Thursday, May 5, 2016

Papa

Our local Palm D'Or theater shows films that the larger mega-screen theaters don't, and Papa is one such film. It is the story of Ernest Hemingway's last 2 years of life, living in Cuba and involved in clandestine activities involving the upcoming Cuba revolution. The film reveals that Hemingway was an integral part of the gun-running of which he was accused in a scene that briefly shows the FBI trying to arrest him for his subversive activities.

The actor who plays Papa is excellent. What's remarkable is his appearance: he looks just like Ernest Hemingway, the corpulent body, the steely eyes, the white hair and beard. He portrays the angst of an author who can no longer write juxtaposed with the boozin', high-living "old man" who was actually just 59 years old when he committed suicide. The supporting cast is not as strong as the lead, but the ensemble cast works well together to tell the story.

I recommend this film to anyone who has read Hemingway's work, especially Old Man and the Sea, as it bookends the reading with a visual that makes the man and his work come alive.

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