GINGER & ROSA (2012)

Written & Directed By: Sally Potter 
Cinematography By: Robbie Ryan 
Editor: Anders Refn 

 Cast: Elle Fanning, Alessandro Nivola, Annette Bening, Jodhi May, Alice Englert, Oliver Platt, Timothy Spall, Christina Hendricks,
London, 1962. Two teenage girls - Ginger and Rosa -- are inseparable; they play truant together, discuss religion, politics and hairstyles, and dream of lives bigger than their mothers' frustrated domesticity. But, as the Cold War meets the sexual revolution, and the threat of nuclear holocaust escalates, the lifelong friendship of the two girls is shattered - by the clash of desire and the determination to survive.

First off let me say that I am not the ideal audience member for this film. Though a coming of age story this film is more female centered and centric.

There is no joy or happiness during any minute of this film. There are plenty of smiles yet all attempts at happiness seem fleeting and destined for failure. That gloom hangs over the film and never quite leaves it.

Rosa's character seems quite loss and headed for oblivion so of course she would be the type to fall for someone who matches her supposed rebel ideal and need some kind of taking care of just as she feels the need to be taken care of ad once it seems the person like her friend has fallen for her she grows noted and betrays them. Or instinctually goes for the wrong type who will never truly love her.

From early scenes in the film we know that the film is going to go down a dark road and that the inevitable taboo will happen.

What's disappointing is that the film Set's up a bunch of material that could have been bigger and gone further and it seems I settle for the simple and more minor.

I mean It is appreciated that the film isn't gratuitous and has a lite touch, but it also leads to some disappointment as it treads lightly on some heavy subjects and mood.

As the lead wants to be a poet that seems to be the approach director Sally potter seems to use with the film and it's tone.

Despite an excellent cast and interesting characters the film at times feels like it is passing time and not fulfilling it's potential. Especially with some of my favorite actors In the cast Annette Bening, Timothy Spall, Oliver Platt who could have had their own film.

I will give kudos to Elle fanning as a standout in the film. An American actress doing a good British accent and character. Who experienced her first kiss on this film onscreen.

Christina Hendricks is beautifully tragic on this film not playing the sexpot or the femme-fatale though she certainly has he looks to play one. It's nice to see her play against type.

I have to say that Alessandro Nivola plays the most loathsome character ever put on film. Who tries to use his beliefs as an excuse to never be responsible and then tries to justify his never really supporting his family financially or emotionally. Thinking just by being there and standing by his principles is enough. It's been awhile since I have totally hated a character a film tries to not make a monster but clearly Is Excuse after excuse never to take responsibility.

Wait for television

 Grade: C +