My Top Ten Biography Films
May 16 '04
The Bottom Line I really enjoyed all of these movies. They teach, lead by example, and can inspire. Each life has a story to tell...
These peoples lives, on film, encourage and can even inspire. They overcame, they achieved, they met the challenge and are all unique individuals. Each of these movies needs to be seen, to be fully appreciated. Their stories are worth telling and sharing.
I learned things I did not know about "Chaplin". His unstable mother, womanizing alcoholic father, their struggles and poverty, and the "workhouse" in England. (Much like a debtors prison). He truly went from "rags to riches". (Robert Downey Jr's BEST performance.)
Civil rights leader "Malcolm X" (portrayed perfectly by Denzel Washington) was a man of compassion, ideals and vision. And like Martin Luthor King Jr, he was taken from us all too soon.
Kevin Costner did justice to "Wyatt Earp". Earp is best known as the infamous sheriff, and his part in the gunfight at the OK Corral. But he also did a lot of other "odd" jobs before he made it into history books.
In "My Left Foot", Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis) becomes an artist, writer and a poet, even though his body was crippled and twisted by disease. This is my favorite and must see bio flick.
Jennifer Lopez did a fine job as singer "Selena", whose life was cut short by a crazed employee of hers. Selena was so talented and beautiful, her star burnt out far too soon.
"Coal Miners Daughter", the story of country singer Loretta Lynn's rise from poverty to stardom, and the rocky road along the way, was unforgettable. (Sissy Spacek did all of her own singing.)
Lynn Whitfield was very good as dancer/performer Ms. Baker, in "The Josephine Baker Story". By leaving the United States she found acceptance, stardom and no racism or prejudice in Europe. She also adopted children of various ethnic backgrounds (Her Rainbow Tribe).
One of the most vulnerable and beautiful voices I ever heard came to an untimely end in "Sweet Dreams". The too short life of country singer Miss Patsey Cline. Moving performance by Jessica Lange as Cline.
Angela Bassett should have won the Oscar, but did not for "What's Love Got To Do With It". Singer Tina Turner's real life story about overcoming abuse, and taking control of her life is encouraging for all women.
And finally, Jim Carrey in "The Man In The Moon". Carrey became Andy Kaufman. Kaufman was an original, a genius and master of obscure and unpredictable comedy. Ahead of his time.
For me, each of these films has merit. And I think that it is impossible not to be moved or touched after watching any one of these biographies.
Enjoy!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
rosier123
|
|
Member: rosalind rauschenberg
Location: blountstown, florida
Reviews written: 217
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
I am the single parent of two wonderful sons. Family is important to me.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.