Milk (2009), Focus Features Cert: 15
Dir: Gus Van Sant
Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch
Van Sant takes on the compelling story of, Harvey Milk (Penn) an outwardly gay political activist who changed the face of politics in America. The film is of the years between his 40th birthday and his death, the most prominent in Milk attaining the stature to which he reached. After moving from New York in 1972, Milk goes to San Francisco where he begins his campaign for gay rights from his quaint camera shop in the Castro district. The shop in time becomes the hub of his campaign and subsequently the gay community. With his lover and campaign manager Scott Smith (Franco), they battle for political status. The plot follows Milks’ journey from successive defeats on the political stage, until it finally pays off in 1977 seeing him win a supervisor seat. Milk continues to battle on, but is faced with problems from fellow supervisor Dan White (Brolin) - a strong social conservative, as well as battles in his personal life. The story reaches its climax, as Milk is assassinated and the subsequently how far the consequences rippled.
After a break from the business of motion pictures, Van Sant puts himself back on the map with this provoking and poignant film. Being openly gay himself it seems only right that he take on the role of transferring such a moving story onto the big screen. The screenplay is also written by a young gay man - Dustin Lance Black, and so ensures the subject is dealt with the absolute accuracy. The film doesn’t just concentrate on “the struggles of a gay man in an intolerant society”, but looks at who Harvey Milk was and why he took on such a tough challenge. The good and bad are shown: his mistakes, failures, loves, friendships and ultimately his passion. The story is not just a celebration of Milks achievements but a view into the man himself.
Sean Penn is bang on in his interpretation of Harvey Milk, getting the voice and mannerisms right, without the stereotypical gestures of which Harvey himself did possess. His awards are justified as the role sees Penn re-emerge as a quality actor that is versatile. The on screen chemistry between Penn and Franco is good and grips you hoping it will last. However, it is fact that Franco is dwarfed by the performance of his counterpart. Franco leaves you wanting more emotion and more passion. The relationship required a maturity and Franco gave this, but it also needed a spark that overall seemed missing and so drew you to Penn whenever both were on screen. The film is incredible in capturing the last years of Milks life and also of depicting the real Harvey Milk. The casting of Penn in lead role is smart but at first could be questionable nevertheless he shows he is more than capable. The gruffness and strong physical presence in Josh Brolin as the opposition of Dan White is a lovely contrast that becomes a metaphor of Milk’s struggle - the big brash American man of Dan White versus the growing confidence of the American gay community personified by Harvey Milk.
Sunday 23 May 2010
The Blind Side
The Blind Side (2010), Alcon Entertainment Cert:12
Dir: John Lee Hancock
Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron
The film depicts the true story of now NFL super star Michael “Big Mike” Oher, and his turbulent path to becoming the success he is today. Leigh Ann (Bullock) and Shaun (McGraw) Tuohy take a young Michael (Aaron) under their wing, helping him to leave the demons of crack addict mother and poor upbringing behind him. Having no real education and chances few and far between for a “Ghetto” kid Leigh Ann, having a soft spot for Michael, takes control and ensures that he gets all the opportunities her own children have. Leigh Ann despite facing criticisms from her circle of friends for having taking in a “black kid”, battles and when Michael express an interest in American football Leigh Ann ensures he gets the best coaching to make it. With a football coach and a tutor to help improve Michael’s grades the offers for athletic scholarships pour in. Problems arise however as Michael must make his choice, and in doing so chooses a university to which the Tuohys have long been affiliated. People find the choice suspicious and so question the Tuohy’s influence on young vulnerable Michael.
This is a moving and emotional true story of a boy that with help from strangers became something spectacular. The greatness in what the Tuohy’s did for Michael is captured in a brilliant performance from the whole cast. Sandra Bullock takes on the role of a strong Southern woman, but Bullock adds an element of humour which makes it all the more real. The role saw Bullock earn herself an Oscar and quite rightly so, her performance sees her step up a level; proving she can’t only flex her funny muscles but can make you laugh and cry simultaneously. Bullock isn’t the only star however, newcomer Quinton Aaron steps up to the mark in the lead role. Aaron brought the vulnerability and believability that makes you sit up and watch, and gives a performance that is well beyond his years. Country crooner Tim McGraw also gives a solid performance that doesn’t look out of place against the heavy-weight of Bullock, and their on screen marriage is believable and enjoyable to watch. Hancock cast greatly and directed even greater a story which had to be approached without the attitude of a “rag to riches biopic”, but instead a strong narrative of how one family changed the life of a young man in need. It’s sad, compelling, and funny but above all true to the story of which is based on. Worthy of its rave reviews, The Blind Side is without doubt a fantastic example of simple filmmaking at its best.
Dir: John Lee Hancock
Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron
The film depicts the true story of now NFL super star Michael “Big Mike” Oher, and his turbulent path to becoming the success he is today. Leigh Ann (Bullock) and Shaun (McGraw) Tuohy take a young Michael (Aaron) under their wing, helping him to leave the demons of crack addict mother and poor upbringing behind him. Having no real education and chances few and far between for a “Ghetto” kid Leigh Ann, having a soft spot for Michael, takes control and ensures that he gets all the opportunities her own children have. Leigh Ann despite facing criticisms from her circle of friends for having taking in a “black kid”, battles and when Michael express an interest in American football Leigh Ann ensures he gets the best coaching to make it. With a football coach and a tutor to help improve Michael’s grades the offers for athletic scholarships pour in. Problems arise however as Michael must make his choice, and in doing so chooses a university to which the Tuohys have long been affiliated. People find the choice suspicious and so question the Tuohy’s influence on young vulnerable Michael.
This is a moving and emotional true story of a boy that with help from strangers became something spectacular. The greatness in what the Tuohy’s did for Michael is captured in a brilliant performance from the whole cast. Sandra Bullock takes on the role of a strong Southern woman, but Bullock adds an element of humour which makes it all the more real. The role saw Bullock earn herself an Oscar and quite rightly so, her performance sees her step up a level; proving she can’t only flex her funny muscles but can make you laugh and cry simultaneously. Bullock isn’t the only star however, newcomer Quinton Aaron steps up to the mark in the lead role. Aaron brought the vulnerability and believability that makes you sit up and watch, and gives a performance that is well beyond his years. Country crooner Tim McGraw also gives a solid performance that doesn’t look out of place against the heavy-weight of Bullock, and their on screen marriage is believable and enjoyable to watch. Hancock cast greatly and directed even greater a story which had to be approached without the attitude of a “rag to riches biopic”, but instead a strong narrative of how one family changed the life of a young man in need. It’s sad, compelling, and funny but above all true to the story of which is based on. Worthy of its rave reviews, The Blind Side is without doubt a fantastic example of simple filmmaking at its best.
Thursday 20 May 2010
Strangers (2004) - Short Film
Erez Tadmor & Guy Nattiv bring us Strangers, a film which explores a very simple scenario but which highlights much wider issues. It is well shot and has a narrative that manages to explode and grip you in it's 7 minute duration. Truly fantastic short, and well worth a watch! Comment on what you think
Super Short
Trawling internet I came across this piece of really good film. "Signs" is written and directed Patrick Hughes, and his creation caused a splash in Cannes a few years back. Please have a look and leave a comment if you enjoy it.
Wednesday 19 May 2010
A Film To Watch 2010
"Four Lions" is brought to us from the creator of Fonejacker, so if you double up with laughter at that you are very likely to do the same at this! Written and directed by Chris Morris the film tells the story of 4 young British Muslims whom become radicalised and so attempt to become suicide bombers. The clueless four take on what can only be described as a Jihadist mockery, putting their skills to the test exploring methods with varied and hilarious results, all of which culminate in an attempt on the London Marathon.
The film is not about hate or being anti-Muslim but simply a tongue- in- cheek story on a subject which constantly surrounds us. A project which took 3 years to complete is whole heartedly expected to be one of the funniest films of the year, and even better is should come from the UK independent film sector.
This is the link to the trailer which will give you taste of what to expect, and will not disappoint.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcEAE5X4xO4
The film is not about hate or being anti-Muslim but simply a tongue- in- cheek story on a subject which constantly surrounds us. A project which took 3 years to complete is whole heartedly expected to be one of the funniest films of the year, and even better is should come from the UK independent film sector.
This is the link to the trailer which will give you taste of what to expect, and will not disappoint.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcEAE5X4xO4
Gentlemen Broncos
Gentlemen Broncos (2010), Fox Searchlight Cert:12A
Dir. Jared Hess
Michael Angarano, Jemaine Clement, Jennifer Coolidge
High school loner Benjamin (Angarano) has a passion for writing science fiction stories. After submitting his manuscript of his precious work, of which sees an epic battle between “The Yeast Lords” and his hero Bronco; Benjamin sees himself ripped off by his idol and prolific novelist Ronald Chevalier (Clement). The eccentric Chevalier turns Benjamin’s precious novel into a vision of which is cringe-worthy; “Macho Bronco” is exchanged for a more “metrosexual” version to which Chevalier adds long flowing blond hair and an admiration for salmons pinks. Benjamin’s dreams are crushed as his beloved ideas are slaughtered by Chevalier’s handy work.
Gentlemen Broncos is from the makers of Napoleon Dynamite, and like its ancestor, it depicts a weird and wacky slice of society. Jemaime Clement (of Flight of the Conchords) is on fine form with his portrayal of the eccentric ego maniac, Ronald Chevalier. Youngster Michael Angarano also holds his own against the likes of Clements as the nerdy, innocent dreamer Benjamin. The comedic characters and clever dialogue is Hess at his best, however the story is pointless and at times drags. Nevertheless, this seems minor as the quick wit and sharp comedic timing eases you past the points of lack luster plot.
It’s simple. Jared Hess has well and truly redeemed himself - leaving the monstrosity that was Nacho Libre firmly in the past. Hess has recaptured that quality that made Napoleon Dynamite so endearing and the cult classic it has become today. The characters, cast and comedy are the right blend in putting Hess back on his way to becoming King of the comedy genre.
Dir. Jared Hess
Michael Angarano, Jemaine Clement, Jennifer Coolidge
High school loner Benjamin (Angarano) has a passion for writing science fiction stories. After submitting his manuscript of his precious work, of which sees an epic battle between “The Yeast Lords” and his hero Bronco; Benjamin sees himself ripped off by his idol and prolific novelist Ronald Chevalier (Clement). The eccentric Chevalier turns Benjamin’s precious novel into a vision of which is cringe-worthy; “Macho Bronco” is exchanged for a more “metrosexual” version to which Chevalier adds long flowing blond hair and an admiration for salmons pinks. Benjamin’s dreams are crushed as his beloved ideas are slaughtered by Chevalier’s handy work.
Gentlemen Broncos is from the makers of Napoleon Dynamite, and like its ancestor, it depicts a weird and wacky slice of society. Jemaime Clement (of Flight of the Conchords) is on fine form with his portrayal of the eccentric ego maniac, Ronald Chevalier. Youngster Michael Angarano also holds his own against the likes of Clements as the nerdy, innocent dreamer Benjamin. The comedic characters and clever dialogue is Hess at his best, however the story is pointless and at times drags. Nevertheless, this seems minor as the quick wit and sharp comedic timing eases you past the points of lack luster plot.
It’s simple. Jared Hess has well and truly redeemed himself - leaving the monstrosity that was Nacho Libre firmly in the past. Hess has recaptured that quality that made Napoleon Dynamite so endearing and the cult classic it has become today. The characters, cast and comedy are the right blend in putting Hess back on his way to becoming King of the comedy genre.
Hunger
Hunger (2008), Film 4 Cert:15
Dir. Steve McQueen
Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Liam McMahon.
McQueen tells the untold story of Bobby Sands. The story is a dramatisation of Sands’ (Fassbender) last 6 weeks in Maze prison, where he led the historical hunger strikes of 1981 in a bid to win political status. The film is based completely on Sands and his fight and struggle to maintain his beliefs in a hostile environment. Sands’ shares a cell with fellow Republican Gerry (McMahon) who seems unable to cope with life in prison, regularly mutilating himself in front of Sands. It is this and his ongoing battle with the enemy of the prison guards that fuels Sands to go on with his hunger strike despite the horrific consequences to himself.
McQueen does not hold back in depicting the last 6 weeks within Maze Prison, getting to nitty-gritty of the conditions and situations the prisoners faced. No stone is left unturned in terms of the violence and mental torture experienced, and at times it is difficult to watch. This however was sharply contrasted to the beautiful shots created by McQueen’s artistic eye. Dialogue is few in far between but instead the story is told visually; with at one point the static shot of the prison corridor being cleaned last nearly 10 minutes. Sparking two very differing reaction from ovations to walk outs, Hunger has undoubtedly made and impact.
Nothing less than a visual masterpiece, the untold story of Bobby Sands last 6 weeks of life is not glamorised but instead shared with a very true and realistic interpretation. McQueen doesn’t hint at violence he shows it; he doesn’t hint at intolerance he shows it. It is for this reason Hunger is simply unrivalled in terms of an honest, brutal, beautiful and poignant biopic of a human being whom opinion is very divided.
Dir. Steve McQueen
Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Liam McMahon.
McQueen tells the untold story of Bobby Sands. The story is a dramatisation of Sands’ (Fassbender) last 6 weeks in Maze prison, where he led the historical hunger strikes of 1981 in a bid to win political status. The film is based completely on Sands and his fight and struggle to maintain his beliefs in a hostile environment. Sands’ shares a cell with fellow Republican Gerry (McMahon) who seems unable to cope with life in prison, regularly mutilating himself in front of Sands. It is this and his ongoing battle with the enemy of the prison guards that fuels Sands to go on with his hunger strike despite the horrific consequences to himself.
McQueen does not hold back in depicting the last 6 weeks within Maze Prison, getting to nitty-gritty of the conditions and situations the prisoners faced. No stone is left unturned in terms of the violence and mental torture experienced, and at times it is difficult to watch. This however was sharply contrasted to the beautiful shots created by McQueen’s artistic eye. Dialogue is few in far between but instead the story is told visually; with at one point the static shot of the prison corridor being cleaned last nearly 10 minutes. Sparking two very differing reaction from ovations to walk outs, Hunger has undoubtedly made and impact.
Nothing less than a visual masterpiece, the untold story of Bobby Sands last 6 weeks of life is not glamorised but instead shared with a very true and realistic interpretation. McQueen doesn’t hint at violence he shows it; he doesn’t hint at intolerance he shows it. It is for this reason Hunger is simply unrivalled in terms of an honest, brutal, beautiful and poignant biopic of a human being whom opinion is very divided.
Gran Torino
Gran Torino (2009), Warner Bros Cert:15
Dir. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang, Geraldine Hughes.
Widowed Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a man whom his extreme racial views are born from his experiences of the Korean War. The world around him is changing. His neighbourhood is now a melting pot of cultures, in particular the Hmong residents to which Walt has a particular distaste. He holds dear however his 1972 Gran Torino, and it is his precious car that his young and innocent Hmong neighbour Thoa (Vang) is sent to steal by his vicious ringleader cousin as part of his initiation into the gang. Thoa is unsuccessful and is punished by doing a stint manual labour for Walt. Thoa is put through his paces and over time Walt and his Hmong neighbours grow close. Thoa though is persistently hounded by the gang, and things begin to spiral out of control as the whole family becomes a target. Walt takes matters into his own hands, confronting the gang on their own patch. The closing scenes are the most poignant in displaying Walt’s “get off my lawn” mentality, simply because he defends the “lawn” of those he once hated.
Gran Torino sees Eastwood at his finest, with Walt echoing the gruff voice and strong presence of the emblematic “Dirty Harry”. Although accompanied by a poor supporting cast in terms of screen presence this is somehow forgotten as Eastwood, star and director, tackles the huge problem of racial attitudes with simple story telling. It isn’t however explicitly about race, but instead an elderly man coping with a changing world. The story then changes gear to something more than Walt the racist and intolerant old man but instead a story about respect and acceptance. It is simply a perfectly told story that is thought provoking and realistic; showing exactly why Clint Eastwood to this day dominates both on and off screen.
Dir. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang, Geraldine Hughes.
Widowed Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a man whom his extreme racial views are born from his experiences of the Korean War. The world around him is changing. His neighbourhood is now a melting pot of cultures, in particular the Hmong residents to which Walt has a particular distaste. He holds dear however his 1972 Gran Torino, and it is his precious car that his young and innocent Hmong neighbour Thoa (Vang) is sent to steal by his vicious ringleader cousin as part of his initiation into the gang. Thoa is unsuccessful and is punished by doing a stint manual labour for Walt. Thoa is put through his paces and over time Walt and his Hmong neighbours grow close. Thoa though is persistently hounded by the gang, and things begin to spiral out of control as the whole family becomes a target. Walt takes matters into his own hands, confronting the gang on their own patch. The closing scenes are the most poignant in displaying Walt’s “get off my lawn” mentality, simply because he defends the “lawn” of those he once hated.
Gran Torino sees Eastwood at his finest, with Walt echoing the gruff voice and strong presence of the emblematic “Dirty Harry”. Although accompanied by a poor supporting cast in terms of screen presence this is somehow forgotten as Eastwood, star and director, tackles the huge problem of racial attitudes with simple story telling. It isn’t however explicitly about race, but instead an elderly man coping with a changing world. The story then changes gear to something more than Walt the racist and intolerant old man but instead a story about respect and acceptance. It is simply a perfectly told story that is thought provoking and realistic; showing exactly why Clint Eastwood to this day dominates both on and off screen.
Law Abiding Citizen
Law Abiding Citizen (2009), The Film Department Cert:18
Dir: F. Gary Gray
Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Colm Meaney
Clyde Shelton (Butler) becomes the target of a horrific crime in which 2 men break into his home, savagely killing his wife and daughter. The killers are caught and Assistant DA Nick Rice (Foxx) is assigned to the case, but is ordered by the DA that he must strike a deal with one of the killers, meaning the other will face the death penalty. Clyde tries his best to stop the deal but Nick agrees and one killer is sentenced to death whilst the other - ironically the man whom actually killed Clyde’s wife and daughter – is given only 10 years. Clyde is an intelligent inventor and so plots, waiting with baited breath until the killer is released. Clyde extracts revenge of the most shocking kind, but it goes further than simple vengeance. Utterly dismayed by the justice system that seen his family’s killer allowed to walk the streets, he himself is arrested to become part of it and uses his incarceration to send a major message to officials. Clyde’s warnings become reality as he picks off, from his prison cell, all those who were involved in his case. It becomes personal as the attacks get closer to Nick, meaning he must stop Clyde getting to his own family before it’s too late.
At times you could be forgiven for thinking it was a horror rather than a thriller, as Gray depicts intensely graphic gun shot wounds and acts of what could only be considered as torture. You are quickly launched into the plot as his family are murdered in the opening moments and so leaves you thinking now what? But this is quickly answered in narrative exploding into a high octane police chases, executions and gore in only the opening moments. Gerard Butler pushes the mean and angry killer eyes but lacks in that edge of insanity to which his action display, making it hard to buy into the idea of the “grieving parents and husband”. Jamie Foxx equally underwhelms as the plot requires a no holds barred cop but is given an “all talk lawyer” style character, with the only display of wit in the closing moments. The film is gripping no doubt but lacks terms of the actors being mediocre in comparison to the plot. The Butler Foxx partnership works as good versus bad, but lacks that level of chemistry that would take the film to the next level.
Dir: F. Gary Gray
Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Colm Meaney
Clyde Shelton (Butler) becomes the target of a horrific crime in which 2 men break into his home, savagely killing his wife and daughter. The killers are caught and Assistant DA Nick Rice (Foxx) is assigned to the case, but is ordered by the DA that he must strike a deal with one of the killers, meaning the other will face the death penalty. Clyde tries his best to stop the deal but Nick agrees and one killer is sentenced to death whilst the other - ironically the man whom actually killed Clyde’s wife and daughter – is given only 10 years. Clyde is an intelligent inventor and so plots, waiting with baited breath until the killer is released. Clyde extracts revenge of the most shocking kind, but it goes further than simple vengeance. Utterly dismayed by the justice system that seen his family’s killer allowed to walk the streets, he himself is arrested to become part of it and uses his incarceration to send a major message to officials. Clyde’s warnings become reality as he picks off, from his prison cell, all those who were involved in his case. It becomes personal as the attacks get closer to Nick, meaning he must stop Clyde getting to his own family before it’s too late.
At times you could be forgiven for thinking it was a horror rather than a thriller, as Gray depicts intensely graphic gun shot wounds and acts of what could only be considered as torture. You are quickly launched into the plot as his family are murdered in the opening moments and so leaves you thinking now what? But this is quickly answered in narrative exploding into a high octane police chases, executions and gore in only the opening moments. Gerard Butler pushes the mean and angry killer eyes but lacks in that edge of insanity to which his action display, making it hard to buy into the idea of the “grieving parents and husband”. Jamie Foxx equally underwhelms as the plot requires a no holds barred cop but is given an “all talk lawyer” style character, with the only display of wit in the closing moments. The film is gripping no doubt but lacks terms of the actors being mediocre in comparison to the plot. The Butler Foxx partnership works as good versus bad, but lacks that level of chemistry that would take the film to the next level.
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