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Friday, October 12, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW
Middle Of Nowhere
A Woman In Limbo In Los Angeles
Emayatzy Corinealdi as Ruby in Ava DuVernay's drama "Middle Of Nowhere".
AFFRM/Bradford Young
by
Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
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Friday, October
12,
2012
"Middle Of Nowhere", the new
drama written and directed by
Ava DuVernay, is the best work Ms. DuVernay has
ever done. Masterfully directed, the Los Angeles-set film, shot
beautifully by cinematographer Bradford Young, is one of the year's very best.
Ms. DuVernay's arresting, heartfelt and meaningful film merits serious Oscar
consideration for acting, cinematography, screenplay and picture.
Emayatzy Corinealdi, in a very effective, balanced performance, is Ruby, a
medical school student forced to drop out and focus on safeguarding her
incarcerated husband Derek's (Omari Hardwick) well-being. Ruby's marriage
is fragile but her dedication to Derek, serving an eight-year-prison term, is
nothing less than loyal, though Ruby faces challenges both moral and economic,
especially when she meets Brian (David Oyelowo), who develops a romantic
interest in her.
Narrated by Ms. Corinealdi in a loving and thoughtful manner as a poem to Ruby
as much as Derek, "Middle Of Nowhere" is a warm, emblematic and richly authentic
portrait of a black woman exploring herself philosophically, spiritually and
intimately as she attempts to keep her equilibrium amidst family turmoil.
The Los Angeles on display here is one belonging to the working class, one that
quietly goes about its business making a living. At all times what I saw
was natural, real and peaceful, just as that particular Los Angeles actually is.
In this way "Middle Of Nowhere" explores atmosphere and in particular a
multilayered fabric of the black family in a way that few films do: carefully,
with nuance, deliberation and in an evocative and intelligent way.
I liked the adult sensibility and honesty Ms. DuVernay captured. I was
moved by the all-too-real situations Ruby and other characters find themselves
in. Many directors use theatrics in a dramatic film to underscore points
and plot, but the director trusts the actors and her own strong writing to make
the impression and speak for themselves without exaggerating moments in a
cinematic way. The purity of vision and the actors' complete investment in
Ms. DuVernay's story makes "Middle Of Nowhere" a great film and a refreshing
experience.
Ms. DuVernay writes a thorough, detailed screenplay that doesn't stack the deck
or judge any of its characters. Her film gives resonant, meaningful
expression to the feeling of being stuck in a dilemma and having to make tough
choices in order to grow personally and emotionally. In portraying a
character in crisis Ms. Corinealdi brings the full-blooded, relatable Ruby to
the big screen, an everywoman who works hard and holds her own in an
even-handed, passionate way. Ruby, contemplative and introspective, has
values and conviction though like all of us she makes mistakes.
After last year's debut feature film
"I Will Follow" and now with "Middle Of
Nowhere" it is clear that Ms. DuVernay's strong suit is her direction and
depiction of characters who are comfortable in their own skin, and even more
comfortable exploring it. Bradford Young visually captures the texture of
dark skin tones in a sensual, palpable way, and with the sensitivity that few
directors, black or white, seem to these days. Mr. Young, who has lensed
such fine films as
"Pariah", crafts shots of bold, colorful
people, landscapes and tight spaces, making them all vivid and illuminating.
Ms. Corinealdi, and especially Lorraine Toussaint as Ruby's mother Ruth, merit
Academy Award consideration. Ms. Toussaint is excellent here in a
supporting role, providing additional layers of tension and drama that help box
Ruby in. Edwina Findley is impressive as Rosie, Ruby's younger sister who
has made choices that she struggles with, while being critical of Ruby.
Mr. Hardwick, who had a small role in "I Will Follow", has limited but valuable
screen time as Derek, and is shown mainly in flashbacks that are stirring.
Mr. Oyelowo ("Red
Tails",
"Planet Of The Apes",
"The Paperboy")
is good here as Brian, shedding his British accent to play a Los Angeles bus
driver.
Also with: Maya Gilbert, Dondre Whitfield, Sharon Lawrence, Andy Spencer.
"Middle Of Nowhere" is rated R by the Motion
Picture Association Of America for language. The film's running time is
one hour and 44 minutes.
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