Focus
"A thunderhead of suspense." -Stephen Holden, The New York Times
Set in New York during the height of World War II, Focus recounts the unraveling of an American community when the identity of a man (William H. Macy) and his wife (Laura Dern) are mistaken. Slowly ostracized at home and work, they learn the value of self and solidarity as they struggle to maintain dignity and find happiness. Focus marks the directorial debut of award-winning photographer Neal Slavin, and is adapted by Kendrew Lascelles from the Arthur Miller novel of the same name. The film stars William H. Macy, Laura Dern, David Paymer and Meat Loaf Aday.
Member Reviews
Not as good as novel (but what movie is?) - IslandBookworm
I made the mistake of reading the novel before seeing the movie, so the movie didn't quite live up to expectations. In particular the art direction, which was extremely clean and brightly coloured, was the complete opposite of the gritty, sweaty reality in the book and of war era Brooklyn. It was more 50's style than 40's. Perhaps they were trying to contrast the neighbourhood's clean cut image with the ugly xenophobia inside. They also left out the subtext of Newman's wife possibly being an assimilated Jew who opts for self-hatred rather than identify herself with a hated group. In the book she is a foil for the combative Finkelstein, but not in the movie. The movie also didn't succeed in portraying Newman as a man sleep-walking through life as he is in the book, but I'll grant that is a difficult thing to do on film. However, taken on it's own, the film is worth watching for the performances and as a window into a part of American history, and the human psyche in general.ALTHOUGH DATED, EXCELLENT DEPICTION FOR CURRENT GENERATIONS - SqueakyChair
Macey is excellent. The story unfolds well and the momentum although mostly predictable is both endearing and shocking in it's portrayal of anti-Semitism as it existed an as it could easily exist today for middle eastern minorities should we forget the lessons of the past. Anti-Jewish sentiment is largely left to the confines of private clubs and elitist backroom whispers, and the moral majority's closet in this day and age, with hopes it will one day disappear altogether. This explores the roots in the 1940's in America, a largely alarmist nation whose latest immigrant population reaps the scorn derision and bigotry of the previous minority group of immigrant's in their second and subsequent generations.
It makes a powerful statement that should be revisited, and this is as good as any depiction I've seen in a very long time.
So-Says-SqueakychairNot rotten - busychick
This movie got rotten tomatoes, but I don't think deservedly. It's about anti-semitism, and
this movie is a story about how prevalent racism and anti-semitism have been through the years.
It's unbelievable to think people behaved like they do in this movie, which probably isn't too far from the truth.
William Macey is a sheepish single businessman in the waning war years. After a case of mistaken identity, he suffers and finally finds compassion within himself for others. Laura Dern sparkles
in this film..based on the play by Arthur Miller.
Member Reviews
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Not as good as novel (but what movie is?) - IslandBookworm
I made the mistake of reading the novel before seeing the movie, so the movie didn't quite live up to expectations. In particular the art direction, which was extremely clean and brightly coloured, was the complete opposite of the gritty, sweaty reality in ...ALTHOUGH DATED, EXCELLENT DEPICTION FOR CURRENT GENERATIONS - SqueakyChair
Macey is excellent. The story unfolds well and the momentum although mostly predictable is both endearing and shocking in it's portrayal of anti-Semitism as it existed an as it could easily exist today for middle eastern minorities should we forget the lessons ...Not rotten - busychick
This movie got rotten tomatoes, but I don't think deservedly. It's about anti-semitism, and
this movie is a story about how prevalent racism and anti-semitism have been through the years.
It's unbelievable to think people behaved like they do in this ...