Harriet (2019), Janelle Monae, Cynthia Erivo, Focus Features
From director and co-writer Kasi Lemmons, Harriet is a new historical drama based on the biography of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, Janelle Monáe and Joe Alwyn, the story focuses on Tubman’s escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad…
Based on this trailer, I can tell I’m going to appreciate the dialogue, inspiring heroism and love. I can’t wait to see Erivo deliver what looks like an awards worthy performance.
Clarke Peters, Tim Guinee, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Leslie Odom Jr., Tory Kittles, Deborah Ayorinde and Omar J. Dorsey also star.
Mary Queen Of Scots (2018), Margot Robbie, Focus Features
There are a number of things including the history lesson that made me want to watch Mary Queen Of Scots; the story of the troubled relationship between Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and her cousin Mary Stuart.
Considering that director Josie Rourke’s film is a costume drama, I’d hoped to see lots of sumptuous clothing design, in addition to very well written dialogue delivered by great actors. The film’s trailer even had me expecting something not too far from as epic as director Shekhar Kapur and Cate Blanchett’s Elizabeth (1998).Unfortunately for me, things didn’t quite transpire that way.
Starring Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, Joe Alwyn and Guy Pearce, there certainly were a handful of well designed costumes to enjoy. Yet it’s the few moments of beautiful visuals – especially outdoor cinematography that proved most arresting for me. Even more so than the dialogue and general story editing which I have to admit had me less engaged and interested than I envisioned I’d be.
Mary Queen Of Scots (2018), Saoirse Ronan, Focus Features
It’s likely that in addition to finding the story more dull than anticipated, my interest also started to diminish in part because of how distressing sitting through the sexism and misogyny proved to be.
Just like my recent review of On The Basis of Sex (2018), another historical drama, it’s the part near the very end that I liked most about Mary Queen Of Scots. Meaning, everything from the moment the two royals finally meet. Actually, even with that said, I still choose the few visually arresting moments over the dialogue and this telling of the Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart story.
Watch Mary Queen Of Scots if you absolutely must. As for myself, I think it’s time I re-watched the great Elizabeth (1998).
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016), Joe Alwyn.
Based on the book by Ben Fountain and starring Joe Alwyn, Vin Diesel plus Kristen Stewart, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk is the latest movie from truly great director, Ang Lee (Life Of Pi (2012), Brokeback Mountain (2005)…
I’m most looking forward to seeing the smart way in which this story comes to life, the way that it shows the realities of war compared with America’s perceptions. I wonder if my favourite war movie will still be The Hurt Locker (2008) after this.
Garrett Hedlund, Chris Tucker and Steve Martin also star.
