Talented film makers know cinematic ways of painting in ambiguity. It takes skill to paint in gray, i.e., not employing a point of view but requiring the viewer to fill in his/her own. Conversely, adapting a strong point of view requires realism, convincing people and dialog and - above all - a degree of wisdom. Herein, Rebecca Miller displays neither talent nor skill and lays her ignorance bare.
PV's condescending narration makes plain the author/director's misguided empathy for her characters, none of whom accept an ounce of responsibility for their circumstances or behavior. Should she argue her indifference to her women, Miller has done a terrible job of conveying her message. Should she concede her concern, Miller is not a person one would ever care to know. Miller has to pick one or the other though both result in a terrible movie.
Delia is foolish and behaves inexcusably. Her segment functions best as an explanation of why she is where she is. The scene where she insults a well-intentioned social worker hurts worse considering Miller thinks Delia is the stronger of the two.
Apparently Greta is unaware that only she controls her life. Virtue, integrity, and morality are not subjective: You either have them to some degree or you don't. Greta doesn't, which appears not just fine but commendable to Miller.
Paula, at least, deserves sympathy but is dumber than mud. Yet the final frames anoint her with omnipotence. Paula is alone, poor, stranded and pregnant but we know she'll make it because of the smile, belly rub and camera close up. How convincing.
I shudder to think about the children: the ones Greta has, Paula will have and Greta may have. Worse, I worry about any kids Rebecca Miller has or may have. In sum, rarely have I been so insulted by a film.
PV's condescending narration makes plain the author/director's misguided empathy for her characters, none of whom accept an ounce of responsibility for their circumstances or behavior. Should she argue her indifference to her women, Miller has done a terrible job of conveying her message. Should she concede her concern, Miller is not a person one would ever care to know. Miller has to pick one or the other though both result in a terrible movie.
Delia is foolish and behaves inexcusably. Her segment functions best as an explanation of why she is where she is. The scene where she insults a well-intentioned social worker hurts worse considering Miller thinks Delia is the stronger of the two.
Apparently Greta is unaware that only she controls her life. Virtue, integrity, and morality are not subjective: You either have them to some degree or you don't. Greta doesn't, which appears not just fine but commendable to Miller.
Paula, at least, deserves sympathy but is dumber than mud. Yet the final frames anoint her with omnipotence. Paula is alone, poor, stranded and pregnant but we know she'll make it because of the smile, belly rub and camera close up. How convincing.
I shudder to think about the children: the ones Greta has, Paula will have and Greta may have. Worse, I worry about any kids Rebecca Miller has or may have. In sum, rarely have I been so insulted by a film.