CINEMATINEE OCTOBER 2008?
A unique blend of movies, past and present, often with an emphasis on life in the west - which could mean the new west, the old west, or anything in between—and “movies that missed us”—films that are notable but never had a lot of publicity- the CineMatinee series is designed to show area residents that film is a form of art as well as entertainment! At least one film a month for this series has a ‘New Mexico Connection’, drawing from the vast pool of movies made in the state or perhaps featuring a star/story from New Mexico talent.?
Unless otherwise noted, screening time is 1.30 PM, and admission is $4 for everyone except film society members who are admitted for $1. The theatre is located one half block of the Mesilla Plaza. For more information, please call 524-8287 or 522-0286.?
October 4- Bonneville (2006, 90 minutes, rated PG) It would be easy to dismiss "Bonneville" as a “born-to-be-mild” version of "Thelma & Louise." It does feature women of a certain age cruising around the dusty American West in a classic 1966 Pontiac convertible, getting into trouble while discovering hidden truths about their quiet lives. And maybe running into a dangerously handsome gentleman.?
The similarities end there.?
For starters, two of the women are Mormons from Idaho. And there are three of them. And they're not on the run from Johnny Law, but transporting the ashes of a dead husband for burial in Santa Barbara, Calif. You know from the outset no one's going screaming off the edge of the Grand Canyon here. ?
And what a trio of actresses! Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates have won Oscars, and Joan Allen will someday. These women are finely attuned to their instruments, and their give-and-take is so organic and unrehearsed you feel like you're sitting on the porch with them while they jabber away. ?
Arvilla (Lange) is the widow. Her icy stepdaughter (Christine Baranski) barely waits until Joe's wake before demanding that her father's ashes be returned to California, against his wish that they be scattered. And there's a none-too-subtle threat -- since Joe never updated his will, the daughter will get the house and Arvilla will lose her home unless she gives in. ?
She recruits her best friends, Margene (Bates) and Carol (Allen), to make the trip with her. Ditching their plane tickets, they resolve to make the trek in Joe's cherry Bonneville. Margene's a sassy and lonely widow, while Carol's caught up in the devoted wife and mother thing. ?
The plot unfolds without many surprises. There's car trouble, bickering between Margene and Carol, and a quiet hitchhiker, and Tom Skerritt turns up as a nicely creased truck driver with an amorous eye. ?
The appeal of this movie isn't about groundbreaking storytelling, but familiarity and an easy time spent with old friends. Just as sometimes you crave macaroni and cheese over the latest nouveau creation, "Bonneville" is cinematic comfort food. ?
