This is Amy Adams. She’s the reason to watch this film. Not the only reason. But her performance is compelling: sparkley-wide-eyed innocent with naive intelligence.
“Family means something” says George. It does. Not always what you prefer it to mean. Especially if the family is from Deep South and they all sound a bit hicksterish clannish. And they’re being Bible at you.
And you happen to be educated, sophisticated; an art dealer from New York. You’re trying to be sweet and understanding. You’re being as considerate as you can of these slow folks. But they don’t understand you. They don’t much want to. They’re wary of you. Suspicious.
“I can’t do anything with my hands” you say. “You don’t have to” says fat Momma, “You’re smart“.
I liked this film. Cus it was quiet and slow. And the characterisation was credible. Everybody came across as being sympathetic, even when they weren’t being particularly likeable.
So, I’ve actually found something good in a U.S film. I watch so few these days. I’m more likely to turn off films, tv shows, sit-coms, documentaries from the States. I’ve developed what amounts to an aversion to the American “way of life” – or at least to being constantly indoctrinated by it’s culture of shallow commercialism.
But this film isn’t loudly bragging or boastful. It’s quieter and softer. Feels like it has people in it a bit more like you and me.
Rather than like “them”.
(Those big-headed yanks over there)
Dir: Phil Morrison, U S
8/10
