Review of American Pastoral (2016) by Stuart B — 21 Apr 2017

I found the film very well cast and the performances were subtle,perhaps to a fault, with the main character 'the sweed' remaining unattainable. Fanning was for the most part excellent; Connoly inscrutable as always made the 'on the pedestal' air of the mother rang true though perhaps some more cuts of the distance between them.

The film was at such pains to show that sometimes bad things happen to good people, that it lacks definition. I think that I sensed a lack of focus in macgregors development of his own character. I believe this was due to wanting to avoid making an overly sentimental piece, but unfortuntely the end result is you dont trully invest in any of them.

I applaud the attempt to raise the heavy themes inneffetual parenting. what do we do when our cajoling and encouraging of good does not work. what if the bringing in of the professionals leads to more"over engineered" children and bewilderd parents? enjoyable but just short of its potential.