Lockdown 2020 reviews: March - Movies, TV, Documentaries

During the month of March 2020, most countries were forced to implement state-wide lockdowns and social distancing due to the Corona virus pandemic born from the wet markets in China, late in 2019. As a result, we are in the midst of a historically astonishing period marked by some not-so-astonishing ways of passing the time. In this post I will endeavour to amuse you with bite-sized movie, book and podcast reviews of the content which has filled my days and that will perhaps give you some ideas about how to fill yours. Enjoy.

Movies – in order of viewing:

· The Post (2017) – A solid watch, bolstered largely by the exceptional and ever-reliable performances of Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Though undeniably a film that was produced with the dominant intention of being Oscar bait, the inclusion of a female perspective (portrayed by Streep) amidst the phallocentric era of the 1960’s-70’s American printing press, Vietnam war and JFK/Johnson/Nixon presidencies made for redeemable viewing.

· Frost/ Nixon (2008) – More 1960’s – 70’s American political content. Some good performances and an interesting-enough take on true events to watch until the end, though arguably not as entertaining as Hugh Jackman’s 50 second bit lampooning the film (with Anne Hathaway) during his 2009 Oscars opener. (4.07 mins in, for your reference). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Terhj8mjPwY

· Julie and Julia (2009) - Based on two true stories, that of Julia Child from the 1950’s and Julie Powell’s from 2002. The latter started an online blog chronicling her replications of every one of Julia Child’s recipes from Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961). Directed, produced and written by the Godmother of the Romantic Comedy, Nora Ephron, it is a film of haute qualité both in terms of performance by Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep and also in content, as it seamlessly and energetically intertwines the storylines of both Julie/a’s energetically. It is also an inspiring watch for anyone trying to make something of themselves, especially in the online sphere ;)

· A Good Year (2006) – Not in any way a gripping film, but the French chateau/ wine country setting makes for a nice rambling view during these contained times of lockdown.

Brad Pitt and Carl Reiner in *Oceans 11*

· Oceans 11 (2001) – Now nineteen years old but still holds up nicely as a star-studded classic. However, in 2020, it feels a bit indulgent to have eleven male protagonists… especially when only eight female crims were needed to successfully pull off the heist in the recent remake.

· The Big Sick (2017) – A semi-autobiographical Romantic Comedy written by and starring comedian, Kumail Nanjiani. Sadly, it did not deliver like Amy Schumer’s similarly composed “Trainwreck (2015)”. Instead, the writing was bland and the storyline clichéd. Very disappointing, especially from a stand-up comedian who can generally be banked upon for decent writing and good wit. This film falls short in so many ways. Sigh.

· The Good Shepherd (2006) - Very bleak and solemn in tone, this is certainly not a feel-good film though it is of reasonable quality. Content includes war-time espionage, murder, cover-ups, secret societies and intergenerational trauma. Fun.

· The Killing Season (2015), Sarah Ferguson - One of the greatest documentaries of all time. It’s a detailed examination of the sometimes prosperous but largely tumultuous political era of the Rudd and Gillard governments. During the series, we are privy to the perspectives of both former PM’s as well as those of their inner and outer circles and even some former foreign leaders. It’s a true masterpiece that leaves one with a better understanding of how two parliamentary governments from the same party could collapse into themselves so cataclysmically as to then allow the pitiful Tony Abbott to next take office.

Frances McDormand and Amy Adams in *Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day*

· Miss Pettigrew lives for a day (2008) – As quirky and endearingly erratic a film as the Jazz soundtrack that underscores it. There are enough poignant moments to make this movie worthwhile such as this piece of dialogue between the two main protagonists: Delysia: “We’re going to war, aren’t we?” Miss Pettigrew: “Yes we are. And that is why you must not waste a second of this precious life.” A perfect message for these uncertain times we are in. Oh, and Frances McDormand is in it. Enough said.

· Hope Springs (2012) – I chose to watch this film because I was looking for a decent movie on Netflix and thought that working through Meryl Streep’s featured catalogue would be a good way to go about it. Unfortunately, even though her acting never falters, some of her films do. This is one of them.

· Gosford Park (2001) – The last time I saw Gosford Park was at the end of 2011 as I was, preparing to study the book- to- screen adaptation of Atonement (2007) in VCE literature in early 2012. Both stories are set largely during the early 1900’s in a grand English manor and feature upstairs/ downstairs dynamics and grimy war profiteers. If you like one of these films, you will probably enjoy the other.

· Rugrats Go Wild (2003) – I don’t know… I guess this is when I lost the plot. My thinking behind this pick was that I suddenly remembered that I loved this movie in 2003 when I saw it in the cinema with my mum and sister… when I was seven. Safe to say it was not as entertaining at the age of twenty-five.

Meryl Streep and Steve Martin baking croissants in *It’s Complicated*

· It’s Complicated (2009) – There are aspects of this film which make it totally enjoyable, cosy and soothing, like the beautiful Santa Barbara setting and Meryl Streep’s character’s comfort food cooking. Additionally, it contains some great performances by the film’s veteran actors, Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. However, this picture can never sit comfortably with me due to some truly horrifying and cringe-worthy performances by the (at the time) novices John Krasinksi, Hunter Parrish and Zoe Kazan. I guess in order to land Streep, you have to settle for some bottom of the barrel acting “talent” in order to make budget. Shame…