Simply Perfect

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

I really enjoyed this movie. It reminded me of the ups and downs of love throughout our lives and especially during the endings. And how brave of Ms. Bening to act with little or no makeup.

My wife and I watched this movie at home on DVD from our public library. Even though I now realize I have seen a few older movies with actress Gloria Grahame in them as this movie started I didn't realize it was about a real actress, mostly popular in the 1940s and 1950s. The filmmakers claim the movie is perhaps 98% faithful to the real story.Here it spans approximately 1979 through 1981, and flashbacks are often used to amplify on a point. Annette Bening, about the right age, is Gloria Grahame. When in England on a stage production she meets Jamie Bell, also about the right age, as Peter Turner from Liverpool. They strike up an unlikely friendship then romantic relationship. It becomes turbulent at times, no surprise since Grahame had been married four times before and had a child with each of her husbands.Both main actors are really good in their roles, especially Bening as Grahame, who in spite of her troubled life and sometimes erratic behavior comes across as a sympathetic character.Good movie, it is old news but see it for the performances.

What a nice little love story. That's how it's done in an entertaining way. Both, Jamie Bell but especially Annette Bening are great in this story about the love of a once famous Hollywood actress and a much younger guy from Liverpool. Bening shows a loth of depth, drama and eccentricity and elicits us one or two tears. It's fun to see those two going to the movies and watching the very first Alien movie. Great meta movie moment.

In 1979 London, Peter Turner (Jamie Bell) is entranced by visiting American actress Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening). They begin a romantic affair. In 1981 Liverpool, Peter is living at home with his parents. Gloria arrives to reignite the relationship but she's suffering from a devastating illness.Bening delivers another great performance. She has a real transformation. Her charisma and screen presence is undeniable. However, the movie doesn't allow the relationship to develop. It's a melodrama thrown at the wall as it watches whether anything actually sticks. The only thing that truly sticks is Bening. The chemistry is on and off. The structure assumes the chemistry rather than nurtures it. This has its moments and Bening almost carries it by her sheer acting power.