I finally had the chance to sit down and watch the wonderful Made In Italy last night, written and directed by James D’Arcy and starring Liam Neeson and his son Micheál Richardson. I won’t be reviewing the film, out of respect for the catharsis it provided the two actors, but I will say it holds a cultural and social value that far outstrips any complaints. Grieving is never perfect, but as an homage to the late Natasha Richardson, Neeson’s wife and Richardson’s mother, it is sincere. That goes a long way for me, personally.
That said, can I just say IFC Films are on a roll this summer? A string of great releases; Sputnik, which I’m about to watch as soon as I finish this, Made In Italy, The Rental, Relic, The Painted Bird (I bought the Czech bluray and have watched it twice), and Kore-eda Hirokazu’s The Truth. Now that I’m done with school for the time being, someone other than Kino Lorber and Film at Lincoln Center get to take my money for a while. At least until Cinema Guild’s next release. And don’t get me started on Criterion with that Fellini box. I may have to pursue a more lucrative field to acquire some of these releases.
The Seeming and the Meaning 