Currently browsing the "psychological drama" tag.

Shame

Oh my! I’m not really sure who – if anyone- you can actually see this movie with. Suffice it to say, it’s not a date movie. Or a family movie. Or a fun fantasy flick. It’s dark and disturbing – and provocative – in a Black Swan sort of way. I didn’t particularly like Black Swan, despite the Oscar-worthy performance of Natalie Portman. Same goes for Shame. It’s not my cup of tea (at all), but the performances – especially from Michael Fassbender and Carrie Mulligan – are quite superb. So should you see it? Maybe – in the privacy of your own home when it comes out on DVD! But in a theater??? That’s a tough call. Here’s why:

The Beaver

Mel Gibson is his own worst enemy these days. It’s hard to watch him play a depressed, mentally-unstable guy without thinking about his real-life antics (and let’s face it – they’ve been off the charts). And that’s a real shame. Because The Beaver happens to be a pretty good movie – and Gibson is very good in it, as is director/co-star Jodie Foster and the rest of the supporting cast.

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee is one of those small arty films starring an impressive roster of accomplished actors who probably took the gig for the love of the material rather than box-office glory. It’s a psychological drama tinged with wry humor and melancholy. So if you like that sort of stuff, you’ll probably like this film.