If you think The Beaver sounds like a comedy you would be oh-so-wrong.  Mel Gibson’s character, Walter, is suffering from depression, and while he resorts to using a beaver hand puppet to express himself, the result is heartbreaking, not funny.  Mr. Gibson is very good in this role (possible Oscar nod?) – a role his real life seems to have been preparing him for. Mr. Gibson doesn’t hold anything back — he is a man that is broken.  His disease tears his family apart. The theme of this movie is very clear: people in a great deal of pain have a hard time expressing themselves and often need a device.  The problem with the movie for me was that it seems to suggest that love can cure depression. In short, the movie was very good, but ultimately it couldn’t live up to Mr. Gibson’s very honest performance.

Very good performances and an interesting, if not honest, look at depression.  QQQq

If you think The Princess of Montpensier sounds like a romantic drama you’d be right. A beautiful aristocrat, Marie, is in love with a handsome and fearless warrior. Her father however, is more interested in politics than love and marries her off to the Prince of Montpensier. It’s the 16th century and the Protestants and Catholics are fighting and her prince goes off and leaves his bride with his former teacher/mentor who also falls in love with her — it’s tough being a princess, but someone has to do it.

Conflict between love and duty makes for a great story. Throw in a castle and religious wars and you’ve got yourself a movie.  QQQq