Darren Aronofsky's, Mother

While this movie has been out for some time, I have been asked numerous times about what I thought of the movie, Mother. It is with that in mind that I went to watch it for review purposes night before last. I normally review a movie within 12 hours of seeing it but have waited almost 48 hours before writing anything, for one simple reason, I have been trying to figure out this, the most bizarre, confounding film I may have ever seen.  The movie Mother is written and directed by Academy Award winning, yet, controversial director Darren Aronofsky. It is being seen in one of two ways, as an artistic bit of brilliance and genius or a tub of manure, there are few reviews with middle ground, I couldn't really find a single one, but it is what it is.

Now let me make it clear, for years I have seen myself as a movie reviewer, not per say a critic. I do comment on the technical aspects of a movie as they make a difference and I appreciate those things, but, I tend to see myself as a regular Joe who goes to the movies and values the concept of a dollar. While I appreciate art and value thought provoking topics of movies, I tend to like different kinds of art, I would consider Picasso a genius and Mapplethorpe an artist that has a great deal of work I wouldn't spend a dime to see as his art can at times move from to me from art, to disgust, not all, but some. I value the fine curves of the human body, or a beautiful motorcycle, yet I like things that can be read and understood and with a natural sense of beauty or a clear portrayal of what the artist is presenting. I love Van Gough, yet I also appreciate Michelangelo and realism.  I don't mind thought provoking themes and value metaphor and allegory. I know I can be complex and I try to give things like art, an honest chance. Now with that hopefully clear, let me tell you about the movie, Mother.

Usually in this section of my reviews I tell you briefly what a movie is about without spoilers if possible. Here, I'll be honest with you, I in good conscious can not go there because I have no idea what the intent was for Aronofsky in this movie. I am sure it was something, and he was doing what he thought was art but I have no idea what this movie was about. I have read everything from an explanation that it is the story of Adam and Eve to it is a story of conflict and broken relationships. I don't hold to either of these explanations or any of the others that I have read as they don't make sense to me as to what I watched and listened to on screen. While I tend to disagree a great deal with Rex Reed, the popular reviewer, I don't know if he is far off on this one, and I tend to agree more than disagree, he called Mother, "The worst movie of the year."  I haven't seen all movies but I can see this, it was for me, clearly the least enjoyable, most confusing, and waste of money and time movie I have seen this year. 

While I have a college education, some graduate and continuing studies, I still don't consider myself some highfalutin, knows more than my readers kind of  guy. I am just a guy just like most people attending movies are just regular people spending their hard earned dollars to be entertained. While Mother is being billed as a horror film, the main thing I found horrid about the experience was some of the images, messed up and the confusing story I saw on screen. The ending was so repulsive that for the first time in a long time, I was actually offended at the kind of confusing horror Aronofsky took on.

Now on the good things about the movie, the acting is superb by Jennifer Lawrence and Oscar winner, Javier Bardem, there is also an admirable supporting cast that does a great job at their craft, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer.  If there had been much of a story behind their characters, this movie had the potential to be a good film. The editing was superb, a great score, and some rather good sound effects and special effects, yet this movie is one of those that shows you the importance of an understandable story.

Maybe for some of you, you would enjoy the search for meaning that is so needed in this movie, me, I hate that I spent as much time as I have trying to understand this confusing excuse for an art film.

In real life, there are at times confusion, all of us likely go through it. It is imperative that we be at a place where we can find answers and in the confusion find purpose. We are all different, we have differing opinions, heck, I am perfectly fine if someone loves this movie, I didn't but I will allow and desire that freedom of feeling and expression. I have seen art critics for example who are foaming at the mouth about how good this movie is, maybe for them it is but I challenge the majority of people seeing it will have the same opinion I did, that is, what the heck did I just see and why did I go see it. At some point there has to come a willingness that the opinions of others is fine. It is one of the things that has gotten our world into the mess it is. It seems as if one person doesn't agree with another than to hell with friendship or the possibility of any positive relationship. I guess if I can say anything positive, it is that this movie led me to think of this concept, that of course along with the fine acting in the film. Will I see the movie again though?  Not if you gave me $20 to sit through it again, heck no, I have no desire.

On a scale of 1 - 10 for the 2 quality leads in the movie and thought provoking challenge to accept others who may differ, I give a higher than expected 3

 To see the trailer for the film, just click on the following video, if that doesn't work, try the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpICoc65uh0


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