I rather enjoyed this film. The beginning half I found annoying with it's clever wit, but by the midway point the dialogue had settle into a more comfortable pace. Juno has a very indie feel to it, which felt very deliberate...I think in the not too future (possibly present) time these "indie" films can be studied for what they represent and portray. There's something predictable about these films. Last year's "indie gem" was Little Miss Sunshine. These are not bad films, but they're just as formulaic, and as more as released I wonder what's the point. Just as the Romantic Comedy genre was ruined by Britney Murphy, Kate Hudson etc, I think the Indie Film will eventually be on the edge of ruin if they keep churning out meatloaf like this.
I guess that was just a tip of the iceburg of my genre criticism, but to be fair Juno is a really enjoyable film. It's well acted, well written, and well directed. Special attention to Jennifer Garner for her role, I really believed her need for a baby. The soundtrack was very catchy, in the indie-genre (I'm-going-to-try-not-to-criticize this); I may buy this next week when it's released. A lot of people have been raving about Michael Cera's performance in this film. Yeah, it's good, but I don't think it's anything extraordinary or different from what he's already done.
Ah well, I say check out this film because you probably will enjoy it. I think I've become jaded because I've seen my share of indie films over the past few years.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Margot at the Wedding (2007)
Wow, this is one of those movies that is hard to wrap your head around. It was honestly the most melodrama I think I've experienced in a 90 minute stretch. I felt so unnerved by the end of it I pledged I would never act like that around my family. I'm thinking this is director Noah Baumbach's intention because he's no stranger to these situations in his films. It's hard to say I enjoyed this film because the characters are just so erratic and rude, but at the same time it shows such a truthful ugly side of humanity. The portrayals of the characters by the cast was beautifully done with special nods to Jennifer Jason Leigh and John Turturro (who, granted was only there for 5 minutes, but totally rocked it). Jack Black had an unconvincing crying scene, who my friend told me later that's how boy's cry (I still think it was bad acting). Also, aside from that, the only thing that bugged me was the unstable camera composition. I understand maybe Baumbach was trying to illustrate the family's unrest with a shaky cam, but I think it was used cheaply.
The film's ending was really open, in that I was interested to see how the character's resolved their melodrama. Up until the final minutes there was so much that wasn't explained about the actions of the characters. It's interesting how Baumbach uses this lack of information given to pull in the audience with suspense. The film is such a snapshot of these characters' lives that you never get a chance to understand fully their ideas and desires.
I guess I recommend this film if you are interested in a family melodrama case study. Beware feelings of anxiety that may come while watching it.
The film's ending was really open, in that I was interested to see how the character's resolved their melodrama. Up until the final minutes there was so much that wasn't explained about the actions of the characters. It's interesting how Baumbach uses this lack of information given to pull in the audience with suspense. The film is such a snapshot of these characters' lives that you never get a chance to understand fully their ideas and desires.
I guess I recommend this film if you are interested in a family melodrama case study. Beware feelings of anxiety that may come while watching it.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
49th Parallel (1941)
This is one of those films that you've never heard of before but has a cast and director that ring a bell. It's funny when these kinds of films pop up because they're kind of fringe classics, i guess, because their not on any top movie lists. That being said 49th Parallel is a decently solid film, but understandable not an all-time classic. Directed by Michael Powell who's one of the greatest British directors and with a smart cast, including Laurence Olivier and Leslie Howard, it's almost a surprise this film doesn't get more recognition beyond the film elite. I think what holds this film back is it's too contemporary in it's time. The film takes place during World War II, right before the American's joined the Allies. My brief readings told me this film was made in efforts to convince the American's that they need to join the war. I find this ironic because the film takes place in Canada, and Americans don't share all the same values as Canadians.
Enjoyable scenes in the film: Laurence Olivier playing a French-Canadian fur-trapper was so funny. His accent was ridiculous, but he really got into which was awesome. Leslie Howard playing a Native Indian historian, not caring when the German's threaten to shoot him, but has a hissy fit when they destroy his paintings and literature, haha. Any scene where Canadians are portrayed as defenseless, yet rational human beings who offer any stranger food and lodging whenever they bump into the German's. Now I know we're supposed to be friendly, but I think that image of hospitality is probably pushing it.
Minor inconvenience, the plot dragged on at times, but overall it was a smooth pace.
What I found interesting about this film is that it's a British film portraying Canadian values. I don't think I've seen a film like this before, so it was kind of cool to see how another country sees us besides the awful misrepresentation made by any American films.
I say check out this film is the above subject matter paints your fancy.
Enjoyable scenes in the film: Laurence Olivier playing a French-Canadian fur-trapper was so funny. His accent was ridiculous, but he really got into which was awesome. Leslie Howard playing a Native Indian historian, not caring when the German's threaten to shoot him, but has a hissy fit when they destroy his paintings and literature, haha. Any scene where Canadians are portrayed as defenseless, yet rational human beings who offer any stranger food and lodging whenever they bump into the German's. Now I know we're supposed to be friendly, but I think that image of hospitality is probably pushing it.
Minor inconvenience, the plot dragged on at times, but overall it was a smooth pace.
What I found interesting about this film is that it's a British film portraying Canadian values. I don't think I've seen a film like this before, so it was kind of cool to see how another country sees us besides the awful misrepresentation made by any American films.
I say check out this film is the above subject matter paints your fancy.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Disturbia (2007) & Transformers (2007)
The reason I clumped these films together is because they both star cutie-patootie Shia LaBeouf and they were both pretty much average films. Transformers was slightly better though. So both these films are about Shia's character getting into mischief, and then talking himself out of it, that crazy rascal. He plays a typical teen boy, obsessed with video games, attractive lady companions, and talking his parents off. Both films pair Shia with a gorgeous, thin, yet curvy love interest. These "tight hotties" are doing so much for my self-esteem :s...the films both end with Shia macking on his lady... ah shit, I totally spoiled it for everyone!
In terms of narrative both films are pretty weak, but you can't expect much from major hollywood vehicles. Disturbia was pegged as a Hichcock Rear Window knock-off; yeah, the story has the same skeleton, but really the efforts are not where near comparison, puh-leeze. Transformers is a what-you-see-what-you-get, which means a 15 year old wrote the scripts, but I won't deride it for that reason, because they never pretended to be more than an summer blockbuster.
In the way that supporting actors go, the films had some credibility. Carrie-Anne Moss played a never-there mom very well, but Transformers took the cake with John Turturro playing the bad-cop turned good-cop, he totally made the slow "story" scenes enjoyable to watch.
In the end I recommend Transformers for a good popcorn flick, but Disturbia is pretty weak, so no go there.
In terms of narrative both films are pretty weak, but you can't expect much from major hollywood vehicles. Disturbia was pegged as a Hichcock Rear Window knock-off; yeah, the story has the same skeleton, but really the efforts are not where near comparison, puh-leeze. Transformers is a what-you-see-what-you-get, which means a 15 year old wrote the scripts, but I won't deride it for that reason, because they never pretended to be more than an summer blockbuster.
In the way that supporting actors go, the films had some credibility. Carrie-Anne Moss played a never-there mom very well, but Transformers took the cake with John Turturro playing the bad-cop turned good-cop, he totally made the slow "story" scenes enjoyable to watch.
In the end I recommend Transformers for a good popcorn flick, but Disturbia is pretty weak, so no go there.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Feist - December 3, 2007 - Hamilton Place
This show was great, I really enjoyed it. It was my second time seeing Feist live so I came in with some expectations, Feist met those expectations, but for different reasons. The first time I saw Feist it was at the Folk Festival in Ottawa, we were outdoors, it was rainy and cold, and dark. All things said it was also a great show because Feist is awesome live. I was standing right against the bars, so I had one of the best spots essentially, and it was a pretty cheap ticket to get in.
Last night the show was indoors, it was seated, and I was on the first balcony so not as close as I'd like. Feist definitely brought her lady funk which was great, she chatted a bit with the audience, and did a fair mix of her older stuff along with most tunes from her new cd. She did a 3 song encore which I thought was more than generous due to lack of audience participation, but it seemed like it was part of the set regardless of how the audience reacted. Opening band Great Lake Swimmers were great also. Their songs were so soothing that I felt like curling up and napping it was so relaxing.
What I find interesting about Feist, and what got me wanting to write this post is that even with only 3 CD releases to her name her music is evolving in such an organic way. Her first CD, which most people have not even heard of "Monarch (Lay Down Your Jewelled Head)" has an unpolished feel to it. I can't claim much expertise to this album because I've only listened to it maybe one and a half times, but it's definitely neat to listen to to get a grasp of Feist's roots. "Let it Die" is the album that introduced most people to Feist, including myself. The CD is awesome, and by far one of my favourites. It has a disco era feel to it that really makes it a swayable album to listen to. Most of the tunes are down tempo, but she uses awesome classical instruments with electrofusion it's definitely candy for your ears.
The latest CD, "The Remainder" took some time for me to warm up to. The sound is a lot more professional than "Let it Die", and also more accessible to audiences. I originally saw this as Feist selling out because it was only after her song "1234" was used for iPod, that she became popular in the states. But eventually I have come to enjoy this CD also because it still evokes the classic Feist style and rhythm.
Last night the show was indoors, it was seated, and I was on the first balcony so not as close as I'd like. Feist definitely brought her lady funk which was great, she chatted a bit with the audience, and did a fair mix of her older stuff along with most tunes from her new cd. She did a 3 song encore which I thought was more than generous due to lack of audience participation, but it seemed like it was part of the set regardless of how the audience reacted. Opening band Great Lake Swimmers were great also. Their songs were so soothing that I felt like curling up and napping it was so relaxing.
What I find interesting about Feist, and what got me wanting to write this post is that even with only 3 CD releases to her name her music is evolving in such an organic way. Her first CD, which most people have not even heard of "Monarch (Lay Down Your Jewelled Head)" has an unpolished feel to it. I can't claim much expertise to this album because I've only listened to it maybe one and a half times, but it's definitely neat to listen to to get a grasp of Feist's roots. "Let it Die" is the album that introduced most people to Feist, including myself. The CD is awesome, and by far one of my favourites. It has a disco era feel to it that really makes it a swayable album to listen to. Most of the tunes are down tempo, but she uses awesome classical instruments with electrofusion it's definitely candy for your ears.
The latest CD, "The Remainder" took some time for me to warm up to. The sound is a lot more professional than "Let it Die", and also more accessible to audiences. I originally saw this as Feist selling out because it was only after her song "1234" was used for iPod, that she became popular in the states. But eventually I have come to enjoy this CD also because it still evokes the classic Feist style and rhythm.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
It's been a few years since I last watched this film, and it still really impressed me. It's one of those films that you feel you learn something new about the characters and also about yourself with each viewing. I'm always torn whether to categorize the film as optimistic or pessimistic because the characters go through such drama, but in the end the vulnerable characters end up better off than the stubborn/obnoxious characters.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape is visually low-budget, which I would say is it's only main weakness. Errors in continuity and poor audio-dubbing can be distracting, but because of the strong story and characters, don't seem to cause too much of a blip for people who don't notice them.
James Spader and Peter Gallagher are so sexy and natural in these roles, they were really cast well. Their characters really remind me of guys I personally know, which keeps me coming back to watch this film.
In the end I recommend this film for anyone who has had a bad relationship in their life, and feel like it's destroyed them emotionally. Not to sound too bleak, but this film really gives insight as to how people feel after they have been betrayed by the person they have loved more than anyone else in their life. In my opinion the film is still kind of open in the ending, making you not sure as to what will happen to the main characters, it's definitely more realistic than 99% of Hollywood movies made today.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape is visually low-budget, which I would say is it's only main weakness. Errors in continuity and poor audio-dubbing can be distracting, but because of the strong story and characters, don't seem to cause too much of a blip for people who don't notice them.
James Spader and Peter Gallagher are so sexy and natural in these roles, they were really cast well. Their characters really remind me of guys I personally know, which keeps me coming back to watch this film.
In the end I recommend this film for anyone who has had a bad relationship in their life, and feel like it's destroyed them emotionally. Not to sound too bleak, but this film really gives insight as to how people feel after they have been betrayed by the person they have loved more than anyone else in their life. In my opinion the film is still kind of open in the ending, making you not sure as to what will happen to the main characters, it's definitely more realistic than 99% of Hollywood movies made today.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Freaky Friday (1976)
This is the kind of film that only children can enjoy, literally. The last time I watched this film I was around 8 years old, so I thought it was the wittiest things I'd ever seen. Watching it now, it's pretty drab. For anyone not familiar with this film's premise, a mother and daughter who are fed up with each other simultaneously declare they would rather be the other person, and then at the blink of an eye, the daughter is in the mother's body, and the mother is in the daughter's body.
This film, all of that aside, was very casted. Jodie Foster plays a very convincing mother, for someone in their early teens, and Barbara Harris is hilarious as the mom turned young teen. Harris is definitely more entertaining to watch because she pulls off slapstick comedy like no other. Watching her try to put on fake eyelashes is so funny, you really believe she has no idea how to be an adult. Of course supporting roles too are great. John Astin, legendary Gomez Addams from the original Addams Family pulls is weight.
Overall this movie is only worth watching if you remember seeing this as a child, and you feel nostalgic, besides that it's just like eating a cream-filled donut, only feels like a sweet idea before you start eating it.
This film, all of that aside, was very casted. Jodie Foster plays a very convincing mother, for someone in their early teens, and Barbara Harris is hilarious as the mom turned young teen. Harris is definitely more entertaining to watch because she pulls off slapstick comedy like no other. Watching her try to put on fake eyelashes is so funny, you really believe she has no idea how to be an adult. Of course supporting roles too are great. John Astin, legendary Gomez Addams from the original Addams Family pulls is weight.
Overall this movie is only worth watching if you remember seeing this as a child, and you feel nostalgic, besides that it's just like eating a cream-filled donut, only feels like a sweet idea before you start eating it.
The Lives of Others (2006)
This was a very good film. It takes place in 1984 East Germany and illustrates how it's citizens how no privacy from State Security. The story is of one of the spy's who lives a lonely life, one day has a change of heart and does not record the rebellious activities of the artist he is spying on. The spy starts to agree with the artist's political convictions, and even goes so far as to help the artist's girlfriend return to him.
There are very strong voyeuristic elements in this film, which makes it very interesting to watch. You can't help but feel empathy toward the lonely spy because he everyone wants to feel as if their presence in other people's lives are making a positive impact. The lonely spy is in the position where he can allow something to happen that can change a nation, and he doesn't hesitate for a moment.
I was very moved by this film and recommend it to everyone to see because it's such a truthful tale of human actions. This film won best foreign-language film at the Oscar's this past year, which it very much deserved.
There are very strong voyeuristic elements in this film, which makes it very interesting to watch. You can't help but feel empathy toward the lonely spy because he everyone wants to feel as if their presence in other people's lives are making a positive impact. The lonely spy is in the position where he can allow something to happen that can change a nation, and he doesn't hesitate for a moment.
I was very moved by this film and recommend it to everyone to see because it's such a truthful tale of human actions. This film won best foreign-language film at the Oscar's this past year, which it very much deserved.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The River (1951)
I found this film to be very unique. It takes place in India and describes Indian philosophy and way of life through a British family that lives on an estate. The story is of two sisters, one in her twenties, and the other in her teens who fight over a young man who is a family friend and comes to stay awhile on the estate. It gets pretty "Mean Girls" between them because the young man is friendly toward both girls, so neither of them back away. The film ends just as a tragedy is ending, so it kind of a toss between a sad and happy ending.
What I liked about this film is the philosophy about life and families that is intertwined in the plot. I had an interest to see this film because Wes Anderson said that The River is the film that most inspired his new film The Darjeeling Limited (2007), and me being a big Wes Anderson fan (and giant film geek), I had to watch this soon.
This film was also the first colour film Jean Renoir made. Renoir being a very reputable French director really wanted to make a different film that his current oeuvre. I think this film, while having a very different stage than his other films, is very similar in theme to his other films.
Overall this film is pretty good, but not amazing. I think one would enjoy this film if they're looking for a film that takes them to a part of the world they've never been to (unless they've been to India). It's something to watch when you want to kick back, relax, and reflect on life.
What I liked about this film is the philosophy about life and families that is intertwined in the plot. I had an interest to see this film because Wes Anderson said that The River is the film that most inspired his new film The Darjeeling Limited (2007), and me being a big Wes Anderson fan (and giant film geek), I had to watch this soon.
This film was also the first colour film Jean Renoir made. Renoir being a very reputable French director really wanted to make a different film that his current oeuvre. I think this film, while having a very different stage than his other films, is very similar in theme to his other films.
Overall this film is pretty good, but not amazing. I think one would enjoy this film if they're looking for a film that takes them to a part of the world they've never been to (unless they've been to India). It's something to watch when you want to kick back, relax, and reflect on life.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Shortbus (2006)
This movie was pretty magical, I really enjoyed it. Shortbus is about sex and trust in relationships. A number of different story lines, dealing with similar, but unique relationships. The relationships are weaved together giving the film a bigger picture on how people act with their mates. I felt this film was very honest in it's portrayal. John Cameron Mitchell is amazing as the writer and director of this film. Anyone who has seen Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) would definitely enjoy this film. To capture NYC as a whole, Mitchell uses an amazing art piece of the city as a stand-in and then zigzags over it's skyline to segue between different scenes. The performances were also very good. I thought it was cool seeing Sook-Yin Lee, former MuchMusic VJ acting it up.
Overall the film had a mid tempo tone to it. I felt neither depressed, or delighted after the film, but rather balanced about it's outlook on relationships. Mitchell showed both sides of the coin, so that you know that relationships are an imperfect thing.
Overall the film had a mid tempo tone to it. I felt neither depressed, or delighted after the film, but rather balanced about it's outlook on relationships. Mitchell showed both sides of the coin, so that you know that relationships are an imperfect thing.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
This movie was pretty decent. It was your typical corporate scandal documentary, not that I'm an expert on this genre, but I've seen my share of "greedy-corporate-bastard" vs. "Poor-defenseless-public". The movie is all about exposing how Enron mislead the world about their accounts. I thought it was pretty interesting the different ways that Enron got away with all so much fraud, before a righteous whistle blower came out.
The format of the film is pretty standard for this genre. Opening of "wow, we can't believe they got away with all that", to some impressive investigative reporting on their business methods, to "gee, they all new the illusion wouldn't last forever". I watched this film for the content more than anything. Enron was a huge story a few years ago, but this doc is definitely still topical in today's criticism of corporate worlds. What I find interesting is the portrayal of the executives as human beings, as opposed to seeing them as soulless talking heads. They all knew they were cheating so many people out of their life's savings, but for some reason they just wouldn't come clean. I don't think it's something everyone has the capacity of doing, but it's wild when those who do, take it so far.
I think this movie is worth watching if you're looking for a doc on a corporate expose. The film is definitely content over style, so kind of educational.
The format of the film is pretty standard for this genre. Opening of "wow, we can't believe they got away with all that", to some impressive investigative reporting on their business methods, to "gee, they all new the illusion wouldn't last forever". I watched this film for the content more than anything. Enron was a huge story a few years ago, but this doc is definitely still topical in today's criticism of corporate worlds. What I find interesting is the portrayal of the executives as human beings, as opposed to seeing them as soulless talking heads. They all knew they were cheating so many people out of their life's savings, but for some reason they just wouldn't come clean. I don't think it's something everyone has the capacity of doing, but it's wild when those who do, take it so far.
I think this movie is worth watching if you're looking for a doc on a corporate expose. The film is definitely content over style, so kind of educational.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Away From Her (2006)
Wow! This film was nothing short of amazing and fantastic. I came into watching this film thinking it'll be too much on the art-house/pretentious side for me to enjoy it, but boy was I wrong. This film was incredible for it's script, direction, and acting; all forces seemed to be just right.
Before I just continue singing words of praise for this film let me mention it's premise. A couple in their golden years are dealing with the wife having Alzheimer's. She decides it's best for the both of them if she stays in an institution where they treat people with the same disease.
The movie is about to continuing tension that goes on between the couple as the disease deteriorates her memory. I don't want to ruin anything else because it's such a tragic story. It's the kind of film you feel sad watching but also inspired in the way that you don't want to waste your life with trivial pursuits.
Before I just continue singing words of praise for this film let me mention it's premise. A couple in their golden years are dealing with the wife having Alzheimer's. She decides it's best for the both of them if she stays in an institution where they treat people with the same disease.
The movie is about to continuing tension that goes on between the couple as the disease deteriorates her memory. I don't want to ruin anything else because it's such a tragic story. It's the kind of film you feel sad watching but also inspired in the way that you don't want to waste your life with trivial pursuits.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Hot Fuzz (2007)
This movie was alright. It's a British buddy-cop satire, with intentionally hilarious gore. What made this film only alright was that it just feels like a follow up to zombie satire "Shaun of the Dead" that is made by the same ensemble; the only major difference is the setting. Not to saying that duplicating the tone was bad, this movie was consistently funny. The crazy deaths that go on throughout the film are awesome.
The actors' performances were also alright, they were what you would expect if you've seen Shaun of the Dead. The ending was also pretty blah and hollywoodesque.
In the end it's one of the best popcorn movies I've seen lately, I recommend it for some silly fun!
The actors' performances were also alright, they were what you would expect if you've seen Shaun of the Dead. The ending was also pretty blah and hollywoodesque.
In the end it's one of the best popcorn movies I've seen lately, I recommend it for some silly fun!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Mysterious Skin (2004)
This film was actually a lot lighter than I thought it would be. Sure, there's tons of gay porn, and child molestation, but the way Gregg Araki delivered the subject matter in this film is totally more mainstream than his three earlier films that I have watched in class. I feel like this film is the breaking point between cult status and mainstream (on the art-house level) recognition. The cast is full of fully known actors. Joseph Gordan-Levitt (from 3rd Rock from the Sun, and 10 Things I hate about you), Michelle Trachtenburg (from Harriet The Spy), and Elisabeth Shue (from mostly 80s teen melodramas).
The film had a strong message about how kids are very impressionable when they are little so you gotta watch out who they're hanging out with after baseball practice. It's not the kind of film I recommend watching on a Sunday afternoon to kick back after a long week, you gotta be ready for some heavy drama, but the strange part is it didn't feel disturbing to watch all these things. The way Araki presents all this emotional baggage is in the way to show how everyone feels they go through drama in their life, it's very accessible.
I recommend this film if you're looking for something kind of deep, and maybe soul-wrenching. The performance by Joseph Gordan-Levitt is also pretty good.
The film had a strong message about how kids are very impressionable when they are little so you gotta watch out who they're hanging out with after baseball practice. It's not the kind of film I recommend watching on a Sunday afternoon to kick back after a long week, you gotta be ready for some heavy drama, but the strange part is it didn't feel disturbing to watch all these things. The way Araki presents all this emotional baggage is in the way to show how everyone feels they go through drama in their life, it's very accessible.
I recommend this film if you're looking for something kind of deep, and maybe soul-wrenching. The performance by Joseph Gordan-Levitt is also pretty good.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Repulsion (1965)
This was a pretty subtle and disturbing films I've seen. I don't think I would have known what was going on, unless I read the back. The story is of a young manicurist who is completely repulsed by sex. The first half of the film involved her being pursued by a seemingly nice man, who wants to take her to dinner, awkward nights where she has to overhear her sister having sex, and extended moments of daydreaming at work.
Catherine Deneuve plays the young protagonist, and she's probably the ideal actress for the film, quiet, seemingly pretentious, but an actual flake.
There is hardly any action that actually goes on in the film, it's more about the suspense and psychological effect that everything is having on her. The cinematography is good, and the black and white is good at deepening to dark feel the film has.
On an satirical note, this film has a message saying don't fall for the blonde girl, she'll only lead you on, and then slit your throat, ha.
Overall it was decent, it wasn't really my thing, but I found it interesting to watch.
Catherine Deneuve plays the young protagonist, and she's probably the ideal actress for the film, quiet, seemingly pretentious, but an actual flake.
There is hardly any action that actually goes on in the film, it's more about the suspense and psychological effect that everything is having on her. The cinematography is good, and the black and white is good at deepening to dark feel the film has.
On an satirical note, this film has a message saying don't fall for the blonde girl, she'll only lead you on, and then slit your throat, ha.
Overall it was decent, it wasn't really my thing, but I found it interesting to watch.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Toronto International Film Festival '07 - Part II
L'Age des Tenebres
This was another film I felt was very good. It was so dark and yet so comedic at the same time. I was never sure it cry or laugh at what was going on, on screen.
The protagonist is a man who does not like his job, his wife and kids ignore him because they are preoccupied with technological distractions that they have around them. This is a film I knew I would like months before I saw it. Deny Arcand the director is extraordinarily skilled at balancing mainstream accessible films with artful poetic substance. I was surprised at the lifestyle the protagonist chose in the end of the film. I don't want to ruin any of it, it felt really idealistic, but something that wouldn't be feasible for everyone to do.
Smiley Face
Hands down the most entertaining film I saw during the festival. It's a stoner comedy with a female protagonist, which makes it stand out because most stoner films have men in the leading roles. Anna Faris is amazing in this film, I don't think anyone else could have done this role the way she did it. The supporting cast also brought in strong performances, Adam Brody, and Jim from The Office, both very funny playing different stereotypes than what audiences are used to seeing them in. The physical comedy and wacky mannerisms that she pulls off are very impressive. I really want to own this film one day, not to say that it was the best film at the festival for me, but just that it's one of those films that you know you can watch a bunch of times and not be bored with it. What really made the movie special as well was the script. The movie would randomly branch off into economic theory or marxism propoganda in very hilarious circumstances.
I'm Not There
This was probably the only movie that I had high expectations for, but then was surprisingly disappointed. Another musician's biopic, I'm Not There takes an experimental look at the life and apparently different personas of Bob Dylan. I was not aware of what happened in Bob Dylan's life going into the film, nor do I know anything about it now, but the way it was presented I was definitely confused whether what was being depicted were true events or a fabricated story. The film has 6 different actors play Bob Dylan at different points of his life, which sounds all interesting and everything. But what threw me off is that in addition to this the film did not go in any kind of chronological order. It was definitely interesting to see, but I just didn't dig the direction.
Chacun Son Cinema
This was one of this film's that you have to see at a film festival, because it's dedicated to people who love and are changed by film. The film was comprised of shorts; each directed by a uniquely recongized international director. There were many 20 films all together, each having a special outlook on how people treat film watching, their emotional ties to it, and what they feel when they are at a movie house. One of my favourites was the Roman Polanski film. In the film a couple is watching a porographic film in a seemingly empty theatre. They all of a sudden hear a man moaning in one of the last rows before the balcony. His moaning is disturbing them because from their perspective the man is fondling himself. The couple get the theatre manager to talk to him. When the theatre manager asks him why he's sitting in the main area when he has a balcony seat, the man responds that he fell. Trust me, it was a lot smoother watching it unfold on screen.
La Fille Coupee En Deux
This was another very nice film, it was about a love triangle. I really liked the direction by Claude Chambrol. He does film with a subtle thriller angle. I didn't see the thriller aspect coming up, until something very sudden and drastic happens. The girl in the love triangle is played by the girl who's in Swimming Pool, another popular recent French film. She is torn between an older and a younger man. Both men hate each other and fight for her attention. I liked how the film ended very unpredictably, I didn't see it coming, so it was really entertaining.
The Visitor
This was a charming film that I enjoyed watching. I chose to see this film because the director also did The Station Agent, which I also enjoyed, and The Visitor has many of the same qualities. The Visitor has a slow, but steady pace. The story is very interesting, along with character development, so it kept my attention. It's the story of an aging college professor who's unmotivated about his life, until he stumbles upon a par of house squatters who are staying at his mostly unused apartment. He takes a liking to the couple, and he forms a quick bond with them, mostly with the guy. But suddenly things that a turn for the worst and the professor sees himself going to the furtherest length to help his new found friends. It's a great story about trust, loyalty, and the simply pleasures in companionship, I recommend it.
L'Amour Cache
This was the second film that I walked out of half way through. I originally was interested in seeing it because one of my favourite french actress' Isabelle Huppert was the star. Unfortunately the film, in my opinion didn't end up having much to offer me. The story was of a mother who despises her daughter and never wanted to have her in the first place. The daughter also seems very uncomfortable around her mother. The film is about the mother trying to overcome this disgust, so it was a pretty highly emotional film. What didn't work for me was that every other shot the boom mic would drift into the top of the film, it was totally unprofessional, and completely distracting in my film watching experience. Seeing the mic took away any believability this film had for me. In addition to this the story felt really piecemeal, but that could have been because I was really distracted to begin with. I had no problem walking out of the film, might as well.
Nothing Is Private
I really enjoyed this film. My expectations were pretty high going into the film, and it wasn't completely what I was expecting, but I was definitely impressed. The acting, direction, soundtrack, story, and morals were all very strong in this film. The story is of a young arab-american girl who repeatedly is misunderstood by her parents and the people around her. She's portrayed as the victim in the film, most likely of her environment. She keeps being put into compromising situations by people who try to force her to do things she's unsure she wants to do. It also takes place during the gulf war of the early 90s, so American politics is one of the forefront themes of the film. It is a highly emotional film, with some good dark comedy moments.
This was another film I felt was very good. It was so dark and yet so comedic at the same time. I was never sure it cry or laugh at what was going on, on screen.
The protagonist is a man who does not like his job, his wife and kids ignore him because they are preoccupied with technological distractions that they have around them. This is a film I knew I would like months before I saw it. Deny Arcand the director is extraordinarily skilled at balancing mainstream accessible films with artful poetic substance. I was surprised at the lifestyle the protagonist chose in the end of the film. I don't want to ruin any of it, it felt really idealistic, but something that wouldn't be feasible for everyone to do.
Smiley Face
Hands down the most entertaining film I saw during the festival. It's a stoner comedy with a female protagonist, which makes it stand out because most stoner films have men in the leading roles. Anna Faris is amazing in this film, I don't think anyone else could have done this role the way she did it. The supporting cast also brought in strong performances, Adam Brody, and Jim from The Office, both very funny playing different stereotypes than what audiences are used to seeing them in. The physical comedy and wacky mannerisms that she pulls off are very impressive. I really want to own this film one day, not to say that it was the best film at the festival for me, but just that it's one of those films that you know you can watch a bunch of times and not be bored with it. What really made the movie special as well was the script. The movie would randomly branch off into economic theory or marxism propoganda in very hilarious circumstances.
I'm Not There
This was probably the only movie that I had high expectations for, but then was surprisingly disappointed. Another musician's biopic, I'm Not There takes an experimental look at the life and apparently different personas of Bob Dylan. I was not aware of what happened in Bob Dylan's life going into the film, nor do I know anything about it now, but the way it was presented I was definitely confused whether what was being depicted were true events or a fabricated story. The film has 6 different actors play Bob Dylan at different points of his life, which sounds all interesting and everything. But what threw me off is that in addition to this the film did not go in any kind of chronological order. It was definitely interesting to see, but I just didn't dig the direction.
Chacun Son Cinema
This was one of this film's that you have to see at a film festival, because it's dedicated to people who love and are changed by film. The film was comprised of shorts; each directed by a uniquely recongized international director. There were many 20 films all together, each having a special outlook on how people treat film watching, their emotional ties to it, and what they feel when they are at a movie house. One of my favourites was the Roman Polanski film. In the film a couple is watching a porographic film in a seemingly empty theatre. They all of a sudden hear a man moaning in one of the last rows before the balcony. His moaning is disturbing them because from their perspective the man is fondling himself. The couple get the theatre manager to talk to him. When the theatre manager asks him why he's sitting in the main area when he has a balcony seat, the man responds that he fell. Trust me, it was a lot smoother watching it unfold on screen.
La Fille Coupee En Deux
This was another very nice film, it was about a love triangle. I really liked the direction by Claude Chambrol. He does film with a subtle thriller angle. I didn't see the thriller aspect coming up, until something very sudden and drastic happens. The girl in the love triangle is played by the girl who's in Swimming Pool, another popular recent French film. She is torn between an older and a younger man. Both men hate each other and fight for her attention. I liked how the film ended very unpredictably, I didn't see it coming, so it was really entertaining.
The Visitor
This was a charming film that I enjoyed watching. I chose to see this film because the director also did The Station Agent, which I also enjoyed, and The Visitor has many of the same qualities. The Visitor has a slow, but steady pace. The story is very interesting, along with character development, so it kept my attention. It's the story of an aging college professor who's unmotivated about his life, until he stumbles upon a par of house squatters who are staying at his mostly unused apartment. He takes a liking to the couple, and he forms a quick bond with them, mostly with the guy. But suddenly things that a turn for the worst and the professor sees himself going to the furtherest length to help his new found friends. It's a great story about trust, loyalty, and the simply pleasures in companionship, I recommend it.
L'Amour Cache
This was the second film that I walked out of half way through. I originally was interested in seeing it because one of my favourite french actress' Isabelle Huppert was the star. Unfortunately the film, in my opinion didn't end up having much to offer me. The story was of a mother who despises her daughter and never wanted to have her in the first place. The daughter also seems very uncomfortable around her mother. The film is about the mother trying to overcome this disgust, so it was a pretty highly emotional film. What didn't work for me was that every other shot the boom mic would drift into the top of the film, it was totally unprofessional, and completely distracting in my film watching experience. Seeing the mic took away any believability this film had for me. In addition to this the story felt really piecemeal, but that could have been because I was really distracted to begin with. I had no problem walking out of the film, might as well.
Nothing Is Private
I really enjoyed this film. My expectations were pretty high going into the film, and it wasn't completely what I was expecting, but I was definitely impressed. The acting, direction, soundtrack, story, and morals were all very strong in this film. The story is of a young arab-american girl who repeatedly is misunderstood by her parents and the people around her. She's portrayed as the victim in the film, most likely of her environment. She keeps being put into compromising situations by people who try to force her to do things she's unsure she wants to do. It also takes place during the gulf war of the early 90s, so American politics is one of the forefront themes of the film. It is a highly emotional film, with some good dark comedy moments.
Toronto International Film Festival '07 - Part I
Just recently I had the pleasure of working and viewing many different films at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was a great experience, one that I'll probably remember (at least the highlights) for a long time. I decided it would be a good idea to reflect on the films I watched. I put them in chronological order of when I saw them because it would take too much time to decide which film I liked best.
Young People Fucking
This was one of my favourite's of the festival hands down. It's a story about how sex is anything but casual regardless of the situation between consenting parties. It was an endearing story, that was also hilarious. It's definitely worth seeing more than once. Most of the stories leave on an upnote because the couples are able to resolve the drama and comes about when they are fooling around.
Control
This was also a good film. It's a bio-pic of the singer/songwriter Ian Curtis for Joy Division. Performances were spectacular, and the story was very tragic. I enjoyed the black and white cinematography in the film, I feel it gave it a more legendary feel to the story. The film also made me really want to listen to Joy Divison, I need to add some to my ipod soon. The only weakness for me in this film was that the perspective was partial to Debbie Curtis, his wife, so in the end it made her look like the victim in Ian's death, which seems too subjective to be fair.
Le Deuxieme Souffle
This was one of the weaker films I saw at the festival. It was a 2.5 hour french gangster film. For one that's too long for me to enjoy, two, I don't care much for that genre, the french part was just ok. The film had a really slow pace, it seemed to be about a retiring hitman, who gets dragged into one last job, but then things take a turn for the worst. I was kind of just waiting for the hitman to die, signally the film's end, but he seemed to survive a lot, including slitting his wrists/cracking his head open at the same time.
Chaotic Ana
This was definitely an interesting film. I can't completely decide what I thought about it because it was such a strong piece, with some innovative story/cinematic techniques. The story is very detailed, so it's hard to summarize in a few words without not doing it justice. The main idea is that they discover that she had all these past lives where each time she was tragically killed when she was 22. The present character in the film is 21, which is only one layer of the story as a whole. It's the kind of film that feels like you're peeling an onion to get to the center.
Trumbo
I picked this film at the last minute because I didn't want to see the film I had a ticket for at the same time. It was a documentary about a man who was blacklisted as a communist during the dark times of the 50s. The man clearly had an interesting life, and there were parts of the doc that I thought were great, but most of the film ended up being famous present day actors dictating old letters written by Trumbo during his heyday. This was a neat technique at first, but half the movie consisted of this, so half way through the film it really felt like a one-trick-pony. Mediocre film overall
Breakfast with Scot
This was such a cute film, I really enjoyed watching it. It's the story of a gay male couple who take in the son of one of their sister's because she had recently died. The nephew has a very effeminate matter which results in the couple thinking he needs to tone down his flair. The homosexuality theme is a major part of the film, but it does it in such an accessible, good-nature way, that one never feels uncomfortable with the subject matter, regardless of their feelings about homosexuality. It was the most mainstream feeling film that I saw, but it being a low-budget Canadian feature I doubt it'll get much distribution. The performances in this light-humoured film were also very good, especially the young boy playing Scot.
The Sun Also Rises
This was the least interesting film for me during the festival. It's a lyrical portrayal of different characters who live in the chinese countryside. The characters weren't connected, to my knowledge, and I ended up walking out halfway through because I felt like I was wasting my time and I was exhausted from a long day.
Bill
This was one of my favourite films at the festival. Aaron Eckarts plays a man who hates his cheating wife, hates his job, and aspires to own a donut franchise. Bill is a light-hearted dark comedy (if those two tones can be put side-by-side) with some playful slapstick. I think this film will get medium distribution because of the star-power, but it still has an indie feel, so it won't be huge either.
Blood Brothers
Another film I would have rather skipped. It was also a gangster film, but this time it was in chinese, so I couldn't even enjoy the language alone. It was at least only 97 minutes long, so I wasn't dying for air. I found the plot weak, because it felt like they didn't explain why and how they because gangsters, but also maybe I zoned out because I knew I wasn't into it from the get go.
Short Cuts Canada Programme 3
I decided that I wanted to give short films a chance because I don't see many, and I was modestly surprised. The first 3 films were pretty artsy, and felt pointless in my opinion, I think I just can't get into lyrical films, I need a point, dammit. But the shorts got better as they came along; they must have put them in order of quality. One of the good ones was about this cement monster that follows this guy around. No one else can see this cement monster, so the man slowly goes insane. It was a pretty comedic film, in the end the man dies, but it was funny because right after that the monster found someone else to torment. My feeling is that the shorts are good for experimenting with different CGI-effects that people want to test out before they take them to the feature length, or also if they don't have a huge budget.
This is a little more than half of the films I saw. I'll be posting the second half after some much needed relaxation (as soon as I had finished the festival I had to head to class all week).
Young People Fucking
This was one of my favourite's of the festival hands down. It's a story about how sex is anything but casual regardless of the situation between consenting parties. It was an endearing story, that was also hilarious. It's definitely worth seeing more than once. Most of the stories leave on an upnote because the couples are able to resolve the drama and comes about when they are fooling around.
Control
This was also a good film. It's a bio-pic of the singer/songwriter Ian Curtis for Joy Division. Performances were spectacular, and the story was very tragic. I enjoyed the black and white cinematography in the film, I feel it gave it a more legendary feel to the story. The film also made me really want to listen to Joy Divison, I need to add some to my ipod soon. The only weakness for me in this film was that the perspective was partial to Debbie Curtis, his wife, so in the end it made her look like the victim in Ian's death, which seems too subjective to be fair.
Le Deuxieme Souffle
This was one of the weaker films I saw at the festival. It was a 2.5 hour french gangster film. For one that's too long for me to enjoy, two, I don't care much for that genre, the french part was just ok. The film had a really slow pace, it seemed to be about a retiring hitman, who gets dragged into one last job, but then things take a turn for the worst. I was kind of just waiting for the hitman to die, signally the film's end, but he seemed to survive a lot, including slitting his wrists/cracking his head open at the same time.
Chaotic Ana
This was definitely an interesting film. I can't completely decide what I thought about it because it was such a strong piece, with some innovative story/cinematic techniques. The story is very detailed, so it's hard to summarize in a few words without not doing it justice. The main idea is that they discover that she had all these past lives where each time she was tragically killed when she was 22. The present character in the film is 21, which is only one layer of the story as a whole. It's the kind of film that feels like you're peeling an onion to get to the center.
Trumbo
I picked this film at the last minute because I didn't want to see the film I had a ticket for at the same time. It was a documentary about a man who was blacklisted as a communist during the dark times of the 50s. The man clearly had an interesting life, and there were parts of the doc that I thought were great, but most of the film ended up being famous present day actors dictating old letters written by Trumbo during his heyday. This was a neat technique at first, but half the movie consisted of this, so half way through the film it really felt like a one-trick-pony. Mediocre film overall
Breakfast with Scot
This was such a cute film, I really enjoyed watching it. It's the story of a gay male couple who take in the son of one of their sister's because she had recently died. The nephew has a very effeminate matter which results in the couple thinking he needs to tone down his flair. The homosexuality theme is a major part of the film, but it does it in such an accessible, good-nature way, that one never feels uncomfortable with the subject matter, regardless of their feelings about homosexuality. It was the most mainstream feeling film that I saw, but it being a low-budget Canadian feature I doubt it'll get much distribution. The performances in this light-humoured film were also very good, especially the young boy playing Scot.
The Sun Also Rises
This was the least interesting film for me during the festival. It's a lyrical portrayal of different characters who live in the chinese countryside. The characters weren't connected, to my knowledge, and I ended up walking out halfway through because I felt like I was wasting my time and I was exhausted from a long day.
Bill
This was one of my favourite films at the festival. Aaron Eckarts plays a man who hates his cheating wife, hates his job, and aspires to own a donut franchise. Bill is a light-hearted dark comedy (if those two tones can be put side-by-side) with some playful slapstick. I think this film will get medium distribution because of the star-power, but it still has an indie feel, so it won't be huge either.
Blood Brothers
Another film I would have rather skipped. It was also a gangster film, but this time it was in chinese, so I couldn't even enjoy the language alone. It was at least only 97 minutes long, so I wasn't dying for air. I found the plot weak, because it felt like they didn't explain why and how they because gangsters, but also maybe I zoned out because I knew I wasn't into it from the get go.
Short Cuts Canada Programme 3
I decided that I wanted to give short films a chance because I don't see many, and I was modestly surprised. The first 3 films were pretty artsy, and felt pointless in my opinion, I think I just can't get into lyrical films, I need a point, dammit. But the shorts got better as they came along; they must have put them in order of quality. One of the good ones was about this cement monster that follows this guy around. No one else can see this cement monster, so the man slowly goes insane. It was a pretty comedic film, in the end the man dies, but it was funny because right after that the monster found someone else to torment. My feeling is that the shorts are good for experimenting with different CGI-effects that people want to test out before they take them to the feature length, or also if they don't have a huge budget.
This is a little more than half of the films I saw. I'll be posting the second half after some much needed relaxation (as soon as I had finished the festival I had to head to class all week).
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Moonstruck (1987)
As far as contemporary romantic comedies go, this movie is definitely one of the best. Staring Cher and a young Nicholas Cage, this film has a subtle humour that works consistently. I think it was the writing that won me over in the first 20 minutes. Cher initially is planning on marrying Cage's brother, but the situation is altered, Cher meets Cage, and they fall in love.
What I liked about this film is that Cher acts kind of butch, making her character stand out from all those willowy girly-girls that seem to be in most romantic comedies these days. The film also takes place in NYC, in the little Italy area, so all the characters have heavy italian accents, which is hilarious.
The visible age difference between Cher and Nicholas Cage, is not played with during the film, which i found odd, because it could have been part of a number of their conversations. Both actors performed very well, and I admit Cage was really cute back then.
What I liked about this film is that Cher acts kind of butch, making her character stand out from all those willowy girly-girls that seem to be in most romantic comedies these days. The film also takes place in NYC, in the little Italy area, so all the characters have heavy italian accents, which is hilarious.
The visible age difference between Cher and Nicholas Cage, is not played with during the film, which i found odd, because it could have been part of a number of their conversations. Both actors performed very well, and I admit Cage was really cute back then.
Souvenirs of Canada (2006)
I thought this was a sweet movie. Based on the visual art book by Douglas Coupland, the film follows Coupland as he creates a shrine to Canada, and interacts with his family. It's a nice mixture neither feeling too historical, or too saccharine. The chemistry between Coupland and his family is quaint, but performative to the camera.
What I enjoyed about this film is that Broken Social Scene and The New Pornographers are both on the soundtrack. It made me feel pride for being a Canadian, for it's idiosyncrasies. The nature, the vast wilderness, and pop culture that seems long time lost.
I recommend this film because it doesn't feel like a history lesson at all, but you learn to appreciate what Canada is. Running at only 70 minutes long, it's clean and concise.
What I enjoyed about this film is that Broken Social Scene and The New Pornographers are both on the soundtrack. It made me feel pride for being a Canadian, for it's idiosyncrasies. The nature, the vast wilderness, and pop culture that seems long time lost.
I recommend this film because it doesn't feel like a history lesson at all, but you learn to appreciate what Canada is. Running at only 70 minutes long, it's clean and concise.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Play Time (1967)
Wow, this movie was really something special! I really mean that. There were times when I loved what was going on, there were times I got lost in it's magic, and there were times when I wanted to pull my hair out because it was frustrating me to no ends.
This film, is honestly like no film I have seen before. I was originally a bit weary to see it because I had the impression that Tati was somewhat avant-garde and elitist, and he is to a degree, but you have to let go of your expectations before coming in to see his films.
There's an intense starkness that he employs in his composition, which takes some getting used to. But what grabbed my attention is that his shots look like they're photographs with moving elements. And I know believe there's difference between good cinematography and good photography in a film. Tati never moves the camera, but he doesn't have to because he's able to fill the screen with all the important action. Lots of times he has 2 or 3 different actions going on with different characters, which probably requires multiple viewings.
His narrative is also very different from what I'm used to. He doesn't seem to have any cause and effect present, but is able to build on what is going on, so that he viewer doesn't know what is going to happen next. The film, over the course of the 2 hours follows two people in a fake Paris; a gentleman who is trying to meet someone for an interview/meeting, and a woman who is in town with a tourist group. The two eventually meet and have a connection.
The part of this film that made me want to tear my hair out is the lack of dialogue in the film. One of my favourite attributes in film is banter between characters. Watching a film that has characters only mumble a few phrases here and there, with not much exchange from other characters was frustrating.
In essence I recommend this film because it is really different than other comedic films. The jokes themselves have been done by others but there's a spontaneity/unrehearsed feel to what you see. Definitely enjoyable.
This film, is honestly like no film I have seen before. I was originally a bit weary to see it because I had the impression that Tati was somewhat avant-garde and elitist, and he is to a degree, but you have to let go of your expectations before coming in to see his films.
There's an intense starkness that he employs in his composition, which takes some getting used to. But what grabbed my attention is that his shots look like they're photographs with moving elements. And I know believe there's difference between good cinematography and good photography in a film. Tati never moves the camera, but he doesn't have to because he's able to fill the screen with all the important action. Lots of times he has 2 or 3 different actions going on with different characters, which probably requires multiple viewings.
His narrative is also very different from what I'm used to. He doesn't seem to have any cause and effect present, but is able to build on what is going on, so that he viewer doesn't know what is going to happen next. The film, over the course of the 2 hours follows two people in a fake Paris; a gentleman who is trying to meet someone for an interview/meeting, and a woman who is in town with a tourist group. The two eventually meet and have a connection.
The part of this film that made me want to tear my hair out is the lack of dialogue in the film. One of my favourite attributes in film is banter between characters. Watching a film that has characters only mumble a few phrases here and there, with not much exchange from other characters was frustrating.
In essence I recommend this film because it is really different than other comedic films. The jokes themselves have been done by others but there's a spontaneity/unrehearsed feel to what you see. Definitely enjoyable.
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