This is not a review of the David Chase documentary. It is an analysis of death and fatherhood in The Sopranos, with musing on Tony's fate. Contains spoilers for the whole series.
Throughout The Sopranos, Dr. Melfi illuminates Tony’s subconscious. Pointing out the significance of the ducks who inhabited his swimming pool, Livia’s involvement in his assassination attempt, and Johnny Boy’s role in Tony’s panic attacks. In season one, Tony is reduced to tears as he and Dr. Melfi discuss…
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Unlike films it draws influence from, the energy driving Anora lacks purpose, as we have a limited view of the characters beyond the plot of the film. Ivan’s lavish lifestyle, the developing romance between him and Ani, and the looming undertones of the Russian oligarch father, render the first act a lengthy dream sequence. While this transitions well into the anxiety inducing chaos of the second act, some breaks in the dream sequence could have been utilized for character development.…
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
My first viewing of The Irishman and my first viewing of Killers of the Flower Moon elicited similar reactions. Impressive acting and storytelling, with a straightforward tone. In the case of Killers, Martin Scorsese methodically takes the audience through the Osage County atrocities, leaving the viewer with a complete understanding of what took place. I initially thought it was stylistically lacking compared to Scorsese classics, despite the radio broadcast epilogue featuring Jack White.
A viscerally sinister tone pervaded my second…
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
The first act of this film creates an atmosphere of intense, yet subtle discomfort. Princess Diana is clearly unwelcome in the Sandringham Estate despite her title as “Royal Highness”, the allusions to Anne Boleyn elevate the stakes.
The subtlety comes to an end during the dinner scene. Dining in an elegant room surrounded by royalty, including an unloving husband and Queen, she imagines Anne Boleyn as a melancholy musical number plays. While she hallucinates Diana rips off her pearl necklace…
