Iceman-23

Anyone who loves Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton can appreciate the scene which comes at the beginning of Playtime. As Jaques Tati is sitting in a waiting room in a glass monstrosity of a building, his every movement is characterised by a sound. He examines a chair which flattens when he sits in it, and his delight with the chair reflects the viewer's delight at watching this absolutely stunning film. Tati combines sight and sound in a truly groundbreaking way, creating a truly original take on life in the modern city. I found myself laughing out loud more times than I ever remember doing so in any other movie while at the same time being overwhelmed at the sheer scope of the film and its technical magnificence. Mr. Hulot is truly a hero for all well-meaning people living in today's somewhat merciless urban landscapes. A true delight for the senses. Bravo, Mr. Tati!

There's something about Natalie Portman. Something that causes older men to wonder at her. This happened to Leon in The Professional, and it happens to Willie Conway in Beautiful Girls. Having seen both of these movies a plethora of times, I have spent much time contemplating what it is about Ms. Portman that makes her so amazing. I still don't exactly know, but I knew as soon as I first saw her in this movie that I was under her spell as well.

The attraction at work here is not a romantic attraction but rather a human attraction. How can such a young girl be so mature and intelligent? There's something about this that fascinates older men. Mischa Barton had the same effect Sam Rockwell in Lawn Dogs (with amazing results, by the way). The rest of the film is somewhat tried and true. The story follows a group of high school buddies to their ten year high school reunion with predictable results. The scenes with Portman and Hutton, however, make the whole film worthwhile. I still don't know what it is about Natalie Portman, but in this case, ignorance truly is bliss. I'll just enjoy watching her talent take her as far as she wants to go.

Every once in a while two actors work together who have such chemistry that they ignite the screen with their talent; such is the case with Sam Rockwell and Mischa Barton. Their portrayal of friendship across age and class boundaries is one of the most touching and original I've seen. Director John Duigan uses his surrealistic vision as a backdrop for this extraordinary friendship. This movie will leave you laughing and crying, angry and joyous. It is a true gem of a movie and not to be missed.