Tamara Drewe

Tamara Drewe is the excellent new film by veteran director, Stephen Frears (The Queen and Cheri). Frears makes films that defy pigeonholing him into a single style. Tamare Drewe is an adaptation of Guardian cartoonist, Posy Simmonds graphic novel of the same name. It follows the story of the protagonist, Tamara Drewe who has come back to her native English village in rural Dorset after becoming a successful journalist in London, and having a nose job to rid of her of the large nose she had a child. She is now a sophisticated and beautiful young woman and has suitors vying for her attention. The original graphic novel was loosely based on Far from the Maddening Crowd by Thomas Hardy. What transpires upon Tamara's return is a comedy of manners and satire of the English middle classes in the 21st century. The amusing story is hastened along by two bored, mischievous adolescent village girls who spy on Tamara, make commentary, and upon whose interventions puts into a action a set of comic yet also tragic events. This is a really clever film, and the actors are perfect for all of the roles, and in fact resemble the characters in the original graphic novel.
http://www.sonyclassics.com/tamaradrewe/

Nowhere Boy

The film, Nowhere Boy, by Sam Taylor-Wood is a biopic about the early life of John Lennon. (English artist, Taylor-Wood already made a name for herself in the art world with her photographs and conceptual art pieces.) It tells the story of his being raised by his Aunt Mimi after his mother disappeared from his life at age 5. The story begins as he re-connects with his mother at about age 16, and in turn discovers a love of and talent for music. It is a coming of age story that convincingly shows Lennon's pain at dealing with his reconciliation with his mother. It also focuses on Lennon's forming his first band, The Quarrymen and meeting and playing with Paul McCartney and George Harrison. I thought I would like this film, but I really was riveted by the wonderful, convincing performances of the principal actors: Aaron Johnson as Lennon, Kristin Scott Thomas as Mimi, and Anne-Marie Duff as his free-spirited mother, Julia. The emotional interactions between them was especially moving. But, it was also exciting to watch the scenes of these young men playing music at the beginning of what would be an illustrious musical career. Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney actually were consulted while making this film, and this contributes to the authentic feeling of it.