March 20th Log

COME EARLY MORNING
2006, Joey Lauren Adams, United States
1st Viewing, DVD

Come Early Morning is very familiar territory yet the film manages to be a highly engaging one. Mostly this is because of the terrific performances, highlighted by the underrated Ashley Judd. Judd has always been a favorite of mine, but she has never really lived up to the potential of her incredible lead performance in the underseen 1993 gem Ruby Paradise. I’d say Judd gave one of the great careen performances of the decade in Ruby Paradise but unfortunately she has never really been given a quality lead role since. Until now, Judd shows what she can do when given a character to work with, as she again proves here under the compassionate direction of actress turned debut writer-director Joey Lauren Adams. Adams shows some real trust in the actors and the performances give this film its charm. While there is nothing inventive about the writing of the film, Adams seems to be telling a story that is both personal and caring. Aiding both Adams direction and the performances is the beautiful photography. If ever you need a cinematographer to create a mood of a southern town, Tim Orr (who is the collaborator on all the David Gordon Green films) always makes a great choice. Adams has made a strong debut and has finally given Judd the depth of a role that she can really excel with. Hopefully we will see more of Judd as well as more of Adams as a director.



WOMAN IN THE DUNES
1964, Hiroshi Teshigahara, Japan
Repeat Viewing, DVD

Hiroshi Teshigahara's Woman in the Dunes is one of the most unique films ever made. It's a poetic, beautifully shot, erotic, haunting examination of existence and identity. Really the film is unlike any other. The photography is absolutely stunning. Deep, deep focus (the sand!!), rich details, and elegant eroticism create an atmosphere of claustrophobia and sexual undertone. Woman in the Dunes looks, feels, and moves like a strange and beautiful dream. The questionof existence and it's meaning or what's needed to truly "exist" are oddly and eerily questioned throughout. Simply put, The Woman in the Dunes is a stunning film of curiosity. It's poetic power and mysteries will captivate and intrigue. This is as unique as artistic cinema gets, and remains a must see for anyone interested in the art form.