tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20943181.post4209504521478853752..comments2023-08-25T10:49:59.802-04:00Comments on One Reality: Addendum to Movie Review: Atlas Shrugged Part 1Stephen Bourquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699468585645166392noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20943181.post-84897654468915105992011-04-21T07:34:21.241-04:002011-04-21T07:34:21.241-04:00Thanks for the comment, mtnrunner2. You have a poi...Thanks for the comment, mtnrunner2. You have a point about Francisco's face; it's not his face that I objected to as much as his manner and demeanor. <br /><br />The most telling moment for me is when Francisco approaches Rearden at the party. In this moment, Francisco is supposed to be the <i>real</i> Francisco, with the playboy facade set aside. His manner as he introduces himself and speaks to Rearden is, if not exactly impertinent, far too loose and lacking respect. There are too many smiles, too much joviality. This is a crucial and precious opportunity for Francisco to give Rearden "the words you need, for the time you'll need them." He should not--and in the novel, <i>does</i> not--put on any airs in this deadly serious moment.<br /><br />Here's what Rearden was supposed to see as he looked across the table: "There was neither mockery nor self-pity in Francisco's face; the fine, sculptured planes and the clear, blue eyes held a quiet composure, the face was open, offered to any blow, unflinching." This does not describe Jsu Garcia's performance. It is true he is not "slouching" in this scene--he is hunched forward in his chair--so maybe "slouching" isn't the perfect word to describe him here. But why does he shroud his seriousness in nonchalance? Why do his eyes dart conspiratorially about the room as he speaks instead of holding Rearden's eyes <i>unflinchingly</i>?<br /><br />I like the actor and I think he could play a heroic role. But he is not Francisco.<br /><br />Lynne and I will certainly buy the DVD when it comes out. (I've read some insightful comments that suggest the movie might play considerably <i>better</i> in the home, precisely because it has the feel of a made-for-television movie.) The only reason we ended up seeing it in the theatre twice is that we wanted to go on opening night, and we also wanted to go on a "field trip" with Lynne's <i>Atlas Shrugged</i> Reading Group.Stephen Bourquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13699468585645166392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20943181.post-49902041231326012432011-04-20T23:20:23.221-04:002011-04-20T23:20:23.221-04:00Stephen - Re: Francisco - Do you think it's th...Stephen - Re: Francisco - Do you think it's the slouching? Since I read some O-reviews beforehand, I paid special attention to Francisco's face, and thought he was pretty good. I could see the holding back he was doing by putting on an act for the public, yet fighting his desire to be truthful with Dagny. However, it was difficult to see because of his hair and the high camera angle.<br /><br />I agree about the script and the music.<br /><br />I'm not going to pay another $10 for this, but I may stream it or buy the DVD. I'd like to revisit it later after a cooling off period.mtnrunner2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10974435572236740294noreply@blogger.com