Ammonite (2020) Drinking Game
Take a Drink: whenever the film’s title is said
Take a Drink: every time the ichthyosaurus fossil is shown or talked about
Take a Drink: every time the mother coughs
Take a Drink: every time the the lambs are shown or discussed
Do a Shot: every time a men’s only institution or activity is mentioned
By: Henry J. Fromage (Three Beers) –
Ammonite is purportedly about pioneering paleontologist Mary Anning, a woman and a scientist in a Georgian-era England in which neither were particularly valued. Refused entry to all of the great scientific institutions of the time, she still helped create a science despite little collaboration nor recognition.
Anyway, this movie’s about a lesbian romance between her (Kate Winslet) and the wan, ignored wife (Saoirse Ronan) of a gentleman dabbler in paleontology that there just so happens to be zero historical evidence for (not every unwed genius in history was gay, folks).
A Toast
Despite Francis Lee’s choice to turn a biopic of an unconventional woman into a fairly conventional romance, there’s much to recommend this film for. It’s excellently acted of course- featuring performances from perennial Oscar darlings Winslet and Ronan that in many years, and very likely this foreshortened one, would result in an Oscar nomination or two. You really do believe in their connection and want to see it flower for both of their sakes.
The early paleontology subject and setting is pretty darn interesting while it lasts, too, and Francis Lee continues the dirt, grime, and explicit sex template he set with God’s Own Country to generally good effect. He’s got a unique sensibility and is growing in skill and control- it will be interesting to track his career from here.
Beer Two
This film can’t help but draw comparisons to last year’s Portrait of a Lady On Fire and in many respects this does feel like that French film’s buttoned-up English cousin. The passion that crackles between the protagonists of that film makes Winslet and Ronan’s feelings seem almost inscrutable.
Beer Three
There’s a surprising dearth of conflict, like… none, really. Considering this is about forbidden romance in a time that love between two women could not hope to be understood, that’s a bit of a shocker.
Verdict
Ammonite is finely acted and directed period romance that checks all the boxes of quality Oscar fare, but feels bare-bones otherwise.
