208. Playing for Time

208. (17 Sep) Playing for Time (1980, Daniel Mann) 73



This downright devastating look at concentration camp life hinges entirely on Vanessa Redgrave's powerhouse performance. I've always been stunned by her talent, but now more than ever I see her staggering ability to do so much with a line or a glance. The physicality makes this all the more believable as the ensemble have their heads shaved and appear gaunt, but more than anything it truly feels as if they're always staring death in the face. The few moments of levity they have are such a splendid reprieve from a barrage of consistently harrowing scenes. A limited color palette and Arthur Miller's poignant, anguished script make Playing for Time all the more powerful.

151. Warm Springs

151. (13 Aug) Warm Springs (2005, Joseph Sargent) 51



Warm Springs tells a more dramatic tale of FDR's battle against polio than Sunrise at Campobello. This look at an unfaithful, sad sack Franklin and chilly Eleanor feels overly critical of the pair. In an attempt to keep them relatable, this repeatedly ventures into mawkish territory where a teary-eyed FDR is repeatedly confronted for feeling sorry for himself. During such scenes, Joseph Sargent does nothing to conceal that he's making a movie in tone and appearance that's for the small screen.

Kenneth Branagh gives a convincing turn as Franklin while Cynthia Nixon is more teeth than performer as Eleanor. Kathy Bates is amiable in a supporting role while Jane Alexander, who bested her for the Emmy, is not noteworthy in the slightest.