Manchester-by-the-Sea, T2 Trainspotting and Jackie

The reviews had said it all, but even knowing the basics of the plot, I was completely surprised at how the story unfolded. The contrast (in the early part of the movie) between the morose, withdrawn and angry handyman and the flashbacks to the garrulous family man was the epitome of "show don't tell". Casey Affleck (a shoe in for the Oscar) was perfect as the two faces of Lee Chandler. Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan has created a masterpiece in the portrayal of grief. All around Lee, people tiptoe on eggshells. That is except for his selfish nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges) who, I guess, he only tolerates as in him he can see something of his younger self.

Then there is the one scene above with Lee's ex wife played by Michelle Williams. Although theatrical in it's static setting, it was devastating on a big screen in a dark cinema. Unforgettable and it deserves the Oscar for best film.

Danny Boyle's update on the characters from the original Trainspotting employs the same visual and musical techniques as the original, i.e. frenetic. The guys are older but have not changed, still the same old anarchic selves dressed up in a semblance of a maturer person. It seems that only Spud is not in disguise and Ewen Bremner is superb and almost sympathetic. Not like the others. There is one small cameo that I need to mention. Pauline Turner is fantastic as Begbie's wife June. Hardly a word to say, but her face says it all. How does this country produce such great acting talent.

Inside director Pablo Larrain's movie, there is a much better film struggling to get out. I will always remember it for the succession of confusing multiple flashbacks that spoil what otherwise would have been great. I'm not against flashbacks, and the device of Jackie Kennedy telling her story to a journalist is fine. But there was too much jumping around in the back story that made the whole thing messy. That said, the screenplay by Noah Oppenheim was fine, the cinematography, costumes sets all good. It was interesting to see Richard E Grant and David Caves (a favourite of ours from the BBC series Silent Witness) but most of all John Hurt was fabulous as the priest. The lack of an Oscar nomination could only have been due to the shortness of his role, he was far and away better than many of the contenders. Then there is Natalie Portman. She is still remembered by me for her first youthful role in Leon. It bode well for the future and her starring role as Jackie fulfilled all that early promise. At least she should win best actress.