Two movies, viewed a weeks apart, both set in the early 1950’s, one viewed many times, one just once in the theater.
One, a thriller, was a bit of a sleeper, though the venerable Roger Ebert gave it three stars. The other, a coming of age/love story, is a bit under the popular radar, but, deservedly, up for awards on both sides of the pond.
The House on Carroll Street and Brooklyn both take place, in whole or in part, in New York. Both are rich in setting, mood and nuance, often evoking more in the wordless moments than in the dialogue, especially The House on Carroll Street. Both movies delve into issues of their day, though, in my view, issues not all that different from many issues of these days we live in.
The House on Carroll Street begins with Emily Crane refusing to name names when summoned to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. She is subsequently fired from her job and takes on a part-time position reading to an elderly woman on a quiet street. Curious about an open window and voices across the street from the elderly woman’s dwelling, Emily snoops from the hidden garden as she leaves her reading. Later, she bumps into one of the men she saw in the window. The other she recognizes as the government official who questioned her at the hearing. So begins a quietly menacing thriller, ala Alfred Hitchcock, with Emily an unlikely heroine in a world where there are still Nazis.
Brooklyn is based on the book written by Colm Tóibín. I enjoyed the movie so much that I now have the novel teetering on my ever-present TBR pile. The movie came to my attention through recommendations, trusted blog reviews, and my own instinct that Brooklyn was a movie I wanted to see. This is a simple story, a slow journey through the agony of leaving what was once home, the long ocean voyage in cramped quarters, the bustle of New York City with new sights and smells and foreign faces. It is of life in a boardinghouse, full of all the comes when woman board together. It is the story of adapting to a new country, to working, attending night school to become a bookkeeper (and being the only female in the class). It is about being a young Irish lass, as Eilis Lacey is, and meeting a young Italian boy at a dance, falling in love, meeting his big family, coming of age, and of choices we make, their consequences and their rewards.
Both films are set in the early ’50s. Both are rich in costuming, details, nuances and the unspoken words as much as the spoken. Both evoke an era we sometimes look back to as simpler times, which were, in truth, often fraught with underlying changes and unspoken fear. Both have an unseen character of menace. The menace in one is McCarthyism, the other small-mindedness.
I would like to recommend both movies if you have not seen them. If you have, I welcome your thoughts. Is there a movie set in the ’50s that you especially enjoy?
What a thoughtful review, Penny! I have been hoping to see Brooklyn. My husband would both enjoy it, too. Both of our grandfathers took that long voyage from Ireland many years earlier. Thank you for enticing us to add these movies to our ‘must see’ list. ♡
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Thank you, Dawn. Brooklyn might still be at your local theater, which is where I saw it, I think you might both enjoy it, especially if your grandfathers came from there. There is some glorious scenery of Ireland. I don’t know why, but, I was surprised that immigrants were still come over by boat in the ’50s, forgetting that air travel was exorbitant for most then. Hard to imagine as it really wasn’t that long ago. I hope you are staying warm.
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Brooklyn was at the art theater right down the street from our new apartment just before we headed south… dang. Now I’ll probably have to wait until it is on NetFlix. I hadn’t heard of the other one but will add it to my wish list. My friend from home loved Brooklyn, she was sad we’d missed it.
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Brooklyn is a beautiful movie, Sallie. It seemed to air at only a few theaters around here, which is often the case with these well crafted movies. It’s sad, really, and if one doesn’t get to the select theater in the week it is showing, that’s it. I had a small window of opportunity and decided to go by myself. I’m glad I did. I hope it is on NetFlix soon.
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Thanks for the great reviews Penny, l’ll try to see Brooklyn this week while it is still in our local theater. I didn’t find The House on Carroll Street on Netflix ! Have a great week and stay warm.
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You’re welcome, Gerlinde. I hope you will be able to see it in your local theater. Of the two movies, Brooklyn is the one to see. Should The House on Carroll Street show up on your television/Netlix/libary etc. – it is worth the time.
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Incredible review.
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Thank you, Phyllis.
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I saw Brooklyn two weeks ago and loved it, Penny. The clothes, the acting, the cinematography–all were gorgeous! Saiorse Ronan was phenomenal!
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So glad that you saw it, L. Marie. I agree. Saiorse Ronan WAS phenomenal and the visuals were outstanding. From the lush green of Ireland, to the green coat she wore on the boat – and I’m still chuckling over Eilis learning to eat spaghetti. 🙂
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Ha ha! Yes! That scene made me hungry for spaghetti. 🙂 Loved all of the boarding house scenes.
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Me too – and I made some for dinner a few days later. 🙂
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i almost missed your post, it seems! How can it already be the end of the week? I would definitely enjoy “The House on Carroll Street,” and I’m so glad you reviewed it. It’s not one I’ve heard of before but the “Hitchcock” feel definitely comes through and I know I’d love that. I read the book “Brooklyn” an just loved it! I have thought I’d like to see the movie and hope I still have the chance. I was glad to see that Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis. I loved her as a young girl in “Atonement.” I always enjoy your reviews, Penny, and I’ve found several good films through you!
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I know, Debra. I awoke thinking “how did Friday get here so fast?” – and in five day’s time, our temperatures have fluctuated 50 degrees. Yikes.
“The House on Carroll Street” was up against some blockbusters when it came out. It is a quieter thriller. where you don’t know who to trust and where the menace is. I think you would enjoy it.
I wish I had read “Brooklyn” before seeing the movie, which is beautifully filmed and acted. Some friends went to see it, told me about it, and I was able to grab a window of time to see it. I was so glad I did. Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis beautifully. Thank you, Debra. Have a good weekend. I hope you post more from the Huntington. 🙂
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What great movie reviews Penny, I love the way you connected them both! As you know I’ve seen and enjoyed Brooklyn, I’m pretty sure we talked about it, or else just communicated about it on facebook. 😉 The other I have not seen but will have to look for it!
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Thank you, Janet. I appreciate your kind words.
I do remember a few conversations, of one sort or another, with you about Brooklyn. I think you saw it with Kate. I enjoyed the movie and am looking forward to reading the book. You might find The House on Carroll Street on Netflix. I think you would appreciate it. Sometimes, often, actually, these little gems don’t get a lot of “buzz” in theaters, but, are such rich films. Oh, well . . . I best not get on my soapbox. 🙂
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Both films sound well worth watching,. Penny. I do hope they make it across the pond.
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I hope you find both of them, Perpetua. Brooklyn will likely be easier to find as it is new and really beautiful.
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