Film Geek Mode

Everyone once in a while, I sink into a movie obsession. I am so taken in by a film that I ruminate for hours, days on the meaning, the acting , the art direction. I watch the deleted scenes with the director's commentary, I even watch the Q&A from the film festival press conference. Yep, I slip into Film Geek mode. Mind you, this doesn't happen very often (as so few films out there actually induce this mild form of insanity), but it happens enough.

Strangely, my latest obsession didn't involve Orlando Bloom or Brad Pitt, or even Eddie Izzard. HA! It's Maggie Cheung that has been on my mind. Long story.. but I guess it's because I find her so much more compelling, not to mention beautiful, than Zhang Ziyi. I wish she were getting the due attention here stateside that I believe she deserves. I mean for god sake's, she was in a full latex catsuit for Irma Vep!


Anyway.. back to my latest obsession. In the Mood For Love. This title being the English Version was inspired by the Bryan Ferry's cover of the song of the same name. It didn't think it would be so obvious, but hey. Sometimes a movie title, is just a movie title.
First and foremost, this is a moodly, subtle, mature, hearbreaking love story between 2 married people. I won't bore you with plot points, but actually, with Wong Kar Wai's direction, the plot is inconsequential. Just immerse yourself in the nostalgic glow of the 60's that he creates with such care. "I LOVE that lamp!" .. "Where did they find the dinnerware?"... And her dresses! Oh the dresses. Cheung wears a different cheongsam in every scene, each fittng her slim frame perfectly. The 4 inch mandarin collars hold up her exquisite face(FIVE hours of hair and makeup everyday!). Putting this in the context of Hong Kong in the 1960's allows for the familial type of atmosphere that lends to the confining situation our lovers find themselves in. Any move they make is being seen. But lest you think think the art direction and costumes become the core of the film, Cheung and Tony Leung (cutie!) convey a unrequited love that is heartbreaking.

What is not so delightful are the cliche'd moments of artfilm-dom. You know those moments. They are mocked and ridiculed time and again. The 20 second shot of rain falling, the prolonged moments of characters just walking. Sometimes they're walking in the rain, sometimes they're walking in the heat. But they walk. Just try to forget you ever saw those shots and you'll be just fine.....

Wong Kar Wai is notorious for working without a script; leaving much in the hands of the actors so what these two accomplish is moving. Not only is there a sense of sexual tension, but they develop a friendship, a kinship almost, from their spouse's infidelity. He listens and claps along when she sings chinese opera (and if you know chinese opera, that's love!), she "conveniently" makes him sesame soup when he is craving it. But they vow not to be like their spouse's so their love grows during these platonic moments. These are the moments that have stayed with me. Because it's not a walk-off-into-the-sunset-holding-hands ending. Because these are mature people who realize their actions have consequences; as they themselves have experienced from their spouses. Because love is not always easy. Because love is not always a knock-down drag out emotional rollercoaster. Don't forget. This is still a Wong Kar Wai film, not a Lifetime Channel Tearjerker.

As D so succintly put it, it's not "a maudlin chick flick.".. (I think that means thumbs up.) Please see this movie if you want a refreshing, different perspective on movie love. Don't see this if you want an Ashley Judd romance.