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by Lynda Del Sasso
Chuck & Buck
US 2000, Cert. 15
Director: Miguel Arteta
Star Rating * * * 1/2
Buck O'Brien (Mike White) is a
freckle-faced case of arrested development, an 11-year-old boy
residing in a 27-year-old body. Living at home with his
mother, he has managed to avoid growing up. When his mother
dies, Buck has no one to turn to but his childhood friend,
Chuck, who moved away 15 years before. They haven't kept in
touch, but Buck tracks down his friend's LA address and
invites him to the funeral. Chuck (Chris Weitz), now a
successful record executive with a sophisticated lifestyle,
doesn't share Buck's nostalgia and soon realises that his
long-lost friend has developed into a troubled young man.
Charlie, as Chuck now prefers to be known, politely gives Buck
the brush-off. But Buck is desperate for companionship and
love and becomes obsessed. He packs up his toys and his
lollipops and pursues his former friend to Los Angeles, where
he offers him bizarre gifts and even writes a play to express
his feelings. As children, Chuck and Buck had experimented
sexually, and Buck confuses sex with love.
Director Miguel Arteta follows up his acclaimed debut feature
Star Maps with another original, darkly comic and mesmerising
portrait of a misfit. Written by and starring the TV writer
Mike White, this low-budget indie production, shot on digital
video, is a touching rites-of-passage tale, a quest for love
and acceptance. By the end, Buck has made friends, found
acceptance and is beginning to find his place in the world. He
is growing up at last, and it's a joy to behold.
(Duke of York's from Nov 24)
Grey Owl
UK 2000, Cert. PG
Director: Richard Attenborough
Star Rating * * * *
Canada, the 1930s. Archie 'Grey
Owl' (Pierce Brosnan) works as a Native guide, spending months
each year in the mountains of Northern Ontario and Quebec,
earning a living by trapping animals for their skins. While
entertaining guests at a hunting lodge, he meets Anahareo, aka
Pony (Annie Galipeau), a part Mohawk woman twenty years his
junior. Pony, longing to know more about the traditions of her
ancestors, is attracted to Grey Owl, and follows him to his
cabin in the wilderness. The pair fall in love. Pony
disapproves of Grey Owl's slaughtering of beaver for pelts,
and persuades him to stop hunting. He becomes an
environmentalist. He gives lectures on wildlife conservation
and writes articles for fashionable magazines, taking his
message across the sea to England.
Although based on a true story,
Richard Attenborough admits that his film focuses only on one
particular era of his subject's life. After screenwriter
William Nicholson (Shadowlands) read a number of biographies,
including From the Land of Shadows: The Story of Grey Owl by
Donald Smith, and The Wilderness Man, by Lovat Dickson, the
romantic aspect was chosen, and the film centres on the
relationship that changed Grey Owl's life. Pierce Brosnan puts
in a fine acting effort as Grey Owl, indeed his slightly
wooden style works well in this particular role, and Canadian
newcomer Annie Galipeau is excellent as Pony. There's a strong
supporting cast, including Stephanie Cole and Renee Asherson
as Ada and Carrie Belaney. Grey Owl, it must be said, is a
typical Attenborough film. Highly romantic, moral, based on a
true story, beautifully photographed, well acted. An
old-fashioned Saturday matinee sort of film, PG certified and
suitable for everyone. Rather enjoyable too.
(Odeon from November 3)
November 11 - 25:
The Fourth Brighton Jewish Film Festival
One of the aims of the Jewish
Film Festival is to challenge traditional perceptions by
highlighting Jewish life on a global scale. This year's
Festival includes films from Israel, France, the Czech
Republic, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, South
Africa, the USA and Canada.
A major Israeli showcase
includes feature documentaries and shorts. Israeli directors
Asher Tlalim and Eran Ryklis will attend to talk about their
work. The films in this showcase include: Borders, UK premiere
(Dir: Eran Ryklis, 1999); Vulcan Junction, UK premiere (Dir:
Eran Ryklis, 1999); Sounds in Search of Home, UK premiere
(Dir: Asher Tlalim, 1999); Hitchhikers, UK premiere (Dir:
Asher Tlalim, 1998); My Yiddishe Mama's Dream, UK premiere
(Dir: Asher Tlalim, 1999); Cup Final (Dir: Eran Ryklis, 1991);
Urban Feel (Dir: Jonathan Sagall, 1999); Yana's Friends (Dir:
Arik Kaplun, 1999).
Other premieres include:
To The Other End of the World, UK premiere (Dir: Jog
Sussenbach and Klaus Sander, Germany, 2000); The Man who
Cried, South Coast premiere (Dir: Sally Potter, UK, 2000);
Lionel Blue, Cinema premiere (Dir: Ashok Prasad, UK, 2000).
Jewish music is an important
theme running through this year's Festival. There will be four
films investigating the roots of Jewish music all over the
world, ranging from John Zorn and music in present-day New
York, to the Weintraub Syncopators in 1920s Berlin. There will
also be live events featuring gypsy music and Jewish songs.
Other events include an
interview with Topol, Rabbi Lionel Blue interviewed by Simon
Fanshawe, poetry readings, discussions and exhibitions.
Screenings take place at the
Duke of York's and Cinematheque. For more info please contact
the JFF office: 01273 507515 or visit
www.bjewish-filmfest.org.uk
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