Flor (Paz Vega)
emigrates from Mexico to Los Angeles in the search of a better life
for her child. She takes a job as a maid for the Clasky’s (Adam
Sandler and Tea Leoni), an upscale family who introduce Flor and her
daughter to what it means to emotionally, financially, and socially
survive in the United States.
CRITIQUE
Spanglish
is an excellent movie that explores all of the nooks and crannies of
life from strained mother-daughter/husband-wife relations, to
occupation, to weight issues in America, to just trying to fit in, and
find one’s place in the world. In preparing to review the DVD, I
re-read my initial theatrical review of the film and am surprised to
find that while I still enjoy the film as much as before, it is for
different reasons. My original review focuses more-so on the
nationality issues raised by the film, and while those issues are
still present and interesting to delve into, this time I found myself
focusing on the emotions that play out.
Spanglish
is a dramedy in the truest sense of the word. At one moment it has you
laughing and the next it tears at your heartstrings. Director James L.
Brooks plays with my emotions like a violin every time I watch the
film. He does this by telling a story that is highly
relatable. Nothing is so far-fetched as to seem parodied while the
situations never veer towards the mundane.
I cannot in good
conscience give all of the credit to Brooks though; much of the credit
must go to the cast, all of whom are phenomenal. In my last review I
focused on Adam Sandler’s dramatic turn as a soft-spoken, established
family man. While Sandler’s performance is excellent, I think that the
fact that Sandler is playing against character and is somewhat
unexpected takes away from the amazing performance given by Téa Leoni.
Leoni is fantastic as the career woman turned housewife who is more
out of place in her own home than the Spanish speaking maid she has
hired. She blends manic emotions with outlandish physicality mastering
a blend of drama and comedy. While Leoni is frantic, Paz Vega brings
understated charm and grace to the role of Flor. Part of her
performance may come from the fact that much like her character; Vega
began work on Spanglish without speaking any English. She is
natural as Flor and manages to play equally well off of Leoni and
Sandler. The revelations though are Shelbie Bruce and Sarah Steele the
child actors, both of whom are appearing for the first time on camera.
Spanglish
gets back to what great films should do and that is to tell an
exceptional story that touches audiences.
THE VIDEO
Spanglish
is presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. This is an excellent
transfer.
THE AUDIO
Spanglish
is presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital with English and French Subtitles.
The audio is fine; however this is a film where the audio is not the
focus.
THE EXTRAS
Filmmaker’s
Commentary:
James L. Brooks provides commentary along with two of his editors. I’m
not exactly sure why the editors are present, they make some
interesting comments, but not as interesting to the average viewer as
having an actor or screenwriter present. Brooks does not feel the need
to ramble on throughout the entire movie, and this is a good thing.
Also missing are the self congratulatory comments that can rear their
ugly heads when the director is in a room with other people involved
in the film.
Additional Scenes:
Twelve scenes taken out of the film. Optional Director’s commentary is
available. For the most part, the scenes taken out would have made
Leoni’s character less likable and more neurotic if they had been left
in. Also present are scenes, which had they been left in, would have
changed the entire dynamic of the film. These are particularly worth
viewing.
Casting Sessions:
Nothing too exciting here just a scene each of Shelbie Bruce, Sarah
Steele, Paz Vega and Victoria Luna. Also available with Director
Commentary.
How to Make the
World’s Greatest Sandwich: Not really necessary, but I will say that the sandwich in
the film is mouth-watering, and I will be making it at some point in
my future.
HBO First Look: The
Making of Spanglish: The
usual behind the scenes featurette. What’s nice though is that none
of the actors are present in any of the other additional footage, so
this is the spot to see Sandler, Leoni, and Vega talk about their
experience on the film.
DVD-ROM:
Spanglish: The Shooting Script: The shooting script for the film is here for your
personal perusal.
FINAL THOUGHT
I put Spanglish
on my list of ten best films of 2004. I really feel like it went
unrecognized by the public and critics, probably because little films
like The Aviator, and Sideways were showing in theaters
at the same time. After watching it for the second time though, I
stand by my recommendation; this is indeed one of the ten best films
of 2004.
