Irish writers are known for wicked satirical humor and unflinching portrayals of hardship and tragedy – and for creating genuine, relatable characters.

On April 5th, an Oscar nominated film from Denmark comes to Orinda for its final engagement. 

The movie, “Life of Pi”, is based on a novel by Yann Martel. It is a depiction of a young man’s exploration of spirituality at an early age. The film won four Oscars at the 85th Academy Awards including Best Director for Ang Lee, who is very down-to-earth and humble. I interviewed Ang to talk about “Life of Pi” and the future of 3D filmmaking. To watch the interview, click here.

The movie begins with a writer seeking an inspiration for the incredible story of Pi Patel’s epic journey of adventure and discovery, as a young man, portrayed by Suraj Sharma. Patel, now being older and wiser, is played by Irrfan Khan. 

Growing up in India, Pi develops his own theories on faith, belief, and human nature. Due to economic changes sweeping across India, his parents have decided to emigrate to Canada. Embarking on this journey, his parents close their zoo, pack their belongings along with some of the animals, and board a ship. Along the way, they encounter a huge storm, and the ship sinks. Pi and one of the animals, a Bengal tiger, named Richard Parker, survive. The young man’s courage and determination are now tested as he and the tiger must co-exist.

Life of Pi is Ang Lee’s foray into 3D filmmaking. It is a tool that he has used to capture Pi’s physical journey, immerse viewers, and make them feel the story’s emotional hold. Lee mentions, “3D is a new cinematic language.” He thinks that it will develop its own language instead of borrowing it from 2D.”

The movie, “Life of Pi”, is truly mesmerizing. Ang Lee takes us on Pi’s journey over three continents, two oceans, and a universe of imagination. Viewers will experience visually stunning themes, with the hallmarks of grand storytelling that is made possible by the cinematic language of 3D filmmaking. 

Congratulations to the cast and crew of “Life of Pi” for winning four Oscars and especially to Ang Lee for winning Best Director. Undoubtedly, Lee once again has pushed the barriers of filmmaking!

About the author:  Beau Behan's claim to fame is that his last name being the same as that of the Irish novelist, Brendan Behan. He sees himself as a romantic Rudolph Valentino type, but realizes you probably don't. As a film critic, his work has been featured in NBC Bay Area, NBC News and Boston Globe, and can be seen on the TV show, “Beau’s Flicks & Nix”, every Friday 6PM on the Comcast Hometown Network, CHN 104.  Click here to watch a preview of "Beau's Flicks & Nix", BeauBehan.com

A trip to the movies doesn’t have to be a mainstream affair.  LamorindaWeb lifts the curtain on a little-known gem with a recurring role at a theater near you:  The International Film Showcase 

This month I’m recommending several collections of short stories. These compact gems will stick with you long after you read them. 

My journey to becoming a pro photographer.

Yes, you CAN plan ahead – way ahead.  Read on for all the hip happenings in Lamorinda in 2013.

The Sessions:  Starring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, & William H. Macy

Running Time: 95 minutes

Rated R (for sexual content and nudity) 

Sometimes, it feels as though it were the end of the world for us because of life’s difficulties. Enters The Sessions. The film is another testament that hardships that seem to be so insurmountable, might not be as bad as we think they are.

The Sessions is about the inspirational life story of the late poet and journalist, Mark O’Brien, from the San Francisco Bay Area. He lived in Berkeley until his death in 1999 and for most of his life was in an iron lung because of a bout of childhood polio. At the age of 38, he became very determined to lose his virginity with the help of a sex therapist and the guidance of his priest. Ben Lewin, as the director and writer of the movie, did not miss a beat. He is superb in directing one scene to the next with great dexterity and fluidness, especially with angle shots that speak of emotional volume in the entire film. 

Veteran actor, Oscar Nominee John Hawkes, garnered a 2013 Globe nomination for his portrayal of Mark O’Brien. As he described it during the interview, “I felt the connection with Mark immediately upon reading the script.” Hawkes was able to transcend and project the physical limitations of the role with a powerful and commanding performance worthy of an Oscar. Upon watching him portray the character, I can feel the angst and determination of the real O’Brien for his quest to experience sex and love, like any other ordinary human being. 

The story also depicts the importance of a real friendship. What’s so different and yet perfect in this relationship is that it is a bond that Mark has developed with his priest, Father Brendan, played by William H. Macy. Macy is so convincingly endearing and captivating. Just imagine a catholic priest trying to lend Mark his blessing on losing his virginity. It is the irony of it all! 

To fulfill his dream of love and sex, Mark seeks the help of a sex surrogate, Cheryl Cohen-Green, played by Oscar Winner Helen Hunt, who as an actress has always been immersed into her roles. Nonetheless, never before had she portrayed a character, bearing her whole heart and soul with tasteful nudity. On being naked, she definitely found it difficult, and adds “I just got more interested in a movie that I totally believed in.” In this year’s 85th Academy Awards, Helen has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this role. I asked her, “what are you wearing to the Oscars?”, and she just grinned and said humbly, “thank you.”

Stars convene from around the world for Gold Coast Chamber Players concert.

A trip to the movies doesn’t have to be a mainstream affair.  LamorindaWeb lifts the curtain on a little-known gem with a recurring role at a theater near you.