Blondie, your assessment of "Lovely" was beautiful. I especially love the analogy to a music box opened on Christmas morning. This Christmas, the most cherished and meaningful present I got was a snow globe with carolers, with the song in the music box "O Holy Night". Needless to say, because of "Lovely, Still", this gift is very special for me, "the perfect gift".
Also, I'll never be able to hear that song again and not think of that beautiful scene. It took my breath away when I first saw it in the theater, it was heartbreakingly beautiful and especially poignant for me. The magic in the air, the music of the carolers, and then the clasp of hands, one of them exceedingly precious. I nearly lost it and willed my eyes to stop watering so I could continue seeing the images, knowing it would have to be awhile until I'd see them again.
When the film was released on DVD, I enjoyed going through and picking out certain things that were clues. I caught a few in the theater that first time, not knowing exactly what the "surprise" was going to be but knowing about a twist nonetheless. The first clue I can think of now is when he left his door opened near the beginning. I guess I wasn't supposed to but I noticed that during the first screening. I also noticed the poster in the manager's office with the quote about never giving up. We all know who was responsible for the placement of that poster.
Another pull of the heartstrings during Robert and Mary's dinner conversation when Robert said that nothing was impossible if we never give up. This, for me, was one of the important factors that made the movie uniquely his. I was instantly aware that character saying this was brought to life by a man who lives this philosophy very, very well.
Another gasp when I first saw the photos of Martin from long ago. The photo of him at the News, so very young! Another photo, a composite photo during what looked to me to be the Mission years. And then a photo that I'm sure must irritate the BB fans no end and we all must know which photo that is. It was a perfect touch to see a photo of Robert and Mary in a much younger time from that of their current age. It helped to put the continuity in perspective of their incredible relationship. By the way Blondie, your words about Mary being non controlling were so true. It's evident that her character truly cared about his happiness and well being, not just during the sunset of their lives but throughout the
entire course of their marriage. They both captured this feeling of continuity perfectly. Her with her gentle care of him, her concern and unsurpassing love that we know Mary always felt, and somehow he managed to show this continuity from their past relationship as well. Not from memory of course but through his incredible kindness that was impossible for the alzheimers to take away from him, that genuine sweetness in being who he always was as a person. This, for me, is Martin, the essence of who he is. This movie was almost like a portrait of himself, one that only he could paint.
About the close-up shots near the beginning, I don't see Martin as being brave for bearing the close-ups. I think he's past feeling any sort of insecurities that all younger actors must have and now simply rolls with it as it comes. Many people seem fascinated with his age (in one way or another) but I simply see him as timeless. Seeing his smile, his eyes, his very demeanor, hearing him talk about aging, I'd be hard pressed to think of anyone who's aged more gracefully than Martin Landau.
Subject: Lovely, Still 
Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:10 pm
