Before Midnight and Frances Ha

I was so excited to see Before Midnight. I rewatched both Before Sunrise and Before Sunset; I heard the Fresh Air interview with Richard Linklater, director, Ethan Hawk and Julie Delpy, cowriters and actors, and I had numerous conversations all in preparation. At last I was able to sit in a theater, by myself as a matter of fact (I guess not a lot of people going to movies on a Monday at 12:15) And it did not disappoint. I know many wonder how a movie where two people are talking the whole time can be so captivating but it is, this one more than the other two, I think. It’s like you are eaves dropping into the world of a couple who seem so comfortable with each other and who can tear at each other with such fervor, humor, and anger. It’s just something to see, but so much more satisfying if you have seen the first two. I can only hope about 10 years from now there will be a fourth! Before Lunch?

I also so Frances Ha (same day, I know kooky right? I did have an appointment between the two movies) I was also alone in the theater for that one. I had also been looking forward to this movie but not with as great of anticipation as Before Midnight. Frances Ha is interesting, visual pleasing, but certainly not as captivating as Before Midnight and even at times a little puzzling. What is with this wacky gal? At my age (middle-aged that is) I find Frances nutty and spineless. Actually I am pretty sure I would have found her that way when I was her age. But I was always more pragmatic than your average 20 year old. It was a good day though: Raining outside, and movies on the big screen just for me. Thanks Zinema!

Me and Orson Welles

There is a type of movie where there is a lot talking and not a lot of plot, where the pursuit of art is valued above all else, and earnest youths try to find their purpose – usually by talking it about it . . . a lot. This type of movie could be called a Richard Linklater movie. Typical Linklater movies are Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Slackers, (less typical, but another one of his is School of Rock)
Linklater’s latest version of the talky, plotless movie is Me and Orson Welles. Beautiful young lad Zac Effron’s character Richard uses his wit and tenaciousness to get him a small part in a Orson Welles’ play Caesar. We view Orson Welles and the production of the play through his eyes. The cast of the play is filled with interesting and quirky characters. The 1930s theater life is another reason to see this movie. Also, it is fascinating to learn about Orson Welles; Christian McKay who played him did a great job. This type of talky movie is not for everyone, but I enjoyed spending an afternoon with these smart, passionate people. (I love Before Sunrise and Before Sunset) When you get a hankering for one of these type of movies, check out a Richard Linklater movie.

PS. Claire Danes is in this movie too! Bonus.