Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Jarrett G — 11 Feb 2009

This is a spectacular study of situation...which is a nice change, since I was expecting a character study. But, we actually aren't given any sort of background of Wendy.

We can only determine that she has been displaced. Although she does have some relatives, mentioned briefly, the only thing she has is her dog Lucy. This dog seems to represent all that has been lost. And once Lucy is lost...we begin to wonder if there is anything left for Wendy.

Michelle Williams continues to amaze as an actress...although I have been a huge fan since Dawsons Creek. (Yes, she was just as good then...but you couldn't tell that to the naysayers who are anti-pop by nature). It is too bad she slipped through the cracks for an Oscar nomination. But, unlike many years in the past, this has been a great year for actresses.

I wonder if Reichardt used locals for the supporting roles...or actual actors. Not sure. At times...it is amazing...and horrifying in one instance. The most stunning part of the film. And Williams's finest moment. But in a couple of other instances, it is incredibly distracting. Is it really that hard to find people who can act? Seriously.

There are moments, watching Wendy work on her budget that seriously ring home with me. Michelle Williams absolutely makes us feel like we are in her shoes. And these are shoes, in this day and age, that could very well be ours soon.

A simple film...with an incredibly timely message.