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Home Archives for The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby

September 23, 2014 By iluvcinema 2 Comments

ILC Quick Take: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them is the feature-film debut for director Ned Benson. Originally set up as two longer films, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her, respectively, the film stars Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy.

eleanorrigby

We open with the knowledge that something horrible has happened to disrupt the lives of Eleanor (Chastain) and Conor (McAvoy). As the story unfolds, it becomes very apparent that an unspeakable tragedy has fallen upon them, and despite at one time appearing deeply and passionately in love with one another. This is essentially the central question of the piece – can two people in love find their way back to one another as they make their way out of a dark place?

Ultimately, that is for the audience to decide, because the ending of The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is left very purposely ambiguous.

One of the USPs of the film, besides a stellar main and supporting cast that includes Viola Davis, William Hurt, Isabelle Huppert, Ciaran Hines, and Bill Hader – is the film’s origins. As previously mentioned, the film started its life as two separate films, Him and Her – the same story told uniquely from each member of the couple’s vantage point. In that way, I suppose it is an achievement to take two separate stories and mesh them into one cohesive narrative.

Alas, when all is revealed, I felt a little let down. Sure it’s a sad story, but maybe the level of expectation formed in my mind muddled by reception (as I imagined a totally different direction of the journey of their separation and the possible way back).

And then, again, that ending; I was fine with it, but also acutely aware that others in the audience were clearly not. If it was the aim of the film – to have people question and dialogue about what happens next, I am not sure it is a “mission accomplished.” There is ambiguity that leads to inquiry and debate and then there is that which leads to vexation and indifference. I feel that this may be leaning towards the latter.

So in the end, this is a film bolstered by the performances (an assemblage of amazing talent) and not by the story.

Out of five hearts, I give this one ILC heartILC heartILC heart .

Photo Credit: The Weinstein Company

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: james mc avoy, jessica chastain, ned benson, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, the disappearance of eleanor rigby ned benson jessica chastain james mcavoy

July 31, 2014 By iluvcinema Leave a Comment

Looking Ahead …

I am going to keep this one short and sweet. I am certain to see a lot more than this quick list I compiled, but just based on word of mouth and general interest, these are the films that I am most looking forward to as we hurdle towards the latter stages of the 2014 cinematic calendar.

2014 Movies Late Summer Fall

Interstellar – well just cuz Christopher Nolan and outer space.
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them – I really have no word for why I want to see this; I just do.
Frank – Looks a bit off beat and yes, … Fassbender sings!
The Two Faces of January – based on a Patricia Highsmith novel and starring Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst; the scenery looks absolutely lush.
Beyond the Lights – Is this a breakout year for Gugu Mbatha Raw? Anyone’s guess. But I am glad to see Gina Prince-Bythewood back on the big screen.
The Imitation Game – World War II espionage by way of Cumberbatch and Knightley. Matthew Goode and Charles Dance round out the cast.

So there you have it. Always good to have something to look forward to. Thoughts? Share below.

Filed Under: Coming Soon, Lists Tagged With: 2014 in films, beyond the lights, frank, interstellar, late summer fall films, Previews, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, The Imitation Game, the two faces of january

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