QFLW Blog

Under discussion:

Eroica  (2003)

Not strong on the drama nor any "action" at all; the center of the film is the performance of Beethoven's stirring third symphony, the "Eroica."  And while the music is excellent, there's little else to sink one's teeth into.  I'm sure the film meant to give an idea of how the symphony was originally received and touch on what was happening in the composer's life at the time, etc., but these all seem to be tidbits tacked on to give the actors something to do besides stand around listening to the orchestra.  I loved hearing the the music but my attention kept wandering.  I might as well have been playing the CD of the symphony that I own.

Under discussion:

Rufus Wainwright: Rufus! Rufus! Rufus! Does Judy! Judy! Judy! Live at the London Palladium  (2007)

But he was already a great performer and singer, so perhaps it's no surprise that his rendition of Garland's songs (and some of them are pretty great songs) comes off wonderfully.  He has a strong voice that can belt as well as evoke tenderness, poignancy and romance.  He can't dance and doesn't tell stories well, but it doesn't matter--the voice, the songs are all.  He well earned his ovation at the end.

The disappointment is that on the disc I got from Netflix, there were no extras.  I'd have loved to see some backstage footage, an interview, something.

Under discussion:

Soldier's Girl  (2003)

I don't have cable so hadn't heard of this film till I saw The Fall and listened to the director's commentary.  He said he'd chosen Lee Pace for Fall on the strength of Pace's performance in Soldier's Girl.  Curiosity piqued, I rented it from Netflix.  And was disappointed.  Not in the performances or the tragic story itself but in the writing, which I thought was clumsy and disjointed; that just sort of ruined it for me.