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Grand
Canyon
"I
don't think ('Grand Canyon') is about L.A. I think it's
about America. You can tell the same story in any big
city."
- Lawrence Kasdan
Helicopters fly over the city of Los Angeles incessantly.
The image of these helicopters in flight over the lighted
skyline become the string that ties together the storylines
of Lawrence Kasdan's "Grand Canyon. It is one of the
many symbolic images used in the film.
The bottom line on the movie: simply genius. This is
the most cinematically interesting life-affirming film
to be made in a long time. The characters are realistic
and the plot flows smoothly until it reaches it's brilliant
dramatic conclusion. The only problem is that there
are so many magical moments in this film that when the
mere story-telling scenes appear, they sometimes seem
to stick out.
Still there is plenty to love in this film. In addition
to the inspired dialogue, mesmerizing music score, excellent
cinematography and brilliant symbolism, there is the
stand- out ensemble cast that includes Kevin Kline and
Mary McDonnell as a husband and wife experiencing a
mid-life crisis in their marriage; Danny Glover as a
tow-truck driver struggling to help his sister and her
family to a better life out of the gang ridden ghetto;
Steve Martin playing a violence-obsessed filmmaker who
has a revelation after he is shot on the street (for
his watch, no less.) Each of these characters as well
as characters portrayed by Alfre Woodard, Mary Louise
Parker and others all add subtle nuances to the story
of minor miracles, close calls, revelations and catharsis
that make up life in modern L.A.
What is remarkable about "Grand Canyon" is the scope
of it's vision. In a mere 2 hours and 15 minutes, every
emotion is faced and several philosophical questions
are touched upon. Seeming minor incidents are revealed
to be modern day miracles. Thoughts are exchanged, friendships
are made, lives are changed and growth occurs.
The musical score by James Newton-Howard is played throughout
the movie giving the finished product a VH-1 feel. But
the music is excellent and it's new age electronic feel
only adds to the stunningly beautiful cinematography
to produce an over-all astounding effect.
The real star of the movie is the dialogue and symbolism.
One of the most profound scenes comes when Kevin Kline
is teaching his son to drive in L.A. The scene becomes
a metaphor for teaching one's child to navigate through
life's ups and downs, to understand what is important
to worry about and what is forgettable, to realize one's
mistakes and to try to learn from them. It is a beautiful
and touching moment.
"Grand Canyon" is an epic and, although it was released
the first week of 1992, it immediately entered into
contention for one of the best movies of the year. Although
the film is wordy, no part of the dialogue is unnecessary
and each sentence adds meaning to the overall environment
of the film. Still, verbal films are not popular with
everyone. But for those who enjoy great dialogue, an
emotional tear or two and a good feeling when leaving
the theater, "Grand Canyon" is a national treasure.
Final
Grade: A+
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