Lady Jasmine
Joined Feb 2002
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Reviews41
Lady Jasmine's rating
Having read a few of the other reviews posted since I last commented on this film I feel I should clarify exactly what I was disappointed in. I did not receive what I felt was put forward by the film's promotional campaign, and therefore my entire experience of the film was badly tainted.
The acting in the film is excellent, and as many have mentioned, the vocal talents of the lead are amazing. I simply think that that talent should have been given more screen time. That does not mean I think that it should have been turned into a Hollywood-ised positive falsehood, simply that more time should have been given to what the movie was promoted as. As for the ending, I have no problem with unconventional endings - I usually enjoy them a great deal more than typical ones. I always enjoy endings that are not what I expected. What disappointed me so greatly about this one is that it didn't appear to go anywhere..I saw no joy or change in Laura's life, no deeper appreciation of herself (which I would have enjoyed far more than a 'success' story in the first place), nothing. I'm all for not tying up all the loose ends - it keeps up the suspense, but introducing and ending that does not address, in my opinion, and of the issues of self-awareness and personal independence put forward in the film is lacking in something.
Perhaps if/when I return to see the movie again (as I said my first viewing was tainted) I may see what everyone else is seeing. For now, it remains a disappointment.
And,though I do this seldom, I feel the need to respond to one specific comment
"Surely it isn't implied that a 'good' movie dealing with someone dancing around the edges of the entertainment business only happens when the protagonist 'makes it' in the industry? presumably with attendant drug usage, alcohol abuse, sexual libertinage et cetera? even better of course if we are permitted the Schadenfreude arising from his subsequent collapse into whichever variety of nastiness is currently most titillating. Heaven forbid that such a person may realize that there are more important and rewarding pursuits in life!"
No. A good entertainment movie deals with the trials tribulations and hard work involved in getting into and staying in the entertainment industry. Whether they make it or not. I said more screen time, not success. This the movie handled well - but failed to note the balance between the pain and the enjoyment that comes with working in the arts. In reference to your comment about drug use etc...that is a stereotype that most artists do not fit and go to lengths to avoid. Yes, the industry can destroy you, and for many it has. But making it a 'presumption' that anyone involved in the arts is a druggie and an alcoholic is an insult to those of us who work in the field and take our profession seriously.
The entertainment industry is and important and fulling pursuit and it is a tough one, and this movie does do a fine job of showing the tough aspect of it. I simply think that certain aspects of it could have been handled better or emphasised more.
The acting in the film is excellent, and as many have mentioned, the vocal talents of the lead are amazing. I simply think that that talent should have been given more screen time. That does not mean I think that it should have been turned into a Hollywood-ised positive falsehood, simply that more time should have been given to what the movie was promoted as. As for the ending, I have no problem with unconventional endings - I usually enjoy them a great deal more than typical ones. I always enjoy endings that are not what I expected. What disappointed me so greatly about this one is that it didn't appear to go anywhere..I saw no joy or change in Laura's life, no deeper appreciation of herself (which I would have enjoyed far more than a 'success' story in the first place), nothing. I'm all for not tying up all the loose ends - it keeps up the suspense, but introducing and ending that does not address, in my opinion, and of the issues of self-awareness and personal independence put forward in the film is lacking in something.
Perhaps if/when I return to see the movie again (as I said my first viewing was tainted) I may see what everyone else is seeing. For now, it remains a disappointment.
And,though I do this seldom, I feel the need to respond to one specific comment
"Surely it isn't implied that a 'good' movie dealing with someone dancing around the edges of the entertainment business only happens when the protagonist 'makes it' in the industry? presumably with attendant drug usage, alcohol abuse, sexual libertinage et cetera? even better of course if we are permitted the Schadenfreude arising from his subsequent collapse into whichever variety of nastiness is currently most titillating. Heaven forbid that such a person may realize that there are more important and rewarding pursuits in life!"
No. A good entertainment movie deals with the trials tribulations and hard work involved in getting into and staying in the entertainment industry. Whether they make it or not. I said more screen time, not success. This the movie handled well - but failed to note the balance between the pain and the enjoyment that comes with working in the arts. In reference to your comment about drug use etc...that is a stereotype that most artists do not fit and go to lengths to avoid. Yes, the industry can destroy you, and for many it has. But making it a 'presumption' that anyone involved in the arts is a druggie and an alcoholic is an insult to those of us who work in the field and take our profession seriously.
The entertainment industry is and important and fulling pursuit and it is a tough one, and this movie does do a fine job of showing the tough aspect of it. I simply think that certain aspects of it could have been handled better or emphasised more.
