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Some directors never miss. With "The Shawshank
Redemption" and "The Green Mile" under his list
of crudentials, director Frank Darabont is one of the most
successful and critically acclaimed filmmakers of the past
decade. "The Majestic" adds to his superb list
of films and could be his best yet. Comparisons could be
and should be made to directors like Frank Capra and Victor
Fleming--there are some scenes in this film that are so
breathtakingly beautiful. So, without beating around the
bush any longer, "The Majestic" is terrific and one
of the best films of the year.
Jim
Carrey stars as Peter Appleton, a blacklisted screenwriter
during the 1951 McCarthy era, who loses his memory after a car
accident. He stumbles into a small town, only to realize
that the townspeople mistake him for one of their own, a young
man named Luke who was killed in the war--but, since he has
amnesia, Carrey doesn't know who he is. The film focuses
on Carrey's coming to terms with who he is and hints on the
decision he might make if he discovers who he really is.
Carrey is sensational in another wonderful performance,
bringing a Jimmy Stewart quality to the film. In
fact, there are some scenes highly reminiscent of "It's A
Wonderful Life". The scene where Carrey and Laurie
Holden are on the lighthouse is unbelievably beautiful, the
sky a steady color of pink and yellow.
"The Majestic" should definitely be nominated for
some Oscars, four in particular: (1) Best Picture--The
message is patriotic and comes at the perfect time for
Americans, (2) Best Director--It's about time the Academy
recognized Darabont as a genius, (3) Best Actor--Jim Carrey is
outstanding as a man coming to terms with his individuality,
and most importantly (4) Best Supporting Actor--Martin Landau
gives a tour de force performance as the father of Luke, the
young man killed in the war. As he did in "Ed
Wood", Landau transcends so many layers of emotion and
pulls out another cinematic miracle.
I
laughed in this film, I cried in this film, and I could even
feel this warm, heavy feeling in my chest which I could only
describe as patriotism. The scenes with Carrey before
McCarthy and his goons are indescribable and reminded me of
the same type of scenes in "Quiz Show". Frank
Darabont is a master filmmaker, and deserves to be treated as
such. If "The Majestic" does not win several
Golden Globes and Oscars, I will be disappointed and will
write strong, angry letters to the Academy, demanding answers
for such a travesty. Will this film go down as an
American classic? It should. Will Martin Landau
win the Oscar he deserves? He might. Will anyone
watch this film in theaters more than once? I sure will.
And you should do.
-- Mike
( 4 out of 4 pops )
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