review: Laurel Canyon

 

(3.75 Stars out of Five Stars)

 

 

Have we seen this general concept in movies before? Of course we have. Uptight type finds freedom in the realm of artistic expression and is enticed to realize that there are other spheres of reality by the influence of pure imaginative design. It is a facet of artistic exploration as old as art itself. Nevertheless, sometimes concepts continue to render themselves in film (or any other medium) because they are like little alarm clocks set by stipulation to remind us that although we must all make a living and compromise to make ends meet, and that it is a necessary component of that need to occasionally sacrifice certain inherent desires, we need to WAKE UP and apprehend the fact that it doesn't mean that we have to relinquish our souls in the process. Christian Bale is one of the principal actors of our time and space. He is brilliant, as many have recently finally recognized in more popular roles, but the fact that he is able to become SO MANY characters of contrary uniqueness is a sign that he will, probably in retrospect, be hailed by those in the know as a supreme energy in his suitable era. He is supported here, by a cast of hit or misses. Frances McDormand is dazzling as well (as she often is, without proper praise) and Kate Beckinsale is slightly above average in her role as her character is the means for the aforementioned common yet necessary transformation. The rest of the cast do their jobs fairly well and the result is a fine film with an important, albeit a recurring memorandum to its viewer. The bottom line is that this is an enjoyable tale of realistic charters with some downright INSTRUCTIONAL scenes between and including Frances McDormand and Christian Bale who are some of the most imperative actors of our epoch. Oh, and as the cherry on top, it is simply fun to watch. ENJOY!