December 22nd 

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl who Decided to Go for It

Marjorie Lawrence: The World at Her Feet

Remains of the Day (Netflix)

The end of the year closes in. Almost time for the big releases of Boxing Day to be launched into cinemas. Reviews of those are to come soon, but it's also time for my list of top films of the year. That is also to come in a special edition. So stay tuned, but meanwhile, here's a couple of new films, plus one oldy, for your consideration. 

Rita Moreno:

Just a Girl Who Decided To Go For It

Dir: Mariem Perez riera

Length: 90 mins

Available on various download platforms

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF4284Z7wbI

© Universal - Latino fire  

What a timely documentary, given that the remake of West Side Story is about to hit cinemas, and that Moreno stars in both the 1961 original and this latest Spielberg remake. Born a poor Puerto Rican, Moreno started on her American journey to stardom at a very young age. But thanks to her origins she was battling a prejudiced system, and thanks to her gender, she was battling the misogyny and sexism of the studio system. Employing fabulous footage from her many past films, along with interviews from those who know her, plus of course words of wisdom from the horse's mouth, the doco gives an in-depth insight into Moreno's 70-year career. She remains a brilliant role model for the (ongoing) battle for inclusivity and women's rights, as well as showcasing her stunning talent that includes not only film but television and Broadway. This is a vibrant and inspirational film.

4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended

Marjorie Lawrence: The World At Her Feet

Dir: Wayne Groom

Length: 84 mins

Exclusive to Cinema Nova

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjUsgQruQfI

© Sharmill - a little remembered
major talent 

Have you ever heard of the little town of Dean's Marsh near Lorne? One of Australia's most famous opera singers, who hardly anyone remembers today, was born there in 1907. Marjorie Lawrence wowed Paris and New York in the 1930s with her stunning performances of Wagnerian opera, but sadly her career was interrupted in 1941 by polio. This doco shines a light on the woman, her voice, her perseverance in the face of life's cruelty and her kindness in helping other polio victims. Plenty of interesting insights are added by opera buffs, and old recordings of Marjorie's voice are the backdrop to the little archival footage that is left of her. I would think for opera fans this film is a must see.

3.5 - well recommended

So many other films out there to see . . . 

Cinema Nova in Carlton has currently got a massive 43 different films on its website listing. Some are hot off the presses, others are films that have been out a while, still popular, still screening, and some will open in a few days. What I'm saying is, if you've missed something you really wanted to see but couldn't during lockdowns, there's a good chance you may still catch it, here, or at one of the Palace cinemas, or maybe at the Classic or Lido.

And if you're still housebound, reluctant to visit a cinema you could do worse that revisit this classic blast from the past, starring one of my favorite actors, Anthony Hopkins. 

The Remains of the Day

Dir: James Ivory

Length: 134 mins

Streaming on Netflix 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ap4Czeo4Y

© Hopkins and Thompson - heart-breaking

Set in the era of English mansions presided over by stuffy men, who are waited upon by hosts of servants, this 1993 film tells the story of butler Stevens (Anthony Hopkins), a man dedicated to his job but emotionally stunted. When Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson) comes to work in the household she is like a breath of fresh air, but unable to crack through his steely shell. The story is told in flashback as, in 1956, Stevens takes a road trip to visit Miss Kenton. He reflects upon his loyal service in the years before World War 2 to Lord Dartington, a Nazi sympathiser. The subtle nuances of Hopkins' performance are something to revel in, and the heartbreak of the relationship that could have been is beautifully counterbalanced with the politics of the era. A revisit to this film is richly rewarding.

4 - wholeheartedly recommended