17th January 2017, 04:36 PM
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 | Cult Don Cult Labs Radio Contributor
Good Trader
Senior Moderator | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Land of the Prince Bishops | |
Manchester by the Sea
I meant to write about something earlier today about this, but completely forgot. It is the third film directed by Kenneth Lonergan (after You Can Count on Me and Margaret) and, predictably enough for the man who has screenwriting credits on films as diverse as those he directed and Analyze This (and its sequel), Gangs of New York and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, the story and dialogue really shine. This a similarly serious, sedate and character driven as long again's previous films and follows Lee Chandler, a janitor in Boston whose brother dies of a degenerative heart condition. Temporarily relocating to the titular town in Essex County, MA, an hour and a half away from Boston, he is forced to confront his past whilst trying to focus on his future responsibilities, particularly the guardianship of his 16-year-old nephew.
The film is superbly photographed and edited allowing the actors room to really impress, opportunities they seize with both hands. I haven't been more impressed with Casey Affleck, as his performance dominates the movie, and Lucas Hedges, who plays his nephew, is someone I haven't seen before but more than held his own against a cast including Michelle Williams, Gretchen Mol, and C. J. Wilson. Although the subject matter is quite dark, there are moments of levity, whether a whole scene for just a moment within a very heavy scene. It appeared to me to be a story of redemption as Lee confronts his Demons, which he has been dealing with through social isolation and bar fights, and the future is probably one of optimism.
Although this isn't the sort of film which demands a big screen to make the most of the visuals – it isn't an IMAX movie – it is beautifully shot which makes the most of the picturesque scenery around the seaside town, and cinematographer Jody Lee Lipes should be Oscar nominated, it is probably best to see it on the biggest screen possible. I'm glad I did.
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just because it was a piece of classical music that is so often used that it took him out of the moment, I think it was Pachelbel's Canon, but I might be mistaken.
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