From viewing the same trailer numerous times, I expected the resounding theme to be "live each day like it will be your last...because some day, it will be." I was mentally prepared for the Angelina Jolie character (Lanie Kerigan) to be portrayed as very measured, responsible, and humorless. In short, this would be viewed as living the wrong way just like Keanu Reeve's character in "Sweet November". Lanie would eventually realize the error of her ways, undergo a complete metamorphosis, and face life anew with utter zeal and crazy, reckless abandon. This theme has been explored since time immemorial and will continue to be recycled long after the pyramids are dust. This was just going to be the latest incarnation.
Let's get one thing straight right now: my impression wasn't wrong. The trailer was wrong, and it did not do justice to the story. Yes, the moral of the story is to "live each day like it will be your last...because some day, it will be." However, Lanie does not transform into an out-of-control degenerate. She reacts in a way that would be completely consistent with her temperament. She pauses to reflect inwardly, determines what's really important to her, and embraces the things that she covets. Lanie would do EXACTLY this! She does this in an analytical (and sometimes fun!) way and not in a deep, mournful, introspectful way.
Moreover, Angelina Jolie gives a very strong, convincing performance in the process, displaying a broad range and command of emotions. I may not understand "Jolie - the person," but she is arguably one of the best young actresses working in the business today. Reese Witherspoon, justifiably, received critical acclaim for her performance in "Legally Blonde". Jolie deserves the same recognition for this performance. |
