Friday, November 27, 2009
TO BE OR NOT TO BE
Today's film was Ramin Bahrani's
with Souleymane Sy Savane and William Red West.
I have enjoyed Bahrani's other two films Man Push Cart (2005) and Chop Shop (2007). Both about immigrants yet both very American films in their theme and sensibility.
This film is the same.
A taxi driver befriends a fare who is, apparently, determined to kill himself. The driver, on the other hand, is committed to life and his future.
They are polar opposites. The older man played by Red West is a study in life's burdens. His face tells it all.
Souleymane is optimism itself. A striver. A step father and husband. Active in his life and work.
These men and their relationship are at the center but we also see a lot of life around them. Winston Salem night life mostly. Nice and juicy.
Very good.
The film sits with me after it ends.
There is enough going on here that I would not mind seeing this wonderful two character study a second time.
I will give it a 4 out of Netflix5.
Labels: films
