Sunday, May 28, 2006
BORDERLINE LIFE
Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was John Sayle's
This richly textured, generous film is about life at the border between Mexico and Texas and shows the interconnection and conflict in that ethnic/cultural stew; anglos, chicanos, mexicans (not the same thing), indians, blacks.
In that respect, it is as current as today's headlines. The same stew is cooking and, sometimes, boiling over today.
It has a great story as its through-line. And at least 5 other stories hang on it. It is a subtle piece of work. You gotta watch and think at the same time. Nice to have a film that demands that.
There is some great acting here. There are wonderful cinematic devices. Since it is a film of flashbacks, the simple slide of a camera takes us to the next scene in the same place with the same people in a different time. Very skillful.
Chris Cooper is the lead and he is aided and abetted by a talented cast.
There is so much to recommend about this film.
Just see it. And if you have seen it, see it again.
It is a 5 out of Netflix5.
