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Mystic Masseur; photo of Ayesha Dharker
courtesy of Columbia Tristar Home Video
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"Ismail Merchant Makes Important Movies"
Recently I had a chance to talk by phone with Ismail Merchant. It was quite an honor for me to speak with him as he is the man who partnered with James Ivory to bring us "Room With A View," "A Passage To India," "Howard's End," and "Jefferson In Paris" among others. This week Merchant's film "The Mystic Masseur" is available in video and DVD format.
Merchant is also the author of MY PASSAGE FROM INDIA, his biography which tells the amazing story of his life. Like the main character in "The Mystic Masseur" Ismail's success has been a combination of talent and luck.
"The Mystic Masseur" is the story of a man who starts out as an author in Trinidad and ends up a politician. The comic element as well as some dramatic ones are shown in the story. Merchant feels the balance of styles in the story makes for an entertaining film.
This tale of an Indian in Trinidad will not appeal to everyone but the movie does have all the Merchant Ivory markings such as a wealth of talented actors and a professional look to the story. One of India's best actors, and a Merchant Ivory favorite, is Om Puri. He has a featured role in the film as the "masseur's" eccentric father-in-law.
"City By the Sea" is a movie inspired by true events. It tells the story of a cop (Robert DeNiro) who had a father who was a criminal. Now his son is headed in that direction and DeNiro's character is desperate to save him from that type of life.
This is a movie to watch primarily for the strength of Franco's performance as the rebellious son. Since he played James Dean in a biopic of his life, it is hard to see him in anything and not think of Dean. The talent is similar and so is the charm.
Eliza Dushku is also good as Franco's girlfriend. She has an earthy type of charm that grabs your attention from the start. DeNiro couldn't be bad in a role if he tried. McDormand is a good actress but she has the token girlfriend part.
Vin Diesel is one of the hottest actors in Hollywood these days. Barry Pepper is a solid actor who has been very good in movies like "The 25th Hour." Seth Green made his mark by playing "Dr. Evil's Son" in the Austin Powers movies. These three guys play second generation mobsters in the movie "Knockaround Guys."
The senior actors include Dennis Hopper and John Malkovich. These are two strong performers so that makes for a full cast of good guys. It's a pity the movie isn't a better vehicle for them. It is all about the sons of mobsters losing some loot in a midwestern town and then trying to get it back. Ho hum, the movie isn't up to the talent involved.
Still "Knockaround Guys" is better than "The Weight of Water," a movie based on Anita Shreve's murder mystery. Sean Penn is the star of this movie and he never gives anything to his role. Even the sexy Elizabeth Hurley can't make him seem human and approachable.
The story by Anita Shreve is complex and takes place between two different times. Somehow the cast, except for Catherine Keener, just can't make the bridge of eras effective. If you have the time to really study the film you might get more out of it than will the casual viewer.
If you really just want to give your mind a rest, watch the entertaining but mindless "Robocop: Dark Justice." This one even features the son of "Robocop." Page Fletcher plays the half man/half machine and he is mechanical. But who cares in this kind of movie. It is just escapist entertainment and it does that okay.
Still you kind of long for the days when the original "Robocop" was a well made, well acted movie. Where is Miguel Ferrer when you need him?
For reality you can rent or purchase "The Osbournes: The First Year." This one has all the first year segments of "The Osbournes" in an uncensored format. Now you can hear all that was bleeped out. But do you really want to? Plus there are commentaries by the members of the family - except for that unknown, unseen sister.
For more reality you can watch "Texas: 30 Odd Foot of Grunts." That is the name of Russell Crowe's band and this film is a documentary/concert film about their tour. Who knew the "Gladiator" was a musician underneath all that bratty charm.
Finally for the kids we have Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Musical World." This new B&B showcases the voice of Paige O'Hara as she performs a few new songs as Belle. Kids will love it and parents will too. |
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©2003 Jackie K. Cooper |
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