In My Opinion
With Sandra Pianin

When no other opinion matters.

Sandra Pianin is a freelance writer who lives in Queens, New York. Her work has appeared on many online sites with subjects from gardening to politics. In the past, she has been a reviewer for the High Definition Film Festival, the author of a Hollywood business column for www.matchflick.com and a web pundit for www.webpundit.net.

EDITORIAL OF THE WEEK

A Performance for All Seasons and Reasons 
 

At 74, actor Peter O'Toole is making headlines instead of plans for retirement.  He has been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his work in the film, Venus. In what is probably the best role of his long and distinguished career, O'Toole plays aging, veteran actor, Maurice Russell with a every inch of his actor's soul.  Maurice lives alone in his London apartment.  The delight of his days has been meeting with his two friends (one a fellow actor) at a cafe where they recall their careers, exchange pills and have manly conversation.  Maurice's friend, Ian, expects his great niece to join him in London where she will act as his caregiver. Unfortunately, when Jessie arrives, she is unwilling to help Ian.  She tells Maurice that she wants to be a model.  Maurice gets her a job as an artist's model where she will have to undress to pose for the artists.  She is unwilling to do so while Maurice is there.  This begins the relationship between Jessie and Maurice.  It is a rather negative May-December coupling at the very least.  She is very disdainful of him.  But, naturally, Maurice's eyes are clouded by her youth and he falls in love with her.  He accepts  greedily the crumbs of whatever she wants to offer him.  Of course, Jessie meets a young man.  The young man and Jessie conspire to ask Maurice for a place to stay and probably money as well.  Maurice fights with the young man and has what appears to be a stroke. Yes, you may think this film has been done before.  You will be correct but never with such style, panache, and quite frankly, the best rendering by any actor that I have seen in many years.  I applaud, too, the performance of Vanessa Redgrave, as Maurice's ailing but still loving wife.  Many years ago, Maurice abandoned her and their children for another woman.  Yet, he still calls upon her and their relationship and offers whatever financial assistance and  tenderness he can render. As you can guess, I easily fell in love with the entire O'Toole bravo performance as Maurice, the rogue. It is my hope that Peter O'Toole wins his Oscar.  If he doesn't, he will have had the role of his career under his belt. ~*~Sandra Pianin ~*~

[Archived Articles]

Please fill out this form if you have a special request for advice from Sandra.

Your Name

(**If you wish to remain anonymous please indicate**)

Please give us your e-mail.

(**Email will remain confidential**)

Click in the box below, then type in your special request or question.