20th Century Women Movie Review
Synopsis: Set in 1979 Santa Barbara, 20th Century Women follows Dorothea Fields, a single mother raising her adolescent son, Jamie, at a time brimming with cultural change. Dorothea enlists the help of two younger woman – Abbie, a punch artist boarding in the Field’s home, and Julie, a savvy teenage neighbor. Along with William, a bohemian handyman who also rooms in Dorothea’s house, they form a makeshift family that inspires them for the rest of their lives.
Rating: Rated R for sexual material, language, some nudity and brief drug use.
Run Time: 1 Hours 59 Minutes
Director: Mike Mills
DVD Extras: Audio Commentary, Making of, Cast.
Nudity Factor: You see two women topless, one shows full breasts in a brief scene and the other shows more of a side shot.
Of Note: During rehearsals, the cast was encouraged to bring in music they believed their characters listened to. Then, to encourage familiarity among the cast, there would be a dance party where the only rule was that everyone had to dance, and it didn’t matter what the song was.
Recommendations:
Soundtrack
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Review by: Jason Schulte
Rating: 
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this movie. It revolves around a single mother raising a teenage son, abandoned by her husband when her son was just a wee lad. To add to the drama, she was no spring chicken when she popped out her offspring. Her home, full of character but in desperate need of repairs, is also inhabited by an artist battling cancer and a drifter helping with renovations, doubling as a potential father figure for her son. Throw in the son’s platonic friend who insists on keeping things strictly friendly, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some serious family dynamics.
The mom, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole parenting gig, calls on this motley crew to step up and lend a hand. Meanwhile, her son is grappling with outside influences, unrequited feelings for his friend, and the artist’s personal struggles. The film does a commendable job of fleshing out each character and giving them a purpose in the story. Jamie, the son, is at the heart of it all, but the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
However, the ending falls a bit flat. After becoming emotionally invested in these characters, it feels like they don’t get the send-off they deserve. Especially poor Julie – my heart aches just thinking about her fate. The focus on Jamie’s growth and well-being is clear throughout the movie, but the resolution leaves much to be desired. One measly line about his future just doesn’t cut it. He deserved more closure, darn it!
In conclusion, while the movie had its moments, the lackluster ending prevents it from reaching greatness. Jamie and his crew deserved a more satisfying conclusion. It’s like baking a delicious cake only to forget the frosting – it’s just not quite complete. And hey, I might be leaving out some details, but you get the gist.