Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Elaine J — 12 Apr 2010
This is a beautifully shot movie - this is a movie about a woman who doesn't strip, shoot or pine for a husband and I wish that there were more of them - it concentrates on the subtleties of character and the beauty of surroundings.
Every shot framed with bare minimalist bleak beauty, vacant car lots, down-market grocery stores, starkly-lit public spaces, washed out colours, bleakly-lit vistas of urban America, powerfully understated acting, subtle and very skilled use of sound especially the mournful moan of the great american railroad.
No one would blame you for hitting the eject button 10mins into this film - lots of long, lingering seemingly pointless shots, with little said - a bit like watching CCTV playback. But here we see human kindness (embodied in the security guard) contrasted with a petty mindedness (the store clerk) side by side and seemingly un-judged by the film maker. Most importantly we see Wendy - a character who is trying to make her way quietly through the world, unknown even to the audience who watch her.
Your patience will be rewarded - just about!
This review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) was written by Elaine J on 12 Apr 2010.
Wendy and Lucy has generally received positive reviews.
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