Once upon a time in the sun-soaked hills of California, a film called 'The Lears' emerged to challenge the typical narrative spun by so-called progressive creatives. Directed by Carl Bessai and starring Bruce Dern, this 2017 dramedy is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s 'King Lear' set in the modern-day corporate world. This movie unfolds the chaotic life of a pompous architect, reminding us of the disorder that often thrives beneath the veneer of elitist success.
Shakespeare’s classic tale of power, deceit, and familial discord finds its stern, critical voice in this cinematic retelling. Bruce Dern, a veteran actor not afraid to take on roles that shake the status quo, plays Davenport Lear, a self-made millionaire whose decision to test the loyalty of his three children leads to turmoil. A reflection of today's society, Lear’s world is a cutthroat realm where family bonds teeter on the precipice of greed and personal gain.
Bruce Dern commands the screen. His portrayal of Davenport Lear is like a breath of air in a stifling room full of recycled ideas. His character is unrepentant, stubborn, and at times outrageous—a far cry from the soft heroes Hollywood often promotes.
The family feud is a feast of dysfunction. This film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the cutthroat ambition typical in corporate empires. It holds up a mirror to the upper echelons, exposing its self-destruction often glossed over by liberal narratives.
A fresh adaptation that boils tradition. Shakespeare’s text might be centuries old, but the themes echo loudly in today's society. The Lears don't just pay homage to the original play but weaponizes the family drama to slap our complacency.
Brutal honesty over sugarcoating. In stark contrast to the fluffed-up emotions in contemporary dramas, this story is as raw as it is revealing. It mines the gritty realities of wealth, showing it as the complex, often toxic force it is.
It’s not afraid to take punches at political correctness. In a world where the slightest offense is quickly snuffed out, the film dares to walk on the razor edge of today's sociopolitical climate. It unapologetically critiques the hypocrisy often seen in the elite circles.
The setting? An auditory delight. The choice to frame the story against the backdrop of California’s iconic yet conflicted landscapes is a subtle nod to the collision of facade and reality pervasive both in the film and life.
There’s a message lurking inside. One could argue that 'The Lears,' stripped of its layers, challenges those who believe in blind allegiance to the hierarchical authorities in family or politics. It’s both a warning and a teaching moment to recognize individualism over an outdated sense of familial duty.
Not your average back-patting narrative. The film doesn’t get lost in patting itself on the back with overtly self-righteous dialogues. It transcends that to portray flawed, human characters we all can see reflected in our ambitious selves.
A different kind of family drama. Forget sappy conclusions and reconciliatory embraces; this movie forges ahead with a resolve that there are consequences for choices. Actions and decisions carry weight, often shattering the family's façade of unity and exposing each character's true nature.
It’s an awakening for the audience. 'The Lears' leverages humor and drama effectively, assuring that you leave not just entertained but armed with insights into the real world battle over power, loyalty, and the fallout that follows.
It's a film worth celebrating for those who appreciate art that doesn’t tiptoe around issues but bares its teeth and plunges straight into the throes of chaos and conflict, like a true conservative warrior.