I once read a review of "Lady Chatterly's Lover" which described the book as "A fascinating study into the day-to-day life of a country gamekeeper with important insights into game husbandry and the economy of the country estate. Only marred by some unneccesary romantic interludes." I suspect the author was being obtuse but perhaps he knew more than I did.
Accordingly:
Brokeback Mountain (2005) USA, Ang Lee - A serious study of rural poverty in the late 20th century US. The movie follows the tribulations of working class farm workers as the American economy transfers to from productivity-based industry to entertainment and financial services. As one of the protagonists, unable to transfer his skills, descends into a predictable spiral of debt and broken domesticity, his more opportunistic co-worker manages to seize a series of chances in rodeo entertainment and farm machinery, ultimately becoming involved in an emasculating family relationship with a dynasty of wealthy landed gentry. Sadly the film is let down by a series of irrelevant coutryside rambles that take up much of the running time. ***..
Your turn...
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"What may seem depressing or even tragic to one person may seem like an absolute scream to another person, especially if he has had between four and seven beers."
Dave Barry
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) USA, Stacy Peralta - Follow the wacky adventures of a group of misfit teenagers as they try to save their beloved skateboarding shop from being sold to property developers. There is more than an air of "Star Wars" about this movie as, one by one, the youngsters sell out to the "dark side" of corporate sponsorship. With the cunning use of grainy archival footage and bogus statistics the movie is given an air of verisimilitude and the young actors almost look as if they know advanced skateboarding skills. A feelgood movie that is highly recommended to fans of the genre.
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"What may seem depressing or even tragic to one person may seem like an absolute scream to another person, especially if he has had between four and seven beers."
Dave Barry
