The Forger (2012)
Directed by Lawrence Roeck; Written by Carlos De Los Rios
Starring Josh Hutcherson, Hayden Panettiere and Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall is, without a doubt, the best part of this straight-to-DVD independent drama. The premise of art forgery could have gone any number of ways, from ultra-tense crime thriller to biting satire of the snooty art world, but the film gives the situation a straight drama treatment which doesn’t really work in its favor. I was surprised to find that this film never had a theatrical release considering Hutcherson’s recent success in The Hunger Games and Bacall’s lasting prominence as a great actress, but after watching I can see why. The score: 2.5/5
“Based on the true story of Jung, Freud and the patient who came between them”
A Dangerous Method (2011)
Directed by David Cronenberg; Adapted by Christopher Hampton from “A Most Dangerous Method” by John Kerr and “The Talking Cure” by Christopher Hampton
Starring Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen
A Dangerous Method provides an interesting look at the mental health theories and practices of Freud and Jung, particularly in relation to Jung’s patient/lover Sabina Spielrein. I’m no expert on the topic and therefore can’t speak for the film’s historical accuracy, but I can say that it’s much more of a romantic drama than I expected it to be. Mortensen and Fassbender give very solid performances, both singularly and playing against each other, but Knightley’s lack of believability and horrendous attempt at a Russian accent kind of killed it for me. The score: 2.5/5
Notable quotes:
- Jung: “We sane doctors have serious limitations.”
- Otto: “If there is one thing I have learned in my short life, it’s this: never repress anything.”
- Freud: “What good can we do if our aim is to replace one delusion with another?”
“A womantic comedy of platonic proportions”
Jucy (2010)
Directed by Louise Alston; Adapted by Stephen Vagg from the story by Louise Alston
Starring Cindy Nelson, Francesca Gasteen and the voice of Orson Welles
You know a film is going to be enjoyable when Orson Welles’ voice is used as the voice of an elephant lamp and the opening credits include a hilarious dance number. Jucy follows two very quirky, very likable slacker friends (Jackie and Lucy) who want nothing more than to star in Jane Eyre (in order to find a man and have a cool job to brag about). The chemistry between the leads, who are best friends in real life, is great. Good performances and a bright visual appeal elevate this sometimes sad, sometimes dramatic, sometimes very funny Australian film. The score: 3.5/5
Notable quotes:
- Jackie: “I may not be an adult, but at least I’m not nude.”
- Jackie (to her therapist): “I have been cutting down on the number of magazines I’ve been buying, like you suggested.”
- Lucy: “You know you need unique New York, but does unique New York need you? Red leather, yellow leather!”
The Motion Pictures 