I haven't seen this movie in a while, but looking back on it (maybe I'm creating things) does Gwyneth Paltrow's character remind anyone else of Henry's wife, June?
(actually, seeing in the trivia that it's based on a Dostoevsky story -loosely- I see the connection to the Millers even more.)
Just because June was written about by a REALLY good writer doesn't mean she's anything special. She's a dime a dozen--typical hustler chick with some good looks. This girl here, although unstable, wasn't really a hustler to the extent that June was.
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True...
I might say though she was written about by two really good writers; Anais wrote about her too. :D But I agree. It's hard to know what June would really have been like, since I love Henry and Anais so much and only know about her through their amazing narratives.
She was remarkable for romantics like you and me...we love women who are quick on their toes, shrewd, sexual and beautiful. Hell, it's the reason we love the arts because if nothing else, the arts are a tribute to wonderful women like June. Paltrow's character was a wimp compared to June. June would've had BOTH those men and strung Koteas along like a puppet.
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haha. Paltrow and wimp in the same sentence? How could that be?? :D But I agree. June may not have been a "good" person, but she was pretty god damn interesting!
shareTo say the least--you said it yourself man--she was the muse for two of the greatest bohemians of the 20th century...and that ain't nothin' if not bragworthy. And how'd she spend her remaining years? as a social worker---there's definitely a movie in there somewhere.
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I agree! Though I would be very picky about who would play her. Uma Thurman was pretty great in "Henry and June" but there are very few actresses now who I think could do the job well...
with the way things are going these days they'd probably be like "...Kristen Stewart is popular. Let's get her." and I would facepalm.
As much as I dislike her, I think the best choice would probably be Michelle Williams....ooh or maybe Naomi Watts--but that's just because I adore her.
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Naomi Watts would be nice!
shareI completely fell in love with her after that amnesia david lynch thing she did..mulholland drive or falls or something...she was sooooo good in that and so pretty..dunno how pretty she is now--she was fantastic in the painted veil too.
Also used to love anne heche ---especially after i found out she was crazy--she's a phenomenal actress-too bad she doesn't get good parts.
Have you seen Cedar Rapids? Great 'sleeper' flick from last year or two years ago..what do they call those 'chatty' movies (it's sad really)--gabba or something? let me look it up (sorry for rambling--have been working for 72 hours str8)--MUMBLECORE--oh god...I can't believe they call a film with more dialogue than spent ammo shells MUMBLEcore..wtf kind of generation is this?
Like is Glengarry Glen Ross a MUMBLECORE flick? It is one of the most dynamic movies you can ever see and it's ALL dialog (man I love Mamet).
Anywho, you have an email? lets chat.
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Oooh yeah Mulholland Drive was amazing ( I think there is a Mulholland Falls or something, but I haven't seen it.) I need to watch it again. I'm obsessed with David Lynch.
I haven't heard of this mumblecore thing! I shall check it out. I haven't seen or read Glengarry Glen Ross yet but Mamet is pretty awesome. My theater teacher was a really big fan of his so we talked about him a lot, lol.
I'll watch anything he writes or directs and I don't care HOW forced his dialog sounds. All his movies are essentially about confidence schemes or revolve around a con (State and Main, his comedy even). I love that. You ever see Spartan? Unsung classic.
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I have only read some of his short one scene type things. My teacher, Jodi, was (is) obsessed with Mamet.
shareInteresting thread. My impression was that Henry Miller loved and idolized the idea of June. He saw in her something he could never really attain himself. But in the end she was really sort of a common girl.
I do see the Gweneth character as unconsciously(?) very manipulative. I believe her entire act was to manipulate the older man into leaving his family, and she used Leonard as she pleased with no worries about his feelings. Leonard's final decision is very interesting and can be interpreted in different ways. Its a beautiful little film in my opinion.