FP4 entry 20071102

Here we go, FP4 pick of the week

See rules of blog: http://zozfp4.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html

PICK: “Warm Springs” Director, Joseph Sargent

Info & Trailer: http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/264081

Entry: With our national election day coming up next week, I thought it would be prudent to have a pick dedicated to the public servants in the USA… love them or hate them, they are a force that controls the fate of our country and affects world wide influence also… and it is an awesome responsibility. Though the public servants are in the limelight, they do carry the burden of being ridiculed for mistakes and shortcomings far beyond most professional people (sometimes more publicized than movie stars - which usually don’t get the “boot” from their jobs for being human). From a judge to a commissioner, from a senator to a congressman - the responsibility and pressure of delivering results in an almost impossible world of complicated bureaucracy, the task at hand for their jobs can be overwhelming.

(I am already breaking my rules by offering two picks this week. In case you are light hearted about the election-day’s influence on the world, see the 2^nd selection for a more humorous approach to our system.) However, the lime light selection this week is the “true pick,” Here we go my friends… and don’t forget to vote next week or else you are not allowed to complain or criticize our public servants!

PICK: “Warm Springs” Director, Joseph Sargent

Info & Trailer: http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/264081

SYNOPSIS: A short story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL HISTORY MOVIE, READ ON… This movie is a snap shot during a difficult and trying period in not only the couple’s lives but the nation’s post depression maturity. The movie gives and intrinsic view of one of the most private sections of the couple’s lives and a view into, unarguably, one of the most effective and productive President’s the US has ever seen. The movie is not about bi-partisan and social issues, republican or democrat, war or peace, etc… The movie is set with the advent of FDR’s point in his life where he contracts polio and his heightened career begins a tumultuous tumble as he struggles with the disease. Self absorbed and self-pitying consume his thoughts. However, a glimmer of hope enters his life as he finds a resort in Georgia that has warm springs and rumors that the water has a therapeutic affect on the disease. Though, FDR finds some healing affects of the resort and treatment, his is still unsatisfied and doubts his value in the world. His true remedy is creating an environment/treatment center for polio victims and an avenue for the medical world to study and create solutions for the afflicted. Helping others is helping your own soul and afflictions. The passion for public service starts to reignite at this moment for FDR. Meanwhile, backtracking into the plot, Eleanor refuses to let either his political career or their temporary disintegration of the marriage hurt Franklin’s career and becomes a public figure herself. Though the marriage is on rocky ground, the couple continues a bond through the toughest time of both their lives alongside of the nations own rehabilitation… a parallel that isn’t forthcoming in the script. The couple’s impact of their efforts during his political re-awaking are still felt today through social programs, financial security, public land preservation, occupational training, medical programs, etc…

Scope: You may like this movie if you thoroughly get enthralled with successful and popular public figures. You admire, mentor and study such people and wonder what makes them tick, what allowed them to persevere through failure and trails. Having three friends who have felt the affects of polio, I simply have a small window into how the disease and how it may affects a person’s life. The movie will satisfy the history buff only slightly as it is more of a character development story. You will receive little historical satisfaction from the movie but I STILL would urge you to give it a chance. Though it is a HBO movie, the cinematography, script and actors are top notch. One of the best HBO films I have ever seen… a story of love, marriage, self-confidence and perseverance. Enjoy.

****2^nd choice for the lighthearted approach to election-day:

2^nd Pick: “Election” Director, Alexander Payne

Info and Trailer: http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/134226

This is with Matthew Broderick and a break out role for Reese Whiterspoon. It is somewhat a dark comedy that continually digs the two stars into a comical but sad life-situation dark hole. Take a chance if you like dark comedy and let me know what you think.

See rules of blog: http://zozfp4.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html