The APs Christy Lemire on Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut – Farmiga also stars:
Vera Farmiga has done something miraculous in her directing debut, “Higher Ground.” She’s managed to make a movie about religion that’s neither preachy nor mocking, and she treats her characters with great decency and respect.
Farmiga extends that courtesy to herself as its star, and her character, Corinne — like the movie itself — seems to be seeking answers with an open heart.
Nice bit of ink for Farmiga’s younger sister (who could be Vera’s twin):
The excellent supporting cast includes the ever-versatile John Hawkes and Donna Murphy as Corinne’s parents, and a vivacious Dagmara Dominczyk as the one free spirit in her otherwise structured, conservative church.
But it’s Farmiga’s younger sister, Taissa, who plays the character as a pregnant newlywed teen, who really stands out. Yes, she looks startlingly like the elder Farmiga and even has some of the same mannerisms and facial expressions. But her performance is also crucial to laying the emotional groundwork for us to want to go down this path with Corinne, wherever it may take us. And we do.
The New Yorker’s Anthony Lane seems to also be supportive of the film, even with Metacritic’s lackluster score:
Near the end of the new film, Corinne, quaking with the doubts that have plagued her throughout, tells members of her congregation, whose conviction she envies, “There is no higher ground.” Does she mean, “The ground does not exist. God is not with us,” or, “No upland could be brighter than the one on which you walk”? One way points to despair, the other to bliss, and Farmiga, as actress and director, is equipped to travel in both directions: down to the pit, or, once more, up in the air.
Reviews so far appear to be mixed. But the majority has yet to ring in. Farmiga, though, should be placed in the Best Actress category for her work here.
I thought Donna Murphy played her sister…
I thought Donna Murphy played her sister…
directorial debut*
directorial debut*
Rooney Mara would not be a surprise, check the AD forum poll
Rooney Mara would not be a surprise, check the AD forum poll
I saw Higher Ground at the LA Film Festival in June and really liked it. The performances are great but perhaps too subtle for Oscar. Vera Farmiga spoke afterwards and was endearingly flighty.
I saw Higher Ground at the LA Film Festival in June and really liked it. The performances are great but perhaps too subtle for Oscar. Vera Farmiga spoke afterwards and was endearingly flighty.
There’s also a really good film that is currently playing the festival circuits, called The Wise Kids: http://www.thewisekids.com/. It’s about a group of young Christian friends in South Carolina, whose friendships and spirituality are tested when one of them accepts his homosexuality. It’s a fascinating look at all of the characters and their beliefs and does a fantastic job of representing them without mocking them. Variety reviewed it here: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117945739/
There’s also a really good film that is currently playing the festival circuits, called The Wise Kids: http://www.thewisekids.com/. It’s about a group of young Christian friends in South Carolina, whose friendships and spirituality are tested when one of them accepts his homosexuality. It’s a fascinating look at all of the characters and their beliefs and does a fantastic job of representing them without mocking them. Variety reviewed it here: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117945739/
Yes, menyc! THE APOSTLE is a complex, fascinating film.
Yes, menyc! THE APOSTLE is a complex, fascinating film.
I would add to Pierre’s list The Apostle and at the top of the list: Ordet (Dryer) – a masterpiece.
I would add to Pierre’s list The Apostle and at the top of the list: Ordet (Dryer) – a masterpiece.
The excellent supporting cast includes the ever-versatile John Hawkes and Donna Murphy as Corinne’s parents
Hehehe, that’s a reversal from the usual. More often it’s actresses that are barely older than the male stars, playing their mothers.
The excellent supporting cast includes the ever-versatile John Hawkes and Donna Murphy as Corinne’s parents
Hehehe, that’s a reversal from the usual. More often it’s actresses that are barely older than the male stars, playing their mothers.
Had a few friends who worked on this movie last summer. Nice to see it’s getting some good early word.
Had a few friends who worked on this movie last summer. Nice to see it’s getting some good early word.
On a related note, my very early predicitions for Best Actress nominations:
Meryl Streep – The Iron Lady
Glenn Close – Albert Nobbs
Tilda Swinton – We Need To Talk About Kevin
Michelle Williams – My Week With Marilyn
Vera Framiga – Higher Ground
Joey, those predictions look pretty solid. But we have to consider Viola Davis maybe going lead. But that’s a good solid five, I’d say. I think Rooney Mara is going to surprise people with Dragon Tattoo but I could be wrong.
On a related note, my very early predicitions for Best Actress nominations:
Meryl Streep – The Iron Lady
Glenn Close – Albert Nobbs
Tilda Swinton – We Need To Talk About Kevin
Michelle Williams – My Week With Marilyn
Vera Framiga – Higher Ground
Joey, those predictions look pretty solid. But we have to consider Viola Davis maybe going lead. But that’s a good solid five, I’d say. I think Rooney Mara is going to surprise people with Dragon Tattoo but I could be wrong.
How old is Taissa?
How old is Taissa?
I’m not religious, but films involving religion and faith can be interesting. Unfortunately, there are almost no good ones out there — maybe The Rapture, The Last Temptation of Christ, and (in a way) Heaven Knows Mr. Allison. Farmiga certainly seems like a very smart actress and I’m hoping this transfers to directorial ability.
I’m not religious, but films involving religion and faith can be interesting. Unfortunately, there are almost no good ones out there — maybe The Rapture, The Last Temptation of Christ, and (in a way) Heaven Knows Mr. Allison. Farmiga certainly seems like a very smart actress and I’m hoping this transfers to directorial ability.