Coen Bros x 2

Burn After Reading: quirky forgettable fun. Thought the Brad Pitt character was cartoonish -- a handsome Fred Flintstone.

Fargo: How is it that I never saw Fargo until 2013? Probably scared off by the violence. Terrific sense of place and character. Frances McDormand and everyone in her world were grand. Very wise in a flat, matter-of-fact way. Reminds me of my late Aunt Viola, among others. I don't know North Dakota first-hand. And I haven't even spent enough time in nearby Minnesota to size up the place or the people. But I suspect this movie nailed weather, temperament and small town life in  many ways. Very funny too. To me, the crime and violence doesn't fit. And the movie would stand up very tall with a less intense plot.  We learn very little about what shapes the criminals. Maybe the intent is to contrast the extremes -- those who, in their simple way, get everything and those sad folks who get nothing. Perhaps there is something I am not getting about the movie. :) Brilliant nonetheless

Room, Winter's Bone, Anna Karenina

Room, a novel by Emma Donoghue: Knowing this book by reputation and me for 35 years, Connie thought this book might be too depressing for me. But I liked it. It's about a five-year-old boy and his mother, who are held captive in one small room for years. I was intrigued by the mother's ability to create a rich environment for the boy, despite their tragic circumstances. Reminded me a bit of Life is Beautiful in that respect. And the plot is very engaging...kind of thrilling at times. Not the kind of thing I normally read.

Winter's Bone, movie. Set in rural midwest. Family story. Sixteen year-old girl  grows up fast in terms of adult responsibilities and burdens. She leads a family where dad is on the run and mom does not even speak, let alone take care of much younger kids. The little boy has a skateboard but there is no pavement. He goes back and forth on an old board that lies in the dust. Powerful movie about poor folks, escapism, endurance and the crimes born of desperation.

Anna Karenina, movie. Very theatrical and artsy version. Uses tableaux nicely, among other devices. Not sure whether it's a condemnation of the mores of the time or the idle rich. A good story about forbidden love. Pretty to look at. Won't likely stay with me.