Review of Mother and Child (2009) by Gemma M — 06 Oct 2010
Mother and Child isn't a drama ... it is a DRAMA. It can be rather lofty with its intentions and it doesn't always reach the peak(s) that it is reaching for; but it is a good film. The story centers around three different women (it is one of "those" kind of films -- 3 storylines that meander and merge) played by Annette Bening (Bugsy, American Beauty, The Grifters), Naomi Watts (21 Grams, Mulholland Drive, King Kong) and Kerry Washington (Ray, The Last King of Scotland, Fantastic Four).
All three are fine actresses and give excellent performances here. I would say Bening is the standout as a 50-year old physical therapist who is caring for her elderly mother but is pining somewhat for a child she gave up for adoption many years ago.
Watts is that daughter and Washington plays a mother trying to adopt. Bening is rather remarkable because you do NOT like her character but one can easily see how wondrous of an actress she truly is (Swank has beaten her for an Oscar twice??!).
She is cold and prickly and hard to decipher and understand; but Bening's work is astonundly good as she leaves yourself feeling blank-faced a few times reacting to her. Just the name of the film lets you know it is not an easy watch .
.. and it isn't. Pieces of Watts' storyline were unnecessary and could have trimmed a bit of time off of the movie; but it still works and doesn't ruin the movie. While not a film for everyone (most definitely not), Bening fans need to see it.
This review of Mother and Child (2009) was written by Gemma M on 06 Oct 2010.
Mother and Child has generally received positive reviews.
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