For The Film Experience, I took part in this week’s edition of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in which you pick your favorite shot from a chosen film. This edition covers Barbra Streisand’s 1983 directorial debut Yentl.
We are near the film’s climax and Yentl (Streisand) has been posing as Anshel, the male best friend of Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin). When Anshel comes between Avigdor and Hadass (Amy Irving), the woman he loves, Yentl has to come clean.
When she reveals herself, Avigdor initially responds with anger. But, being the decent man that he is, returns to his gentle self and comes close to Yentl. Despite being face to face with this same person for months, this is the first time he is actually seeing her. Everything that he previously saw was there, but now it is painted in a different light.
Similarly, Avigdor is bathed in overhead light and the lightbulb has literally and metaphorically turned on. Luckily, the film ends on a better note than it could have, as logical heads prevail over impulse.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the film. Thanks in no small part to the charming performances from the three main characters.
Yentl is currently streaming on The Criterion Channel.
Feel free to play along yourself here or using the hashtag #BestShot.
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