Hugo

Last night was a typical quiet Wednesday evening in Brattleboro. Cold and clear, with the local restaurants full of folks looking for a little mid-winter warmth and company. Stephen and I decided to go to FireWorks for a quick bite to eat, and then go to the early show at the Latchis Theatre (no, not theater). As we sat at our table enjoying our meals, there were friends and acquaintances at every table, chatting, laughing, digging into pizzas. It is a comfort to know your neighbors and to feel known. As we were finishing our daughter arrived with two of her buddies. It was a nice surprise and made me not want to leave for our movie, but I am so glad that we did.

Hugo was such an unexpected delight. Ever since my early 20's, having read Robertson Davies, The Deptford Trilogy, I have had a love affair with automatons. Hugo provided me with a very entertaining automaton, one of many magical visions created in this movie. The screen seemed to glow with a golden hue as cogs and wheels whirred against the backdrop of Paris and the Gare du Nord of the 1920's. 

The camera work in this film was a revelation. Who knew that these visions could be possible? I think that I am often unaware of what a camera is doing in a movie as it records the story in front of me. I felt that the camera was another character in this movie. It was used so masterfully, so cleverly utilized, that as a viewer I was able to "see into" the mind of the characters, understand the place, feel the excitement, as I think I may have done as a child. I found myself laughing, gripping my husband's arm, and was transported into this unforgettable setting.

The actors were each archtypes of hope, despair, love, innocence, hopelessness, right and might gone wrong. We were given the chance to see change and redemption, against the backdrop of a fantastical storyline, where everyone matters and all will be revealed. All of the actors were well formed, but I loved Sascha Barron Cohen's gendarme the best. He was so human. Very funny and struggling and mean spirited and narrow minded as all of us can, at times, be.

I left the theater satisfied, happy and amazed. What more could I have asked for? I'm so glad I saw it in the theater and didn't wait for On-Demand. It would have been a poor second to seeing Hugo on the big screen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

xmas 2011

We spent yesterday rushing from one party to the next. Love people. Parties...loud...can't hear...red wine on my shoes...not my idea of a great night. The last party we went to was a room of 30-40 year old young adults. White prosperous, self-assured and full of the promises that life gives them. Professionals and long time residents of an insular and self obsessed society. It was a fundraiser for those less fortunate. Lawyers and NYC escapees were the primary attendees. The wives were lovely, well dressed and athletic. This was clearly their night. Dressed in shimmery silks and cashmere. Hair cut and dyed for the holidays, many were there with the promise that all is well. There were a few of us over 50 and invited to round out the group. Several men, older and well oiled, clumped by the bar, talking about their sports cliques and exercise regimes. Happy with their portfolios, ready to face the grandkids and take their three week vacation in February. Okay. It is true. The cynici...
Read more

The Owl Comes to Us

Last week, after many months of struggle and enduring the pain and hardship of illness, Judy Marz died. We spoke about what the Spring would bring not that long before. And Spring is still about to arrive, whatever happens to us all, but without Judy. She brought me into a world that is about possibilities and love. We all gathered to her as she labored toward her next destination. Her oldest friends were there along with me, among her newest friends.
Read more

Neighborhood Doings

I have no idea why the mockingbird sings, but I'm going to go out on the limb with that bird and say that I think they're crazy birds. They're going great guns, creating their wacky symphony of sound at 3am...at 6am...at8pm! The small grey bird that has set up a home at the corner of our patch (in the spindly Scotch pine) has determination. And there was a moment...when I thought... yes, I could kill a mockingbird. That's not to say that I don't appreciate their amazing range. His song is so varied that sometimes I am only sure it's him because of the tone of his song. (Can you say tone of voice about a bird?) The song is sure and clear. Enthusiastic is how I can best describe this little guy. But I'm tired! The mockingbird isn't the only creature competing for attention in our little neighborhood. We have the dog next door, a sweet and gentle pup who spends most of her time outside on a chain. Everything makes her excited. Everything. She barks with j...
Read more