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| Movie Review: The Secret Life of Words Alternate Title: Angels and Demons
Story: I hope words don't fail
me in my rave review of this fascinating film by second time director
and writer Isabel Coixet (My Life Without Me).
This is not a film for everyone. It takes a long
time to unravel but I was riveted from the opening scenes to the closing
credits. Hanna is a partially deaf factory worker who
does not socialize or even chat with her co-workers. Her boss forces
her to take some time off. Her vacation lands her in a deserted Northern
Ireland town. She quickly finds herself volunteering to help a blinded
burn victim on a deserted oil rig. By now, you are probably saying,
'so what'? Hang on as we meet some fascinating souls on this very strange
oil rig in the middle of nowhere. Each character is interesting and
probably could have been a movie unto himself. How we communicate, what we say or don't say
and how film can show what words can often not express is the inherent
beauty of this film. The film deals with isolation, shame, regret, guilt,
connecting, awakening and redemption all soulfully. I was knocked out by the performances, the film
making, the plot twists and surprises. Be warned, this is a slow moving film that hits
you right in the gut. If you have the nerve to see it and the patience
to sit through it, you will walk away a better person. Acting: Sarah Polley as Hanna, is
nothing short of marvelous. She captures the wounded spirit of this
woman with an amazing grace. Tim Robbins, as the blinded
oil rigger is also terrific. The small supporting cast is stellar with
a glowing cameo by the always beautiful, Julie Christie.
Predilection: Any film that the Almovodar bothers
have something to do with always catches my eye. They produced the film.
Critters: A goose
Food: Food has a huge part in the film. I was hungry
when I left the theater.
Soundtrack: A wonderful track including Tom Waits
and Antony.
Theater Audience: Not a large crowd. About 20 others
and us.
Weather: The weather is raw in the North Sea.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: When Hanna reveals her story it is
harrowing.
Drift Factor: Not for one second.
Predictability Level: I did not know what was going
to happen and just hoped for the best.
Tissue Usage: I welled up and my movie buddy cried.
Oscar Worthy: Yes (but there is not a chance this
film will catch anyone's eye).
Big Screen or Rental: I have no idea if this is playing
anyplace other than a small art house in Manhattan. You will most likely
have to rent it. Please do when it is available.
Length: About two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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