Trailerblazing -- What Maisie Knew

What Maisie Knew -- May 3, 2013 -- directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel -- starring Julianne Moore, Alexander Skarsgård, Steve Coogan, Onata Aprile

This drama looks like one of those human, intimate films that barely anyone makes anymore. The performances form the core of this piece, and they appear to be masterful. I am excited to see that Moore's role is different from anything that the actor has done. She always does an incredible job, but is especially good in raw, poetic stories such as Blindness and The Kids Are All Right, and this part seems to be of the same ilk. Skarsgård has been taking varied parts that are polar opposites from Eric Northman, the "True Blood" character that he is best known for. He was great in the otherwise underwhelming Straw Dogs, so I am looking forward to seeing what he does here. As far as Aprile goes, there is something haunting about her expressions and demeanor, which leads me to believe that this will be a performance to remember. There are not too many films that examine separation or divorce from the children's point of view, and I am interested in seeing how the screenplay handles Maisie's relationship with her parents. Another draw for me is the film's contemporary perspective on Henry James's novel, which provoked quite a stir upon its 1897 release. Having the author's nuance-oriented writing interpreted through 21st century social conventions should be an insightful experience. I cannot wait.