Cinephile No. 777 "Gloria Bell"
Recommendation: 3/5 Stars, STREAM
Plot: “A free-spirited woman in her 50s seeks out love at L.A. dance clubs.” -IMDB
Review: Movies about aging women are not stories typically told in Hollywood. As actresses age, they are often relegated to parts as moms or grandmothers. Rarely, are we treated to a story where they are front and center. “Gloria Bell” featuring Julianne Moore as the titular character seeks to break this trend by telling a story about a middle-aged woman searching for something more. Sure, she is a mom and her family is growing, but thanks to the complexities presented she is so much more than that.
Gloria loves to dance. The dancefloor of L.A. nightclubs is part release and part opportunity. On these wooden and concrete floors, she can escape her lonely apartment, meet people, strike up conversations, and perhaps find something that could lead to more. On the night we meet Gloria, this is exactly what happens. Opportunity comes in the form of Arnold played by John Turturro. Arnold is a complicated man taking care of his grown daughters and not quite released from the grips of his ex-wife. Given their age, both characters possess some baggage but decide to give it a go.
We know things are getting serious when Gloria invites Arnold to attend a family birthday party for her son. Present at the party is Gloria’s ex-husband. As we watch the two interact, we get a glimpse of what made them fall in love in the first place, but we also get a chance to see why they split. Unfortunately for Arnold, he can only see the former and excuses himself from the party without anyone noticing. This leads to a rather humorous breakup and eventually some reconciliation. Arnold’s desperate attempts to make things right would have driven me insane. I am sure they will do the same for you. In the end, you will be proud of Gloria for standing her ground as long as she did.
As a way of starting over, Gloria and Arnold decide on a weekend away in Las Vegas. Away from family, a right to life becomes the mission for the weekend. Things seem to be going smoothly until Arnold can’t handle the temptation and leaves once again. With nothing to do, Gloria decides to let her hair down and let the night take her where it wants. Waking up next to a pool and only partially clothed, she rises as a woman determined to live her own story and grants permission to women everywhere to do the same. For this declaration, I recommend you settle on your couch and stream this one as soon as you can.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
This website exists because of readers and supporters. If what you just read made you smile, please consider supporting the website with a monthly gift. Your support means everything and proves to the world that original content still matters.
