"But this film came along and it gave me a strength I never felt before. It went to Sundance and other festivals. The male partners started to behave as if they were my boss. As the film got bigger, they were saying, 'If your film is doing well, it’s because of us.' This year was one of the toughest years of my life...In the end, women have the tendency to be humble. This is good up to a point, until this humbleness becomes subservient. Men on the contrary have the natural tendency for arrogance. Women like me, need experience to know themselves and have confidence. In the beginning, I accepted myself. It took ten years. This year, it was a big step. I really had to fight because what they were saying was not true. I would have to say, 'I wrote the film and directed this film.'" Brazilian director Anna Muylaert on her film "The Second Mother".

One of the strengths of "The Second Mother" is Anna Muylaert's visual acuity. In fact, a French journalist told Muylaert that he began to ignore the subtitles while viewing the film, because he understood the story from the images alone. This, I think, is the highest praise any filmmaker can earn. Film is a visual art, closer to painting than the theater. (Feel free to argue with my point-of-view on the forum.)

One of my favorite images from the film is a moment of transgressive fun for the main character, Val. As a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy family, Val has always respected the rules laid down by her employers. Inspired by her rebellious daughter, however, Val wades into the swimming pool one night; a pool she has been forbidden to use. Her look of unabashed delight as she splashes around is one of the film's highlights.

Summer is traditionally a slow period for dramas, but there are two films about to be released that look interesting. "Our Kind of Traitor" is a political thriller directed by Susanna White. Based on the novel by John le Carre, the film stars Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, and Naomie Harris. The release date is July 1st. "Denial", starring Rachel Weisz and Andrew Scott, isn't set to open until September, but the trailers for both films are online now.


Here's the latest article from the Drama Movies site at BellaOnline.com.

The Second Mother Film Review
Brazil's official entry for the 2016 Academy Awards, "The Second Mother" was an audience favorite at film festivals worldwide. Writer/director Anna Muylaert and actress Regina Case create an unforgettable heroine in Val, who struggles to reconcile work and motherhood.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art66075.asp

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