The Autumn Timeless (1992)

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Movie
German title The autumn crooks
Original title Used people
Country of production USA , Japan
original language English
Publishing year 1992
length 90 minutes
Age rating FSK 12
Rod
Director Beeban Kidron
script Todd Graff
music Rachel Portman
camera David Watkin
cut John Tintori
occupation

The Autumn Timeless is a 1992 feature film by British director Beeban Kidron . The tragicomedy is based on a play by Todd Graff , who also adapted it for the screen, and was produced by JVC Entertainment and Largo Entertainment . It was shot in New York and Toronto in late 1991 before it was released in theaters in January (USA) and April (Germany), respectively, 1993.

action

Queens , in 1969: The Jewish Family Berman is with the death of her male head of the family confronted Jack. The attractive Pearl bears to the grave her husband, from whom she had become estranged over the years. She is just leaving her husband Jack's funeral when she is rudely disturbed in her grief by a large number of relatives who are discussing which route is the shortest to the funeral service. The relatives have lively discussions about everything and everyone. From body odors and perfume to Tupperware and borscht . Joe Meledandri bursts into this company of constantly nagging person. He's a distinguished Italian who met Pearl's moody husband in a bar many years ago. At that time he convinced Jack, who actually wanted to split up, to return to his wife. Joe has adored Pearl from afar for the past 20 years, waiting for his chance. Now, during the funeral service, he doesn't hesitate and invites her to dinner. Pearl agrees, but the relationship threatens to break due to the neuroses in Pearl's family. For example to Freida, her sarcastic mother with a protective instinct, who is utterly appalled that Pearl accepts this supposedly irreverent invitation. Or Pearl's daughters: lonely, overweight Bibby and beautiful but psychologically unstable Norma, who likes to dress like a movie star to distract herself from her own grief. And then there is the family contradiction due to religious differences between the Jewish Bermans and the Catholic Joe. However, Joe can overcome all obstacles that unite families and even let Pearl's spiritual wounds heal before he finally gets them.

criticism

"MacLaine's precise acting is laudatory and balanced by a very sympathetic turn by twinkle-eyed Mastroianni, in his best English-language role by far. The support ensemble is excellent." ( MacLaine's precise playing is worthy of all honor and is in balance with the tongue-in-cheek, very likeable play Mastroiannis, which we have seen in his best English-language role for a long time. The whole ensemble is excellent. "

- Variety, December 31, 1991 [1]

"A charming generational comedy that, despite some dramaturgical weaknesses, transforms the cliché of older people into an optimistic affirmation of the second chance in life in an amusing and sympathetic way."

- Lexicon of International Films 2000/2001 (CD-ROM)

"What the movie could not overcome, for me at least, is the lack of any convincing romantic chemistry between MacLaine and Mastroianni. ... The result is a movie as confused as it is unconvincing, telling a story that we are constantly aware is being filmed, not lived. " ( What the film fails, however, is the creation of some kind of romantic "chemistry" between MacLaine and Mastroianni. ... The result is a film that is as confused as it is not convincing and tells a story that is only in the film but not in real life. ) "

- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, December 25, 1992 [2]

Awards

The two main actors Shirley MacLaine and Marcello Mastroianni were nominated for a Golden Globe in the comedy or musical category in 1993, but were left behind by Miranda Richardson ( Enchanted April ) and Tim Robbins ( The Player ).

Trivia

Shirley MacLaine's character, Pearl, is modeled on the grandmother of screenwriter Todd Graff.

This film brings together four Oscar winners: Jessica Tandy (1990), Kathy Bates (1991), Shirley MacLaine (1984) and Marcia Gay Harden (2001). There are also two actors who have already been nominated: Sylvia Sidney (1974) and Marcello Mastroianni (1963, 1978, 1988).

Web links

Individual evidence