I have had two intense debates with young people (in their early 20s) over the last week about the unrealistic nature of Anora's decisions that spanned throughout the long movie. Being set in New York of all places, either there had to be a bit more mystery and charm in Vanya for Anora to have really fallen for him or some other factor (social, psychological-we'd never know) that makes Anora grossly negligent about her safety. The movie does take place over several days and money just cannot be the factor. The arguments these debaters made were that young people should celebrate a dreamlike, fairytale-like quality of life and not resort to cynical realism all the time. True to some extent. But we never see Anora as a person but only as a representative. I would simply have loved little details dispersed throughout the movie which has now won an Oscar. There isn't a prominent scene where Anora has her hair tied up or removes her makeup. We don't know what the facets are except in relation to the wastrel and the hapless bodyguards around her. In that sense, might this be another roundabout case of the male gaze? As always, delighted that our thoughts match about the movie. Also, I hope you are well.
I very much appreciate your kind words. But even more I like your take on Anora's reception, especially your mention of "the male gaze", which is precisely what I think clinched the movie's success. I feared too many young people were reacting as you describe, and I wish they wouldn't settle for such an unimaginative, unresourceful "heroine", if that's even the right word. She needn't be cynical to be savvy enough to see though this shallow young man with his obviously pretend "wealth". I don't think the movie deserved any of its Oscar wins. We'll see how it holds up over the years. I quite enjoyed reading your well written comment. Also, I'm happy you read my reviews, and I'm pleased to think that you and I will be sharing moviegoing experiences in the future. I am well, thank you for asking, and I hope you're well, too.
Many thanks, Pat. You're a stalwart to a grossly negligent correspondent. You might have imagined I'd forgotten you. That's impossible. Meanwhile, I'm thrilled that you're still reading me. I struggle to keep the work worthwhile. [One of destiny's merry little pranks: my phone provider accidentally deleted all my voicemails, so if you can leave me a new voicemail with your number, blest contact can be resumed.]
I have had two intense debates with young people (in their early 20s) over the last week about the unrealistic nature of Anora's decisions that spanned throughout the long movie. Being set in New York of all places, either there had to be a bit more mystery and charm in Vanya for Anora to have really fallen for him or some other factor (social, psychological-we'd never know) that makes Anora grossly negligent about her safety. The movie does take place over several days and money just cannot be the factor. The arguments these debaters made were that young people should celebrate a dreamlike, fairytale-like quality of life and not resort to cynical realism all the time. True to some extent. But we never see Anora as a person but only as a representative. I would simply have loved little details dispersed throughout the movie which has now won an Oscar. There isn't a prominent scene where Anora has her hair tied up or removes her makeup. We don't know what the facets are except in relation to the wastrel and the hapless bodyguards around her. In that sense, might this be another roundabout case of the male gaze? As always, delighted that our thoughts match about the movie. Also, I hope you are well.
I very much appreciate your kind words. But even more I like your take on Anora's reception, especially your mention of "the male gaze", which is precisely what I think clinched the movie's success. I feared too many young people were reacting as you describe, and I wish they wouldn't settle for such an unimaginative, unresourceful "heroine", if that's even the right word. She needn't be cynical to be savvy enough to see though this shallow young man with his obviously pretend "wealth". I don't think the movie deserved any of its Oscar wins. We'll see how it holds up over the years. I quite enjoyed reading your well written comment. Also, I'm happy you read my reviews, and I'm pleased to think that you and I will be sharing moviegoing experiences in the future. I am well, thank you for asking, and I hope you're well, too.
As always, enjoy Ivan Webster's analyses, insights and vocabulary.
--Patricia Willard
Many thanks, Pat. You're a stalwart to a grossly negligent correspondent. You might have imagined I'd forgotten you. That's impossible. Meanwhile, I'm thrilled that you're still reading me. I struggle to keep the work worthwhile. [One of destiny's merry little pranks: my phone provider accidentally deleted all my voicemails, so if you can leave me a new voicemail with your number, blest contact can be resumed.]