Black Swan - 2011
‘Where’s my sweet little girl?’ – “She’s GONE.”...
Ballet is an exquisite, delicate fine art that tells elegent tales of beauty and emotion. However Darren Aronofsky, with the assistance of Natalie Portman, still with the arts beautiful touch, turns it into a dark, sinister and grotesque disturbance.
A young woman revolves her world around ballet, getting each and every movement perfect. With the famous choreographer Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassell) about to create a new version of Swan Lake, he seeks a dancer who can portray the White Swan, who is elegant, fragile and fearful, as well as the Black Swan, the seductive, dark and sinister twin. Nina (Portman) starts to prepare with the push of her obsessed mother, hoping to be picked in the competitive race for the Swan Queen. The role of the White Swan comes so naturally to Nina, however the struggle to become the Black becomes more difficult and Nina delves slowly but most surely into the depths of disturbance and even madness.
This film has been nominated for 5 Oscars and recently won BAFTA’s at the recent awards event that took place in Londons Covent Garden. A highly anticipated film that provides audiences with a dark grotesque experience that they won’t forget.
From director Darren Aronofsky - who brought us the excellent and insanely unsettling Requiem for a Dream - once again delivers a bizarre, shift in your seat story of how the powers of obsession can mess with not only the characters mind, but with the viewers themselves. Stylistically filmed and with the scares all in the right places, Aronofsky brings to the screen his own twisted version of Swan Lake, in the form of the brilliant and well-deserved-of-Oscar-nomination that is, Natalie Portman.
Portman delivers a realistic and extremely convincing performance, from the fragile White Swan whose mother still tucks in bed at night, to the seductive Black Swan, who torments and teases her own personality. A fantastic portrayal of the twins and utterly stunning throughout the duration of the film, Portman leads the audiences into the twisted spiral of pure madness and perfection.
Barbra Hershey must also get a mention for her role as Nina’s mother, Erica Sayers. Hershey creates a creepy and obsessed character which carries extreme jealousy of her own daughter. A brilliant performance that stands out and compliments Portmans performance.
Who can forget the remarkable and moving soundtrack that is Swan Lake. Black Swan composes this track in a whole different light, a combination of fear, incredible strength and emotion that tastes a little like madness. A tempting dark red cherry on a very twisted and perhaps bitter-sweet cake.
The story line is one that is anything but inevitable, with twists, turns and harsh dips at every corner, Black Swan is one that keeps you guessing, and leaves you begging to see it again.
Brighton Rock – 2010
A young aspiring gang member Pinkie (Sam Riley) gets into a spot of bother. He brutally kills a man and his worst nightmare is realised as theres a witness in the form of a young woman named Rose (Andrea Riseborough). Doing everything that he can in order to keep his crime under the rug, he resorts to desperate measures in order to silence her. However, love blossoms between the two, much to the dismay of Roses boss, the worried Ida (Dame Helen Mirren). Ida realises whats going on and watches as more bodies pile up. Will Rose realise and confess? Or will she too delve into the frightening world of gangs and murder?
A young aspiring gang member Pinkie (Sam Riley) gets into a spot of bother. He brutally kills a man and his worst nightmare is realised as theres a witness in the form of a young woman named Rose (Andrea Riseborough). Doing everything that he can in order to keep his crime under the rug, he resorts to desperate measures in order to silence her. However, love blossoms between the two, much to the dismay of Roses boss, the worried Ida (Dame Helen Mirren). Ida realises whats going on and watches as more bodies pile up. Will Rose realise and confess? Or will she too delve into the frightening world of gangs and murder?
This 1940's film looks much better and more exciting on trailer than on film. This remake of the 1947 oldie was promising, however it sadly is slightly disapointing and even slow in certain parts. You find yourself waiting for it to pick up and getting bored of the little action that goes on.
The acting is, as a whole very good, yet it’s unfortunately let down by the poor direction and script. Dame Helen Mirren plays the worried mother figure of leading lady Rose. She brings concern mixed with a hidden sexiness to the character which looks well on screen.
Sam Riley plays the non-smiling murderous gang member, who brings strong and stern hardness to the screen. In parts it almost seems too wooden, however, in all a good performance.
Andrea Riseborough plays the innocent witness Rose, whose performance is believable as a young girl completely blinded by love. Her performance is strong and steals the show.
The direction is poor, with action seems that aren’t explosive or jumpy or even interesting, Rowan Joffe (28 Weeks Later) just doesn’t pull off the remake.
So all in all, a poor film with good performances. It’s just one of those films where the trailer is better than the film itself.
127 Hours – 2010
To sum this film is in two words it would have to be, pretty amazing.
This inspirational and very moving piece of film is well directed, beautifully acted and takes the audience on a journey of incredible strength and triumph.
The film portrays the real-life story of Aron Ralston, an eager mountaineer who, whilst on an adventurous trip to Utah, falls and traps his right arm. Trapped for a staggering 127 Hours, surviving off his own urine and keeping a diary with his video-camera, Ralston finally turns to extreme measures in order to survive. His story captured the world and inspired millions which can now be seen through the eyes of Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, Shallow Grave).
The direction is simply brilliant, and we expect nothing less of Mr.Boyle. A captivating film and considering 2 hours of one actor, it is not in the slightest bit boring. Boyle captures the claustrophobia and Ralstons sheer will to survive through camera angles and style. Look out for the ‘Game Show’ scene, very well shot and acted.
The main part is played by James Franco (Spiderman, Milk) who portrays Ralston with believability and sheer strength. The audience follows the ups and quite literally the downs as Ralston delves into dehydration, madness and regret. An utter drawn-in watch, one that bagged him an Oscar nomination.
The storyline is harrowing and raises questions in your own mind, which is what a good movie should do. If I were in that situation... Would I? Wouldn’t I?
The make-up team simply HAS to be mentioned as one certain gruelling and inevitable scene takes place. The detail pays off as the audience slowly sinks lower into the comfort of their chair and squeamish folks look through fanned hands. The exact reaction they were looking for along with an effect of utter determination and the strong will to survive.
The music is compelling. From Dido’s ‘If I Rise’ whilst Ralston enjoys his 10 minutes of sunshine in the morning, to the fast paced tune that accompanies Ralston at the beginning of his journey, speeding down the motorway to over the desert hills.
All in all, this film will without a doubt, stay with you. A film that can, has and will inspire many as they follow the journey of an admirable, triumphant young man. It will leave you begging to see it all over again.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi768149785/
Inglourious Basterds - 2009
Quentin Tarantino directs and delivers, yet again, a brutal, yet brilliantly written story of Nazi killing soldiers in German-occupied France
A young woman named Shosanna (Melanie Laurent) witnesses the execution of her entire family at the hands of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (the brilliant Christoph Waltz). As she runs from the massacre, caked and soaked in her mother and fathers blood, she flees to Paris
Meanwhile, a certain Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and his group of soldiers are “into one thang, and one thang only… Killin' Nazis.”
Known by all as ‘The Basterds’, Raine and his gang set off on a mission to kill Adolf Hitler and his soldier followers.
This film follows Shosanna’s journey of grief and cold-blooded revenge, alongside of the killings of German Nazi’s by non-other than ‘The Basterds’.
Brad Pitt plays the leader of ‘The Basterds’, Aldo Raine. His performance is wooden and he appears to be trying too hard. A bit of let down if we’re being honest and it does spoil it a bit. However, Christoph Waltz who plays the heartless Nazi Colonel saves the day. His performance is phenomenal, from an amazing glue-to-the screen opening sequence from speaking English, German AND French throughout the entire duration of the movie. He fully deserves the Academy Award that he won for his portrayal of such a character. Credit should also be given to Melanie Laurent, who plays the blood, splattered revenge ridden Shosanna. Her performance is believable and impressive, you find yourself rooting for her even though her ‘plans’ are quiet, what’s the word?... violent.
The costume designers and the make-up team have to have a mention for they too did a great job. As ‘The Basterds’ beat to death, stab, shoot and even scalp the Nazis, it looks totally believable, and believe me you find yourself wincing…a lot. Look out for premiere scene that is set in Shosanna’s movie theatre. Notice the smart soldier uniforms and sexy yet classic gowns of the night.
The costume designers and the make-up team have to have a mention for they too did a great job. As ‘The Basterds’ beat to death, stab, shoot and even scalp the Nazis, it looks totally believable, and believe me you find yourself wincing…a lot. Look out for premiere scene that is set in Shosanna’s movie theatre. Notice the smart soldier uniforms and sexy yet classic gowns of the night.
Stylistically filmed, Tarantino delivers yet another great watch. Look at the brilliant opening scene, shot with technique and acted atmospherically, it truly is memorable.
Burn After Reading
Considering these were the guys who did the famous ‘Fargo
The story goes as two dumb gym workers get their hands on a disk containing corrupt history that belongs to a CIA agent. Seeing it as their chance to get a bit of the big bucks, the two cease the opportunity by choosing the path of blackmail. Linda Litze (McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Pitt) get caught up in a series of unfortunate events and their blackmail goes inevitably wrong.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1155268889/
Considering these were the guys who did the famous ‘
The story goes as two dumb gym workers get their hands on a disk containing corrupt history that belongs to a CIA agent. Seeing it as their chance to get a bit of the big bucks, the two cease the opportunity by choosing the path of blackmail. Linda Litze (McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Pitt) get caught up in a series of unfortunate events and their blackmail goes inevitably wrong.
Meanwhile, Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney) a ‘regular although paranoid and MARRIED guy’ is having an affair with Linda as well as the CIA agents wife! Things are going swimmingly as you can see. Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich are also thrown into the mix as a strained married couple who basically hate each other.
The direction is extremely poor and delivers a boring and all in all disappointing film. An unclear storyline and a complicated underlying situation, the audience is blurred and slowly pulled throughout the duration of the film.
The performances produced are...OK. Frances McDormand is the best of the group followed shortly by Brad Pitt. Pitt plays a funny, extremely dumb character, which he portrays well. Clooney is third in the line with his paranoid role landing him in a rather big heap of trouble. Swinton plays a classy character which goes quite well with that of her hated husband. Malkovich plays an angry, hot-headed swearing no-longer agent which seems to come across a little desperate.
The only real good thing about this film is the soundtrack, played by the well-known music band Elbow. It goes well with the theme of the film as well as the unlikely darkness that comes with it.
So in conclusion, this is one that you won’t want to watch twice or even at all.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1155268889/
007 Casino Royale – 2006
Daniel Craig plays the newest Bond in this explosive yet questionable 007 film. This gritty version of Ian Flemings beloved 007 introduces a Bond we haven’t seen before, a Bond before he gains his license to kill.
James Bond is on his first mission. He travels around the globe to capture two ruthless assassins for interrogation which eventually leads him to main villain Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen – King Arthur). He must play a high stakes poker game at the Casino Royale, where Le Chiffre’s cunning and sneaky ways could risk more than just a few million bucks. M (Dame Judi Dench – Notes on a Scandel) the head of the British Secret Service, places Treasury Official Vesper Lynd (Eva Green – The Golden Compass) to aid Bond in his dangerous quest, much to Bonds delight. However, she too gets roped into the cross-fire and becomes a target herself.
This really is Bond stripped down. We’re used to seeing the charming and indestructible Bond play with danger like a child’s toy, however director Martin Campells vision shows James in a completely different light. We follow Bond right from the beginning as he starts out as one of the most famous and dangerous trained assassins.
Daniel Craigs portrayal is good but doesn’t quite capture the charm or the swagger that Sean or even Pierce had. The character that came so naturally to the others, Craig seems to really have to work at it, in order to get under the skin of 007. The wait and anticipation to see the new Bond in action wasn’t a let down, however it wasn’t as satisfying as one would’ve hoped.
Eva Green must have a mention for being the smart and simply stunning Vesper Lynd. She portrays Vesper in a seductive yet vulnerable manner which captures the audience’s eye.
Mikkelsens version of the cunning, sly villain Le Chiffre could be more “villainy” to be totally honest. He hasn’t got the fantastic prop of the famous white cat, but you’re always asking for a little more.
The effects in this movie are explosive and eye-popping, with massive stunts and insane gadgets, this part of the movie definitely won’t let you down. Massive credit has to be given to Sebastien Foucan, who does the amazing free-running stunts at the very beginning of the film. Look out for the crane jump, a stunt which is unforgettable and one of the films highlights. Keep an eye out for the record-breaking car roll, with an incredible 9 rolls which is featured towards the end of the movie. Then there’s the collapsing house in Venice and the threatened airport, the list goes on and on in fantastic Bond tradition.
All in all, this is a very good movie. The effects and stunts sadly take the focus off the new Bond, however if you’re looking for an action-packed and dangerous watch, then look no further.
The Hours – 2002
“Mrs Dalloway said that she would buy the flowers herself.”
This stunningly shot film follows three women that are all uniquely linked together through the work of literature. The first woman is suicidal Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman – The Others), who begins to write her to-be-famous novel Mrs Dalloway. Trapped in 1920’s suburban London, we follow Woolf as she battles constantly for her own sanity, even with the help from her desperate husband. The second woman is isolated house wife and mother Laura Brown (Julianne Moore - A Single Man, Jurassic Park) living in 1950’s Los Angeles, who is reading the one and only Mrs. Dalloway. As Laura delves deeper and deeper into the novel, she too becomes trapped and reconsiders the life she has. The third and final woman is modern day Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep – Kramer Vs. Kramer). Living as an editor in New York City, Clarissa is a modern interpretation of Mrs. Dalloway. She looks after her old boyfriend and famous author Richard, who is tragically suffering from AIDS. Every day is a struggle for these women, but with the simple comfort of literature, it makes every day that bit easier.
This beautiful film promises Oscar winning performances from all three women, and a soundtrack that truly is magical.
Director Stephen Daldry delivers an unforgettable and truly beautiful film. With an interesting theme and in depth interpretation of David Hares novel, it plays soundly and lyrical to the audience’s eye. The different camera angles capture the beautiful British countryside, the colourful American suburbs and the hectic streets of NYC, as well as interesting close-ups of all the characters which captures the words that just aren’t said. Daldry has delivered a poetic piece of work that is most definitely not a one-watch wonder.
Nicole Kidman is unrecognisable in this. Her performance is quite incredible and well deserved of the Academy Award for Best Actress she received. Woolf’s depression, vulnerability and fragility is cleverly captured by Kidman. Stephen Dillane plays the desperate Leonard Woolf whose worry and distress for his wife comes through perfectly.
Julianne Moore plays the isolated Laura Brown, who delves into the world of Mrs. Dalloway. Stuck in LA’s suburbs, she too battles in her own head of complexity and confusion of her way of life. John. C Reilly is the typical choice for the eyebrow raising innocent husband who tries to make his wife happy. His role in Chicago strangely comes to mind. Moore does an impressive job as Laura, expressing the characters isolation and entrapment through the simple art of acting.
Meryl Streep plays the lesbian modern-day Mrs. Dalloway who is of course brilliant in this, and we would expect nothing less.
Ed Harris who plays Clarissa’s ex boyfriend is stunning with his fight against AIDS. Toni Collettte is surprising in this. She’s cast as Laura Browns next door neighbour; the perfection of her life and home isn’t all as it seems, which proves even the perfect has its cracks. Collette truly is brilliant in this.
The soundtrack written by Phillip Glass is simply wonderful. The piano fits with the theme and storyline so well, and reflects each of the three characters thoughts and feelings, which connect with the audience.
A fantastic film, one that can’t be recommended enough.
