A heartbreaking story of truly forbidden love. Enis del Mar and Jack Twist fall in love, but a ignorant world makes them fear and hide their love. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal give two of the greatest performances in the last twenty years. Brokeback Mountain is about two gay cowboys, that statement alone will turn many heads and cause many offensive comments. But Brokeback Mountain is much more than a film about gay cowboys. It is a film about a struggle, the struggle two gay men are faced with. The love between Jack and Enis is pure. Their love is so true and so powerful, but because they are gay they must hide in the shadows. Ang Lee's direction is emotionally haunting. Viewers that are able to see this movie for what it truly is will understand how wonderful this film is. Brokeback Mountain is an film filled with A-list actors like, Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams. Each one of the young stars in this film have performances that will forever be remembered.
Brokeback Mountain is a fearless look into the 20 year love affair/struggle of two gay men spanning from the early 60s to the early 80s. The film is set mostly in Wyoming, an area that has always been a very anti-gay area. The film references the shockingly violent reactions to homosexuality in the area, and how it affects Jack and Enis' relationship. People spend their whole lives, and many ultimately fail at finding true love. Jack and Enis find true love but because it is with each other, it is forbidden, and their lives turn into a constant battle with their emotions.
Ang Lee gained worldwide acclaim for his sensational directing in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Brokeback Mountain is a complete 180 degree turn from those days, but is also a whole new achievement. One of the most beautifully shot films in the last 20 years. But a film cannot run completely of emotionally powerful direction, for a film to be great it needs strong acting. Highly emotional viewers please beware Brokeback Mounting is a emotional freight train. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall as the leads become household names. Both Ledger and Gyllenhaal gain recognition from very memorable, and entertaining performances. Ledger rose to fame as a result of his rebellious performance in 10 Things I Hate About You. Gyllenhaal gained international fame from his lead performance in the dark Sci-Fi thriller Donnie Darko. Ledger and Gyllenhaal have grown a lot since then, and in Brokeback Mountain their performances are two of the greatest ever.
Potential Spoilers
Enis del Mar (Heath Ledger) is a ranch hand, and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a rodeo cowboy. They are hired by Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid) to herd his cattle on Brokeback Mountain. Both Enis and Jack develop a very emotional relationship during their time on Brokeback Mountain. Their trip is cut short. Ennis marries his long-time fiancee Alma Beers (Michelle Williams) and fathers two children. Jack marries and starts a family with rodeo rider Laureen Newsome (Anne Hathaway). When the two meet again two years later they realize that they still have very strong feelings for each other. The decide to not keep a secret relationship. As the years go on their love becomes more and more of a struggle.
While its plot was controversial that did not keep people from flocking to see Brokeback Mountain when it came out. The film was a box office success making over 150 million worldwide. With Brokeback Mountain drawing in that many viewers, that definitely showed some significant maturing on our part. But controversy kept the film banned in many theaters across the U.S. and in various parts of the world. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture. Unfortunately it was upset by the also controversial film Crash, that referenced modern day racism. Brokeback Mountain did win three Oscars, including Best Director for Ang Lee.
A wonderful adaptation of Annie Proulx's short story by the same name. Brokeback Mountain was nominated for over 70 awards winning over 50. It gained worldwide acclaim, and there is no denying the shear emotional power in this film. Emotion is needed in any great film, and many have suffered because of its lack. Each and every person involved in this film went out of their comfort zone and had to go to emotional extremes to play their parts. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway were both known for their smaller and more comedic roles before this film. With Brokeback Mountain, they both were able to show off they acting talents, showing the world they have endless talents and range. I could ramble and gawke over the acting power and direction, but the experience is what will truly let the viewer understand the significance. Ang Lee's direction captures the emotion, but it is Ledger and Gyllenhaal that made Brokeback Mountain one of the most unforgetable emotional experiences.
Showing posts with label 2000s. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2000s. Show all posts
Monday, July 22, 2019
Watchmen (2009)
This is one of the most faithful adaptations of a book I have ever seen. Although, even this being a very faithful adpatation, the Watchmen graphic novel is able to go to much higher levels than the film. Zach Snyder does a splendid job depicting Alan Moore and David Gibbons' Watchmen world and making it into one of the most unique films to date. Watchmen is filled with Alan Moore's, to say the least different views of the world and human nature. Snyder takes graphic to a whole new level. Watchmen has excessive gore and at times off putting nudity, but as a whole Watchmen is a very entertaining film.
With the ever increasing popularity of comic book adaptations, Watchmen was by far one of the most highly anticipated. Time Magazine ranked the Watchmen book as the greatest graphic novel of all time. Beating out the likes of, Frank Miller's Batmam: The Dark Night Returns, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, and Artie Spiegelman's graphic novel/ biography Maus. Terry Gilliam (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) was the first choice at director, but he considered Watchmen "unfilmable" and it was dropped. Darren Aronofsky (Requiem For A Dream) and Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Trilogy) were the next two considered but things didn't work with them either. Zach Snyder's impressive work with 300 ultimately lead to him being the final decision. Snyder came in completely dedicated, and did a fantastic job with Watchmen's very challenging material. I have always seemed to be drawn to controversial and unique films/ books (and yes also violent). Watchmen fits both of those molds. Snyder's willingness to stay true to the book and dark direction is what made Watchmen a very good film, not a bust like many were expecting.
The story takes place on an alternate timeline where masked, costumed heroes fight crime in America. An act enforced by president Nixon bans masked heroes that are not working for the government. But when Edward Blake a.k.a. The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is killed things get desperate for the former masked heroes. A violent, mysterious masked "hero" Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) believes there is a mask killer on the loose. Around the world the U.S. and the U.Ss and the Soviet Union are on the brink of a nuclear war which could destroy the world. Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) is considered a superman and the U.S. ultimate weapon, but he isn't as dedicated to helping Earth as people expect. An ex masked hero Daniel Driedberg a.k.a. Nite Owl 2 (Patrick Wilson) is faced with the decision of returning to crime fighting, or not. Adrian Veidt a.k.a. Ozymandias (Matthew Goode) tries to protect the world from its self, he uses very different methods to help the world. Humanity is on the verge of extinction and the world needs a hero, but this won't have any comic book hero to save the day.
Watchmen does not feature any hotshot actors, but the performances by a very strong cast may lead to very bright futures. The performance that stood out the most to me was by Jackie Earle Haley as the very complicated character of Rorschach. As in the Watchmen book, while watching the film I found myself interested the most in Rorschach's character and storyline. His very violent methods that seemed very understandable (at least to me) when considering the harsh times the world are facing. Like another character that some may know about, a character by the name of Tyler Durden, I found myself agreeing (to an extent) his excessive/violent ways. The brightest face on the Watchmen cast is easily the darling beauty by the name of Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre 2. Her performance is strong, but yet not really that special. Her face is an added bonus though. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as The Comedian is also a very strong performance, second only to the great performance by Jackie Earle Haley. It is always great to watch a film with such high expectations be taken over by great performances by virtually unknown actors.
Although Watchmen was a very good film, the level the book was able to reach is much, much higher. The films length may turn away many (162 minutes for the regular version), but its storyline will keep viewers interested all throughout. Not to mention plenty of violence and action. Watchmen was a huge box office, bringing in over 180 million worldwide. With a very hopeless feeling throughout, some people may not enjoy its storyline. Be prepared to the view the world, and human nature a whole new way. Viewers will not be able to avoid the temptation to think deeply about how today's world will turn out, and what human nature is truly like. Snyder's direction and outstanding special effects are Watchmen's highlights. Watchmen is a must see for our generation, but if you really want the complete experience I reccomend you check out the source material.
With the ever increasing popularity of comic book adaptations, Watchmen was by far one of the most highly anticipated. Time Magazine ranked the Watchmen book as the greatest graphic novel of all time. Beating out the likes of, Frank Miller's Batmam: The Dark Night Returns, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, and Artie Spiegelman's graphic novel/ biography Maus. Terry Gilliam (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) was the first choice at director, but he considered Watchmen "unfilmable" and it was dropped. Darren Aronofsky (Requiem For A Dream) and Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Trilogy) were the next two considered but things didn't work with them either. Zach Snyder's impressive work with 300 ultimately lead to him being the final decision. Snyder came in completely dedicated, and did a fantastic job with Watchmen's very challenging material. I have always seemed to be drawn to controversial and unique films/ books (and yes also violent). Watchmen fits both of those molds. Snyder's willingness to stay true to the book and dark direction is what made Watchmen a very good film, not a bust like many were expecting.
The story takes place on an alternate timeline where masked, costumed heroes fight crime in America. An act enforced by president Nixon bans masked heroes that are not working for the government. But when Edward Blake a.k.a. The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is killed things get desperate for the former masked heroes. A violent, mysterious masked "hero" Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) believes there is a mask killer on the loose. Around the world the U.S. and the U.Ss and the Soviet Union are on the brink of a nuclear war which could destroy the world. Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) is considered a superman and the U.S. ultimate weapon, but he isn't as dedicated to helping Earth as people expect. An ex masked hero Daniel Driedberg a.k.a. Nite Owl 2 (Patrick Wilson) is faced with the decision of returning to crime fighting, or not. Adrian Veidt a.k.a. Ozymandias (Matthew Goode) tries to protect the world from its self, he uses very different methods to help the world. Humanity is on the verge of extinction and the world needs a hero, but this won't have any comic book hero to save the day.
Watchmen does not feature any hotshot actors, but the performances by a very strong cast may lead to very bright futures. The performance that stood out the most to me was by Jackie Earle Haley as the very complicated character of Rorschach. As in the Watchmen book, while watching the film I found myself interested the most in Rorschach's character and storyline. His very violent methods that seemed very understandable (at least to me) when considering the harsh times the world are facing. Like another character that some may know about, a character by the name of Tyler Durden, I found myself agreeing (to an extent) his excessive/violent ways. The brightest face on the Watchmen cast is easily the darling beauty by the name of Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre 2. Her performance is strong, but yet not really that special. Her face is an added bonus though. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as The Comedian is also a very strong performance, second only to the great performance by Jackie Earle Haley. It is always great to watch a film with such high expectations be taken over by great performances by virtually unknown actors.
Although Watchmen was a very good film, the level the book was able to reach is much, much higher. The films length may turn away many (162 minutes for the regular version), but its storyline will keep viewers interested all throughout. Not to mention plenty of violence and action. Watchmen was a huge box office, bringing in over 180 million worldwide. With a very hopeless feeling throughout, some people may not enjoy its storyline. Be prepared to the view the world, and human nature a whole new way. Viewers will not be able to avoid the temptation to think deeply about how today's world will turn out, and what human nature is truly like. Snyder's direction and outstanding special effects are Watchmen's highlights. Watchmen is a must see for our generation, but if you really want the complete experience I reccomend you check out the source material.
28 Days Later (2002)
Animal liberation activists break into a laboratory and are caught by scientists while trying to release chimpanzees being uses for medical reasearch. Despite the scientists warnings that the chimpanzees are infected with "Rage", the activists release the chimps, then are attacked and the group is infected. 28 Days Later, and man named Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakens in a deserted hospital. He discovers that London is abandoned with signs of catastrophe. While exploring the area a group of "Infected" try to attack him, but he is saved by two surviviors Selena (Naomie Harris) and Mark (Noah Huntley). The group must try to survive and find away back to civilization.
Both terrifying and politically relevent. 28 Days Later succeeds on levels that other post-apocalyptic films could only dream of. Just as much a thriller as a study on human reaction. The film thrives on the emotional reactions of its charcters, and sensational performances from an unknown cast. There is something about films show off incredible talents, from before unheard of actors. Cillian Murphy is the star of 28 Days Later, his performance allows the film to keep its emotional power even throughout the slow moments. There are plenty of slow moments in this film, but the terrifying setting of post-apocalyptic London does not allow viewers any downtime. Danny Boyle has a gift of being able to signify emotions even in the most challenging subjects.
Danny Boyle shocked critics and audiences with his controversial portrayal of drug abuse in the film Trainspoting (1996). He then had his first box-office hit with The Beach (2000) with featured Leonardo DiCaprio. With 28 Days Later, Danny Boyle achieved new hights in his career. No big name actors were cast. So Boyle was able to focus more on the setting and storyline, rather than the complications that come with A-list stars. boyle's direction radiates and terrifying feeling for viewers. The "Infected" are shockingly terrifying. Boyle's direction is dark and uncompromising, viewers beware.
Political significance is a constant in zombie/post-apocalyptic films, and 28 Days Later is not exception. But what makes 28 Days Later different and wonderfully unique is, the way is perfectly studies the reactions of people facing certain doom. We have our crew of survivors full of hope and ignorance. Then we have our soldiers who unfortunately know the horrific truth. I will not reveal the cause of this disaster for not wanting to ruin the experience of this great film. 28 Days Later takes emotional and reaction study to a whole new level.
There is no end to the praise Cillian Murphy deserves for his performance. He plays Jim, a man who wakes up in a hospital to find himself in the quarantined city of London. Murphy does a near perfect job. He starts out as a confused and terrified loner, then he becomes an ignorant survivor, and finally he is a knowing animal. Naomie Harris has her breakout role in 28 Days Later as Selena, a survivor trying to be the tough leader, but hiding her true fear. Both Murphy and Harris were unknowns before this film, but they both have two great performances, and for a short while silence the critics who say horror films have mediocre and even amateur acting.
28 Days Later was a major box office success, grossing over 80 million worldwide while its budget barely reacher 5 million. Danny Boyle has shown us time and time again that he does not need A-list actors to make great films. There is nothing better for the film industry than films that have unknown actors having award worthy performances. Political undertones, horrifying setting, and plenty of violent scares are what make up this great film. 28 Days Later is a modern horror delight that is just as smart as it is terrifying.
Both terrifying and politically relevent. 28 Days Later succeeds on levels that other post-apocalyptic films could only dream of. Just as much a thriller as a study on human reaction. The film thrives on the emotional reactions of its charcters, and sensational performances from an unknown cast. There is something about films show off incredible talents, from before unheard of actors. Cillian Murphy is the star of 28 Days Later, his performance allows the film to keep its emotional power even throughout the slow moments. There are plenty of slow moments in this film, but the terrifying setting of post-apocalyptic London does not allow viewers any downtime. Danny Boyle has a gift of being able to signify emotions even in the most challenging subjects.
Danny Boyle shocked critics and audiences with his controversial portrayal of drug abuse in the film Trainspoting (1996). He then had his first box-office hit with The Beach (2000) with featured Leonardo DiCaprio. With 28 Days Later, Danny Boyle achieved new hights in his career. No big name actors were cast. So Boyle was able to focus more on the setting and storyline, rather than the complications that come with A-list stars. boyle's direction radiates and terrifying feeling for viewers. The "Infected" are shockingly terrifying. Boyle's direction is dark and uncompromising, viewers beware.
Political significance is a constant in zombie/post-apocalyptic films, and 28 Days Later is not exception. But what makes 28 Days Later different and wonderfully unique is, the way is perfectly studies the reactions of people facing certain doom. We have our crew of survivors full of hope and ignorance. Then we have our soldiers who unfortunately know the horrific truth. I will not reveal the cause of this disaster for not wanting to ruin the experience of this great film. 28 Days Later takes emotional and reaction study to a whole new level.
There is no end to the praise Cillian Murphy deserves for his performance. He plays Jim, a man who wakes up in a hospital to find himself in the quarantined city of London. Murphy does a near perfect job. He starts out as a confused and terrified loner, then he becomes an ignorant survivor, and finally he is a knowing animal. Naomie Harris has her breakout role in 28 Days Later as Selena, a survivor trying to be the tough leader, but hiding her true fear. Both Murphy and Harris were unknowns before this film, but they both have two great performances, and for a short while silence the critics who say horror films have mediocre and even amateur acting.
28 Days Later was a major box office success, grossing over 80 million worldwide while its budget barely reacher 5 million. Danny Boyle has shown us time and time again that he does not need A-list actors to make great films. There is nothing better for the film industry than films that have unknown actors having award worthy performances. Political undertones, horrifying setting, and plenty of violent scares are what make up this great film. 28 Days Later is a modern horror delight that is just as smart as it is terrifying.
City of God (Cidade De Deus) (2002)
What makes a film a must see? That phrase has become one of the most overused lines to the point where it has very little meaning anymore. If an action film has some good fight scenes and nudity all of a sudden it is a must see. If a horror film has lots of gore and flashy kills that makes that film a must see... So I feel like calling this film a must see would do no good, so I must think of something else to call it so I could maybe at least get your attention for a moment. Now believe me when I say this: City of God is one of the most powerful and wonderfully made films ever. I know it is very risky to use absolutes when reffering to a film made within the last decade, but there is no other way of talking about this film. Director Fernando Meirelles does something truly extraordinary with his debut film, soemthing that filmmakers work a lifetime on and still never achieve. Meirelles has made a film that isn't just a gripping story, but also passionately and sympatheticly shows the world a real-life tragedy. A film about a world so different and outside from ours that it is hard to even believe it's real.
City of God is divided into various different stories about numerous different characters, all as powerful as the other. Our hero and storyteller is Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), who is an intelligent young man who is trying to get away from the violent life in City of God by becoming a photograher. Through his stories we learn about how life was growing up in the City of God while also meeting many colorful characters -- some colored far more darkly than others. Among these characters are Goose (Renato de Souza), Rockets brother and part of the Tender Trio along with Clipper (Jefechander Suplino), who later leaves the trio to join the church, and Shaggy ( Jonathan Haagensen), the leader of the trio.
Li'l Ze (Leandro Firmino da Hora) is a psychopathic killer the main antagonist of the film. He first joins a gang before he is even 10 years old and is called Li'l Dice (Douglas Silva), but when he doesn't feel like he is being treated right he turns on them. Then he starts his own crew with Benny (Phellipe Haagensen) and they quickly become the biggest and most deadly gang in all of City of God. Rocket is afrain of Li'l Ze and does everything to avoid him, but it ends up being Li'l Ze that saves Rocket's life -- even if Li'l Ze doesn't even know it. The main struggle thoughout the film is Li'l Ze's rivalry with Carrot (Matheus Nachtergaele) and Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge) which in the end turns into an all out war that makes life even more of a Hell for everyone living in City of God. Unfortunately I cannot continue talking about all the fascinating characters because I may end up spoiling some of the wonderful plot.
City of God passionately tells a story of violence, revenge, and finally escape. Even with so much violence and death there is endless amounts of beauty very evident in this film. From Rocket's innocent character to the always beautiful landscape of Rio De Janiero. Meirelles shows us it is possible for there to be beauty in even the most ugly situations, life is covered with endless beauty we just have to find it...Each and every character in this film is showed for who they really are, and as you will see there is not one character that doesn't have something good about them. Even Li'l Ze the ruthless killer who seems like he could get his rocks off from killing innocent peopla has a little something good about him.
We are shown a world that is really out there, City of God is not a mde up place that Meirelles made up so that he could have a memorable film to make. This is a world of poverty that causes steaming hatred evoked by horrific acts of violence. Li'l Ze may be the "villain" of the film, but he was not born that way, no one is born that way. A rough and hopeless life where crime is the only way to survive causes Ze's lifestyle choices and most of his acts of violence. Rocket on the other hand grows up around good influences like his brother Goose, his encouraging mother and father, along with a group -- very small group -- of dependable friends including his brief love interest, Angelica. Benny is the only friend is seems like Ze ever has, when he is gone there is nothing between Ze and endless amounts of violence. This may seem like an outrageous thing to say, but when you are revealed to more of the tragic story of City of God don't be surprised if you start to feel sorry for Li'l Ze. A character who had no hope in a terrible life. Yes, he could have made much better decisions, but everyone can't be as determined as Rocket.
I have done the same thing with this review as City of God did with me; I have waited till the very end to reveal that this shocking film is based on a true story. Finding out that this film is based off of true events make this emotional gripper overwelming. Each of the major characters are real or at least inspired by real people.City of God takes place from the end of the 60s all the way to the 80s. An epic tale of desperation summed up by a final act of redemption. City of God is a fantastuc film that is much, much deeper that just a film. Tender acting and sympathetic narration from Rocket portrayed by Alexandre Rodrigues allows you to see the characters as the people they really are (or were). If the stories were not told in this way we would judge the characters by the major events of the film, and as I learned that is very wrong. Acting and direction are the two main qualities that make a great film and in City of God both are wonderfully passionate. Popularity did not come immedietly for this film, what in the end brought everyones attention to this powerful little film that really wasn't so little was the four Academy Award nominations it recieved; Cesar Charlone for Best Cinematography, Fernando Meirelles for Best Direction, Daniel Rezende for Best Editing, and Braulio Mantovani for Best Adapted Screenplay. Meirelles has done something very special with City of God, something that only comes around once, maybe twice, every twenty years.
City of God is divided into various different stories about numerous different characters, all as powerful as the other. Our hero and storyteller is Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), who is an intelligent young man who is trying to get away from the violent life in City of God by becoming a photograher. Through his stories we learn about how life was growing up in the City of God while also meeting many colorful characters -- some colored far more darkly than others. Among these characters are Goose (Renato de Souza), Rockets brother and part of the Tender Trio along with Clipper (Jefechander Suplino), who later leaves the trio to join the church, and Shaggy ( Jonathan Haagensen), the leader of the trio.
Li'l Ze (Leandro Firmino da Hora) is a psychopathic killer the main antagonist of the film. He first joins a gang before he is even 10 years old and is called Li'l Dice (Douglas Silva), but when he doesn't feel like he is being treated right he turns on them. Then he starts his own crew with Benny (Phellipe Haagensen) and they quickly become the biggest and most deadly gang in all of City of God. Rocket is afrain of Li'l Ze and does everything to avoid him, but it ends up being Li'l Ze that saves Rocket's life -- even if Li'l Ze doesn't even know it. The main struggle thoughout the film is Li'l Ze's rivalry with Carrot (Matheus Nachtergaele) and Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge) which in the end turns into an all out war that makes life even more of a Hell for everyone living in City of God. Unfortunately I cannot continue talking about all the fascinating characters because I may end up spoiling some of the wonderful plot.
City of God passionately tells a story of violence, revenge, and finally escape. Even with so much violence and death there is endless amounts of beauty very evident in this film. From Rocket's innocent character to the always beautiful landscape of Rio De Janiero. Meirelles shows us it is possible for there to be beauty in even the most ugly situations, life is covered with endless beauty we just have to find it...Each and every character in this film is showed for who they really are, and as you will see there is not one character that doesn't have something good about them. Even Li'l Ze the ruthless killer who seems like he could get his rocks off from killing innocent peopla has a little something good about him.
We are shown a world that is really out there, City of God is not a mde up place that Meirelles made up so that he could have a memorable film to make. This is a world of poverty that causes steaming hatred evoked by horrific acts of violence. Li'l Ze may be the "villain" of the film, but he was not born that way, no one is born that way. A rough and hopeless life where crime is the only way to survive causes Ze's lifestyle choices and most of his acts of violence. Rocket on the other hand grows up around good influences like his brother Goose, his encouraging mother and father, along with a group -- very small group -- of dependable friends including his brief love interest, Angelica. Benny is the only friend is seems like Ze ever has, when he is gone there is nothing between Ze and endless amounts of violence. This may seem like an outrageous thing to say, but when you are revealed to more of the tragic story of City of God don't be surprised if you start to feel sorry for Li'l Ze. A character who had no hope in a terrible life. Yes, he could have made much better decisions, but everyone can't be as determined as Rocket.
I have done the same thing with this review as City of God did with me; I have waited till the very end to reveal that this shocking film is based on a true story. Finding out that this film is based off of true events make this emotional gripper overwelming. Each of the major characters are real or at least inspired by real people.City of God takes place from the end of the 60s all the way to the 80s. An epic tale of desperation summed up by a final act of redemption. City of God is a fantastuc film that is much, much deeper that just a film. Tender acting and sympathetic narration from Rocket portrayed by Alexandre Rodrigues allows you to see the characters as the people they really are (or were). If the stories were not told in this way we would judge the characters by the major events of the film, and as I learned that is very wrong. Acting and direction are the two main qualities that make a great film and in City of God both are wonderfully passionate. Popularity did not come immedietly for this film, what in the end brought everyones attention to this powerful little film that really wasn't so little was the four Academy Award nominations it recieved; Cesar Charlone for Best Cinematography, Fernando Meirelles for Best Direction, Daniel Rezende for Best Editing, and Braulio Mantovani for Best Adapted Screenplay. Meirelles has done something very special with City of God, something that only comes around once, maybe twice, every twenty years.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Five Obstructions (2003)
The Five Obstructions is a experimental documentary where Lars von Trier challenges his friend/mentor Jorgen Leth to re-create his short film, The Perfect Human (1967), five different times - each time with a new set of specific obstructions that he must follow. The Perfect Human portrays a man and a woman, both considered "perfect humans" by the narrator who, in an empty room where they go through the most basic of human activities: jumping, eating, sleeping, dancing and even undressing. An fascinating experimental short that greatly inspired von Trier. Each new set is met with apprehension by Leth but each time he use his challenges to his advantage to create a fresh and original new take on his original idea. Watching Leth's processes of exploring new ground with his film and technique is amazing, achieving so much with a single idea is something we rarely get to see. Once Lars von Trier's true and conflicted intentions are revealed through the 5th obstruction, this brilliantly original documentary depth is revealed.
P.S. Lars von Trier, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro have announced that they plan to do a similar collaboration with a remake(s) of Taxi Driver.
P.S. Lars von Trier, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro have announced that they plan to do a similar collaboration with a remake(s) of Taxi Driver.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Hunger (2008)
Hunger is the film that introduced British director Steve McQueen to audiences all around the world. Gruesome and disturbing, but with the sound intention of informing us of a tragic part of Irish history through its representation of beaten, battered, and broken, but not lost, men willing to die for their honor. This film is based on events of one man's life, but McQueen doesn't resort to using one man to get his point across, instead many men to create a more worldly picture. Art doesn't get much more stirring than this.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Observe and Report (2009)
An anonymous flasher exposes himself to shoppers in the Forest Ridge Mall parking lot. The head of mall security, Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen), makes it his mission to catch the flasher. He is helped by Charles (Jesse Plemons), Dennis (Michael Pena), and the Yuen twins (John Yuan and Matthew Yuan). Ronnie's dream girl, Brandi (Anna Faris) is flashed the next day, and she becomes hysterical. Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) comes and takes over the situation, this makes Ronnie very angry. Ronnie decides to take the case into his own hands.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)
Rating: 3.5/4
Leave it to Werner Herzog's animalistic direction style to bring out the acting performance that Nicolas Cage has always had brewing inside of him. Cage has shown us multiple times that he has acting talent -- Leaving Las Vegas (1995) and Bringing Out The Dead (1999) are two films where he is at his finest -- but he seems to sacrifice his talent to appear in more commercial films, and when he decides to take a risk his choices of work are usually lousy. So, seeing him in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, where he is able to calm down and be as outrageous as possible is to see him finally shine again.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Them (2007)
Rating: 2/4
Home invasion horror films have always been a popular sub-genre, they bring out those fears that we had as children; monsters in the closet and shadowy figures in the darkness are the most popular. The problem with Them is that by making it realistic there is nothing to really grab our attention. Starting with a mother driving with her rebellious daughter after what we can assume was the mother finding out something not too wonderful about her daughter's personal life. The mother swerves to avoid a figure standing in the road and crashes into a pole, when she goes out to fix the car she disappears, leaving her daughter all alone. All alone the daughter is killed by a mysterious killer. Now the film jumps to the story at hand; Clementine (Olivia Bonamy) has moved from France to her Romania with her writer boyfriend, Lucas (Michael Cohen), where she takes up a job teaching middle school. Their house is secluded and creepy. We are not given any foreplay, at all, before the jump-out scare attempts commence. On the first night we see them together a group of mysterious figures appeal with violent intentions.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Oldboy (2003)
Rating: 4/4
When we first see Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) he is being held at a local police station for what we can easily assume is for drunken misconduct, he is then bailed out by his friend (Ji Dae Han), but not 5 minutes after being released he disappears. For reasons unknown to him Oh Dae-su is locked into a room where he is kept for 15 years, once released he vows to get revenge on whoever locked him up. But is it revenge or answers that he wants? That is a question asked multiple times throughout the film, when those "answers" are revealed his outlook on life is twisted to unimaginable extremes. Once the credits start running we will have seen the darkest depths of human nature.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Deadgirl (2008)
Rating: 0/4
Monday, August 15, 2011
In Bruges (2008)
Rating: 4/4
In Bruges gives off the initial appearance of a goofy dark comedy with a slapstick performance by Collin Farrell, but it turns into a very emotional film with very real characters. Using a type of comedy that makes us unable to resist laughing at things we would usually try very hard to not laugh at, but surprisingly it never feels forced. The type of humor that In Bruges uses perfectly goes with the personalities of the characters making perfectly executed humor. Martin McDonagh creates a perfect blend of dirty, at times mean-spirited, comedy with genuine emotion that could easily bring someone to tears. An all around entertainment treat
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Atonement (2007)
Rating: 3.5/4
Atonement is a tragic love story that shows how the ignorant point-of-view of a young, innocent girl can make true love crumble. Here is a film that within its understandable sappiness makes you truly care for everything that happens in all of its 123 minute running time. We are taken on an emotional ride through the tragedy of love and human nature. Based off of Ian McEwan's classic novel of the same name, this beautiful looking film has a lot of terror and sadness overtaking it.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Cabin Fever (2002)
Rating: 1.5/4
Eli Roth wrote the script for Cabin Fever with two major plans in mind: 1) To use his love for his favorite movies which includes Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead (1981), Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), and Wes Craven's The Last House on the Left (1972) and use thier unique qualities in his own film. 2) To make a remorseless violent film that will leave all the wimpy PG13 horror movies in shameful dust. Incorporating the campy paranoia of The Evil Dead with the hillbilly backroots feel of The Texas Chainsaw Masscare along with the not-as-it-seems plot feel of The Last House on the Left with a gore level and body count that makes it impossible to get attacked to any character. By achieving all of its assigned goals you would expect Cabin Fever to become a modern horror classic, but it doesn't.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
A History of Violence (2005)
Rating: 3/4
Based on John Wagner and Vincent Locke's graphic novel of the same name, A History of Violence is a rare experience for viewers. No matter how much you think you know, or even actually know, the film still finds ways to shock you with what you were expecting. It is the way it is done that is the real surprise. Using a small town as the primary setting makes a story like this make us question just who is living next door. Viggo Mortensen plays local restaurant owner Tom Stall who has a normal loving family who are respected by all in their small community at Millbrook, Indiana. His family consists of his wife Edie (Maria Bello), teenage son Jack (Ashton Holmes), and young daughter Sarah (Heidi Hayes). When Tom's restaurant is held up by two drifting killers Tom jumps into action, he kills both men showcasing a surprising talent for protecting himself. By stopping the two killers Tom becomes a local celebrity, getting his name in the paper along with interview requests. With a new celebrity mobsters from Philadelphia, lead by Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), arrive and seem to know something about Tom that he either doesn't know about or is hiding.
Brick (2005)
Rating: 3.5/4
Newcomer Rian Johnson creates a homage of the classic film noirs of the early twentienth century with respect and wonderful plotting. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Brendan Frye, a teenager who finds the body of his ex-girlfriend, Emily (Emilie de Ravin), in a storm drain which leads him to go on a dark, violent journey to discover the truth behind what happened to her. Throughout his journey he meets many memorable characters. Already taking the risk of creating, in many respects, a tribute work to film noir, Brick also takes the risk of using teenagers as the characters in its very adult narrative. A narrative that is violent and complex, forcing young characters to make decisions that the strongest adult would hesitate at making.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Spy Kids (2001)
Rating: 3.5/4
Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni (Daryl Sabara) Cortez don't respect or trust their parents. A story of two spies falling in love told by their mother, Ingrid Cortez (Carla Gugino), is a rare moment when the family is together, excluding their father Gregorio (Antonio Banderas). Their father is very mysterious and keeps many secrets. What they don't know, is that those stories are true. when their parents are captured by genius Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming), and his ruthless partner Minion (Tony Shalhoub) they must learn their parent's secrets along with learning how to be spies in order to save them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)