Bobby (Widescreen Edtion)
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Movie Reviews of Bobby (Widescreen Edtion)
Movie Review: An Awesome Take On A Profound Historical Moment
Summary: 5 Stars
BOBBY is one of those films that catches you by surprise. You already know the outcome; you know the history behind Bobby Kennedy's assassination and where and when it'll happen. But this film has such intensity that you might find yourself holding your breath or covering your eyes (as I did when the fateful moment crept up).
Actor Emilio Estevez would probably be the last person on Earth that one would associate with a project like this, yet Estevez plops himself behind the camera as director and shoots a film with such power as to shake the foundations of movie making. This isn't throwing accolades where it isn't deserved either. I'm no fan of Estevez and found many of his film's lacking (from the terrible MIGHTY DUCKS series to the YOUNG GUNS ones). But Estevez must have had a certain itch that told him to make this film -- and do it well -- because he's created a solid gold cinematic experience.
And Hollywood turned out en masse to support it. Receiving the award for Ensemble Cast of the Year (2006) at the Hollywood Film Festival, Estevez grouped some of the industry's finest actors and pulled them together in the most successful manner imaginable. From Harry Belafonte and Anthony Hopkins to Martin Sheen and Helen Hunt to William H. Macy and Sharon Stone to Elijah Wood and Lindsey Lohan to Laurence Fishburne and Freddy Rodriguez -- just to touch the tip of this acting iceberg -- the film has talent galore. Undoubtedly this added to the success of the movie. Even with this cast and the story's amazing telling, the film was nominated at various festivals and awards ceremonies but won few of them. To this day it boggles my mind why this movie didn't walk off with more trophies.
Regardless, it has cemented its place as a work of astounding proportions (with only one real fault, which we'll cover momentarily).
For those who don't know their history, this is the story of the 1968 assassination of Bobby Kennedy at The Ambassador Hotel during his presidential run. The hotel is the focus since this is where it all begins and ends for the unfortunate Senator (and his millions of supporters). Sirhan, Sirhan destroyed the man (literally) with a bullet to the head in the hotel's kitchen. But before that, there were the men and women of the hotel and their lives, and how the assassination affected them all. From the lowly dishwasher to the door greeter. From newlyweds trying to avoid the Vietnam experience to a husband and wife rediscovering themselves. From Kennedy's campaign manager to the black man who would be his transportation advisor. All of them came tumbling down with that final, fatal bullet echoing through the now absent Ambassador Hotel (it has since been torn down and a high school put in its place).
It is to Estevez's credit that he was allowed to film a few short scenes in the actual hotel before the wrecking ball took it down. The demolition crew held off its plans for a few days to allow Estevez and his team unfettered access to several locations within The Ambassador. Obviously they supported what he was trying to do (as did his ensemble cast).
One wouldn't think that something so well known (Bobby's assasination) could hold such power so many decades after its events but, there you go, that's great film making. Leading up to that horrible night I found myself cringing, even dreading, that moment when Kennedy enters the hotel. Watching Sirhan Sirhan enter it made me cover my eyes, because I just couldn't stand it! No! Not again! Estevez is to be commended for instilling that dread in full force.
But dread isn't the only message. Indeed, it isn't even THE message. Hope. It is hope that springs finally from the movie's machinations. Hope that Bobby's message of a united country shall not perish. Hope that his supporters (as well as his message) live the life he intended. And hope that this film might find its way into your DVD player so that you can remember what Bobby was all about.
The only negative aspect to the film is its title. Although Bobby was the driving force, most of the film's time was given over to the inside aspects of the hotel itself (and its people). Perhaps a more proper title would've been The Ambassador or some such thing. But this is my only complaint. The rest of the film is unbelievably excellent.
Movie Review: A masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
United States History has always welcomed great leaders. And,out of all of those leaders,one of them happens to be,by far,Robert F. Kennedy. Unfortunately,the assasination of Robert F. Kennedy prevented RFK from being able to fully help,support,and protect America. However,if it was not for Robert F. Kennedy,America would not have been able to get through the problems that the 1960's found them encountering. Therefore,it is great to see homage being paid to Robert F. Kennedy with the film "Bobby".
This film takes place in one entire day:June 4,1968,the day that Robert F. Kenendy was shot (he would not pass until two days after he had been shot). Here,actor/writor/director Emilio Estevez takes both fiction and nonfiction,and blends them all together in this film. There is a lot of footage of Robert F. Kennedy that is presented here. This footage shows Robert F. Kennedy,his opinion on the Vietnam War and Civil Rights,how to resolve the Vietnam War,and how to make Civil Rights successful. At the same time,the dream that Robert F. Kennedy had to reform America from the mess that it had been in from segregation is also presented,alongside footage of the Vietnam War and protests that were going on in America. And then,of course,you have a depiction of Robert F. Kennedy's assasination. Despite the fact that it is no happy way to end this film,it is presented in a clever manner that will keep viewers of this film wondering what will happen next.
The fiction that is here fits in well with this film. It covers the kind of things that were going on in the era for which this film is set. The plot for the fiction in this film is mostly focused around the character of Paul (William H. Macy),the owner of the Ambassador Hotel who learns that he will have to "pay for" a large and previous mistake that he has made,and a previous decision to fire a man who works under him who he believes to be a racist,Darell Timmons(Christian Slater). And then,you have the relationship of William (Elijah Wood)and Diane (Lindsay Lohan),a young couple who,despite the problems they find themselves facing before their wedding (which puts a threat to the occurence of their wedding),end up getting married in order for William to not have to serve in the Vietnam War. I could go on and tell you about all of the other "stories" that are presented in this film,but by know,you get the point.
It is worth noting that there were certain film fans and critics that did complain about a large portion of this film being fictional. But,despite that,keep in mind that a straightforward account of Robert F. Kennedy and his life,the efforts that he made for America following John F. Kennedy's assasination,as well as his campaign for President and his assasination,were all provided in a TV movie that was by the name of "RFK" and aired in 2002. So,even though that had nothing to do with this film,keep this in mind as you watch this film. Emilio Estevez NOT using that same formula in this film saves this film from being what it could have been had Estevez used the formula in "RFK" for "Bobby"--plagarism.
This DVD has a good amount of bonus feautures on it,as well. There is "Bobby:The Making of An American Epic". This gives viewers of "Bobby" a behind-the-scenes look into the making of this film,and interviews that happen to be strong and thorough. At the same time,it gives viewers/fans of this film good insight as to not only how the film was made,but also what lead to this film being made. Another good bonus feauture allows people to hear and learn eyewitness accounts of Robert F. Kennedy's assasination from people who were at the Ambassador Hotel the night that RFK was assasinated,and witnessed the assasination. And,a biography of Robert F. Kennedy that does a good at being interesting and paying good respect to RFK,alongside the theatrical trailer for this film,are also to be found here.
Overall,"Bobby" is a well-written and interesting film. The nonfiction and fiction that are in this film are both presented perfectly,with great acting and a great ensemble cast of actors and actresses (Harry Belafonte,Ashton Kutcher,Sharon Stone,Heather Graham,plus several others)supporting it. If you happen to be a large fan of history,enjoy films that involve fiction,and films that involve nonfiction,"Bobby" is the place to be.
Movie Review: Wins the campaign for great holiday films
Summary: 5 Stars
Rather than a morose-self-indulgent 'remember the good old days' period piece, this film presents the pivotal year of 1968 through the 'everyday' lives of people who are working and/or otherwise moving around in Los Angeles's Ambassador Hotel. Uniting all of them of course is presence when Senator Robert F. Kennedy gets shot moments only after winning the California Democratic primary.
Because Robert Kennedy championed everyday people, I found it only fitting that a film championing his attempt to make the world a better place for all examine it through the lives of everyday people.
The frenzied camera direction during the remaining moments of this script takes audiences very personally into the utter devastation wrought both into the immediate and long-term subsequent course of history.
Christian Slater really stood out as Timmons, the low-life boss who seems to have it in for a minority kitchen staff; I've never actually been creeped out by any of his characters until now. I am also very glad that I've never actually worked for a boss as slimy as him.
As opposed to the goofy 'party' types which he's played in prior roles, Ashton Kutcher's part as Fisher, the hippie who helps two young and over-stressed Kennedy campaign workers squander their time tripping indicates his actual acting capabilities. Kutcher is infact capable of doing more than comedic fluff. What happened to the cat was gross, but anybody who has ever worked in the unending and high-stress environment of a political campaign--regardless of era--will find the constant state of tension the 'grunts' toil under even for a cause they believe in being very accurately portrayed during this film segment.
The film hints at women's issues Samantha (Helen Hunt), the wife of a hotel bigwig firmly reminds her husband that it is 1968 and not 1920--after he finishes up a self-satisfied directive how he expects her to cast her ballot in this election. She loves him, but wants to be able to make up her own mind. Starlet Virginia Fallon (Demi Moore) ultimately confesses to Miriam Ebbers (Sharon Stone), the beauty salon worker/wife of Hotel Manager Paul Ebbers (William H, Macy) that she is not actually a nice person because she drinks and she realizes this--but keeps up the charade anyways. Regularly hearing this and other confessions from women about the imperfections beneath the facade of their oh-so perfect lives hints Miriam Ebbers subsequently will take up feminist causes.
Voting irregularities and disparities were another area of imperfection with current relevance for me and many of the other audience members. Since the 'new' technology being championed by this film characters ultimately would once again become outmoded by the 21st century, this script has a very enduring message. Living in a democracy does not actually mean much unless people are able to actively and freely participate in it as they freely choose.
Watching this movie immediately after having worked on three political campaigns, the scene where Kennedy's Los Angeles campaign learns about police checkpoints having been set up only in black area neighborhoods in 1968 still honestly shocked me.
Most characters did gel nicely with each other throughout the film, with one glaring exception. Poor Svetlana Metkina got saddled with the role of ' visiting foreign journalist'---and as opposed to being `exotic' or `suave' ala a `Bond Girl' she repeatedly appeared `naïve' and `lost'. Undoubtedly this was portrayed both because Kennedy himself was a staunch anti-communist and communism itself now is no longer the Eastern European governing format, but since the character honestly came across as being so ridiculous in so many scenes for such an important press event, this screenplay still would have worked very well without her presence.
However, 'Bobby' still gets my vote for a good Thanksgiving 2006 holiday movie!
Movie Review: A neglected Emilio Estevez masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
BOBBY is a masterpiece from writer/director/actor Emilio Estevez that gives us the America of 1968. Specifically, it focuses on 24 very different characters staying at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 4, 1968, the day Robert Kenedy was shot after winning the California primary. In a wise decision by Estevez, Kennedy plays himself in film clips as he talks about a government out of touch with its people. A war in Vietnam is making too much money to be stopped, while segregation, women's rights, and poverty exist all across America. For Estevez, Kennedy was clearly our hope for the future, and his murder robbed America of someone who could have been a brilliant President.
The actors, billed alphabetically, are a who's who of young and old, former Brat Packers and MTV stars, veterans and party girls. At the top is William H. Macy as Paul, the owner of the Ambassador Hotel. Sharon Stone (stunning) is Miriam, his aging beautician wife; and Heather Graham is Angela, his switchboard operator lover. Anthony Hopkins is John Casey, the retired hotel doorman who plays chess with his friend Nelson (Harry Belafonte) and recalls famous people who have stayed at the hotel. Laurence Fishburne is Edward Robinson, head chef and baseball lover on a crucial baseball day for Don Drysdale. Christian Slater is Timmons, a racist kitchen manager fired by Paul for not giving black and Hispanic kitchen staff time off to vote. Martin Sheen (Estevez' real-life Dad) and Helen Hunt are Jack and Samantha, celebrating their tenth anniversary at the hotel. Lindsay Lohan as Diane is marrying boyfriend Elisha Wood (as William, not David) without much love to save him from going to Vietnam. Ashton Kutcher is a drug dealer turning two Kennedy campaigners on to LSD. Pretty Mary Elizabeth Winstead steals two scenes as a coffee shop waitress named Susan. Estevez is Tim Fallon, husband to alcoholic lounge singer Demi Moore as Virginia. (The smoking actress unfortunately does a heavy-handed Marlboro red product placement in a beauty shop scene.) And DAWSON'S CREEK's Joshua Jackson is Wade, a Kennedy campaign manager. And so it all goes, with everyone mingling inside the Ambassador very much like Robert Altman's cast in NASHVILLE (1975). And, going further back, the Oscar-winning Best Picture, GRAND HOTEL (1932), which John Casey fondly recalls.
Estevez is an amazingly accomplished filmmaker for someone so young. How old was he in 1968? Yet he captures the political and social landscape in America to perfection in his screenplay and gets stunning performances from such an eclectic cast of pros. He has also worked to perfection with his crew, including composer Mark Isham and whoever arranged the period songs, production designer Patti Podesta, costumer Julie Weiss, cinematographer Michael Barrett, and editor Richard Chew. As stated before, Robert Kennedy plays himself in news clips, which was the only sensible thing to do here; Mike Wallace and Walter Cronkite have cameos as themselves.
Bonus features are generous. The 30 minute "BOBBY: The Making of an American Epic" goes behind the scenes with this impressive cast and talks about re-creating the June 1968 era. There is also a 30 minute panel discussion with eyewitness accounts from five journalists and other people who survived that night at the Ambassador and chat candidly about it. And there is a theatrical trailer. BOBBY is presented on DVD in a 2.35 "scope" screen ratio, so I recommend you buy or rent the widescreen edition. But please do see this very underrated and very powerful movie. It did not deserve to die in two weeks in a theater with minimal publicity, and it does not deserve to go unseen on home video. It is a movie you will remember. DAWSON'S CREEK's Joshua Jackson is Wade, a Kennedy campaign manager.
Movie Review: A Fascinating Look at a Visionary and His Impact
Summary: 5 Stars
Emilio Estevez, son of progressive political activist Martin Sheen, fulfilled a dream by bringing to the screen "Bobby," a penetrating look at the night of June 5, 1968, when Senator Robert Kennedy was struck dead by an assassin's bullet moments after making a victory declaration in the California Democratic Primary.
Estevez, who wrote, directed and acted in "Bobby," generated a tour de force in which the lives of 22 people at the Ambassador Hotel, where Kennedy spent the evening, are examined within the context of a turbulent period and the impact generated by the hotel's famous guest.
William Macy manages the Ambassador. He is a Kennedy enthusiast who wears his support visibly in the form of a Kennedy button. The afternoon proves turbulent since it involves a confrontation with Christian Slater over racial issues, when he fires his restaurant manager for insensitivity toward African Americans and Hispanics, and sees his marriage problems reach a major crescendo. His wife, played by Sharon Stone, who runs the hotel beauty parlor, learns he is having an affair with a receptionist in his employ and confronts him.
One of the film's most interesting conflicts unfolds when Laurence Fishburne exhibits coolness under fire despite being sharply needled by an employee as he seeks to defuse racial tensions among staffers. The problem erupts between two Latino employees, one of whom preaches reconciliation while the other rails against an unjust system.
The specter of the ongoing Vietnam War hangs tensely over the heads of young Kennedy staffers, while the rebelliousness of the period is displayed when two of them take a break from canvassing for local Kennedy votes to indulge in drug taking.
Estevez's father, Martin Sheen, appears as a frustrated man seeking to find himself. He seeks to escape tension by vacationing with wife Helen Hunt. Tender moments arise after Helen wins Martin's admiration for her tennis playing skills and she afterwards seeks to console him and encourage a more confident and positive attitude.
Two great veteran professionals of the industry also shine. Anthony Hopkins is the soft-spoken, philosophical Ambassador head of security while Harry Belafonte plays his faithful chess-playing crony.
Estevez appears as a Kennedy supporter who manages the career of his wife, the singer who is headlining the Ambassador's floorshow. Demi Moore, who fears that her career is nearing an end and is pushing that fear toward realization with her heavy drinking, delivers a brilliant performance in a challenging role.
The Kennedy message resonates through the film at periodic intervals, creating an interesting byplay of the progressive Senator's impact on society as evidenced by the Ambassador employees and patrons showcased along with their feelings toward him and belief that his election as President will energize America positively.
The film also ties in an important event assuming great importance in Los Angeles on the same day that Kennedy is pitted against Senator Eugene McCarthy in the critically important California Democratic Presidential Primary.
Rangy Dodger pitcher Don Drysdale, in his final full season, that same June 5 evening sets a major league record for scoreless consecutive innings pitched. This achievement is mentioned as Kennedy in his victory speech congratulates Drysdale, a supporter of Kennedy's, for his impressive feat.
Kennedy would enter the history books and be remembered as an idealist role model for progressives four decades after his death. Drysdale would ultimately be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and continue to please fans until his death, while he was still a Dodger, serving in the broadcast booth.