had become inflated over 5 years of waiting. It's a film I've wanted to see, knowing it to have solid reviews and a great pedigree (Weinstein Production). Nevertheless it is a good film, and I'd recommend it.
Post World War l Ewa (Marion Cotillard) and sister Magda (Angela Sarafyan) arrive in New York, in the hope of a new life. Magda is ill and must be quarantined. Her illness may be fatal. Ewa is desperate. She is to be deported, knowing she may never see her sister again. She'll do anything to remain. Enter Bruno (Joaquin Phoenix), a theatre agent! Really? He certainly works from a theatre, but he's an upmarket pimp (up market for 1921). Ewa is very untrusting of Bruno but he offers her the hope she seeks, that of seeing her sister again. Their relationship forms the fascination of the film. Bruno's brooding nature leads to a slightly surprising ending.
Emil or Orlando the Magician (Jeremy Renner) appears mid film and while he is the white knight with an interest in saving Ewa, there isn't the critical chemistry between Cotillard and Renner. It's surprising but true. Because of this there comes a dreariness to the plot. A particularly climactic moment in the masculine tussle between Bruno and Emil is not as emotionally gripping as it could have been. Cotillard is mesmerizing as a vulnerable heroine, her beauty does not waver for 120 minutes. Solid period drama. 9GUMS.
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