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Wow, a lot to unpack. This is adapted from Russell Banks' Foregone, but there's an obvious "Rosebud" moment at the end that makes it feel like Schrader's swan song, too. I really liked how the film played with variations on memory: different color grading and film shots, swapping Elordi and Gere in the memory sequences--using Thurman as two characters. I also think Elordi's height was used purposely as he looms so large over everyone in the memory sequences, but it's abundantly clear that Gere isn't as tall.
Richard Gere gives a really phenomenal and heartbreaking performance. I don't think the movie quite achieved what it wanted to, but he should be considered for an award. I found his performance to be very grounded and real.
Our memories, our thoughts, can be rather punishing. We watch them over and over trying to make sense of what we did or didn't do. It's unbearable to exist as a creature always having to make a decision. This film, while saccharine at times, is unsympathetic toward its protagonist, and I feel like that's a strength. He's venerated but he wasn't a good person (as is so often the case). This film shows us the mold under the surface, but it's not without empathy.
I'm interested to read the book because the story wasn't very strong, perhaps because it's purposely choppy and nonlinear because of the memory sequences but still.
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