Hello all,
It’s taken me a while to get on here, but here’s a list of films I saw around the film festival that I have been meaning to share with fellow clubmoofiers for a while now. Let me know if any of you have seen them or would like to offer comments/chat about them! In the meantime, I’m offering a few comments of my own…
Happy moofie going!
Michael Clayton - George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson
Intense drama, complex business and personal politics explored, and some very beautiful still moments amidst the tension. Tilda Swinton is at her barely-keeping-herself-under-control best. George Clooney is excellent as he develops a conscience. 4 stars
The Illusionist -Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel
Somewhat disappointing film following an illusionist’s quest to find the girl he’s loved all his life but was parted from at an early age. I’d say Paul Giamatti, so good in Sideways and American Splendour, is wasted on a rather dull role as a police inspector trying to work out Ed Norton’s tricks. If you are interested in this sort of tale, I would recommend you give this a miss and try The Prestige (Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine)- a much more intriguing and unusual filmic experience all together.
The Illusionist – 2 stars, The Prestige – 4 stars
Lions For Lambs – Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford
Worth seeing just for the interaction between Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise. Streep is on form interviewing Cruise’s ambition politician in this movie containing 3 stories examining war, politics, influence and choice. I personally found the story focusing on the 2 young soldiers too long, but it is relevant to the narrative to see their experience, and what their choices lead them too. 3 stars
Pan’s Labyrinth – Sergei Lopez, Ivana Baquero, directed by Guillermo del Toro
Now this is one of the most original films I have seen in some time. Beautifully filmed, visually intense with vivid colour and character design, dramatic and violent, yet touching and child-like in its fantasy, this is a must see. I mention the director’s name because his vision is integral to the film. Also directed Hellboy 1 and 2 – fantastic for similar but different reasons! If you are into creative visuals, his films are for you!
4 stars
Russian Ark – Sergei Dontsov, directed by Aleksandr Sukorov
I know I should love this film, a walk through art, history and a unique opportunity to see St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, all filmed in one long sequence – a technical feat in itself – but I must admit I found the making-of documentary far more interesting than the actual movie. Perhaps I was not in the right frame of mind for this film! I would like to hear what other people thought! Would love to give this more but only 2 stars
Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium – Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman, Natalie Portman, Zach Mills, written and directed by Zach Helm
I was so looking forward to this film when I heard it was coming out, but alas it is a disappointing and decidedly unmagical film about a magic toy store. Zach Helm wrote the screenplay for Stranger Than Fiction – one of my favourite films, unique, funny, tender with excellent dialogue and acting to boot – and I think he could have delivered a much better work than this. Perhaps he should have left the directing to someone else. The barely-saving graces are Dustin Hoffman’s obvious enjoyment in his role, and Zach Mills performance as a rather special boy. Natalie Portman is uncharacteristically untwinkly, and about as interesting as a slap in the head with a smoked trout. 1 star
Kung Fu Panda – voices by Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black, and many more
Ok, I admit up front that I have a rather large soft spot for animated films that are not only great for kids but that mercifully have dialogue and imagery that adults can get tickled pink by. This is a perfect example! Beautifully and meticulously animated, with some very cinematic sequences, this film does not cloy or irritate with feel-good messages, but still gets the underdog-making-good gist across easily, and with humour. Loved it!! 5 stars
River of No Return – Frances Djulibing
This is a great doco on one of the stars of Rolf de Heer’s 10 Canoes. It follows Frances’ dream of becoming an actress spurned by watching Marilyn Monroe films as a girl. Not the easiest task if you happen to be a Yolngu girl living in a remote community in Arnhem Land. I haven’t seen 10 Canoes, and to be honest probably won’t, but this was fascinating. 3.5 stars
Persepolis – voiced by Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve and more
Based on the biographical graphic novels of Marjane Satrapi, this is a dramatic, funny and originally illustrated story of an Iranian girl’s struggle with her identity and her life in and out of Iran. A fascinating insight into the politics of this country from an Iranian’s point of view. I enjoyed this greatly! 4 stars
Well that’s it for now! See you soon folks!
SB
3.10.08
October 4, 2008 at 2:02 am |
Wow, you’ve seen a lot!
The only one on that list that I’ve seen was Russian Ark (2 star). I agree that getting it all in one ‘take’ was quite a feat but I found it wouldn’t have detracted from my experience if it had the odd cut here and there (i.e. it seemed a bit ‘film-school’ trying to achieve it and it didn’t really add much).
It took me a while to figure out who is the “european”, who is the “marquis”, why are we floating around this nice museum?, and whats going on in general. I had a similar reaction to this as I did the other russian film “Burnt by the sun”. I think you have to BE Russian, or have had some in-depth exposure to their history / culture / people to really appreciate this film. As for a mouth breathing simpleton like me, well, I’ve paid up for my ticket and I’ve come to the cinema, I’m trying to get into it but come on director, meet me half way here! …
see ya,
cj
October 4, 2008 at 6:55 am |
Hi CJ,
I think you are right, I think the pondering, philosophical and abstract style is very Russian, and may be more comprehensible to it’s native audience. Or perhaps I should have had a few slugs of vodka to aid my appreciation. (Hmm, although i don’t want that to stereotype the Russian populace). Anyway, I think I would have preferred to be walking around the museum myself, without the fictional character helping me along. Actually, now that I think of it, I think the film might of worked better if there was no narrator or Marquis, and it was just watching the passing of the ages and the people moving through time…yes, I think that might have worked better for me.
Thanks for your comments!
SB
October 5, 2008 at 7:01 am |
Hi All,
Regarding “Russian Ark”, I agree with the comments so far – 2 stars from me (although I’m not really in a position to comment as I actually fell asleep during the film!).
Gosh, I enjoyed reading your reviews, SB! You are quite the writer!
We saw a series of B-grade films while in NZ; No Reservations with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mission Impossible III and the latest Harry Potter film, none of which I can really recommend or rate higher than say, 2.5 stars.
WJ
October 9, 2008 at 6:23 am |
I also saw ‘Black Snake Moan’ – that film with Samuel L Jackson and Christina Ricci. It was about a god fearing but bitter old blues man whos wife has just left him. Meanwhile CR is a directionless wild child with a bad reputation in town – she has just been raped and has been found by SLJ dumped on the road. He takes it upon himself to ‘reform her wild ways’ with some tough (platonic) love. It had a real gritty, smokey, sweaty ’southern’ feel about it and it really lends its attitude from classic delta blues music. The music was great (some actually sung by SLJ), CR was very pouty and sexy with those big eyes & gratuitous lack of clothes for a large part of the movie (!) etc. Its a film which really divided reviewers – a lot hated it, but I found it quite interesting (the music was the best part about it). Amazingly, it was a pretty good performance from Justin Timberlake too as the jilted boyfriend who has his own issues.
3.5 stars.
CJ