You are viewing an archived issue of the Eugene Weekly. To return to our current issue, please click here.
 |
  |
 |
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||
|
RABBIT-PROOF FENCE: Directed by Phillip Noyce. Screenplay by Christine Olsen, adapted from book by Doris Pilkington Garimara. Produced by Noyce, Olsen, John Winter. Executive producers David Elfick, Jeremy Thomas, Kathleen McLaughlin. Cinematography, Christopher Doyle. Music, Peter Gabriel. Production design, costumes, Roger Ford. Editors, John Scott, Veronika Jenet. Starring Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan, Kenneth Branagh, David Gulpilil, with Ningali Lawford, Myarn Lawford, Jason Clarke. Miramax Films, 2002. PG. 95 minutes.
Between 1905-1971, Australia's notorious, racist policy, the "White Australia Policy," allowed Aboriginal children fathered by whites to be forcibly removed from their families by government authorities and raised to be domestic servants. They were never to return home. Based on an actual kidnapping in 1931, Phillip Noyce's adventure drama follows three mixed-race girls pulled from the arms of their mother and taken away from Jigalong, a small, shabby outpost at the edge of the Australian desert. Their destination: Moore River Native Settlement, some 1,200 miles to the south. Molly (Everlyn Sampi) is 14 years old; her sister Daisy (Tianna Sansbury) is 8; their cousin Gracie (Laura Monaghan) is 10. The girls live with Molly and Daisy's mom, Maude (Ningali Lawford), their Grandmother Frinda (Myarn Lawford) and sometimes Gracie's mom. The girls' white fathers worked on Australia's 1,500 mile fence built to keep a plague of rabbits off pasture land. The men moved on long ago. As the eldest, Molly has been well trained by her mother in practical and spiritual matters. She not only takes care of the younger girls, but she notices where she is, pays attention to animals and their tracks, finds water and food in barren places, and knows that a great bird is her guardian animal. A.O. Neville (Kenneth Branagh), the Chief Protector of Aborigines in Western Australia, presents the case to ladies' societies for rounding up the "half-caste" children and forbidding them to intermarry with Aboriginals. The point is to breed out the Aboriginal race. Neville wants Molly, Daisy and Gracie brought to Moore River, where he personally inspects Molly to see if she is white enough to be educated. She isn't. After a day at Moore River, spunky Molly tells the younger girls to follow her into a nearby forest one overcast Sunday, while others are at church. They begin the long, ardurous trek back home. Molly is ingenious and very, very smart. She knows their tracks and scents will wash away in the downpour. That helps them evade the government's native tracker, Moodoo (David Gulpilil), who pursues them. Molly outwits him several times as they make their way to the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the continent. More than once they are helped by strangers, but they are also betrayed and barely escape re-capture. Stories such as this cannot have truly happy endings, because living in an institutionally racist society means no safe place for them. Molly is a heroine in the grand tradition of literature, although film has given us fewer models. Her1,200 mile trek is both an initiation into her culture and a test by those who now rule her people. She carries her younger sister on her back for much of the journey and encourages the younger children to keep walking even when they are really tired. She finds food, shelter of a sort and water for them to survive. This is not a road movie as some slick critics called it, but a true walkabout. Australian rock outcroppings, pleasant pastures and barren deserts provide a light-filled dramatic background to the young girls' pursuit, and Christopher Doyle captures its moods with reverence. Wong Kar-wei's cinematographer for the elegaic In the Mood for Love (2001), Doyle also shot Hero, Zhang Yimou's 2002 Academy Award foreign language finalist that hasn't played here yet. Noyce's empathic direction of the three children pays off. Although they learned to act for this movie, they are not cute, fake or self-conscious as are many Western child actors. They have few speaking lines, but their faces say everything. Highest recommendations. Now playing at the Bijou.
Bringing Down the House: Domestic comedy starring Steve Martin and Queen Latifa is directed by Adam Shankman. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark. Cool Hand Luke (1967): One of Paul Newman's most engaging roles ever as a free man who becomes a prisoner but cannot accept authority. Also stars Dennis Hopper and George Kennedy, who won an Academy Award for his role here. At 7 pm on 3/13 in 180 PLC, UO. Free. Flowers of Shanghai (1998): A gorgeous romantic drama direceted by the great Hsiao-hsien Hou. In Mandarin with English subtitles. R. At 7 pm on 3/7 in International Lounge, EMU, UO. Free. Irony of Fate (1994): Directed by Eldar Riazanov, it's about the adventures of a young doctor's New Year's Eve in Moscow. At 8:15 pm on 3/10 in 115 Pacific Hall, UO. In Russian, with English subtitles. Free. Quiet American, The: Directed by Phillip Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence), this adaptation of Graham Greene's novel is set in 1952 Saigon during the French Indochina War. Michael Caine plays an English journalist; also stars Brendan Fraser. 2002 Academy Award nomination for Caine. R. Bijou. Tears of the Sun: Bruce Willis is a Navy SEAL sent to rescue a US citizen who runs a mission, but she (Monica Bellucci) won't leave her charges. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. R. Cinema World. Cinemark. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971): Based on Roald Dahl's children's book about kids who tour a chocolate factory and what happens to those who get sticky fingers. G. Latenight Bijou. CONTINUING: About Schmidt: Jack Nicholson stars in Alexander Payne's (Election) film about a just-retired man who feels adrift. His only daughter, Jeannie (Hope Davis) is about to marry unwisely, and his wife of 42 years dies suddenly. He goes on the road to find himself. 2002 Academy Award nominations to Nicholson and Kathy Bates. R. Cinemark. Online archives. Antwone Fisher: Denzel Washington directs and stars in the true story of an alienated African American sailor (Derek Luke) and the Navy psychiatrist who helps him find himself. Washington and Luke overcome sentimentality to create an enduring work. Highly recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Chicago: Broadway spectacular directed by Rob Marshall stars Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones as killer dames behind bars who compete for tabloid coverage. With Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly and Richard Gere. 2002 Academy Award nominations for best picture, director, Zellweger, Reilly, Latifah, adapted screenplay, original song, cinematography, costumes, sound and editing. PG 13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Online archives. Cradle 2 the Grave: Jet Li/DMX "Born 2 the life, True 2 the code, Bad 2 the bone." R. Cinemark.Cinema World. Daredevil: Marvel Comic's Man Without Fear is directed by Mark Steven Johnson. Stars Ben Affleck as the masked vigilante, Jennifer Graner, Michael Clarke Duncan, Colin Farrell, Joe Pantolliano, Jon Favreau and David Keith. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Dark Blue: Detective yarn directed by Ron Shelton stars Kurt Russell as the veteran and Scott Speedman as the rookie, with Brendan Gleeson, Michael Michele, Lolita Davidovich and Ving Rhames. R. Movies 12. Online archives. Die Another Day: Pierce Brosnan returns as James Bond for a new mission that takes him to Iceland in this action adventure yarn directed by Lee Tamahori. Costars Halle Berry, John Cleese and Judi Dench, with Rosamund Pike. Evil enemies played by Toby Stephens and Rick Yune. PG-13. Movies 12. Final Destination 2: More teenager with near-death experiences that end in actual death experiences. A.J. Cook stars as Kimberly, a car crash survivor who is stalked by Death. R. Movies 12. Gods and Generals: Jeff Shaara's epic novel about the Civil War, adapted by director Ronald F. Maxwell, stars Jeff Daniels, Robert Duvall, Stephen Lang and Mira Sorvino. Nearly four hours long, with intermission. PG-13. Cinemark. Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets: Again directed by Chris Columbus, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) try to uncover a dark force terrorizing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. G. Movies 12. Online archives. Hot Chick: Verbally abusive cheerleader wakes up in the body of Rob Schneider. Yikes! Directed by Tom Brady. PG-13. Movies 12. Hours, The: Complex, critically acclaimed film directed by Stephen Daldry stars Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep. Based on Virginia Woolf's life, her novel, Mrs. Dalloway, and Michael Cunningham's novel. Reflects the inner lives and daily experiences of three strong women. Strong support from Ed Harris, Stephen Dillane, Claire Danes, Miranda Richardson and John C. Reilly. Very highest recommendations. 2002 Academy Award nominations for best picture, director, Kidman, Harris, Moore, adapted screenplay, original score Philip Glass, costumes and editing. PG 13. Cinemark. Online archives. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Magazine columnist Kate Hudson and ad agency professional Matthew McConaughey try to get the other to fall in love, but things go awry. High-energy romantic comedy. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark. Jungle Book 2: Same song, second verse from Disney. Mowgli now lives in the man village, but he misses his friends and runs away to the jungle to find them. But he may be found first: by Shere Khan the tiger, his old jungle pals, or his new family. Voices include John Goodman, Haley Joel Osment and Phil Collins. G. Cinemark. Just Married: This honeymoon from hell is directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ashton Kutcher, Brittany Murphy and Christian Kane. PG-13. Movies 12. Life of David Gale, The: Suspense drama directed by Alan Parker stars Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet and Laura Linney. Death penalty opponent on death row claims he was framed to reporter. The truth will not set you free. Not recommended. R. Cinemark. Online archives. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Directed and re-imagined by Peter Jackson, part two of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy continues. New characters, a surprise return and great battles. Director Peter Jackson's second masterpiece. Very highest recommendations. 2002 Academy Award noms for best picture, art direction, sound, sound editing, visual effects, film editing. PG-13. Cinemark. Online archives. Maid in Manhattan: Ralph Fiennes is a well-off politician staying at a swank New York hotel. Jennifer Lopez is a single-mother maid working there. He sees her dressed in a guest's clothing and falls for her, like Richard Gere fell for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Not too enlightened nor original an idea. PG-13. Movies 12. Moonlight Mile: Brad Silberling directs this semi-autobiographical film about a young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) who's adopted by the grieving parents (Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon) of his girlfriend who was killed. Then he falls in love again. With Ellen Pompeo, Dabney Coleman, Richard T. Jones and Holly Hunter. R. Movies 12. My Big Fat Greek Wedding: It's about the 30-year old, unmarried daughter (Nia Vardalos) in a passionate but demanding Greek NY family, who meets the man she to marry (John Corbett), but he isn't Greek. This sweet romantic comedy entertains. 2002 Academy Award nominations for Vardalos' original screenplay. PG. Movies 12. Online archives. Narc: The New York Times' Elvis Mitchell says writer, director Joe Carnahan's second movie is "a believable, fleshed-out film where men's worst impulses lead to their ruin" and notes that it's about "a guilt-ridden cop who has nowhere to turn." Stars Jason Patric and Ray Liotta. R. Movies 12. Old School: From Road Trip, Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn try to recapture the fun of their college years by starting their own off-campus frat house. R. Cinema World. Cinemark. Pianist, The: Winner of the Cannes Best Picture award, this critically acclaimed film is based on the life of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jew, composer and pianist. When the Nazis invade, he finds salvation in his art. Directed and produced by Roman Polanski and starring Adrien Brody as Szpilman. Highest recommendations. 2002 Academy Award noms include best picture, Polanski director, Brody, adapted screenplay, cinematography, costumes, film editing. R. Bijou. Online archives. Rabbit-Proof Fence: Based on the true 1931 story of three young, Australian Aboriginal girls who are kidnapped but escape white control to make a 1,200 mile-trek home while pursued by authorities. Directed by Phillip Noyce, this courageous film stars Everlyn Sampi, David Gulpilil and Kenneth Branagh. A true walkabout, it has beautiful performances, empathic direction and dramatic cinematography by Christopher Doyle. Highest recommendations. PG. Bijou. Recruit, The: Al Pacino and Colm Ferrell star in this story about the inner workings of the CIA. Also with Bridget Moynahan, and directed by Roger Donaldson. PG 13. Cinemark. Ring, The: Gore Verbinski finds a solid cast in Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive), Chris Cooper and Brian Cox for this remake of Hideo Nakata's 1998 Japanese horror film. PG-13. Movies 12. Shanghai Knights: Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson are out to settle a score in Victorian London in this comedy directed by David Dobkin. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Cinema World. Sick and Twisted Animation: Really. NR. LateNite Bijou. Star Trek: Nemesis: Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise face an alien race. Stars Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Ron Perlman, Tom Hardy. Dir. by Stuart Baird. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Talk to Her: Pedro Almodóvar's film about two men who take care of two comatose women — and the complicated inter-relationships that develop — reaches beyond expectations to make it the most interesting and resonant film of the year. Very highest recommendations, it's a don't miss movie now in its final week. 2002 Academy Award nominations for director Almodóvar, original screenplay. R. Bijou. Online archives. MOVIE
THEATERS Bijou
Art Cinemas Regal
Cinemas Cinemark
Theaters
NEW
RELEASES ON VIDEO Alias Betty: Directed by Claude Miller, based on a Ruth Rendell novel, The New York Times called it "an accomplished piece of filmmaking that ... interweaves enough characters and themes to fill three movies." Starring Sandrine Kiberlain, Nicole Garcia and Mathilda Seigner, it's about motherhood, bitterness and guilt. The NYT says: "At heart the movie is a deftly wrought suspense yarn whose richer shadings work as coloring rather than substance." NR. Half-Past Dead: A Steven Seagal violent action movie directed by Don Michael Paul. As undercover FBI, Seagal tries to stop intruders from murdering a Supreme Court Justice and a death row inmate in Alcatraz. PG-13. I Spy 2: CIA super agent (Owen Wilson) and undefeated boxer (Eddie Murphy) hate each other at first sight, but they have to track down a missing stealth bomber. PG-13. Moonlight Mile: Brad Silberling directs this semi-autobiographical film about a young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) who's adopted by the grieving parents (Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon) of his girlfriend who was killed. Then he falls in love again. With Ellen Pompeo, Dabney Coleman, Richard T. Jones and Holly Hunter. R. Osbournes, The First Season: A two-disc set of 10 episodes from MTV includes four never-seen before episodes and bonus footage. For those who can't get enough of a really kinky bunch. Quitting: Directed by Zhang Yang (Shower) this film is based on the real life of a rising, young Chinese film actor in the 1990s who loses his way to heroin and mental illness. Zhang persuades the actor, his parents, friends to play themselves, but it's not a documentary. The New York Times reviewer, A.O. Scott, notes: "Somehow, inviting people to recreate moments of vulnerability and confusion affirms their dignity rather than stripping it away." R. Ring, The: Gore Verbinski finds a solid cast in Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive), Chris Cooper and Brian Cox for this remake of Hideo Nakata's 1998 Japanese horror film. DVD features a 15-minute experimental film by Verbinski and special animated menus to help viewers solve the mystery. PG-13. Ringu: Re-release of Hideo Nakata's 1998 Japanese horror film, a record-breaker, in a new digital surround version. NR. Swimfan: Fatal Attraction for teens. Romantic attachment of swimmer Jesse Bradford and his sweetheart Shiri Appleby gets blown apart by the new girl and obsessive fan, Erika Christensen. PG-13. White Oleander: Peter Kosminsky directs the film adaptation of this best-seller about a young girl (Alison Lohman) who moves through several foster home after her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) goes to prison. Also stars Renée Zellweger, Robin Wright Penn, Billy Connolly, Patrick Fugit and Noah Wyle. R. Women in Love (1970): Ken Russell's unforgettable romance based on the D.H. Lawrence classical novel stars Glenda Jackson, Oliver Reed and Alan Bates. Great nude wrestling scene between Reed and Bates as well as an unforgettable scene in a pygmy pine forest. Gorgeous. Oscar-winner for Jackson. DVD has commentary by Russell, photo gallery. R. Next week: Abandon, Auto Focus, Day for Night (1973), 8 Mile, Personal Volocity, Roger Dodger, Welcome to Collinswood. |
||||||
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
