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I Origins (2014)
Soulful blend of science, religion, and romance
I Origins is ultimately a satisfying film. It delves into issues of science, religion, philosophy, and love in a very appealing way. The main character, Ian, played by Michael Pitt, is a young scientist studying the eye, at least partly to answer the evolution vs God question. He meets Sofi (Astrid Berges-Frisbey), a unique-eyed free spirit whom he immediately falls head over heels for, but also clashes with. The combination of their romance, advances in science, and some odd coincidences eventually causes him to explore his own beliefs. The film has some really beautiful moments and opens up some great discussions about how much one can really know about the universe. The actors all play their parts well and the film utilizes some lovely music. The one criticism would be that the movie feels like two separate stories - the first half and the second half - and while both are intriguing, writer- director Mike Cahill takes a while to connect the two. The first half feels more romantic and philosophical while the later section takes a left turn into science fiction with an almost thriller tone. The ending manages to bring it all together in a cathartic way, though the scene after the credits throws the paranoid sci-fi feeling back in the mix, as if Cahill, unlike his protagonist, still cannot reconcile his romanticism with his scientific cynicism. Still, if you liked his previous film, Another Earth (also starring Brit Marling), you likely enjoy this one.
One Day (2011)
Worse than the book
The book upon which this movie is based was mediocre - easy to read, but nothing special. This movie is even less interesting, partly as a result of the casting choices. There's nothing horrible about it, but it's just not very good. Baby-faced Jim Sturgess was a poor choice for a movie that follows two friends/maybe lovebirds over the course of a decade. He has charm, but lacks gravitas, and the make-up artists could not figure out how to age him appropriately. Anne Hathaway, while always likable, had trouble mastering whatever British accent she was going for. Presumably she was cast because they'd rather have a big name than find an appropriate Brit for the role. Stronger actors could have made a big difference for the lackluster script.
However, the biggest issue was the story and the pacing. Scenes kept cutting off before any emotional connection could be made and the overall plot did not seem to be building toward any big moments. Moments that should have been capitalized on were rushed or thrown aside too quickly. It all seemed random and insignificant. The actors didn't seem connected to their roles, which made it hard for viewers to do so. Overall, it was fine, but ultimately unsatisfying.
Before We Go (2014)
Lovely and Soulful
This is such a lovely little film. It takes a little while to get in its groove, but it builds such a sweet and intimate connection between these two characters that you really fall in love with it and them. Chris Evans does a wonderful job as the kind-hearted trumpeter who's helping stranded Alice Eve find her way back home, both literally and figuratively. The film nicely glides past the usual clichés to create a story and characters that represent the best of humanity. It's hopeful, but grounded in reality. The fact that Chris Evans directed and produced this was a pleasant surprise, but also not entirely surprising at all. He managed to successfully play a sincere superhero without any signs of a smirk and this movie demonstrates that he has even more layers to reveal. Eve and Evans' chemistry is palpable and touching and leaves your heart filling a little bit fuller by the end. One can only hope to stumble upon more films like this one by accident.
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Exactly What You Want For a Romantic Period Drama
One of the best romantic period dramas I've seen. I wasn't sure what to expect, having never read the novel, and was a little wary given Hardy's penchant for punishing women (ie. Tess of the D'Urbervilles), but this film blew me away. It was everything I wanted in a film: beautiful cinematography, luscious landscapes, lovely costumes, great acting, exquisite storytelling without too much heaviness, and an ending that was not entirely predictable but very satisfying. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to watch it again.
The film starts off with an unusual tragedy of sorts and then paces itself nicely as it follows the young, independent, strong-willed, somewhat flawed, but ultimately likable heroine as she strives to carve out a life for herself on a farm where she slowly gets to know herself - what she needs, what she's capable of, and what she wants. The story wisely avoids those clichés of judgmental neighbors and family who would have disapproved of a young lady living this way and instead lets us sit back and watch how she navigates her obstacles, including her own misguided notions.
Carey Mulligan shines in the role and proves that she that just keeps getting better as she goes. The three suitors are well rounded, interesting, and sympathetic even when they're not the most suitable for our protagonist. Michael Sheen is particularly good and Matthias Schoenaerts was captivating; I immediately bumped the latter's films to the top of my queue.
This film provides the perfect antidote for those who may be growing weary of watching the Jane Austen classics for the umpteenth time (however wonderful they may be) and it's perhaps a bit less frilly or formal and a bit sexier for the viewers who might otherwise hesitate. Plus it's fascinating to see how farms worked back then. Overall, it was exactly what I craved.
(Note: I have not read the book or see the Julie Christie version so I can't compare it with either)