Bella and One More: At the Movies

Bella, which I wrote about earlier this week, opened this weekend, predictably to mixed reviews. Some want to find it too, what's the word, oh preachy, but I can't see that. I've thought about this comment and compare it to so many other movies with messages over the years that are well-respected and most of them have their moments whent the Point is made, or several of them. So here's what Roger Ebert had to say, if you're interested. I'd say at least take a look. Final thought: on its own terms it won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.

I also note another movie, an oldie, from the Criterion Collection, Ace in the Hole starring Kirk Douglas. Like me you're probably sick and tired of the media circuses and feeding frenzies over whatever happens to become a fashionable celebrity or news event, fanned into national or international prominence. In this film you'll get look at a circus springing up in the middle of nowhere in New Mexico when a man gets trapped underground in a cave-in. Douglas milks the story and risks the man's life. I like the portrayal, as brief as it is, of religion in the film. And speaking of messages in movies, this doesn't always dance subtly around, with it's Tell the Truth sign in the newspaper office.

Well, so what? If it's religion, faith, virtue, pro-life, it has to be done oh so quietly, subtly, whispering-soft, and the slightest bit of "can't miss this clarity" disbars the film from being 'serious'; but if it's a celebrity-sanctioned cause or PC virtue, no holds barred. Anyway, Kirk Douglas is anything but subtle in Ace, which, by the way, was directed by Billy Wilder.

Finally, another film, Juno, due out in February 2008, is also about an unwanted pregnancy. I can't recommend it, not having seen it, but note it simply because it deals with the topic.