Roo's Thoughts...

[The Rolling Rooster]

Ok from my forum I was asked what I thought of this film and when I said I loved it, a young man wanted details as he loved it too... so we were comparing our thoughts... here is my analysis


The Man Who Cried

I find the story to be beautiful time after time of watching it, and I am writing this after one such of those times. To begin, those who know me, know many things that make me up, and one such of these characteristics is that I am little on tears. I will not cry easily, but my emotions must be raked and my heart truly understanding to the characters. I must be moved, and I will not cry unless it is from my inner soul that is touched to do so. I am more apt to laugh so hard that I am on the verge to weep. This film is one of the few that touches me deeply. This film is one that can bring me to tears. This film has a power and once it begins so suddenly it has an essence and a European flavour that just rolls endlessly. To those reading, I hope you have seen the film or there will be a hell of a lot of spoilers, and I am a true believer in going into a film blind. In all things, live it to the full… do not sneak a peek at what your present may be… but enjoy that gift to the extreme the day you unwrap the present. Do not yearn to know more about a film or someone else’s thoughts without first seeing it and deciding your own. Be individual in that regard… and every respect in life. That is the true colour in life… the differences we all possess. And this film brings to life those differences as well as the common threads… the common ties…. the common desires of four strangers that fatefully come to one meeting… and their time together leave imprints for better and for worse on the hearts of all around them.

My reason for seeing the film: at the time all I knew was the cast… all of whom I admire work of, and most of all at the time Johnny Depp. As well, I knew it to be one of his more obscure films at least from the Hollywood eye, and I am one to generally go against the grain and so, it seemed fit that this was just for me… and as you are about to tell I was not disappointed!

The Beginning: First of all I adore how directly following the few interluding credits we get straight into the heart of the film… and find ourselves (the first time) disoriented. The fire, and Christina Ricci struggling for survival, if that didn’t hook me at once, the music certainly did! The entire soundtrack is sensational and bless my brother for getting me a copy of it!

The beginning to the music is so powerful and we meet without many words Susie and her father. A young girl of innocence and her native heritage of Russian Jewish blood. The few scenes of them together is so sublime, and the kind of relationship any young girl growing up desires from her father (a way I relate… my dad is nothing but the greatest to me… I feel this is a founding characteristic in a young girl/lady’s maturing… it is your first view of men, and it will forever track the course you take… the beliefs you form and the choices that you make… in love and in life in general. This also comes to play in the strength of the film’s ending… when she is torn between the two men she loves… the one of her past and the one of her present. She barely knows Cesar and she returns to the hopes of finding her father… so crucial… so heartbreaking. But then you must also take into consideration the time period and the choices of the surrounding characters, but nevertheless, her last encounter with her true lover …and when he weeps and holds her close I cannot help but find my sleeve too)

((OK I officially suck at staying to a point!))

Furthermore, I relate to Susie in the fact that she has had so many hard knocks in her life, but does not squat down and feel sorry for herself, but picks up and finds a way to manage and is able to find happiness in her everyday things… most importantly to survive. The first of these times when the ship set off for America reaches no where of the sort… when I went to the foreign speaking country (granted I was with my family) but I can totally relate to some of the school scenes, getting whipped for not speaking the proper language.. being ridiculed for not fitting in. (Another occurrence that brings me near to tears is when her new family smashes the photograph of her father… and seemingly all of her dreams of ever finding him again)

Susie then falls or comes into her talent as a human being, one of many that I find her to have, and that is her voice. Though, here she is turned away at first because she is a modest young girl… and the cabaret is new.

Starting here the true story begins to unfold… the tangled stories of love and betrayal! Lola, Dante, Cesar and Susie… all meet through the theatre and are all so vastly different. This is one thing that makes the film so exquisite… no character resembles another, and you cannot foresee the next step… The very beginning when Cesar, Lola and Susie do the first act outside of the balcony, and then Dante begins to sing is just haunting. The music aspect returns… and we see again without words a foreshadowing of events. Lola is infatuated with Dante.. or at least his talent (and later we find his money) …and Cesar has a true longing for Susie… though she is timid. And as he rides off (Johnny on a horse does it for me Though I do here, get a bit too critical… being an accomplished equestrian myself, his style is not the best, but… I will get over that for the over all beauty of the film!!) But just this haunting foreshadowing of so many lives coming together…

Lola as we learn… or begin to see unfold is Russian herself, and through the photograph discovers that Susie is too (beautifully done!! I love how it comes so slowly… the build up and there is not just… bam… okay, done, move on… we really get to see, and feel the characters and learn bit by bit about their lives) She is also the most talented of the cabaret artists, at least in the dancing respect. Lola knows how to get by in the harsh world she lives in. She knows how to walk the walk, and talk the talk… she may not always be happy but she is secure. (Cate is exquisite, really …she has everything from the Russian accent to the confidence down… she is absolutely stunning too, but this is nothing new!)

Dante is in my opinion an egotistical man that is out for all the world can serve for him.

These two collide, and Lola begins the process of pursuit and courtship of him, she flatters and warms up to him, and he eats it right up… (I cannot stress enough however much I hate the character of Dante I have great respect for the process and the product that Tuturro went through to get there!)


So here we have our outspoken couple….

Then the ones I have more interest in, as again I relate to more are Susie and Cesar. They are quiet and do not need words to convey what they think or feel. I love how she stands up for him, and yet knows their boundaries. Also, I enjoy that he is in the position of courting (as call me old fashioned, but I prefer when it is the man going after the woman)

The scene of them together going to the small dancing tavern is so sweet, you can tell by their smiles that they are genuinely happy to be in each others presence and do not need to fill the void with words or trinkets… just each other… just together is enough, as it should be, but so often that is tainted and distorted! It is so profound to be able to be with someone, and not have to say a word, and not have it be awkward, to just be there… knowing there is no where else you’d rather be, what greater gift is there than that? Time is so precious, and time shared together.. is maximum! –also in this scene that he allows her to dance with the other man… OH! So important! I find it a big step on his part, that he allows her to make choices for herself that he does not try to limit her, and that he trusts Susie despite some uncertainties we are sure that he has. It is soooooooo crucial in any relationship to have the rein to be who you are, express yourself as you please and want… and not to be bogged down by fear! And when he walks her home, that he respects her boundaries… he goes to caress her cheek and she shies away, and he respects that! I love his sentiments and Cesar’s love of family… the gypsy in him brings such an intriguing quality to the film!

((Have I bored you by now??))


Again we begin to see the Russian / Jew theme take hold as the Madame that lives beneath Susie’s apartment speaks in foreign tongue …and then invites her in… later she is being carted away when Germany invades Poland and the war truly becomes vastly more extensive.

((One of my all time favourite scenes follows))

Cesar is on his Andulusian (the white horse) and two other gypsies are on a bay and a sorrel and they are cantering along… as Susie is going after on her bike (absolute cinematography at its best!)

“All the children here are mine. All the older ones, my parents. We are family, we are one” << SO powerful! So true!

And the scene of all of the gypsies singing and doing songs together is so touching, they really know how to live and take life as it comes, nothing for granted. I love how they offer Susie to join in and enjoy her song as well… what a welcoming gesture (as well as the women giving her the cloak and washing her hands.. high symbols in their culture)

Later I find it soooo gut wrenching that Lola is confiding in Dante about Susie’s truth… and he is no man to be trusted with this knowledge!! You can sense the turmoil that will result and want to scream at this point.

We return then to Susie and Cesar, and she has just stood up for him on stage (infuriating Dante that she is friends with the gypsies and will not give him the time of day as she does not believe in that :: GO SUSIE!)

“Then what are you?” << powerful.

Okay… the next scene I know some feel is …well okay these are my opinions and I feel the sex scene was eloquently done. I love how he whispers to her, and is taking things slow for Susie, that there is the seduction build up and that his pace inside of her begins neither too rapid nor slow, and that he is also paying attention to the needs of the rest of her body… and through the pain you see on her face you can infer that this is her first time and she is hesitant ..but I feel that he is very good to her, and not just in it for himself, but truly, truly loves her (yes I realize it has not been long of knowing each other… but love does not know a time limit… nor many boundaries… it is one pure emotion that can defy anything, and I feel that theirs does just this!)

Lola and Dante are moving along together as well by this point and there is a scene when Lola is describing that Dante is a good man… I am not sure if she is trying to convince Susie or herself… but we know she is not doing this out of love for him (moving in and possibly getting married) I think it is so strong of Susie to say “I thought that was one of your rules” … it takes a real friend to point this out, and even though Lola could not hear it at the time I think it is a quality she admired in the young girl…. However, heartbreakingly we get this:

“I’m not accusing, I haven’t said a word.”
“Your kind never do.”

She is beginning to type-cast like Dante and I feel myself begin to lose more and more respect for Lola… at first you can see why she would do things as she does, but that was beyond my limit.

Then is the scene of dreams… as Dante is singing (his dream) Lola sees her dream of becoming a synchronized swimmer… and Susie and Cesar are making love (their dream of being together)… this time we see Susie more passionately involved too which leads us to believe there really undeniably is that link of love between them.

Then the Nazis invade, and several of Cesar’s family are killed (I love the foreshadowing of the horse’s ears pricking all directions, they are such attuned creatures and I love that coming into play!)

Susie is beginning to realize that she must leave and here comes the redemption of Lola, getting her way out… but that would mean leaving behind Cesar and the final scene of them together there are no words for… but their toasts to each other are beautiful, and their sentiments so sweet. Again, I could write out all of the quotes, but for those who have seen the film I need say nothing more.

However I lose control of tears when he is holding her and sobbing as she sleeps, and she leaves without waking him, and yet he was never truly asleep

And now we are back to the beginning (I love this…)

And on the last stretch: the hunt for her father… it is killing to know that he has given up his religion or at least said that he has… and forgotten his family (we know he must to survive, but there are things, integrity that all people should hold onto and family, beliefs and religion rank in my top 5!!) His family is so rude to Susie I cannot stand it… but when he finally sees her again… it is all worth it…. You feel satisfied and yet empty, knowing she left the love of her life to fight for his family, when she continued her life long pursuit of finding hers.

It is heartbreaking, it is beautiful… the story of four lives tangling in passion and betrayal… how can you not love this film!?

Sorry for all of my side comments, tangents and odd commentaries… I guess that is why I am “une tangente”

[The Protective Horserider]

WOW! Very impressive Roo! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, I have to say they are my thoughts as well. The movie makes me want to cry at the same moments and perhaps I haven't experienced all the things the characters or you have experienced, but I love this movie. You've really captured the entire story very beautifully. I couldn't have done it better myself at all.

Thanks again! Luv ya hun!

[The Rolling Rooster]

You're welcome!

I am doing a dissertation on the film currently for my composition class. Once it's graded I'll post it too!

[The Protective Horserider]

That's awesome! I love using movie-related things in class. I can't wait to find out what you've done with it, you're so creative!

[The Rolling Rooster]

My paragraphs got completely massacred in the post, so I am sorry that you cannot see where one starts and the other finishes... but here is the text ;D

You are a young Russian girl prancing carelessly through a snow covered field playing hide-and-go-seek with your father, before the threat of Nazism is storming Europe. Relentless giggling escapes your lips as your father finds and throws you atop his shoulders, and the two of you twist and turn through a line of evergreen trees. Upon arriving home your world is turned on its axis when your father calls an urgent meeting for all the Russian Jews in area. The men frantically flee to America but leave the women and children behind to fend for themselves. Knowing it is unsafe in this land, your grandmother saves every penny and sends you on a wagon in hopes that you will reach America- but you never do. For years upon years you struggle to get to America to find your father but along the way you encounter many problems and many people. Will you reunite with your father, or won't you? This is the question of paramount importance.
In 2000, writer-director Sally Potter set a new standard for drama in the film industry with her breathtaking masterpiece: The Man Who Cried. Before "Reality Television" was popular, this film introduced the idea of the lives of four strangers colliding one fateful night through a common interest- the theatre. The Man Who Cried is not the kind of film you see every day, not a "Blockbuster", or a "huge motion picture", but a film with European "flavour" that touches the core of the human heart. Potter wrote the screenplay, cast, directed and oversaw every detail of her masterpiece- down to compiling the musical score! She partnered with producing legend Tim Bevan, most famous for his extraordinary thriller Fargo, which undoubtedly explains the historical basing of The Man Who Cried, as well as explains the slight use of sexuality. Both films were given the rating of "R" for sexual references and take place in historical locations with key events coinciding with history but ch
aracters that never truly existed.
The Man Who Cried should not be avoided simply because of one very brief sensually choreographed scene. This scene is the only questionable matter in the course of the historical film, and parents can take a sigh of relief knowing that all articles of clothing stay on the bodies; it is simply a passionate kiss that goes too far- within the confines of marriage. Unlike most reality television series (and every film it seems these days), the focus is not around physical attractions between the people, but the deeper more philosophical bonds.
The Man Who Cried reiterates the age old truth: "Who you are is more important than what you are." It is an astounding film because it follows the recipe to success: a superb soundtrack, believable characters, a variety of accurate cultural and religious beliefs, and an enticing plot!
The movie is set in front of a European landscape and spans the lifetime of a child through to adulthood with the climactic scene arriving in 1939 when Germany invades the ground that the characters live on. Though the film is true to factual happenings, it is vastly different from other films in the "historical fiction" and "drama genres"- even those pertaining to the Holocaust. For instance, Schindler's List revolves solely around one businessman's transformation and his success in saving the lives of over 1,100 Polish Jews. The Man Who Cried reinforces knowledge that is usually overlooked: Jews were not the only race that was stereotypically persecuted by the Nazis, but also gypsies, Allie Powers, homosexuals, and so many more! It has a much broader focal point with the lives of so many people from different walks of life. Furthermore, The Man Who Cried shows life before and after the climactic events of the Holocaust, the characters and how they are affected is dominant
over the situation- a fresh look from a new angle versus films such as Schindler's List, Life is Beautiful or even The Diary of Anne Frank.
Step one in any process is inspiration. "A film can start from an image, a word, a feeling or a sound. In this instance the original impulse came from music," says Sally Potter. The Man Who Cried was inspired by music and this is evident as soon as the opening credits roll onto the screen!
The title of the film itself is equivalent to the essence of the music. The Man Who Cried is not just about the many men that cry in a literal context, but in the sense of their voice in song. It's about celebrating and expressing that which cannot be expressed any other way; the longing to be connected, to transcend pain and oppression, the longing for joy, and the desire for true love. All of the characters are on the move and music is crucial for all of these immigrants: Not only does music express the soul of the different groups of people; it reminds them who they are and where they've come from.
Each character has their individual "voice" that is carried through the tone of music. Two of the characters, Suzie and Dante are literally "voiced" in the soundtrack by amazing European singers. The remaining two characters, Cesar and Lola are symbolized and represented by instrumental music. Suzie (Christina Ricci) is a young self-trained singer, honing her talents so that she can get to Hollywood and there reunite with her father.
In the songs "Dido's Lament" and "Gloomy Sunday", on the soundtrack, the part of Suzie is sung by Iva Bittova, a Czech singer. Cesar (Johnny Depp) and his gypsy tribe are symbolized by the instrumental compilations of the Kronos Quartet and Taraf de Haidouks- a real gypsy band! Dante (John Turturro) is an Italian operatic tenor singer who is sung by the famous Salvatore Licitra. Finally, Lola (Cate Blanchett) is represented by cabaret musical selections such as "Jalousie". Honest to the time period and location, Potter did meticulous investigation to select the perfect European voices and compositions for her musical phenomena and it was nominated for "World Soundtrack Awards".
Like any good cook, this film takes the ingredients it was given and whips it up into something magical! With names like Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings), Christina Ricci (Sleepy Hollow), John Turturro (O Brother, Where Art Thou?), and Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean), it is obvious that the very best in the business collaborated on this film. The characters are highly believable in large thanks to the unbelievable dream cast that was handpicked. They do not merely play a character or portray a role, they truly become the person on the screen, and after two minutes of the film, there is no doubt of that!
The characters are unspoken heroes World War II. When havoc is highest and stress at its breaking point for countless people, the strengths and coping mechanisms of each individual shines brightest. The characters' reactions are completely plausible and portrayed realistically with the full spectrum of honest emotions. For example, Dante reveals to authorities that Suzie is a Jew just as the Germans begin their invasion.
"That young girl," inquired the soldier, "is she one of them?" "No," Dante stated plainly. "Oh, then what is she?" the soldier pries further. "She is a Jew," Dante replies causally before leaving in his limousine
and its fancy commodities, fully aware that he just put Suzie in extreme risk.
Suzie exerts the anger and frustration of being betrayed as well as her anxieties over what the future may hold for her. Through facial expressions and screaming it is plain to see these intense emotions. From this point in the film on, her breathing is less stable and her pace when walking is quicker. More subtly even yet, the pitch of her voice has lost its enthusiasm for life.
Each character possess a highly memorable quality, be it the attitude and outlook each one has on events and people around them or something more subtle like the costume, makeup, accent, or tone of voice. Cate Blanchett, who won "Best Supporting Actress" three times for her role as Lola, is no longer an Australian actress, but a Russian refugee.
"One should never look back. One should never regret. Never," Lola assures Suzie that she must leave France now that Dante has revealed her identity, just as she had to leave Russia- to survive. A brief quote from one refugee to another cannot truly engulf the sense that those three sentences of desperation give to a viewer.
The other actors do not fail to put in as memorable performances, resulting in all characters you either love, or love to hate.
Virtually all of the characters are Europeans, but each is from a different region. There are such diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds; from gypsies to French, Russians to Italians, and Roman Catholics to Jews, that a dull moment never passes. Where else can you find a film that radiates such a variety of cultural and spiritual beliefs? Suzie's father is a Jewish man who flees the continent before World War II poses a threat to his society. A nameless Frenchwoman who lives in the flat beneath Suzie is also Jewish and is the first character we see deported to a concentration camp. Dante is a steadfast Roman Catholic who prays to the Saints when havoc is wreaked. Suzie, her father, and Lola are all from Russia. Dante starts out as a poor Italian peasant who moved to France in hopes that his voice could carry him to stardom in the theatres and it does. Cesar is a nomadic gypsy who during this period of time also finds himself in Paris. What a variety to find thems
elves together performing in a French opera house during the years leading up to the Holocaust.
The Man Who Cried stays true to gypsy traditions. Cesar courts Suzie by gypsy laws and is respectful of her boundaries. Suzie and Cesar are married by the gypsy community. There is however a lot of criteria that Suzie must see to before Cesar and she are officially wed. Suzie is accepted by all the women of Cesar's tribe. They wash her hands and include her in the singing of traditional songs. Finally, Suzie and Cesar share their first kiss
All these are great, but like your mother's recipe, it just isn't the same without the "special sauce". The Man Who Cried is astonishing because of its enticing plot and use of foreshadowing. The major plot of the film surrounds Suzie's father abandoning her when she was just a young child and her efforts the rest of her life to locate him. She is discouraged constantly along the way and often loses sight of her goal amongst the chaos. Her ship, that is supposed to go to America, never gets past England. Suzie (age 16) therefore goes to Paris to pursue her singing career in hopes that she can get enough money to travel to America. Years later she meets, falls in love with, and marries a gypsy. Suddenly, World War II breaks into the forefront and Suzie is faced with the question: "Where do I go from here?"
As the film follows the life of this maturing Russian Jew, we also see the subplots entangle the lives of three others. Fireworks, a warrior and his gallant steed, two costumed dancers, and a pompous operatic tenor mark the meeting of these four strangers one fateful night through their careers in theatrics. In one evening personalities clash, hearts pound, values are forged, and jealousy rages. Their choices, sacrifices, love, and betrayal add together to a movie of decadence.
The use of foreshadowing is a constant throughout the film. The Man Who Cried begins with Suzie's life flashing before her eyes. Suzie's father sings her to sleep before abandoning her and on their reunion at his deathbed, she sings the same song to him. When her father leaves for America their hometown is burned to the ground; likewise, when Suzie is sailing to America the ship she is on is bombed and burns to rubble.
The Man Who Cried is a historical film that deals with many topics that are still relevant today: stereotypes, love, and family. It takes the elements of music, believable characters, cultural and spiritual variety, as well as intriguing plots and mixes it into a unforgettable masterpiece- add sugar to taste. The film's ending poses this question: what's more important, true love and starting a family with your husband or the family you have in your father who abandoned you 20 years ago?

[wrongdoor]

Ooh my goodness! Those are some seriously evaluations, Roo! I had to print them out so I was not staring at the screen. You have such a way with words. Thanks for posting this to the forum. It is fun to see such enthusiasm for a Johnny film. I can't wait to see all your words on Arizona Dream and Happily Ever After

[The Protective Horserider]

Wow I'm impressed, as always Roo! You did a splendid job there. If anything will convince people to watch the movie, that will be it!

[The Rolling Rooster]

You 'stickied' my little dissertations

You sweetheart you

I am completely honoured!

As you can tell, The Man Who Cried is tied with Arizona Dream for me. Couldn't love the film more than I do

It just has so many wonderful aspects ;D

Roo

[The Protective Horserider]

Of course I did! I could never discribe those things the way you did! I absolutely love the movie, but I haven't got the power to express the beauty of it like you do

Therefore your thoughts simply require a sticky

I wish I had more time.. I'd watch the movie way more often if I could The story just moves me every time I see it. I really love Arizona Dream as well, you're not the only one out there that appreciates those movies They're truly brilliant, I wish more people would notice that

[ditte3]

You wrote many interesting thing about this movie.I watched it many times,because I like it so much.Did anyone of you read the original book?I wonder if it explains things that wre cut from the movie.

[The Rolling Rooster]

What is the name of the original book?
I would truly love to read that!!

[ditte3]

I didn't read it myself.It can be bought through internet too.It's as I remember Sally Potter:The Man Who Cried.I didn't buy it yet.I'm not sure how to buy it on internet,and I haven't seen it in my country yet.

[The Protective Horserider]

Hmm.. Where are you from Ditte3? Have you checked amazon.com/amazon.co.uk yet? Maybe you can get it shipped in!

[ditte3]

Thanks.I'll look for it.I'm from Hungary.

[The Idyllic Idealist]

Wow Roo. That was really interesting, I loved how you worded it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

There were a few things I overlooked when I saw the movie, so thanks for explaining it all.