What I know going in:
Julia, played by Vanessa Redgrave, is not the main character (Jane Fonda), but a friend to the main character that she visits in Europe.
Not contemporary to the 70s, maybe turn of the century (?).
Meryl Streep's first film role!
Jason Robards won for Supporting Actor. He plays a famous author, thought I can't remember who.
Why I'm watching:
1) 11 nominations!
2) Instant Watch on Netflix!
Noms: Picture, Director (Fred Zinneman), Actress (Jane Fonda), Supporting Actor (Jason Robards), Supporting Actor (Maxmillian Schell), Supporting Actress (Vanessa Redgrave), Editing, Cinematography, Adapted Screenplay, Costume, Score
Wins: Supporting Actor (Robards), Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay
Once you get used to the Inception-style flashback structure (flashbacks within flashbacks within flashbacks), this movie is really enjoyable. It's almost like they smashed two completely genres into one film, and it works! There's the classic Oscar-baity drama about a woman reflecting on her life, then there's also the spy movie aspect. But the spy movie is focused not on a bad-ass kicking butt and taking names, but instead on a semi-bumbling intellectual who has stumbled into being in a super dangerous position. I found that aspect of the movie fascinating. It made me think about what I might do in a similar situation; whereas typical spy movies are so heightened, there is no way for me to see myself being in that story.
Once you get used to the Inception-style flashback structure (flashbacks within flashbacks within flashbacks), this movie is really enjoyable. It's almost like they smashed two completely genres into one film, and it works! There's the classic Oscar-baity drama about a woman reflecting on her life, then there's also the spy movie aspect. But the spy movie is focused not on a bad-ass kicking butt and taking names, but instead on a semi-bumbling intellectual who has stumbled into being in a super dangerous position. I found that aspect of the movie fascinating. It made me think about what I might do in a similar situation; whereas typical spy movies are so heightened, there is no way for me to see myself being in that story.
Jane Fonda was beautiful here, not only physically, in her ability to capture a character, who often does things that are very unlikable, yet Fonda is able to make her relatable and watchable. Watching someone having writer's block could have been super frustrating, but the flashbacks made it much more interesting. There were quite a few moments where I was like "what the fuck is wrong with you?" like when she almost left her hat on the train. It had been well established at that point that she just needed to do as she was told and she would be fine. She was told two things and she almost fucked up both! GAH! Yet I still liked her, as frustrating as she was. Also, the entire conversation about her sable coat is so annoying because it just screams of privilege, which is in stark contrast to the way that Julia is seen to live.
The supporting cast was wonderful too. I love Vanessa Redgrave in general, so I was super excited to see her here. She lit up the screen whenever she was there, and when she left I found myself waiting until her next seen with great anticipation. Beautiful. Jason Robards is not a face I am too familiar with, but I figured out pretty soon that he must be playing Dashiell Hammett. Beautifully understated, yet acerbic and funny. I also really enjoyed seeing Maximillian Schell since I've heard so much about him, but hadn't yet seen one of his performances. Meryl Streep. The foundation for a storied career starts with a minor role playing a society snob.
Costuming stood out a lot to me. Jane Fonda's wardrobe is fucking gorgeous, especially in the numerous red ensembles she wears - specifically the red dress seen a couple times, including a dream sequence, and the grey suit with the red blouse underneath. The costumer really did a great job of mixing strength with softness, a great mirror for the complexities of her character. Also, that hat: practical and fabulous.
"da fuh?": Other than the occasional, "the fuck is wrong with you"s directed at Lily, there weren't any moments that caught me totally off guard or struck me as wholly bizarre. But when I read about the film after watching, I was reminded of the controversy that Vanessa Redgrave's acceptance speech sparked. In her acceptance, she made reference to the conflict between Palestinians and Zionists in the Holy Land. Considering what's going on in that part of the world as we speak, I found the timing of my watching to be a little bit serendipitous.
Surprise appearance: Hal Holbrook (he's one of those actors that you've probably seen, but don't know his name). Is it me, or is his character wicked untrustworthy?
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