I’ve seen it twice now. I think it’s amazing. I liked Beginners (Mills’ first film, about his father coming out of the closet at the age of 75: Christopher Plummer won the Oscar) – but 20th Century Women – about his mother, he kicks it to the next level. Annette Bening gives one of the performances of the year but everyone is superb.
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog. I check it every day. You’re doing terrific work, Sheila. Merry Christmas to you!
Jincy – I missed this comment – thank you so so much! And I appreciate your work so much too!
From Annette Benning, another great performance! She really thrills me. Ever since her teeny but phenomenal turn as the ex girlfriend of Dennis Quaid in Postcards from the Edge, I have been obsessed. I mean, The Grifters. Can it get better than that? Love you! xxx
“I’m in it for the endolphin rush.”
“I think you mean endorphins.”
“WhatEVER.”
She casually steals that entire scene from Meryl, not an easy thing to do. And Meryl lets her. Because it’s undeniable: that scene is Bening’s alone. Take it from her if you dare!
I saw this last night. What an excellent movie! I loved that every character was true and odd and decent/clueless/goodhearted/vulnerable and a little self-centered. Real people. Every character was fleshed out. A sweet, funny movie.
Wasn’t it so wonderful? I’ve seen it twice now and the second time through the one who made the biggest impression was Billy Crudup. He was fabulous. I loved the awkward (understatement) seduction scene between him and Gerwig – eventually he couldn’t help but address the sadness that was behind her requests. And they both got lucky anyway. And they got to be themselves in the process. So beautiful.
I was really moved by it. A huge leap forward from Beginners. Bookends: a film about his father, a film about his mother. Mills is wonderful.
Billy Crudup was very good. I loved the dinner scene after the seduction (which was beautiful and touching) and the look on his face when it was clear that everyone knew he and Abbie had boinked. He had that “well everyone knows, huh” and a bit of amusement on his face, but nothing roosterish – no puffing up. He had a sort of ’70’s Magic Mike “I love pleasing women” vibe, except more vulnerable. He wanted the women who wanted him to stick around. And didn’t really understand why they didn’t.
I have loved Elle Fanning ever since Super 8. She has such an open face. I loved her also in Maleficent. Julie was wounded and also wrestling to be in charge of her own life. “… because half the time I don’t regret it.” I loved the scene in the VW with Annette Bening, the smoking and talking about whether Dorothea was avoiding her responsibilities to Jamie.
And I really don’t want to be at a dinner party where everyone is graded on how loud-and-proud they can say “menstruate.”