Well…. Cinderella Man certainly exceeded my
expectations and kudos to good ol’ Ron Howard for the direction of a
great film. Russell Crowe pulled off a worthy performance–the tears
were moving. Though in other news I can’t say his telephone-throwing
skills will get him anywhere fast. Renee Zellweger–lovely and demure
for once–makes a great Depression-era housewife (in the best sense
possible). Perhaps she’s missed her calling…? Their relationship
on  screen was quite believable–and yes, I’ll admit it, quite
romantic–through thick and thin, they stuck by each other. Perhaps a
poke at the constant and nearly unfettered allowance for divorce,
adultery, etc., in this great (liberal) nation.
     But overall, I was impressed with the film: a
few heart-wrending scenes outlining the struggles of the Depression
[which only served to call to mind the extension of the powers of
federal government to our current demise]; some suspenseful (and almost
painful to watch) fight scenes; and a model of the American family
that used to exist. My favourite scene depicted Russell Crowe’s
character returning the sum of money previously granted to him in
government aid–something I’m sure no welfare recipient has ever
considered. The desperation of the era was evident, and yet despite his
lack of funds, this fellow had enough wit to recognize the importance
of independent/private support. He worked/fought for his money and to
support his family; he was not below accepting aid from the community
in dire straits–nor was he above giving it to those in similar need.
My only qualm is that he was perhaps not as religiously inclined as the
Mrs. — a statement on the character of a devout wife perhaps? Funny
thing is, these things are occuring to me just now as I think about the
various deeper levels of thought which the film may have implied.
Either way, it was entertaining as well as thought-provoking. And I
expected so little….silly me.