Fred’s No Clue Movie Review

"The Hours"
Directed by Stephen Daldry

    I went to see this movie because it was nominated for so many Academy Awards.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew that I loved Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman so I knew that I would see some good acting.  I did see some good acting, but I don’t feel like I enjoyed the movie that much.  It was very depressing and very much a chick flick.  I can’t take away the fact that it’s compelling to watch, brilliantly acted and well directed.  It’s probably the best movie that I’ve seen in a long time that I didn’t really like. 

    First of all, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman don’t play off their looks in this film.  In fact, both look downtrodden and depressed for 99% of the movie.  Moore plays Laura Brown, a housewife in I think the 1950’s, Kidman plays Virginia Woolf, the writer from the 1920’s, and finally they are joined by Meryl Streep who plays Clarissa Vaughn, a contemporary woman in the present or at least the 1990’s in NYC.  All woman appear to be frustrated lesbians looking for love and searching for meaning in their lives.  None of them seems to like the life they are living much.  They appear to mask it well to people who love them, but they aren’t satisfied with themselves.  The cast is rounded out by some stellar supporting performances.  John C. Reilly plays Laura Brown’s  husband.  Ed Harris delivers a haunting performance as Richard, the poet dying of AIDS that is the best friend of Clarissa.  Claire Danes plays Clarissa’s daughter, she is strong and vulnerable at the same time.

    The plot of the film is fairly complex.  You’ve got to have your thinking cap on for this one.  It jumps through the three different time periods showing how each woman’s life parallels the other.  Finally, at the end of the film, their lives all converge in an interesting way. 

    The film features a wonderful score by Phillip Glass.  It complements the simple and elegant set design.  Daldry allows the film to flow and concentrate on the lives of the women in the film.  He receives outstanding performances by all the actors in the film.

    I appreciated this film, but didn’t like it.  I didn’t enjoy it that much, but didn’t feel ready to walk out at any point.  It is a well acted, well executed movie.  It just isn’t my taste I guess.  The story wasn’t compelling enough to draw me in.  I felt instead like I was watching the movie from the outside.  Appreciating all the technical aspects.  I can’t tell you to run out and see it, but if you’re looking for some fine performances by some very talented actors then you should check it out.   

For more information visit http://www.thehoursmovie.com

Got comments?  Suggestions?  I’d love to hear them.

email me at no.clue@indenation.com

come back soon, until then, i’ll be at the movies…

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