Serena [DVD]

Great film with an expected storyline and ending. Jenifer Lawrence was fab of course

The two beautifully composed and exquisitely toned, opening shots set to Johan Söderqvist’s heartrending opening theme are enticing enough to instantly attract anyone’s attention to ’Serena’, and in seconds, we are in its gentle but firm grip. The film’s subtle yet compelling conclusion leaves our hearts filled with a warm glow of compassion and empathy for the protagonists, no matter how immoral their actions have been. It is a humane, serene and lasting feeling of fulfilment that can only enrich a mind. While it is hard to pinpoint any one element as responsible for the movie’s penetrating emotional impact, because it is a flawlessly realised balance between its constituents, Christopher Kyle’s screenplay which aptly digests the book by Ron Rash to its core essentials must have been a solid foundation for the film’s success. ’Serena’ is intimate and familial in tone, but somehow feels epic in scale. Similarly, it is astonishingly sincere and realistic for a fictional tale.Most compelling of all, the story centres on a strong yet vulnerable woman, who is trying to rebuild her life with her first and only love in a disparagingly male-dominated world. With steely determination and a captivating and commanding presence, she surprises everyone in her community and nearly succeeds in realising her goals, until misfortune strikes to shatter those dreams. Jennifer Lawrence inhabits this complex persona like a second skin, with such potency that it is virtually impossible not to be entranced by her demeanour. When I first saw her in ‘Winter’s Bone’, I immediately recognised a bright star in the making, and with each new appearance, a new dimension to her virtuosity is revealed, the performance here as Serena being one of the most accomplished and unforgettable in her career so far. From her mesmerising first entrance in the movie through to her tragic end, the camera cannot capture enough of her, and so do we. Bradley Cooper, despite his frequently misguided appearances elsewhere, once again proves here what a talent he actually is, because, under the right guidance, the star admirably disappears in the character. Rhys Ifans is a revelation in his performance as Galloway, one of the most intriguing characterisations that I have ever seen in a film, a darkly mysterious and violent, yet inexplicably appealing man, who commands our sympathy in a strange way.When I started watching the film I didn't have a clue as to the crew behind it, and since modern cinema dose no longer distract us with opening credits, I had no idea who the director was. Genuinely surprised by how stupendous the movie was, I couldn't help but exclaim “oh that is why“, when Susanne Bier headed the credits. Here is an exemplary auteur, who is refining the art of filmmaking with a scintillating veracity in her approach to the films she makes. She has an extraordinary knack for filtering out the fake and the implausible from a screenplay and converting it into a honest and authentic depiction that is firmly grounded in reality. There is nothing superfluous or wasted in ’Serena’, its economically cohesive structure and perfect pace emphasising Bier’s mastery in storytelling. Particularly praiseworthy is the way she hints to what preceded a given scene instead of actually filming that incident, thereby involving the audience’s intelligence in piecing the storyline together and, in return, saving precious time and resources at her disposal. ’Serena’ could have been just another instantly forgettable, American saga if it wasn't for Bier and her predominantly European crew, whose refined sensibilities make the movie universally appreciable. What makes ’Serena’ so special though is Bier’s feminine touch.

I found it to be a good film, with a far more subtle approach than most modern films from USA. It was haunting and tragic in some ways, beautiful and gutsy in others. Unusual. There are more complex and descriptive reviews here and I'll leave mine as simple.

The film is set during the great depression of the late 1920's in 'North Carolina'After a whirlwind romance 'George Pemberton' (Bradley Cooper) brings his new-bride back to his homeland where he has a extensive timberempire, 'Serena' (Jennifer Lawrence) has knowledge of the business as her father when alive had a similar business.'Serena' insists on becoming involved as a partner, together they will make a formidable team.A business tycoon wants to buy a large part of 'George's' land to build a commercial park, however their offer falls well short of 'George's'expectations.'Serena' is a shrewd and single minded partner, she can see that friend and business associate 'Buchanan' (David Dencik) is not the friendthat 'George' had always looked upon him as.The 'Pemberton's' won't let anyone or anything stand in their way of their ambitions, the logging business is a dangerous occupation andinjury's are a frequent occurrence.When 'Serena' looses the child she is carrying a measure of jealousy invades her mind because she suspects that baby 'Jacob' 'Rachels'child is in fact her husbands also.The past begins to catch up with 'George' and threatens to destroy him, 'Serena's is uncovering a series of things about her husband he'dkept from her.The intense and loving relationship begins to crumble..........The setting foe the film is set within stunning scenery............There are a few violent sequences, and scenes of accident, along with moderate sex moments..........There are many great performances throughout the film, 'Jennifer Lawrence' certainly puts in quite a shift with her portrayal of 'Serena'Well worth a viewing.Features -* Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper Collaberation* The Production Story* Susanne Bier's Directing Style* Serena a Strong Woman in a Man's World* Interview with Susanne Brier and Christopher Kyle* Trailer