I am not a scientist, I have no scientific bent. Nor have I ever studied the odd couple pairing of Einstein and Eddington. I simply have the greatest of respect for David Tennant as an actor, and so watched this film with an eye to Mr Tennant's performance. However, my expectations were more than met with this tribute to an early 19th century event, which changed the course of science as it had been known before. Evidently, Einstein, a German born scientist with 'crazy' ideas, had moved to Switzerland to marry and raise a family, while Arthur Eddington, a gay, Quaker, pacifist, was just finishing up his years at Cambridge. Lauded as an heir to Sir Isaac Newton, Mr. Eddington had a seat at Cambridge, despite his being a pacifist, much frowned on by the many Lords and gentlemen who had donated a son to the 1st World War. Especially as the battle of Ypres raged, and 15,000 were lost to chlorine gas, Mr. Eddington's passivity rubbed raw the sensibilities of a nation against Germany in particular. Meanwhile, Einstein had been lured to Berlin, in hopes that his theories would provide war capable weapons. As it happened, Einstein was against the war, and did not wish that his theories be used as weapons. And so, given his 'relinquishment' of his German residency, as a 'Citizen of the World', his life was reigned in by the German powers, and he became unable to have a voice in his community, be it scientific or personal. And of course, during World War 11, he was excoriated as a Jew, and barely fled with his life. The US wanted his knowledge, and of course, eventually, the atomic bomb was invented, based on his theory of relativity. But that was many years after this moment in time. Arthur Eddington discovered a variation in the known elipse of Mercury, and with the help of a German family he had rescued from a violent English protest, sent a translated letter to Einstein explaining his new theory. Einstein was unable to answer him, due to the German soldiers denying his entrance to his only post box. However, Eddington and his scientific companion convinced Cambridge University to pay for a trip to Africa, in order to prove a new theory on the relationship of the stars to the sun, during a total eclipse. Einstein, of course, went on to incredible fame and notoriety. Eddington, however, did not pursue fame, and faded into obscurity. This is a wonderful film, and trust me - you needn't know science to understand what this adventure is all about. Enjoy!
Reviews
7 Reviews
Caught in a Trap
(2008 TV Movie)
You'll Never Walk Alone ... eventually
5 June 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This is a sweet little 'made for TV' feature, based on a true story, about a young woman, unable to connect with the people around her. After losing her mother at a young age, her father remarries, and Gemma feels alone. Obsessing on her youthful crush on Elvis Presley and his music, she grows up to be a meter maid for the Council. Mousey and shy, she never clicks with the other office staff, and avoids becoming close to anyone. Hearing a busker playing an Elvis song as she returns from collecting the meter coins, she impulsively takes a 1 pound coin from the takings, and throws it into his guitar case. Back at the office, she fiddles the figures to show the take down by the 1 pound, and begins a note book, posting the 1 pound she means to return to the council. But it's a slippery slope, and as the days pass, she begins to use more and more of the coins to collect Elvis memorabilia, hiding it in the family attic. The story of Gemma, lonely and withdrawn, is well portrayed by the lead actress, and the other cast members, notably the actor portraying the father, are believable and sympathetic. I enjoyed this 'slice of life', this peek into the minds and hearts of the people next door. They could be your neighbours; you may have passed similar people on your way to work, and never noticed or cared that they existed. When the theft is inevitably discovered, Germma's task is to learn and grow from her experience, and to learn to not be afraid of reaching out for the companionship she craves.
Real Time
(2008)
Just what is "lucky"?
16 May 2009
I met Randy Quaid many years ago, when I was bartending at a bar in Toronto. I was surprised to see how very tall he was, and felt a little nervous around someone with so much physical presence. Truth is, he's a pussycat. But not in this film! Mr Quaid's presence is massive, and I mean that in the best way. His laconic Aussie is frightening from his first entry into this two-hander, and he ably sustains that looming, brooding character right through to the end of the film. Along with Jay Baruchel, another terrific actor born to play this role, the pressure begins with our initial encounter of hit-man and loser, and never lets up. I have to say that I'm glad that I saw this film, and the level of acting showcased - with major props to Jayne Eastwood, a Canadian acting legend, whom I've followed for decades - should be mandatory viewing for aspiring actors/actresses who want to see what a great actor can do with a great role, and the right acting chops. As an aside, the soundtrack of mainly Canadian musical stars of the 70's adds a melancholy, nostalgic feel to the experience. Amongst the musicians showcased are the Jive Five ("What Time is It?"); Abraham's Children ("Goodbye, Farewell"); LightHouse ("One Fine Morning); The Stampeders ("Sweet City Woman"); Chilliwack ("Fly by Night"); Trooper ("Two for the Show"); and The Tragically Hip ("Scared"). Also used to great effect are Nilssen's ("Without You") and a taste of Erik Satie's "Gymnopedies #1". This film will make you think. It may make you reconsider what 'luck' is. And it may make you see your world a little differently than it looked at the beginning of the day. To quote Ruben's character (Quaid); "Actually walking away at the right moment - how often do we do that?"
Hunger
(2008)
Brilliantly conflicted yet beautifully done
10 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I come to this film from so many different angles. I had a sister who had Lupus so badly that she resembled a concentration camp victim. I have a British/Irish background; I have a daughter and son-in-law who are RCMP; I was married to a man from Belfast for long enough to hear about the terrors he and his friends and family endured on a daily basis, and to understand every word spoken without problem. I've read enough novels, and seen enough films about the 'Troubles' to write a book myself, and as someone who has seen most of Brendan Behan's theatrical work, and studied acting, I can also see this film from a purely theatrical stance, and can say that there are some moments - well, at least 20 minutes of a two-hander - that are literally amongst the best moments I've ever seen in acting.
However, as a human being who's lived long enough to see the frailty of human politics, and watched enough people die for no reason beyond a fleeting moment of love or political causes, I have to say that I cannot condone Bobby Sand's decision to suicide/martyr himself for a cause that carries on decades past it's time. Politics is of the moment; history goes to the victor. I do understand fully the causes and roots of the conflict, however I cannot see a reason to martyr oneself to a war that, although horrendous and politically extreme, is but a flea speck in the history of man's inhumanity to man.
Where there is life, there is hope. By taking away his own life, and causing the suicide of others in a grand scheme to emphasize the war in Belfast, Bobby Sands took away the possibility of HOPE to his fellow sufferers.
I saw the inhumanity of the Maze, and I agree with other writers that it should be addressed, as have been the atrocities of Abu Graib, but that does not condone the pain and heartache that suicide leaves to those left behind. Even when Sands is told of the pain this path will leave to his son, he chooses to continue his quest. As a survivor of both natural death and suicide, I must say that suicide remains with you far longer. You never really get over a family suicide, regardless of the cause.
A brilliant move, brilliantly filmed, brilliantly acted. I give it 10 out of 10 for the presentation.
However, I give it 0 out of 10 for the legacy it leaves behind for other suicides/martyrs who may find this film a reason to leave this planet without regard to whom they've left behind.
However, as a human being who's lived long enough to see the frailty of human politics, and watched enough people die for no reason beyond a fleeting moment of love or political causes, I have to say that I cannot condone Bobby Sand's decision to suicide/martyr himself for a cause that carries on decades past it's time. Politics is of the moment; history goes to the victor. I do understand fully the causes and roots of the conflict, however I cannot see a reason to martyr oneself to a war that, although horrendous and politically extreme, is but a flea speck in the history of man's inhumanity to man.
Where there is life, there is hope. By taking away his own life, and causing the suicide of others in a grand scheme to emphasize the war in Belfast, Bobby Sands took away the possibility of HOPE to his fellow sufferers.
I saw the inhumanity of the Maze, and I agree with other writers that it should be addressed, as have been the atrocities of Abu Graib, but that does not condone the pain and heartache that suicide leaves to those left behind. Even when Sands is told of the pain this path will leave to his son, he chooses to continue his quest. As a survivor of both natural death and suicide, I must say that suicide remains with you far longer. You never really get over a family suicide, regardless of the cause.
A brilliant move, brilliantly filmed, brilliantly acted. I give it 10 out of 10 for the presentation.
However, I give it 0 out of 10 for the legacy it leaves behind for other suicides/martyrs who may find this film a reason to leave this planet without regard to whom they've left behind.
Mom's on Strike
(2002 TV Movie)
Don't Try This At Home!
21 February 2004
Comes a time when every mother on the planet feels the way this mum does. Maybe it will happen when your kids become teenagers, or maybe your husband will finally push your last button as you try to accomplish all the tasks a woman, wife and mother needs to get through on any given day. The lack of respect for the everyday grind will get to you, and you'll briefly consider going on strike. When that day comes, do not - repeat - DO NOT take this movie as Gospel! It's Disney, folks. The First Lady will not come to your house to bail you out.
Instead, it's likely your children will turn into worse monsters than previous, and your husband will go through the seven stages of denial. You will be ridiculed, detested, and guilted out until you feel worse than you did before your strike, and you'll work twice as hard as you did before in an effort to get back into your family's good books. Trust me. I tried it.
The bottom line is that womens work is not appreciated, has never been appreciated, and will probably never be adequately appreciated. Some strides have been made, but in a society that values payment for service over quality of life, housework and mothering will forever hold the lowest place of regard.
That being said - it's Disney, so there's a moral, and an eventual improvement in the movie family's attitude towards the parents. And there are some funny moments that any houseperson can relate to. The point is driven home that help and respect are simple requests and qualities that every family needs to embrace.
This is a cute little movie that parents should encourage their children to see, since there is a slim chance that a child may take away at least some appreciation for the actual labor involved in managing a home and family. Between the snickers. But I wouldn't encourage any woman to play out the scenario in real life, since at best, they'll wind up more guilty and discouraged than before, and at worst, could put themselves in real danger of emotional or physical abuse.
Instead, it's likely your children will turn into worse monsters than previous, and your husband will go through the seven stages of denial. You will be ridiculed, detested, and guilted out until you feel worse than you did before your strike, and you'll work twice as hard as you did before in an effort to get back into your family's good books. Trust me. I tried it.
The bottom line is that womens work is not appreciated, has never been appreciated, and will probably never be adequately appreciated. Some strides have been made, but in a society that values payment for service over quality of life, housework and mothering will forever hold the lowest place of regard.
That being said - it's Disney, so there's a moral, and an eventual improvement in the movie family's attitude towards the parents. And there are some funny moments that any houseperson can relate to. The point is driven home that help and respect are simple requests and qualities that every family needs to embrace.
This is a cute little movie that parents should encourage their children to see, since there is a slim chance that a child may take away at least some appreciation for the actual labor involved in managing a home and family. Between the snickers. But I wouldn't encourage any woman to play out the scenario in real life, since at best, they'll wind up more guilty and discouraged than before, and at worst, could put themselves in real danger of emotional or physical abuse.
The Luck of Ginger Coffey
(1964)
Beautiful Dangerous Vision of a Canadian Immigrant's Dream
20 December 2003
When this film first appeared in 1964 I was a child of 11, newly arrived in Montreal myself from the (then) small city of Edmonton Alberta. Montreal was the 'big cosmopolitan city' , where men were men, and women were goddesses. And so they were. Even I, a small gorfy kid, got my first wolf whistle on those very streets before I was 13.
I wanted to see this vision of that time, even if in black and white, because my Montreal included only b&w TV at that time, even though Montreal was a collage of colors, snow & more snow. And this film IS my Montreal, complete with bilingual signs, belching buses and the beginnings of the English/French conflict that would eventually send me fleeing to English Toronto.
Within my own family, there were Irish, English, Polish immigrants and more - my father was French Albertan, my mother Quebec English - truly Canadian, we epitomized the Silent Revolution. Clinging to my Irish/English background, I understood the prejudices immigrants knew.
Robert Shaw is brilliant as Ginger. He is the quintessential immigrant convinced that life in Canada will be the bright future he deserves. His wife, Vera (Mary Ure) is the terrified woman who has followed her husband's dream, but longs for home. His daughter Paulie is me - scared and defiant in a new world.
Ginger can't find a good job' he's hampered by the lack of a proper college degree since he ran away to War instead of finishing school. He also believes that his age and experience qualify him beyond a training position, as he feels he's quite capable of positions above his actual education and experience. He may be right, but his employers disagree. In the one instance where his natural instincts and intelligence unite to shove him above the average, he's too particular to even see that he's found his own niche.
The story of one man's struggle in the New World is not unique; Brian Moore's belief in the essential optimism of the Irish character lifts this small tragedy to a greater good. Despite the apparent spiral into despair and alcoholism, the ending suggests that there is hope, that Ginger and Vera will persevere, and that Ginger's inherent belief that "Life is in the Living" will pull all of them through this struggle to a future that may not be of their dreams, but will be sufficient to take them to a better world than they could have hoped for in Dublin.
Ginger Coffey's story is not a tragedy, it is a monument to the people who came to Canada and the US to raise the bar for those lucky enough to be born in these countries. It's a lesson for all of us who take our birthright for granted, who will never understand what it's like to be a "Stranger in a New Land".
If you are lucky enough to see this film, most likely on television, take a moment to remember the time, and the circumstances, before political correctness allowed every Canadian and American, born or newcomer, to a piece of the pie we call the North American Dream.
I wanted to see this vision of that time, even if in black and white, because my Montreal included only b&w TV at that time, even though Montreal was a collage of colors, snow & more snow. And this film IS my Montreal, complete with bilingual signs, belching buses and the beginnings of the English/French conflict that would eventually send me fleeing to English Toronto.
Within my own family, there were Irish, English, Polish immigrants and more - my father was French Albertan, my mother Quebec English - truly Canadian, we epitomized the Silent Revolution. Clinging to my Irish/English background, I understood the prejudices immigrants knew.
Robert Shaw is brilliant as Ginger. He is the quintessential immigrant convinced that life in Canada will be the bright future he deserves. His wife, Vera (Mary Ure) is the terrified woman who has followed her husband's dream, but longs for home. His daughter Paulie is me - scared and defiant in a new world.
Ginger can't find a good job' he's hampered by the lack of a proper college degree since he ran away to War instead of finishing school. He also believes that his age and experience qualify him beyond a training position, as he feels he's quite capable of positions above his actual education and experience. He may be right, but his employers disagree. In the one instance where his natural instincts and intelligence unite to shove him above the average, he's too particular to even see that he's found his own niche.
The story of one man's struggle in the New World is not unique; Brian Moore's belief in the essential optimism of the Irish character lifts this small tragedy to a greater good. Despite the apparent spiral into despair and alcoholism, the ending suggests that there is hope, that Ginger and Vera will persevere, and that Ginger's inherent belief that "Life is in the Living" will pull all of them through this struggle to a future that may not be of their dreams, but will be sufficient to take them to a better world than they could have hoped for in Dublin.
Ginger Coffey's story is not a tragedy, it is a monument to the people who came to Canada and the US to raise the bar for those lucky enough to be born in these countries. It's a lesson for all of us who take our birthright for granted, who will never understand what it's like to be a "Stranger in a New Land".
If you are lucky enough to see this film, most likely on television, take a moment to remember the time, and the circumstances, before political correctness allowed every Canadian and American, born or newcomer, to a piece of the pie we call the North American Dream.
The Christmas Star
(1986)
Superb dark drama Classic Xmas tear jerker
3 December 2003
What a wonderful little film! I've just seen this on the Family network, and I only wish I'd had the foresight to throw a tape in the VCR, because this film is sadly out of print. I sell rare videos, and if this one ever comes into my paws, I'll be keeping it! Just a wonderful film you'd like your children and grandchildren to see. Ed Asner steps inside and out of his Mary Tyler Moore character,and turns it inside out to create a gruff, loveable Santa. The child actors are suberb, and heartbreakingly beautiful. The bad guy gets 'Scrooged' in the end, in time to brighten everyone's life, and even the dog that get's offed returns in a new and brighter form. This film will make any viewer feel a little better, no matter how jaundiced, and in my cynical case, bring a tear to your eye. Lovely rarity, if you have the chance to see this film, turn off the phone and seep yourself in wonderful acting, a fun story, and a return to the Christmases of Yore!
Tell Your Friends