Saturday’s Anti-Heroes
For those who aren’t sure cryptocurrencies are legit, here is more evidence in two nypost.com headlines: “Uber will ‘absolutely’ accept bitcoin as payment in the future, CEO says.” “Drake lays down $1.3 million Super Bowl bet in bitcoin.”
Maybe this will open Hollywood elitists’ eyes to their dangerous coddling of criminals. Headline from foxnews.com: “4 injured in shooting outside LA restaurant frequented by celebrities following Justin Bieber concert.”
Interesting development in the Big Apple. FN headline: “NYC Mayor Adams targets ‘drill rap’ videos on social media, saying they promote gun violence.” Will he be labeled a traitor?
Friday night’s movie was a tweener, a domestic drama containing elements of mystery: Stillwater (2021), starring Matt Damon as a dad trying to get his daughter out of a Marseille prison. She has been convicted of killing her lesbian lover, and claims innocence. It seems inspired by the Amanda Knox case, which occurred in Italy. The protagonist befriends a single mom theater actress, takes a construction job, and moves into the woman’s apartment, providing a father figure for her daughter. They are played by Camille Cottin (47 credits) and Lilou Siauvaud, the latter, in her debut, yet another child actor with uncanny naturalness. Frustrated by the law’s refusal to follow a potential lead, the protagonist conducts his own investigation. To the credit of the creators, it doesn’t turn into an Army-of-One flick. It remains grounded throughout, a character study of man and daughter, the latter played by Abigail Breslin who, not yet 30, has 52 titles under her name at IMDb, and also has directed and written a couple of projects. Violence is minimal. There is abundant profanity. It’s appeal is to those who appreciate a serious look at the human condition through a troubled parent-child relationship. My main quibble is that its way too long at 2:20. It was directed by Tom McCarthy, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marcus Hinchey and Thomas Bidegain. McCarthy has amassed 41 credits as an actor, twelve as a writer, nine as a director and eight as a producer. His first stint at the helm was the acclaimed The Station Agent (2003), which he wrote. This was Binchey’s third credit. Bidegain has an impressive career going in Europe, 37 credits, three in post-production. 34,000+ users at IMDb have rated Stillwater, forging to a consensus of 6.6 on a scale of ten. The title refers not only to the Oklahoma home of the father-daughter but a jewelry chain. Here are Siauvaud, Cottin and Damon:
Another gorgeous day, perfect for doing business curbside. My thanks to the woman who did her customary weekend swap and buy of Russian titles, and to the gentleman who bought Bangkok Haunts by John Burdett; and to the one who purchased Earth, a Jon Stewart pictorial; and to the young woman who jumped on Planet Simpson: How A Cartoon Masterpiece Defined A Generation by Chris Turner; and to Neil, who took home Stiffed: A True Story of MCA, the Music Business, and the Mafia by William Knoedelseder; and to the guy who put the perfect topper on the session, choosing Rising Star; and to those who combined recently to purchase nine of my books at Amazon, and not all were the latest, Curious Sicilian. No doubt a temporary boon but appreciated nonetheless.
My Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Fortezza/e/B002M4NLJE
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Vic-Fortezza-Author-118397641564801/?fref=ts
Read Vic’s Stories, free: http://fictionaut.com/users/vic-fortezza
