The Writer's Life 5/2 - Voices

I force myself to watch certain works not because they’re entertaining but because they're good for you. I especially did this early in my writing career, and mistakenly sniffed at commercial works, as if they were beneath me. I've since seen the error of my ways and have come to respect those with a gift for mass appeal, although sometimes it is grudging. Another Year (2010), whch I saw last night courtesy of Netflix, is a work that challenges viewers. It was directed by Brit Mike Leigh, who has specialized in such films. This one is a portrait of happiness vs. unhappiness. Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen play a happily married couple in their sixties who frequently host a circle of friends and family. Those who are their age, and their nephew, are decidedly unhappy. The fate of their 30-year-old son and his girlfriend is open. The film is divided into four parts representing the seasons. Some scenes challenge the viewer’s comfort level. The situations are frank, real, grounded. Broadbent, one of the world’s great actors, has an uncanny naturalness. His performance is first rate, as are those of all the players, who have extensive credits. But the production belongs to Lesley Manville as the desperate Mary. Her portrayal is as good as acting gets. Fittingly, Leigh chose to close with the camera focused on her for several seconds, allowing speculation on her future, which is likely very sad. This is not a film to be enjoyed but to be appreciated. It is geared to those who regularly ponder the bittersweet mystery of life. 21,000+ users at IMDb have rated it, forging to a consensus of 7.3 of ten, impressive for a downbeat work that has no plot. I agree. It runs a shade over two hours. Anyone who lacks patience for explorations of every day life should steer clear. There are two Leigh works I enjoyed more than this: Secrets and Lies (1996), the great Brenda Blethyn’s breakout performance, and Topsy-Turvy, which is about Gilbert and Sullivan working on The Mikado, and is actually more like a Hollywood movie, or as close as Leigh will ever get to one.


RIP Ben E. King, 76, one of the iconic voices of the baby boom generation. His work as a solo artist has stood the test of time, especially Stand By Me and, to a lesser degree, Spanish Harlem. He also had a great run as the lead singer of The Drifters, belting out such hits as There Goes My Baby, Save the Last Dance for Me, and This Magic Moment. Well done, sir. Thank you.


My thanks to the kind folks who bought books on Bay Parkway today, especially the young Russian man whose bike I kept an eye while he used the ATM. He picked out three books in his native tongue and handed me a fifty, which I couldn't break. "I buy Red Bull and come back," he said, which was awfully nice of him. I had another extra-pleasing moment when a dark-haired beauty bought a work of non-fiction titled Soulmates. She kept referring to me as "Baby." When I asked if she was looking for a soulmate or had already found one, she said: "Found him, but I wanna read up on it."

Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/