My Salinger Year

A movie about writing? Sounds risky. Everyone knows that words trigger; words attack. And worse still, words can be boring. Still with me?

The thing is, words make us who we are, and give us what we know. Actions speak loud enough, but when that moment has passed, I bet you’re going to say something. Because words matter.

Few people understand that this is a powerful magic. Even fewer like it enough to become magicians. We call them writers. And Joanna wants to be one.

She’s not sure how, but she’s determined. So she moves to New York and goes to open mic poetry. Sounds about right. How about taking a job as a literary agent’s assistant (whatever that means)?

Joanna will find out soon enough. It means typing form letters, shredding fan mail—and answering calls from J.D. Salinger.

Wow. Joanna is so close to great writing. But is it her writing? Here’s our conflict.

Watching Joanna learn the tricks of the trade is like visiting a new bookstore: It’s quiet but exciting, fresh but recognizable. If you’ve read this far, chances are you’ll like it.

Kajillionaire

What kind of parents name their kid Old Dolio?

The kind that like—no, that need—a scam. The kind so scared of how the world takes, they spend all their time scheming how to take first.

So, their grown daughter is as maladjusted as her parachute pants are big. But when a charming stranger nudges her way into the family’s latest scam, Old Dolio starts to see more of what she’s been feeling lately. Maybe there’s something worthwhile about other people, after all.

This movie is as breathtakingly creative as it is furiously romantic. Quirky, delicate, deep, and endearing, storytelling does not get better than this.

Holy Frit

If you’ve ever wondered how they built the pyramids, you’ll like this one.

It’s the behind-the-scenes build of the largest ever stained glass window. A monument to stand for centuries. And right now, a monument that the craftspeople have no idea how to make.

Millions of dollars (and just as many prayers) are on the line. With every shattered panel, every frantic thought, you’ll be more invested.

It’s a watch filled with all the nerves, guts, and jokes of people trying to do something bigger than themselves. What’s more impressive than that?

Malcolm & Marie

Malcolm’s movie is a hit! So why is Marie upset?

A few reasons, it turns out. And so the best day of Malcolm’s life passes into the worst night. The couple argues on and off for hours, saying things that can never be unsaid.

The beginning is transfixing—even charming. There’s a hint of truth in celebrating with a drink, or cooking dinner for someone you’re upset with. But as time passes, the movie devolves into pretentiousness. Is anybody on earth this articulate at three in the morning? Who can possibly shrug off such devastating digs—and every twenty minutes, at that?

Exhausting is the word. Not because the floodgates of an unhealthy relationship are opening in the middle of the night, but because the movie does not feel like an argument; it feels like a movie that was written to fill two hours with one.

No amount of (gorgeous) camerawork or (unremarkable) acting can make up for this.

The Dig

The Dig strikes gold, then gets greedy.

Edith can’t kick the feeling that something big is buried on her land. With world war and illness looming, finding it has become that much more important.

Basil agrees. He’s no archaeologist, but the man respects a dig.

What the two uncover will go down in history. But making history and being history are very different things. So Basil does double duty, giving and Edith and her son some perspective amidst the turmoil.

It is a simple and touching story. What’s odd is that the moviemakers didn’t seem to think so. Surprisingly deep into this, a romantic storyline magically appears, shifting the focus of the movie and almost doubling its length.

But it’s still worth a watch, not least for its beautiful picture. Golden light and big sky expanses subtly remind us how precious life can be.

The White Tiger

The White Tiger is complicated. But to sum up, India is chickens.

Just take it from Balram. By clawing his way up from candy man to rich man he’s seen it all. And now, he’s telling all.

The story is full of intrigue, and often exciting. But it’s also dark. Hard truths about society—and Balram’s choices—are what make this movie. Entertaining and devastating can now be used in the same sentence.

Indeed, this isn’t about rags or riches. It’s about the internal struggle we each face: how to do the right thing for others while doing right by ourselves. Thanks in part to pitch-perfect acting, it’s never been so easy to cheer for characters in one scene and boo them in the next.

One Night in Miami

Hey—have you heard the one where two champions, a rock star, and a philosopher walk into a bar?

It’s no joke. In fact, it’s deeply satisfying. Watching Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Malcolm X with their guards down, it feels like we’re getting away with something.

That’s because people speak more freely with friends. It’s catch-ups one minute, deep cuts another. Sure, you’re the best at what you do, but is your day job making the world a better place?

Some of the lines truly burn. But most of the movie is a more subtle sizzle. Even the slower pace and group imagery are saying, relax and celebrate while you can, but to be black in the United States is to return to a struggle.

There’s much to take away from this, and we each might take something different. The message, maybe, is that that’s OK. Our own experiences and talents can’t be denied. So if we disagree, let’s talk about it.

Tiger

Tiger Woods will bring a kind of peace to this world, a peace like it has never seen before.

Can you imagine, the audacity? But what if your parents said the same about you? Might you feel lucky, that they recognized you were special? Grateful, for their support?

Or maybe, you’d become a machine, addicted to validation. Maybe, you’d be torn up inside. Because no person can be perfect, and because healthy relationships aren’t distractions to be tossed aside.

These are just a few of the ideas whizzing around this movie. Sure, you’ll see footage of golf greatness, and it’s simply wonderful. But the movie is at its most compelling when interviews put this greatness into context—when we can begin to imagine the insane pressures Tiger is facing.

Life is messy, and doesn’t work out into chapters for a story. But this is a riveting, human one, and you’ll easily sit through all three hours of it.

Pieces of a Woman

The baby’s coming. Right now.

But Martha and her partner aren’t worried about being at home. In fact, they planned it this way.

What they didn’t plan for was tragedy. You’d think it would bring the family closer together, but this is a story of separation. People feel pain and seek peace in different ways.

The birthing scene alone will rock you. But the whole movie is expertly done. Editing toys with our perceptions. Direction keeps us close, because even the smallest detail adds to the picture. And last but not least, Martha and her mother deliver champion performances: We’re not watching people change, we’re watching their most intimate thoughts in action.

Prepare to have your emotions thrown on a skillet.