Tonight the Safdie Brothers were in town at the Alamo Ritz bringing us their acclaimed indie film DADDY LONGLEGS. This autobiographical film brings us their chaotic lives as kids while living with their Dad for 2 weeks in his studio apt in midtown Manhattan. This is no yuppie life packed with lessons and playdates. Dad is a projectionist who is incapable of providing adequate parenting. Yet the brothers portray their Dad with compassion and love. There is no anger here and instead of shaking your fists at the screen you are left to open your heart and mind to this relationship. Proof of the pudding is the two young men who remained for a Q&A. They are intelligent, sensitive, creative and warm and seemed to love talking about their film and their lives. They acknowledge their mother as having provided the stability and structure that counter balanced their dad. The role of Dad is played by Ronald Bronstein, a filmmaker. He is brilliant and intense as Lenny. The boys are non-actors (Ranaldo Brothers) and were quite believable. It was good to see a gritty NY with a public school teacher with a black eye. That's what public schools were like in the 80's. Every hippie with a B.A.was a teacher.
Abe, Liz and I agreed that this was a great film. Go see it!
As soon as it comes here, I will!
ReplyDeleteThanks,as always,for your wonderful recommendations.
Pam