Three DVDs to see: depressed Ben Stiller, a Gondry documentary, and a family in distress
[Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjV2GXxrEMI]
Greenberg: This is the kind of film that’s definitely not for everyone, but I gotta say that Stiller does an excellent job at portraying someone who’s totally lost, and kind of an a-hole, but still somehow likeable – if you know what I mean. Roger Greenberg (Stiller) comes to LA amidst a mid-life crisis to house-sit for his wealthy brother, meets up with lots of peeps from his past who mostly hate him, and continually mangles his relationships with best friend Ivan, and his brother’s personal assistant, Florence.
[Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cKMpHumA8]
The Thorn in the Heart (L’épine dans le Coeur): I LOVE Michel Gondry so much (SO much, I might even have to see that Green Hornet film), that I’m super-excited to see this documentary about his family. Centered on schoolteacher Aunt Suzette, Gondry blends his quirky style of cinema with real stories from his family’s memories and experiences. I think I’ll probably need to stock up on tissues for this one.
[Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjM3smRGJGo]
Children of Invention: This film about two kids who have to fend for themselves in Boston after their mother goes missing looks heart-breakingly good, and apparently most film festivals agree, as its scooped up 13 awards across 11 fests in various categories. After watching the trailer, I know I’m intrigued – especially about the circumstances of mom’s disappearance.