Films carry strong storylines
By Rama Gaind
MARKING his first film role since his Academy Award-winning ‘Million Dollar Baby’, Clint Eastwood directs and stars in ‘Gran Torino’ and again comes out a winner.
As a recently widowed Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski is an unyielding, unapologetic racist who is (eventually) forced to confront his prejudices by new immigrant neighbours.
Kowalski is not shy when it comes to pulling out his Colt .45 or Army-issue M-1 Garand when the need arises. Eventually, his actions become more humane.
‘Gran Torino’ is about two things: nurturing a man’s better nature and accepting other nationalities in the community.
It can’t be helped, but Kowalski is drawn into the life of his neighbours, particularly Thao (Bee Vang), a teenage boy who is pressured to steal the prized Ford Gran Torino by a local Hmong gang.
He also likes Thao’s sister Sue (Ahney Her) who is not afraid to stand up for herself.
The film begins slowly, but when it picks up it is reminiscent of a Dirty Harry action film (in very slow motion) mingled with some ‘Unforgiven’-style of dialogue.
Clint proves that at 78, age is no barrier to achieving excellence.
ANOTHER movie worth watching is ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’.
Adapted by director David Fincher from a 1922 short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Brad Pitt in the title role is seen ageing in reverse.
Button is an osteophytic infant, an orphan, born 80 years old who grows younger instead of older.
If you get a sense of ‘Forrest Gump’ déjà vu don’t be alarmed. It’s not surprising as Eric Roth – who wrote the screenplay for that film – co-wrote Button’s adaptation.
Fincher (‘Se7en’) paints a creative, flourishing picture where together with Pitt, even Cate Blanchett gives a strong performance as Button’s life-long love interest.
