Escapism

The heyday of film going (and conversely, the rise of the movie musical) started during The Great Depression. People's lives were difficult, doom and gloom was the overriding theme. What did the poor suffering masses do to relieve their worries and distress? They escaped to the movies. A few hours in a movie palace watching glittering and wholly implausible scenarios and visual distractions took them away from the drudgery of their real lives.

I get that. When I feel at low points in my life, I go to the movies.

However, these days it's difficult to find a film that provides the same level of superficial escapism that Depression era films provided to their audiences. When I awoke today, I scoured the current film list to find something that would take me away.

I have wanted to see "Up in the Air." However, the protagonist is someone who spends his time traveling to corporate environments with the intent of firing people from their jobs, utilizing artful spin to ease the pain. Not exactly escapism.

Many people have recommended "Avatar." It interests me not at all. James Cameron is an artful filmmaker and everyone has raved about about the incredible visuals of this opus, but I simply wasn't in the mood for a big blockbuster.

I was most keen to see "Nine," but the New York Times' capsule review consisted of one word: "Nein." That put me off.

I do like Pedro Almodovar's films and was tempted to see "Broken Embraces." It made the short list.

I have wanted to see "Crazy Heart" with Jeff Bridges. But there was something depressing about an alcoholic country singer that made me strike it off the list. At least today's list.

I have wanted to see "The White Ribbon." It's in German and shot in black and white and looks powerfully intriguing, so I also added it to the short list.

At the end of the day, I decided to see "The Last Station" at the Paris Theatre on West 58th and 5th. It's the story of Leo Tolstoy at the end of his life and the power struggle between the head of The Tolstoyan Society (played by Paul Giamatti) and Tolstoy's wife of nearly half a century, Sofya. It's bittersweet and passionate, shot in the lush countryside. The performances were focused, sharp and explosive. I was amazed by Helen Mirren's portrayal as Sofya. She's incredible. As my friend Jewels once opined about talented actors, "They could take a dump on the stage and I would be on my feet clapping and shouting, 'Bravo!!!'" I'd say the same here. She made the movie for me.

Was it Depression era worthy escapism? No. But it did take me away from the grey skies outside and in that, it served its absolute purpose.