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A Star Is Born (2018)
A star is born in love
You can't hide anything from love. And you can nurture talent with love.
Bradley Cooper's directorial debut just hit theaters and I couldn't resist to see it ASAP.
It really stands up to its name and already amassed glowing reviews. It's a very emotional tale of a singer in his twilight years finding and helping the love of his life become a star singer, but also his better side.
I was struck about how this motion picture dug deep into viewers hearts and how iconic the characters were made to look and sound like. And I think that phrase from Cooper "When you have a question, you gotta ask it." is really emoting from this movie. This script is already shot 3 times during 3 different eras of American cinema and I gotta say, this one is without doubt the truest.
Lady Gaga is over performing herself, expressing all her character on the screen. Bradley Cooper has created and brought to screen a very "burnt" depiction of a man in fame. And it struck my heart in so many chords that I have to say this is one of the best movies of the year.
It has a very original soundtrack, which involves you even deeper. Wonderfully shot characters which evolve and yet stay true to their nature. A film about music, life, relationships, but above all - love.
I had two very eclectic moments in the movie. The first one was when Bradley Cooper's Jack apologizes to Bobby for his insult. The reaction from Sam Elliott's character was so empowering and so proudly emotional that I will remember it for a long time. A person can really relate to such a conversation and intuitional moment.
The second, of course, is the last scene song transition from the concert to the piano. A very general and yet intimate moment of affection and compassion. The production quality is indeed present and I believe that we're seeing a very good director coming forward.
At the end of this review, I'd like to say that it's for movies like this that we have a passion for cinema and music. These two interconnect very intensely and the past decade has proven that we can do much better in life, in relationships and in knowing ourselves, if we just allow these art forms of expression flow through us and let us just be out there in the space between us.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)
You were never really here
A movie with particularly clear and finalized title, which I was expecting to be very good. It actually amazed me...
This performance by Joaquin Phoenix is truly astonishing, as he really immerses in the character. The lead indeed deserved to get the best actor won at "Festivalle de Cannes". I saw so many shades of human fright and terror in him, so much humane aspects, that I really now admire his traits. I had some reservations before, but he has brought the craft to perfection.
And with such a beautiful and unique script, this thriller can't really be avoided.
The used before "hitman rescues a girl" trivia is known to us, but the direction by Lynne Ramsay has quite the perfect execution of every small detail. I believe you can't really be spoiled, as the structure of the movie follows some well known patterns by "Taxi driver" and "The Professional". What really depressed me in a good way were the pacing (the movie is only 1:30 hour long), the finest details (those hallucinating episodes!!!) and the overall weight of the film. I cannot really stress out how much I enjoyed seeing two human beings, who were enemies a moment ago, singing the same song!
The cinematography of this masterpiece is very diverse. The shots aim from various angles, always pointing out both important and contradicting emotional values. I liked very much the use of music in this movie. There are a lot of messages about the current American culture and what it is obsessed with, and they are enhanced by every word in a song in the background. We have a nice mix of old time hits with modernistic sound.
I liked also the homages to Psycho and other easter eggs in this small, but full of matter film. Movies have to be inventive, but also have to show that the craft has developed from and been influenced by other masterpieces.
Character development is important, steady and fulfilling. The audience craves for a moment to breathe and it gets it only with the last words in the film.
When I start to compare this movie with others, I can only say that every inch of it is genre perfect and the last bit of spice which I always need to give a film 10/10 is there. You cannot anticipate it, you cannot think of it, you just feel it. A perfect movie about human beings, which are capable of utmost violence and at the same time crazy-incidental altruism. Much like nowadays hurry-to-grave lifestyle on our 7 billion planet.
The cinema of last two-three years has steadily grown its reconciliation branch. We must talk to each other about every possible problem between us. Every possible way that we can. Every time that we can. Time is important, we don't have that much of it.
Mother! (2017)
An ode to Mother!
Officially "Mother!" comes to the top of my 2017 movies list, next to "Blade Runner 2049". I watched a lot of good movies this year, but the only one to come near these two is "Wind River". Alas, I still haven't watched enjoyed the biggest hit this year "The Square" and a lot of other hidden gems like "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri", "Loveless", "Lady Bird", "Shape of water" and "The Florida project". Yet, I believe that namely "Mother!" will remain as the most unique movie of this year!
Hence forth, please be aware, my post might include some spoilers.
I've waited a lot to watch "Mother!" at last. I've had some doubts that it will be too artsy and too tough on my nerves, but yet again I trusted myself and challenged my intelligence.
I believe that to every viewer of this movie the director should go and say: "You're going to watch a dialogue between "Mother Earth" and "God". And this will NOT be a spoiler. This will help a lot of people to view this film the way it should be seen - a deep conversation about our humanity , meaning of life and our place on Earth.
Outright I should say that Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem are truly magnificent actors in this film. Their performances are INCREDIBLE! And such is the script and direction of Aronofsky. His deeply emotional way of reflecting on universal topics and translating them to the audiences in painfully creative manner really brings his art forth.
And what a home this filmmaker builds in front of us! The house is also a main character in this film. The constant transformations of the interior and exterior mirror thousands of years of life on Earth. We, viewers have to be indeed grateful for the intimate way visuals change in the movie. I really loved the way the director shows us particular details and how they represent greater ideas. Matter and mind are more or less the same in this film.
The sound and cinematography are compelling and add to the whole cosmic experience. I can't say who can express better such topics than Aronofsky. All the allusions to the Bible and to the state of our modern society are on point and the realism with which these topics are represented is truly astonishing. At the end of the movie, when things get really heated the poetic part steps back in order for us to see and hear the crescendo of our interpersonal relationships. It is certain that the author has some messaged to the role of God on Earth and they are firmly stated, no matter if we agree with him or not. Also, "mother Earth" is represented with deepest emotions and care. The intrusion of our humane nature onto this place we call home is visually represented in a striking way.
This movie is an experience, not a mere entertainment product. At some point it is a survival to watch it and stay with it. But it truly will mesmerize every viewer who goes into the theater to learn and absorb new ideas and viewpoints. I can only recommend to watch it in solitude because it is a compelling masterpiece.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner
"Blade Runner 2049" is out and it might be even better than the old one...
OK, so first of all I'd like to say that I very much like the 1982 first "Blade Runner" by Ridley Scott. But I don't think it's flawless. Actually it was a very good attempt at mixing film noir and sci-fi, maybe the best example to date. But it had actual blank spots in some characters and plot wise it was nearly, but not completely perfect.
Having said this, I am really happy that a script like Blade Runner's got a sequel and I must say - a rather good sequel. In fact I am very happy that again Denis Villeneuve has proved himself an able director and a true visionary with an own voice and soul, beautifully presented on the silver screen.
To be able to give you an idea of what a movie you should expect to see, when you go to "Blade Runner 2049", I will tell you that maybe you must not think of the original as the thought provoking film many people think it is. At least not in the way I see it. To me this title is really a mixture of a perfect example of genre movie. A detective story, a sci-fi story, a humanistic story, an internal cosmos story.
Blade Runner was never about logical and consequential plot and it never feeds its themes to the viewers directly. But it is subtle. Subtle in its character development, it its relationships intricate details, in the way the story asks questions, but does not provide always answers. Story wise this new movie is minimalistic, and though it has its small problems in some side scenes and decisions seen in them, the film is a lesson in presentation and evolution of characters. I am personally touched by the way Villeneuve shows us the relationship between Joe and Joi. It is realistically unnatural how we humans can accept AI and its manifestations. And the human brain works on so many levels that it seems even we cannot absorb what is possible and not, what is real and what is not. These thin visual and mental lines are for me one of the life threads of this film. Actors playing (mainly Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford) do a stunningly good job. Almost all supporting actors and actresses fill this unreal world with life and rhythm. So overall I can say - the teams behind the script and the technological representation of ideas on the screen have done a magnificent job.
What it means to be human. What makes us happy. What puts meaning into our hearts and minds. All these questions are asked anew. The difference is this time, I feel much more connected to "K", than I did before to Deckard. The lead character has a very hard path, but it is filled with wondrous happenings, which I believe come from very personal experiences behind the script. The connection between "K" and Joi, between Deckard and "K" are thought provoking and really a master class in cinema. I dare not say more about them, as I have to learn how these beautiful constructions work, so that I can dissect them and implement them in real life better. It is amazingly beautiful to witness such depictions of humanity in characters whose sole existence is so robotic and meaningless. I am truly astonished of the actors' play, of the emotions behind the gestures and words. Genius!
So, I better get to the other astonishing part of this movie - the futuristic look and sound of this film. Again the creators Roger Deakins (cinematography), Hans Zimmer, Benjamin Wallfisch (music), David Doran, Bence Erdelyi, Lydia Fry (art direction) have done a perfect job. Also costumes, set decoration and makeup are on a very high level. One can feel the future when witnessing this movie. It is so real and ambient.
So I really appreciate this gift from Villeneuve and recommend it to anyone with a taste for cyberpunk, thrills and sci-fi. But most of all, I wish that we all could learn more about how important it is to do our work with passion and everlasting hunger for individual creation and love for freedom in expression. A tour de force!
It (2017)
IT is simply the truth
The new "IT" screening gets pretty much everything right...
From the shocking rip off of child's arm to the true realization of what it means to grow up, the 2017 movie is true to the King's novel and closer to the viewers' hearts.
I'm not a big fan of horror movies and of King's books, but went to see this film knowing that it will most probably scare me. And it did spectacularly.
First I will mention the only two problems which I have with this movie and why I rate it 8/10. - too many jump scares. Too often frightening scenes follow one after another and this takes out a bit of the positive impression which those moments should create; - horror movies are rarely perfect examples of cinematography. Of course there are some non-believable moments in the movie where some characters take some "stupid" decisions which are not logical. Also the bullying in the film goes way ahead of itself. But sometimes in reality children tormenting other children indeed is brutal. Now to the more interesting themes of the movie and its execution. First I'd like to mention that this film is shot beautifully creepy. I can't think of any technical error or edgy 3D episode in it. Also, the music score is subtle and supporting, at times it takes the lead, but without leading the viewer too much above the actual feeling being presented on the screen. The cast is great - from Bill Skarsgard to Sophia Lillis - all actors are great. The supporting characters, representing the children's respective parents are also true embodiments of the certain problematic topics which usually ruin the psychology of a child. The screenplay by Chase Palmer and Cary Fukunaga (True Detective anyone?) is respectfully following the book with only some scenes from the book missing (sewer scene between the teens!). So overall everything which compiles a good film is obviously here. And most importantly - the film directly transmits to the viewers the deep message of fear overpowering, proper upbringing importance and teenage character development. We see the exact moments when most of the main characters challenge their deep fears and fight them off. And step by step, as in real life, Bill, Ben, Beverly and the others become their own role models. Such growth is very harsh to the character of a minor, but it impacts influences his/her life more deeply and complete. Because once a person repeats the act and defiance against a deepest fear, the result is no longer what is desired, but also transforms into ambition, integrity and pure devotion. All virtues of a truly realized man or a woman. And perhaps this is why Stephen King's books are so popular - you can't fake life, you can only represent it the best way you can. After all - human's imagination is only a result of the perception of reality.
A Cure for Wellness (2016)
Diagnosis Ambition
I have been waiting 3 months to watch "A cure for wellness". And it's been worth it...to some extend.
This movie is really an original story about 3 different topics - workaholism, egocentrism and family. Interestingly enough we follow those themes in three narratives - personal, professional and historic.
But before speaking about story and characters, I have to stress out how many other valuable sides this art piece has. First of all - the scenery, landscape and background of the events is majestic. The haunted spa/sanatorium among splendid nature views is the perfect set for this fantastic horror drama. Also you should know that some of the filming locations are also spooky in real life (example: Beelitz Sanatorium). Also, the music is a nice addition to the moody feeling coming from this movie. But mostly I was impressed by the cinematography. Almost every shot's perspective and angle was perfect for me. We see the story through all kinds of visual points. And it makes more involved in the film overall. Excellent positioning of the takes and precise length of each movement of the camera. This for me is very important as we tend to see it less and less in modern cinema.
As for the actors and play - they were all splendid. From DeHaan's first cocky and later frantic acts to each of Volmer institute's staff members who expressed precisely the radiation of fanatic followers - it was all unexpectedly beautiful and impressive. Mia Goth and Jason Isaacs of course are the other two main characters who provide an unsettling background to our main character. As a person who has some contact with German culture, I'd like to express how on point was the feel of weird perfection coming out of this supposed sanatorium.
Let's now focus on the story. I had some feedback before the movie, so I expected a turn of events more in the direction of workaholism and modern societal anxiety. But I found out the movie to influence me more on a personal level. Although the "A cure for wellness" focuses mainly on the fantastic history of the place and people who own it, I was touched by the concrete stand this art piece took on the influence of professional competitiveness and ambition on the personal and family life of each individual.
Also I have to point out the perfect beginning scene in this film. It represents for me the whole idea behind this grinning movie. Although it's an over 2 hour long piece, to me it doesn't drag at all. I wanted to find answers all the way, all the time. Some of them were left unanswered by the end of it, but still it was a demanding and obsessive experience.
So, back to the story - a corporate hunt mingles with personal tragedy and historic fantastic elements. The body horror part of this movie I leave to the fans of such things. I just wanna say that it was bloody impressive and stressful. Which is a good thing for this genre. And although the film turns to the fantastic madcap performances towards the third act, I will remember it mostly for the iconic first and second parts.
The main character is an unscrupulous professional who's only family turns out to be his work. I was deeply impressed when the staff at the sanatorium asked De Haan's character for a personal contact and he referenced only his office (having lost both his father and mother). Not only that this is a great set up for his confrontation with the main villain in this story, but also connects with the audience through an subconscious level. I personally prefer to take in this film as a wink to the influence which hard work and painful ambition has on personal and family life. History knows not only real life creepy spas, but more importantly broken lives of many families. So Verbinski's goal is clear here.
The movie is clearly entertaining and captivating on many levels and I truly recommend it to all drama and horror fans. But as always I try to take out as many personal and long term conclusions from a movie. And this art piece is rich with meaningful messages and great character examples. Visually stunning work which is irresistibly obsessive with its lovecraftian way of saying "keep your mind at work, but leave your heart always at home".
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
The Shell is better than the Ghost
The cinema is an incredible way of art, because it always relies on good storytelling first. And after that on visuals, sound, design, performance, etc. It is surely a mix of them all, but the essence is and will always be to relay an important set of messages through an impressive story. And this is the reason why improvisation will always be a milestone in creating good movies. Because repetitiveness is always going to go into oblivion.
For example "Ghost in the shell" - the anime movie from 1995 will always be this cornerstone in the lives of many young before and now not so young people. It is an essential part of my life too. And I can't just pass on seeing what Rupert Sanders has done with these incredible set of characters, with this great set of ideas and story.
You see, people get inspired by stories which tell them something new to them, which teach them something they don't know about themselves and about the surrounding world. And at the same time these valuable fiction pieces show that we've had this valuable information in ourselves all the time. We just had to dig deep and find it. To acknowledge it. To accept its existence and then to use it in our lives. To be better people, to live a happier and more fulfilling life. This is the kind of art piece the original "Ghost in the shell" is. At least to me. So it's important to stress out what a big task this director took.
Now, I want to say that I truly believe that cinema is an eternal form of creation because it refreshes itself by inspiring the film community within. This anime is a beautiful example for this. I cannot give a better example for film inspired by GitS than "The Matrix". There we see a seamless transition of groundbreaking ideas from one form (mind) to another. This is the living tissue of cinema itself. Ideas about information flow, purpose of life in cybernetic society, gender identity and the future of the human soul flourish from anime to movie life the first breath of a new born baby! And this is exactly what I love.
So seeing the new Scarlett Johansson's new movie was a test. An awaited test, but still a test. And it performed more or less as expected. The story was dummed down A LOT. I don't even want to speak about it. It was interesting to see the script writers discussing a fresh look into Motoko Kusanagi's origins, but this idea seemed not thought in details enough. The performances of the actors weren't bad. But the characters are part of the flawed story. So yeah - it wasn't a very good movie.
But it was a decent one, because...they did hire some of the best design, music and graphic artists available on the market. And the atmosphere, sound, costumes, CG were GREAT! It sure looks expensive, but it is for a reason. I really enjoyed what WETA did in this movie. These people put up so much effort into interpreting and creating from the original content, that I want to recommend watching the movie if not for something else, than just for their work. It is worthy of appraisal. And let's not forget Hong Kong...the main landscape which inspired the original is seen in this movie as well. A future city it still is!
So overall I would like to ask you all - do you prefer to have a shiny shell or a thoughtful ghost? I personally prefer to have both!
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
As real as it gets in Manchester
I haven't really watched such a realistic film in a veeery long time...
Although, this movie will go in my records as not the best of the best films of 2016, it will surely keep its value over the years. Not only because of the two pivotal scenes (at least for me) in it - with Affleck in the Police station and with Affleck and Williams in the conversation from the screen which I post. But because of the overall feeling which this film piece relates to the viewer. This is reality, this is as close and as rough as it is.
I don't necessary enjoyed every act of the performance of Casey Affleck, but he surely strikes us as a very believable "dead" living person. The story vehicle takes its time to reveal the cause of his miserable existence and we slowly dive into his "ashes". I really liked all the supporting cast as well. Starting from his nephew, played by Lucas Hedges, going through Kyle Chandler (is the coincidence in the family names purposeful?) and all the other minor participants (Matthew Broderick and even the director - Kenneth Lonergan).
The background of the real Manchester town is reassuring that this whole story is happening where it should be. I cannot help but remember the great song by Billy Joel - "The Downeaster Alexa":
"So I could own my Downeaster "Alexa" And I go where the ocean is deep There are giants out there in the canyons And a good captain can't fall asleep"
And yes - the musical coverage is great. We get the classical pieces at the right time, we feel the emotion overwhelming us at the right moments.
This movie is a slow ride, at times a bit dragging in the details. But we all forget where we park our cars and we have all been through the moments of choosing the right condom :)
Anyway, I wanted to emphasize on the two really meaningful moments for me which really grabbed me by the throat and made me remember this film - Lee Chandler's breakdown at the police station and Randi's remorse during their conversation towards the end of the film. I see them as emotional knots, culmination, nervous exit from a stalemate situation. And since we all reach such moments in our lives, when it's all coming over the top, I feel that these two actors did their best. And they did it both subtly and extremely. The viewer correlates and empathizes in key moments with our main character. Kenneth Lonergan directs really well here and we see these actors strengths profoundly clear. What a wonderful lesson in cinema!
Of course I have to admit that Patrick's character is really a separate center in this movie. You cannot help but feel sympathy for him throughout the whole film. His actions and words are thoughtfully adult amidst his uncle's reserved and unresolved behavior. This is a film about losing and finding what is most precious in life. It is a movie about family, about time and about real life. It does not want to help you forget where you live and what you do in your every day routine. It stimulates you to do it better and not to lose your values and faith in good. It is a quiet story of ethereal meaning. The meaning of a lost and found reason to live.
Sing Street (2016)
Drive it along Sing street
I thought that 2016 was dominated musically by "La La Land", but then I saw "Sing street"...
Well, what can I say - music is everything sometimes. And just sometimes - movie making through music is what it takes to make everyone feel so much better.
Topics like family, growing up, friendship and love fill this movie with the necessary energy to carry you from beginning to end with joy and passion. I am truly inspired how the main characters start from the desire to be noticed and reach some of the highest peaks of originality in art. The 80's background music, set and costumes are far too attractive to be missed. And for me - these are all hallmarks of great directorship and cinematography.
The desire to associate with, to give, to win, translates to the viewer the impression of youth's vigor and love towards pushing down walls and changing habits. The young cast of this film reminds us to never let the important things run out of our lives, no matter how hard the situation is. And always to share every spark of creativity. The unique cultural-historical perspective of this movie shows again how music connects past and future, now and then.
Across cultures and distances we are interconnected by art, and in particular by good music. We can experience the passion to express ourselves all the way along our path of growing up and chasing our dreams. And to see once again how we must never lose grasp of our goals, no matter how hard it gets along the way.
This movie is an excellent example of how the family can influence any young kid in both a good and a bad way. Also - the importance of a good advice against the malice of poverty and ignorance is really obvious. "Sing Street"is the newest story of how love can actually save and dignify. But more than everything we see - how music can be a solution to all. And without any guaranteed success at the end, we enjoy this film as a really splendid creation of nostalgia, music and love.
I truly recommend this small treasure to you and your close ones. We can never have too much music and love in our lives!
Silence (2016)
Always beside you, never silent
It took me some time to comment on my most anticipated film of the year - "Silence", by Martin Scorsese, but it was worth it...
The central notion of spirituality and human nature is the very essence of faith in this masterpiece by Mr. Scorsese.
We see two Jesuit priests (Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield) going on a journey in peril. The aim - to find their mentor - Father Ferreira, who has renounced his faith after being tortured in Japan.
St. Paul's college in Macau is indeed a symbolical building to marvel at. It emphasizes on the transience of an era of devout, dogmatic Christianity. But still, its facade exhibits the magnificence of the human spirit. And how faith can travel and conquer, but also stay and change, transform any place in the world.
There is a really nice poem called "Footprints in the sand". It speaks volumes of the Christian faith, and to that matter - volumes of any faith, which is righteous. It goes like this:
"One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."
This is very much what to my account this movie is about. The hidden treasures of faith lie within our own understanding of life and its meaning. In "Silence" not all questions of father Rodrigues are answered, as nor do all of our delusions meet their end throughout our lives. But we all witness the pain and torture which the great ensemble of characters endure. Here, I must really praise the directorial work and all the actors' incredible performances. We must emphasize that all characters - from the main one to the smallest and most episodic ones - are represented truly and faithfully.
We see Japan and the Japanese way of life as it is. Nothing is spared, nothing is hidden. Nature itself is a major character in this movie. It is no coincidence that "Silence" was nominated only for Cinematography for the annual Academy awards - perhaps this is the most incredible part of the film. I cannot explain enough how the visuals speak volumes of storytelling to the viewer. We are engulfed in the sounds and colors of this magical godly realm called Earth. You must truly experience this both beautiful and disturbing nature of the movie.
The screenplay twists and turns around us and our expectations. We feel our own doubts and remorse, we live the same life deeply within is and at the end of the journey we feel maybe a bit better about out choices in life. Not because the film gives a final solution, or because it pretends to be a parable. This monumental work from Mr. Scorsese about how the human spirituality works is a fine example of storytelling through introduction of a riveting internal dialogue within each and every viewer.
I myself feel the need to share this film with everybody that cares for cinema, spirituality and purpose in life. It is a shining example of a perfect movie experience and a carefully paved way to self discovery.
Captain Fantastic (2016)
The energy of a Fantastic family
"Captain Fantastic" is truly a unique movie experience which you must take in deep.
Sure, this film is not that much perfect. Sure, the screenplay takes some questionable turns at some singular moments. But it is damn energetic and absolutely unapologetic!
In other words - I loved it! It seems that last year was a really god year for films after all. I am surprised by the variety of movies which surprised me, evoking the whole spectrum of emotions from the inner and outer cosmos. And "Captain Fantastic" is the newest addition to this list of special experiences which make our lives richer. The film from Matt Ross is a beautiful nod both to a long gone social movement and to our newly found 21st Century new age way of life. I am really, really impressed by the cast. Wonderful performances from Viggo Mortensen and the whole ensemble of his "children" (watch out in the future again for: George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell). This "family" invigorates the viewer with fresh voices speaking of freedom, change and at the same time of social and family values which we all tend to forget on a daily basis. Mortensen's character is both arrogant and loving to everybody around him which makes him really a nicely developed controversial person. It is refreshing for every viewer see such qualities together. I myself felt questioning many of the choices which I make as a parent. Which is a wise nod from the director to us all. Close community living and modern life technologies clash in front of the hippie background. The emotional connection is beautifully shot, using the metaphor of travel as the ultimate vessel for overpowering oneself. Any back to nature spirit will find something for itself in this movie. I think that this film is a carefully polished heartfelt jewel giving us a glimpse of what an emotional crisis looks like from a more subtle and graceful point of view.
What touches us in this comedic drama is the thought-provoking youth performance which resonates with our every day struggle to find all the right answers to the question: What it really means to be a parent...
Paterson (2016)
The mundane life of a great poet
Don't let me misguide you - this is not a controversial movie, this is a slow paced film about the small things in life which make us happy. And which we miss all the time...
So, yes - Adam Driver - he is the movie, no doubt about that. Just check his non profit organization (http://www.aitaf.org) and you will see that he really was "the one" for this role. And his picture in the marine corp suit in the movie is a real one. This also leads us to get the impression that he (as a quiet poet, driving every day a bus in a smaller city named the same as his character) is the centerpiece on the film. Yes, but to some extent. I think that the real main character of this beautiful art piece is the mundane life itself. With every good and bad thing about it. I also need to favor the supporting cast - from Golshifteh Farahani (what a name!) to all the twins seen in this movie - everybody plays exceptionally well. I just didn't get the Everett role - maybe because it seemed like a piece from a stage acting class done as a separate enclave in this movie. I understand the purpose of the whole Marie and Everett vehicle, but it still seemed a bit odd and off for me. Other than that - the ensemble of actors is really great. And the city of Paterson - I wonder if Jim Jarmush's whole idea was to create this film as an ode to this city. Probably yes! And it sounds pretty romantic (given the circumstances) to a 30-year old male from Bulgaria, thousand of miles far away from this location. So the whole background story of the city itself clicks pretty well for the viewer I think.
The music is a bit strong at times but generally favors the situations and emotions and compliments them.
This is a very ordinary story and at the same time it creates extraordinary feelings in the viewer - that we must enjoy our lives as they are, not necessary as we want to think they are. Love, compassion, romanticism, calmness, diversity - every word fits well for this film. I enjoyed it quietly, calmly and respectfully. It is a movie for the lovebirds for the families, for the local communities, it is a movie for every one.
So, although it might seem slow and that nothing ever will happen in it - great things appear under the surface of this motion picture. Humanity itself is peeking out from Paterson's character. Mundane, yet full of creative energy, ready to burst from the screen.
Please support this movie, so that others like it are made more often!
La La Land (2016)
The fools who dream of La La Land
And here's to the fools who dream Crazy, as they may seem Here's to the hearts that break Here's to the mess we make...
I really, really love to discuss such heartwarming movies, which deliver the full specter of positive to melancholic emotions, but no negativity at all. "La La Land" from Damien Chazelle is indeed an awaited masterpiece after his break performance with Whiplash. So much energy and genuine talent is represented in his scripts, directing and music, that I am truly inspired after watching his every film. His producers are really joyful after working with him, describing him as a very young visionary, who really lives with his work, and tell that after he is done with a movie, he lingers on it long after the shooting is done. Maybe because for any true auteur every piece of art is like a new baby born by his imagination and hard work. So this time he chose a more familiar cast - Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone (the latter can Really sing!). I think that they both got talent and am really a fan of Gosling's film project choices. He truly does not have a failure (yes, I am looking at you newcoming Blade Runner movie!). So having also the chemistry between them two, the director can only pinpoint the amazing, yet pretty often used storyline.
I prefer not to speak so much about script, rather than music and performances. The feel which we get from this movie is rather energetic, fresh and warm. Life is really nothing but a sequence of events which we truly must welcome and embrace, not matter the costs of mistakes and misses. The passion of the main characters for what they love and do is indeed great, but it pales in front of these rare moments of togetherness in creativity which they have. And that's why the third act is the strongest one. When they break out, they estrange from each other, but not to the point of losing that connection which they have from the beginning. And although people are born alone and constantly move on and change, these two characters really resemble our ever lingering spirit of dreaming and high hopes. Even if the reality crumbles, even if Sebastian and Mia choose separating paths, they are bound to be together in their dreams. And when those dreams come true, they are happy despite the physical distance between them.
There is much wisdom in this film. And the beautiful shots are really complimentary to the exact directing of the motion. Los Angeles is a really nice scene for the story and the color palette of the movie is truly positive. I want to point out the song which Mia sings at the last casting - "Audition". It truly made me smile, because it represents a spirit, which I don't really show, but which I love. And reminded to me of a very special person of mine. Also, I want to express my deepest respect of the conclusion song and montage. I really turned this 9/10 movie into 10/10 for me. Love and Creativity are truly strong forces in our lives. They show our spirit and souls like nothing else. And even our mind and perception are puzzled by the disappearing boundaries which are torn down by everlasting art.
Westworld (2016)
Westworld is growing on me
The variety of story lines in one's life is as limitless as his imagination...
Mr. Nolan really is doing a great job with this show. And HBO is constantly trying to stay ahead of its competition. To my surprise Westworld is getting better with each episode and I suspect a really nice turn of events at the end of the show.
But what is really important with these TV stories is that Westworld is very ambitious. From the cast to the script - everything is thought out really well and innovative. Although the origins of this script can be found in Mr. Crichton's story, we can clearly see why HBO took this project in - from the personal perspective of the viewer, to the general assumptions of classes in society, this show is more than all-embracing.
The actors' role in storytelling is really smartly conveyed here as well. I cannot imagine a better tale about the joys and tears of an acting career. We can clearly see the metaphors in act, and we are the ones who ask the questions about them. Some are answered, but most are left to our imagination.
The topics - about the person's place in this life, about the meaning of destiny, about the origin of one's values, about class structure, about illuminati, about the beauty of nature, about the grasp of human intelligence and its limits, about the fluent merging of genres in cinema, about the crazy use of lighting and sound...and mostly - about acting. True lessons of acting, based on a really simple, but layered style of storytelling. As old as a Greek myth and as new as a sci-fi bestseller in 2017.
Anthony Hopkins is genius, Ed Harris is a brute, Evan Rachel Wood is splendid and man, those side characters...you just can't forget them...
I recommend to all of you - please give this show a chance. It will at least make you think of your path on creating your soul.
The Revenant (2015)
DiCaprio - the Revenant
I must say that DiCaprio is continuously over the top
To explain the least – Mr. Glass, DiCaprio's character, is a strong source material. But to be able to deliver such a performance, you have to not only dedicate all your strength and stamina, but also have a huge talent – something which Leonardo has in abundance. Combining this with Inarritu's perfect directing skills and Lubezki's paranormal filming abilities – this one had to be the best of the year.
And indeed it is – the struggle between man and nature, the vengeance trip, the human relationships, the environmental message – we all see that in its entire run. I must admit that the rawness of the shots were a bit too much at some times for me, but this indeed made the movie true to the real life of these people at that time and at that place.
The music is by Ryuichi Sakamoto and I strongly recommend it to every open soul which desires to hear something new and vibrant. The costumes are profoundly adequate and the narrative is rich with pristine survival instincts.
But the main character in this film is the nature itself. No matter if we speak about the snow, the trees, the bear or the wind itself – this is what really shakes the viewer in his seat. I purposely didn't pay much attention to the dialogue, but rather enjoyed the "conversations" between Glass and his environment. His journey is delicately decorated with flashbacks and dreamlike visions which explain not only the personal story of the character, but also his urge to finish this journey and do what he has to do.
The movie is long enough for you to be able to immerse in the setting, so take your time and don't rush to deduct or explain it. There will be plenty of reasons to do that in the next years which I am sure will prove it to be a classic.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
The Force of Star Wars
So, yes - it's been some time since I wrote here... And I'm sorry to have left this website without any update for a long time. But changes have happened for good and this is good. But everything has its time and now it's time to pay my respect to Disney's Star Wars...
I can't really explain in details, but since a child I have felt that "Star Wars" is bigger than "Disney". You might thing this is ludicrous, but it's somewhat true to me. As a child I was exposed to "Empire strikes back" and I loved every second of it. And after that all the other old movies. It's just that the whole imagination in that trilogy was so enormous that it encompassed me and made me warm back then...and still it is like that.
The thing is that after that Lucas made the Prequels which was a good move, a fresh breath and certainly they were written and produced in a respectable manner. The problem is that too much CGI and further lack of acting skills made those films look bad in various ways. You can't say that Lucas made a mistake, he just didn't hit that same spot with the audience.
So that interesting point is that JJ Abrams hits that spot with the new movie. And does that using the whole specter of starwarsmanship. He directs good actors, films on beautiful places, gets the right writers...but something is amiss. And it's hard to tell what it is...
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac are performing very good. Harrison Ford is stellar as usual. The others - not really adding that much to the on screen chemistry. But anyhow the movie is performing well and strong. The music is enormously beautiful, the shots are spectacular, the details are really cool, and the robots are, of course, adorable.
So my final question is - if everything was so good and reminded me of the old Star Wars trilogy that much, why did I feel partly a bitter taste throughout the movie? For now it is hard to explain the reason, but I feel that maybe to keep a person warm, you need to fuel the fire not only with new stock, but to be able to produce flames which were not expected to blow...
Perhaps this is why I have so much high hope for the spin off movies... :)
Mad Men: Person to Person (2015)
The happiest saddest truest ending of Mad Men
It's all about what makes us different and what makes us all the same - something like the meaning of life...
It took me some time to come to terms with the final half season of Mad Men. Not because it was something that I didn't expect, or that it was a finale which bothered me. It's just because Mad Men is a show which encompasses all the emotions and steps in life which we as ordinary people take in life. And it is both so far away from my Bulgarian life and yet so close to my human life.
Don Draper, Peggy Olson, Pete Campbell, Betty Francis, Joan Harris and the others are representing all the features of the contemporary female and male person. It's really a show for everybody. And yet it represents something new to television. This show has inner energy which doesn't necessary culminate into some unexpected action or drama scene. Topics such as self acceptance, family, work relations, romantic relationships and interpersonal connection are heavily dissected. This show started as a period drama and ended as a characters' piece. Which is a good development, considering how TV shows tend to lose their face, morphing into multiple genre money making machines.
Anyway - about that finale... I am certain that Don Draper is consciously separated from the other characters. And his fate is more about the inner cosmos, than what happens in the outer, interpersonal space. That journey towards his self acceptance is far away from the development of other character's lives. He escapes from the others, the new office, his responsibilities, his second divorce, his home, his family - he strips himself consciously from his name and face. Dick Whitman wants to come out and show what a hobo he is. But Don is a much more layered person in season 7, than in season 1. And yet he is still that kind of a man who has invented the phrase "what you call love was invented by guys like me, to sell nylons.". And what a better nylon than Coca Cola. The dream advertising job stalking Draper since season 1.
Don Draper is that good in advertising because he is as selfish as it gets when it comes to preserving his sanity. When embracing his mirror image and crying out his despair after showing empathy at the retreat, Draper becomes enlightened in a way which is true to his nature. Commercialism is very close to Don's true self only because he ultimately really finds solutions for his problems in advertising.
Yes, Peggy's roller skating moment and her badass entry moment with that famous painting were super cool and very much in the style of Mad Men, but there were some moments which felt a little bit as a fan service - Peggy and Stan embracing each other, Pete returning without a problem to Trudy. Only Betty received a rather dark ending. But Sally really embraced the chance to shine through this final half season.
Since Mad Men is so influential in our modern society - as characters piece, as a style textbook, as a narrative choice - we owe a huge "thank you" to Matthew Weiner. We cannot miss the chance to thank his choice of actors and the way he drove this piece right till the end. After Don's enlightenment life goes on, nothing changes. But something is different - we are all influenced by the way introspection is combined with retrospection in this show. People's life goal has always been to find a meaning in their life, a purpose. Don has found again his place in this ironic world, have you found yours?
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
What a lovely day!
If you haven't watched one of the best action movies this year, go to the nearest 3D movie theater and correct this mistake...
It's been a while since I have watched a grand cinematic masterpiece with lots of quality action sequences. Maybe since "Prometheus".
Anyway, I want to say a few words about the 4th Mad Max movie which is a true heir to the old movies, and especially to the first one. The exhilarating survival story is concentrated on the desert pursuit of our main hero Max Rockatansky who is helping Imperator Furiosa and the beautiful women, who happen to be running from the die-hard Immortan Joe. This being said - there is no more story setting, no time for prehistory, for building characters in the beginning - the action starts immediately. And it is fueled with relentless strive to overcome dire situations with desperate measures.
What strikes me most is the visual perfection of the execution of each action sequence. It is real, it is scary, it is fast and it is furious. Yes, the dialogue is not much, and is not that good. But the presence of each character and his/her traits are true, visible and charming. We get to see each of the main characters pursue their way of survival, but in the end only together they can achieve survival and fulfillment. Only Max is the ever estranged and wandering loner.
The truth is that this film is not about the depth of its plot, or the growth of a character in it. It is about the unique world in which this survival story is set. It is about the weary road warriors who battle each other over the only true and meaningful things left in the world - water, gas and procreation. Because there is no Green Place, no end destination, no other refuge than the one of the mind. And as the main character is driven by his guilt and the ghosts of his lost relatives, the world in which he lives and wanders is driven by the mad desire to survive, to live, to prevail. This may seem and sound crazy (as crazy as the man with the flame- throwing guitar), but more or less I'm used to see this same battle over and over again in our daily life. We may fight over more elitist values, but survival of the fittest is the most common theme in each argument, in each battle we fight in our lives. Because one can leave his/her legacy only as a victor.
No matter how primal it may seem, the message behind Mad Mad is vigorous - through the ecological collapse and moral decadence one can survive only through constant refueling of the inner values and fighting for them. We can truly see the family metaphor with Max, Furiosa and the five wives and War boy Nux in one truck. And the dream of reaching home as a journey back to the beginning after escaping from it.
It is very important for me to note the excellent soundtrack and colorful visuals. I very much like this post apocalyptic desert world of Mad Max. The desperation is tempting, the solace is futile. In order to achieve something better, one has to accept the gritty nature of this aggressive world and fight it in every possible way he/she can.
This is a weird but grandiose roller coaster journey for the eyes, the ears and the mind. A long expected treasure for the road warriors out there.
Inherent Vice (2014)
Inherent vice
Did the modern society miss its chance to achieve something big in the 60's and 70's...?
It's been some time since I first saw the trailer for "Inherent vice" and liked it. It seemed free, dopey and careless enough to make me want to experience it. And after all - this is Paul Thomas Anderson's work. Not that I am a strict follower of his films, but they all show some resemblance to each other. It is not that easy to represent the social tides in a truthful to the original manner. And the director has done it again. I very much liked his movie "The Master" and "Inherent vice" is even better and more sophisticated in a way.
First I have to give it all to the actors - Joaquin Phoenix, Katherine Waterston, Josh Brolin. All of them perfectly cast and gladly enjoyed as late hippie-era characters. They represent very good this feeling of almost getting what you want, but not exactly. As there is no full happiness, so there is no full description of that epic era of social change. The early 1970's is the time when these people began to lose momentum and were already feeling the pressure which the state was apply on them.
This counterculture has grown to a point where it threatened the established order and power distribution. And that is why the hippies were denied their rightful position in society and this tendency became a symbol of a movement led by outsiders, strangers from the mass. But this is not what it is, this is not what it should be.
My main impression from this movie is that the director wants to convey his vague impression of what we as people could have been and could have done, if history hasn't been led by powerhouses which exploit the natural human fears, weaknesses and desires. All the characters of this film are aware that they are not in control of their lives, they are unsatisfied, they strive to achieve more, but cannot do so, because they are influenced, led, used and left behind. Only "Doc" is drifting as an ambiguous epitome of self sufficient libertarian hippie. He and his delusional ex-girlfriend Shasta coincidentally repeat twice the slogan of the movie (at least I think that this is it) "This doesn't mean that we're back together. - Of course not."
It is most important to note that we don't see a coherent storytelling or sequential human relationships, turning a plot into a message. We witness a fragmented story of characters which live in a time which is different than the one they were born into. For me it is crucially important to feel the emotional state and the atmospheric resemblance of this film and to share it. Because one cannot rationalize what is already lost, but can experience this reminiscence of counterculture ideas and epicurean lifestyle.
The Salt of the Earth (2014)
Le Sel de la Terre
The lines on his head were deep as the lines of the earth...
Wim Wenders' new masterpiece is a visually stunning lesson about our planet and our lives. We, the people, are both the salt and the scorch of the Earth...
Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and Wenders have made a thoughtful emotional journey through the life and work of the famous photographer Sebastião Salgado. Both his personal and professional journeys are depicted through the photographs of the talented humanist. The adventurous journey is becoming a discovery of the human nature and after that of nature's condition. A masterful revelation this picturesque travel envisions the marks which we leave on our planet and the traces which we imprint during our stay here.
It is important to note that the overall feeling of this movie is beautifully embodied by the soundtrack as well. And this feeling is surreal - a deep voyage into darkness and light - into the power of drawing with a camera. As a photographer too, I am once again amazed how a single picture can foretell, tell and commit to a certain topic. A person, a landscape, an overall feeling - this is what we get from this film.
Intricately constructed and simplistically presented, the meaning behind these shapes and colors is not ambiguous - we are the spice which could make the Earth both a better and worse place. It is very interesting to see this whole story told in French. I felt a certain feeling mystery and wisdom throughout the whole narrative. And although some scenes were striking, one can only feel humility watching this.
I strongly recommend that every photographer, who is striving to create, should see this movie. This documentary is very much a universal message of the ever repeating cycle of anger - despair - hope. This honorable look at the artist and his power which can transform people and nature is mesmerizing. As a conclusion I truly hope that we can learn from our mistakes and not repeat them all over again. Because when you immerse your soul into the soil, you cannot stay away from the imminent introspection which comes after that...
Professione: reporter (1975)
The Passenger
Across the sands of time there is little comfort for the identity of loneliness...
I've been willing to write about Michelangelo Antonioni's Masterpiece. It's just that when you sit down to describe and reflect upon such a monumental artwork, you need time and patience to be able to focus on the most important conclusions. For me it is always important to see the consequence of implications which you get from a movie. And I am pretty sure that "The Passenger" is indeed one of the best film I have ever seen.
The psychological drama about loneliness, alienation and the trouble of finding one's identity stars Jack Nicholson as a television journalist who assumes the identity of a dead arms dealer in Chad and then escapes his own identity and life cycle. We witness the typical 1970's movies feel of losing something real while trying to live the life. I am unsure if this film's intelligent script would've had the same impact if there were no such beautiful landscapes which complement the psychological transformation of the main character David Locke. The cinematography by Luciano Tovoli is distancing the characters of the film one from another. A deliberate alienation which represents a person's desire to escape oneself. Losing his identity Locke finds during his journey a soul mate - an architectural student in Barcelona (Maria Schneider). We witness their unconventional relationship and route through exotic and deserted villages and cities.
At the same time Locke's real life (represented by his unfaithful wife) tries to reach and find him. The main character is deliberately avoiding being found and desperately is trying to not go back to his original existence. France and especially Spain present us with both fascinating and haunting images of nature and architecture. It is very important for the viewer to notice Nicholson's character being "blown by the wind" from one deserted place to another. David Locke is a traveler through time and space who is attracted to his young female companion and spiritual soul mate, but ultimately is troubled only by his own escapade.
And although his new arms dealing identity finally takes its toll, he is presented as a newborn soul, freed from the constraints of his ordinary life. This alienated freedom provokes many viewers to try to find what is not right in their own lives and reflect upon how to change that. My feel about "The Passenger" is very similar to what I got from Antonioni's "Zabriskie point", "Blow-Up" and his trilogy "L'Avventura", "La Notte" and "L'Eclisse". A distant both haunting and beautiful cry about longing for a change and true meaning of one's life. It is very inspiring to see how a genius director can evoke true feelings in us with this enigmatic and intricate movie of possibilities. And there is no better example for this than the penultimate 7-minute tracking shot at the end of "The Passenger"...
Whiplash (2014)
A Whiplash
The best chemistry between two leading actors within years...
I have been waiting to see this movie for such a long time and for that reason I am really sorry that I couldn't enlist it in my Top 10 films of last year. But now that I have enjoyed it I am pretty sure that it is in my Top 3, maybe just behind Birdman.
Why? Because of the perfect acting lessons displayed in it. Best supporting actor of the year no doubt. J.K. Simmons destroys Miles Teller's character and then builds him depending on Teller's inner talent to produce perfect music. I am really starting to think that most of all I enjoy the overall feel of a movie and then the actors' play. These two factors maybe are the two most interesting and inspiring aspects of a movie for me. And the music of course. Jazz is improvisation, polyrhythm and swing which we have a lot in this wonderful piece of movie history. I have no doubt that "Whiplash", "Grand Hotel Budapest" and "Birdman" will without a doubt find their dignified places in the history of cinema.
The intense play is inspired by the beautiful script showing human emotions as we rarely find them in movies. This brilliant acting lesson is a true revelation for both leading actors and the director Damien Chazelle. It is no wonder that the American critics love it so much. It advocates the true statement that no talent can emerge without tons of hard work and practice. But the more compelling storyline is the one which shows us how the character of a person can grow when confronted by a real catalyst - the mentor, the teacher, the challenger. This is what I really liked in this film - the human emotional development within a talented young person. And Miles Teller is such a young talented actor too. So the symbol is perfect.
For us Europeans it is really refreshing to see this psychological clash between the two main characters in this movie. All the more challenging is the setting - the stage seems like a gladiators' arena. It is by the end of the movie like a true battlefield! The hero of the story is challenged by this "villain" - his mentor. And he strives so hard, beyond the flesh and bone, to reach perfection, that he surpasses perfection by the end of this beautifully shot film piece.
And the music in this movie is performed so well that it accompanies the characters' journey through this immense psychological arena of "war". The interaction in some scenes is so intense that it is simmering with uncompromising sharpness. We are viewing not only the main character's growth, we are seeing our appreciation of hard work grow too. And in a country like Bulgaria this kind of a lesson (although lifelike obvious) should be much appreciated.
"Whiplash"professes the things that matter to us and more importantly - how we can achieve them. It is the uncompromising will of our own souls which can only bring us to success and peacefulness. Perfection is not a mirage, it is a state of mind, a focus so clear, that one can achieve only by working hard on his talents. Every day, every second and every way possible. Even beyond the possible...
Enemy (2013)
Men's Chaos
I tried to avoid this movie, but after some serious recommendations I watched it in the end. And the result is mind blowing insight into every man's nature...
So let me explain again - I didn't want to watch this film at the very beginning, because it radiated darkness so much, that I felt it would definitely affect me. And I like my movies like my every other art form - to enjoy it when I am in the proper mood for it. I will always think that an art piece (no matter if music, movie, literature, painting, sculpture, etc.) has to be perceived when in the proper emotional condition. But after all I was impressed by the fact that so many reviewers who's opinion I value have recommended it. I have the similar case with the movie "Under the skin", but I will deal with that film later. So here's what I think of it...
First of all - I discovered Denis Villeneuve as a director. Wow! A great line of movies which will surely build up my expectations for his next works. Second - Jake Gyllenhaal is in a winning streak... I cannot remember if I have watched a "not so good" movie with him. Every single film he has done in the last years is almost perfect - Nightcrawler, Enemy, Prisoners, End of Watch, Source code, Love & Other Drugs, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Zodiac...way back to Donnie Darko - all of them are pretty decent to great, almost perfect movies! The script - amazing! Metaphors, Symbols, Analogues, etc. - almost every single stylistic device is used in this movie. Coming as an adaptation of the book "The Double" by José Saramago this movie is truly a masterpiece of cinema.
Maybe I didn't give it 10/10 only because the style of the atmosphere was not what I like most, but it truly fits the psychosis emotions of the main character(s). The music was also fitting - I really liked how Daniel Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans embodied the characters' emotional transitions between guilt, angst, rage, curiosity, depression, disappointment, relief and frustration. The conscious and subconscious war going on between Adam and Anthony is on purpose and leads indeed to a repetitive rejection and susceptibility to lustful yearnings. Yes, maybe the main character feels as if the spiders - his wife and his mother (maybe it all comes from her?) try to take his freedom, but the decision to keep the key at the end of the movie is all his farce.
And as we think - it is in men's nature to always be yearning, conquering and obsessive. So the solitary side of the main character is representing the man's will to set things right and not fall into the pit of desires. And the egoistic and hypocritical, always evasive, side is constantly interrupting, trying to prevail at any given chance and sign of hesitation.
Overall this movie is a very good character study and brilliant example of questions being asked directly to the viewer without being answered before that. This piece of cinematography is a genius acting lesson and an ideal example of the classical regret and shamelessness altogether. And is all this circle of dissatisfaction and regret sane? No, it's rather whimsical... After all it seems that men are whimsical even more than women. The process of interpersonal alienation has never been more accelerated than in the 21 Century.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
The sad story about The Hobbit franchise
I have just watched the new video game "The Hobbit: The Battle of the five armies" at the theater and tried to stop myself from writing about it, because this video game does not deserve this attention, but I still am going to do this in memory of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the rings" which was truly the reason why I gave the new trilogy a chance.
"Frodo: I can't do this, Sam.
Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for."
And this quote says it all...
But let me rephrase that. I have just witnessed how Peter Jackson (due to his own meanings or pushed by the new studio bossing around) has beheaded the little faith I had in him. The third Hobbit installment brought me to laughter, anger and almost to tears because of its outright stupidity and insipidness. And to stop generalizing, I'm going to put some points in front. First of all Peter Jackson has indeed committed crimes against the true story and characters from the children's book "The Hobbit, or There and Back Again". Too many people have seen this coming since we saw the first movie (which by the way was the least miserable from the three pieces). The imaginative character of Tauriel and the ludicrous relationship between the elf and the dwarf Kili is such a "gem" in this set of tragic mistakes that I must not say more. Mr. Jackson thoughtfully incorporated made-up parts in the story which didn't only made these movies look silly, but they destroyed his own credibility as a director loyal to Tolkien and to the fans. Yes indeed, three films will make much more money than one film. But this will never bring Jackson to the high place which he held in the hearts of the fans and in the minds of the critics. "The Return of the King" took all 11 Oscars for which it was nominated namely BECAUSE it was true to the books. J.R.R. Tokien's writings are true mirrors of the human nature and history and are indeed beautiful examples of how a person can relay humanity. None such occurred in at least the second and the third Hobbit films. I think that we saw a fantasy equivalent to the Avengers' stupidity. Still "The Avengers" was mostly true to its origins. Which is why "The Battle of the Five armies" cannot win the audience only with perfect character design, major battles, wonderful music and brief winks towards "The Lord of the Rings". The intended soul of the new trilogy - the friendship, the loyalty to comrades and keeping the given promise - were vaguely affecting the viewers back at the theater. Not only because the director and the actors did not meant what they were showing us, but also because it was NOT true. There is no such big emphasis in the book on these highlighted moments. Thus there is such a logical fiasco in front of us.
Maybe I am too harsh on this movie and on Peter Jackson. Maybe I am just a fan of Tolkien who feels hurt, because the book material of J.R.R. Tolkien was treated like a source of money. But I think that as Sam said before in The Two Towers - "Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why." And Jackson just had to do one movie true to the book. Nothing else. Maybe it would have been less successful than the previous trilogy. I think that it would have not earned any awards at all. But it would have been still an interesting piece to be seen and the true fans of Tolkien's work would have liked it. As a matter of fact I think that most of the people would have liked compared to the situation now. The true story is always emotionally overwhelming and mindfully compelling. So what am I holding onto? The good story? The loyalty to the book? No, I am holding onto the truth of creativity and artistry. There is some good in this world and it's worth fighting for!
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Birdman acting
I was expecting "Birdman or (The unexpected virtue of ignorance)" to be a blow up acting lesson, but it really surprised me with its completeness and universal message...
Alejandro González Iñárritu really did it well. He is a proved and delightful author and director already, but this movie can really bring an Oscar to Michael Keaton.
But let's start with the atmosphere. The set is New York - WOW! I am really impressed how they showed us The Big Apple's artistic district. The camera work is incredible - long shots, beautifully transferring from one scene to another. The moving of the camera is flawless and alive. The viewer really feels the vibrant life of the main characters. And the music is very clever and fitting. Especially the rhythm and the pacing of the action are exact and provoke our emotional reaction almost every time. The whole setting and scenery is creative and true to the Broadway style life.
I must say that the main character Riggan (Michael Keaton) and Mike (Edward Norton) play almost perfect embodiments of how the modern actor's behavior. This encyclopedia of decision making and emotionally hazard behavior is tempting the viewer to feel empathy for them. I completely enjoyed their acting and felt that after all the American acting school is not behind the European at all. Hollywood may produce tons of bullsh*t, but Fox Searchlight has proved again its record of good production choices. And the acts in this film are really classical in a way. The falling out of glory struggling Riggan is investing his career and sanity into the play What "We Talk About When We Talk About Love". And we can feel the thickness of tension which is building up on his head. The reference to Keaton's actual career is evident, so we feel true empathy to the main character in Birdman. His alter ego - the Birdman is constantly reminding us of the Ego of every actor who has received appreciation, but is craving for more. And Norton's character Mike is truly an expected surprise representing the actors' boldness and ingenuity. The supporting cast - Zach Galifianakis (just wow!), Naomi Watts (the usual delved into character personality), Emma Stone and Andrea Riseborough add to the constellation of stars shining on the stage and on the screen. I must say - with such a cast a good director such as Iñárritu has done marvels of wonder!
Maybe I am too exuberant in my rants about this film, but I feel that we're witnessing really a piece which is close to perfection. I really enjoyed it very much and the true reason for that is the script. The story's both particular and general view for modern acting and the current condition of the cinematic industry have really impressed me. Every line is on spot, the ideas are not new, but are presented very fresh. One can only reflect upon the true nature and signification of the theater, cinema and acting as a profession and way of life. Yes, way of life. Because after all, depending on the situation, we all tend to act and react. All humans are actors in a way. And as William Shakespeare has put it eloquently:
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages."