By Doug Cummings
Arizona Daily Wildcat
So many movies today are packaged into popular entertainments and filmed Òby the numbersÓ in formulaic boredom that any movie which actually seems attached to its characters is a welcome experience.
ÒCorrina, CorrinaÓ is a movie that, while indulging in some standard plot devices, manages to create a sense of emotional honesty through its obvious affinity towards its characters.
Most of ÒCorrina, CorrinaÕsÓ emotional verity is due to the fact that the filmÕs director, Jesse Nelson, wrote the screenplay based on her motherÕs death when she was a child. The story is about how a little girl and her father work towards emotional recovery with a maidÕs caring support.
ÒCorrina, CorrinaÓ exhibits several good performances, particularly by Tina Majorino (ÒWhen a Man Loves a WomanÓ) who plays the seven-year-old protagonist, Molly. While she has to put up with an occasional sappy line like, ÒWhen will Mommy come back?Ó (a denial of her motherÕs death), she adds depth to her character by giving her tenacity and stubbornness. Ray Liotta, who usually plays violent characters (ÒGood FellasÓ, ÒUnlawful EntryÓ), is surprisingly good as Manny, the reserved and overwhelmed father who struggles through his job as an advertising musician.
Whoopi Goldberg (ÒThe Color PurpleÓ) plays the role of the maid, Corrina, affectionately and with quiet strength. Like Robin Williams, Goldberg can give a surprisingly refined and touching performance when sheÕs not goofing off and posturing flamboyantly. Part of CorrinaÕs character allows her to indulge in some clowning, but in this case, she doesnÕt let it take over her performance. Don Ameche (ÒCocoonÓ), in a supporting role, offers his final screen appearance after sixty-five years of acting, and passed away on the last day of filming.
ÒCorrina, CorrinaÓ is Jesse NelsonÕs first major film. As with many Òfirst-timeÓ directors, a seasoned cinematographer, in this case Bruce Surtees (ÒLennyÓ and various Clint Eastwood films), was engaged to film the movie. For the most part, the images are straightforward and use their locations effectively. The social contrast between MannyÕs house, CorrinaÕs house and an affluent mansion Corrina cleans, is drawn effectively. NelsonÕs directorial style is observant and unobtrusive and works well with the filmÕs subject.
There are two other elements that make ÒCorrina, CorrinaÓ enjoyable. One is its classy jazz score. CorrinaÕs fascination with the soothing melodies and quiet rhythms of various jazz musicians allows the film to use diegetic music that compliments its atmosphere Ñ similar to Woody AllenÕs use of jazz. The other enjoyable element is its subplot of racism and inter-racial relationships. ItÕs great to see the movie, which potentially could be popular with families, address such a relevant social issue.
ÒCorrina, CorrinaÓ is a lighthearted drama and what it may lack in surprise, it atones for in honesty. The characters seem real and, in a sense, they are, thanks to writer/director Jesse Nelson.
ÒCorrina, CorrinaÓ is showing at Century Park 12, (620-0750).