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!

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237 pt. 3

Finally a US release date has happened. The film will be showing in select theaters March 29th 2013 my friends and if you're close to your iTunes, Xbox, or Amazon Instant accounts then I would check those venues out as well. Hope you all get a chance to see it and if you're in Los Angeles also check out the Kubrick retrospective at LACMA it's very fun.

Here is one more trailer for you...just to make sure you're listening:


Again it wont give away too much which is mounting my anticipation for this film. However fan of Kubrick or not, this will be a, sure to please, documentary about passion, insight and the power of observation, and subjectivity.

Happy movie going folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237 pt. 2

I have written about film Room 237 before....Stanley Kubrick genius mix with fan skepticism and lore......oh this shall be one to watch....oh yes it will. So now you really must keep an eye out for when this movie comes to a theatre near you because the trailer has just dropped. Just take a look...



It doesn't give much away and it shouldn't, but if this doesn't entice you to watch this flick, then I'm not sure what would. That disclaimer....HA! this shall be a site, that's for sure. There is said to be a release next year from IFC. Are you ready to return to Room 237? I know I am. Please keep an eye out and support some creative filmmaking. Happy moviegoing!

Keep an Eye Out For: Holy Motors

Just look at the poster art.

R.I.P Chris Marker

     Today filmaker, writer, photographer, and pioneer of the essay film, Chris Marker has passed. This is indeed a sad thing to hear. I remember watching La Jetee for the first time and being awe struck. The dedication to executing such an endeavor is one I haven't seen matched in filmmaking to this day. There is something deeply profound and poetic to his work that I'm not sure, even to this day, I grasp fully.  He died on his 91st birthday, may he rest in peace. Watch some of his films and prepare to be changed forever.

Keep an Eye Out For: Reality

Matteo Garrone's first film since Gomorrah in 2008. Reality is said to be a bleak look at the Italian public's obsession with reality TV; specifically Italian Big Brother. It premiered at Cannes on the 18th of May to very mixed reviews. However, I must say, just by this poster alone and the slight whispers about some Felini undertones I cannot wait to see this film. It's nice to see filmmakers who still have the gull to take shots at the societies they live in. The film is said to open in France in August and Italy in September; hopefully it'll have a more international release shortly after that. Keep an eye out nonetheless and if you haven't seen Garrone's Gomorrah then I say get on it. Probably one of the best mafia movies you'll ever see.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237

Coming out of Sundance Film Festival, what some are calling an experimental documentary, Room 237 was just acquired by IFC Films. Directed by Rodney Ascher the film explores theories behind Stanley Kubrick's The Shinning. The film discusses possible subtext behind The Shinning, things like Kubrick showing justification that he faked the footage of the moon landing. Who's excited!? I am, that's for sure. All in all this should be a must see for any cinephile and any fan of the film in general. I cannot wait for it to come out. No release date has been set, but look out for this Summer or Fall 2012.

Happy moviegoing!