FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "RACHEL, RACHEL"!
This year on "Friday Movie Suggestion Night", I've managed (without coincidence of any making) to present movies that came to my attention after a poignant post or two were already created. Take this week, for example. We touched upon the subject of "Second Chances". Truth be told, I have held this movie at bay for some time. With Paul Newman's passing, my feeling was simply "If not now, when?"
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In nearly every interview I watched over the years with Paul as a Guest, he always mentioned how proud he was to produce and direct his wife Joanne Woodward in an adaptation of Margaret Laurence's novel, "A Jest of God". The theme of this film is that we are either living our lives or merely existing. Paul relies on sparse dialogue, and I must say only Joanne could lend the tender inner loneliness of a 35 year-old school teacher who remains unmarried and desperately at a dead-end in her life better than anyone else. Confronting what psychologists today refer to as "separation and individuation" issues, Rachel's life revolves around the neurosis of her mother, whom she still lives with. Her deceased father was a small town undertaker in Connecticut. Life beckons when Nick Kaslik, a childhood friend returns for a visit, "looking for some action" and Woodward's character begins to ponder choices. Namely, to sit on the fence or move forward.
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The film score is by Jerome Moross (with some help by Erik Satie and Robert Schumann). Woodward is transcendent in a role about the choices we make in our lives.
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The Cast: Joanne Woodward is Rachel Cameron; James Olson is Nick Kazlik; Kate Harrington is Mrs. Cameron, Estelle Parsons is Calla Mackie; Donald Moffitt is Niall Cameron and Terry Kiser is the preacher. Produced and Directed by Paul Newman and based on "A Jest of God" by Author Margaret Laurence; Screenplay by Stewart Stern. Academy Award Nominations for 1969: "Best Actress in a Leading Role": Joanne Woodward; "Best Actress in a Supporting Role", Estelle Parsons, "Best Picture": Paul Newman; "Best Screenplay: Stewart Stern; WINNER, Golden Globes Awards: "Best Motion Picture Actress--Drama": Joanne Woodward; Best Motion Picture Director: Paul Newman.
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A different film.
A new direction for the rest of 2008.
Unpredictable.
Intense.
Provocative.
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ENJOY!
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posted by Michael Manning @ 12:14 AM
18 comments
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18 Comments:
Will have to check that out.
Playing catchup here.
I should do some guitar lessons.
But I keep getting distracted and writing new songs instead.
Bah.
Feel good......
D-Man: As I mention on te Reel Page film footage, music was where wanted to go. The delays were exasperating! But I'm where I need to be and we are moving along quite well. I'll be over to visit you!
good girl: Thank You! Have fun yourself! :)
Great movie.
I love Joanne Woodward. I'm sure I've seen this but I can't place the details so it is time to re-see :)
thanks Michael
p m: Paul was bold to take this story on when other producers closed their wallet. It is my understanding that he directed Joanne in hushed tones--very close friends and lovers who worked so well together. Or as my late Dad put it, "That was a good marriage".
dianne: She is a sweetheart. I last saw her in the low-budget "Harry and Son". Last time I saw Robby Benson too. :)
I love dear Joanne and my heart just aches with her recent loss of her love!
Morning, Patti: I feel the same way. They are national treasures who are beloved by millions! Paul is a role model to each of us in his Philanthropy!
oh! i never heard of that film. it sounds wonderful.
i know there was a similar-named film (fictional) on the television show Seinfeld called rochelle rochelle, about 'a young girl's strange, erotic journey from Milan to Minsk.'
i assume there is no connection.
Seraphine: No connection.
Iknowi havenot seen thisand mightjust havetowalkdown the laneway and take it off the rack
Another excellent choice, Michael!
happy weekend!
im working and running around, chicken butt, headless.
but i still pop in and send love
yourock,
dari
Walker: No worries! This is a film that was met with mixed reviews--both sides very strong in their support or vilifying. Newman shrugged and said "What the hell?" when other backers failed to support the project. So, he produced AND directed. Cool!
Bud: Thanks! I always loved Joanne's work. I think she really is the only person I can imagine among her contemporaries who could turn in such a touching performance.
girl rants: lol, Dari! It's nice to know I can count on someone f I suddenly stopped shwoing up in public. You would be probably be the one person to say, "Has anybody asked his landlord to knock on his door?" You're special, kiddo! Hope the weekend is treating you well. :D)
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