SIFF Sighting: WORDS AND PICTURES (Romance; USA)

Jack (Clive Owen) is a film cliché. He's an angry English teacher with a drinking problem and a troubled relationship with his son.

Dina (Juliette Binoche) is an artistic spitfire on a mission to ignite her students since her physical limitations prevent her from being what she used to be.

One would assume they're destined to be together, and one would probably be right.

The thing that saves this formulaic story from being too sugar-sweet predictable is the incredible appeal of the two lead actors. Owen, despite the drunkenness, has never been more charming (though I missed his British accent); Binoche is both delicate and demonic in equal measure. You simply can't help but root for them.

As a writer (and full disclosure: former English major), I appreciated the defense of words; as a sucker for teacher heroes, I relished in the inspirational classroom energy.

Go see this one to enjoy it and find forgiveness in your heart for its faults.

WORDS AND PICTURES will screen at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival on May 17. For tickets, go here.

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SIFF Sighting: 1,000 TIMES GOOD NIGHT (Drama; Norway)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that's definitely the case for war photographer Rebecca (Juliette Binoche), who has trouble tearing herself away from conflict to life a 'normal' life with her family.

This powerful, poignant drama, reminiscent of THE HURT LOCKER in the sense that the protagonist can't acclimate back to real life, examines not only the ramifications for those in the thick of the action, but also those left behind.

1,000 TIMES GOOD NIGHT will be shown at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival May 23 and 25. For tickets, go here.

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Cinebanter #103 - CERTIFIED COPY

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula mimic old dialog, relationships and thoughts as they review CERTIFIED COPY. In the Last Five®, Michael has trouble making it to the end of a few films, while Tassoula continues her Scorsese viewings. They also answer Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of CERTIFIED COPY

• Break

• 16:17 To Sum it Up

• Break

• 17:15 The Last Five®

• Break

• 44:30 Listener Feedback

• 1:03:25 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: FISH TANK, GROWN UPS, THE WOMAN CHASER, 2012 and THE BEACH . Tassoula's Last Five were: THE LINCOLN LAWYER, ALL GOOD THINGS, ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE, IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY and SCREAM.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Vincent Do, Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!