Classics: A Review of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society By Lauren Ennis

Throughout the ages stories have brought people together, even as everything around them threatens to tear them apart. In the recently released The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, it is the shared passion for books that binds a local club together and provides them with strength and solace as they endure enemy occupation. Over the course of the film, the characters find friendship, love, courage, and redemption all between the covers of the books that they share with one another. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, is an uplifting tale of the importance of stories and the power that they hold when we share them with one another.

I don't think we're at Downton anymore, Toto

The story begins with writer Juliet Ashton (Lily James) enjoying literary success in post-World War II London. Despite her new found wealth and commercial popularity, however, she yearns to write something serious that will address the war-time traumas that she and those around her continue to cope with. she soon finds a kindred spirit with the arrival of a chance letter from Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman), a pig farmer living on the island of Guernsey and fellow book lover. Inspired by the tales of her new pen pal's struggles during the German occupation of Guernsey she travels to the island with the hope of meeting Dawsey and the colorful members of his local book club, the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Upon arriving she is dismayed by the guarded reception she receives from the society and the ways in which the island remains haunted by the impact of war. In an effort t shed light upon the trials and resilience of the people of Guernsey she resolves to write about the occupation. During her research she stumbles upon the disappearance of the society's founding member, Elizabeth McKenna (Jessica Findlay Brown). As she becomes embroiled in the mystery surrounding Elizabeth's disappearance Juliet becomes drawn into the lives of Elizabeth's fellow society members, in whom she finds a community of both fellow book lovers and fellow survivors. By the end of her visit Juliet learns invaluable lessons in life, love, and literature that allow her to move forward with a life in which she neither forgets the toll of war nor allows herself to be defined by it.

Through its portrayal of the fictional Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, the film showcases the all too real tragedy of the occupation of Guernsey while reminding us all of the universal power of books to shed light even in the darkest of times. Through the experiences of its eclectic cast of characters the film explores both the immediate and lasting effects of World War II in England ranging from poverty and wreckage to broken families and shattered lives. While the film conveys the horrors of both the London blitz and the occupation of Guernsey the script remains firmly focused upon not upon the atrocities committed by the Nazis but instead upon the resilience and courage of the British people. As a result, the film acts not as a bleak chronicle of the traumas of war, but instead as an inspiring testament to the ability of the human spirit to rise above that trauma.

Now that's my idea of a book club!

The film also compellingly relates the power of books. For both Londoner Juliet and the residents of Guernsey books provide a refuge and a community. During the war both Juliet and the society look to literature for an escape from the outside world that is crumbling all around them. It is within the pages of books that they each find the hope, strength, and courage to carry on. For the society, books also provide a crucial sense of camaraderie and community amidst the isolation of occupation, which continues to bring them together after the war. It is this same community spirit that draws Juliet out of her solitude in London. Through the simple act of enjoying and sharing stories each of the characters is able to sustain their own inner light while inspiring one another to stand in solidarity against the darkness surrounding them. At once a tribute to the resilience of one group of people in the face of war and a universal tale of the power of literature, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is an inspiring story to share with your own community.

The film brings the best-selling novel it is based upon to vibrant life through the uniformly excellent performances of its ensemble cast. Lily James personifies loveliness as she aptly captures Juliet's warmth and intelligence. Michiel Huisman makes for an admirable hero as morally upright and self-sacrificing Dawsey. Jessica Findlay Brown is nothing short of inspiring as the passionate and courageous Elizabeth. Penelope Wilton movingly conveys the toll of war as the steely but damaged Amelia. Tom Courtenay and Katherine Parkinson are delightful in their comic turns as irreverent Eben and eccentric Isola.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is compelling testament to the power of sharing both written and personal stories to bring and keep people together even in the most adverse of circumstances. A historical film with lessons that hold resonance today, the film takes viewers onto an enlightening journey into the hearts of its characters. Through an intelligent and emotionally resonant script and superb performances, the film weaves a masterful tale tat will remain with viewers long after the final credits fade. For an uplifting journey with inspiration to spare, enroll in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Classics: A Review of Lust for Life By Lauren Ennis

One of popular culture’s most enduring images is that of the tormented artist. As a result, it comes as little surprise that one of Hollywood’s best biographies chronicles the life of one of the most iconic tortured artists; nineteenth century painter Vincent van Gogh. Famous for his art and infamous for his struggles with mental illness, van Gogh’s tragic life is brilliantly brought to the screen in the 1956 Oscar winning film Lust for Life. A true feast for the eyes, Lust for Life is at once a testament to the artistic spirit and an apt portrait of one of the men who personified it.

Now where have I seen that face before?

The film begins not with van Gogh’s art, but instead with his early efforts to resist becoming an artist. After suffering a humiliating failure when he attempts to follow in his clergyman father’s footsteps as a minster he finally becomes determined to serve humanity through his art. The film then chronicles his efforts to establish himself as a painter and his introduction to the dazzling world of the belle époque art scene. As his skill on the canvass increases, however, his personal life deteriorates into a downward spiral of mental illness. Throughout the tumultuous phases of his life, however, one constant remains; his fundamental belief in the beauty of the world around him and his inherent need to capture that beauty on canvass.

Although the film follows the standard biography format it stands apart from other biopics in its complex approach to its subject. While many biopics will glorify a subject and minimize their flaws Lust for Life maintains a firm focus upon van Gogh the man rather than van Gogh the artistic icon. As a result, the script’s van Gogh is a man audiences can immediately relate to and sympathize with as he struggles against everyday obstacles ranging from unrequited love, to mounting debt, to his inability to launch a successful career. The portrayal of the artist’s often fraught personal relationships particularly resonate in their refusal to present him as either a victim or a villain. Similarly, his struggles with mental illness are rendered with a surprisingly modern sensitivity and nuance. Perhaps the script’s greatest strength is its emphasis upon van Gogh’s work and the dazzling visuals which highlight the sources of inspiration surrounding him. In this way, the film brings the world of the artist to vivid life while reminding viewers why his work has continued to endure into the twenty-first century.

No one paints the town red quite like an artist

The uniformly excellent work of the film’s cast brings the world of van Gogh to vibrant life. Kirk Douglas is a revelation in his layered portrayal of the complex, contradictory, and all too human artist. Anthony Quinn is a force of nature as van Gogh’s brash colleague and rival Paul Gaugin. Pamela Brown perfectly captures the world weariness that has hardened van Gogh’s prostitute love interest, Christine. James Donald and Toni Gerry keep the often larger than life van Gogh grounded as his understanding brother and sister-in-law.

Through its subtle portrayal of the complex personal and professional tapestry of van Gogh’s tumultuous existence Lust for Life breathes vital life into its historical subject. As an apt portrait of both van Gogh the artist and van Gogh the man the film is a true work of art. Through its compelling script and engaging performances the film brings the life and times of van Gogh to the screen with all the vibrancy and emotion of one of his paintings. For a true cinematic masterpiece look no further than Lust for Life.

Studios are for slackers