The fact that
I live with a Mr Busy who spends at least a couple of nights each week
interstate or with other work commitments, together with my need to involve
myself which results in me juggling an array of kindergarten, school and
personal commitments, means I have allowed my life to swallow up the
opportunities I once had to immerse myself in the things I love.
And it only
took 4 or 5 years for me to notice!
So a couple
of months ago I pledged to prioritise film and literature again and create time
for my passions as well as continuing to nurture those of my family.
Tuesday night
was the scheduled movie night (albeit delayed a week) and I left myself in the
hands of my monthly movie mate. I’d been lucky enough to have already seen the
obvious choices and relished the opportunity to experience the unknown.
Moonrise
Kingdom.
A film from
the makers of The Royal Tenenbaums amongst others.
This is one
of those experiences that, while I’m really glad I’ve done it, I’m not 100%
sure I’d do again if I had the choice.
A little bit
kooky and more than a little quirky, this film clearly sets the expectations
right up front in the style used to introduce us to a young family (most of
whom we never get to know).
There is immediate
familiarity with almost all of the senior cast members which is reassuring and
gives confidence when entering into a complete world of unknowns.
Bill Murray,
Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand and Edward Norton plus an entertaining cameo
from Harvey Keitel but these are roles that no-one in their right minds would
expect any of them to play.
The young
cast members around whom the action revolves are delightful discoveries who
will be really interesting to watch as their careers evolve.
It’s
basically a story the follows 12 year olds “in love” who run away to be
together. It’s not presented in a way that would make the mother of a 12 year
old squirm but, over time it becomes easy to feel emotionally involved with the
pair and also to feel the stress of their parents and carers.
The fact that
its set it 1965 and the type of characters and settings presented are
caricatures at best, reduces the strength of that emotional involvement.
Stylistically,
the detail in this film is both uniquely minute and delightfully cute. At times
the little things (like the badges and buttons on scout uniforms, the shoes and
the 12 year old lead’s perfectly applied but excessive eye makeup) can be
distracting but well worth noticing.
So to the
question of whether or not to escape the every day and use a highly valued
night out to see this film. Keep
your expectations low and you may be delighted. I know I was. And 24 hours later I still had flashes
of moments that reminded me of how unique the minds of the creators of this
film must be.
Welcome back
cinema. I’ve missed you.
