Saturday, December 10, 2016

The Cold Man & the Sea: "Manchester by the Sea" is a Showcase of Brilliant Acting, Writing, & Direction

The brilliantly made “Manchester by the Sea” is one of those movies that seem to operate on a completely different plane of existence. It’s a film that seems so simple but is deceptively complex and emotionally rewarding. When you watch it you’re seeing truly great artists at work. The movie is an almost disturbing reflection of real life as we follow the main character through the process of losing a loved one and becoming close to someone he hardly knows. The film works so well because of its deliberately paced script and direction from the maestro Kenneth Lonergan. He’s set a new standard for impeccably executed domestic drama storytelling. And no amount of adjectives could do the film and the performances justice.

Casey Affleck is a revelation in the lead role as a sullen handyman forced to confront the tragedy and grief that has overcome him when he’s unexpectedly forced to be the legal guardian of his teenage nephew. We’re introduced to Lee Chandler (Affleck) as he goes about his boring and lonely life as a handyman and janitor. He shovels the snow from his apartment’s sidewalk and he unclogs tenants’ toilets almost in a Groundhog Day-like loop of mundanity. Then he gets the call. His bother Joe (played in flashbacks by Kyle Chandler) is in the hospital but he dies before Lee can make the long drive there. Lonergan deliberately shows all the steps people are forced to deal with after this happens: the paperwork, the meetings with doctors, seeing the deceased, telling family, making arrangements. It’s almost all too real. This however, isn’t the worst part of Lee’s life; as the script slowly reveals, in flashback form, other events that have happened to Lee before his brother’s untimely death.

Lonergan maintains as realistic approach as humanely possible. The stark realities of life and death are contrasted by the stark and cold New England landscape surrounding Lee and those around him. But the film as heavy as it is as times, isn’t nearly as depressing as some of these moments may suggest. Lee is flummoxed to find out that he’s been left in charge of his brother’s teenage son Patrick (Lucas Hedges). What follows is a beautifully budding relationship between uncle and nephew as they traverse the road of grief and loss. Affleck and Hedges play wonderfully off each other; it makes sense considering Hedges is like a teenaged clone of real life friend (and Manchester producer) Matt Damon. The film has enough lighthearted moments and comic relief to help us deal with the film’s tougher themes which is certainly welcomed.


“Manchester by the Sea” is simply terrific. A stand out among the end of the year Oscar rush that is definitely a must see, filled to the brim with standout performances and has a sharply written screenplay. It tells the type of story that shows just how difficult life can be and watching those dealing with the harsh realities. Expect an emotional cleansing of the best kind; it’s one of the best films of the year.  GRADE: A

Trailer for Manchester by the Sea on TrailerAddict.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

nike roshe run
nike trainers
ray ban sunglasses
replica watches
coach outlet online coach factory outlet
polo outlet stores
michael kors handbags
camisetas futbol baratas
michael kors handbags
cheap oakley sunglasses
20170322caihuali

Unknown said...

20170402 junda
http://www.cheapjordansonline.us.com
http://www.rolexwatchesforsale.in.net
http://www.omegawatches.me.uk
http://www.nikeair-max.me.uk
http://www.truereligionjeanssale.in.net
http://www.michaelkorsoutletstoresofficial.us.com
http://www.swarovskicrystaljewelry.us.com
http://www.pumaoutletonline.com
http://www.coachoutletclearanceonline.us.com
http://www.louis-vuittonoutletonlines.us.com

Unknown said...

20170402 junda
coach outlet online coach factory outlet
ray-ban sunglasses
ralph lauren
coach outlet clearance
mulberry handbags
yeezy boost
oakley sunglasses
ray ban sunglasses
giuseppe zanotti outlet
chrome hearts outlet

Unknown said...

nike store uk
cheap basketball shoes
nike outlet store
salvatore ferragamo
packers jerseys
true religion jeans
saints jerseys
michael kors handbags
nike huarache
browns jerseys
20170411

Unknown said...

nmd
tom ford eyewear
adidas tubular shadow
timberland outlet
nike polo
yeezy boost 350
nike roshe run
kobe shoes
kobe basketball shoes
retro jordans
20170721

Unknown said...

basketball shoes
adidas tubular x
lacoste outlet
nike air force 1
longchamp bags
adidas yeezy boost
lebron 13
chrome hearts outlet
adidas stan smith
kobe 11

raybanoutlet001 said...

coach outlet
pandora outlet
nike blazer
nike outlet
detroit lions jerseys
true religion outlet
seahawks jersey
new england patriots jerseys
ugg boots
ugg boots

adidas nmd said...

oakley sunglasses
oklahoma city thunder jerseys
uggs outlet
cheap jordans
cheap oakley sunglasses
cheap ray bans
cheap jordan shoes
cheap ray bans
coach handbags
nike store

jeje said...

pandora charms
asics shoes
christian louboutin
ralph lauren polo
nike clothing
mlb jerseys
ralph lauren polo
jordans
coach outlet
moncler outlet

Unknown said...

WWW1015
christian louboutin shoes
nike blazers
pandora charms
red bottom shoes
coach factory outlet
ralph lauren polo
air max 90
moncler outlet
adidas shoes
coach outlet

jjjjjjjjjjjjj said...

balenciaga triple s
off white
nike air max
links of london
nike huarache
hermes handbags
crazy explosive
nike flyknit
adidas yeezy boost
kate spade outlet

Unknown said...

michael kors outlet
nike epic react
crazy explosive
lebron shoes
michael kors handbags outlet
michael kors handbags
nike flyknit
nike lebron 16
nike roshe
fitflops sale clearance