I generally classify “movies I’d recommend” into two categories: (1)the films that are just a blast to watch, and during which I find myself completely engrossed/enthralled/terrified etc. (2) the films I find myself thinking about and questioning for a while after the film-watching experience. This film falls into the latter category.

One scene that was particularly memorable and mentioned in the previous write-up was a scene where “Reese” drowns a small orange kitten in a duffel bag. For several days afterward, I couldn’t get the imagery of this scene out of my head. Its brutality and honesty were haunting in a very refreshing way… I think that you’ll find the rest of the film follows suit in presenting very real, very true characters full of flaws and tender fallibilities that are so much a part of the world around us. Great cast, great meditation on life and family.

Not a feel-good film. :)

I just finished watching “Winter Passing.” It is a bit quirky but in an endearing sort of way. This is a movie written and directed by Adam Rapp. Zooey Deschanel plays “Reese Holden,” a slightly disturbed woman, who drowns a kitten in a bag in one scene and takes money from an editor for the love letters that her father, “Don Holden” (Ed Harris) and mother, Mary, had written to each other years ago. She comes home to find two strangers living in her house. One of them is played by Will Ferrell, who is an aspiring rock musician who also has taken on the role of Don Holden’s security. I really love it when Will Ferrell sings and he does so in this movie as well. His character is very sweet but also wants to “rock.” I really enjoyed watching the relationships develop between the characters. The soundtrack is also pretty amazing as well. The film ends with the Shins song “those to come” which is one of my favorite songs of all time.

It reminded me quite strongly of Proof, which is truly excellent. This isn’t as good and I felt the characters didn’t achieve quite the right fit—but then that probably heightened the story (the literary element of which was lost on me) and added to the amusingly odd antics. Poor kitty.