Sibling Assignment #117: Favorite Movie with Understated Actors

I once again gave the sibling assignment sticking with the BEST theme.  Write about a "Best Movie Because of a Memorable Role an Actor/Actress Played." Why do I give these assignments that are so difficult? Like anyone could pick one best movie. Like I could pick on memorable role. Since it is movie award season right now I was thinking about the different roles that have earned actors and actresses recognition for their work. Sometimes an actor transforms himself/herself physically and you forget the person behind the role. Other times just the part itself stays with you. Actors playing famous people, creating themselves into that role is a feat in itself. I am also amazed how actors can sing, dance, and act effortlessly in a movie role. All these different roles require skill.

As I was sitting drinking coffee this morning I let my movie history rewind through my head. I wanted to see what would pop up. I like understated roles. While watching a movie I imagine the actor as somebody familiar, a person in town. Actors that work well as a team stood out in my mind also. I went with a team. The best movie is On Golden Pond and the actors are Henry Fonda and Kathrine  Hepburn.

You understood their relationship. I felt like they could have been a couple down the road at the lake. These two actors had never worked together before. Actually they had never met, yet created a chemistry that was believable and understated. Hepburn even did her own stunts when it came to swimming and diving in after Norman when the boat hit the rocks. The movie is about families, relationships, and growing old. It is also about tradition. The Thayers returned to Golden Pond each summer. They had a familiarity with the place. That familiarity plays out as Norman struggles with growing old.

It is a beautiful film to watch. It has one of my favorite soundtracks. The scenery and cinematography is lovely. The rest of the cast including Jane Fonda, Dabney Coleman, and Doug McKeon create an ensemble that fits together well. It is a movie you can watch with your mom and not be bothered by violence and language.

Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn both won Academy Awards for their roles in this movie. If you have never seen this movie, or haven't seen it for awhile, take time to savor it. It is a treat.

Best Community Theater I've Seen: Bravo to Agnes and Michael

For the last three week-ends my sister Silver Valley Girl and her husband have performed a two person show at the Sixth St. Theater in Wallace, Idaho entitled I Do! I Do!. It is a musical comedy (with some added drama) that begins with the wedding of Agnes and MIchael as we follow them through their marriage with the whole play centering in their bedroom. Both JEJ and I agreed it is the best performance we have seen at the theater. Bravo to Agnes and Michael for your fine singing and acting. Your timing was perfect, your dancing impeccable, and watching you age before our eyes was an amazing feat you both carried off with ease. I really wish I could have seen it again.

Watching them perform at different stages of their marriage brought back memories for me of some of those passages we have experienced together such as the wedding above. She is wearing the veil I wore in my first wedding and a dress we found one day shopping at a thrift shop!

Another example was seeing SVG on stage as a mother-to-be. I was sure she wore that same exact dress when she was pregnant in real life!

As the frustrations of motherhood built up Agnes did some comedy relief with the tricycle.

Some friction developed as Michael pointed out a few things he wanted Agnes to change about herself. She presented her list also!

Later she showed off her flair for fancy hats.

It was touching to see them at the wedding of their own child knowing that someday the two of them will be experiencing the same thing in their own lives. She may shed a few tears like she did on stage.

The play ended with the two of them getting ready to move from their home. Again, the play was a joy to watch from beginning to end. SVG said earlier today that she would miss Agnes and Michael. So will I!

After the curtain went down I had to get my sister and mother together. When SVG made herself up for an older Agnes from the end of the play it is hard to tell who the mother is here! RIght Mom?