Crappy film

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

That's what I asked my wife when I saw the last scene of this pseudo-Pulitzer.My conclusions? HBO must be a mafia. If not I don't understand it. I don't understand that they can award any kind of Emmy to this regular soap-opera. Only explanation: HBO took charge of the asylum.That would also explain the "best script" award to Game of Thrones, instead of "Mad Men".And, by the way, How dare they advertise Bill Murray as supporting actor? It's a plain hoax. He is only 10 minutes or less on screen through the whole show. And thank god for that, 'cause it wasn't a good part either. Just the same old Bill Murray grumpy old guy. But poor and lame.And thank god again, it was only 4 installments. I was bored already on the second.'Nuff said.

While watching this, the first thing that popped into my head was how glad I am that I did not spend my adult life in a small town.The second thing I thought was how glad I am that I'm not married...at least to a woman like Olive Kitteridge.The third thing I thought was what a fine actor Richard Jenkins is. Despite what some people seem to feel, for a character actor, Jenkins has gotten a fair amount of acclaim...all well deserved.Frances McDormand is a very talented actress. But somehow I have yet to see her in a single film that I really liked. All I can say is that she has a strange taste in movie parts.Zoe Kazan as Denise Thibodeau was interesting as a slightly odd young lady.There are films in which Bill Murray impresses me. This is not one. He just seems to be walking through the part.John Gallagher is a young actor that impresses me each time I see him, and he does here.One segment which I felt was particularly well done was where Kevin Coulson returns from being a medical student in New York City, and is contemplating suicide, which Olive realizes, and she prevents it from happening. Very effective segment showing the difficulty of mental illness.I have to admit that I don't quite understand the purpose of the hospital terror scene. It just seems out of place. But, this isn't exactly a film with a script, per se.I'm not sure I understand the purpose of this film. Is it to show that a mean-hearted woman got the life she deserved? If so, it succeeded. It was very slowly interesting to watch...once...but I would have no interest in watching it again. 4 hours was too much. Needed some distinct editing.

Frances McDormand is Olive Kitteridge, a hard-core no-nonsense New Englander dealing with a case of inner turmoil manifesting in bouts of indigestion and an impolite, abrupt attitude. Not a sweet woman, and not unlike some sour school teachers I knew in New Hampshire. The supporting cast is fantastic. Richard Jenkins as Olive's husband Henry Kitteridge is spot on. John Gallagher Jr. as their son portrays a young man's dynamic struggle to accept his parents and their ways. Cory Michael Smith's portrayal of the older Kevin Coulson is amazing, and it is hoped we see more of him in future roles. Some of the bit parts are charming. Ann Dowd as the Kitteridge's friend Bonnie Newton shines as what one might think a genuine Downeasterner. Martha Wainwright appears repeatedly as Angela O'Meara, a pianist and singer all dolled up and performing in the restaurant piano bars, lending some levity to the darkness. There are a large number of great actors and actresses giving excellent performances, which provide this drama with a vastness going beyond the usual character development. It is not a cute romantic comedy or anything like that, so if you're looking for something lighter Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks starred in some very nice films. This is not like any of that, it's a truly remarkable work of art.

If you liked McDormand's performance in Fargo, Olive Kitteridge will surely not disappoint. I look forward to reading the book now and only wish that perhaps I'd read it before watching the mini-series. I loved much about this mini-series but most especially the straightforward way that depression is handled. Olive is a complex character (not all bad or all good) and while her behavior might be tough to swallow, McDormand treats us to a realistic portrayal of the disease of depression and how is affects every facet of her life and those around her. Some well played foreshadowing moments and times of contradictory behavior make the plot and characters more interesting. I gave it a 10/10 because this is the kind of movie I enjoy, but know that it might not appeal to everyone, especially if you just want to watch a feel good or relaxing movie. This one will challenge you to think a bit more and examine your own dysfunctional behavior (and/or that of your family) which may not be too comfortable. Also enjoyed the other characters, especially Henry and Christopher.