Susan Granger’s review of “Bee Season” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
While the psychological aspects of this dysfunctional “perfect family” saga may have played out well in Myla Goldberg’s critically acclaimed best-seller, they fizzle on the screen.
Set in Oakland, California, the complex story revolves around an 11 year-old spelling whiz, Eliza Naumann (Flora Cross), whose upper middle-class parents – a controlling father (Richard Gere) and a conflicted mother (Juliette Binoche) – at first are far too self-absorbed to realize that she’s not only won local spelling bees but qualifies for the state finals which, if she wins, will place her in a national competition. Only her older brother (Max Minghella) is supportive. But when it becomes obvious that Eliza is truly gifted, she becomes the pivotal player. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, elusive, unexpected family secrets are gradually, dramatically, revealed.
Naomi Fonel Gyllenhaal’s screenplay starts in one direction then, disconcertingly, veers off, dipping into obscure mysticism. Despite the dreamy, lyrical visual tone set by cinematographer Giles Nuttgens and designer Kelly McGehee, co-directors Scott McGhee and David Siegel neglect the emotional resonance and insight into spiritual fulfillment, concentrating instead on the concept’s cerebral aspects, particularly 13th century Kabbalistic rituals and “Tikkun Olam,” a Hebrew phrase which means “to repair the world.” As a Jewish biblical scholar who teaches at Berkeley, Richard Gere seems totally miscast while Juliette Binoche is simply cryptic, not even deeply mysterious. Flora Cross is charming, as is Max Minghella (director Anthony’s son) and, in a supporting role, Kate Bosworth. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Bee Season” is a confusing, frustrating 5. Do yourself a favor: read the book. I did – after seeing the movie.
