The last of the nominated actors and films that we saw was The Florida Project with Willem Dafoe as the Supporting Actor nominee. The film focuses on a single mother, Halley, and daughter who live a life in the grasps of poverty in a motel just outside the gates of Disneyworld. Moonee, the precocious seven or eight year old daughter, is left to her own with a couple of friends during the summer in which the film takes place. They find ways to amuse them selves by throwing a dead fish in a pool and even setting a vacant building on fire. It is a powerful film as it depicts the way of life of too many of our population. Dafoe gives a very strong performance as the manager of the motel, who really does understand the kids and tries to do his best in giving the mother some breaks. The ending, as shocking as it is to watch, was not that unsuspected.
Cast
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Brooklynn Prince
as Moonee
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Willem Dafoe
as Bobby
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Bria Vinaite
as Halley
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Christopher Rivera
as Scooty
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Valeria Cotto
as Jancey
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Caleb Landry Jones
as Jack
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Macon Blair
as Tourist John
Director
Watching Roman J. Israel, Esq. was reminiscent a bit of watching Rainman. It was almost a caricature performance by Denzel Washington in the character of Roman J. Israel, an autistic lawyer. Israel works in a 2 person law firm as one who writes briefs for his boss, William Jackson. When Jackson has a heart attack, Israel is thrown into a new role. He, however, cannot handle court appearances. The intent at a romantic involvement also falls short. The film seemed disjointed at times and not really living up to the hype that preceded its release. A bit disappointing and inexplicable as to the Oscar nomination for Washington, whose performance was not as good as Tom Hanks in The Post.
Cast
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Denzel Washington
as Roman J. Israel, Esq.
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Colin Farrell
as George Pierce
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Carmen Ejogo
as Maya Alston
Director
