Charlie Wilson’s War

What kind of film would you expect from the writing of Aaron Sorkin and the direction of Mike Nichols? A smart, witty and entertaining film that challenges conventional wisdom and pokes fun at the establishment. How this film only received one Oscar nomination is beyond me. It was quite clearly one of the best films of 2007. The acting is superb, the writing amazing and the direction incredible. Maybe there is a bit of war-fatigue among film audiences with so many docs and feature films about Iraq, but “Charlie Wilson’s War” deserved far more attention.

Let’s start with the writing. This is Sorkin’s best stuff since Sports Night – that ill-fated but brilliant sitcom with the best dialogue on television. Forget West Wing, Sorkin’s work on Sports Night is some of the best writing in the history of television. It’s a shame the show didn’t last longer. In this film, Sorkin brings his unique ability to write dialog that seems absolutely natural and incredibly intelligent at the same time. The only other writer that can equal him is the master… Woody Allen. 

When you are blessed with a great script you are well on your way to a good movie, but when you pair it with one of the best satirical directors of all time you get greatness. This film reminds me of Nichols work with “The Birdcage” and “The Graduate”. All three have that serious tone with a hard, comedic edge to them. The characters seem like cardboard cutouts, but they aren’t. The plot seems simple, but it isn’t. Watching this movie is like watching a master conductor lead his symphony. I only wish more people had seen it.

One thing that has always impressed me with Nichols is his casting. It’s perfect, and Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts are another example of a job well done. The three deliver superior performances and all seem to feed off one another. The office scene between Hanks and Hoffman when they first meet is absolutely hilarious. The scene where all three meet is another gut buster. Why Hanks and Roberts were ignored by the Academy is beyond me. The Golden Globes had this one right — nominating all three and Sorkin.

“Charlie Wilson’s War” is a great film that deserves a second look if you haven’t seen it. Take the time to watch one of America’s best directors, Mike Nichols, at his best and you won’t be sorry. I only wish the film received more attention because its message is too important for us not to listen to.

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Film’s website: http://www.charliewilsonswar.net

The Kite Runner

I loved this film. Plain and simple. I have not read the book, so I came into the film fresh without expectations and I walked away moved to the point that I have been thinking about the story for days. It’s that strong. It’s a story about redemption, fear, family, religion and politics. It’s told through the eyes of great characters who make a very controversial topic human and allow the viewer to connect to a culture and world that they might be unfamiliar with.

Why did it work? For starters, director Marc Forster is spot on with everything. This is the same director that brought us “Finding Neverland” and “Monster’s Ball” – two films that I loved as well. He has a great ability to make melodramatic films in a subtle way that showcases great acting and writing. Most directors would have allowed a film like “The Kite Runner” to go over the top, but Forster remains restrained with his actors and camera work resulting in a very personal film about some very difficult topics. His restraint on the physical and sexual abuse is a perfect example. We get the point, are repulsed but not made to feel uncomfortable. Why he didn’t receive more acclaim for his work is beyond me.

I also liked the choice to use subtitles and keep the native Afghan language when the story is set in Kabul. I find it annoying when I’m supposed to be watching a movie about a foreign culture and everybody speaks English. This choice adds an authenticity to the film.

Finally, the acting is quite good. The young actors that play the two young boys are absolutely amazing. I was particularly moved by Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada who plays young Hassan – his eyes were the most expressive I have seen on screen in years. Khalid Abdalla is strong as Amir but Homayoun Ershadi steals the scene every time he shows up on screen. Playing a very proud, astute yet strict father he is able to show a soft side to a very angry character.

This is a film to see. A film that will make you think. It’s political. It’s emotional and it’s a great story.

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Film’s website: http://www.kiterunnermovie.com