Jennifer Lawrence : Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Looking forward to contributing once you get up to Winters Bone onwards:)
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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You've got some work to do, Virgil! Some of her best work was in these first two films!!!!
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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As much as I love her work I'm taken by her as a beautiful woman, would feel at too pervy to watch her earlier work when she was so young!
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I highly doubt that. Well...TBP maybe, LOL. Not The Poker House. It's not at all a sexy story/character.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I'm pretty sure this one is free right now on Amazon prime if that helps anyone.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Ugh you tell me things like that and I'll sign up for the stupid Prime trial! It just needs to get back on Netflix. Or I need to cave in and buy it.
..and no, AMIK, before you even say it, this is nothing like buying The Poker House for that damn director's commentary! I have access to TPH at least. I don't even have access to TBP right now.
..and no, AMIK, before you even say it, this is nothing like buying The Poker House for that damn director's commentary! I have access to TPH at least. I don't even have access to TBP right now.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Well, I think Prime is cheaper than Netflix and you can watch your movies on any device and you can rent movies with
b68
out waiting for the mail (don't know if netflix has than now) and there are a lot of decent titles free and sometimes you can get movies earlier than the dvd release ( like I did with SLP). Just food for thought. :)
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Uhhh...who says I'm paying for Netflix???
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Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I am a little bipolar with this film. I can never decide how much I like it or where it falls in my lists (which, of course, snowballs and affects how I rank all the other films). I understand why critics weren't its biggest fans, but I also think there are some elements to it that are FAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS.
I love it because it's a mystery and a puzzle. Jennifer's character is so complex and she wears her entire life in her eyes. I LOOOOVE Charlize Theron and John Corbett, so them being in this film didn't hurt.
I hate it because the puzzle is more complicated than it has to be at the start. I went into the film with virtually no knowledge other than it being a story of three women, woven together, so it took me a good chunk of time to realize I was watching multiple timelines simultaneously, not just multiple stories. And the fact that there was a timeline within Mariana's timeline...OY!
I have two favorites. The first is with Mariana and Santiago with the fire (the "Girl On Fire" irony is not lost on me). http://25.media.tumblr.com/a5c45a87121331b8ed92076b349e0c85/tumblr_mil hken45K1ql208do3_250.gif
I also LOVE the money scene with Jennifer and the burning trailer in the desert. I remember this sick feeling I had in the pit of my stomach, feeling every ounce of Mariana's pain in that moment. If I was a masochist, I'd buy the DVD and watch that scene over and over again.
I also really like when Carlos meets Sylvia and every interaction between them.
My least favorite scene is Mariana and Santiago in the bedroom (her mom's???). While I LOVE the dynamic between Santiago and Mariana, that scene borders on incest and made me terribly uncomfortable.
Again, a no-name, no-budget indie and she got another opportunity of a lifetime to nail a complicated, complex character that demanded an incredible range for a 16-year-old to pull off. The fact that the director had her picked within hours of starting to look at tapes speaks volumes for her talent.
The only thing I don't like is that she isn't more recognized in this film. Unlike The Poker House where she's the clear lead, she shares the limelight in this one with Theron and Bassinger, and because they were the big names at the time, Jennifer is forgotten in conversation about the film, even though she really does have the most pivotal role in the entire ensemble.
Charlize Theron. One of b68 my favorite actresses, period. As comedic as McDormand's MN accent was in Fargo, that's how accurately understated Charlize's MN accent was in North Country. You have to live here to recognize how freakin' perfect it was...I can't even.
7.5-8
Let's get complicated!
Jennifer's performance (quality) - 4th or 5th, depending on the day
Jennifer's performance (character, personal preference) - 5th
Overall, I bunch the film in that middle-of-the-pack 4th-6th range, not because I don't think it's good, but my top three are pretty damn hard to beat and so many others are bunched together.
Anything from this scene (SPOILER ALERT x 1000):
http://25.media.tumblr.com/ba55f6aeb216e623e955bbf15613ec77/tumblr_mfj svqwnK71rshisvo9_250.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/bf47f8edc728221868d3c467f21ff6b2/tumblr_mlb 4d1lZMa1s9xszlo7_r1_250.gif
...and this smile: http://24.media.tumblr.com/c958257287a9caeef78bc7edfd9c2560/tumblr_mh8 sy6kWt61rho6bko1_500.gif
Yes! There is one in the scene with Mariana and Santiago burning themselves, but I haven't seen the film in long enough to remember it, and I don't own it...so I can't look it up.
YES! In digging up GIFs for this reply, I fell upon an audio clip of Guillermo Arriaga: https://soundcloud.com/gotti2756/guillermo-arriaga-unt-on-the-square-l ast-jennifer-lawrence
He talks about how Jennifer Lawrence caused him to break every rule ever written on how directors should go into watching audition tapes. And when Charlize Theron tried to call him on it, well...he made a gutsy prediction (see clip above then click on GIF below).
http://25.media.tumblr.com/031e67886d883958e2680565a16b996b/tumblr_mgm jwozxWh1r5n0bgo1_500.gif
Can't make this stuff up!
Why do you love it? Hate it?
I love it because it's a mystery and a puzzle. Jennifer's character is so complex and she wears her entire life in her eyes. I LOOOOVE Charlize Theron and John Corbett, so them being in this film didn't hurt.
I hate it because the puzzle is more complicated than it has to be at the start. I went into the film with virtually no knowledge other than it being a story of three women, woven together, so it took me a good chunk of time to realize I was watching multiple timelines simultaneously, not just multiple stories. And the fact that there was a timeline within Mariana's timeline...OY!
Favorite scene? Least favorite scene?
I have two favorites. The first is with Mariana and Santiago with the fire (the "Girl On Fire" irony is not lost on me). http://25.media.tumblr.com/a5c45a87121331b8ed92076b349e0c85/tumblr_mil hken45K1ql208do3_250.gif
I also LOVE the money scene with Jennifer and the burning trailer in the desert. I remember this sick feeling I had in the pit of my stomach, feeling every ounce of Mariana's pain in that moment. If I was a masochist, I'd buy the DVD and watch that scene over and over again.
I also really like when Carlos meets Sylvia and every interaction between them.
My least favorite scene is Mariana and Santiago in the bedroom (her mom's???). While I LOVE the dynamic between Santiago and Mariana, that scene borders on incest and made me terribly uncomfortable.
Best/worst thing about Jennifer's role?
Again, a no-name, no-budget indie and she got another opportunity of a lifetime to nail a complicated, complex character that demanded an incredible range for a 16-year-old to pull off. The fact that the director had her picked within hours of starting to look at tapes speaks volumes for her talent.
The only thing I don't like is that she isn't more recognized in this film. Unlike The Poker House where she's the clear lead, she shares the limelight in this one with Theron and Bassinger, and because they were the big names at the time, Jennifer is forgotten in conversation about the film, even though she really does have the most pivotal role in the entire ensemble.
Favorite actor in the film other than Jennifer?
Charlize Theron. One of b68 my favorite actresses, period. As comedic as McDormand's MN accent was in Fargo, that's how accurately understated Charlize's MN accent was in North Country. You have to live here to recognize how freakin' perfect it was...I can't even.
Ranking out of 10?
7.5-8
Where does it rank in her filmography for you?
Let's get complicated!
Jennifer's performance (quality) - 4th or 5th, depending on the day
Jennifer's performance (character, personal preference) - 5th
Overall, I bunch the film in that middle-of-the-pack 4th-6th range, not because I don't think it's good, but my top three are pretty damn hard to beat and so many others are bunched together.
Favorite GIF?
Anything from this scene (SPOILER ALERT x 1000):
http://25.media.tumblr.com/ba55f6aeb216e623e955bbf15613ec77/tumblr_mfj svqwnK71rshisvo9_250.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/bf47f8edc728221868d3c467f21ff6b2/tumblr_mlb 4d1lZMa1s9xszlo7_r1_250.gif
...and this smile: http://24.media.tumblr.com/c958257287a9caeef78bc7edfd9c2560/tumblr_mh8 sy6kWt61rho6bko1_500.gif
Favorite Quote?
Yes! There is one in the scene with Mariana and Santiago burning themselves, but I haven't seen the film in long enough to remember it, and I don't own it...so I can't look it up.
Other random thoughts?
YES! In digging up GIFs for this reply, I fell upon an audio clip of Guillermo Arriaga: https://soundcloud.com/gotti2756/guillermo-arriaga-unt-on-the-square-l ast-jennifer-lawrence
He talks about how Jennifer Lawrence caused him to break every rule ever written on how directors should go into watching audition tapes. And when Charlize Theron tried to call him on it, well...he made a gutsy prediction (see clip above then click on GIF below).
http://25.media.tumblr.com/031e67886d883958e2680565a16b996b/tumblr_mgm jwozxWh1r5n0bgo1_500.gif
Can't make this stuff up!
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I like the movie because nothing is as it seems. I like the way the story is told and how in the end all belongs together. At the end Mariana is healed. And that's my favorite scene: The flashback as Jennifer's character leaves the baby (Great performance from Jen.).
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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re your least favorite scene
I don't know if you remember but when they are laying on the bed, Santiago tells her how much his burn still hurts and Mariana gets a really sadistic look on her face. What, if anything do you make of that? Who knows...maybe it was just an innocent smile gone bad.
Don't you wish you had amazon prime now????
I don't know if you remember but when they are laying on the bed, Santiago tells her how much his burn still hurts and Mariana gets a really sadistic look on her face. What, if anything do you make of that? Who knows...maybe it was just an innocent smile gone bad.
Don't you wish you had amazon prime now????
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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My take on Burning Plain is that it is an ambitious, flawed indie film that was another tough, gritty role as Jennifer built her reputation.
The great story is how Arriaga cast Jennifer the very first day of auditions and how Charlize Theron, the executive producer, told him to slow down and use the audition period but that he absolutely insisted. Theron said that when she saw the audition it was the best audition she ever saw.
Actually, here is what they both sai 5b4 d about it in an interview:
CHARLIZE: It was, yeah. The first day of casting, he called me and he said “I found her.” I said “Alright, calm down. Very happy for you but you have three weeks of casting.” And, he was like “No, no, no! I've found her.” He sent me a tape and I've never been that blown away by an audition. I mean, never in my life have I ever given an audition like that. So, I think this movie was really blessed, you know. We got surrounded by really good people and the more we talked about cast, the more we'd just kind of send the script out and we got the cast that we really wanted from day one. So, he carries good karma with him, you know, and his writing's okay. (Laughter)
GUILLERMO: I want to say something. The day we met for the first time, Charlize and I, she said “You must be very careful with the casting of Mariana because a wrong cast will crush everything.” Yeah, it was the first day of casting. They were great casting directors and they sent me the tape and I was like “I want that girl.” And, of course, they were like “Come on. It's three weeks.” I said “I want her,” because, you know, she has impeccable taste as an actress, both of them. What I like about these two girls is they can tell a story without doing overacting or mannerisms. Just with your face, they can tell that there's a background, there's a story, there's a past in them. So, they have a lot of inner life which 111c I was blessed to have in the film.
The great story is how Arriaga cast Jennifer the very first day of auditions and how Charlize Theron, the executive producer, told him to slow down and use the audition period but that he absolutely insisted. Theron said that when she saw the audition it was the best audition she ever saw.
Actually, here is what they both sai 5b4 d about it in an interview:
CHARLIZE: It was, yeah. The first day of casting, he called me and he said “I found her.” I said “Alright, calm down. Very happy for you but you have three weeks of casting.” And, he was like “No, no, no! I've found her.” He sent me a tape and I've never been that blown away by an audition. I mean, never in my life have I ever given an audition like that. So, I think this movie was really blessed, you know. We got surrounded by really good people and the more we talked about cast, the more we'd just kind of send the script out and we got the cast that we really wanted from day one. So, he carries good karma with him, you know, and his writing's okay. (Laughter)
GUILLERMO: I want to say something. The day we met for the first time, Charlize and I, she said “You must be very careful with the casting of Mariana because a wrong cast will crush everything.” Yeah, it was the first day of casting. They were great casting directors and they sent me the tape and I was like “I want that girl.” And, of course, they were like “Come on. It's three weeks.” I said “I want her,” because, you know, she has impeccable taste as an actress, both of them. What I like about these two girls is they can tell a story without doing overacting or mannerisms. Just with your face, they can tell that there's a background, there's a story, there's a past in them. So, they have a lot of inner life which 111c I was blessed to have in the film.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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As evidence to just how highly Arriaga thinks of Jennifer, those quotes aren't a part of the audio clip I posted. He takes it even farther!
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Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I've never cared for Kim Basinger as an actress
You have to admit, this is an excellent Kim Basinger film for someone who hates Kim Basinger.
"Only if you give me a scar.....I want to remember this day"
Yes, that one. Thank you, keeper of the DVD.
GREAT GIF of the fire scene...and aww...little baby Maria.
OT...do you watch Revolution at all. JD Pardo is EXCELLENT on it!!!
PS, you've got PM.
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Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I am going to butcher these categories but here goes:
LOVE/HATE
Love the complexity of the relationship between mother/daughter. There is one scene in particular where Mariana says she doesn't pray anymore and her mom says "that's wrong", then touches her leg before leaving the room. Mariana looks down at her leg where it has just been touched with such loathing...its a great moment. Also at the end when they find out the operation is 5b4 a success and Maria turns to Mariana and asks "are you coming?". The look between the two says it all. Also love how it shows Mariana turning her emotions on and off with such skill. In th younger Mariana you can see her just learning to do this.
HATE
No hate for this but the timeline really was baffling to me the first time.
OTHER ACTOR
Jen and Theron are equally good to me. They coinhabit the character so well by sharing some of the same mannerism and facial expressions, and for me, bringing the same amount of depth to the character.
MADE UP CATEGORY...LEAST FAVORITE CHARACTER
Santiagos father (watched this 2 hours ago and already blanked on his name...lol). This guy just seemed like a selfish, get in your pants, never takes a shower creep to me. He's sitting there drinking a beer on the side of the road, waiting for her. She doesnt even look happy to see him and he takes her to a horrible fly infested trailer to have sex. He doesn't respect her decision to call off the affair...I just did not like him at all. She isn't much better but I honestly think she equates sex with love (which I also think Mariana ends up doing). I think her husband loved her but was for whatever reason unable to be intimate with her...which she saw as him not loving her. Well that discussion could go on forever so....
FAVORITE SCENE
When Mariana is talking to Santiago 111c in the hospital and tells him she killed there parents. And the explosion scene. She looks so triumphant when the fire starts...and then it all goes bad and her realization is so well displayed. Jens a pretty good actress. :)
LEAST FAVORITE
I don't believe I have one
RATING 1/10
I had it as a 7 but I'm gonna change it to an 8
RANK
5? right after Poker House
RANDOM THOUGHTS
More than I can possibly type right now
LOVE/HATE
Love the complexity of the relationship between mother/daughter. There is one scene in particular where Mariana says she doesn't pray anymore and her mom says "that's wrong", then touches her leg before leaving the room. Mariana looks down at her leg where it has just been touched with such loathing...its a great moment. Also at the end when they find out the operation is 5b4 a success and Maria turns to Mariana and asks "are you coming?". The look between the two says it all. Also love how it shows Mariana turning her emotions on and off with such skill. In th younger Mariana you can see her just learning to do this.
HATE
No hate for this but the timeline really was baffling to me the first time.
OTHER ACTOR
Jen and Theron are equally good to me. They coinhabit the character so well by sharing some of the same mannerism and facial expressions, and for me, bringing the same amount of depth to the character.
MADE UP CATEGORY...LEAST FAVORITE CHARACTER
Santiagos father (watched this 2 hours ago and already blanked on his name...lol). This guy just seemed like a selfish, get in your pants, never takes a shower creep to me. He's sitting there drinking a beer on the side of the road, waiting for her. She doesnt even look happy to see him and he takes her to a horrible fly infested trailer to have sex. He doesn't respect her decision to call off the affair...I just did not like him at all. She isn't much better but I honestly think she equates sex with love (which I also think Mariana ends up doing). I think her husband loved her but was for whatever reason unable to be intimate with her...which she saw as him not loving her. Well that discussion could go on forever so....
FAVORITE SCENE
When Mariana is talking to Santiago 111c in the hospital and tells him she killed there parents. And the explosion scene. She looks so triumphant when the fire starts...and then it all goes bad and her realization is so well displayed. Jens a pretty good actress. :)
LEAST FAVORITE
I don't believe I have one
RATING 1/10
I had it as a 7 but I'm gonna change it to an 8
RANK
5? right after Poker House
RANDOM THOUGHTS
More than I can possibly type right now
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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when she killed their parents...THEIR. Not there.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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RANDOM THOUGHTS
More than I can possibly type right now
Oh, come on! You can't leave us (me) hanging like that!!!
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Alright...I probably won't say this very well, but I'm not that bright so...
About Mariana's cutting/burning and promiscuity. Here is the way I see it. She hates herself, but she desperately wants to be loved. She asks at least 2 different people "do (don't) you like me?" She tells Santiago that she wants him to give her a scar in exchange for something, but ultimately ends up burning herself. Soon after, they talk about their burns and he is touching her even though he "promised" he wouldn't and they end up having sex. I think this begins the cycle of pain/sex = love. But, she interprets her mother's affair as sex being more important than love. She chooses an affair over her family. Then she kills her mom in an explosion so the seeds are already planted. This girl is pathologically incapable of differentiating between those 3 things: sex, love, pain. No wonder she was terrified to stay with her daughter.
Anyway...good luck understanding that post. I don't even think I do. :)
I'll try to do better on the next random thought.
Alright...I probably won't say this very well, but I'm not that bright so...
About Mariana's cutting/burning and promiscuity. Here is the way I see it. She hates herself, but she desperately wants to be loved. She asks at least 2 different people "do (don't) you like me?" She tells Santiago that she wants him to give her a scar in exchange for something, but ultimately ends up burning herself. Soon after, they talk about their burns and he is touching her even though he "promised" he wouldn't and they end up having sex. I think this begins the cycle of pain/sex = love. But, she interprets her mother's affair as sex being more important than love. She chooses an affair over her family. Then she kills her mom in an explosion so the seeds are already planted. This girl is pathologically incapable of differentiating between those 3 things: sex, love, pain. No wonder she was terrified to stay with her daughter.
Anyway...good luck understanding that post. I don't even think I do. :)
I'll try to do better on the next random thought.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Okay...I agree with you in some respects but not in others. Here's my take...
The self-injury is to fill the hole left from her pain/guilt over her mother's death. Young girls who self-injure are almost always feeling neglect from a parent or emotional pain that they are trying to replace with physical pain, which psychologically hurts less. In this case, she's dealing with the guilt over her mom's death AND neglect due to her father's grief and need to provide for the family. Mariana has to become the mother (and in some ways was before her mom's death) when what she needs is a parent to help her through her teenage years. And this also plays a role in the sex...
Mariana as played by Jennifer isn't using sex out of self-hate. She's equating it with feeling loved, being needed, having someone she can depend on because she doesn't have an adult figure in her life anymore to take on that role for her. The older Mariana is using it to fill a void. She lets herself be used because, you're right, she doesn't think she deserves better. She's unwilling to get emotionally attached to any man because in her experience, those you love leave you (or you leave).
I agree with you on what was behind abandoning her daughter. She couldn't fathom how someone capable of killing her mother could ever BE a mother. She only saw her faults, her guilt, and her poor decisions and how they would negatively affect her daughter and Santiago...so she left.
This leads to a question. We discover at some point in the film that Santiago followed Mariana out to the trailer. He knew what was going on with their parents too. Did he also realize that she caused the explosion? That would symbolize his unconditional love and forgiveness, which is of course exactly what Mariana needs to heal herself, and it would add a great deal of depth to the entire story were it told to us explicitly. I just like the idea that although Mariana ran and became Sylvia, Santiago LET her go (knowing she needed it), but was sure to do the best he could for their daughter.
This film was so close to being GREAT. Some of the themes (and timelines) were a little TOO vague. If they'd been clearer this could have been an exceptional film instead of the only non-HATES rotten movie in her filmography.
The self-injury is to fill the hole left from her pain/guilt over her mother's death. Young girls who self-injure are almost always feeling neglect from a parent or emotional pain that they are trying to replace with physical pain, which psychologically hurts less. In this case, she's dealing with the guilt over her mom's death AND neglect due to her father's grief and need to provide for the family. Mariana has to become the mother (and in some ways was before her mom's death) when what she needs is a parent to help her through her teenage years. And this also plays a role in the sex...
Mariana as played by Jennifer isn't using sex out of self-hate. She's equating it with feeling loved, being needed, having someone she can depend on because she doesn't have an adult figure in her life anymore to take on that role for her. The older Mariana is using it to fill a void. She lets herself be used because, you're right, she doesn't think she deserves better. She's unwilling to get emotionally attached to any man because in her experience, those you love leave you (or you leave).
I agree with you on what was behind abandoning her daughter. She couldn't fathom how someone capable of killing her mother could ever BE a mother. She only saw her faults, her guilt, and her poor decisions and how they would negatively affect her daughter and Santiago...so she left.
This leads to a question. We discover at some point in the film that Santiago followed Mariana out to the trailer. He knew what was going on with their parents too. Did he also realize that she caused the explosion? That would symbolize his unconditional love and forgiveness, which is of course exactly what Mariana needs to heal herself, and it would add a great deal of depth to the entire story were it told to us explicitly. I just like the idea that although Mariana ran and became Sylvia, Santiago LET her go (knowing she needed it), but was sure to do the best he could for their daughter.
This film was so close to being GREAT. Some of the themes (and timelines) were a little TOO vague. If they'd been clearer this could have been an exceptional film instead of the only non-HATES rotten movie in her filmography.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Wait...what? I just watched it this morning and don't remember Santiago following Mariana out to the trailer. Guess I'm gonna have to watch it again. lol.
This movie really was so much better on rewatch. I really tried this time to focus on the the similarities of the younger/older Mariana, and was blown away by how well they did. Also focusing on the dynamics between Gina/ Mariana and Mariana/Maria made the story so much richer. Tessa Ia did a fantastic job I think...I neglected to mention her under OTHER FAVORITE PERFORMANCE earlier.
I think you are right about the cutting and sex, but I still think they are more intertwined when it comes to motivation. I did put in a disclaimer for the butchered post :)
My thoughts just run much faster than my finger can punch in letters.
This movie really was so much better on rewatch. I really tried this time to focus on the the similarities of the younger/older Mariana, and was blown away by how well they did. Also focusing on the dynamics between Gina/ Mariana and Mariana/Maria made the story so much richer. Tessa Ia did a fantastic job I think...I neglected to mention her under OTHER FAVORITE PERFORMANCE earlier.
I think you are right about the cutting and sex, but I still think they are more intertwined when it comes to motivation. I did put in a disclaimer for the butchered post :)
My thoughts just run much faster than my finger can punch in letters.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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There's one point where, if I recall correctly, he sees her riding her bike out of town. I don't remember exactly but I didn't catch it the first time either because I never knew which timeline we were in, if it was Mariana's or her mom's, since young Mariana is in both of them. It's been a long time since I've seen it...probably since last Fall.
Re: Let's
5b4
Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Hopefully a slightly more cohesive
RANDOM THOUGHT
Was Kim Basinger's character (Gina) suppose to be so unlikable? I realize this is subjective but...
When we first meet her she is meeting 2000 up with her lover on the side of the road. She does not seem pleased to be there. In fact, she seems quite disgusted by the situation. There is no hint of passion on her part. It begs the question WHY is she even doing this. Is it desperation for feeling attractive again? As stated earlier, her husband does seem like a loving guy (he becomes a jerk after her death, but beforehand seems like a nice, caring, family man). Even after his failed attempt at sex, he takes her hand and just holds it. I mean, he even wants to go to K Mart with her for God's sake! But I'm getting off track.
She leaves her oldest child to look after the other kids...and cook...and clean. Meanwhile she is off at the trailer taking down fly strips and decorating. Maybe she was just looking for some appreciation?
The scene where she shows her mastectomy scar...what kind of response was that meant to elicit? Because I felt ...nothing.
So can somebody please explain her character to me, because I just saw her as a weak, selfish woman and I don't think that was the intent.
RANDOM THOUGHT
Was Kim Basinger's character (Gina) suppose to be so unlikable? I realize this is subjective but...
When we first meet her she is meeting 2000 up with her lover on the side of the road. She does not seem pleased to be there. In fact, she seems quite disgusted by the situation. There is no hint of passion on her part. It begs the question WHY is she even doing this. Is it desperation for feeling attractive again? As stated earlier, her husband does seem like a loving guy (he becomes a jerk after her death, but beforehand seems like a nice, caring, family man). Even after his failed attempt at sex, he takes her hand and just holds it. I mean, he even wants to go to K Mart with her for God's sake! But I'm getting off track.
She leaves her oldest child to look after the other kids...and cook...and clean. Meanwhile she is off at the trailer taking down fly strips and decorating. Maybe she was just looking for some appreciation?
The scene where she shows her mastectomy scar...what kind of response was that meant to elicit? Because I felt ...nothing.
So can somebody please explain her character to me, because I just saw her as a weak, selfish woman and I don't think that was the intent.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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It seemed to me that Arriaga was trying to convey the emptiness a woman can feel after battling breast cancer. I don't think she was supposed to be as unsympathetic as she came off. Gina no longer felt whole or desirable, and even to have her affair with Santiago's father, she had to overcome her own scars. I would guess the affair stemmed from Gina's thought that if she could at least be physically intimate with a man - any man - that she could begin to feel whole again. Then she developed feelings for him (her own husband too busy working too much to show her affection)...he desired her...and it all snowballed until...
http://24.media.tumblr.com/a67f2407c3e7450867996784c32d0658/tumblr_mos v5mwzc11swjedco7_500.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/a67f2407c3e7450867996784c32d0658/tumblr_mos v5mwzc11swjedco7_500.gif
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Aaaahhh...you are much deeper than me
or.....
I am just a pseudosociopath :)
Laughed my butt off at that gif btw
or.....
I am just a pseudosociopath :)
Laughed my butt off at that gif btw
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I tend to get "deep" at night. I'm just glad it made sense when I reread it today. Typically, my midnight genius isn't so genius post-sunrise.
I sure hope more people dive into these threads when we get to her more popular movies. Not that I don't like analyzing things with you...but I didn't realize so few posters around here had seen this film! They don't know what they're missing, if you ask me.
I sure hope more people dive into these threads when we get to her more popular movies. Not that I don't like analyzing things with you...but I didn't realize so few posters around here had seen this film! They don't know what they're missing, if you ask me.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Your not so genius midnight genius trumps my any time of day genius...lol.
What is next in your line-up btw?
What is next in your line-up btw?
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Winter's Bone. I'm going in order of theatrical releases, which is pretty close to IMDb order.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I actually saw this film during it's brief theatrical release. This film pretty much sealed the deal on permanently knocking Charlize off of my list of favorite actresses.
I was a massive Charlize fan: Cider House Rules, The Yards, Italian Job, North Country and heck, I even liked Aeon Flux. And Monster still remains on my all-time best performance list.
I'm not sure what's going on with Charlize but in my opinion, North Country was her last great performance.
Kim Basinger, what can y 2000 ou say? This is a typical character for her - the sullen beauty. Usually this type of characterization comes natural for her. However, in this film I couldn't wait until she got off the screen.
Funny, the only storyline, I found compelling was the young actress I now know to be Jennifer Lawrence.
I remember reading a review on this film wherein one reviewer was knocking Jennifer's performance. I'm paraphrasing but he stated something to the effect - as if this actress will ever grow up to be a Charlize Theron. Wonder how the reviewer feels now?
Favorite scene?
Jennifer's acting when she blows up the trailer. The girl is amazing!
Least favorite scene?
All scenes with Kim Basinger. Even though I was disappointed with Charlize's performance, her scenes are watchable whereas I find Kim's intolerable.
Best/worst thing about Jennifer's role?
Best thing, it showed the ever increasing range of Jennifer's abilities. Worst thing... Very few have seen this film which was killed by the critics and killed at the box office.
Favorite actor in the film other than Jennifer?
JD Pardo
Ranking out of 10?
5/10, without Jennfier it probably would be a 1/10.
Where does it rank in her filmography for you?
Below HATES
Other random thoughts?
All three leads are now Oscar winners.
I was a massive Charlize fan: Cider House Rules, The Yards, Italian Job, North Country and heck, I even liked Aeon Flux. And Monster still remains on my all-time best performance list.
I'm not sure what's going on with Charlize but in my opinion, North Country was her last great performance.
Kim Basinger, what can y 2000 ou say? This is a typical character for her - the sullen beauty. Usually this type of characterization comes natural for her. However, in this film I couldn't wait until she got off the screen.
Funny, the only storyline, I found compelling was the young actress I now know to be Jennifer Lawrence.
I remember reading a review on this film wherein one reviewer was knocking Jennifer's performance. I'm paraphrasing but he stated something to the effect - as if this actress will ever grow up to be a Charlize Theron. Wonder how the reviewer feels now?
Favorite scene?
Jennifer's acting when she blows up the trailer. The girl is amazing!
Least favorite scene?
All scenes with Kim Basinger. Even though I was disappointed with Charlize's performance, her scenes are watchable whereas I find Kim's intolerable.
Best/worst thing about Jennifer's role?
Best thing, it showed the ever increasing range of Jennifer's abilities. Worst thing... Very few have seen this film which was killed by the critics and killed at the box office.
Favorite actor in the film other than Jennifer?
JD Pardo
Ranking out of 10?
5/10, without Jennfier it probably would be a 1/10.
Where does it rank in her filmography for you?
Below HATES
Other random thoughts?
All three leads are now Oscar winners.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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as if this actress will ever grow up to be a Charlize Theron.
Well, the critic was right: she's morphing into more of a blend of Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep (fame/acclaim)...way bigger than Charlize Theron has ever been.
AND...Jennifer earned a very notable award for her performance in the film.
Very few have seen this film which was killed by the critics and killed at the box office.
Oh come on, the reviews weren't that bad; it's just that an indie film lives or dies by the critics and if reviews are anything other than stellar, it never gets off the ground.
Where does it rank in her filmography for you?
Below HATES
That earns you a great big fat http://25.media.tumblr.com/4b38fa72a944033f1135248b10133709/tumblr_mo6 y19zcxt1rzho1oo6_250.gif
All three leads are now Oscar winners.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/78ef39b86973ba90183b279d3892d51c/tumblr_mkk yizv00K1raejtro1_250.gif
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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OMG!!!
I just had to get up off the floor after reading that...
How come I can't find the LOL and ROTF smiley???
I just had to get up off the floor after reading that...
How come I can't find the LOL and ROTF smiley???
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Get up off the floor after reading what???
Laughing is [ laugh ]. The closest one to rolling is [ bounce ].
Laughing is [ laugh ]. The closest one to rolling is [ bounce ].
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Your response to my post, it's hilarious.
All of it really but especially the "gif" for ranking it ranking below HATES.
All of it really but especially the "gif" for ranking it ranking below HATES.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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http://25.media.tumblr.com/9b2c9c6181267f9ac2493bc3e98b4758/tumblr_mhj pxbBb8N1rrb9xco5_250.gif
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
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This message has been deleted.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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RIGHT?!
Don't even get me started on HATES (all in good time), but at least Jennifer's acting is good in TBP! *ahem*
Don't even get me started on HATES (all in good time), but at least Jennifer's acting is good in TBP! *ahem*
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Why do you love it? Hate it?
I love how it depicts a character at two different times in her life and how events from her youth affected who she became as an adult. I agree with those who said it was a really complex character and that it was well acted, especially by Charlize and Jennifer. It is one of the more openly ambivalent portrayals of motherhood that I've seen recently.
Guillermo Arriaga is a really good writer but the circular, non-linear structure that he always uses started to feel a bit like a gimmick here. (Kind of similar to how the clever plot twists in M. Night Shyamalan's films became gimmicky.) I also don't think he's as good of a director as Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, who I think did a better job directing his other scripts. I agree with those who didn't like Joaquim de Almedia as Nick. It was a poorly conceived role. (He was much better as the Latin Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger.)
Favorite scene? Least favorite scene?
It has to be the trailer blowing up. That was such a shocking scene and it was very well done. Jennifer's reaction was so amazing, especially for someone so young. She goes from confusion, to anger, to pure horror. So good its haunting.
Jennifer's father's confrontations, both with her and Santiago, felt forced. It was too much of a writer's contrivance to give her the motivation to run off with him.
Best/worst thing about Jennifer's role?
That it was such a difficult, complex role for a young actress. Its so interesting to go back and look at her earlier performances like this and TPH to see her progression as an actress and her willingness to play challenging characters.
It is unfortunate that more people didn't recognize her performance at the ti 5b4 me. I wasn't even aware of the movie until after SLP, despite all of the talent involved.
Favorite actor in the film other than Jennifer?
Charlize. She really underplays it in a way that is very effective. Right from the beginning you can see the pain she feels but she convincingly keeps her character mysterious so that we're always wondering why she appears so cold. It makes the revelations that much more horrifying when they occur.
Ranking out of 10?
6
Where does it rank in her filmography for you?
Performance - 5th
Film - 6th or 7th
I have more problems with this movie than many of her other movies but I have to admit there are some really good things in it that have stayed with me.
Favorite GIF?
Twinkie's choices were really cool so I won't add anything here.
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This message has been deleted.
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Sylvia = Water
Mariana & Santiago = Fire
Nick & Gina = Earth
Maria & adult Santiago = Air
Wow. That's deep. And we were supposed to decipher that? The viewing public who couldn't even figure out the freakin' timelines until an hour into the film?!?!?!
That first GIF...okay, it is obvious Charlize and Jennifer aren't the same person, but seriously, critics didn't think they looked alike enough? Really?! They could be sisters!
And OH!OH!OH!OH! That last one - aside from being an INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL AND CREATIVE COLLAGE - has GIFs of Santiago seeing Mariana ride off! That's what I was talking about when I asked if he knew what was up...and if he figured out on his own over time that she was the one who caused the trailer to blow! I mean, if he knew where she was going and that she knew of the affair (and he knew of the affair) and her obsession with fire and self-mutulation...was he perceptive enough to figure it all out? OR DID HE ACTUALLY SEE HER DO IT?!
Oh, the questions!
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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I think this is an excerpt of what Charlize Theron wrote for Jennifer's 2012 Entertainer of the Year feature:
...I wonder who Charlize chose for Best Actress at the Oscars 2011 and 2013...
We were both crushed with silence. We didn't want anyone else to play the part. She had this stillness and power of conviction that made you believe her in every moment, a wisdom and depth so beyond that of a 16-year-old. Yes, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. When we first met in person it was so clear that this girl was going to take over the world. She is charismatic, funny to the bone, and will not suffer fools easily. She is committed in every moment of what she's playing. Her work in that film and everything since has always moved me — every frame of her in Winter's Bone was just mesmerizing. How is it that she can just stand there, not saying a word, and make us feel so much? Her talent is undeniable, and she is a force to be reckoned with. —Charlize Theron
...I wonder who Charlize chose for Best Actress at the Oscars 2011 and 2013...
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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Okay, I really procrastinated on these threads. Thought I'd sit down when I have enough time to think my answers through, and then BAM! a month passed.
Whatever, let's see The Burning Plain then!
I actually really liked TBP, I'm a sucker for out-of-sequence timelines (Memento is one of my all-time favorite movies), I love being able to put the pieces together and find the little references on multiple viewings that I didn't realize the first time.
That being said, I did figure out the structure and the twists long before their time and I think I was actually relatively slow on some things. I think I would've liked to be kept in the dark a little longer, or get a cool new twist for the last part of the movie as well.
I also feel like I didn't understand every characters' motivations, the storyline with Mariana and Santiago was especially weird to me. The way they re-enacted their parents' affair and also the way Mariana's involvement in their deaths was only referenced by her obsession with fire. Maybe it's because of these - for me - inconsistencies character-wise that I don't think this movie resonated with me emotionally b68 on the level Arriaga intended.
SCENE:
I think my favorite scene is one of the conversations between Mariana and her mother. Also the ending sequence was really pretty.
My least favorite scene is probably the one I mentioned with Mariana and Santiago dressing up in their parents' clothes. It's just weird, okay?
JENNIFER'S ROLE:
I just didn't get Mariana as a character. It didn't add up for me. But there were some complexities and moments that I did love about her. Also she was playing young Charlize Theron, how cool is that?
FAVORITE ACTOR:
I am a big fan of Charlize, so obviously she was my other favorite thing, and she was really great. I really enjoyed Kim Basinger as well though.
RANKING:
8/10 - Because I really AM a sucker for this kind of movie structure. The cast was also magnificent and it did have some good emotional moments.
RANKING IN HER FILMOGRAPHY:
Hm, let's see... If we're talking about the movie itself, then I think... #4? Don't be surprised if tomorrow that changer though.
I think I pretty much summed up all my random thoughts and I don't think I would necessarily single out a single GIF-moment, so let's go to:
FAVORITE QUOTE:
"Lots of things are wrong, mom, and they can't be fixed by praying."
Whatever, let's see The Burning Plain then!
I actually really liked TBP, I'm a sucker for out-of-sequence timelines (Memento is one of my all-time favorite movies), I love being able to put the pieces together and find the little references on multiple viewings that I didn't realize the first time.
That being said, I did figure out the structure and the twists long before their time and I think I was actually relatively slow on some things. I think I would've liked to be kept in the dark a little longer, or get a cool new twist for the last part of the movie as well.
I also feel like I didn't understand every characters' motivations, the storyline with Mariana and Santiago was especially weird to me. The way they re-enacted their parents' affair and also the way Mariana's involvement in their deaths was only referenced by her obsession with fire. Maybe it's because of these - for me - inconsistencies character-wise that I don't think this movie resonated with me emotionally b68 on the level Arriaga intended.
SCENE:
I think my favorite scene is one of the conversations between Mariana and her mother. Also the ending sequence was really pretty.
My least favorite scene is probably the one I mentioned with Mariana and Santiago dressing up in their parents' clothes. It's just weird, okay?
JENNIFER'S ROLE:
I just didn't get Mariana as a character. It didn't add up for me. But there were some complexities and moments that I did love about her. Also she was playing young Charlize Theron, how cool is that?
FAVORITE ACTOR:
I am a big fan of Charlize, so obviously she was my other favorite thing, and she was really great. I really enjoyed Kim Basinger as well though.
RANKING:
8/10 - Because I really AM a sucker for this kind of movie structure. The cast was also magnificent and it did have some good emotional moments.
RANKING IN HER FILMOGRAPHY:
Hm, let's see... If we're talking about the movie itself, then I think... #4? Don't be surprised if tomorrow that changer though.
I think I pretty much summed up all my random thoughts and I don't think I would necessarily single out a single GIF-moment, so let's go to:
FAVORITE QUOTE:
"Lots of things are wrong, mom, and they can't be fixed by praying."
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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My least favorite scene is probably the one I mentioned with Mariana and Santiago dressing up in their parents' clothes. It's just weird, okay?
Right?! That entire scene, I was just like...
http://25.media.tumblr.com/4b38fa72a944033f1135248b10133709/tumblr_mo6 y19zcxt1rzho1oo6_250.gif
I figured out things about as soon as I got the timelines straightened out, but I have a friend who didn't figure it out until Carlos called Silvia "Mariana!"
I just didn't get Mariana as a character. It didn't add up for me.
How so? I didn't have that issue with her character. Should I have?
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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How so? I didn't have that issue with her character. Should I have?
I don't even think I can explain it to be honest, maybe I'm just being nitpicky here. I guess it was a combination of things I mentioned, like how we don't really see her reacting to the fact that she killed her mother in her storyline with Santiago. I don't even know why that bothered me so much. It kind of separated the two Marianas to me in her mother's and Santiago's timeline and added a whole new layer of weird to that bedroom scene. I just felt like I couldn't understand her. I don't even know. I'm blabbering so maybe I should just stop. :)
I guess the hardest part of figuring the movie out is to get the timelines straight, but after that most of the story is given. But maybe we're just used to thinking outside the box. :)
Re: Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
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PTSD. She was going through the motions, but she wasn't facing it because she didn't know how to. Instead, I think she felt if she created her own pain and she followed her mother's path, she could earn forgiveness. Then, when she had the baby, she snapped out of that daze and into the reality that she, with all her faults and sins, now had this baby to raise. Fearing herself, she runs. And then, we see in Silvia the self-destructive path she took for the next 12 years.
Let's Talk About…The Burning Plain! (Spoilers)
Next up is The Burning Plain! This film is probably the least-accessible of Jennifer Lawrence's movies, one of the least-seen, and one of critics' least-favorites. Psh...critics, who needs 'em?
WARNING: Spoilers will be free-flowing; no need to spoiler tag them. Those who haven't seen the film are welcome to participate (of course), but you've been forewarned.
So, without further adieu, let's talk about The Burning Plain!!
Why do you love it? Hate it?
Favorite scene? Least favorite scene?
Best/worst thing about Jennifer's role?
Favorite actor in the film other than Jennifer?
Ranking out of 10?
Where does it rank in her filmography for you?
Other random thoughts?
Favorite GIF?
Favorite Quote?
I'll be back with my answers!