Crazy Heart (Scott Cooper)

Ocassionally, we see a film in a crowded theatre, and the unusual circumstance always thrills us. Crowds are good for the theatres, and they made the film-watching experience better. Tonight was one of those nights. The small theatre was filled with viewers from a very narrow demographic, one into which we fit very nicely: 50+ couples. Interesting to think what appeal this film's promotions presented that so many braved wind-chill factors falling below 10 degrees in order to see it.

All I can say is that the film made the effort worthwhile.

Jeff Bridges plays a washed up, alcoholic c&w performer who, after some moments of undeserved grace, hits bottom, sobers up and begins to make his way back. Bridges provides an excellent performance, as do Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, and Colin Farrell.

Great soundtrack.

Highly recommended.

Lil's 90th (Darci Picoult)

A fine production of a play that takes a gentle, but uncompromising, view of families, aging, and marital love.

Recommend.

Orlando (Sarah Ruhl from Virginia Woolf)

A visually interesting production of a play that could use some tightening up.

Recommend.

Nine (Rob Marshall)

So, you'd think the fantasies of a 1960's Italian type-A male would be highly entertaining. Think again. Daniel Day-Lewis' fine acting cannot overcome the clumsy editing of this final product.

Caveats.

Brothers (Jim Sheridan)

From the first scene, as we watch Sam (one of the two brothers, played by Tobey Maguire; the other brother is played by Jake Gyllenhaal) prepare to be deployed to Afghanistan, until the last, when he begins to reveal to his wife what he saw and did there, this movie is emotionally wrenching. And yet it makes few easy moves. Interestingly, much of the emotional core of the movie is conveyed not by the two brothers but by two sisters, Sam's two daughters (astonishingly played by Bailee Madison and Taylor Geare).

Highly recommend. But be prepared.

A Single Man (Tom Ford)

An exquisite meditation on loss, memory, and desire, this film plumbs the depths of despair without indulging in the maudlin. Maintained at an adagio throughout, the film's tempo left me breathless. Colin Firth and Julianne Moore provide fine realizations of their characters; Tom Ford's eye never blinks.

Highly recommend.

Carmen (Bizet)

The Met has a new production of Bizet's Carmen, and it is worth seeing--even if you think you've seen Carmen one time too many. Elina Garanca is sexy, provocative Carmen, and under Richard Eyre's stage direction, the sexual intensity never falters.

Recommend.