I am a faithful follower of Bulwark, and I appreciate the break in politics and troubling news that you provide in your personal views and critical cultural reviews. I thank you every time I read your reviews, but this is the first time I put it down in writing. I suspect there are many more readers like me and I'm sorry to be so late, but rest assured that we're out there.
Great review of Train Dreams. I would add that the film tries to answer the question of what it is that we are connected to when it appears we are not connected at all. I think the film answers that in a way that is really beautiful and for our protagonist Robert the answer is everything. It reminded me of Tree of Life by Malick. Human connection, finding meaning and being present to the natural beauty around us is really the good stuff. Thanks for highlighting these 3 films. Great writing too!
I've checked the local listings and Train Dreams isn't here yet, but I'll keep my eye out for it. They do have some interesting coming soon movies, so I'll keep my eye on your reviews. I did see Blue Moon on its last day, so thank you for talking about it.
Beautifully written reviews! Having read "Hamnet" and not the others. I know what I would be in for. Not sure, with the world in the shape it is today, that I want to feel or deal with any tragedies such as you describe the other two.
I can only speak about If I Had Legs. My husband and I were eager to see this because of the cast, but didn't know much about it. As non parents, it mostly affirmed our choice to not have kids. I suppose it also made me sympathetic towards people who are in truly shitty circumstances as parents, and make bad choices, because I could easily imagine myself not handling Linda's life even half as well as she did, which is a low bar. It also had a strong horror vibe, as you noted, and I can't do horror, so that added to my sour impression of it. I think it has great potential as birth control though. Show it in middle and high school health ed classes because Linda's life was absolute hell
It’s interesting to me that the first two films were directed by women who haven’t historically been allowed to make films and who have historically had to decide between being a mother and being a filmmaker. The second film is clearly showing the filmmaker’s ambivalence about parenting—the hard work and self sacrifice involved. I think I’ll opt for “train dreams,” which I’ve read good things about by other respected critics – there are a few!
The protagonist is the child in peril - he himself an orphan separated from family and carrying that trauma. I am interested in how the film deals with that compounded by loss of his child. Too often our society is uncaring about the suffering of adults who have experienced childhood trauma (orphans, adoptees…) and the generational trauma that follows. Thanks for bringing this film to my attention.
Wow. Beautifully written. Hamnet in particular wasn't on my list, but will definitely see it now. I'll come prepared. Unfairness, grief and helplessness get me individually every time. Add on the 'historically based' and your response as a parent add different aspects.
I am a faithful follower of Bulwark, and I appreciate the break in politics and troubling news that you provide in your personal views and critical cultural reviews. I thank you every time I read your reviews, but this is the first time I put it down in writing. I suspect there are many more readers like me and I'm sorry to be so late, but rest assured that we're out there.
Jerry
Thank you! It is always nice to hear. I am happy to be the nice little bonus that people get when they need a break from, you know, all of this.
Great review of Train Dreams. I would add that the film tries to answer the question of what it is that we are connected to when it appears we are not connected at all. I think the film answers that in a way that is really beautiful and for our protagonist Robert the answer is everything. It reminded me of Tree of Life by Malick. Human connection, finding meaning and being present to the natural beauty around us is really the good stuff. Thanks for highlighting these 3 films. Great writing too!
Yeah Tree of Life is one touchstone; honestly, I thought more of The New World. The nature and all that.
I've checked the local listings and Train Dreams isn't here yet, but I'll keep my eye out for it. They do have some interesting coming soon movies, so I'll keep my eye on your reviews. I did see Blue Moon on its last day, so thank you for talking about it.
Can’t wait to see Hamnet , thank you for the review
Beautifully written reviews! Having read "Hamnet" and not the others. I know what I would be in for. Not sure, with the world in the shape it is today, that I want to feel or deal with any tragedies such as you describe the other two.
I can only speak about If I Had Legs. My husband and I were eager to see this because of the cast, but didn't know much about it. As non parents, it mostly affirmed our choice to not have kids. I suppose it also made me sympathetic towards people who are in truly shitty circumstances as parents, and make bad choices, because I could easily imagine myself not handling Linda's life even half as well as she did, which is a low bar. It also had a strong horror vibe, as you noted, and I can't do horror, so that added to my sour impression of it. I think it has great potential as birth control though. Show it in middle and high school health ed classes because Linda's life was absolute hell
can't wait to see these movies
It’s interesting to me that the first two films were directed by women who haven’t historically been allowed to make films and who have historically had to decide between being a mother and being a filmmaker. The second film is clearly showing the filmmaker’s ambivalence about parenting—the hard work and self sacrifice involved. I think I’ll opt for “train dreams,” which I’ve read good things about by other respected critics – there are a few!
Since these are times to be thankful, Sonny you're the best movie critic I've ever read, and you should get more likes from Bulwark subscribers.
No than YOU for that kind comment.
Train Dreams was not on my list but is now.
The protagonist is the child in peril - he himself an orphan separated from family and carrying that trauma. I am interested in how the film deals with that compounded by loss of his child. Too often our society is uncaring about the suffering of adults who have experienced childhood trauma (orphans, adoptees…) and the generational trauma that follows. Thanks for bringing this film to my attention.
I hadn’t thought of that (re: him being an orphan) but it’s spot on.
Wow. Beautifully written. Hamnet in particular wasn't on my list, but will definitely see it now. I'll come prepared. Unfairness, grief and helplessness get me individually every time. Add on the 'historically based' and your response as a parent add different aspects.
Yeah...I think I'm going to have to pass on Hamnet. I might be able to revisit in a decade or so.