12/26/2016 - Manchester By The Sea (2016) - 8/10

A very very good film that almost reached true greatness. MBTS is the solemn lonely stare into the uncaring but welcoming water, reflecting back all of your self-consuming shame and unfiltered fatalism. Jarringly personal while being acutely reserved and anti-social, in characters and in the film’s essence. Honest and believable

A deep exploration into normalcy, especially all the pain, regret, and awkwardness that inhabits every crevice of the everyday. Perhaps there is a bit too little oompf and it takes a little too long to reach those understanding moments. A depth of life focus was necessary, but a degree of temperament and editing would have been greatly appreciated (there are so many lingering shots that are extraneous and could have been tweaked). They are unfortunalities that merely salt what was otherwise an extremely sweet and fulfilling meal.

There is an understated solemnity to Casey Affleck’s performance that some may see as charismaless. I think that there is a range of thought and emotional meaning behind every non-thing that character and thus Casey does. His eyes and interplay with the strong cast stir the insides. I teared up a couple times, from the intense drama of the story and Affleck’s ability to bring me into it. It is a tortured character and a beautiful performance.

Michelle Williams "award worthy" exploits here were not seen by me. Her moments were touching, but I didn't feel the entrenchment of practical authenticity. Seemed too much like an imitation than a lived in depiction, especially compared with everyone else.

The more I process this film, the more I like it. Condensing the film experience through recollection strengthens the quality. Granted, it was too long and necessitated extrapolation of the minimalistic and (understated) emotionality, but it was a powerful and moving piece that doesn't provide an easy story or a smiley end disposition. I greatly enjoyed and appreciated its craft and quality.