By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

This week’s column will review two diverse motion pictures, winner of Cannes Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize, Elena, and the Museum of Discovery IMAX theater documentary To the Arctic 3D. Despite widespread production values, both films share a similar theme about maternal survival.

From Russia with English subtitles, Elena (Nadezhda Markina) and Vladimir (Andrey Smirnov), who are 60-year-old spouses on their second marriage. While the two enjoy this symbiotic relationship, both individuals dislike their new step children. Vladimir’s daughter has been estranged for many years and Elena’s son is struggling to feed his own child.

When Vladimir falls ill, the family dynamic changes. Elena becomes concerned about her future domestic life when Vladimir’s daughter returns to visit her ill father. Elena is oddly reflective of the South Florida senior culture. For those seeking a respite from high octane summer blockbusters, Elena is the slow-paced film for you.

To the Arctic 3D presents the story of mother Polar Bear’s fight to protect her cubs from predators and global warming. The film is pure Darwin; it is about the survival of the fittest.

Narrated by Meryl Streep with musical accompaniment from Sir Paul McCartney, To the Arctic 3D presents eyefilling landscapes and waterfalls on the IMAX six-story screen. Yet, for all of the beauty, the polar bears are presented as vicious beasts and are frequently shown with blood on their white fur.

FYI: Ridley Scott’s longawaited Prometheus will be shown at this IMAX; this is the first time in their history a rated “R” motion picture will be screened there.