by Sam Juliano
The typical March weather is now regaling us with mercurial tenacity as temperatures rise and fall at a time of year when strong winds and clothing uncertainty are most prevalent. Of course our friends sound of the equator are inching closer to their own fall season so the numbers there are surely in the heat range. Meanwhile the world at large continues to make progress on the pandemic front and stateside eateries, stores and of course schools are opening with some initial restrictions. Some of the most optimistic among us are predicting that by summer we will practically have the virus under full control after what would have surely been the most terrifying fourteen or so months in our lives.
At our own school, students are back but marginally until the end of the month when another parental survey will surely increase the number by quite a distance. Movie theaters in Manhattan are opening as well though again with attendance restrictions. Here in New Jersey most theaters are fully operational though will a few less screens in the multiplexes. Like most Lucille and I continue to watch new releases at home through the various streaming services. This year will sadly mark the very first time since way back in 1978 that our annual Oscar party will have to be cancelled. The normal place we stage the event is understandably unavailable this year as we still have a few more months before we could even consider such a “crowded” event. Frankly, I would not myself be comfortable hosting it and feel it is best for all concerned we dispense with it for this year.
Lucille and I watched many old films and television shows at home, but we did manage two new releases:
The United States vs. Billie Holiday *** netflix (Saturday)
Penguin Bloom *** 1/2 netflix (Satuday)
Andra Day does well with the singing sequences in THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY of course but the film is crafted strictly by the numbers and it wallows in the misery that was part of the subject matter, but never probes beneath the surface in its episodic construction. Holiday is one of the most fascinating artists of the last hundred years and the film showcases some unforgettable sequences, but overall I thought it a mixed effort with a strong lead performance when it is in the right element. A few of the supporting performances are fine and one can never fail to be captivated and inspired by the song “Strange Fruit.” As to the Australian seaside drama PENGUIN BLOOM, Naomi Watts is wonderful as is the temporarily injured Magpie who enters their vacation home in Thailand and becomes for a while a beloved family pet. This true story is about the film’s mother near fatal accident and paralysis and in many ways it is emotionally powerful, but it also is somewhat cloying and the other characters aren’t fleshed out. The talented Watts deftly transcribes the psychology of one suddenly reduces to disability and the denial and angry to gives way to acceptance, made possible with the thematic connection to the crow-like magpie. Worth a look-see though. My favorite aspect of the film is the fabulous score by the Brazilian composer Marcelo Zarvos.