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Photo Jonathan Olley. © 2015 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
The physical production of Brooklyn can only be described as lovely. The set and art direction convey a BROOKLYN HEIGHTS love for locations on both sides of the Atlantic, and Yves continued from page 69 Bélanger’s radiant cinematography gives a glow to the entire film, especially capturing Ronan’s delicate features. Director John Crowley keeps the film’s momentum slowly but steadily focused, allowing the story to unfold at its own pace. Nick Hornby’s screenplay (from the original novel by Colm Toíbín) breaks no new ground but nonetheless evokes a sweetness in this small but well-crafted film. Ultimately, the film belongs to Ronan; and with this performance, she does set her sights on a new horizon, well beyond the borders of Brooklyn.
Spectre
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STARS µµµµµ Daniel Craig stars as James Bond in Spectre.
SPECTRE Mailing it in
As the immediate successor to Skyfall, arguably the best James Bond film in the entire canon, Spectre was likely doomed from the outset. By no means is it on the travesty level of A View to a Kill or Die Another Day, but it is still a shocking disappointment on the heels of Skyfall. That shortcoming has been made possible by the perfunctory efforts of everyone involved. Lead actor Daniel Craig, director Sam Mendes, co-star villain Christoph Waltz, and the four (count ‘em, four) screenwriters seem stymied, or perhaps bored, by the ponderous weight of the accumulated Bond mythology. What could have represented an interesting complication to the overarching story (no spoilers here) gets lost among the admittedly spectacular set-piece stunts and chases. Even the cinematography and locations seem dull in comparison to the luminous Skyfall. Despite all this, the film is off to more record-breaking ticket sales, so there’s little chance that it will be the last of Bond, even though the script frequently references his sought-after retirement. But clearly, Craig appears done with the role (saying in an interview with Time Out that he would rather slash his wrists than play Bond again). Let’s hope the next installment can revive 007’s resilient allure. DECEMBER 2015 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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