Review: Satanic suggestions in 'Regression'

For a long time, Alejandro Amenabar has been one of my favorite writer-directors for the twisted suspense thrillers. He was quite prolific at the turn of the century -- "Thesis" (1996), "Open Your Eyes" (1997) and his English-language debut "The Others" (2001). His biographical drama "The Sea Inside" won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2004.

Since then though, his output had been sparse. That was why when I heard that he will be releasing a new film this year entitled "Regression," I made sure I went to watch it.

Seventeen-year old Angela Gray accuses her father of sexually abusing her. Detective Bruce Kenner is assigned to her case. The father meekly admits to the crime, but does not actually recall doing it. Kenner seeks the help of Psychology professor Kenneth Raines to elicit his repressed memories, as well as those of the other members of the Gray family, via hypnotic regression. What is revealed from these sessions are diabolical confessions of such disturbing nature that Kenner himself could not get them out of his own mind.

Ethan Hawke is such a good actor, really. From his feature debut in "Dead Poet's Society," then "Before Sunrise" (and its series), "Gattaca," "Sinister" to his Oscar-nominated performances in "Training Day" and "Boyhood," this guy can really portray the most ordinary characters and wind up making them very memorable. His intense take of the obsessed Bruce Kenner was riveting and infectious. His visions become our visions, his beliefs our beliefs. He had a flawless interactive rapport with Amenabar's camera, registering and conveying the anger, paranoia, confusion, and fear of his character so well onscreen.

Emma Watson returns on her trajectory to becoming a serious movie actress after being sidelined by unfortunate roles in "This is the End" and "Noah." The talent and the promise are there, but the connection with her role as the troubled Angela was not as convincing as that of Hawke's. Her best performances were still those for Hermione Granger. Her young adult performances in films like "Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "The Bling Ring" had a certain unnatural stiffness in them, as it was again here as well.

Credible supporting performances were given by David Thewlis as the authoritative Prof. Raines and David Dencik as Angela's repentant father John. Going a bit over the top was Dale Dickey and her exaggeratedly demented performance as Angela's grandmother Rose. The strangest casting decision was that of Lothaire Bluteau as the priest Reverend Murray. He exuded such a creepy vibe, which of course may be the director's intention.

While "Regression" was still not on the same level of excellence as "Open Your Eyes" or "The Others," Alejandro Amenabar returned to form with this comeback project of sorts. The script, though weak and flawed in certain aspects (like motive, for one important example), was still logical and grounded despite dealing with controversial religious and psychological matters. The storytelling engages you despite the dark unpleasant topics and relentlessly morbid atmosphere. I am looking forward to the next Amenabar opus. I hope it does not take so many years anymore. 7/10

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy open to shoot 4th film in Manila

HOLLYWOOD, California - Almost two decades ago, Jesse and Celine, the characters played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, met and fell in love in the movie "Before Sunrise."

The pair reunited in "Before Sunset," which came out in 2004. The movie's ending left hanging whether they will stay together or not.

In the their latest movie, "Before Midnight," Jesse and Celine are together, but are trying to figure out if it's going to be forever.

“The thing that makes me most happy about Jesse and Celine is that they're still interested in connecting. What can happen to people is they can get a little bored or a little tuned out,” Hawke said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Delpy added, “They just don't stop. They're so engaged with each other.”

The series is popular for its romantic but frank discussions about the different stages of a relationship.
The three movies were set in Europe, but should a fourth movie happen, the stars say they would like to shoot in the Philippines.

“I've never been [to the Philipppines]. I heard it's beautiful,” Deply said.

“I've never been either, but I'd like to go,” Hawke added.

When asked about the possibility of a fourth movie being set in the Philippines, Hawke said, “That would be nice.”

Romantic movies typically don't get sequels like action films, but fans all over the world fell in love with the couple from the beginning, hence the trilogy.

Explaining the series’ success, director Richard Linklater said, "People can relate to [the characters]. They're not superheroes, they're not extraordinary people. They're somewhat normal people so you can reflect and see yourself in them to some degree."

The series have been named by critics as among the best romantic movies of all time and even received a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar nomination for "Before Sunset."

“[‘Before Midnight’ shows] what happens when the one that got away is at home cooking and getting angry,” Delpy said.

Hawke added, referring to three films in the series, “I like to say they're about 'what could be,' ‘what should have been,’ and then 'what is.'”

“Before Midnight" will be shown in the Philippines on July 3.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com