Since my imposed retirement,
I have tried to focus on films you should see…or warn you
to avoid a few “would sees” if you were not advised
better.
As a film enthusiast
I have a few go-tos. One is Alan Arkin (who has aged marvelously).
This is a later-life lad to be trusted. I can not think of a single
frame he shows up in that isn’t wonderful. He chooses smart
quirky works, and the Private Lives of Pippa Lee, is
yet another notch on his belt of trustworthy nods.
This is what they call
a "character study." If you dislike actors creating
rounded beings in small meaningful tales, skip this; nothing blows
up, and nothing is telegraphed.
Story goes… Pippa
(Blake Lively) is a child of the ‘70s. Her mother (Maria
Bello) likes her little helpers to the point of distraction –
and depression – followed by manic-stylings careening into
the era’s breakdowns.
Pippa is tired of watching
her mother self-destruct and flees. Naturally, she too likes the
path of possible self-destruction, but grows as her horizons are
broadened by a few adventures.
Today she (Robin Wright)
is married to an older man (Alan Arkin – who I think I have
a crush on) and is, herself, slipping into – what she fears
– is a slow nervous breakdown. The good part of the move
is her sleepwalking which introduces her to a new friend (Keanu
Reeves).
And though Pippa is
an adult with grown children, you still get the sad sensation
this new acquaintance may be her first real friend. Even surrounded,
Pippa seems alone.
The story is told is
flashback and present and the trick works. The cast is a checklist
of talents you trust to include you in a great story they’ve
read. Writer
/ director Rebecca Miller is a helluva talent; it runs deep in
the family (look her up). Here, Becky has brought together an
ensemble that will draw you in and rip at your psyche. Hell she
got Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder to shine as actors…I’m
just saying…
Also - a supa-shallow
girly point? Keanu is getting even better to look at.
Sure, this is a “chick
flick,” starring powerful women, driven by women. That’s
a reason to immediately see no?
Snack
recommendation: Probably a pack of cigarettes
- thanks to Keanu-at-35 and shirtless.
BUY
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
