A wonderful review of one of my favorite movies.
I haven't seen it in years. Mitchell made me see it.
I think one of my favorite moments is Joan Plowright (God, is she good!) - saying in her thick accent, in a deadpan tone, "An elephant just walked by the window." If I recall correctly, her family thinks she is speaking metaphorically, with immigrant wisdom ... as though it means something else, something mysterious and profound. But then she reiterates, "No. An elephant just walked by the window." And they look outside, and an elephant is strolling down the middle of the street. hahahaha
A really deep elegiac film, something that pierces right through you: family, nostalgia, loss ... a world disappearing before our eyes.
Wonderful film.
Posted by sheila | TrackBackLove this movie! Not sure ... maybe you and Mitchell made me watch it. But it's a favorite. One I haven't seen for awhile... hmmm, maybe this weekend? Thanks for linking to the review.
Posted by: Ann Marie at January 15, 2008 1:00 PMAnn - did we make you see it?? I can't remember that - but I'm glad we did!
Really special movie.
Posted by: red at January 15, 2008 1:33 PMI like your writing of that scene better than the one that was in the movie, Sheila.
The scene takes place during a family circle meeting on a stifling hot day. When Plowright says out of nowhere in her German accent, "An elephant just went by the window," Kevin Pollak tells her that she's hallucinating because of the heat. So she adds, "Then I must be hallucinating again because another one just went by."
Thank you for the link!
Posted by: Joe Valdez at January 15, 2008 1:48 PMJoe - You are most welcome!
Your review of Remains of the Day made me yearn to see that movie again. I love how you intersperse your review with the tale of the "making-of" ... which is just as interesting (usually) as the movie itself.
It's been years since I've seen Avalon - really need to see it again!
Posted by: red at January 15, 2008 1:55 PMAvalon is so personal a film for me..almost too much to analyze..like What's Up Doc...but i love that its part of his trilogy ...Diner/Avalon/Tin Men...wonderful filmmaker.
Posted by: mitchell at January 15, 2008 2:28 PM..."You cut the turkey? Without the brother??!!"
Posted by: mitchell at January 15, 2008 2:34 PMHe never drank the vater
not even an ice cube
HE NEVER DRANK THE VATER
Posted by: David at January 15, 2008 8:22 PMVater - hahahahahahahahaha
How can a movie be so hilarious and yet also so poignant?? Very difficult to do!
Posted by: red at January 15, 2008 10:04 PMNEVAH DRANK THE VATER!...no, seriously..a sip once in...NEVER DRANK.....!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mitchell at January 15, 2008 10:38 PMI'm so glad you mentioned this. I enjoyed this movie, years ago, as a part of a class on Tocqueville and American culture. Now that my older kids are teenagers, this would be a wonderful movie to share with them.
Posted by: M Light at January 16, 2008 3:49 PM