thenatureofnarrative - Tumblr blog

thenatureofnarrative · 3 months

Text

Best Films of 2023

The basis of my annual list is simple, these are the films that were for me, mesmerizing and memorable. These were the cinematic experiences that either provoked a depth of emotion and/or provided a whole lot to talk about. These are the films that I could not forget and I cannot wait to see again.

After you read this year’s list, you can also find last year’s list here, and if you’d like to watch an epic conversation about the best films of the year I encourage you (or dare you) to watch this video. You can also follow me on Letterboxd and read #BehindTheScreens at Loving Is Moving Magazine.

1. Past Lives

The best film of the year is a quiet, heart-wrenching, uplifting, painful and deeply satisfying story about love and commitment. It’s about romantic longing, and releasing ourselves and others from what could have been. Canadian, Celine Song, has written one of the best screenplays of the year, captured her story on screen with subtle elegance, and selected three lead performers who are all completely captivating. At the center of the film is a six-minute scene in bed, and it is one of the best, and most honestly written scenes of a marriage from the last twenty years. A masterpiece. On Prime Video.

2. Afire

Alternate Title: The A-hole. There is no protagonist I encountered all year long that I cared about more than, Leon. What a wonderfully talented and troubled loser. Leon is so incredibly self-involved, and yet, you can't help but ache for him. You want more for him. You want him to make better choices. You want to shake him and slap him and see him grow as a person and expand his empathy for others. I adored this little journey from narcissism to apocalyptic awakening. On MUBI.

3. Fallen Leaves

This is a sweet, tender and frequently funny tale of life and love in a tragic world. This is a small, idiosyncratic story of two lonely people crossing paths in their own unique corner of the world. Director, Aki Kaurismaki, has such a specific tone it’s almost impossible to articulate, as it stands along the border of much broader (and louder) expressions of wry and whimsy. And so, all you can do is sit back and admire the specificity and fall in love with beautifully drawn characters who seem slightly surreal, and yet, never leave the real world. On MUBI.

4. The Beasts

The Beasts is a thrilling and devastating masterpiece. Based on real events, what makes this film so taut and intense is the fact that we can all see ourselves in it. The neighbourly interactions, the arguments and alienation, the hostility and honest work - all of it is known, all of it is familiar. In fact, it’s so authentic and well written, that at one point you can’t help but sympathize with the antagonists. Do not miss this movie! On MUBI.

5. Ferrari

Michael Mann might be going soft in his old age. Ferrari is as much about obsessive professionals as it is interpersonal relationships. Truly, this is the women’s story (even if one is miscast). From an elderly mother, to a wife and a mistress, Ferrari is about reconciling one’s passion with the people who make the path forward possible. An elegant and classical work of cinema with the two best performances of the year: Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz. Available to Rent.

6. Maestro

Maestro is a film earnestly and openly reaching for greatness, and at times it gets there. In fact, there is a stretch of scenes about halfway through that were so emotionally charged they caught me off guard, and had me weeping. In other words, in spite of its flaws the highs here are really high. Maestro is a comforting reminder that flawed, selfish human beings are capable of transcendence. On Netflix.

7. Barbie

Greta Gerwig deserves an Oscar for this screenplay, and Margot Robbie deserves recognition for her incredibly complicated role. Barbie, is the essential social satire we didn't know we needed. I am so grateful that I got to share this ingenious, hilarious and beautiful film with my fifteen-year-old daughter. No movie made me smile more. On Crave-HBO.

8. Blackberry

A wildly entertaining, triumphantly tragic true story, that is proudly Canadian, Forget, Air (2023), and all those other capitalistic works of cinema, this is the cautionary tale of the year. Matt Johnson is quickly becoming one of my favourite filmmakers, and both Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton give the performances of their careers. On CBC Gem and Crave.

9. Beau Is Afraid

A hallucinogenic, anxiety-ridden odyssey. In other words, the most affordable therapy I've ever received, and one of the funniest movies of the year. Ari Aster is Kubrick incarnate. The fact that this movie exists is a miracle onto itself. On Paramount+.

10. The Zone of Interest

Jonathan Glazer is the king of making unforgettable films you may never wish to watch again. The Zone of Interest is a powerful and provocative work of art. Sadly essential as it explores the mundane aspects and complicities of evil. It's a film I couldn't stop thinking about for days after. Available to Rent.

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

Anatomy of a Fall (Prime Video)

Are You There God? It's Me Margaret (Starz)

Bottoms (Prime Video)

John Wick 4 (Starz)

Killers of the Flower Moon (AppleTV+)

Oppenheimer (Prime Video)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Crave-HBO)

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (AppleTV+)

Talk to Me (Netflix)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Paramount+)

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 1 year

Text

Best Films of 2022

1. All That Breathes

Six days before the Academy Awards, I accidentally watched the best film from 2022. This was the last thing I expected, but I can’t deny it, All That Breathes, is a stunning achievement and undeniable masterpiece (and to my surprise, for the third year in a row, an Oscar-nominated documentary has taken my top spot). For the first ten minutes of this film, I almost didn’t believe it was a documentary. The camera movement was so deliberate, the scenes so elegantly staged. It felt like I was watching a narrative feature about the city of Delhi, and three men who ran a bird sanctuary; but it wasn’t a work of fiction, it was real life captured on film with exquisite craftsmanship. Ten minutes turned into half an hour, and then an hour. Only in the final thirty minutes did the documentary seams start to show, but by that point I was already enraptured in a story about social divisions, religious persecution and ecological collapse, told through the microcosm of these three men and their commitment to help and heal a specific species of bird. Which might sound strange or absurd at first, but the truth is, nothing could’ve felt more important as I watched this quiet and meditative masterpiece. On Crave-HBO.

2. Babylon

Director Damien Chazelle has been climbing my ranks for years. I have loved each and every one of his films. And with each new release he’s appeared higher and higher on my Best Of lists, and this year, in rather shocking fashion, he has [almost] arrived at the top. But let me make a - - DISCLAIMER - - most people should not see this movie. It’s graphic and vulgar, it’s about deplorable people living debaucherously, but, what caught me by surprise is that it is also a heartbreaking work of beauty, spilling buckets of truth and tragedy. Basically, Babylon is a film for cinephiles only. It will only grip your heart if you’ve had a lifelong obsession with movies. Otherwise, it’s too much and too long for most audiences…but for me, it was transcendent. That said, for those willing to endure it, they will recognize that the excess has intention, and the cynicism is by design. You’re not supposed to like these people, but by the end you will understand them, and maybe even hurt for them. Hollywood was once as low as vaudeville, and as crooked as carnivale. Some say it still is, it’s just dressed up and sold out for mass consumption and corporate earnings, but it was once a safe haven of inclusivity (as well as artistic madness and mayhem). Then the money moved in, along with standards and practices, and it seems something was lost. But then again, the story of Babylon is really just one set on repeat, taking place again and again throughout all of human history. The mystery (or miracle) is that despite our own depravity, we’re still capable of creating something beautiful. On Paramount+.

3. The Banshees of Inisherin

If you were to make a map of the conversations and cruelty found on social media, and added to it the existential despair and loneliness of a pandemic, this film (or fable) would be the topographical transparency you place atop it to bring everything into focus. The Banshees of Inisherin is the perfect parable for our time; or maybe every time. From social divisions large and small, to the seeming futility of a simple kindness - whether it’s 1923 on an Irish isle or 2023 on a continent of connection - the threat of isolation and insignificance is always after us. Thankfully, we have Martin McDonagh and a career-best performance from Colin Farrell to act as a salve. On Hulu and Disney+.

4. Resurrection

Last year we were given a lot of valuable and important films about women, but for me, Resurrection, was the top. I’m not sure I can fully articulate what a remarkable achievement this is. It was an experience like no other. Intense, terrifying and unforgettable. This is a film that wraps its arms around you, and then slowly starts to squeeze, tighter and tighter, until you realize you’re being suffocated. Resurrection is a story of psychological terror, exploring the effects of patriarchal horror, abuse, manipulation, PTSD and parental paranoia. And yet, by the final scene, I wasn’t confident I understood everything that took place - but that was ok, because it taught me something. Rebecca Hall, once again, proves she is one of our greatest living actors, and Tim Roth achieves an air of evil I’ve almost never seen on screen. On Shudder and AMC+.

5. Top Gun: Maverick

This is real movie magic. This is entertainment at its best. Tom Cruise is really acting. They’re really flying those planes. I was really on the edge of my seat. Simply the most fun I had at the movies in 2022. On Paramount+.

6. She Said

This is an exceptional film and important addition to the journalistic genre. She Said is a suspenseful, empathic and powerful true story about giving voice to the voiceless, and shining a spotlight on the strength of women, no matter the circumstances, whether mundane or monstrous. The performances across the board are incredible, but beyond top billing (Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan), it’s the cast of supporting characters that really set this film apart. Every interviewee, victim or anonymous source (Samantha Morton, Jennifer Ehle, Zach Grenier), all of them, steal their own scenes, and accumulatively build toward a climactic pursuit of truth and justice. In addition, it’s the small and subtle changes to “traditional” scenes of journalism that elevate this account. From pregnancy and postpartum, to domestic schedules, fashion choices, and even expressions of faith, the honesty and integrity of this film’s portrayal of female journalists makes it more than relatable, it makes it real. Available to Rent.

7. Apollo 10.5

Like some of the greatest films from Richard Linklater (who has his own sort of sub-genre of Americana-Cinema), Apollo 10.5 can simultaneously be understood as nostalgia and nothing more, or an extraordinary exploration of meaning through adolescent memory. This isn’t so much a story, as much as it is an autobiographical essay or creative writing project that allows the lines between historical events and childlike wonder to be blurred. It’s a non-confrontational journey through a very specific time and place (Houston 1969), that is excessively sincere and extraordinary. This is a film that kept me engaged and entertained in a way often reserved for memoirs. On Netflix.

8. Emergency

This is a film that has a little bit of everything, and delicately keeps it all in balance. Emergency is a hilarious and endearing college bromance movie, that is elevated with intense (and even terrifying) twists and turns, due to its social commentary and examination of the lived experience for people of colour. Because of all this, the screenplay is Oscar-worthy in my opinion and is awe-inspiring. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat, and I’m confident there’s nothing else quite like it. Also keep an eye out for the two young stars: RJ Cyler and Donald Watkins. On Amazon Prime.

9. Prey

This is an incredible action-horror adventure, expertly crafted with care by Dan Trachtenberg, with thoughtful and poignant Indigenous representation. The story not only permits a unique historical context, but it leverages its setting to give us more time with our predator-prey-protagonists. I have never been this invested in the characters of a Predator film before; and in fact, this one is superior to the original. On Hulu and Disney+.

10. Kimi

This was my first film of 2022 and it remained one of my favourites. An absolutely thrilling and inventive thriller from Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp. Kimi is a Hitchcockian homage, set in Covid, brought to life by a protagonist with agoraphobia and PTSD, and elevated by some meta casting and incisive direction. It’s a stunner of an achievement and a perfect example of thoughtful entertainment. On Crave-HBO.

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

Aftersun (Available to Rent)

After Yang (Crave-HBO)

All Quiet On The Western Front (Netflix)

The Batman (Crave-HBO)

Everything Everywhere All At Once (Amazon Prime)

Nope (Available to Rent)

The Quiet Girl (In Theatres)

Tar (Available to Rent)

Thirteen Lives (Amazon Prime)

Women Talking (Available to Rent)

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 2 years

Text

Best Films of 2021

1. Flee

This is not only the best film of 2021, it’s also the best documentary, the best international feature, and the best animated film of the year. In other words: Flee is a masterpiece. In less than 90-minutes Danish documentarian, Jonas Poher Rasmussen, captures the harrowing life and experience of long-time friend and refugee, Amin Nawabi. From a childhood afflicted by communist rule and civil war in Afghanistan, to his family’s desperate departure to Moscow, where they lived for years in fear and silence, struggling to save enough money, only to be at the mercy and inhumane treatment of smugglers, who further severed familial ties, all for the sake of survival. And if that weren’t enough to convince you of this film’s importance, then just consider the fact that all of this is recounted and recreated through stunning and evocatively simple animation, that somehow leads us, rather majestically and unexpectedly, to the most emotionally cathartic moment of the year, when our protagonist sets foot in a gay bar for the very first time. I mean, from the socio-political settings and history lessons, to compassionate portrayals and empathy-inducing testimony, I know of very few films that are as rich and essential as this. Especially when you consider the fact that the entire narrative hinges upon a simple, and yet, profound act of trust; of one friend telling another friend their story. And I mean, for me, this is quite literally everything! On Amazon Prime and Rental Services.

2. The Humans

Here is a film that is simultaneously endearing in its portrayal of a family’s thanksgiving dinner, and terrifying with its compounding horrors of the unknown; but I didn’t know anything about it going in. I didn’t know this was a stage play. I didn’t know Stephen Karam had adapted his own play for his directorial debut until I saw the opening credits, but I gotta tell you, by then I was already hooked, because The Humans immediately sets a very specific tone, and I adore a film that takes its opening sights and sounds seriously and then delivers on its emotional and ethereal promise. And The Humans does this in spades. In one moment, it enraptures us with familial warmth and authenticity, and in the next startles and scares us with existential dread. The entertaining small talk and whispered chatter in other rooms is beautifully rendered and performed, but it resonates all the more when the conversations are interrupted by passive-aggressive behaviour and moments of embarrassment or shame. Just like at any of our own holiday meals, the tension here is born of silence; what refuses to be said. But what’s so exhilarating and suspenseful about Karam’s account, is that these moments are not played up for awkward-honest-humour, but instead, a haunting uncertainty. There are strange sounds all around, we’re never quite sure what’s above or below or behind the bathroom door. We’re never permitted to get comfortable in this dilapidated apartment that’s slowly losing light, and we never expected to be on the edge of our seats while watch this award-worthy family drama. But it is. And we are. On Rental Services and Showtime.

3. The Worst Person in the World

In the last decade there have been many genre and narrative variations about extended-adolescence or arrested-development, but Joachim Trier’s, The Worst Person in the World, tops them all. This is a rich, layered, deeply honest and empathetic exploration of what it means to turn 30 in the modern western world. Renate Reinsve’s portrayal of Julie is all encompassing and complete, because by the end of the film, she is not the same person she was at the start. We witness her live life, or maybe better yet, endure it. She is warm and likeable, but also foolish and erratic. She is smart and talented, but also immature and unmotivated. We feel the burden of her hopes and dreams, and the expectations put upon her by others, but at the same time we want her to just “wake up” and get on with her life! And all of this is brought together meticulously, with a narrative that is almost like a jigsaw puzzle as it combines a rom-com, with coming-of-age, and a life-or-death-drama. I mean, it wasn’t until my second viewing that I realized that this was masterpiece and the best screenplay of the year. That said, The Worst Person in the World, is not a film for everyone. It is raw and real, and at times, vulgar and graphic, but nevertheless, a film that makes you feel and examine your own life and relationships. And it’s a work of art I am forever grateful for. On Rental Services.

4. Pig

This is an unforgettable film, and one I’ve returned to again and again over the last year. Pig is a bizarre, unique, and deeply moving picture from first-time director Michael Sarnoski. In a sense, this film has the story structure of an odyssey, but just when you think the journey is going in one direction, and you think you know what’s coming around the bend, it does something unexpected and adds a layer. It’s not so much that the story has twists and turns (even though I dare you to predict anything that happens), it’s that it discovers and reveals meaning in the most surprising ways. Take for example, a restaurant encounter. The chef is asked to come to the table because our protagonist wants something from him, we expect an encounter of intimidation and violence. Instead a conversation and friendship unfolds, and words of rich wisdom are spoken by a man whose appearance subverts our expectations. Effectively, the whole film is about subverting and undermining our expectations, even our expectations of life itself. It’s about subverting violence and social structures and vocation. It’s about the pursuit of innocence and purity and simplicity. It’s a film that involves living off grid, underground fighting rings, and culinary crime bosses; and it’s a film that brought me to tears. In addition to all this, Nicolas Cage gives an absolutely incredible performance, along with Alex Wolff and Adam Arkin and other small-part players. Pig is unforgettable experience and will forever remain a personal favourite. On Crave-HBO and Rental Services.

5. Licorice Pizza

This feels like a real reunion of sorts. I had grown so accustom to only admiring the last few films from Paul Thomas Anderson, but now, I have fallen in love all over again! Licorice Pizza is an adolescent odyssey of a very particular and peculiar vibe, and it is, in my opinion, PTA’s best film since 2007. There are just so many memorable and moving scenes and sequences throughout this film. Through the lens of growing up and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970’s, Licorice Pizza tells this adolescent love story and episodic odyssey of sorts, with running and jumping and excessive amounts of joy. Now, some might say that the connective tissue between sequences is too loose, but I think it all fits together as perfectly as our own memories. And like our memories, there are cinematic moments in this movie that are just so stunning I almost couldn’t believe my eyes, partially because they come in the most unexpected ways. And yes, sadly, this film is flawed. As the story recounts and relives sexist, racist, and homophobic realities from the 1970’s and challenges us on our own notions of nostalgia, for the most part, these issues are addressed thoughtfully and humourously, with the exception of two scenes that lacked finesse or a clarity of intention. Nevertheless, in spite of these flaws, I couldn’t help but be swept away by this film and after watching it the first time I was instantly eager to see it again. On Rental Services.

6. The Power of the Dog

Did Alfred Hitchcock ever make a western? I don’t think so, but if he had, it would have been something like this! The Power of the Dog is a stunning and suspenseful story that explores social repression and sexual identity. It is a thoughtful, patient, poignant and hugely satisfying story. Some have accused the film of being slow, but I don’t get that, every scene and stunning frame caught me in its grips. And in addition to Jonny Greenwood’s Oscar-worthy musical score (where he plays a cello like a banjo - mind blown), this film also deserves Best Cinematography, Best Director (Jane Campion), and maybe even Best Supporting Actor for Kodi Smit-McPhee. A true achievement. On Netflix.

7. Shiva Baby

There is a lot to love and admire about Shiva Baby. Writer-director, Emma Seligman, has created a meticulously crafted comedy that is both crushing and claustrophobic, as we follow a young woman trying to survive the travails of a family funeral. While watching I couldn’t help but think of Uncut Gems (2019), as the anxiety and tension rises, unrelentingly, thanks to the performances, cinematography and the incredibly effective musical score; and all of it over the course of just 77 minutes! Truly brilliant, and upon second viewing, I found the humour even more accessible as it cuts through the tension. I can’t say this is a film for everyone, but it is a terrific achievement, and one filled with award worthy performances, especially from Rachel Sennott and Polly Draper. On Crave-HBO and Rental Services.

8. Annette

Leos Carax’s Annette is a musical about love, celebrity and murder, told almost exclusively through actualized storyboards; or maybe it’s an impassioned living outline of a screenplay? Not quite sure. Conventional cinematic wisdom says - show, don’t tell - but Carax and the Sparks (screenwriters and composers) seem compelled to explore the opposite: What happens when actors, who are fully committed to the narrative concept and most basic character descriptions, can only say (or sing) the plot points? Will the audience still follow along? Will they fill in the emotional or conversational vacancies? Maybe, but for me, just the fact that these filmmakers had the cajones to go for it and follow through, and make this madness just so gosh-darn entertaining, was more than enough. On Amazon Prime.

9. Tick, Tick...Boom!

Here’s a film I really enjoyed the first time round, and then it grew on me, significantly. The music, the songs, the energy, it all got under my skin and into my head and my heart. Then, almost unexpectedly, I longed for it, to rewatch it and partake of its undeniable joy! So there you have it, Lin-Manuel Miranda has directed a winning musical (shocker) with excessive energy, and an Oscar-worthy performance from Andrew Garfield (a personal favourite). On top of that, my favourite things about this story is its portrayal of friendship. Yes, there is romance and vocational perseverence, but it’s the bond between two brothers that I admired most. On Netflix.

10. Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar

Why don’t we give comedies enough credit? When a funny film perfectly executes its objectives and goals - when its outlandish, and yet relatable characters, fulfil a dramatic arc of resolving conflict within a hilarious and exaggerated reality - why do we consider it less than? You see because, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, is a five star film! It is perfect on its own terms. It perfectly fulfills its objectives in telling an outrageous story with endearing and hilarious characters and provides us all with sweet, side-splitting relief - something we’re all in desperate need of these days. So be sure to check out this work of comedic genius! On Crave-HBO and Rental Services.

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

Anne at 13,000 Ft: A remarkable Canadian film that very few people have seen. This is an awkward, painful, and enrapturing experience that’s only 75 minutes and has the single greatest female performance of the year. Rent it at www.digital.tiff.net.

A Cop Movie: An inventive work of art from Mexico that brilliantly blurs the lines between documentary and imaginative re-enactment while exploring institutional corruption in a way you’ve never seen before. On Netflix.

Encanto: More than the music or animation, it’s the subversive nature of the narrative that struck a chord and makes this the most important Disney film in a long time. On Disney+.

The Green Knight: A story that rewards patience with its poignant conclusion. Also, director David Lowery and star Dev Patel should have been nominated for Oscars. On Rental Services.

The Last Duel: An entertaining, brutal and brilliant medieval epic from the minds of Ridley Scott, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Nicole Holofcener. Sure to be a classic. On Disney+ and Hulu.

Mass: A devastating one-room drama about our need for safe spaces, where fear and rage can be released, and forgiveness and reconciliation can be forged. All four actors should have been Oscar nominated. On Rental Services.

The Matrix Resurrections: What Lana Wachowski has done here is unprecedented, unexpected and subversive. Like the original, this film redefines a cinematic genre and franchise filmmaking as we know it. On Rental Services.

Nightmare Alley: A dark and morbid examination of original sin that is visually sumptuous. The first hour is absolutely perfect, some of Guillermo del Toro’s best work, with terrific performances from the entire cast. On Disney+ and Hulu.

Spider-Man No Way Home: In another universe this is my favourite film of the year, simply because there’s never been a theatrical experience quite like it, and a story that is unprecedented and can’t be categorized. Available to Buy now and to Rent April 12.

Summer of Soul (…or when the revolution could not be televised): This moving, mesmerizing and musical documentary is an important cultural artifact that took over 50 years to see the light of day! On Disney+ and Hulu.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 2 years

Text

Through the Table we Time Travel

This is a brief reflection in response to Robert Jenson’s essay: “God, Space, and Architechture.”

What sort of space is appropriate or necessary for the purpose of gathering together in worship? This is the question at the heart of Jenson’s essay. Why do we need a space for worship? And what should this space look like? Because, as Jenson writes, “Space is that in which presence occurs” (p. 10). We are bound by time and therefore the presence of God, and one another, must be experienced in a physical and literal space. I suppose if time travel were a possibility it would radically shift our understanding of, and encounter with, God.

But then again, would it?

Coincidently, such a seemingly abstract thought has a lot to do with Jenson’s reflection on the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12). In light of the future we act in the present; and if our future is in God then there is nothing to fear, for His presence will only increasingly consume our space and time.

This is why Jenson begins to critique the ancient or gothic model of sacred architecture. He writes, “Distance between the worshipers and God is most directly provided by building two separated locations, one the location of the worshippers, the other the location of the Presence – with worship including some sort of back-and-forth between these locations to experience God’s nearness” (p. 11). In this way, the architecture of the building becomes directional, allowing the people to move forward, toward God.

As a narrative theologian, I expected Jenson to critique this model of worship less and affirm it more than he did (if at all). I expected him to find more redemptive qualities in the function of forward participation, as the liturgical narrative unfolds. In the end, however, he rests his case in the centering of the Incarnation.

This distance that exists has been overcome, who we worship should be reflected in how or where we worship; Emmanuel, God with us. Jenson writes, “Worship of this God is not a relation to a Presence out or up or in there; it is a relation to the future. The overcoming of the separation from God that occurs in prayer and praise is not an appeal to a distant one but to a coming one” (p. 13). Again, in light of the future we act in the present; if our future is in God then His presence will only increasingly consume our space and time.

Movement is important, no doubt, but Jenson suggests there should be a provision of spaces that move outward from or around our centrepiece, the Table. These movements reflect our inward movement or the eschatological consumption of our being, as the God who is with us dwells more and more eternally in us. Ultimately, what I affirm and celebrate in Jenson’s argument is that by gathering around the table, we also gather toward one another. If the Table (or Incarnation) is the centerpiece of our sacred space then we will sit and stand and sing facing one another. Which will remind us of not only how God has come, but for whom.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 3 years

Text

The Gloss and Glamour of Grief: Why We Need Jackie (2016)

Much of my life and vocation has involved grief counseling and offering support to those confronted by death; maybe that’s why I find Pablo Larrain’s masterpiece, Jackie (2016), so meaningful, and sadly, so underappreciated. Jackie is the single greatest exploration of grief I have ever encountered in the history of cinema.

But that might be overstating it.

The film begins in darkness and discorded strings. Mica Levi’s Oscar-nominated score grips us within seconds and ingrains within us a sense of disillusionment. Throughout the runtime (a sharp and succinct 100-minutes), it’s the music that maintains our emotional imbalance. We walk and we wander with the widowed, Jacqueline Kennedy, in the days that immediately proceed her husband’s death. Stephane Fontaine’s stunning 16mm cinematography, along with Larrain’s direction and unrelenting close-ups, place us in the middle of our protagonist’s pain; rarely are we given enough space or distance to catch our breath.

This film is, for me, an essential experience, even though I recognize that it may not be enjoyable for some. We live in a society that glosses over grief. We apply a bit of powder, share a few photographs, and try to keep our personal feelings private. We don’t know how to sit with loss or sit with anyone burdened by loss. We prefer to keep busy or turn our attention to escapism, and of course, those instincts are not wrong, there’s plenty of reason for escapist art and entertainment, but these options are, sadly, overdone and our default.

Which is why a film like, Jackie, is invaluable; because it fixes our focus and never lets us escape the experience of a grieving wife and woman, we thought we knew. We are compelled by the talent and splendour on screen to sit quietly and endure it alongside her. And the truth is, when it comes to that talent, it’s hard to imagine any other actress fulfilling this role. Natalie Portman is perfect. She carries for us, in close up, the inhumanity of celebrity, the chaos of grief, and the uncertainty of one’s legacy.

Throughout the film Portman sits across from Billy Crudup, playing a journalist who has come to interview the First Lady. As the exchange and conversation unfolds, effectively narrating the events for us, Portman’s Jackie presents herself as both guarded and, on the attack, never allowing the public narrative to escape her grasp. We cut back, to a sequence of Jackie stumbling through the White House, drunk and distraught, and flash forward, to a poised and private Mrs. Kennedy, editing her own words as she speaks. It’s both empathetic and evocative. A compassionate portrayal and ponderous.

Then we come to the end and the appearance of the late-great John Hurt as the consoling clergy. At first, Hurt’s priest appears to be out of his element; elderly and overwhelmed. But then we begin to see that he is mirroring our shared sense of loss and disillusionment. Rather than comfort, he offers the First Lady a confession, saying: “There comes a time…when one realizes that there are no answers…every night when I climb into bed…I wonder, “is this all there is?” Every soul [wonders this]…But then when morning comes, we all wake up and make the coffee…[because] God in his infinite wisdom has made sure it is just enough for us.”

It is just enough for us. It is just enough for us to sit together and to wonder. To sit together and to weep. To sit together and to know, we will never be alone.

1 note · View note

thenatureofnarrative · 3 years

Text

Best Films of 2020

1. Time

Time is a documentary that doesn’t feel like a documentary, but rather sets itself apart as a transcendent piece of visual poetry about the perseverance and devotion of family in the face of injustice. This film is so many different things, and yet is one cohesive lyrical experience. This is a story about love and commitment. This is a story about parenthood and motherhood. This is a story about the forgotten and the voiceless, those discounted and discarded by an oppressive and racist system of incarceration. And this is a story about repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. Time is an 80-minute cinematic experience that beautifully and seamlessly ties all these threads together, through the singular voice and expressions of wife and mother, Fox Rich. I’m telling you, you’ve never seen or heard a film like this before. The way it’s shot, the way it sounds, the way it’s cut together, and the way it lets us linger and just sit with this woman and her family as they wait, but most importantly, as they persevere and fight for the release of their husband and father. Time is a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to watch it again and share it with others. On Amazon Prime.

2. First Cow

First Cow, Kelly Reichardt's masterpiece, was the most unexpected cinematic experience of the year for me, and I'm not even quite sure why. Maybe it was because I had heard such strange things about this film? Maybe it was because I've never actually seen any of Reichardt's previous films (though I am well aware of them)? And maybe it was because I genuinely didn't know what it was about? Whatever the reason(s) may be, I was truly captivated by the charming sincerity of this simple historical tale. In the first half-hour, the cinematography and production design was giving me made-for-TV-Canadian-heritage-moment vibes; and I don't mean that as an insult. I didn't know what to make of this film at first. It was like - - The Oregon Trail: The Movie - - which made me feel nostalgic and all the more intrigued. But this is Kelly Reichardt's genius: an unexpected, perfectly paced and plotted tale. I mean, sincerely, this film is the perfect example of how a story should unfold, of how the pieces of a narrative should be laid, and how the rug can get pulled out from under you at the end. Even though I didn't feel particularly emotional while watching the film, it was the ending - - Good Lord - - that ending! I mean, I was putty in Reichardt's hands. She got me. She totally got me, and I loved it! How foolish of me to think the final act would become something else, how susceptible and satisfied I was when, in the end, the story was pure and true. And that's all I'm going to say about it, because you need to see this film. On Crave-HBO and Rental Services.

3. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee’s latest offering of cinematic greatness is less a work of protest and more a re-education. With Da 5 Bloods, history is given a voice, those oppressed and ignored now share the stage and their stories. At this point in his illustrious career it’s almost hard to believe that Spike Lee can still surprise us, but with Da 5 Bloods he masterfully and brilliantly blends together multiple cinematic styles and genres; and deserves an Oscar for it. Through the reunion of four Vietnam vets, who return to Ho Chi Minh in search of the lost remains of their fallen squad leader, an unbelievably heartfelt, exciting, and at times, shocking, story is told. A story that defies convention and summation; a film that genuinely has to be seen to be believed. For its entire two and a half hour runtime, we are never bored, always engaged. Some might accuse this film of trying to be too many things, but two transcendent performances keep us anchored through it all. Unnervingly, Chadwick Boseman plays a small role as the departed squad leader, appearing in flashbacks and as an apparition to one man. This one man is, Paul, played by Delroy Lindo, who portrays this grief-stricken and traumatized protagonist with staggering strength; and deserves an Oscar for it (though some suspect his departed co-star might win posthumously for another film). Nevertheless, Da 5 Bloods is a memorable and meaningful work of art and an essential education. On Netflix.

4. Judas and the Black Messiah

While watching Judas and the Black Messiah, I couldn’t help but draw lines of comparison between it and The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). Both films are award-worthy pieces of penmanship. Both films are brimming with award-worthy performances. The distinction is, however, that TTOTC7 is a terrific piece of entertainment, while JATBM is an important work of history. Director Shaka King has carefully crafted, not only a captivating piece of cinema, but a necessary education about the historical efforts of the Black Panthers and the cyclical-social struggle of standing against injustice while resisting the influences of political coercion and moral corruption. And while Daniel Kaluuya, as a true thespian, gives a commanding and courageous performance, I believe the work of both, LaKeith Stanfield and Dominique Fishback, deserve more attention and award consideration. Their performances brought a depth of soul and struggle that was especially agonizing to watch during the film’s conclusion because not a single person in this story is a caricature. These are real people with real motivations living out the truest of conflicts: the preservation of power vs. justice for the oppressed. On Rental Services.

5. The Trial of the Chicago 7

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a terrific piece of entertainment. This true story, adapted and directed by Aaron Sorkin, is expertly written and structured, condensing a complicated six-month trial into a brisk and captivating two hours. For some, the story’s brevity is a cause for concern, but for me, in terms of cinema, I could not escape the momentum all three acts uniquely displayed, effectively intercutting several testimonies so that we would feel the chaos and uncertainty of the proceedings. Across the board the cast is incredible, but I believe it’s John Carroll Lynch, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II who are most worthy of award recognition. And yet, we cannot ignore the necessity of a fully-embodied antagonist, performed perfectly here by the great Frank Langella. The truth is, TTOTC7, doesn’t work without Langella’s performance. In the hands of another actor, Judge Hoffman could have come off as cartoonish, because his behaviour and actions seem so unrealistic and unbelievable, but thankfully, due to Langella’s craft and care, we do believe it, and it makes us angry for all the right reasons. Nevertheless, in the end, TTOTC7, isn’t a perfect film, but it is a great one. On Netflix.

6. Possessor

You probably shouldn’t watch this film. Fair warning. It is extremely graphic and violent, and yet, profound in its artistry and themes. The visuals are both simple and mysterious; clever and confounding. Possessor is a story that forces you to confront the frailty of the human condition, both physically and psychologically, and consider how easily influenced our sense of being and identity can be. While watching this film I couldn’t help but think how aptly equipped filmmaker, Brandon Cronenberg, would be to direct the next Christopher Nolan screenplay. Their themes and skills would be a perfect match. Young Cronenberg (son of David Cronenberg) is a remarkable director and provides us with some of the year’s best cinematography; along with another terrific performance from my favourite “young” actor, Christopher Abbott. On Crave-HBO and Rental Services.

7. Soul

Pixar’s Soul is a masterful, moving, and unpredictable work of art. This may not be a film for the youngest ones, but it is for the young at heart, or more specifically, those whose hearts are in a middling crisis of some sort. On the macro-level, there is absolutely nothing generic about this film. Whether in a spiritual plane or a material one, everything on screen is detailed and nuanced. From the philosophical and ontological, to the cultural and vocational, every audience member is invited to experience a universal narrative through a very specific lens; and there is tremendous power in that. Even though, in the Pixar family, Soul might be a stylistic cousin of Coco or Inside Out, and explore a narrative arc similar to Woody’s experience in the Toy Story films, it still sets itself apart as a work of Ecclesiastes. This is the sort of artistic confrontation one needs when dreams and passions are no longer sufficient, and one’s calling is no longer a pursuit of something unattained but a present embrace of an already unfolding narrative. Soul is a profound and beautiful work of art. On Disney+ and Rental Services.

8. The Climb

The Climb was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me, and the funniest film of 2020. Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin have crafted a hilarious and wildly entertaining portrayal of friendship; fiercely loyal, desperately-co-dependent, backstabbing friendship. And while the story may not explore any great psychological depths, no scene in this brisk roller coaster is wasted. Every sequence is an elaborately choreographed vignette, a clever and creative single-take or “oner.” And even though the visual craftsmanship might strike some as excessive, I found it elevated the excitement and unpredictable nature of the story. From opening sequence to touching conclusion, The Climb, is a surprising and side-splitting comedy about enduring friendship, a story of despicable people doing despicable things in hilarious ways. On Rental Services.

9. Horse Girl

Horse Girl is a surprising film, with a truly stunning and subversive narrative. Alison Brie has always been a strong performer, but her performance in this film is award-worthy, and has sadly been overlooked this year. In the first half-hour we are charmed by Horse Girl. For those of us who love Duplass productions, or quirky films about lonely people, we are easily won over at first, but then this story takes a serious turn and we realize we’re watching a shockingly poignant portrayal of mental illness. Nothing is taken for granted or included without careful consideration in this story. Everything, every scene and every interaction, draws us in and allows us to experience the symptoms and disillusionment of a loved one losing their grip on reality. It’s heart-breaking. It’s harrowing. It’s tenderly rendered. My only wish while watching was for a more intricate or visually complex composition. Nevertheless, Jeff Baena’s Horse Girl is still a terrific achievement and one worth typing into the search bar. On Netflix.

10. The Father

The Father is a stunning achievement in directing and editing, especially when you consider it as a first-time feature, from an artist adapting their own stage play. This is a heartbreaking, harrowing, deeply empathetic portrayal of dementia and mental illness, as we experience it through eyes and mind of the afflicted. In a single apartment, every doorway and room is a different memory or time in one's life, and even though our protagonist appears to be in a familiar space, they cannot grab hold of the present. It’s almost scary how realistic Anthony Hopkins’ performance is. Both he and Olivia Coleman are fully embodied, and it’s devastating to watch. This film is a remarkable achievement. On Rental Services.

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

The Devil All the Time: A masterclass in southern gothic storytelling; it’s bleak, dark and disturbing, and deeply compelling. On Netflix.

Extraction: A truly impeccable piece of action cinema, with just enough heart and soul to keep the story grounded. On Netflix.

Mank: A black and white talky-bio-pic about a Hollywood socialist who’s dependent upon millionaires that manipulate their audiences with familial metaphors and manufactured newsreels. Watch with subtitles. On Netflix.

Minari: A simple and sobering tale about familial struggle and heartache, with a striking deftness to each and every character, across the generations, from children to parents and grandparent. On Rental Services.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always: Every year there is one film, one story, that is so honest, vulnerable and raw, that it’s hard to watch and yet undeniably essential and important. This is that film. On Crave-HBO and Rental Services.

Nomadland: With more focus than a Terrence Malick film, and less obligation than a documentary, Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland is a beautiful and innocent observation of our unknown neighbours. On Disney+.

One Night in Miami: The best ensemble of the year, with carefully crafted, fully embodied, sincere and nuanced performances from every cast member. On Amazon Prime.

Promising Young Woman: A unique and unpredictable thrill. Emerald Fennell’s award-worthy screenplay walks a tight-rope between black-comedy and revenge-thriller. On Rental Services.

Red, White and Blue: Steve McQueen’s Small Axe anthology of five films is a marvel, but Red, White and Blue is the cornerstone at the center of it all. On Amazon Prime.

Sound of Metal: A deeply affecting story about recovery, discovery and the stages of grief - - all explored through the experiences of our deaf protagonist. I wept through this one. On Rental Services.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 4 years

Text

Best Films of 2019

The basis of my annual list is simple, these are the films that were, for me, mesmerizing and memorable. These were the cinematic experiences that either provoked a depth of emotion and/or provided a whole lot to talk about. These are the films that I could not forget and I cannot wait to see again. After you read this year’s list, you can also find last year’s list here, and if you’d like to see me chat about my favourite films, and other great films from the year, you can watch this video.

1. Little Women

Greta Gerwig deserves the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for her masterclass adaptation of Little Women which is, in my opinion, the best film of 2019. I was honestly whisked away by the magical-kinetic energy of this film and the March family, and I was deeply moved by the vocational struggles of young artists, Jo and Amy, finding their way in the world. As a father of two daughters, this film moved me and connected with me on a deep emotional level, and this is largely due to the storyteller’s skills. Ultimately, however, the reason Greta Gerwig’s adaptation works so well is because of her creative restructuring of the story, which allows us to consider our perspective of the past, and its impact upon our present. In addition to this, the performances across the board are perfect, with Florence Pugh being the real standout. There is just so much to love and admire about this most recent adaptation of Little Women, the best film of the year. DVD release TBD.

2. Ad Astra

James Gray is one of our greatest living filmmakers, and yet is easily one of our least recognized. In the last twenty five years he has written and directed seven incredible films, and Ad Astra (to the stars) is no exception. While his last film (The Lost City of Z) remains his greatest achievement, Ad Astra is his most theological or spiritual, as he exams the depth of the human soul by going to the furthest reaches of our solar system. Brad Pitt’s performance is, of course, the greatest reason for this story’s success, with his eyes and quiet reflections almost never leaving the screen. Ad Astra is a space odyssey like no other, while it pays homage to the great cinematic space stories of the past, it sets itself apart with its heavenly language and original imagery. Ultimately, it matters not how far we might travel or how advanced our species might become, the depravity and desires of our soul will never leave us and will always remain at the center of our road. It’s a shame cinematographer, Hoyte Van Hoytema, has only been nominated for an Oscar once. He deserves it for this work, and so do the sound designers, music composers, and of course, James Gray himself. On DVD - iTunes.

3. A Hidden Life

“Better to suffer injustice than to cause it.” The boundaries of this statement is put to the test in Terrence Malick’s most recent masterpiece, A Hidden Life, based on a true story. When nation and neighbour rise for a single cause or conflict, one’s true allegiance will be put to the test. In the face of such pressures, only those who pursue true peace, far from the spotlight, will know the cost that must be paid. A Hidden Life is a stunning and stirring work of cinematic perfection that requires patience and the attention of our souls. This is a film that I could not shake, and is quite simply, the most important film of the year. On iTunes March 3.

4. I Lost My Body

I love a surprise, and I was surprised by this magically macabre and meaningful film. I know a lot of people don’t often give “grown-up-animation” a chance so let me put it this way - - not only is I Lost My Body the most beautiful animation I’ve seen this year, it’s one of the best films of the year - - this is a story that has the mystery of Memento and the romance of a Terrence Malick film. And yet, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before, unless you’ve seen the story of a severed hand journey through Paris in order to reconcile it’s memories with the broken heart and spirit of it’s owner? I Lost My Body is a truly stunning achievement. It swept me away and moved me deeply, and you should check it out. On Netflix.

5. The Irishman

The Irishman (I Heard You Paint Houses) might just be Martin Scorsese’s greatest achievement. A Scorsese crime-story is never about the crime, it’s about the criminal’s soul, and in the case of The Irishman, this time round, there is a little more age and wisdom included in this masterful-motif. At the end of three and half hours, I was somber and sobered. I felt as though I had just attended a very heavy funeral, and I just wanted to sit a little longer and feel the weight of my own mortality. It is a shame Robert DeNiro wasn’t nominated for an Oscar this year because this really is the greatest performance of his career. On Netflix.

6. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

“Let us have the courage to look beyond the stories we’re born into.” Place. Home. Belonging. Acceptance. The Last Black Man in San Francisco is about all these things and so much more, but it was because the film explored these themes with such stunning beauty and unexpected whimsy that I could not escape its trance. TLBMISF is a remarkable first-feature by newcomer Joe Talbot. Following the story of best friends, Jimmie and Montgomery, TLBMISF is a sort of urban odyssey (in the first act Jimmie is compared to “Dorothy” from the Wizard of Oz) as it explores its themes through the tensions of gentrification and generational ties. I never knew where the story was headed next, but I couldn’t look away. The cinematography, the music and the performances are all perfect. I adore this film. On DVD.

7. Marriage Story

Marriage Story provides us with some of the greatest performances and most meaningful dialogue of the year. Only writer/director Noah Baumbach can make you laugh, cringe and cry within a matter of minutes, and it seems like with Marriage Story he’s exercising his greatest gifts to provide us with the perfect balance and portion of all three. Love is pain and heartbreak can be hilarious, and all of it is captured beautifully in this devastatingly authentic story about the best and worst moments of a relationship, and what we can learn from it, or maybe not at all. On Netflix.

8. Doctor Sleep

In the last five years writer/director Mike Flanagan has become my favourite new filmmaker, and with Doctor Sleep he was given the near impossible task of adapting a Stephen King novel that continued Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining. Impossible, right? Well not only does Flanagan succeed, but in my opinion, he has created a film that is superior to Kubrick’s, with a visual style all it’s own. Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep is a rich and rewarding horror story that takes spiritual consequences seriously, and presents it’s characters with the terrifying realities of evil, and the sacrifices required to overcome it. It’s a remarkable work, and it includes some of the best performances of the year. On DVD - iTunes.

9. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is the surprise experience of surrealism I didn’t know we needed. Not unlike last year’s documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, this film bears witness to the fact that it is possible to live a life of love, but this time round it’s an encounter wholly set apart. While Fred Rogers remains its inspiration, Tom Hanks’ remarkable portrayal is not at the center of the story, which is a bold and daring choice, but one that is executed with incredible care and confidence from director, Marielle Heller, who truly deserves an Oscar for this. As others have said, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, is not a traditional biopic, instead the film presents itself as an episode of Mr. Roger’s television show for grown ups, and who knew that that’s what many of us were in need of right now. On iTunes - On DVD February 18.

10. Wild Rose

Wild Rose is a deeply moving and beautiful story of redemption that avoids all the usual cliches and instead tells a more grounded, realistic tale about true sacrifice and pursuing one’s dreams. The writing is superb here, and Jessie Buckley’s performance is stunning as a troubled and selfish young mother from Glasgow, Scotland who has a gift and passion for country music. That last line should give you a good indication that this heart-warming story may feel familiar but is stunningly distinct, which makes for a much more rewarding experience. On DVD - Amazon Prime

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

Brittany Runs a Marathon: This isn’t an inspirational film about lifestyle changes, this is a long and patient, and at times painful, examination of what true transformation looks like. It’s also very funny. On Amazon Prime.

Captain Marvel: My favourite Marvel movie to date, with a unique visual style and shockingly powerful themes. Ben Mendelsohn is also the ultimate character-actor and he is unforgettable here. On DVD.

The Farewell: Awkwafina’s performance is award-worthy in this heart-breaking family reunion. Every character here is either withholding emotion or feeling out of place, and yet they are bound together, they are family. On DVD - iTunes.

Frozen II: From the endless pursuit of maturity and wisdom in the face of life’s uncertainty, to the most incredible message about truth and reconciliation, Frozen 2 is a spectacular and shockingly poignant film. On DVD February 25.

The Lighthouse: The descent into madness has never been so entertaining, funny and beautiful. These are two of our greatest living actors and one of our best new young directors at work. On DVD - iTunes.

Long Shot: Rogen/Goldberg have established a comedic genre all their own, a distinct blend of vulgar-raunchy humour and tender-nuanced relational moments. This is one of their best. On DVD - iTunes - Amazon Prime.

Midsommar: Tragic. Captivating. Horrifying. Compelling. Disturbing. Ari Aster has a gift for spellbinding dread, and with only his second feature, he has established himself as a master of tone. On DVD - iTunes - Amazon Prime.

Parasite: A powerful and entertaining dark-comedy or satire, with a twist. This isn’t Bong Joon Ho’s greatest film (that would be Snowpiercer), but it is an important and historic one. On DVD - iTunes.

The Public: Emilio Estevez paints with broad strokes here, but they’re strokes that are filled with life, and a cast that brings great humanity (Alec Baldwin and Jeffery Wright are particular stand outs). On DVD - iTunes - Netflix.

Us: This is the most calculated and unpredictable thriller of the year. Not unlike the greatest parables, this is a film that demands repeated viewing. On top of that, Lupita Nyong’o’s two performances are Oscar-worthy. On DVD - iTunes.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 5 years

Text

Christians and Canadian Politics 2019

For those of us who share in a Christian worldview, ever intending to reconcile the realities of our day with the biblical narrative and revelation of Jesus Christ, it can be a difficult and dangerous game assuming ANY political party holds the purposes of Christ in common with us.

Let’s be clear, there is NO political party that can be called “Christian” – no matter what any singular politician says or shares about their faith, because there is no doubt that there are followers of Christ in every political party and they are all striving to align their political convictions with Jesus’ teachings and Way of life (what he called the Kingdom of God).

The Kingdom of God is bigger and greater than any single political party, platform or politician. Therefore, it is up to us, it is your responsibility and my responsibility, as believers, to be DISCERNING about our civil liberties and to not ASSUME (you know what they say) who we should vote for.

If we consider ourselves faithful followers of Jesus then we need to prayerfully, thoughtfully, and discerningly consider the evidence of Christ’s ways in ALL political party platforms, and then vote accordingly. The process of discernment and deliberation can be as lengthy or light as you decide, but as you look over the political platforms of these four parties, consider comparing their major points to the words of Jesus; and be ever mindful of some of the social and economical passages of Scripture that the Kingdom of God is centered upon.

Scripture such as:

Leviticus 25:8-55 (An Economy of Jubilee, which Jesus proclaimed)

Luke 6:20-49 (Sermon on the Plain/Mount, teachings of character and morality)

Acts 4:32-35 (Concerns for the Community, which Christ’s followers enacted and passed down to us)

Compared to:

New Democratic Party: https://www.ndp.ca/commitments

Liberal Party: https://2019.liberal.ca/our-platform/

Conservative Party: https://www.conservative.ca

Green Party: https://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 5 years

Audio

Oh nostalgia. Looking back on our years of high school punk rawk. Ottawa’s own No Big Loss. Not entirely embarrassing to listen to.

#NoBigLoss #PunkRawk #Ottawa #BackInTheDay #FinalRecording2002

#NoBigLoss PunkRawk Ottawa BackInTheDay FinalRecording2002

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 5 years

Audio

Oh nostalgia. Looking back on our years of high school punk rawk. Ottawa’s own No Big Loss. Not entirely embarrassing to listen to.

#NoBigLoss #PunkRawk #Ottawa #BackInTheDay #FinalRecording2002

#NoBigLoss PunkRawk Ottawa BackInTheDay FinalRecording 2002

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 5 years

Audio

Oh nostalgia. Looking back on our years of high school punk rawk. Ottawa’s own No Big Loss. Not entirely embarrassing to listen to.

#NoBigLoss #PunkRawk #Ottawa #BackInTheDay #FinalRecording2002

#NoBigLoss PunkRawk Ottawa BackInTheDay FinalRecording 2002

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 5 years

Text

Best Films of 2018

1. You Were Never Really Here

You Were Never Really Here is quite simply the best film of 2018. Writer/Director Lynne Ramsay has crafted and created a lean, assertive and suspenseful narrative that dives deep into a traumatic mind and experience. Structured within the framework of a hero’s journey, a man who rescues victims from sex trafficking, Ramsay provides us with a rare perspective in which only a troubled and traumatized mind can truly save others from the same peril. In addition to this, even though the dark and disturbing material might be difficult for some, it was remarkable how little exposition was provided for the viewer. Instead of spoon-feeding her audience, Ramsay treats us with respect and allows us to discover the story for ourselves through visual cues and revelation. Though one can’t help but draw comparisons to Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, YWNRH still stands on its own with award-worthy performances, cinematography, editing, directing and musical score. On DVD - Amazon Prime - iTunes.

2. First Man

Director Damien Chazelle has made three feature films to date. All three are Oscar nominated/winners. All three are great films; but First Man is Chazelle’s masterpiece. From the first five-minute sequence you realize you are experiencing a story from history in a visually intimate and visceral way. Every frame of this film, along with every note of Hurwitz’s angelic score, draws us into Neil Armstrong’s excruciating life and vocation (what was effectively the story of Job). While a crowning achievement for all mankind is the vehicle for this narrative, it’s the traumatic cost and sacrifice that only a few families suffered that serves as the real heart and soul for this moment in history. A truly mesmerizing experience with heart-breaking performances. On DVD - iTunes.

3. Annihilation

Writer/Director Alex Garland has quickly established himself as this generation’s Stanley Kubrick. With audacious, strange, and compelling stories that examine the boundaries of human consciousness and cosmic meaning, there is no one doing what Garland is doing. Though Annihilation might be short on (or intentionally avoid) too many answers or explanations, ultimately it was the mystery that I found to be so fascinating and absorbing; and even more so upon repeated viewing. In addition to the screenplay, the cinematography, musical score and visual effects are all award worthy. On DVD - Netflix - iTunes.

4. Mission Impossible: Fallout

This just might be the biggest surprise of the year. With Mission Impossible: Fallout, writer/director Christopher McQuarrie has not only created the best Mission Impossible movie to date, but has also produced one of the best films of the year! With Academy Award worthy cinematography (from Rob Hardy who also did Annihilation), direction, and musical score (and little moments of homage to every previous film in the series), Fallout stands apart, not only as an incredible action film, but also as a remarkable (and unexpected) film noir, bringing a greater depth of emotion to this ongoing narrative. On DVD - iTunes.

5. BlacKkKlansman

There is something to be said for a film that is wildly entertaining and compelling and yet still manages to be provocative and powerful. That’s not an easy tightrope for any filmmaker to walk, but in the case of BlacKkKlansman, director Spike Lee was more than up for the challenge. Some critics have suggested that this film is too heavy handed, and on the nose, that it leaves no room for anyone from the “other side” to enter in and learn from it. And the fact of the matter is - - that’s true - - this is an asserative, confident and competent narrative that is a work of protest. There’s little room for education here, just a true story told in a manner only intended to amplify the voice of the oppressed. On DVD - iTunes.

6. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Director Morgan Neville’s documentary about Fred Rogers is the antidote we are all in need of. Sometimes we feel the need for a sweet, charming and sentimental story that might lift our spirits, but what is so profoundly beautiful about, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, is that this is a true story, and many of us bore witness to it. Many have been inspired or know the calling to live a life of love, but what this account of Mr. Roger’s life reminds us, is that it is possible. By faith and intention, action and perseverance we can indeed know and live out our sacred belovedness. This is such an important film, and everyone should experience it. On DVD - Netflix - iTunes.

7. Eighth Grade

As the father of a middle-school aged girl, this endearing film was difficult to watch at times, but the sheer authenticity of writer/director Bo Burnham’s script ultimately steers the story towards it’s beautiful and heartfelt end. Not a single scene seems staged, all of the painfully accurate awkwardness, fear, courage and humour feels as if it was captured for a documentary about thirteen year olds. There is much to learn here, for parents and teens alike, and for that I am grateful. On DVD - iTunes.

8. Roma

Here is a film that will haunt you, in a good way. With a pace and patience that is true to life, director Alfonso Cuaron slowly grips our hearts as we follow the days and difficulties of a young maid's life. The cumulative emotional effect is an incredible achievement of sound design and cinematography. Even as we watch in the comfort of our own homes, we grow in empathy and understanding of young Cleo because our eyes observe the entirety of her interactions with this family and our ears are immersed in the sounds of her neighbourhood. Roma is a rare cinematic experience and achievement. On Netflix.

9. Wildlife

Paul Dano's directorial debut is a stunning and delicately framed tragedy. This quietly paced account of one family's struggle to find meaning and purpose, both together and apart, is a perfectly observed and heartbreaking tale. Carey Mulligan is at her best portraying a wife and mother who is both terrible and understandable; but ultimately this is a treasure because of Diego Garcia's stunning cinematography and Dano's delicate direction. On iTunes.

10. Vice

What director Adam McKay has done here is too exciting to ignore. This film has been criticized for being a mile wide and an inch deep, and it does indeed leave you wondering "why" at the end of it all, but I think that might be it's strength. This is not an essay or a deep journalistic dissection, this is a simple, straightforward, and wildly entertaining portrayal of intelligent people being driven by an obsession with power. And as unsatisfying as that might be, after examining a real-life sith-lord of sorts, the truth is...maybe that's the only answer there is. On iTunes March 12.

11. Green Book

The reason to see this film is for the performances. Both Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali provide incredibly committed and nuanced portrayals of these real men (I know we’re all in awe of Christian Bale’s transformation into Dick Cheney, but I was in awe of Viggo’s physical transformation in this film without prosthetics). Roger Ebert once said, “movies are an empathy making machine,” and what is so incredible about this film is that we get to witness the transforming power of empathy over the course of an eight-week road trip. On iTunes - On DVD March 12.

12. 22 July

Director Paul Greengrass was the only person for this job. His documentary style of storytelling is less about the cinematic experience and more about the history to behold. This is a terribly difficult film to watch, and yet, it's account of present-day rationalized-idealogical-evil could not be more important. Film is a powerful force for shaping cultural discussion and dialogue, and 22 July is the film that keeps us talking about the most persistent face of terror in the Western hemisphere today. On Netflix.

13. Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot

Struggle with addiction and stories of recovery can be richly rewarding and redemptive, but oftentimes the subject matter is over dramatized and emotionally manipulative. Which is why director Gus Van Sant's long-titled film adaptation is a rare and wonderful achievement. There is nothing overly sentimental or manipulative here, just a raw and real portrayal of what the twelve-steps from addiction to sobriety really look like. Ultimately this memorable story is in the hands of the actors and both Joaquin Phoenix and Jonah Hill give authentic and nuanced performances. On DVD - Amazon Prime - iTunes.

14. Hearts Beat Loud

In 2018, A Star is Born, was the film about musicians that got all the attention, but I believe it was, Hearts Beat Loud, that offered a more moving, thoughtful and sincere story about artists. In this story, one musician and father (Nick Offerman) is past his prime and struggling to figure out the next chapter of his life, while the other musician, his daughter (Kiersey Clemons), is more sure and certain about her future but is still struggling to find her way with her art and with love. The result is a sweet and sincere story that just might be the solution to some of life’s sad ailments. On DVD - Netflix - iTunes.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 6 years

Text

The Gospel of Matthew & Mumford and Sons

Jesus said... “You have been taught to love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you this: love your enemies. Pray for those who torment you and persecute you—in so doing, you become children of your Father in heaven. He, after all, loves each of us—good and evil, kind and cruel. He causes the sun to rise and shine on evil and good alike. He causes the rain to water the fields of the righteous and the fields of the sinner. It is easy to love those who love you—even a tax collector can love those who love him. And it is easy to greet your friends—even outsiders do that! But you are called to something higher: “Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 (The Voice Bible)

Mumford & Sons sing...

What have I to find in our love, I am a waste My words are empty vessels, if I do nothing in this place And we can scream into the shadows And it's good that we can But walk with me, I think we'll find a way And walk with me, I think we'll find a way

And does your love prefer the other? And does your love just make you feel good? Does my love prefer the other? Does my love just make me feel good?

youtube

#LoveIsAVerb #MumfordAndSons #Jesus

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 6 years

Text

Elijah on the Run

READ 1 Kings 18:22 - 19:9

After such an explosive and awe-inspiring victory and triumph this is not what we would have expected. Elijah is on the run.

We can sort of understand this, I guess, I mean the Queen did just threaten his life; but still, you would think that Elijah would have had some support and sway with the people after such a monumental victory, after God had revealed such favour and blessing upon him. But ok, the Queen wants vengeance so Elijah runs for his life.

Still, after all he’s been through, after all that God had done for him and through him, why in the world would Elijah say...

“I have had enough, Lord…take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4

Apparently it doesn’t matter whether you’re successful or a failure, apparently it makes no difference whether you experience triumph or defeat, either way a prophet is still just a person.

Eventually we will all run up against our own limitations, frailty, and mortality, the fact that we are not God, that we are not indestructible. The fact that we do bend and we do break, whether life is good or whether life is hard, whether we’re riding a high or whether we’re experiencing a low. We are just people, we are just children of God, we are just creatures created by the loving hands of our Creator.

God had been faithful. God had provided for Elijah miraculously and led him through all those years, but he still was just a man, overwhelmed with fear, overcome by burden, and in need of the divine’s power and continual provision. Victory and success didn’t change anything for Elijah, he still needed the counsel and care of his Creator.

And so do I.

And so do you.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 6 years

Text

Christians and Canadian Politics [Ontario Version]

For those of us who share in a Christian worldview, ever intending to reconcile the realities of our days with the biblical narrative and revelation of Jesus Christ, it can be a difficult and dangerous game assuming ANY political party holds the purposes of Christ in common with us.

If we consider ourselves faithful followers of Jesus then we need to prayerfully, thoughtfully, and discerningly consider the evidence of Christ’s ways in ALL political party platforms, and then vote accordingly. The process of discernment and deliberation can be as lengthy or light as you decide, but as you look over the political platforms of the three major parties, consider comparing their major points to the words of Jesus; and be ever mindful of some of the social and economical passages of Scripture the Kingdom of God is centered upon.

Scripture such as:

Leviticus 25:8-55 (An Economy of Jubilee, which Jesus proclaimed)

Luke 6:20-49 (Sermon on the Plain/Mount, teachings of character and morality)

Acts 4:32-35 (Concerns for the Community, which Christ’s followers enacted and passed down to us)

Compared to:

New Democratic Party: https://www.ontariondp.ca/platform

Liberal Party: https://ontarioliberal.ca/positivechange.htm

Conservative Party: https://www.ontariopc.ca

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 6 years

Text

Best Films of 2017

1. mother!

Director Darren Aronofsky is one of the greatest living filmmakers, everything he creates provokes strong reactions, begging us, his audience, to ask and to discuss, why? Why do we react the way we do? All of his films are memorable, but mother! truly is his masterpiece. This is a dark, disturbing, violent work of art that is certainly not for everyone, but for me, this rich, layered and powerful picture was the most meaningful cinematic experience of the year. Apocalyptic literature has been around for millennia, but this achievement may very well be our first official work of apocalyptic cinema. The word, apocalyptic (from the Greek), means “unveiling” - - to see the world as it really is. To that point, Aronofsky has created the perfect religious-ecological analogy; and there may be no end to what we can discuss and uncover there. On DVD.

2. Darkest Hour

This film is essentially tied for my favourite of the year. So much attention has been given to Gary Oldman for his remarkable, honest and nuanced portrayal of Winston Churchill (and he does indeed deserve Best Actor), but the truth is, this film is so much more than just a performance. This is director Joe Wright’s greatest achievement to date. The Darkest Hour provides for us, not only an incredible account of history, but possibly the most honest portrayal of our humanity from the most unexpected of places: politics. This is a true story of suffering under the weight of the world, and it reveals for us what the cost and courage of leadership truly looks like. On DVD.

3. The Lost City of Z

Director James Gray is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated and underappreciated living directors. All of his films are worth your time, but The Lost City of Z is his masterpiece. Part old school sweeping Hollywood epic, with a rare eye for historical authenticity, and part contemporary reflection on vocation, calling and destiny. The depth of relationship portrayed on screen is what really sets this story apart, from husband and wife, to brotherhood, and father and son. This is a rich and wonderful true story for all ages, and without a doubt Robert Pattinson’s and Charlie Hunnam’s greatest performances to date. On DVD.

4. Blade Runner 2049

This was the year’s most awe-inspiring cinematic experience. Director Denis Villenueve continues to establish himself as one of our greatest living directors. Many considered this film to be an impossible task, creating an acceptable sequel to a now classic sci-fi film. And yet, what Villenueve, his team, and Oscar-destined cinematographer Roger Deakins, have accomplished is actually an improvement upon Ridley Scott’s original adaptation, and a perfecting of Philip K. Dick’s philosophical potential. This is a stunning, thrilling, and rich work of art that provides for us endless points of discussion and reflection. On DVD.

5. Get Out

This film has become a cultural phenomenon for good reason. In part, when it was released last February, it was the shock and surprise that first time writer/director Jordan Peele had crafted such a strong and subversive work of cinema, but really, it’s longevity is the result of it’s own genius. Get Out provides for us the perfect example of the power of genre. Using the genre of a horror/thriller, Jordan Peele and his perfect cast, thrill us and shock us with our own greatest fears and the darkest sins we have committed against humanity. This is a work of art worth viewing and reflecting upon time and time again. On DVD.

6. Logan

Here is, not only the greatest achievement in superhero storytelling, but also the year’s greatest portrayal of sin, regret, repentance and redemption. The story of Wolverine has always been biblically infused, but this final farewell for Logan is, in part, the story of Samson, and the story of Exodus. It is a shame Hugh Jackson did not get the award recognition he deserved for this performance, but this classically told western-styled-superhero story of redemption, will forever remain the pinnacle example of superhero storytelling potential. On Netflix and DVD.

7. War for the Planet of the Apes

This new Planet of the Apes trilogy is, hands down, one of the best film series of the last twenty years. Director Matt Reeves is at his best when he combines the nostalgic-inspirations of his childhood, with the social and spiritual themes of sin and humanity’s desperate future. It is mind-blowing how subtle and nuanced the performances are from the motion-capture actors, and I had hoped that this would be the year Andy Serkis would become the first motion-capture actor to be nominated for an Oscar. But technological achievements aside, this story of creation’s evolution, and mankind’s de-evolution, is one of the most profound and poignant films of the year. On DVD.

8. Maudie

Here is another film I saw very early on in the year that just stuck with me, with its honest and heart-breaking performances and relationships. Sally Hawkins deserves praise for her Oscar-nominated performance in, The Shape of Water, but her portrayal of the arthritic Canadian-artist, married to an abusive husband (played by Ethan Hawke), is what should have garnered her all the awards. This is a sweet and simple story, but it is true, it is honest, and it is irreplaceable. On DVD.

9. Lady Macbeth

Now this is a film I recommend with caution, due to it’s content, but that cannot be denied for its beauty, its confidence, and its mastery of tone. We often picture the Victorian age with such beauty and charm, but what first-time director, William Oldroyd, portrays with his adaption of this famous Russian short story and opera, is the sheer boredom and monotony of one’s life, especially a women’s life, at this time in history. From it’s stunning static imagery, at the start, comes a shocking story of lust, betrayal and murder. This was one of the most captivating experiences of the year, and the cinematography alone should have been awarded repeatedly. On DVD.

10. I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore

Small, strange and unexpected. This little film with a big title is an incredible mix of humour, melancholy, and murder. It’s hard to define or distinguish what independent film is anymore, but if such a thing can be defined by it’s style and tone, I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore, would be it. This is a film that will make you smile and then shock that smile right off your face. On Netflix.

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

Baby Driver: A thrilling achievement from director Edgar Wright. The success is well deserved and overdue. Baby Driver was the most original entertaining experience of the year. On DVD.

Colossal: Weird and wonderful. For such a conceptual piece of strange sci-fi-dramedy, both Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis give incredibly committed performances that raise this story far above our expectations. On Netflix and DVD.

Dunkirk: This film is the perfect argument for the cinematic experience, if there ever was one. This is writer/director Christopher Nolan’s greatest risk, and it is also, without a doubt, one of his greatest achievements. On DVD.

It Comes at Night: This enigmatic story is an example of perfectly crafted creepiness. While it’s meaning comes out, in part, through symbolism, ultimately it’s greatest gift is it’s mystery. On Netflix and DVD.

Lady Bird: A pure delight, rich with emotional depth. I was already a huge fan of Saoirse Ronan, but Greta Gerwig’s playful and personable screenplay is an undeniable joy. On DVD March 6.

Molly’s Game: I will always love and admire the work of Aaron Sorkin (a modern-day Shakespeare in my opinion), and while all the performances in Molly’s Game are great, the stand out here is Michael Cera (who provides us with his take of the real life Tobey Maguire). On DVD April 10.

Mudbound: This story contains the sort of truth that will haunt you. I could not shake this viewing experience for days; Mudbound is that powerful and important of a story. On Netflix.

The Big Sick: A heart-warming and hilarious true story, but really, just see it for Holly Hunter’s incredible performance (she should have been nominated). On Netflix and on DVD.

The Shape of Water: I always admire and am inspired by the work of Guillermo del Toro, his films are consistently masterful and meaningful; and this fairy tale for adults is one of his greatest achievements. On DVD March 13.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: The performances do indeed deserve all the awards (especially Woody Harrelson in my opinion). Writer/Director Martin McDonagh’s stage-play-soap-opera is an exhilarating experience of extreme emotion. On DVD.

0 notes

thenatureofnarrative · 7 years

Text

Best Films of 2016

1. Jackie

Jackie is a painful and mesmerizing masterpiece, and it was for me, the most meaningful experience of the year. It's impossible to imagine any other actress portraying this role so perfectly; carrying the weight of a story about the inhumanity of celebrity, the chaos of grief, and the uncertainty of one's legacy. If Natalie Portman doesn't win the Oscar, she certainly deserves it. In addition to the performances, Pablo Larrain's direction, with its unrelenting close-ups, places us in the middle of our protagonist's pain; and never before has a film's musical score been so important and affective. Then if that weren't enough, to top it all off, the priestly wisdom of John Hurt's performance towards the end of the film is bittersweet but nonetheless timely and entirely appropriate. On Digital now and on DVD March 7.

2. Arrival

Arrival is also a serious contender for the best film of the year. Director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Prisoners, Incendies) is quickly becoming one of the greatest living directors, and Amy Adams' performance is Oscar worthy. This stunning work explores the universal experience of being bound by time and yet yearning for an existence that transcends time in meaning and purpose. Even when we know how it will end we can still savour the journey. For rent and on DVD.

3. Moonlight

Moonlight is one of those rare films that washes over you with its truth and beauty; a cinematic experience that expands your love, understanding and empathy for others, which is no small feat. With remarkable performances across three generations, and award worthy direction and cinematography, this is one of the most moving films of the year. For rent now and on DVD February 28.

4. Blue Jay

What a delightful surprise! Blue Jay is nearly perfect, and one of my absolute favourite films of the year. This is a wonderful way to spend 80 minutes, with two incredible actors reuniting as high school sweethearts, rediscovering all of their shared joy and regrets. There are very few films that have ever portrayed such genuine friendship, conversation and chemistry on screen. An absolutely beautiful film. On Netflix and on DVD.

5. Manchester by the Sea

Manchester by the Sea is such an intricate and delicate story that it almost seems as if it was engineered for perfection. This is a sad and deeply affecting film, no doubt, but it is also filled with very funny moments, in only the way honest and true relationships can be. So rarely have we seen the experience of grief and the process of closing the book on a loved one's life on screen, but with Kenneth Lonergan's intricate and precise screenplay it is indeed done to perfection. In addition to giving us Casey Affleck's best performance to date. For rent and on DVD.

6. Kubo and the Two Strings

A hand crafted, animated masterpiece. A powerful story about loss and legacy, the fact that every story needs an ending. To pull all of this off in a visually stunning story for children of all ages, and with lots of laughs, is a pretty remarkable achievement! For rent and on DVD.

7. La La Land

Pure joy; an homage, original, and entirely necessary. Classically beautiful and infused with a chemistry, via the stars, sights and sounds, that just keeps getting better every time you watch it. In Theatres.

8. Midnight Special

Midnight Special might be director Jeff Nichols' masterpiece and is definitely one of the best films of the year! Mysterious, thrilling, and ripe with meaning and spiritual analogy; this family-drama-religious-sci-fi (if I can call it that) treats its audience with respect and intelligence as it allows us to fill in the gaps and find our meaning there. Complete with perfect performances, beautiful cinematography and a great musical score. For rent and on DVD.

9. Hell or High Water

A beautiful, perfectly paced, unpredictable, yet familiar contemporary western. A story that holds at its heart a true humanity; people and places living their lives in the real world with real economics and real relationships. A true gem and one of the best films of 2016. For rent and on DVD.

10. The Invitation

A masterfully crafted thriller that is creepy (in the best sense) and perfectly paced, keeping you in suspense the whole time. The performances are perfect, the cinematography is stunning, and the story is surprisingly thoughtful; all of this and an ending to remember. This was a film I could not forget and had to watch twice. On Netflix and on DVD.

Honourable Mentions (alphabetically):

10 Cloverfield Lane: This was the most thrilling and unpredictable film of 2016! At the center of it is John Goodman's best performance to date, a way we've never seen him before; but it's the sheer brilliance of how the film manages its mystery that makes it an unforgettable experience. On Netflix and on DVD.

13 Hours: It's been at least eleven years (if not more) since Michael Bay has made a decent movie, so it's nice to know that with a limited budget and a story that requires restraint, he can actually still pull it off. On Netflix and on DVD.

Deepwater Horizon: This is a film that must be seen and experienced! A powerful and humbling story of survival; revealing the sacrifice and suffering required of human heroics. For rent and on DVD.

Fences: A devastatingly beautiful film, not because of its visuals but because of it's words. This is a talky through and through but with the performances of Denzel, Viola and their supporting cast, Fences is a story that carries a weight of reality rarely seen. Whether we're taking our turn as recipients or perpetuating our family's legacy (curses, blessings and all), when we take our turn wrestling with death we will not escape the equality of judgment/grace that awaits us all. On Digital now and on DVD March 14.

Hacksaw Ridge: Although there are many captivating images throughout this film, none of them glorify the horrors of war. These are scenes of hell, the very worst of our humanity, and yet in the midst of them, rather than heroics, a humility is evoked. A humble and tested truth that, your faith need not be complicated to have an everlasting impact on the world. Almost every other great war film elevates the power of the human spirit, our ability to sacrifice ourselves for others, but this film keeps the motivations of this man's actions in focus. Rather than pacifism being an intellectual debate of hypotheticals this story perfectly incarnates the conviction of non-violence many followers of Jesus Christ hold. For rent and on DVD.

Hidden Figures: A classically structured story that is immeasurably effective due to its powerhouse performances and timeliness. Though Octavia Spencer is always deserving of award recognition, I wish Taraji P. Henson had also been nominated for an Oscar. Nevertheless, this is an important true story and I am grateful to have shared it with my two daughters. In Theatres and on DVD April 11.

Indignation: Based on the sharp and subtle provocation of Philip Roth’s book, this incredible film carries with it Oscar worthy performances and some of the best screenwriting of the year. For rent and on DVD.

The Meddler: An absolutely beautiful and endearing film about family, grief and loss. There are lots of laughs in this movie but it's not a comedy, because Susan Sarandon's performance is so deeply authentic and heartfelt. In fact the whole cast is rather remarkable (especially Rose Byrne as the daughter), but it's the happy and heartbreaking moments that make this film so meaningful. On Netflix and on DVD.

Sing Street: One of the most beloved cinematic experiences of the last decade. This is an absolutely beautiful and joyous film. Incredible music and performances, all from the mind of John Carney, director of Once and Begin Again. On Netflix and on DVD.

Sleeping Giant: This is a remarkable Canadian film that has been overlooked by many. Most stories about youth are nostalgic commentaries but Sleeping Giant is authentic, honest and incarnational. For rent and on DVD.

#movies film

0 notes