James Absolon explains how this Pope-themed film, despite its risky premise, works
Alex Pollard reviews Hollywood's biopic of the controversial Margaret Thatcher
Man on Wire (2008)
An Oscar® winning documentary about tight-rope walker extraordinaire Philippe Petit, who tight-rope walked between the Twin Towers in New York in 1974. The documentary footage from Petit's early days and expeditions, including stringing a rope between the towers of Notre Dame in Paris, add to the excellent interviews with all those involved. Petit still retains an almost childlike, but singularly infectious, enthusiasm for life. He sees beauty everywhere, and his descriptions and reminiscences are truly poetic.
The photographs of Petit as he walks between the towers of the World Trade Center are also astonishing, causing your nerves to fray as you realise how thin a barrier Petit's wire is to him falling to his death. These pictures conjour inevitable memories connected to 9/11, but sensibly no mention is made of the attacks as the film chooses to focus on Petit's achievement. But what is most affecting is seeing the consequences that came with such an extraordinary exploit, and the interviews become quite emotional towards the end. But one is left with a sense of appreciation for the human spirit, and the sense that the sky is the limit.
Whatever Works (2009)
Woody Allen returns to New York and teams up with fellow Jewish New Yorker Larry David for this comedy about mis-matched souls in Allen's home city. David plays Boris Yellnikoff, a misanthropic genius who finds young runaway Melodie (Evan Rachel Wood) on his doorstep and, uncharacteristically, invites her in.
At first this may seem like a familiar tale of grumpy old man having his heart melted by a pretty-but-dim young girl, but there's a lot more to this film than first meets the eye. Boris is our narrator, addressing us directly through the camera, telling us the story of his relationship with Melodie and the various people who float into their orbit, including Melodie's parents, Boris's friends and a handsome English actor.
Wood sparkles as Melodie, as she retains enough mettle to avoid making her a vulnerable and dim cliché. David does his usual schtick as socially compromised and cantankerous, but he manages to demonstrate a subtler, more human side at times, particularly in one poignant scene as he has coffee with Melodie. There is plenty of good comic support from the other actors, the highlight being Patricia Clarkson as Melodie's mother. Allen's love for New York seems to be unfailing, as his latest film seems to suggest that it is a magical place where anyone can find whatever works for them, no matter what it is.
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