| | Bee Season | |
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Description
Based on the bestselling novel by Myla Goldberg, Bee Season follows a family of seekers, each of whom is looking to God, transcendence, or love, in their search for something greater than themselves. Eleven-year-old Eliza Nauman (Flora Cross in a promising debut) is on her way to becoming the national spelling bee champion, much to the delight of her heretofore somewhat dismissive father, Saul (Richard Gere). A professor of religion who wrote his thesis on Jewish mysticism, Saul has previously shown more interest in Elizas older brother, Aaron (Max Minghella), a serious-minded young scholar and cello player. In what soon becomes clear is his customary manner, Saul takes control of Elizas spelling career, and focuses on her to the exclusion of the rest of his family. Meanwhile, his wife, Miriam (Juliette Binoche), is quietly facing a spiritual crisis, and unbeknownst to her family is engaging in petty thievery in her quest for beauty and salvation. Saul is unwilling to admit that anything is wrong-and thus out of his control-while the unmoored Aaron turns to the beatific Chali (Kate Bosworth), a hare Krishna, for spiritual sustenance and comfort. As Saul attempts to tap Elizas uncanny knack with words and create a pipeline to God according to the tenets of an ancient Kabbalah scholar, Eliza blames herself for everyones troubles. As the final competition draws nigh and the family disintegrates, however, it might just be that Eliza is the only one who can save them.
Bee Season Review
On the outside "Bee Season" looks like any other dysfunctional family drama. But it's hard to pigeon hole a movie which brings emotional breakdowns, Kabbalah teachings and the "truly American tradition" of spelling bees together. Richard Gere stars Saul Naumann, a religious studies professor and head of a seemingly happy family. But the truth of it is that Saul is too wrapped up in his daughter's (Flora Cross) almost mystical spelling gift to notice that his wife (Juliette Binoche) is deeply troubled while his son (Max Minghella) is starting to drift away.
Despite some very strong performances from Gere and Cross - who was just 11 at the time of filming - you can't help but feel that screenwriter Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal has tried to cram too much into her script to explore anything fully. As such "Bee Season" is more a collection of ideas than an examination of any specific one and maybe it would have been a good idea to drop some of the less vital strains of Myla Goldberg's original book from the movie.
Directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel have included some nice touches - such as way in which Eliza's mental effort at spelling is visualised onscreen - and some luscious cinematography. But ultimately "Bee Season" feels so heavy and strained that it hardly makes for enjoyable viewing. However it has given us a potential star in Flora Cross and that is spelt out for all to see.
Special Features
Six Deleted Scenes, Directors Commentary, The Essence Of Bee Season Featurette, The Making Of Bee Season Featurette
Technical Details
Region 2
Running Time: 104 minutes
Production Year: 2005
Main Language: English
Genre: Drama
Certificate: TBA To Be Announced
Director: Scott McGehee and David Siegel
Release Date: 10-04-2006
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