by John Zenoni
I saw an excellent film tonight that critics are calling a 'modern masterpiece' and justifiably so. The only way I can explain it is that there are films or movies and then there is cinema. To put it another way, there is moviemaking and then there is art.
"Manchester by the Sea" is definitely a work of art for many reasons. This is a gut-wrenching film that encompasses everything - great directing, scenery that is just beautiful, a storyline that is believable and captures you and pulls you in and, oddly enough, humor as well.
But what I really find amazing about the film is that of the performance by Casey Affleck. Every once in a while an actor delivers a performance that is just enthralling and makes you feel everything seen on screen. In the most recent times a few actors bring this to mind - Idris Elba in "Beasts of No Nations", Lupita Nyong'o in "12 Years a Slave", Charlize Theron in "Monster" and Heath Ledger in both "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Dark Knight." I am sure there are others but those are the ones most recently come to mind. Casey Affleck is the latest to give his all and he gives a performance that is both funny, touching and sad all at once. There is a part of the storyline that I cannot mention as it would give away too much but what he does and goes through is achingly difficult and explains his behavior.
All of the other performances in the film are great as well and I cannot imagine the Academy not bestowing many Oscar nominations on this film. I know many will find it slow and perhaps boring - as there is no fast paced action in it - but every once in a while it is nice to put away the 'popcorn fluff' and watch a grown up film. Excellent - A!
Originally Posted 12/22/16
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