Movie Review: An Unfinished Life
An Unfinished Life was briefly in theatres late in 2005, and grossed less than ten million dollars.
I was mildly disappointed when my wife came home with the DVD and wanted to spend our evening watching it. I told her I would give it a chance, and if it disappointed then I would find something else to do. And I was predisposed to not like it because of Robert Redford. He is a great actor but a lousy political spokesperson. But, it only took about ten minutes for me to be hooked on the movie. The scenery is beautiful, I understand being the Canadian Rockies. The acting is very good. Redford is precise and wonderfully understated; his every move and word seem to be natural. Morgan Freeman is the best. And for Jennifer Lopez acting is optional, because she is so beautiful. Most of all, the story is methodical and increasingly engaging. Like any good movie, I found myself sympathizing with the characters and anxious to know what will happen next.
An Unfinished Life is about lives that have been stunted, and thus "unfinished", because of tragic events. For Redford's character, Einar, it is the loss of a son to a car accident. He becomes a bitter hermit and an alcoholic, intent to mourn away the rest of his life on a dilapidated ranch. For Lopez, her husband was this same man. Now for ten years she has moved through several abusive relationships, and is escaping yet another when she finds herself asking Einar for help. He does not like her, even blaming her for his son's death. For fellow ranch-hand Freeman, his life has been interrrupted by critical injury from a bear. We later discover this happened because Einar was too drunk to help. The movie deals with the process of these characters, as each comes to peace with his/her unfinished matters of life. It is slow, deliberate, and I think a very nice development of the stories. Redford is good; you can feel his pain, and anger, and kind release as he comes to love his grandaughter and her mother. Lopez is good, especially as you realize that her beauty does not shield her from her pain. And when she smiles- wow, what can I say, but that the whole screen lights up. And Morgan Freeman is always good; so gentle and natural with his performance. I think he is at his best when he is a costar to a quality actor.
So many of us are tempted to live out the title to this movie. Loved ones die. Tragedies happen. People deeply disappoint- even God can inflict deep injuries. How very natural it happens that we can find ourselves living with bitterness and unforgiveness. Sometimes we find ourselves feeding and nursing the very hurts we need to let die. It sounds crazy, but sometimes it seems we like being injured- like Lopez's character who inexplicably gravitates to abusive men. Of course, no one enjoys being punched in the face. So why do some people insist upon hanging onto grief, anger, and hatred? This simple movie tells us it is time to let go. It is time...to forgive...to let others love us once again...to face our fears...to give someone another chance. And, that "someone" just may be ourselves.
05.12.06 (10:01 am) [
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posted by:
Misguided (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (5:17 am)
I can somewhat relate 2 this...u ask how can one like being punched around its not that we like it...i was in a abusive relationship...And yes i knew what he was doin was wrong and that i did not deserve what was happening 2 me...it was more of a shock and not understanding how someone could be so mean 2 someone else for no reason what so ever...did i fear for my life yes...its a power that i cant even begin 2 tell ya how u let someone take over your thoughts and how u live your life...i remember havin 2 ask if i could do things...each night i would ask for help or at least guide me 2 where i needed 2 be...and it happen i got the strength 2 stand up for myself and make changes in my life...but like u said of course no one likes that but for those that think its so easy 2 just walk its not and do not judge others for it unless u have walked in that path and i really hope no one has 2 walk that path for its a dark path that leads no where and some of us never make it back....
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (5:40 am)
Well said.
Why would a woman remain in an abusive relationship? Obviously it is not a simple issue. Self-worth has been shattered. There is fear, often blazing fear. Intimidation. Financial dependency. And I am sure there are more and more reasons. So I admire a person, like yourself, with the strength to say, "No more. I've had enough." Like I said, the movie is about letting go of these things that are so destructive, yet so hard to leave. I think you would enjoy this movie.
You always leave good comments. Thanks.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (5:46 am)
letting go of grief is not always an easy task. my heart still grieves the loss of my husband even though my mind wants more than anything to love again. thanks for sharing about this movie...i will look forward to seeing it. xoxoxo
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (5:53 am)
Reply to: mimi
In the movie, Redford deals with his grief with anger and drinking. Lopez responds with self-abuse through unhealthy relationships. Freeman is the most fragile, yet bravest one of the bunch, for he decides to face his grief and thus to overcome it.
How long has your husband been gone?
I have dealt with grief by forcing myself to face new challenges. I've lost jobs, and dreams. I've never lost a mate, which I think would be the strongest of challenges.
You shared, quite a while ago, that you met someone who was interesting and whom you would like to get to know. Has this relationship developed in any way?
posted by:
surrogate (
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post date:
05.12.06 (7:44 am)
Come on.... now what has Redford done to piss you off, even in the past?
Okay, I'll watch the movie, but I saw "Maid in Manhattan" and swore I'd never go to another Jennifer Lopez flick. But I do like the other two's acting a lot, so...
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (4:04 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
I am learning to separate the an artist's personality from his work. Many of this Hollywood crowd is politically to the extreme left, very far from my personal politics. And I think they sometimes get quite mean and, shall I say, hypocritical about it.
Redford has been one of those. He is very vocal about environmental issues and of his dislike for Bush.
However, he has done some great work. Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. All the President's Men. And one of the finest movies I have ever seen was produced by Redford, Ordinary People. I really enjoy a good movie, doubly so if it has a transcendent message. Redford has certainly enriched the medium.
Even if he is personally a Commie-Pinko-Bedwetting-Lib.
posted by:
toztee (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (4:22 pm)
Well PD it's nice to know you can put aside your politics to spend and evening watching a good movie with the wife. I'm certain she appreciated the gesture. It wound up being good for your blogging too. Sometimes it takes a while to realize you are in self-destruct mode. Once you do...You have the power to change. It took me a while. A good kick in the pants and some planning. Sometimes one has to keep on guard while they stow away some money and things getting ready for the big break. It worked for me.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (4:43 pm)
The power to change- now that is something we all need to be developing. I am soon to begin reading a book most of you have probably already read- The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People , by Covey. I think it will be pretty easy reading, and probably full of good guidance.
posted by:
mercuryrising (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (6:44 pm)
Commie-Pinko-Bedwetting-Lib.
I'm tempted to make that into a blinkie!
Right on Pastor. I hate how left hollywood is. If I ever ran into Susan Sarandon or her husband I'd strangle them. :P
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.12.06 (10:09 pm)
Yep, when these guys open their mouths and spew forth their diatribes of pompous liberalism, it sure does not make me want to support their movies. Yet, Tim Robbins has made one of the best, with The Shawshank Redemption. These great films dwell on wonderful bedrock truths like forgiveness, love, and redemption. If they made movies espousing their left-leaning political views, they would prove to be unpopular. But these guys are wise enough to know that most of America does not share there values.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
05.13.06 (4:44 am)
Reply to: PastorDave Oh... I thought you'd have come around to see Redford was right all along by now. So you're more the type to, even when you see finally the light stay annoyed with the folks who were trying to hold the lantern for you earlier? Got it. (he snickers lovingly)
I love Ordinary People too... Man, that film is Hollywood at it's finest. Simple, completely sans special effects, just a moving story told beautifully.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.13.06 (6:26 am)
Reply to: surrogate
Oh, I like Redford just fine. Just putting a little "dig" in there for the benefit of those like yourself. Like I've said before, anytime I prefer conversation with a jovial liberal to stuffy conservative.
Let's you and I go to the next Sundance Film Festival. I wonder if tickets would be available?
