Review of 20th Century Women (2016) by Jennifer E — 06 Apr 2017
After seeing Beginners, I was expecting more of the same--a moody, contemplative assessment of life and relationships. That alone would have been great, but this film takes it up several notches, both aesthetically and in its approach to storytelling.
From the opening image, of the roiling Pacific Ocean, the cinematic beauty is equal to the stellar performances. There's hardly a false note in this movie, but the mastery of Annette Bening as Dorothea is unlike any role I've seen her in before.
She somehow sums up an entire generation of women while simultaneously staying true to the specificity of her character. Also wonderful, Greta Gerwig as Abbie, struggling to regain her sense of self after cancer.
Also, believe it or not, it's funny. And makes use of a great, crumbling pile of a house. And lots of vintage cars. Best film I've seen all year.
This review of 20th Century Women (2016) was written by Jennifer E on 06 Apr 2017.
20th Century Women has generally received very positive reviews.
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