Tuesday, December 22, 2015

THE DANISH GIRL

If you plan on seeing THE DANISH GIRL, a film getting a lot of nominations and critical attention, and deservedly so, I would suggest you see it on the big screen. That way you'll get to experience not just an extraordinary work of film art, but a whole series of cinematic shots that made me feel like I'd not only just seen a great movie but had visited a great museum.

The wide shots are so breathtaking I could easily return to the theater to see the movie again just for them. But every shot, even the two shots and close-ups, is like an extraordinary painting. And the acting is at times breathtaking as well. Eddie Redmayne proves once again he may deserve to be near the top of the list of greatest film actors in the history of the medium, with Brando and Daniel Day Lewis et.al.

The impressive thing for me, as someone who has acted in films and watched the work of others up close, is that Redmayne doesn't so much transform himself physically—his Dutch girl has the same brilliant smile as his Steven Hawkings did—but you could almost say spiritually. He captures the spirit of the character in ways that at times may be physical but more often transcend the physical.

Credit has to go to the director Tom Hooper, and his excellent casting, especially Alicia Vikander who is a revelation and a total match for Redmayne's courageous performance. She plays the artist wife of his character (both based on real people, though the movie takes liberties with some aspects of their story).

Both actors have enough screen charisma to match anyone in film. But go see for yourself, and let me know if you agree. Gotta be on the big screen though to get all the intricacies of the filmmaking and acting artistry.

4 comments:

tpw said...

I didn't read your review (as always), but do you remember Triple Echo, the Glenda Jackson film we saw decades ago? I never see that movie referenced anywhere, yet in seems (at least in my memory) to have been a prescient take on the now more-timely-than-ever question of gender identity.

Lally said...

TRIPLE ECHO! man haven't thought of that flick in years but most definitely you're right about it's relevance and prescience in terms of THE DANISH GIRL and the transgender discussion today...TRIPLE ECHO was on my ten best list for many years after I first saw it and was overwhelmed by its impact...thanks for reminding me...

Nancy Nadel said...

I agree with everything you said Michael. This film left me nothing short of mesmerized. From beginning to end the acting and the scenic value was breathtaking. I did see it on the big screen and can't wait to see it again as it IS like walking through a museum and i am sure there is a lot i missed. Eddie's transformation was like watching a baby blossom from the beginning to an adult in slow motion .... like a perfect, albeit troubled, storm. I was so touched at his ability to show love through his soul having nothing to do with his gender or sexuality. The story in and of itself is enough .... but these 2 actors made it come to life in a way i don't think any other 2 could have, kudos to the casting. I just loved this film so much and for me it definitely goes down as a work of art .... truly a Picasso.

Lally said...

so happy you saw it the way I did nancy, and you nailed it with "like a perfect, albeit troubled, storm"...