Made in Dagenham

January 15.

I love movies set in places – and times – I want to visit, so a film about England in the 1960’s is perfect for me. Made in Dagenham centers on Rita, a wife, mother, and seamstress at the Ford factory in Daggenham, just outside London. She, along with about 200 other women working for Ford, goes on strike to fight for equal pay for women.

Everyone who works at the factory also seems to live with their families in a sort of dorm right on the property. All the women’s husbands also work at the factory, making a lot more money. So with the help of a union rep, played by Bob Hoskins, Rita becomes the face and voice of the Ford women.

 As the strike drags on, and with no seat covers, the factory comes to a halt. No covers, no cars. Rita travels around England to other Ford factories and gets more seamstresses to strike making waves with Ford in the U.S., until she finally gets the attention of national politicians and sets world-wide changes in motion.

Made in Dagenham has great performances, an engaging story, and the music and costumes are fun.

Rating: Like

A Single Man

January 15.

Even if I hadn't seen the name Tom Ford scroll across the screen before the first image appeared I would have known he made "A Single Man." Every gorgeous frame looked like a glossy spread in a fashion magazine.

The fashion icon wrote, produced, and directed the movie, which takes place during one November day in 1962 Los Angeles. Each scene is another game with color. Whenever we see George's (Colin Firth) reality the colors are muted and grainy, but when he fantasizes or thinks about the past the colors grow bright and pop.

The story is about George and his struggle with day-to-day life after his long-time partner dies. The British, English professor spends his day going to the bank, visiting his best friend, Charley (Julianne Moore), getting picked up by a hot, Spanish prostitute, and making a connection with one of his students. Nicholas Hoult plays the confused but confident teenager brilliantly and gives George some much needed hope.

This is a good place to thank the movie gods for answering my movie prayers and bring more Matthew Goode to the big screen. He's more than just eye candy in the flash back scenes as George's lost-love, Jim. So, thank you, movie gods.