Review of Spinning Into Butter (2009) by Paul K — 09 Feb 2010

This movie was adapted from a play, and the script seems a little play-like, with its somewhat clunky and obvious flow, where you realize immediately that every line or element of a scene is as symbolic as it is personal.

Still, it doesn't employ the heavy drama of most movies about race, despite the nature of the events that set the plot in motion. There's no browbeating or guilt-making that most can only relate to in a shallow and abstract way, unless it's being injected to point out how hypocritical such approaches can be - the "campus forum on race" for instance.

Instead, there is a brave and uncomfortable, but ultimately more effective and healing, examination of everyday racism, the kind that might manifest as a stray thought or feeling when you're riding on a subway in the city.

Its about the everyday, mundane reality of being one of a few and not knowing how to connect with others, or if you should be trying to. Its about the realities of trying to change society and the limitations that we experience when we do.

Its about mixing up people with history and symbolism. We do the things we talk about being wrong, and no one has the right answer. All sides of the issue come out in surprising ways, and we're left with the uncomfortable realization that not everything can be worked out, but we keep trying.

We're all as mixed up and imperfect as the other. The characters that are aware of their own struggles, and bravely share them, aren't heroic - they're human. The others are mere stereotypes with big mouths and little ears.

Sarah Jessica Parker's character, in particular, walks convincingly into the minefield of racism in the "liberal shadow," the dark side of a person trying to help another person from a different cultural mileau.

A film critic once panned her character in 'sex in the city' for being shallow and socially oblivious. She should watch this movie and see if her opinion of the actor's work doesn't change.