chrismorrell Blog

Under discussion:

Half Nelson  (2006)

Grabbing a cliche..this is truly heartwarming..shows true friendship/connection,whatever you want to call it...

A slice of life,(there's another cliche for you),that takes you to the brink of "the dark side",but pulls back,as we look in on these characters.

 I found myself hoping,all the way through this that it wouldnt seek a "redemption" for the character,wouldnt try to "close" the story. I found myself relieved,and gladdened that all is unresolved.

 Not everyones cup of tea,obviously.Not a "big" film,but a signature performance from writer/director and main player.

Probably a one-off.

Under discussion:

La Belle Noiseuse  (1991)

I found this an obsessive masterpiece...and became obsessed with it myself. As an Artist ,i was attracted by the pretention of it...and i must admit,that i was equally attracted by the beautiful Beart body...she is naked for long periods.

The quest is to capture something other than the physical, however,and that reaching for the intangible comes over as a brooding,scary thing.

Jane Birkin,as the wife,the original muse,sees herself being replaced ,quite literally painted over... but she remembers and understands why.

The "life drawing" sessions play out in real time ,and we see the hands of a genuine draftsman at work..but the discourse and fractious relationship between artist and model is where the real creative process resides.