daoldiges

So I knew nothing of this film or its director Sarah Jacobson coming into this viewing at MoMA, but thought I'd check it out. Many of the criticisms leveled against the film are true. The script is weak, as are most of the technical aspects of it. The characters mostly represent archetypes and much of the dialogue is eye-rolling. However, to this films credit I actually worked in a movie theater and also moved to NYC in my twenties and I distinctly remember people just like these characters in the film also saying equally fatalistic, clueless, nonsensical things. To that I must give some credit where it is due, which leads me to think that it is the direction that lets the film down? Not sure about that but I will say that for as much bad as this film contains I'm happy that I decided to check it out, and while it's clearly not for everyone, it just might be worth it for those still curious.

I didn't know much about The Brutalist other than the broadest basics, but was interested and curious to check it out. Right away I was blown away by the score and that initial sensation was wonderfully supported and maintained right to the films conclusion. It was effective, unique and well matched to the actions on screen. Brody gives a solid performance and is worthy of the accolades he has thus far received. Pierce's performance was basically good but it did seem somewhat forced, to me, like he was trying a bit too hard. The story itself is solid and one that kept me engaged start to finish, but the ending felt a bit anticlimactic, not necessarily bad but not what one might reasonably expect considering the length of the film and the big issues it dealt with. As for Corbet's direction I was greatly impressed that so many elements and scenes felt genuinely fresh and unique, and really worked while never seeming contrived. Even though it does reach greatness it also wobbles at other times. I not saying this because the film was too long, but I did feel there were segments that did go n a bit longer than needed. The Brutalist may have some problems but it is still a film very much worth seeing.

Grant, Rogers, and Monroe are the best parts of Monkey Business, but not even this trio can save this film from itself. Grant plays to one of his two types, in this case the bungling, unaware manchild and Rogers plays his overly patient, understanding, and adoring wife. It's the script here that doesn't work as it is so obvious, stereotypical and predictable to the point of annoyance really. Everyone tries hard and gives their best efforts and I did appreciate them for it. As much as I would like to reward those efforts I simply in good conscience cannot do that. Monkey Business has a couple of scenes that work but not nearly enough to recommend.