An Unfinished Life
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Movie Reviews of An Unfinished Life
Movie Review: "Where Lives Can Change Direction"
Summary: 5 Stars
Written by Mark Spragg, who also wrote "Where Rivers Change Direction", (which inspired my heading for the review) this beautiful film also has the distinction of having been directed and produced by members of the Ladd family, who are carrying on "that family tradition". The story line is somewhat reminiscent of "nuthin" - another book from long ago written by another Wyoming writer, Hary Webb, but there are enough differences to set it apart in it's own right. Splendid scenery, and enough believable ranch settings for it's time and place, even if the sheriff seems a trifle wishy washy, even for out here (except when it comes to whipping his patrol car rapidly off the road into a gravel pit - you'll see why)
It's cast is strong; Robert Redford, even under a cruddy crust of week-old beard, is still handsome - aging ruggedly and unashamedly; and is, as usual, a powerful screen presence. Aided by an equally powerful actor, Morgan Freeman, who has never been handsome, doesn't particularly care and proves it again - this film was wonderful entertainment for me; their respective, opposite character flaws a real joy to behold!
Inar's (Redford) daughter-in-law (Jennifer Lopez)returns to the ranch in desperation, fleeing from an abusive "relationship" because, in a sensible moment - which seem to be for the most part elusive to her, she knows she must change her lifestyle for the sake of her child at last; broke and on the run, she has nowhere else to turn. She is reluctant and apprehensive because she knows she will not be welcome - after having been the driver in the auto accident that killed Redford's son, Griff. His grief has derailed every aspect of his own life; he dwells moment by moment on it; he can't go past it. Redford is unaware that he even has a grandchild, because the rift was so great after the death that nothing had ever been disclosed to him regarding it. The little girl is, of course, in the muddied middle and unsure of any move she makes; she wants nothing more at her age than a steady, reliable home and family - free of the turmoil she is experiencing through her mother's on again, off again boyfriend merry-go-round.
I'm giving it five stars, which is only slightly more than it merits, simply because a movie of it's kind is hard to come by anymore. Even it's sexual innuendo is muted enough so that if you are viewing it with your kids, you won't be taken by surprise; and kids, young girls especially of the age group (11-12) represented by the child actress will love it.
The grizzly bear scenes are somewhat cheesy if you are at all familiar with bear habits and activity; but that's to be overlooked due to the message it is meant to send; and that is to forgive unmeasurable personal hurt and tragedy and move on before it defeats you entirely.
BTW, I recommend the little book "nuthin" (1950's) by Harry Webb of Cody, Wyoming - if you are into this type of entertainment. It's out of print now, but there are used copies that may located, which is how I found mine again in a nostalgic moment.
Movie Review: Seething from the Past
Summary: 5 Stars
Director Lasse Hallstrom has twice been nominated for Best Director Oscars for "My Life as a Dog" (1987) & "The Cider House Rules" (1999) in addition to the memorable "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" He guides this film with a sure and steady hand that is as unhurried as it is precise. Oliver Stapleton's stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the West. The pivotal character is Robert Redford's Einar Gilkyson whose son died in an auto accident before the film begins. Redford's only Best Actor nomination came in 1973 for "The Sting," but he delivers a seethingly controlled powerful performance as a man haunted by his past yet struggling to make good moral choices. His foil is hired ranch hand Mitch who was mauled by a bear. From his Oscar nominations for "Street Smart," "Driving Miss Daisy," and "The Shawshank Redemption" to his win in 2004 as Best Supporting Actor in "Million Dollar Baby," Morgan Freeman has proved one of our best actors. He has a knack for communicating great depth of character each time he is on screen. Excellent makeup made it a little uncomfortable for me to watch Redford put salve on Freeman's back wounds, but it showed the extent of the injury. Einar faces his past and the loss of his son while Mitch faces his fears about the great bear that mauled him. Since she was driving the car that killed her husband and Einar's son, Jean played by Jennifer Lopez moved away, had a baby, and has gone from man to man and bad to worse in relationships. Damian Lewis from "Dreamcatcher" and the TV miniseries "Band of Brothers" plays the abusive Gary, creepy & manipulative. Jean seeks refuge with Einar only to be stalked by Gary. I find Jennifer Lopez to be a very good actress. She riveted me to the screen in "Angel Eyes" and deeply impressed me in "Enough." Her range may not be broad, but she gives a sense of honesty and sincerity in each performance that has an edgy depth. In this setting with Redford & Freeman, she shines. Josh Lucas plays the sheriff Crane that becomes involved romantically with Jean. He does a good job in this supporting role. As the waitress Nina in the restaurant who gives Jean a job and a crashpad when needed, Camryn Manheim does an excellent job with her limited screen time. Becca Gardner in her first movie as Griff, named after her deceased father, gives a really engaging an edgy performance. I particularly appreciated the child's independence and seeing her relationship with Mitch bloom from fear to caring. While "An Unfinished Life" is not the most fast-paced film you'll see, the relationships and working through the conflicts of the past to come to a new present make this an valuable viewing. Oh, yes, the bear is very good too! Enjoy!Movie Review: NO WONDER THIS ONE WENT RIGHT TO DVD!
Summary: 5 Stars
After buying my copy of AN UNFINISHED LIFE on DVD starring Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Lopez, I can readily see why its release to theaters was postponed and postponed and then, for all intents and purposes, it went straight to DVD. Any fool can see it.
First here is a movie that has every opportunity to be unnecessarily violent that is portrayed with uncommon dignity and tenderness as it tells the story of a group of people, all tied together by various tragedies, who struggle to find meaning and love. Morgan Freeman's character is the victim of a bear attack. But do we see Freeman squealing in fear and, in the obligatory slow motion, being tossed about by the frenzied creature? Not in this movie. We see Jennifer Lopez's character, a victim of abuse, with a bruise on her cheek. We all know how it got there and we don't need to see it. We hear the sad tale of how Lopez's character's husband and Redford's character's son dies in a fiery car accident. But no scenes of explosions or fires. Not necessary.
Here is a movie that tells the usual story of a child melting the heart of a vindictive grandfather but does it so well and convincingly that we forget that we have heard it all before.
In a day when gay cowboys on the screen were all the rage and scandal, this movie tells the story of two men who care for one another and who (and yes, it's the right word) love each other. When Redford's screen granddaughter assumes that the two men are gay it elicits nothing more than good-natured banter from the age-old friends. But not what the theater going set would expect or want. After all, it doesn't really count, it isn't really love unless there's skin involved, right?!
Finally, the movie, like others by Director Lasse Hallstrom, is all about forgiveness, something that the world has absolutely not time for. We don't want to waste time with characters that want to shed past offenses, to clear the air and to rid their mind of the bears that haunt them. No. We'd rather see the air filled with epithets, threats, smoke and bullets. But then, isn't forgiveness what this old world needs the most? So why not use a beautifully set western to get the ball rolling?
Darn right. This one had absolutely no business in the theaters and thank goodness for that!
THE HORSEMAN
Movie Review: An Unfinished Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Lasse Halstrom is a great director who has made great movies (What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Cider House Rules, etc.), but along the line he always makes a mistake or two (Casanova). This film definitely belongs in the list of his greats, because it's a great movie. It's one of those movies set in Wyoming and it's nothing we haven't seen before, but the performances are so great and it's so well written...It's hard not to like. Oscar winners Robert Redford (Best Director, 'Ordinary People') and Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor, 'Million Dollar Baby') star as Einar Gilkyson and Mitch Bradley, two broken men who lives in the ranchlands of Wyoming. Einar is still reeling from the death of his son 13 years ago and Mitch still suffering from being mauled by a bear less than a year ago. A bear that still finds it's way to their house. Then, their quiet lives take a sudden detour when Jean (Jennifer Lopez) and her daughter Griff show up. Jean was the wife of Einar's son and the woman he blames for his son's death; Running from an abusive boyfriend, Jean and Griff need a place to stay and Einar reluctantly agrees. For a while, Einar continues living his life ignoring that his granddaughter is there...But eventually, inevitably really, they manage to "warm his heart." As I said, nothing you haven't seen before. Josh Lucas ('Undertow') also stars as Crane, the local sheriff who Jean takes a liking too; There's also Camryn Manheim ('Happiness') as Nina, the tough waitress at one of the local restaurants. Newcomer Becca Gardner also shows promise as Griff. Redford is perfectly cast as the moody Einar and Freeman as his scarred, but loveable friend. While, at first, it would seem like Jennifer Lopez is out of place in a movie like this...She's actually not bad either. The script is entertaining, has some interesting dialogue, and you really can't help cheering for Redford at the end of the film. It's one of Halstrom's triumphs.
GRADE: A-
Movie Review: Real character development...
Summary: 5 Stars
An Unfinished Life is one of those rare treasures we knew nothing about. We bought it only because the talent of this film assured us we should have it in our collection, but we had never heard of it.
Morgan Freeman provides an amazing performance as a ranch hand who was mauled by a bear a year before the plot takes place. He went from a highly independent man, capable of working all day, to a bed ridden individual who requires assistance for most daily chores.
Robert Redford, as a Wyoming rancher named Einar, is simply superb. Einar takes care of his dear friend and ranch hand, played by Morgan Freeman. He is always caring and attentive, but we come to understand that there are issues of guilt because he was under the influence when the accident happened and could, therefore, not save his friend from the bear's attack.
Jennifer Lopez plays the role of the widowed daughter in law of Einar, who is in the middle of an abusive relationship. Her young daughter and granddaughter of Einar, makes her leave this relationship, and the two go to live in Wyoming... because there is no other place to go without money and employment.
The women are not well received by Einer. He feels Jennifer Lopez is responsible for the death of his only son. The welcoming scene between Robert Redford and Jennifer Lopez is simply excellent. He tells her "I don't want you here," and she replies "at least we agree on something. I don't want to be here either."
But, understanding the imperative need of these two women, they are allowed to stay on the ranch and soon, the relationships start to develop, capturing our hearts, as the pain surfaces, the guilt, anger, denial, and grief are dealt with.
Finally... this powerful story takes over and we were fascinated that we had never heard of what we have come to believe is a true jewel of a film. Don't miss it!