Movies Archives - Claire M O'Brien

‘Hamnet’

Very moving emotionally. I was crying a lot from this Dialogue, especially the lines of Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe) and how as a twin he plays and cares for his sister Judith (Olivia Lynes). This one drew from history, the story of what inspired the Shakespearean play Hamlet to be written by William (Paul Mescal). I liked the emphasis on childbirth at the start of this, and the responsibilities, trials and tribulations of parenting throughout. The impact of Shakespeare’s play output to his wife Agnes’ (Jessie Buckley) attitude to his lifestyle is quite a point of focus, so significant – so entranced was Agnes with Hamnet. I was a different person after watching this one as it was a bewitching journey of sorts.

Sing Sung Blue

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson exhibiting acting excellence. Sing Song Blue shone with reality of up and down luck. It depicted the performing lives of Michael & Claire Sardina (aka Lightening and Thunder) with so much commitment to their Neil Diamond tribute coupling. They and their family were sometimes dealt a tough set of cards to play. I really enjoyed the performances of their two children Dana (Hudson Hensley) and Rachel (Ella Anderson) with Rachel’s friend Angelina (King Princess) – though the latter two experience the effects of marijuana on set. The protagonist couple showed resilience and verve in showing to the world that against all odds they could savour being a rock musician and enjoy the family and friend rapport that took them to the top of their game.

The Choral

Beautifully crafted movie of many layers set in a Yorkshire town in England during World War 1 times. The Choral is about a choirmaster fresh from Germany who works a choir to produce the Elgar piece ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ by adapting it somewhat. I found the choirmaster Dr Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) really innovative in choosing Elgar’s piece due to the different religion of the choir to the composer. This made a good anti-war impression on me as to the unforgiving call of duty when it comes to being called up for service (to the military). Different parts shone out to me including Jacob Dudman as Clyde – had a fantastic voice as did Amara Okereke who was fascinating as Mary as she dated Taylor Uttley as Ellis. A democratic movie for by participation in the choir they pushed for the value of human life by the practice of creativity.

Ralph Fiennes getting unsavoury reception

‘Teilhard De Chardin On Love: Evolving Human Relationships’ (2017), by Louis M. Savary & Patricia H. Berne, forward by Ilia Delio.

Teilhard (1881-1955) was a French geologist who was also a Jesuit priest. This book about his writings on love is by a married couple (theologian Savary & psychologist Berne) who discussed in this book such ideas as:

“Divine love is the energy that brought the universe into being and binds it together. Human love is the energy that drives whatever we do to keep ourselves and our world growing in unity and peace” (Savary & Berne, 2017, p.3).

A book on loving that is pure and theologically inspired makes me feel positive and more constructive in my interactions of the everyday kind. Teilhard De Chardin’s being a scientist meant that I could see the analytical and objective in what he had to say and it was easier to digest the concepts which were clear and simple and very relevant to our lives today. I now seek out related literature about Teilhard de Chardin and his impact on the world.

‘Movies That Matter: Reading Film through the Lens of Faith’ (2006) by Richard Leonard SJ

I use this book as a reference to watching these and further movies through Fr Leonard’s ‘Lens of Faith’. It’s just what I was looking for. How to interpret film through my faith. Have found this book useful in its approach to analysing a film and the way it presents its material.

‘Love’s Oneing: A Book About Contemplation’ By Kerrie Hide (2022)

https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Love_s_Oneing/IJibEAAAQBAJ?hl=en

I heard this book may be described as “New Age” so it isn’t I think my doctrine as such but it is a refreshing read for its word choice, rhythm and flow. The author Kerrie Hide in such magical lyricism and regular beat links science and Christian concepts of creation of life on earth. That is, according to the Bible God created the world to demonstrate God’s love for all living forms including humans. Love is the key theme in scientific origins as well Kerrie writes, as love causes atoms to bind to atoms into molecules in a concept of what can be considered ‘love’! The actual wording is much more impressive than I can describe. I found it an easier read due to its delicate flow of language. I really think the world would benefit from things contemplative like this well written book.

‘Suspended God: Music and a theology of doubt’ by Maeve Louise Heaney (2022)

This book opened by eyes to the usefulness of music to fill the void that doubt plays in the minds and hearts of us who are craving the spiritual. It discusses a number of important voices in the church like Karl Rahner and St Teresa of Avila. This book actively causes my mind to crave its discussions within its pages.

‘A Complete Unknown’

This movie I watched to hear some of Bob Dylan’s music 🎶 as I grew up loving his music. My viewing of A Complete Unknown was preceded by a live performance by Adam Kadmon at Cremorne Orpheum on acoustic guitar prior. The movie plucked the heartstrings of a complex web of relationships including one with a partner (Elle Fanning) and a fellow musician Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) with whom with he performed sometimes on stage. It also delved into a major issue for musicians (eg. like Elvis) as in what is best to be performed live. Timothée Chalamet looked and sounded the part (as it brought to mind a lot of warm memories) as Bob D” and I really savoured the music. Bob Dylan surely didn’t lead an easy life and I was glad to hear he could still watch this movie! The end credits stated that in 2016 Bob Dylan received the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature! The movie explored Bob’s warmth and creativity performing in a hospital to his fellow musician Woodie Guthrie – who suffered from Huntington’s (Scoot McNairy). It was also good viewing Bob’s warm relationship with Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) whose music also was phenomenal. All in all A Complete Unknown is a great foray into life of Bob Dylan as the great musician he is.

‘Runt’

A refreshing escape of a movie away from the tortured attitude of winning at all costs. About an upbeat relationship between young woman and dog and the obstacles that accost them on their journey of the local, national then world based dog trot competitions. It is funny and light hearted. The acting pinnacle is Lilly LaTorre who trains Runt and in so doing pushes through all sorts of obstacles of her own to achieve her own personal goals on a broad brush, encountering fame on her way in the blink of an eye. A supportive star cast includes Jai Courtney, Celeste Barber, Matt Day, Jack LaTorre and Deborah Mailman who made the storyline reverberate with wholesomeness in turn.

‘Paul McCartney & Wings – One Hand Clapping’

Excellent musical footage resparks an interest in me for Paul McCartney & his band begun in 1970s The Wings.

This observational documentary explored for me some lesser known but chart topping music when first performed of The Wings and I liked seeing the band discussing how to improve their music. The film showed the drummer Geoff Britton on the day of recording with his different quirk of dress and his display of martial arts that was a nice addition. I liked seeing Paul McCartney’s late wife Linda McCartney playing the keyboard and providing vocal backups for the recording. What struck me was how at peace all the band looked as we were witness to their collaborative musical efforts. My favourite Wings tune was Silly Love Songs.