This week, I am presenting some thoughts about the socio-cultural comedy “American Fiction,” a revival of the heartbreaking story of “The Bridges of Madison Country”, and the somewhat interesting proposal of “Saltburn.”

🎬American Fiction (2023)

With a spectacular script and a remarkable performance by Jeffrey Wright, this comedy, blended with an interesting cultural critique, offers a refreshing take on the absurdity that some situations of representativeness become at the hands of major publishers. Additionally, it delves into a heartwarming exploration of family dynamics.

Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, a cultured African American writer, has faced editorial rejection of his recent works for not being “Black Enough.” Frustrated by the visible success of his peers who write with a more stereotypical voice, he decides to develop a book as “Black” as possible under a pseudonym, leading to tremendous success and a web of confusion, mistakes, and paradoxical situations.

⭐ 9 / 10, Prime Video.

🎬Saltburn (2023)

Emerald Fennell, known for her work on “Promising Young Woman,” brings us this suspenseful film. It delves into the infiltration and obsession of Oliver, an Oxford student, into the life of Félix Catton and his aristocratic English family. Beneath the layers of betrayal, passion, and a web of deception lies a story of sexual identity, class, and privilege. Regrettably, despite its keen cinematography, the film strives to be irreverent, avant-garde, and disruptive, prioritizing these aspects over character development and a good script. The result falls flat, lacking depth and sophistication. It leaves me with the impression of attempting to be a modern-day “Talented Mr. Ripley” (Anthony Minghella, 1999), but without the genuine talent or true development of a good movie.

⭐ 5 / 10, Prime Video

🎬The Bridges of Madison County (1995) 🌹🎥

A recent conversation inspired me to revisit this 1995 film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, who delivered an outstanding performance in the film. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most romantic movies of the nineties. It is an intense and powerful love story that unfolds during a four-day visit to a small American town. The romance is both heartbreaking and captivating, and reflecting on their past and future becomes a painful reality.

Although I found it to be somewhat lighter than I remembered, I was struck by the personal conflict faced by the characters in an uncertain future, as well as the tremendous performances and chemistry of the main couple.

⭐ 8 / 10, MAX.