Don't Look Up (2021)

[Simone]

[chalametthegreat]

I finally got to watch "Don't Look Up" this week.  I thought the movie was good and above average but not on the level of great like "Dune."  I generally dont like art that is too heavy handed in its messaging which this movie is for me.  For example, Leo DiCaprio is always awesome, but his character's infamous fed up tirade on television just didnt play well to me.  I think in real life his and Jennifer Lawrence's character would have been more adept and clever at swaying the media and playing their game.  Despite my misgivings,  I still recommended the film to friends and colleagues due to an amazing cast and story concept worthy of reflection and discussion.

The movie had genuine funny moments.  Jonah Hill was hysterical to me like a smarter version of Trump wunderkind Jared Kushner.  But overall I was disappointed that the movie wasnt funnier. Maybe the reason why is regardless of your political beliefs, we are all living through a global pandemic with so much incompetence, lies, and mistrust across governments and cultures that where the movie should shock us does not really anymore.  I like to think that humanity would use their technological power to thwart an asteroid.  But I dont have confidence that they would.  Meryl Streeps President Orlean is not far fetched after Trump.  Is anything really anymore?!  I think she played the role too seriously and should have been made out to be even more comical like Julia Louis Dreyfus on Veep. 

In addition, while I believe in climate change and think there should be more environmental friendly policies, I personally dont think the movie creators' analogy between a comet killing all life on the planet and climate change works that well.  Climate change will have devastating effects on the planet over hundreds of years, but humans and animals and plants will still be here.  We may need to adapt to changes such as parts of Florida being under water.  You can't adapt to a planet killing asteroid!   That being said, I think the analogy  works with respect to the crazy media and inert bureaucracy and role of these big social media companies.  "Dont Look Up" nailed in a frightenly comical and realistic way how we are not prepared for existential crises.  I think the movie hit the nail on the head that too many people probably wouldn't even think they were in any danger until they saw the comet appear in the sky.  And even then they would say their eyes were fake!

As for Timothee, I was about ready to roll my eyes when the movie first introduced him as an evangelical skater dude.  I am a practicing Catholic (please dont judge me harshly haha), but religion definitely deserves to be mocked and joked about like everything else in life.  While I was ready for the usual Hollywood stereotyping about how bad Christians act,  Timothees Yule and his faith were actually treated with respect.  I was really surprised.  I was also completely blown away by Timothees prayer at the ending dinner scene:



What a genuine moment in the film that made me tear up.  The prayer was so moving to me that I actually shared that scene with a couple Christian friends.  Maybe they are now Timothee fans like us haha if they weren't before!

As always, Timothee continues to surprise me with his roles and performances.  I anticipate he will be doing that for decades to come!

[Simone]

Thanks for sharing your well-thought-out review of the film. I was wondering how Timmy's character and most importantly, the prayer scene would resonate with you. I was haunted for days after my first viewing of DLU and that Last Meal scene is a tear-jerker.

Today, I posted this at IG in honor to Timmy and his MVP performance as Yule in Don't Look Up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYW3eJ2JKbx

[chalametthegreat]

Your post is well said and thank you for reading my review. It goes to show how even a small role in a film can make an impact on people. That's why actors shouldn't turn down projects based on the size of the parts. The best ones look beyond that and see how they can shape the role and make it meaningful.

[Simone]

Of course, it was Timmy's idea! Wow, he's such a sensitive old soul, so wise, so intuitive, and sweet!

[Teenca]

He's a great artist not just an actor.

[chalametthegreat]

That's just so cool, amazing and of course unsurprising it was HIS idea based on his intellect and knowledge of a lot of cultural issues. I already shared my thoughts on the prayer scene. But because the prayer was so realistic and genuine, I really want to ask Timothee what his religious or spiritual beliefs are, if any. Maybe he has read some deep theology. Or he has friends or family of that persuasion. Of course it does not matter to me what Timothee believes religion or spiritual wise as a fan. I dont need a reason to admire him more, but if I find out one day we have similar faith ideas you may need to get the smelling salts to wake me up from my swooning. Memorable scene!

[Simone]

Timmy was raised Jewish but they also celebrated Christmas, so I think his multi-cultural background, including being half-French, makes Timmy more aware and sensitive to cultural norms related to religion. He seems well-read and well-studied too, so although it's no surprise that he created that prayer himself, it's more evidence as to how emotionally intuitive he is as well.

[chalametthegreat]

He has such emotional intelligence and maturity even more than some adults who are decades older. His multi religious French heritage just adds to his mystique.

[chalametthegreat]

I dont want to discount the fact that Dont Look Up got nominated for Best Picture too. And this movie was watched by a ton of people because of the Netflix ratings and the fact that so many people I know gave it a shot in January. So besides Dune, there is actually another mainstream film for Best Picture. I would rank Dunes chances for winning much higher though. Cant believe Timothee is in two Best Picture films!!! I mean who does he think he is ... Cate Blanchett?!