Frances McDormand (Fargo, North Country) steals this movie, written and directed by Lisa Cholodenko, with her relaxed portrait of a successful record producer whose never-ending quest for the ideal lover has tarnished her relationship with her son (Christian Bale).
While many people would be envious of having a mom who's a rich and famous rock-music producer and totally cool, Sam (Bale) sees only an irresponsible parent who refuses to grow up. "She's developmentally disabled." It doesn't help that mom is lot for the band's lead (Alessandro Nivola), who is half her age.
His W.A.S.P. fiancé (Kate Beckinsale) starts putting aside her dissertation on the reproductive qualities of fruit flies to hang out in the studio with the band.
Some may wonder what the point is, and if all the characters are losers in their own way, but I think having a mom who teaches lessons like "pass the bong to guests first, son," is way cool.
Of course, the best part of the film is the cast - I love McDormand in everything she does - and the music.
While many people would be envious of having a mom who's a rich and famous rock-music producer and totally cool, Sam (Bale) sees only an irresponsible parent who refuses to grow up. "She's developmentally disabled." It doesn't help that mom is lot for the band's lead (Alessandro Nivola), who is half her age.
His W.A.S.P. fiancé (Kate Beckinsale) starts putting aside her dissertation on the reproductive qualities of fruit flies to hang out in the studio with the band.
Some may wonder what the point is, and if all the characters are losers in their own way, but I think having a mom who teaches lessons like "pass the bong to guests first, son," is way cool.
Of course, the best part of the film is the cast - I love McDormand in everything she does - and the music.