Film No. 90 (2022) October 31st. 6:15 PM BACKLOT Private Cinema , West Perth.
"He'll have his dinner with kings if he plays his cards right".(Irving pinches his son's cheek light-heartedly but there is seriousness in his voice as he plans Paul's future).
Nominee : Palme D'Or (James Grey) Cannes Film Festival.
There is nothing formulaic about ARMAGEDDON TIME. If someone asked my opinion, along with the often repeated adjunct, "what film is it most like?" My simple answer would be" like none I can recall".
In ARMAGEDDON TIME, James Gray (AD ASTRA, THE IMMIGRANT) has made a very personal coming of age film. Most of his films delve into the human condition and the stresses and challenges we overcome to be who we are. Here, he shoots long, theatrical scenes that give insight into his journey from childhood to adolescence. Paul Graff (Banks Pepeta) is Gray's alter-ego. We love Paul from the first scene.
Paul is angelic in looks and artistic of nature. He doesn't really fit in. His hard nosed Jewish upbringing requires him to not dream or imagine, but to work towards academia. A career in law or commerce is deemed suitable. But he has allies; allies who give him the strength to make his own path. Grandfather Aaron (Anthony Hopkins) tells stories and makes analogies reinforcing the importance of following dreams. Paul's black friend Johnny provides adventurous companionship, the sort that allows for some risk taking.
For some, ARMAGEDDON will be like watching paint dry. I'm of a generation where school and family life was indeed as Gray depicts it. It brought back memories for me. Not memories I wanted to linger on, but that's a part of the reason I love film.
Finally the work of Hopkins, Hathaway and Strong is worth the price of a ticket. These actors bring a power to the screen which surely has the thoughtful Gray infused with pride. Actors of this quality have captured, in truth, the moments so important to his story. 11GUMS.
No comments:
Post a Comment