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Film Review: Stellar Actors Put ‘Words and Pictures’ Together

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CHICAGO– “Words and Pictures” is a bit twee. In the film’s central debate between which medium has more influence, there was a drunken writer, prep students straight out of “Dead Poet’s Society” and cutesy romance. But there was also Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche at the top of their performance games, and they uplifted all these regular story elements.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

Films about redemption are always welcome, and the two instructors at the prep school representing words (English teacher) and pictures (art) get to redeem themselves through the debate. Despite the number of clichés in the script – by Gerald Di Pego – Clive Owens and Juliette Binoche remain sincere and authentic, which overcomes some the groan-inducing prep school moments. And points have to be given for presenting a story about adults maneuvering in the world, right in the middle of summer superhero season. The film may not end the words versus pictures face-off, but at least it follows through on the presentation.

Jack Marcus (Clive Owen) is a prep school English teacher and writer on shaky ground. His life is kind of a mess – he’s estranged from his only son and has a drinking problem – plus he hasn’t written anything of significant in years. The headmaster of the school (Navid Negahban) gives him fair warning, as a board member named Elspeth (Amy Brenneman) tips Jack that his unconventional teaching methods are putting his job at risk.

Jack’s attitude begins to change when he meets the new art teacher, Dina Delsanto (Juliette Binoche). She is a name artist who wants to teach, to relieve her difficult physical and depression issues due to rheumatoid arthritis. The two teachers begin a debate over which of their advocations have more power to influence. As a romance blossoms, the debate becomes part of a whole new story for both of them.

“Worlds and Pictures” continues its limited release in Chicago on June 6th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche, Bruce Davison, Amy Brenneman, Navid Negahban and Valerie Tian. Written by Gerald Di Pego. Directed by Fred Schepisi. Rated “PG-13”

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Words and Pictures”

Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche
Dina (Juliette Binoche) and Jack (Clive Owen) in ‘Words and Pictures’
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Words and Pictures”


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