Hello, My Name Is Doris (2016)

Purely Joyful Movie!

Pretty Good

Excellent but underrated film

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

I find that modern films come in four varieties: those which stand the test of time (a rare few), those which appeal to older audiences or the art house crowd, those only meant for young audiences, and those which the various generations can look at in their own way. That last genre is how I see this film, and coming from the late baby boomer era, I find a lot to appreciate here, a lot to make me cringe, and even a lot more to laugh at. I identify with the seemingly sad character played by Sally Field, lost in her world of having taken care of a dying parent. She's also the sole survivor of the veterans in a modernized company (ridiculously) which takes out chairs and puts in oversized beachballs simply "because". A new young employee (Max Greenfield) whom she becomes obsessed with, stalks on social media (another big eew), becomes ridiculously trendy, yet comes to life for the very first time. I can't imagine working at an office with nothing but millennials, because as is shown here, the basic rules of language and communication get destroyed. Field though seems to be having a ball and indeed is extremely funny. There's an ironic reference to "The Glass Menagerie" which Field appeared in on Broadway at the same time. Field is supported by the wonderful Tyne Daly, earth mother supreme, raising an over the top millennial granddaughter who shows Field how to make a fake social media account and gives her all sorts of ill-advised pointers on getting Greenfield's attention, all the while virtually avoiding her grandmother. So much to amuse, but way more to annoy with it's ultra liberal viewpoints of what society has become. Unlike other modern movies, though, the urge to turn it off is suppressed by the wonderful Fields. Her outburst when an estranged brother and some intrusive social workers try to get the hording Fields to throw things away is truly magical, and as much as you realize how obsessive/compulsive she is, the attempted control is maddening. If this accomplishes anything, it's the thoughts this brings up: of a growing generation gap, of old ideals needlessly replaced by senseless trends. and how just one odd meeting of the minds between different generations can change the world.

This movie shows that there is a generation gap. Not in years but in understanding this new electronic age and computers. Not everyone is capable with computers, mainly seniors. You cannot exclude us because of our age (me 70 years old), we are are not so easily impressed with Facebook, etc. Sometimes just making a phone call is much appreciated this movie shows this.

I have to start by saying that Sally Field's performance is truly Oscar-worthy. In fact, all of the performances are stellar. The main character, played with perfect pitch by Field, is truly disgusting and frightening. Oddly, the film portrays this lying, manipulative hoarding stalker as a sympathetic character, which she is not. (The following editorial contains spoilers as it summarizes the fate of Doris) Doris should have been punished for being a hoarder and for interfering with her co- worker's personal life. The writers should have shown what happens when destructive, dangerous stalkers bother normal people. I would have given the film a 10 if John had given her a harsh beat down or even murdered her for her transgressions. I think in New York it might be legal to shoot a person who cyber stalks you. Don't take my word for it though as I am not an attorney. I was disbarred years ago and am not at all qualified to give legal advice. For all I know it could be totally illegal to shoot people in NY unless you're a drug dealer or a police officer. Word of advice to the filmmakers: In the real world, John would only be interested in a crazy cat lady lying stalker if he himself were seriously disturbed, so in a sequel it would be good to explore John's dark, perverted, cat lady fetish having, murderous side. Also, I believe it is irresponsible to send such a dangerous message to unbalanced viewers who may feel the film validates their delusions. The Dangerous message is: If you lie, cheat, stalk and steal from your victim, he will love you, even if you're a filthy, smelly unbathed pig who lives in a garbage house. Why? Because you are the center of the universe and others are just props in your play. The more responsible message would be: People like Doris are dangerous and stupid and deserved to be pushed in front of a subway train.Finally, am I alone in my perception that the film strongly implies Doris killed her mother?

I really really liked this movie. Sally Field displays all the wonderful emotions that are required for this role. She's so funny and so touching. Only she can act a role like this.A spinster who has been looking after her elderly mother turns over a new leaf after her mother dies. She fantasizes about her young colleague and then pursues him.The situations are funny without being painful and the supporting cast is superb including Tyne Daly. Loved the hoarding intervention and the generational gap jokes especially with the Tyne's grand daughter.A superb film.