Room 237

    I was anticipating this film and it certainly did not disappoint. Lucky enough to have the director, Rodney Ascher, introduce the film at the screening I attended, he started by saying "I hope you like The Shinning." and that's as true as it'll ever ring because if you kinda like it or really don't then you wont enjoy the film. Interviewing five people concerning their deeper thoughts and conclusions about Stanley Kubrick's The  Shinning Ascher manages to weave quite a report.
    Some are calling this film more of an essay than a documentary and I would agree but that doesn't at all diminish it's quality in execution and overall meditation on the film. We never see the interviewees but their theories on The Shinning range from denouncing the genocide of the Native Americans to Kubrick giving an apology for staging the fake footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. In my opinion some seem to be stretching their conclusions about the film a bit much but what I thought would be the more far fetched of the bunch like Kubrick giving an apology for staging the moon landing footage aren't and seem rather plausible. It's amazing just how these people have dissected the film even going so far as to map out the entire set and provide shot by shot analysis of the film.
    Overall this film is further documentation on how amazing The Shining is and furthermore how it'll be rare we'll see a filmmaker like Stanley Kubrick in this industry ever again. Definitely worth your attention, Room 237 will hopefully allow Ascher the opportunity to make more films. I look forward to seeing them when he does.

Check it out where you can, here is the film's official screening schedule, or you can check it online on your iTunes or Amazon accounts. You can even inquire about setting up a screening of your own here.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Life of Pie: Thoughts

     Firstly I must say that this film is one of the better adaptations of literature I've seen to date. Having read the book before, overall I believe it includes the right amount without really tearing away from the majesty of the story. It's stunning and the visual effects are jaw dropping, not because of likeness but because of it's perspective and it's wonderful sense of magical realism that one seems to find so rarely in film these days. 

     I must address that it's rather awful what the company Rhythm & Hues, that did all of the VFX for Life of Pi, has been dealing with since the film and some of the protests that have been going on recently for the VFX industry in general. Besides the company having had to file for bankruptcy, the poor visual effects team that accepted the award at the Oscars this past Sunday were shooed off stage with none other then the Jaws theme just as they began to address the issue. I don't think it was clever or funny for the Jaws theme to be used in that manner, it was simply disrespectful, for any of the winners it was used on to sweep offstage. 

     Besides that take a look at an open letter that one of the lead compositors of the film addressed to Ang Lee. For a film and story that relies so heavy on one's imagination, the manner in which VFX was used was remarkable. It just shows the quality that VFX can produce if done properly, and it's unfortunate that all this negativity is being swirled up with all of this. 

     In the end, the film is outstanding and it should be viewed. It's a wonderful adaptation of a beautiful piece of writing by Yann Martel which you can grab from your local bookstore, library or even form Amazon. I'm sure most cities are extending their screenings of Life of Pi because of the recent awards it's garnered. So keep your eyes out.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Holy Motors: The Faculty of Film

With the Oscar's happening this Sunday and my disappointment that Holy Motors was not recognized at this gathering I feel it's about time I write about this glorious film.

It is, for me, a true love letter to the art of filmmaking. It allows the viewer to take a long ride with Monsieur Oscar, driving into many forms of cinema and the very act of honesty and authenticity in film today. All the while breaking every rule and paying due homage to all the wonder and magic that is film.

There are moments that require mentioning, because I feel like these attributed to why this film spoke to me in the fashion it did. There is a point where a man visits M. Oscar and says "it looks like you're getting tired...if your performance continues to disappoint, maybe you should stop..." Oscar replies he wont until he is dead..."it is the beauty of the act." How perfect is this? why tired? why would that matter? poor performance? why is this even contested? how can one even think to dispute the beauty of the act?

Another is when Oscar talks about the "machines" once being bigger than himself and now they're smaller than our heads.  It's mentioned more then once that "these machines" aren't wanted anymore as if to question why. The very performance of Denis Lavant is heart breaking because it's as if he represents pure truth in the act itself. Why he hasn't got extensive praise for his performance is beyond me and it just goes to show how rare acting like that is in today's cinema. As if to say most audiences today can't even comprehend such an ability.

The film itself begins in a theatre, whilst a child is present, as are the hounds as they prowl through the audience threatening to snatch them all. Overall this film captivated me, it ensnared my thoughts about film and filmmaking, and transfigured every notion I had about contemporary cinema's path. Forget ideas of narrative, because unfortunately our thoughts about it only condition us to assume it must be undeviating and straight as an arrow by today's standards. However remember your heart and open it up to the grandeur of the act.   Film is not dead my friends, it is only hiding, as if in a safe house, you just have to go find it.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Miss Bala (2012)

     Posted about this film a while back, check it out here. However, I finally saw it. It is quite something. Please go watch if you can.

     It's beautifully photographed and the acting is surprisingly wonderful too. Even filmed on location, this film has the echoes of the neorealist traditions and it aids it so well. This is director Gerardo Naranjo hanging dirty laundry out to dry for sure. The emotional space is tense and with all the long takes the audience is presented with a world where no one helps each other and you cannot look away, literally. I originally posted saying "Blow, Boobs and Blood, Oh My!" however you almost never see all three of those things and it's wonderful.  It draws the viewer in without ever showing the main protagonist of the film, drugs.

     However first and foremost this is a piece about a victim and the film takes it to heart and so did I as an audience member. The film is riddled with long takes and P.O.V shots. Each frame is composed for the protagonist and keeps the audience in the same mind frame as her, in the dark. It's wonderful what is and isn't' show in the film, both in story and in the cinematography. But you don't need to see much, you can tell what is happening. There is very little dialogue yet you're kept on point throughout the whole film, entranced almost in a way.

      This is a film that doesn't treat it's audience like a child. It doesn't need to say much, but it shows all. I can only applaud filmmaking like this and continue to hope that more films are made just like it. Again go watch it if you can.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Geroge Harrison: Living in the Material World

     For Adriana.

      It's Thanksgiving season! Or at least it's Thanksgiving in Canada today, which is where I'm from. So I decided why not have a thankful post. I posted about this a while back. Check it here. But I've finally watched Martin Scorsese's documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World,  at a screening hosted by ULCA with a Q&A with producer Nigel Sinclair.
     So firstly thank you UCLA for hosting this great screening and having the chops to show it in full to boot. Thanks to Scorsese and editor David Tedeschi for putting together such a masterful piece of work, it's truly something despite the subject. Really amazing. Mostly though, thank you to Olivia Harrison for allowing the film's team to excavate all her husbands things and go through a lifetime of materials, cause after three and a half hours I still wanted to see more. There's some truly amazing stuff shown in the documentary.
     Beyond the amass of entertaining footage and anecdotes about George the film is a spectacular accomplishment. The way the actual footage of George is used and intertwined into the chronology, and perspective is amazing. Interview footage of George is used to almost haunting quality because, I, for a second almost forgot this was about someone who's passed. We see everything through George's perspective in the first portion and only does the real great material come after the apple doors had closed for The Beatles. It's about him, good and bad. So don't think you're going to go in to this and get a neatly shaped film that mostly chats about his time with the popular group. Expect to see a overwhelming film about a man, who was loved and loved so many. I will admit I'm a bit sad that there wasn't any interview footage with Ravi Shankar on George's passing, but this is such a small small thing. There's so much here and I heard there's almost another 50mins of footage on the DVD release.
     Go see this if you can! Even if you don't like the subject matter, support quality filmmaking. It's remarkable to say the least. For a little taste of the film, check out the website here. For anyone who's ever felt that maybe, just maybe, wanting some beyond this material world; whether is be spiritually, emotionally or existentially,  wasn't as "fantastical" or "mystical" as some might say,  I'd say: "Here comes the sun."

Happy moviegoing folks!

Movie Wrap-Up!

So it's the beginning of the year and it's of course award season. In my life this subsequently means, in the truest of holiday fashions, a slew of movies are viewed. In no particular order of appreciation here's what has been watched recently and some thoughts on em. Enjoy.

127 Hours

So 1. You're not going to faint it's not that graphic. Be that as it may the success of the film comes from the editing, writing and of course the acting which is in turn from the directing. Ha! No it's not perfect, but it's really well done and goes back to more of the Trainspotting (1996) Boyle traditions than those of Slumdog Millionaire (2008) which is oddly refreshing. The film is smart and manages to keep pretty well on the ball for an action movie about a man who doesn't move for 127 hours. Every visual is anchored with meaning so inevitably the film is beautiful. However it's also impassioned despite how stripped down Franco becomes as Aron Ralston and how brutal his story is. It's easy for something like this to fall into just another Alive (1993) but it works on another wave length and allows for you to be in engaged weather you know the true story or not. Go watch.

True Grit

Oh fratelli coen! Firstly I had a chuckle and a half through this film, so A+. But the more and more I think about it, it wasn't mainly due to script or anything of that fun O Brother Where Art Thou? manner but to Jeff Bridges' performance. So I began to wonder why I was going around telling people I liked it. So it's a great text, but when the DP of your film is saying it's not his best stuff and that DP is Roger Deakins.....it's time for.....awkward silence....and....oh fratelli coen how I wish you would do something like Fargo again. Good effort but you are committing the crime of making us all think your under studio eye and trying to pump out films like it's the 30s and it's just not working for you. Close but no cigar.
 
Black Swan

It's interesting to watch Aronofsky over the years. But I feel like no one scares me quite like him. For some odd reason I just always feel some type of frightened watching his films. I don't know if it's the ultra reality of the world of the film or further more the ultra reality of the emotions and obsession of the film world. Perfection is not a word I'm unfamiliar with, but I believe I have the sense to realize that it's not possible. But where I find this ultra reality comes from is in the sense that I can understand the roots that the protagonist's obsession has. It's a matter of giving up every fiber of your being for your art. No matter how you slice it, you'll find a Nina in every artistic medium and that is what's important here I think and it's done wonderfully. Must watch!

Tron

Watched this with my Brosome! and Pa on a sunny winter's afternoon. FUN AS HELL! Who cares the script is a crapola pot. And who cares that the protagonist doesn't quite live up to any of the acting skills of his counterparts he shares the screen with. Forget it all....cause it's zen Jeff Bridges time! and you know the "dude's" and "awesome's" were improved and kept because they didn't care either. It's the Dude in sci-fi, gaming, zen, magical white castle, in the digital world, fun times and that's it. Just go and watch some cool shit and don't be so up tight! Enjoy!

Black Dynamite

I can't believe I've finally watched this. Michael Jai White is the screenwriter and star of the film and is quite fabulous. Although I enjoyed it immensely, this movie is too funny at times I think and I wouldn't do it justice to even begin to describe it correctly to you. Just watch it! Trust it's a good time. It parodies the American 1970s blacksploitation films, mostly things like Shaft and Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song. But it's this sense of parody as opposed to satire that deflates it's moments of genius and it falls flat at times. But this film is refreshing to say the least and continues to provide contemporary moviegoers with new avenues to understand cinema a little more. 

Get Low

This film is an exemplar to why casting is so, so, SO important to a film, cause I'm not sure I would have watched it otherwise. Robert Duval is a revelation. Although not sure why I say revelation cause who didn't know he was an amazing actor; but this is definitely one of his best performances. Bill Murray is top notch as usual and I think I might have actually liked Sissy Spacek. A. The story is great. B. You have amazing actors. C. Pretty good script. But unfortunately due to "C's pretty good script" somewhere along the lines the film just looses the roll it had at the beginning and becomes quite flat toward the end. It was a little sad I must say.

Harry Potter

This is a perfect example of a stellar opening set of lines. The image itself is also awesome. (Looked better when I watched it then this screen grab <--) But that's about it that I enjoyed. Which is sad since I am a Harry Potter fan. But I feel now I need to clarify and say I am a Harry Potter book fan. This film is unfinished to say the least and is lacking on so many levels. It's too bad they're making them into two films in order to bank on the franchise as opposed to presenting an audience with a finished narrative. What ever happened to intermissions? Fail. Just Fail.

The Social Network

Now this I loved. I don't know why, but shit, it just hit somewhere. I am not a fan of some of the situations that revolved around the release of this film, particularly TIME putting Mark Zuckerberg on their cover as "Man of the Year." Jesse Eisenberg's crazy amazing performance has nothing to do with, in actuality, who this person is. But I believe one thing is true about why I liked this film. I do not see this as a film about Facebook. It's about friendship, loyalty, honor, pride, shame. It's about deep rooted evils in humans and how they come to pass and how they decay what they've touched. Fincher is getting better and better I think. And despite what all might think right now, I liked the look. It was filmed mostly with practical light and I believe it aids to nature of the film. There are moments when parts of the frame are full of action but hardly visible or in complete darkness. This is the nature of humans, no matter how much we see or think we know about someone there are pieces of us in darkness that only come out to play when we're being challenged (or when money and credit is involved) . How we meet that challenge is the question. This movie is no solution to what has happened but it's definitely asking the right questions. And if Andrew Garfield had a vagina this film could have quite possibly swept the top five nods at the Oscars this year, which hasn't been done since Silence of the Lambs. Watch it!

Somewhere

Probably one of the best representations of celebrity I've seen in a while. Nature to Coppola the film is quite static, there are many shots that just sit and watch. It must have been a joy to shoot...I'm not lying. It's a wait. We see people and things move in an out of frame slowly, swiftly, with gusto at some points, which present itself within the narrative as well as on the screen itself.  Elle Fanning is a marvel as usual and Stephen Dorff is actually quite good and these are the only two constants and anchors here. But I feel indifferent to this film. I feel like I might have caught something undone or that something was missing when I left the theater. But maybe that's the very nature of the film, and maybe my indifference is a garnered and focused response to a very bleak vision of the nature of celebrity and that entire lifestyle. Go watch it's a interesting text to say the least.

No matter what you agree or disagree with, that's about it for now folks. Happy moviegoing!

Amelie

These are my notes as they were written....

JESUS CHRIST!

Narrative and Character - The character intros. The specific hobbies details what they like and don't. Wondrous way to introduce characters. The pasta making scene after the blind man. She speaks about her self in the third person, I never really noticed that.

Editing and Cinematography - The marriage between these two is best exemplified when Amelie brings the blind man across the street and she describes everything they pass. Movement of shtos with character pace time and the reality of sight and sound in this scene is bliss. The shots are quite blurred and if it wasn't for Amelie's descriptions to the old blind man you wouldn't know what they were either. It's like you become the blind man too. IT'S WONDERFUL!

The Script - I need to peruse this script as soon as possible. It's written like literature if it's written like anything the way it actually plays on screen.  The first scene where the TV talks to her and makes her feel guilty about her self pity and "woe is me" attitude....brilliant! Another moment like this the TV says "if amelie chooses to live in a dream and remain and introverted young women she has an absolute right to mess up her life." HA! Loves it too much at this point.

* The final glances to the camera, while Amelie and Nino are riding on the bike together. First both look then just Amelie. Brilliant. Reminds us we're watching fiction. It's a concoction. If you notice each character has their own way they make up stories and life around them. It's wonderful. "Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality" - Jules de Gaultier

Happy moviegoing folks!

The Brave Little Toaster

When I can't remember the last time I watched a film.... it's time for a refresher. Due to recent mention of this movie and with the hard reality of my robotic response "Oh my gosh! I love that movie!" slapping me in the face I figured I needed to dust off the old VHS again and figure out why I like it so much. Yes I have a VHS copy and yes it still works. I know. I just watched it. Either way, I watched the film and these are my notes based on chronology of plot and not personal importance. 


Fuck I love this animation! - It reminded me of the opening credits of The Land Before Time. Another childhood but recently viewed favorite of mine.


The frightening adventure aspect - I figured the reasons I was so enamored with it when I was a child  was because of this main plot point, it was an animated adventure but with these odd frightening moments that kept my child ass seated for 90mins.

Appliances left in an old cottage set to find their "master" - the genius of this story - After my post viewing research did I find out that the film is based on a book by Thomas M. Disch with the tagline "a bedtime story for small appliances" HA! How wonderful! Time to get the book!


Is the Air Condition voiced by  Jack Nicholson? - I found later on IMDB it isn't, but is voiced by Phil Hartman. Who frequently voices on The Simpson as Troy McClure.


The songs is this movie are priceless hilarity - I didn't know it back then cause to me they were just catchy tunes that I would hum and sing part of the lyrics to, but these songs are crazy! When they are singing about finding ways to get back to the master after the For Sale sign is hammered into the front lawn, they sing: "Master is a man of great reflection." Now I know why my parents refused to watch it with me. These weren't catchy Disney tunes but odd off Broadway animation wonders! And then they were followed by weird moments of action like when Blanket is being stuff into a mouse hole by a bunch of mice after the, what I'd like to call, "music of the forest sesh." Yes you could only imagine, what beauties only 80s animation can bring.

The hardware store - This is a prime explain of singing moments that are frightening yet ever so leaning on the edge of creepy I was talking about above. I'll mention again this isn't frightening in a Disney Snow White's running through the woods kinda way but actually kinda creepy and I don't understand why I child would like this. Maybe cause I didn't know what was happening with my small child brain. But anyhow the appliances make it to the city but are found by a little plump man who looks innocent enough. Once at the store the appliances are bombarded by the "city" lamps and forgotten appliances in a pawn shop which are piece and ripped to shreds at the plump mans desires. It's weird and hard to explain. Just take a look below and see for yourself.



Because yes, this movie is grade B film. But it made me happy once and  despite being more aware of the little odds and ends, I still enjoyed watching it now. Just now it's one of those little creepy diamonds in the rough I hold onto dearly in the cinema vault.

P.s. if you are a TBLT fan here's a little goodie for ya! A printable and then fold-able paper Brave Little Toaster!

Happy moviegoing folks!

Observations on Film Art: One of the Best Film Blogs on the Net

I subscribe to a lot of blogs. Some photo, some journal, some funny, some film. One of my favorite film blogs, though it is written mainly by David Bordwell and Kristen Thompson, is David Bordwell's Observations on film art. These two glorious people were the folk that wrote Film Art: An Introduction, which was my intro to film bible in my first year of Cinema Studies. This morning I came to the newest post, written by Bordwell, named Seduced by structure, and the beginning read:


"If you’re hungry to learn about the ways films can tell stories, a festival provides a feast.  A huge array of narrative strategies is spread out for your delectation. You won’t like every movie you see, but thinking about the mechanics of each one can deepen your experience of it, as well as your appreciation for just how wide cinema’s resources can be. You also get to see how more unusual approaches to storytelling are often imaginative revisions of more traditional strategies." 


*sigh* Sometimes I miss writing papers and doing research. This minor portion of the full post is just so reminiscent of when my days were filled with film theories, discussions and all things wonderfully scholarly about film. I just hope that you have read the above and this has incited your imagination enough to click this link and understand just why David Bordwell's Observations on film art is a must see for any film lover. Definitely one of the happiest moviegoing blogs out there. Check it out here!


Happy moviegoing!

Never Let Me Go

Well shit sake you know! It's a thursday night and I am in ruins because of this movie. It's wonderful. I wish I would have read the book before, but seeing as the collaboration between Mark Romanek and Kazuo Ishiguro, the novel's author, is what produced this film I think it's safe to say it stayed true to form. This is a sci-fi film of the ages, and a love story to be studied. It's stunning, sincere and just astonishing. I can't help it but, it made me cry and I can't stop thinking about it.

Looking at the film you would never pick out the sci-fi element to the whole story but it's amazing how subtle it is and ever so present at the same time. It haunts the film to an extent and yet the aesthetic is organic and natural, lots of greenery, wool, wood, rolling landscapes. The performances are great, it's all about the subtly here. Kiera Knightly is actually good here, Carey Mulligan is too amazing I cannot wait to see what she does next, and Alex Garfield is quite astounding (not sure about spiderman but I guess we'll see) But getting every wince, and eye flutter, allowing us to see someone being stripped emotionally is what is captured so well. But it's so gradual and yet you know the outcome from fairly early on in the film. The pace, the pauses, the looks; everything is given due attention and is executed so well. Please go see this film. It will definitely leave you in a certain state but jeeze this is what film is about. It's not about what you see but what you make others see...no?

Go see this film.

Happy moviegoing!

American Beauty (1999)

 Now I haven’t watched this in quite a while. But due to the recent surge of examples being given from this film in my academic classes, reminded me to watch it again. Subsequently the film didn’t cease to floor me just as it did when I watched the first time.

There is something strangely beautiful and tragic about the mundane, or I should say the mundane on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Mendes really did something here and it’s truly wondrous. The screenplay itself is astonishing and it’s these little key moments that screenwriter, Alan Ball, allows into the drama that gets to the beautiful tragedy about the human condition. You can see it's something Mendes takes great interest in. It's amazing to see. It’s these little moments, these brief glimpses into someone’s soul that is amazingly captured in this film. 

Which brings me to cast, let’s get serious here. Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bently, Chris Cooper, Allison Janning and Peter Gallagher(who’s eyebrows are a marvel). What’s important is that each of these roles doesn’t serve the same purpose as the other but they’re all acted strongly. Providing these moments, these glances, I spoke about above. Each role, however small, has a moment where we see this glimpse of utter tragedy in their hearts. Mendes watches, he waits, watches the silent vulnerability that leaves their souls bare to us, and it’s beautiful. For example, in a scene with Allison Janning’s character she sits alone at a table; we just sit with her and watch. She’s empty; we can see the void in her eyes and it’s completely breathtaking.

With moments like these we get a chance to peek inside these human beings while they’re on the edge of reason and sanity. It’s so thoroughly compelling and wonderful. It’s sad, but it’s true to form and allows us to get a glimpse of the human condition.

If you haven’t seen it, I don’t think I need to say go watch. Just do it.

Keep an eye out for Mendes' new film On Chesil Beach. Based on a novel written by the awesome Ian McEwan and the screenplay will be written by him also. The film is set in the 1960s and revolves around a couple on their honeymoon. Much much to look forward to!

Happy moviegoing!

Quills (2000)

If you haven't seen this you should. I am not sure why Philip Kaufman isn't making more movies like this anymore. Mind you he hasn't made much since this.  However, the film is masterfully done and has performances to astonish you. With a cast that includes, Michael Cane, Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, & Joaquin Phoenix you think it would surely be a mere performance film. But the film, despite it's perverse nature, is stunning with a color palette that only has muted creams, greys, and beiges powering ever scene. It was nominated for both costume design and art direction at the academy awards and it shows.

Now regardless of the fact that this could have turned to a performance film the actors cannot be wiped aside. Firstly, and most important the scenes that are filled with other characters then the above mentioned are riddled with performances that are brilliant also. However Cane, is devilishly creepy. Kate is mild, but she stays true to form an complements both Joaquin and Geoffrey's performances beautifully. Joaquin is wondrous and it's too bad he isn't focused anymore because giving more performances like these would make him a force to be reckoned with. Geoffrey Rush, Oh! Geoffrey Rush; I don't think I've seen anything with him where his performances was just so, so. He's brilliant. Truly you could should see this movie just for his performance and you should enjoy it just as much because of it.

Now I must remind you the film is about the Marquis de Sade, the man that the word Sadism comes from, and is set during his thirteen year stay at an insane asylum. So prepare yourself for something out of your usual viewing but definitely worth a look. "But in order to know virtue, we must aquanaut ourselves with vice, only then can we know the full measure of man." - Doug Wright Screenwriter and Playwright of Quills.  

Happy moviegoing!

Inception & Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Let's Talk About Alternate Filmic Realities

Even though I think it's obvious, I am going to start off by stating there is no comparison going to be made between Christopher Nolan's Inception and Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in this post. What I want to talk about is each films use of alternate filmic reality's or more specifically making a reality unto itself. Furthermore I want to suggest that these alternate realities are why both these films are outstanding and and how they work successfully in the film.

As I said, what works so successfully in these films are that the worlds in which out protagonists inhabit is entirely alternate to the reality in which we know and live in outside of the theatre.

So let's talk about Inception first. Nolan Nolan Nolan, how I love thee Nolan. I can't help but love this film. Some people think it's exposition heavy, but with a film with such complex nature it become essential to audience enjoyment. Now we know we're in for something when a film dares to tackle the dream world, let alone allow our characters and our narrative inhabit this world for almost 90% of the film. So when we begin to watch the film we've already placed ourselves in a state of suspended belief and allow ourselves to accept more of what we're going to see. But what makes this special also, is that the world in which the characters inhabit outside of the dream, also lives within an alternate reality. The process of extraction in the film, is where our characters enter into the dream of a subject to gain information. This process is something that is known and accepted within the film world outside the dream and so we as an audience accept it straight away. And furthermore once we're in the dream we know anything is possible just by knowing this. Now there is something to be said about an audience knowing the film deals with dream before seeing it. Because as I said we know we're in for something and so our beliefs are suspended before we enter the theatre. Overall to have this alternate reality allows the audience's expectations to be suspended and to allow for a more enjoying experience.

SPOILERS BELOW: Stop reading if you don't want to have the film SPOILED for you.

Now when watching Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, there is a expectation that the film will fall into a reality that is similar to what we know and live in outside the theatre. However as the film begins we are introduced to the alternate reality. What is clever here is that the director knows that once this reality is introduced the audience's beliefs will be suspended and furthermore plays with this once it's set in place. When we first meet Scott, he and his friends are introduced with text boxes, explaining age, or key traits, and character anecdotes. But this is something we've seen before, so Wright goes further and begins to have sounds have text associated with them. So the ringing of the phone, the shutting of a door etc. have text associated with them, usually protruding from the sounds origin, like in comics.(like picture above)  To go even further he begins to associate actions with video game visuals. For example, a moment when Scott has to go to the bathroom a level bar appears in the top right hand corner saying pee and as he pees the level goes down. Now what's special here is, despite all this Wright plays with our audience. So once they've suspended their beliefs and accepted the format of the film's alternate reality the audience begins to be toyed with. A scene that stands out is Scott coming home, he's in a great mood and he's excited about a date he has. As the scene plays out and Scott tells his roommate about his day, an audience track can be heard, they laugh at his jokes, and clap at his triumph etc. However what happens is that Scott's roommate then turns off his wall radio and the audience track stops. Firstly we've melded the lines between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and then furthermore what the audience thinks is just another feature of our alternate reality is really just a coincidental radio playing within the diegetic space of the scene. To play with diegesis like that so fluidly is quite something to see and I believe this shows just how strong a director Wright is.

Overall both films are great! Each film plays to each of their audiences expectations and deliver. They suspend their beliefs and allows their audiences to wade within an alternate reality where all is wonder and awe. Allowing for a great moviegoing experience. Hope you have a chance to see the films! If you're a film lover they're something to see even if you don't have much interest in the subject matter.

Happy moviegoing!

Inception: Update

This is proving to be really difficult. I'm trying my hardest not to read any reviews. I need to watch this movie ASAP. Damn six day week schedules. Though can't wait to see it on Sunday!

Happy moviegoing!

The Last Airbender

Despite its really slow start I kinda liked it and I am excited to see it counterparts. Mind you I went with fans of the T.V. show.

Some things:
A. This movie really made me want to see the original T.V. show. Super cool story line. Mind you I've always had an affinity for far away lands and people with powers.

B. Really made me want to take on Tai Chi. Really cool stuff. Look into it!

One more note: When this was getting ready to open on July 2nd the theatre in front of my school had protesters marching out front. People were complaining about casting still. Saying it was racist that certain characters were casted differently from their "likeness" to the animated characters. What people don't seem to realize is this was an American animated T.V. series so all this garb about it being racist in casting is garbage in my books. Animation and film, if it's about one thing, it's about imagination, wonder, awe and reaching people despite their color or creed. People need to find something better to do with their time. Everyone did well and overall I liked it. Could have seen it on DVD and would have been fine too, but I did enjoy it.

Favorite things:

This creature was magical, it's supposed to be a flying bison named Appa. It flies and has six legs. All I know is I want one.

I also liked Uncle Iroh, he was throughly into his character.  Nothing like the animated character. But very fun.  Love the dreads.

Be good folks and keep that vision out of the tunnels.

Happy moviegoing!

Magnolia (1999)

I just re-watched Magnolia. What a movie! Can't even begin to describe how well executed this film is. The structure, so sound. Watching it again now is making me love PTA more. It's futile to really try to give credit to this film in words. Just something you have to see to believe. The performances that are rendered are so outstanding it's unbelievable. Here's the trailer so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.


Watch it, I doubt you'd be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Kick-Ass!

     So finally saw Kick-Ass. It's living up to its praise. It definitely is. Couple things of note: Keep an eye out for Chloe Moretz. She plays Hit Girl and I would go as far to say that she kinda stole the show. Despite that the film isn't about one particular character, she definitely has charge and commanded of every scene she was in. Otherwise the construction of the film is really well done and obviously leaves room for another to be made, I can only assume, soon. I feel like this film is really an introduction of sorts and we've yet to see what's really up the sleeves of the Kick-Ass team. If you're a fan of the comics then I am sure you have a lot more criticism than I, but I loved the idea that Kick-Ass is all about standing up when no others will. It's actually quite something. The snapshot you see above is from a compelling scene where a slew of onlookers take pictures while a few gang members try and beat up someone and Kick-Ass intervenes and get's his ass kicked in the process. I just wished they would have continued on with this throughout the story then letting the revenge plot overtake by the end. I feel like it's important and would have made this film less just another comic movie and into something more. Otherwise though the movie did KICK ASS! The fight scene's we're stellar and really played well into the original mediums style and constructions as a comic would. They're really impressive and aren't getting enough praise. Overall though, bloody awesome!

Definitely go check it out!

Here are some pics:

Happy moviegoing!

I'm Here By Spike Jonze

Sorry about the delay. But this brilliance needed to be given my full attention and I wasn't going to watch it until that was possible. So magic. I can't even begin to explain. But I'll try...

Firstly I was excited to see that I knew a good chunk of the places that this was shot in. A lot of the exteriors were filmed in Eagle Rock which is where I lived when I first moved out to Cali. So yay for that. But lets get down to it. The film is gorgeous and shot so incredibly. You have to hand it to Adam Kimmel for doing such a beautiful job. I'm posting some photos so don't fret, you'll see the magic soon enough. The music is also wondrous and it's refreshing to see that even for a short film people are taking the time to make an original score. Sam Speigel did a really good job and it sets the tone for the story perfectly. 

The story is quite simple. Boy robot meets girls robot. I'm not going to tell you much more than that. It's presented online only by Absolut and you can watch the film here. Support filmmaking like this, it's a rarity in contemporary cinema and needs to be celebrated as often as possible. A HUGE round of applause needs to go to the Writer/Director Spike Jonze who is just brilliant. Jonze is one of the few contemporary directors who is taking chances and producing work that can last for ages. Another one in the can and it's a keeper. Bravo!  Not many can say that and considering he's been active as a director for over ten years the quality of his work just seems to be getting better and better and this exemplifies a true artist. So excited to see what he's doing next. 

Again you can watch the film here. Watch it if you can. You wont be disappointed. 

Here are some photos, as promised: 

Happy moviegoing folks! 

I Finally Saw Anvil: The Story of Anvil

So I finally saw it. I've been meaning to see this film since I first heard about it when I worked at Moving Pictures Magazine over a year ago.  It's bloody AMAZING!

I've added a poster photo, which I usually don't do. But this one I needed to add because I want you to understand that everything it proclaims is true. This film is a masterpiece and is one of the best documentaries about rock n' roll I've ever seen. The fact that a film about metal music brought me to tears is just amazing to think about. The quality level of storytelling here just goes to show how much the spirit of two people never willing to give up their dream is insurmountably across-the-board touching. I can't even begin to tell to explain, you just need to see it. I don't even play an instrument let alone listen to metal music all that much but to see the passion and love these two have for their craft and for their music is just so inspiring.  Best part about it is that they didn't even have much success. They didn't even make it half as much as the people they influenced and inspired.

Just look:


Any music or movie lover should watch this film....STAT!
Hope you like it.
Happy moviegoing!

Oscar Nominated Short Films

So in my last Oscar post I wrote that I would be seeing all the nominated shorts for this years race at an event hosted in Detroit. The event was held at Detroit Institute of Arts and it was in a lovely theater.  To my pleasant surprise the crowd was filled with an array of people from the very old to the young. It was great to see the entire house packed with excited faces and wonderful feelings that these events are still organized and enjoyed. It was also great to see that the shorts were films from all over the world including the USA, Sweden, France, Spain, Russia and India. So here is my take on what we saw.

Animated Shorts:

French Roast by Fabrice Joubert - This was a cute little film set in a cafe in France and follows a man who accidentally leaves his wallet leaving him penniless to pay for his coffee. The film was CGI animation. Most characters had very exaggerated features, which I love. It was lovely. You can watch it here.

Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty by Nicky Phelan, Darragh O'Connell - This was hilarious and had everyone laughing from the 60+ man sitting beside me to my 13 year-old stepsister. The story is very nicely constructed and presents a retelling of the famed Sleeping Beauty by a bitter elderly lady to her grandson. The film was mix of CGI and hand drawn animation. It was just a pleasure to watch and is my second favorite of the bunch. You can watch it here.

The Lady and the Reaper by Javier Recio Garcia - This was cute and had a great rhythm to it. The film parades a frenzy between an old women being taken by the Reaper and being saved continuously by a playboy doctor with a team of pin-up nurses. The battle is stellar in CGI.  You can watch it here.

Logorama by Nicolas Schmerkin - This was my favorite. WOW when it says Logorama it means it. I wouldn 't be  able to count all the logo's used in this short. I was also surprised to found out the this short film hails from France. The film has everything from Ronald McDonald shooting up the cops in the streets of LA, to the Pringles man hitting on a diner waitress. You have to see it to believe it. Watch it here. (It's not the best quality but at least you can watch it)

Wallace and Gromit in 'A Matter of Load and Death' by Nick Park - This was good to be expected as that which is Wallace and Gromit magic. But this time teaming up(somewhat) to beat a baker murderess on the loose.


Live Action Shorts:

The Door by Junaita Wilson, James Flynn - This film while depressing was shot wonderfully and tells the tale of a family in the aftermath of Chernobyl. Not my favorite of the bunch but very touching. Trailer here.

Instead of Abracadabra by  Patrick Eklund, Mathias Fjallstrom - This was a hilarious Swedish film and for me one of the best of the bunch. It follows the misadventures of a 25 year-old, still living at home with dreams of being a celebrated magician. He has a dark sense of humor but an endearing quality shared by all in the film. The entire crowd was having a hoot with this one and I believe it is one of the top contenders to win for this category. I'm trying to find a full length version for you all to watch but for now you can watch the trailer here to get an idea of how great it is. Ps. the soundtrack is marvelous!

Kavi by Gregg Helvey - A submission by a MFA student at USC, this film shows some of the tragedy that is still occurring today with slavery in India. The film is quite sad, and follows a little boy in present day India working in a labor camp.  What continues to amaze me and is demonstrated wonderfully here is the strength in child actors. This little boy (see pic) is amazing. Trailer here.

Miracle Fish by Luke Doolan, Drew Bailey- An Australian submission and with a surprise appearance(for me) by Tara Morice who played Fran in Strictly Ballroom. This follows a introverted little boy on the day of his eighth birthday. To retreat bullies he takes a nap in the nurses ward at school and wakes up to a completed empty building. What happens next you can watch here.(Got to the end of the article to play video) It's quite good and one of my favorites.

The New Tenants by Joachim Back, Tivi Magnusson - My absolute favorite of the bunch. I'm trying my hardest to get a full video of it so you can experience the genius. So wonderful and the entire crowd was roaring with laughter. Follows new tenants in a building, as we discover,  inhabited with an array of characters from scorned lovers to drug dealers. The film features appearances by Vincent D'Onofrio and Kevin Corrigan. Trailer here. Website here.

And that's all folks...See who the winners will be March 7th!

Happy Moviegoing!