Aurora Borealis (2005)

Excellent but underrated film

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

and the contribution of Donald Sutherland for this title of review is the most important. because it is one of the films who presents facts, events, gestures and dialogues who seems be gray. pieces from everyday life, from other independent films. but each of ordinary ingredients, together, are basis for a form of seductive poetry of small things. Donald Sutherland's work is brilliant because he is not alone. Juliette Lewis, Josh Jackson, Steven Pasquale or Louis Fletcher are the perfect choices for their role. and the precision of James Burke to use, in the right manner, each nuance of emotions, fears , expectation to a hopeful end is one of the magnificent virtues of the film. a film about solitude and the need to be yourself. about family. and about escape from strange cages. Aurora Borealis has another good point - the dialogues. who are more than words and expressions of states of soul. but forms of definition for the viewer's hide memories. maybe, not a gem. sure, an useful experience as a seductive smart story in the perfect package.

The death of an influential figure can take its toll on an impressionable young person, even years after the tragedy happened. Such is the case with the aimless Duncan Shorter, a young man who has not lived up to his potential. After his father died, ten years ago, he has been restless, dropping out from school and losing jobs constantly. On the other hand, for Jacob, his other sibling, the loss of his father didn't affect his life the same way; he went on to make something of himself, but he loses his priorities as he continues to have extra marital affairs.Duncan's grandfather Ronald, suffering from Parkinson's disease, has moved into Minneapolis with his wife Ruth. Duncan goes to visit one day and finds employment in the building as a handyman. Duncan, who loves his grandfather, bonds with the old man. Ronald doesn't appear to be getting better, as Kate, the friendly physical therapist, tells him. The young woman has a case of wanderlust as she is never stays in one place for much time. It's easy to see how Duncan and Kate are attracted to one another as they develop an easy relationship. When Kate is told about an opportunity in San Diego, where she will be house sitting for a year, rent free, she jumps at the opportunity. Duncan is not keen in leaving Minneapolis where his family and friends are, and where he thinks he belongs. This surprising film, directed by James Burke, was a surprise. Mr. Burke gives the movie an immediacy and reality like no other mainstream films in quite a while. Based on the screen play by Brent Boyd, the film tackles important issues without much effort. The way he presents Ronald Shorter and how his illness affects him and those around him, is one of the best ways how the Mr. Burke succeeds. Compare the way the director and the writer deal with a man afflicted with Parkinson's that makes a film like Nike Cassavetes "The Notebook" treatment of Alzheimer's disease appear phony from beginning to end. Having known first hand the devastating effects of this tragic disease, our heart went after what Ronald Shorter has been dealt by life.Having admired the work of Joshua Jackson for quite some time, didn't prepare us for his intense performance as Duncan. This young actor is a joy to watch because he never makes a false move, he is always a welcome presence in any film. The excellent Donald Sutherland is worth the prize of admission. His Ronald Shorter is hard to watch, but this exactly what a person at this stage of the disease looks and acts like. Mr. Sutherland gets better and better each time one sees him. Juliette Lewis gives an easy going portrayal of Kate, the restless woman in search of adventure, who is not quite ready for anything until Duncan happens to come along. Luise Fletcher and Steven Pasquale give also appealing performances.The musical score by Michael Danna and the winter landscape of Minneapolis of Alan Kivilo contribute to add another layer in this film. Ultimately, James Burke ought to be congratulated for bringing all the elements together into this wonderful slice of life of a film.

Just viewed this film at the RiverRun Film Festival in Winston Salem, NC and was overwhelmed at the performance. Donald Sutherland captures the essence of someone with dementia - anyone who has had a grandparent with these diseases can relate to this movie. All of the characters pulled you into the story - if you left the theater untouched by this film, then you must have slept through it. It makes you laugh, cry, be angry and feel compassion. I look forward to seeing it again when released to the theater circuit. I will highly recommend it to my family and friends. It was told that the distributors want to change the title -- don't - it works really well with the story line - show your trailers on TV - there are enough of us that just enjoy a good story at the theater without having to watch, blood, guts and gore! Bravo to everyone involved in this film!

I saw a screening of this movie last night and absolutely loved it. I went in with little to no expectations, and the film definitely delivered. The performances were subtle yet perfectly spot on, with the standouts being Joshua Jackson and Donald Sutherland. This is a true leading man role for Jackson, and takes him beyond just being "Pacey" into being a great, adult actor. Donald Sutherland is also a revelation, and their acting chemistry is fantastic.The film isn't manipulative or preachy, it just tells a story and tells it well and manages to make you care about every single character, which is quite an accomplishment. This is James Burke's first film, and I hope he makes many more because he is a talent. He has quite a way with actors (he got a great performance out of everyone, even the smallest characters) and a great sense of tone and control. He also was able to balance the humor of the script with the pathos, and never make it feel forced.If you like films about real characters and real emotions, you should see this movie -- you won't be disappointed.