Wow. Rented Saving Mr. Banks, about how Mary Poppins the book came to be made as a film. Aside from it being an incredible movie for a viewer, it was extremely interesting to me as a writer. The structure was impeccable. The writers took a thoroughly unlikeable character in P.L. Travers, delved back into her upbringing and experiences to provide back story, and juxtaposed it against what is happening in real time in the movie. While she remains unlikeable at heart, you come to understand why she is the way she is, and why she was so insistent about what should and should not be done with her book. In general, Hollywood is most unkind to books, and to authors. Disney unquestionably wanted to do things his way. But its quite true that Hollywood would not spend 20 years pursuing a woman and her book if Disney had not had more invested than simply wanting to make a hit. So from a viewers point of view, I was touched, and, when appropriate, amused. As a writer, I felt certain elements very deeply. I am in awe of the script, the direction, and, of course, the acting. Hanks and Thompson are truly superb. But Colin Farrell . . . well, hes clearly decided to be an actor now instead of a loose-cannon star, and does a tremendous job. There is one long scene when Disney pursues Travers to London after she walks out on the movie, refusing to sign over the rights. An while there is an *intellectual* seduction involved as he intends to convince her of why he wants so badly to make the movie, its just incredibly moving. I spent much of the scene in tears. Highly recommended. Superb character study, beautiful direction, outstanding acting.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:16:53 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015