Thursday, November 12, 2009

November 11, 2009

Pleasantville (1998)
#40 on my Top 100 List
Technically, this movie blows my mind a little. I've seen really old movies (like 1910s old) where the filmmakers experimented with color by physically coloring in the celluloid frames, with less than ideal results. This, in the age of computers, makes the fantasy world of a 50s sitcom come slowly to color one item or person at a time. The best part, though, is when color is all around save for one thing or person in black and white. Along with that, the movie discusses several issues, including book burning, racism and personal freedoms. It's interesting that this weird perfect sitcom world gives the characters a chance to escape the traps that they've set up for themselves: David/Bud doesn't have to stay slave to the 50s ideals that Pleasantville has always had, Jen/Mary Sue doesn't have to always be popular and promiscuous, Betty doesn't have to stay as a chaste housewife, etc. The scene where Bud helps her cover up her face with black and white makeup is very powerful. My only problem with the movie is the ending - it brings up a few more questions than answers.
My Netflix rating: 5 stars

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