“Shelter” Discussion
For the past two years, NY Filmcritics Series has been exhibiting films around the country before their theatrical release, and it seems to have hit on a winning formula: have the stars and filmmakers present for live interviews and Q and A with the audience. This week, I went to the screening of Shelter, a film written and directed by acclaimed actor Paul Bettany, and starring Jennifer Connelly (his wife) and Anthony Mackie. All three stayed for a lively interview after the screening.
Jennifer Connelly at the screening of “Shelter”
Bettany said that the film – about a homeless couple trying to survive on the streets of New York City – was inspired by the extended presence of just such a couple outside of his apartment building. But the story was really about guilt and forgiveness. He said that he wanted to show how two people, who had each been guilty of terrible acts in the past, things for which they spent years punishing themselves for, could overcome this out of their devotion and support for each other.
This is a dark, dark story, and sometimes plot contrivances strain credulity. But the underlying decency and gentleness of these two very different people is fully captured by the actors, and is what makes their relationship so believable. In one astonishing scene, Connelly and Mackie are talking about religion. Mackie is a devout Muslim, but Connelly cannot hide her rage that God, if he exists, would allow the terrible things that have happened to her. With each expression of faith by Mackie, Connelly breaks into shrieks of laughter, each louder than the last. She contorts her face and her body spasms uncontrollably. Connelly is electric here, but you know that actors can only get to such moments after rehearsal with a sensitive director. Bettany seems to have that gift, and I hope he directs again.
Being able to meet the artists in person, and hear them tell us what making the film was like, really adds to the pleasure of going to the movies.
