Movies that Deserved Better: 'Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains' (2006)

     First and foremost, may the late, great President Jimmy Carter rest in peace knowing that his legacy is now finally being appreciated. In 2006, I watched 'Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains' in awe as a President of the United States that I felt connected to despite being born many years after his tenure continued to bring light to the world. An icon on many levels, the film focuses on the President "on the promotional tour for his 2006 book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." From small towns to network talk shows, Carter offers his views on the Middle East peace process while contending with a media machine that frequently distorts those views. While critics condemn his comparison of the situation in Palestine to the apartheid of South Africa, Carter responds to their barbs with beguiling equanimity and customary thoughtfulness." Unfortunately, the film has been less seen since then, which is a downright shame as it currently holds at 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. but what did the critics say?

   Ronnie Scheib of Variety says, "The story that emerges, illustrated with footage from the time, delivers a surprising lesson in the importance of small details and the ultimate power of negotiation."

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

   Roger Ebert of Chicago Sun-Times notes, "The fact is that Jimmy Carter is an immensely good man, as far as I can tell from Demme’s film and everything else I know about him. One reason to see this film might be to learn more about his views on the Middle East, but a better reason might be to observe how he attends to the privilege and responsibility of doing what he believes is the right thing. It cannot be a pleasure, the never-ending round of airports, buses, taxis, hotel rooms and interviews. He doesn’t make things easy on himself by accepting the use of private jets, and he waits in line along with everyone else. He doesn’t accept fees for speeches. I think he flies first class more because of the Secret Service than his own insistence." Adding, "I don’t see any ego-gratification going on. He seems to believe he is doing his duty, and if I am ever 83, or 73, I hope I can find the same energy and dedication in my own little sphere. I saw this film for the first time in September at the Toronto Film Festival. On the same day, I read a news story about the new book Dead Certain by John Draper, in which President George W. Bush confided some of his plans for retirement. Bush told Draper: “I’ll give some speeches to replenish the ol’ coffers — I don’t know what my dad gets; it’s more than $50,000-$75,000 per speech — Clinton’s making a lot of money.” In another interview, Bush noted Clinton’s recent work with the U.N. and said that after he retired, “You won’t catch me hanging around the U.N.” I wrote about that in my report from Toronto, closing with the reflection that everyone should choose the retirement plan that is right for him."

    As an adult, I will forever remember the man that just connected so easily with those around him and made his White House retirement something that was not only commendable but inspiring. To think of everything he accomplished within his life, I can only imagine that politicians and non-politicians alike must be feeling like under-achievers.

   

'The Outrun' Reviews: Saoirse Ronan Emerges as an Oscar Frontrunner

         On October 4, 2024, Sony Pictures Classics releases 'The Outrun', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics, currently holding at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Critics Consensus that reads, "Benefiting from Saoirse Ronan's deeply committed performance in the central role, The Outrun proves a moving portrait of addiction in spite of its somewhat shapeless narrative." In the film, "Rona, fresh out of rehab, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery." The ensemble cast includes Paapa Essiedu, Lauren Lyle, Stephen Dillane, and Saskia Reeves. But what did the critics say? 

       Maureen Lee Lenker of Entertainment Weekly notes, "Ronan, cast against the backdrop of the sublime, evocative Orkney Island landscapes, elevates the film to a moving tale of overcoming one's demons and learning to savor life as it comes." Adding, "In the 30-year-old Irish actress' nearly 20-year career, it's hard to find fault with a single performance even in imperfect films. In The Outrun, she racks up another stellar credit as recovering alcoholic Rona. The film, based on the 2016 memoir by Amy Liptrot, marks Ronan's debut producerial effort — and it's a highly personal project for her as well. That's evident in the pain and ferocity she brings to Rona, who we meet in the midst of the bender that finally convinces her to go to rehab."

       Emma Simmonds of The List says, "A four-time Oscar nominee and she’s still only 30, actress Saoirse Ronan has shown the breadth of her talent across comedies, period pieces and action. In The Outrun, from director Nora Fingscheidt, she tackles the challenging territory of addiction, playing alcoholic Rona, and, as ever, she’s sensational. Based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir and set on the Orkney Islands, the film is a vivid portrait of redemption and rebirth, and a love letter to the rugged Scottish landscape."

       Alistair Ryder of Vague Visages was less impressed, stating, "If the aim was to get audiences to recognize that alcohol abuse doesn’t necessarily mean drinking yourself to death, then there's an importance to its approach. But what makes for a striking drug awareness campaign doesn’t make for a rewarding drama."

Photo by Martti Salmi on Unsplash

       Amber Wilkinson of Eye for Film praises the film, stating, "There are plenty of directors who show off their style and verve but arguably we don’t celebrate those who take tricky subject matter and present it in a way that is artistic but also looks effortless. Nora Fingscheidt definitely deserves to receive plaudits in that regard as she immerses us immediately and completely in the headspace of Rona (Saorise Ronan), a recovering alcoholic, who has brought the memories of the past home with her from London to her family’s farm on the Orkney Islands as she tries to get her life back on track. Based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot, who shares adaptation duties with Fingscheidt, this, just as most people’s recovery from alcoholism, is not a linear story, but one in which the traumas of the past intertwine with the challenges of the present. It rests on a performance from Ronan that moves seamlessly between Rona’s various emotional states - her character may rarely be grounded but we always know exactly where we are with her."