Manchester by the Sea

[BoSoxGal]

Went to the movie theater (for the first time in over a year) to see this today, a 'date' with my sistercuz. She held my hand while I cried, which was quite a bit.

A really excellent film, if you like great cinematography & acting - and stories that reflect real life, where agonizingly brutal things happen to decent people and they don't magically overcome their anguish to achieve happy ever after status by the time the credits roll.

[Sue U]

Yah, I saw it on New Year's, and while it was affecting, beautifully shot and superbly acted, I was left wondering what it was we were supposed to take from the film. Do you think there was a message and if so what was it?

[BoSoxGal]

The message? I'm not sure I can articulate Lonergan's intent - there's a great piece in the New Yorker that discusses his films and his artistic process, in which he discusses the effect on him of being parented by two psychiatrists and how he's compelled to look at the underlying motivations behind peoples' actions.

What I took from the film was comfort; it's nice to see films that depict the awful truth of life, that many people live shattered lives through no real fault of their own and that there is no fix for grief - some people move on some people pretend to and some just wallow and suffer in anguish. And lots of people whose lives seem endlessly blessed don't deserve that anymore than the ones suffering anguish deserve that suffering.

The 'message' I took from it? That maybe the people in our lives or who we stumble into on our paths who are annoying or make us uncomfortable are the ones we should try hardest to show real compassion toward, because they just might be the ones who have suffered the greatest anguish in life and who struggle to express that or cope with it in healthy ways. I think there's an internet meme about this concept, of not knowing another person's struggles and the importance of showing kindness to everyone we meet.

Sadly I've found in my observations that far too many people - most I think - are too quick to be superior, judgmental and dismissive. Lots of 'mean girls' in this world.

Life is suffering.

Also Casey Affleck is a much better actor than his more famous brother.

[BoSoxGal]

Happy to see numerous Oscar nominations for the film, which I highly recommend.

Was sad to see some ugly stories about sexual harassment allegations against Casey Affleck surfacing, I missed those when they were current news. Settled out of court - ugly allegations.

[oldr_n_wsr]

Ugly allegations by the victim or ugly acts by the perpetrator?
Sttled out of court so I guess we'll never now.

[Joe Guy]

The 'message' I took from it? That maybe the people in our lives or who we stumble into on our paths who are annoying or make us uncomfortable are the ones we should try hardest to show real compassion toward, because they just might be the ones who have suffered the greatest anguish in life and who struggle to express that or cope with it in healthy ways.

Interesting message.

[Lord Jim]

I suppose it's a good film for what it's supposed to be...

But it soooo does not sound like my kind of flick...

It sounds like two hours of watching people being miserable, and I just can't see spending 10 bucks for that...

Not really what I go to a movie theater for...

[BoSoxGal]

There is actually quite a bit of humor in the movie, and it's just a true to life story. Also I have to recommend it just for the cinematography, which is excellent - and the lovely look at seacoast Massachusetts, is alone worth the viewing.

[oldr_n_wsr]

I don't think I will be going to see this.
I don't think I will even tune in when it is on TV.

But that's just me.

[wesw]

this might be blasphemy to you , oldr, but it reminds me of springsteeh....

I have heard springsteen albums, up loud, and thought..., wow. brilliant....

but when I was growing up all I heard was....

the car won t start and the heater s broke I m so sad and I have no hope...oh oh, my flat tire oh oh , my flat tire....

...and then there was the one where he talked about a wife and kids in Baltimore, jack....., then he went out and never came back....

WTF?

of course I haven t seen the movie so I might be completely wrong....

and ..., the boss? yeah right, bruce..., good luck with that.... good luck with Hillary.....

[BoSoxGal]

Too bad oldr, I think you'd appreciate the film.

[wesw]

I did work with a guy from Manchester, England, in '85, and apparently Manchester was pretty forlon place at the time.

[wesw]

...of course I ve always said that a good song is one that evokes. or provokes, emotion.

I ve said that if you love my song or hate it, it was a good song...

if you just think it was ok , meh....


well, that is worse than if you hate it.

a good song has many meanings.


so bruce is brilliant, but he kinda sucks.....

[oldr_n_wsr]

I always liked the Boss's music.

Too bad oldr, I think you'd appreciate the film.

Maybe, but I am cerainly not much of a movie goer and barely watch tv.
As you may have heard, my only must watch on TV are Duck Dynasty and Vikings.

[Big RR]

I ve said that if you love my song or hate it, it was a good song...

So Disco duck was a good song? Or earworms that are nothing but annoying?

There is no way I can get my head around that.

[oldr_n_wsr]

Disco Sucks!