Jewish Post, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 February 1994 — Page 5

Critic s Corner

‘Philadelphia’ preachy, but weak

By CHARLES EPSTEIN There are really only two kinds of motion pictures, those that are good and those that are bad. The subject matter does not have anything to

do with it. I have seen "Jewish" films that were bad. Just because it had a "Jewish" theme did not make it a good movie. I could go on and on with many illustrations. However, I think my point has been stated. The fear of being called a homophobe or a person who is unsympathetic to AIDS victims can truly influence a reviewer. To say anything bad about the film "Philadelphia" could be a huge no-no. But what kind of credibility would a person have if he gave into social mores instead of addressing whether a film is good or bad?

I found the film "Philadelphia" lacking in many respects. The script left tremendous holes. Its episodic scenario was just that, episodic with all the time changes flashed on the screen. Why couldn't these time changes been incorporated into the dialogue? Most scenes were certainly contrived beyond the point of believability. Example: when Tom Hanks, who is the AIDS victim, is doing research in a law library he is asked in front of other readers if he would prefer a private reading room. When he refuses the clerk is quite annoyed. The script has the good taste of not having the occupants of the read ing room getting up and leaving. But their looks were incredulous. Credibility was lost all through this movie. Everyone of Tom Hanks' huge family supported him, a fact extremely hard to believe just by the sheer numbers of those involved. Denzel Washington does a marvelous acting job as his character wanders all over the place. He starts off with homophobia engulfing his whole body. We wonder

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when his change of heart came. We assume it was in that mysterious library scene. But that isn't made too clear. What changed Denzel Washington when, and most importantly, why? Answering these questions would make for a top notch script. Many talented actors adorned the screen in "Philadelphia." Jason Robards' character as a homophobe was etched in stone. As leader of the law firm that fires Tom Hanks he easily influences his associates. Robert Ridgely is the stuffy lawyer who notices Hanks' lesions. How the firm discovers that Tom Hanks has AIDS is another mystery. Ron Vawter does a nice job as a member of the firm who has a hidden sympathy for Hanks. There is some irony in this role as Vawter, who is gay in real life, plays a straight lawyer. Vawter actually has AIDS himself and almost held up production due to his condition. "Philadelphia" is a Jonathan Demme film. Demme won the Oscar for directing "Silence of the Lambs." This change of pace for Demme is quite puzzling. He is responsible for many of this film's faults. In numerous places it seemed the film was interrupted by the sumptuous musical score, or probably just the opposite, the film interrupted the music. It was loud and over-powering and carried an air of being the most important ingredient of this movie. Two supporting players deserve mention. Mary Steenburgen adroitly plays the defense attorney while the erstwhile Charles Napier does an admirable job as the judge even though his best scene was cut from the film. Hanks is a talented actor but his performance in this movie doesn't rate an Oscar nomination. There are many actors who could have done better; yet many more who could have done worse. Hanks' character was shallow and he d id not add anything to give it substance. Going to see "Philadelphia" was a disappointing trip. I wish to emphasize that it was not the subject matter that bothered me. It was the unsatisfying way it was presented.

K/an

Continued from page 3 lapsing society. If you love your great heritage, write for information on monthly meetings and membership." There were instructions to write to the Realm of Indiana at an address in North Salem, a small Hendricks County town near Danville. The newspaper's one-man

editorial staff person had no time to check out the ad, said Managing Editor Barry Campbell. Campbell said he was not sure he could legally have barred advertising to the Klan, "but I don't believe I would have run that in my paper.

Guide to 'Schindler’s List’

The Jewish Community Federation of Greater Los Angeles in cooperation with the Martyrs Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Los Angeles has published a six page "A Viewer's Guide to Schindler's List." The purpose of the guide is to ensure that viewing of the film becomes a learning experience for all, and to help teachers, parents and group

leaders with some of the ethical, moral and psychological issues raised by the new Steven Spielberg film, "Schindlers List." For a free copy of the guide send a self-addressed legal size envelope with 29 cents postage to: Martyrs Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust, 6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, 213/852-1234.

Merge

Continued from page 2 Resettlement department of the Jewish Community Center, call Lori Moss at 251-9467 ext. 284 or write to her at the

JCC, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Department hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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February 9,1994 Page Indiana 5