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Release Date: November 16th, 2005 (NYC-Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and Landmark Sunshine Cinemas) by Sony Pictures Classics. The Cast: Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, Gavin Friday, Laurence Kinlan, Ruth McCabe, Rith Negga. Directed by Neil Jordan. BASIC PREMISE: During the 1970’s, Patrick “Kitten” Braden (Murphy), a transvestite, searches his sexual identity as well as for his real mother who abandoned him when he was a baby. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Despite a predictable, somewhat meandering plot, Breakfast on Pluto manages to be entertaining because of to Cillian Murphy’s amazing performance and Neil Jordan’s stylish directing. He cleverly opens the film like a fable: from the viewpoint of birds eavesdropping on a mother who drops a baby’s basket in front of a door. Once she leaves, Father Bernard (Neeson) opens the door and, soon enough, Ma Braden (McCabe) ends up raising the baby, Patrick. Everything seems peaceful until, ten years later, until she catches him dressing in women’s clothes. He has a long road ahead of him in the journey of self-discovery. When he grows older, he leaves his house and dressing in full drag—make-up and all! There’s a well-shot scene as he walks down a street as “Sugar Baby Love” plays in the soundtrack. The energetic soundtrack other hip and very appropriate songs from the 70’s. Throughout his adventures, he latches onto a rock singer (Friday), who’s just as much of an outsider as he is—although slightly more shady. He also meets Bertie (Rea), who believes in him enough to give him a cabaret act and helps to boost his confidence—as “Kitten”. When Kitten starts searching for his mother midway, that’s when Breakfast on Pluto becomes most involving and surprising. It’s inventive how the film separated into 36 segments with fitting titles for each segment. Even though you don’t get to know Patrick much by the predictable ending, you still end up caring about him thanks to Cillian Murphy’s brave, charismatic, and lively performance—and, on top of that, he looks like a fine lady in drag, too! SPIRITUAL VALUE: When “Patrick begins his quest to find his mother, Breakfast on Pluto becomes a moving experience. In a particularly heartbreaking scene, he knows on a woman’s door knowing that it’s his real mother while pretending to be a solicitor. Finding yourself is not always an easy task, especially if you don’t have any love or support. Just like the Beatles said, love is all you need. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: Predictable plot, occasionally meandering plot. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 1 THE BOTTOM LINE: Predictable and occasionally unfocused plot saved by a surprisingly bravura and moving performance by Cillian Murphy, stylish directing, and very hot soundtrack. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater (1st Run) Main Page Alphabetical Menu The "B" Menu ______________________________________________________ |
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