Curtain Call

Author(s): Matt / Michael
Location: Illinois / Oklahoma

“Curtain Call”

Directed by Steven Sonderbergh
Written by William Broyles Jr.
Music by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell
Edited by Mike Hill and Daniel Hanley

Principal Cast:

Alexis Bledel as Jennifer James
Ryan Phillippe as Eric Flemming
Elijah Wood as Drew Broderick
Emmy Rossum as Lorraine Ravefort
Richard Gere as Franklin Pierce
Julianne Moore as Mrs. Stevenson
Marcia Gay Harden as Cindy Trouvers

Tagline: "In a time of war, they’re not ready to break a leg"

Synopsis: World War II did more than just damaged the United States economically, but the event had tragic effects socially, as well. After the World War II began, Eric Flemming and his longtime friend, Drew Broderick, were drafted into the army to travel overseas. The news was devastating to their families, girlfriends, and teachers. The two young men seemed to have bright futures, which included a family and a stable job. Both of the boys had a love for theater, too, and were involved in a local production. Jennifer James and Lorraine Ravefort, the girlfriends, had roles in the show, which was being organized by the drama coordinator, Mrs. Stevenson. Eric was not excited about having to leave Jennifer and the production behind, but he felt it was his duty. Drew, on the other hand, was completely against the aspects of war, and refused to follow Eric into training and eventual shipment to Europe. Instead, he planned to flea with Lorraine to Canada where he and she could start a life together. This left Jennifer alone. Mrs. Stevenson canceled the show. Jennifer didn’t know what to do with herself, so she asked her teacher for some advice. The two decided that she could follow Eric and help the war effort. Jennifer went to an enlistment office and applied to become a nurse for the troops. She was accepted, trained, and then sent across the Atlantic. Jennifer’s work was challenging and hectic, since many soldiers were wounded and the hospital was usually over-flowing with patients. Cindy Trouvers, a professional nurse, took Jennifer under her wing and helped her with her stressful job and her loneliness. One busy day at the hospital, a soldier was brought in. He was burned by a land mine explosion, and was wrapped in gauze. He was Eric. Jennifer was assigned to treat and care for the man, who she could not recognize. Eric was too incapacitated to reach out to his lover. Daily treatments were the only contact between Jennifer and Eric. Soon after Eric was admitted into the care center, the War was resolved. Jennifer was sent home. Eric remained overseas until he was well enough to make the journey home. Once the couple was home, they shared stories with one another. They felt closer than ever, but never realized that they had been together at the hospital. Lorraine and Drew eventually returned to their hometown. They had endured many hardships, including making money and having a baby, while in Canada. Mrs. Stevenson was so pleased to see the group together again. She prepared another production, and the group performed like they should have before the war tore them apart.

A Critic for the local newspaper, Franklin Pierce, shares his thoughts on the show: “The performances were exquisite, and it seemed as though the four main actors shared a chemistry that was undeniable. This is exactly what the world needed after a time of grief and war. Love and unity seemed to prevail.”

After receiving so much acclaim for their performances, Jennifer, Eric, Drew, and Lorraine wanted to set up their own theater company. With money from nursing and fighting in the war, and donations from the critic, Franklin Pierce, and their instructor, Mrs. Stevenson, the task was completed. The theater company was set up just outside Chicago, in the group’s hometown. It is still up and running today.

What the press would say:

Curtain Call is the story of a group of young adults that adore acting and are about to perform in a community show. However, before the show could debut, the two male members of the group are called to duty in World War II. Curtain Call is the stunning, must-see drama of the year. It drives in the force that love and passion prevail, which is one of the best messages a film could feature. It has the ability to suck the audience in and make them care about the characters. Not many films can do that nowadays. The film is inspiring and moving, not only through its touching dialogue but also through the actions that are shown on the screen. Some of the greatest scenes contain no dialogue whatsoever. Such scenes are only elevated by the beautiful Original Score. For example, the scene in which Alexis Bledel treats her lover, Ryan Philippe is exquisite. Because she is unaware of who he is, there is an absence of dialogue. The scene is lifted by the great performances, too.
Alexis Bledel is an actress who has grown so much through her career. She was a great casting choice, and she plays her role to perfection. Bledel, who has been great on Television in Gilmore Girls and in films like Sin City, finally had a chance to establish herself as a leading lady. She succeeded.

Ryan Phillippe is another young actor that has developed over the years. He gives a performance that is the prime example of “brave boy depressed” stereotype. It is so well acted that the audience feels for his character and wants him to get home safe. Both of the actors become their characters. Julianne Moore needs some recognition. She was rightly cast and gives one of the best performances in the film. After giving great performances in Oscar-nominated films, like The Hours, she is due. Moore is great as a motivator and it a true joy to watch. The Supporting Actress trophy should be hers. Emmy Rossum and Elijah Wood give two more great performances, and are believable as the struggling couple in Canada. Elijah played a part, which any other actor may have portrayed as cowardly, with pride. The audience will sympathize with him, and Emmy. Marcia Gay Harden gives a performance that tops her work in Mystic River and Pollock. She is a great role model, in the film and in the movie business.

The crew also deserves some rave reviews. The costumes are flawless, and are a perfect reflection of the setting of the film. The editing is amazing, as the film juggles multiple storylines. The Original Screenplay, which is written by the same author as Flags of Our Fathers and Apollo 13, displays a nice balance of war scenes, dialogue, and a great, uplifting conclusion. Steven Sonderbergh pulls off this film like nobody else could. He is an actor’s director, and he brought the best out of Bledel, Rossum, Phillippe, Wood, and Moore. Sonderbergh puts out his best work, with Curtain Call.

Overall, Curtain Call is the best film of the year. It is pure drama, and is just as inspiring as it is tragic. It is a masterpiece, and is destined to become a classic.

Possible Oscar Nominations

Best Picture
Best Director: Ron Howard
Best Original Screenplay: William Broyles, Jr.
Best Actor: Ryan Phillippe
Best Supporting Actor: Elijah Wood
Best Actress: Alexis Bledel
Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden
Best Editing
Best Costume Design
Best Original Score