http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ruin
This is the time of year Melanie and I follow the movie award committees to see what’s getting attention. Those with the most nods are good contenders for recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - the Oscars.
Last night we streamed “Blue Ruin” via Netflix.
Wow. What an amazing indy movie.
It’s gotten a nomination for breakthrough actor/actress for the lead Jeremy Saulnier from the Gotham Independent Film Awards, most promising new director from the Chicago Film Critics Association, and a best indy picture nomination from the National Board of Reviews. Susan Wloszczyna at the Roger Ebert site (still alive and well) gave it 3.5 out of four stars. And it was available for streaming, so we gave it a try.
This is what independent movies can be when they’re done right. Obviously not much of a budget, but subtle and riveting. There’s an authenticity to this you don’t often see in film. The characters behave the way real people probably would in similar circumstances. There’s very little cliche here and a few surprises, thanks to a great script and nuanced acting and directing. By the end you realize this is what modern day Hatfields and McCoys might look like. I don’t want to give anything away about this one which is hard because I also can’t say enough about it. It’s a very pleasant surprise. Melanie was as riveted as I was. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Last night we streamed “Blue Ruin” via Netflix.
Wow. What an amazing indy movie.
It’s gotten a nomination for breakthrough actor/actress for the lead Jeremy Saulnier from the Gotham Independent Film Awards, most promising new director from the Chicago Film Critics Association, and a best indy picture nomination from the National Board of Reviews. Susan Wloszczyna at the Roger Ebert site (still alive and well) gave it 3.5 out of four stars. And it was available for streaming, so we gave it a try.
This is what independent movies can be when they’re done right. Obviously not much of a budget, but subtle and riveting. There’s an authenticity to this you don’t often see in film. The characters behave the way real people probably would in similar circumstances. There’s very little cliche here and a few surprises, thanks to a great script and nuanced acting and directing. By the end you realize this is what modern day Hatfields and McCoys might look like. I don’t want to give anything away about this one which is hard because I also can’t say enough about it. It’s a very pleasant surprise. Melanie was as riveted as I was. Check it out and let me know what you think.
(PS: Kim Jong-un is a pussy. Thought I'd throw that in there in case North Korea trolls my blog.)
