Post by pierregambotsky on Jun 6, 2007 15:43:42 GMT -5
In a recent online article, Russell Shaw asks "Why hasn't the abortion controversy in 40-plus years given rise to a significant body of literature and art?" He then goes on to talk about Bella a new movie that speaks about the topic of abortion and that he believes to be a true work of art. I haven't seen it, so I can't say if it's any good, but I'm intrigued. He says:
There seems to be some good cinema coming out of Mexico these days. Has anyone here seen the movie or do you know anything about it? I'm especially interested given the fact that another "abortion movie" about a woman in search of an illegal abortion -- and all the terrible things that happen to her in her search to secure one -- just won an award at Cannes. I imagine that movie never really stops to ponder whether she should be seeking an abortion in the first place -- though I haven't seen it so perhaps that's unfair. I'd like to see if Bella gets any airtime and whether it's actually any good. You can check out the trailer here: www.bellathemovie.com . At least from that, it looks like was well-made. I'd love to hear from anyone who knows more about this.
By the way, the movie is produced by Metanoia Films, in which the aforementioned Verastigui is involved. Apparently it is not an explicitly Christian company, but their description states: "Metanoia Films produces timeless films that entertain and inspire people by telling stories that touch people’s hearts and minds." I think it is little efforts like this that have a chance to "change Hollywood," rather than what appear to be artistic travesties like Fox Faith. A poster at the Rotten Tomatoes forum had this to say:
Sounds good huh?
t's remarkable that the movie Bella ever got made. It has yet to be seen whether it will be widely viewed. Bella is deeply Catholic and deeply pro-life. It is not propaganda. "A mediocre film that wows crowds," sniffed a Variety.com reviewer, apparently oblivious of the fact that he was contradicting himself. Winner of a top award at Toronto's International Film Festival last year, it is expertly made, expertly acted, and profoundly moving.
Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, and written by Monteverde and Patrick Million, Bella features Eduardo Verastegui as Jose, chef in an upscale Mexican restaurant in New York, and Tammy Blanchard as Nina, a waitress who loses her job for coming late to work. (It is extrinsic to the movie itself, but Verastegui is a former heartthrob of Mexican soap operas who experienced a conversion several years ago and now aims to dedicate his talents to God.)
Turns out Nina was late because, though unmarried, she's pregnant and suffering from morning sickness. Jose befriends her, and they spend the day together. She's planning to have an abortion. Recalling a horrendous incident in his own past, he tries to talk her out of it, but she isn't persuaded. They visit his parents on Long Island, have a family meal, walk on the beach.
That's about the whole of it, but along the way the audience enters intimately into these two people's lives. More than one handkerchief was being dabbed at its owner's eyes as the screening I attended concluded.
Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, and written by Monteverde and Patrick Million, Bella features Eduardo Verastegui as Jose, chef in an upscale Mexican restaurant in New York, and Tammy Blanchard as Nina, a waitress who loses her job for coming late to work. (It is extrinsic to the movie itself, but Verastegui is a former heartthrob of Mexican soap operas who experienced a conversion several years ago and now aims to dedicate his talents to God.)
Turns out Nina was late because, though unmarried, she's pregnant and suffering from morning sickness. Jose befriends her, and they spend the day together. She's planning to have an abortion. Recalling a horrendous incident in his own past, he tries to talk her out of it, but she isn't persuaded. They visit his parents on Long Island, have a family meal, walk on the beach.
That's about the whole of it, but along the way the audience enters intimately into these two people's lives. More than one handkerchief was being dabbed at its owner's eyes as the screening I attended concluded.
There seems to be some good cinema coming out of Mexico these days. Has anyone here seen the movie or do you know anything about it? I'm especially interested given the fact that another "abortion movie" about a woman in search of an illegal abortion -- and all the terrible things that happen to her in her search to secure one -- just won an award at Cannes. I imagine that movie never really stops to ponder whether she should be seeking an abortion in the first place -- though I haven't seen it so perhaps that's unfair. I'd like to see if Bella gets any airtime and whether it's actually any good. You can check out the trailer here: www.bellathemovie.com . At least from that, it looks like was well-made. I'd love to hear from anyone who knows more about this.
By the way, the movie is produced by Metanoia Films, in which the aforementioned Verastigui is involved. Apparently it is not an explicitly Christian company, but their description states: "Metanoia Films produces timeless films that entertain and inspire people by telling stories that touch people’s hearts and minds." I think it is little efforts like this that have a chance to "change Hollywood," rather than what appear to be artistic travesties like Fox Faith. A poster at the Rotten Tomatoes forum had this to say:
I had the privilege of seeing "Bella" at the Toronto Film Festival and was amazed by this beautiful love story! After i heard the buzz about this little film i decided to go see it with out knowing what to expect and i was blown away. Actually, i think it is best to see this film without knowing anything about the story. A lot of people were surprised when Bella took the top prize at Toronto except for me and the other people who saw the film. Our screening ended in a standing ovation and the Q&A went so long that the moderator had to cut it off. The performances were incredible and the directing was remarkable. It was a powerful experience with a lot of unexpected twists and turns... especially the ending. It is amazing that this little film beat out all of this years Oscar hopefuls to get the most coveted Award at Toronto but it could not have happened to a better film. Congrats!
Sounds good huh?