Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The Patriarch

Author(s): Clarence P.
Location: NY


"The Patriarch"

Directed by: Joe Wright
Written by: Patrick Marber and Paul Haggis
Produced by: Paul Haggis
Best Original Score: Dario Marianelli

Main Cast

Tommy Lee Jones: Manuel Cyder
Imelda Staunton: Emily Cyder
Meryl Streep: Winona Cyder
Patricia Clarkson: Catherine Cyder
Cate Blanchett: Antonette Cyder
Leonardo DiCaprio: Michael Cyder
Anna Paquin: Theresa Cyder
Marion Cotillard: Genevieve Cyder
Anne Hathaway: Mila Cyder
Blake Lively: Carissa Cyder
Paul Giamatti: Warren Gardner
Emile Hirsch: Mark Simpson

Tagline: "One man, three families, connected by blood but separated by jealousy"

Synopsis: Manuel Cyder (Jones) is the head of the largest oil refining company in Texas . He was married three times and divorced twice. His first wife, Emily ( Staunton ), is considered the “true wife” of Cyder and had always been Cyder’s partner in the business. Their children, Antonette (Blanchett)—a no-nonsense woman who is considered the heir to the company, Michael (DiCaprio)—the only son of Cyder who longed for his father’s approval, and Theresa (Paquin)—their teenage daughter who rebelled from her parents, are known as the “family” to the public. When news of Cyder’s campaign to become governor of Texas reached his second wife, Winona (Streep), her French wife traveled from France to live in America with her lawyer-daughter Genevieve (Cotillard) and prostitute Mila (Hathaway). Winona came to America for help with Mila from her ex-husband but with the agenda of trying to gain money for her gambling debts back in France . Cyder’s third wife Catherine (Clarkson), her “current” wife, is Manuel’s “favorite wife” as well as her consultant about his daily problems. Their daughter Carissa (Lively) is Cyder’s favorite child and the envy of her step-siblings. Lively is in an unapproved relationship with Mark (Hirsch), the son of Cyder’s rival company and rival candidate for governor, Warren Gardner (Giamatti) that might derail Cyder’s campaign. When all three families came to a public showing-party for the candidate, they clashed with one another over Manuel’s affection and the public’s approval. With all three families in one house, secrets begin to be revealed: Theresa’s mother is not Emily but her “sister” Antonette is. Michael reveals his homosexuality, and Jones love for Catherine. Also, Mila finds out she is pregnant. A failed assassination attempt towards Gardner plotted by Antonette sent the family in more turmoil with the ultimate heart attack of Manuel Cyder. With Cyder in bed, his three wives and the children have to work together to protect their families even if it means having to stop hating each other.

A story about family and corruption, this movie explores the depths of family bond and how power affects the lives of others. Also, the movie explores the journey of a family to self realization and reunion in times of trouble.

What the Press would say:

The Patriarch is a compelling and emotional movie with superb acting from its ensemble cast. The superb screenplay and the direction from Wright produce a movie that is a sure-fire Best Picture contender. Also, the fantastic cinematography and the dramatic score make this movie very beautiful to look at. Jones and Clarkson gave their best performances of their careers. The biggest shocker is Hathaway’s performance for the prostitute Mila which makes the audience want to feel bad for an extremely unlikable character.

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Actor: Tommy Lee Jones
Best Actress: Patricia Clarkson
Best Actress: Imelda Staunton
Best Actress: Meryl Streep
Best Supporting Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett
Best Supporting Actress: Marion Cotillard
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway
Best Original Screenplay
Best Director: Joe Wright
Best Original Score
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Editing

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