I find it interesting how So. Many. films play in those social circles. Obviously, more societally aware films don't; but take genres like romcoms or non-societal dramas, or more generally films in which the societal setting is not all the relevant, and generally people live in very expensive flats or houses, and financial issues are an afterthought or laughably disconnected from 'real-world issues'. It's a little disturbing, I find. (Alongside the traditional gender roles and usual whiteness of the cast.)
Pure ideology sniff sniff
Yeah I agree with you, especially when a lot of people don't pick up on it. Marriage Story is very relatable in certain ways but also how many people are able to get a parent to re mortgage a house and then end up living very well as a single mother in LA ? At times the film which I think is one of the better romantic dramas/comedies is a pure american fantasy.
I'm guessing a large part of why this happens will be down to the type of people who are writing, directing, producing and funding these films - mostly white upper class men(Just from a google the director/writer Baumbach seems to be basically writing about his life). Which doesn't mean there can't be great moments of insight, like both character admitting they got married less out of love for each other but more because of social pressures and expectations. Johansson is clearly upset at the idea of losing the status of a married woman than leaving her husband(Plus I love the part where her character idea of sexual liberation is just fecking some bearded production staffer in a car)and Driver accepts the argument that she loved him more than he loved her.
But the lack of any relatable social aspect really takes away from what could have a far more interesting and disturbing film on the functions of marriage.
The more likely outcome for women like Johansson is having the realisation that the social roles of the wife and mother have over time replaced her own personality, yet stays in the marriage for another decade because she wants the financial stability of two incomes for her child. The horrors of marriage aren't that it stops women from directing award wining television shows but that it's a social system which strips away large parts of you're personality, exploits you're labour both in the workplace and at home, all while creating a safety nets which helps both yourself and loved ones. Or with Driver character instead of moaning about having to get another sofa or apartment, his fear of divorce could have been rooted in the fact it would have killed his finances which would have effected his ability to see his son.
Which song was it? I don't remember hearing one of her songs in the trailer.
Cover of the Otis Redding song I've been loving you too long
The Killing of Two Lovers
I'd been waiting for this for ages and it didn't let me down.
It's a kinda Gus Van Sant style rural realistic romantic drama, with lots of long takes. And it's quite a subtle, intimate portrait of masculinity. It really defies expectations. I know a lot of people don't like modern films with the 4:3 ratio but I think it works well in this film.
8/10
Just watched the trailer for this. Looks good.