As a big Pedro Almodovar fan, I was looking forward to watching this film since I heard it was being made but only just got round to watching it.
Antonio Banderas plays a surgeon suffering from a series of personal tragedies who is trying to develop a synthetic skin for burns victims. But his experiments take an unexpected turn when something sinister happens to a member of his family.
It's hard to write about this film without giving too much away but it's a very quirky and original film. There's a lot of scenes you don't see coming and the timeline of this film is quite unusual. It jumps around between the past and present day so there's a few points during the film in which the viewer has to take a few minutes to piece it together to make sense of it. It's well worth the effort though.
As usual, Antonio Banderas is excellent. Although he's a well-known actor, he makes it very easy to see past that and believe he really is the character and his emotions are portrayed very effectively. This isn't a typical Almodovar film, other than it's completely mad, but his talent is obvious and this film is an excellent edition to his impressive catalogue so far. There's less of Almodovar's signature bright colours here- the rooms are more grey and clinical with sharp edges and shadowy corners, but it works for the film.
Altogether very well acted and expertly directed, after watching The Skin I Live In, revenge will never look the same again.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Friday, 9 March 2012
Is controversy a gift or a curse for Lars von Trier?
Before the casting or script for Lars von Trier’s new film The Nymphomaniac have even been hinted at, several distributors have pre-bought it. The controversy von Trier so frequently courts has got him into a lot of trouble, but also seems to be making him money.
At Cannes in 2011, promoting his film Melancholia (2011), von Trier (now infamously) said he sympathised with Hitler. Of course, a massive uproar ensued and the Danish director declared he would never do another interview again. But, how many people that caught wind of the drama can honestly say it didn’t make them want to see the film more than they did before? Surely there are countless people who had never even heard of the film that sought it out after Cannes.
Von Trier isn’t afraid to challenge perceptions or of leaving an audience speechless.
Not that von Trier is unfamiliar with trouble. In 1998, he drew gasps from hundreds with his film The Idiots (Idioterne, 1998), in which a group of young people challenge society’s prejudices by going on outings pretending to be mentally disabled. Depicting real, unsimulated sex alongside the obviously provocative subject matter, Idioterne offended and shocked, but still remains an important and intriguing piece of film making, fourteen years on.
Melancholia itself is not particularly shocking – probably the most daring scene involves Kirsten Dunst bathing in the light of the apocalyptic planet with no clothes on. This was probably disappointing for fans that have come to expect shocks and offense, as only Lars von Trier can deliver. But the point is it still brought in the audiences. To date, Melancholia has grossed almost $3 million worldwide in the box office, and it seems that a certain Nazi-related outburst has done Mr von Trier no harm in economic terms.
Read the rest of the article on subtitledonline.com
At Cannes in 2011, promoting his film Melancholia (2011), von Trier (now infamously) said he sympathised with Hitler. Of course, a massive uproar ensued and the Danish director declared he would never do another interview again. But, how many people that caught wind of the drama can honestly say it didn’t make them want to see the film more than they did before? Surely there are countless people who had never even heard of the film that sought it out after Cannes.
Von Trier isn’t afraid to challenge perceptions or of leaving an audience speechless.
Not that von Trier is unfamiliar with trouble. In 1998, he drew gasps from hundreds with his film The Idiots (Idioterne, 1998), in which a group of young people challenge society’s prejudices by going on outings pretending to be mentally disabled. Depicting real, unsimulated sex alongside the obviously provocative subject matter, Idioterne offended and shocked, but still remains an important and intriguing piece of film making, fourteen years on.
Melancholia itself is not particularly shocking – probably the most daring scene involves Kirsten Dunst bathing in the light of the apocalyptic planet with no clothes on. This was probably disappointing for fans that have come to expect shocks and offense, as only Lars von Trier can deliver. But the point is it still brought in the audiences. To date, Melancholia has grossed almost $3 million worldwide in the box office, and it seems that a certain Nazi-related outburst has done Mr von Trier no harm in economic terms.
Read the rest of the article on subtitledonline.com
A Buyer's Guide to Pedro Almodovar
Pedro Almodovar is often said to be one of the masters of Spanish cinema and has a vast cinematic catalogue spanning almost four decades. His films have been critically acclaimed, and Talk To Her (2003) even won Almodovar an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and he received a Best Director nomination for the same film.
His work isn’t particularly controversial, but is gradually becoming more recognised in England. Almodovar has identified Penelope Cruz and, more recently, Elena Anaya as his muses, and his films are usually colourful, while dealing with powerful and varied subjects, but which are his best and which should be avoided?
MUST SEES
One of Almodovar’s best films, All About My Mother (1999), tells the story of a woman whose son has died trying to find the boy’s father, who is now a transvestite. The woman’s life becomes intertwined with many others during the course of the story, including a pregnant nun and her son’s favourite actress. The film is touching and emotional, but, at the same time, hectic and comical. This film really draws you in and has you eagerly anticipating the ending, in the way that you want to find out how it all ties up, rather than you want it to end.
Almodovar has said that it took him ten years to write Bad Education (2004), which is based on his time in a Catholic school as a child. This film is quite self-reflexive – it is about a man who has written a semi-autobiographical film about his experiences in a religious school and hopes that his old school friend will produce it. The film deals with the unpalatable theme of child abuse by priests, so, at times, it is difficult to watch. However, as with many of Almodovar’s films, the story is not all it seems and the twists in the tale, along with a great cast, including Gael Garcia Bernal and Fele Martinez, make this film a must see.
Another film which follows the production of a film is Broken Embraces (2009). It follows director Mateo Blanco as he makes a film but falls in love with the lead actress, played by Penelope Cruz. The audience is transported to the present day, where Blanco, now known as Harry Caine, is blind and reflecting on how he got to this point. This film is filled with emotion and drama – and has several shocks. It showcases the very best elements of Almodovar’s work and is an excellent example of how Spanish cinema can really make an impact on an English audience.
Read the rest of the article on Subtitledonline.com
His work isn’t particularly controversial, but is gradually becoming more recognised in England. Almodovar has identified Penelope Cruz and, more recently, Elena Anaya as his muses, and his films are usually colourful, while dealing with powerful and varied subjects, but which are his best and which should be avoided?
MUST SEES
One of Almodovar’s best films, All About My Mother (1999), tells the story of a woman whose son has died trying to find the boy’s father, who is now a transvestite. The woman’s life becomes intertwined with many others during the course of the story, including a pregnant nun and her son’s favourite actress. The film is touching and emotional, but, at the same time, hectic and comical. This film really draws you in and has you eagerly anticipating the ending, in the way that you want to find out how it all ties up, rather than you want it to end.
Almodovar has said that it took him ten years to write Bad Education (2004), which is based on his time in a Catholic school as a child. This film is quite self-reflexive – it is about a man who has written a semi-autobiographical film about his experiences in a religious school and hopes that his old school friend will produce it. The film deals with the unpalatable theme of child abuse by priests, so, at times, it is difficult to watch. However, as with many of Almodovar’s films, the story is not all it seems and the twists in the tale, along with a great cast, including Gael Garcia Bernal and Fele Martinez, make this film a must see.
Another film which follows the production of a film is Broken Embraces (2009). It follows director Mateo Blanco as he makes a film but falls in love with the lead actress, played by Penelope Cruz. The audience is transported to the present day, where Blanco, now known as Harry Caine, is blind and reflecting on how he got to this point. This film is filled with emotion and drama – and has several shocks. It showcases the very best elements of Almodovar’s work and is an excellent example of how Spanish cinema can really make an impact on an English audience.
Read the rest of the article on Subtitledonline.com
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
14 Days of Free Film Challenge: Day Eleven, We Need to Talk About Kevin
If you've ever met a weird child or had a kid who was difficult, you need to watch this film because they will seem like angels compared to Kevin. He's an insolent child and progresses through the ranks of evil as he gets older, with an unimaginable culmination.
The film mainly focuses on Kevin's mum, played brilliantly by Tilda Swinton, and how she has dealt with what he has done. The film moves around a lot in time, going through Kevin's various life stages but in a disjointed way. However, it's easy to keep up with this as the scenes set in the present day are more reflective with less going on in them so it is easier to piece it all together.
This film is quite scary, mainly because of things Kevin does, but also the implication that humans can really be that evil. The signs are there from the beginning that there is something not right with him and it develops as he grows up.
A disturbing but thought-provoking film, We Need to Talk About Kevin is effective and powerful from the very start.
The film mainly focuses on Kevin's mum, played brilliantly by Tilda Swinton, and how she has dealt with what he has done. The film moves around a lot in time, going through Kevin's various life stages but in a disjointed way. However, it's easy to keep up with this as the scenes set in the present day are more reflective with less going on in them so it is easier to piece it all together.
This film is quite scary, mainly because of things Kevin does, but also the implication that humans can really be that evil. The signs are there from the beginning that there is something not right with him and it develops as he grows up.
A disturbing but thought-provoking film, We Need to Talk About Kevin is effective and powerful from the very start.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
14 Days of Free Film Challenge: Day Ten, Beginners
Watching this the day after Christopher Plummer won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, I was expecting a lot. I wasn't disappointed, but it wasn't what I expected at all.
This film is really quirky. There's a Jack Russell who speaks through subtitles, an old man that comes out as gay in his 80s and a hotel roller skating incident.
But it's also very cute. It's a story of love, various forms of love. There's love between a man and a woman, love between two men and love between a father and son. The tag line
of this film is 'this is what love looks like', and I definitely hope so. Although it doesn't always run smooth, love here is fun, beautiful and free and that's what makes this film good.
Based on the director's experience with his father, this film is very honest and open and the performances from the three main actors, Plummer, Ewan McGregor and Melenie Laurent, are superb. They are each perfect for their roles and make the characters real and relatable.
As I took this film back to Blockbuster, I also brought it on Blu-Ray so I can enjoy it again.
This film is really quirky. There's a Jack Russell who speaks through subtitles, an old man that comes out as gay in his 80s and a hotel roller skating incident.
But it's also very cute. It's a story of love, various forms of love. There's love between a man and a woman, love between two men and love between a father and son. The tag line
of this film is 'this is what love looks like', and I definitely hope so. Although it doesn't always run smooth, love here is fun, beautiful and free and that's what makes this film good.
Based on the director's experience with his father, this film is very honest and open and the performances from the three main actors, Plummer, Ewan McGregor and Melenie Laurent, are superb. They are each perfect for their roles and make the characters real and relatable.
As I took this film back to Blockbuster, I also brought it on Blu-Ray so I can enjoy it again.
Monday, 27 February 2012
14 Days of Free Film Challenge: Day Nine, Devil's Double
Well, what a shocker for day nine! But in a good way. I'm hardly ever shocked by films so it made a nice change.
Basically, this is based on the autobiography of Latif Yahiah, who was pretty much forced to be the body double of Sadam Hussein's son. He lives a life of luxury, but is at the same time subjected to the horror and sadism of Uday's behaviour.
I think the reason I was so shocked by this film was the fact that it was based on a true story. It's so hard to believe that that sort of person (Uday) ever existed in humanity. It also points out with shocking clarity how much we take for granted.
The scene in which Uday drives along and picks a school girl he wants to take home with him really drives it home. People under that regime had no choice but to submit to Uday's crazy whims and could not argue or
complain. The amount of moaning we do about our government, really, we have no idea.
Anyway, in terms of the film. Dominic Cooper plays both Uday and Latif and gives a stunning performance. It's very believable that these are two separate men and at times you do have to stop and remind yourself it's the same actor.
It's an amazing film, but not for the easily shocked. Not sure how historically accurate it is, but also a good piece of education. One of the best I've seen as part of my challenge so far!
Basically, this is based on the autobiography of Latif Yahiah, who was pretty much forced to be the body double of Sadam Hussein's son. He lives a life of luxury, but is at the same time subjected to the horror and sadism of Uday's behaviour.
I think the reason I was so shocked by this film was the fact that it was based on a true story. It's so hard to believe that that sort of person (Uday) ever existed in humanity. It also points out with shocking clarity how much we take for granted.
The scene in which Uday drives along and picks a school girl he wants to take home with him really drives it home. People under that regime had no choice but to submit to Uday's crazy whims and could not argue or
complain. The amount of moaning we do about our government, really, we have no idea.
Anyway, in terms of the film. Dominic Cooper plays both Uday and Latif and gives a stunning performance. It's very believable that these are two separate men and at times you do have to stop and remind yourself it's the same actor.
It's an amazing film, but not for the easily shocked. Not sure how historically accurate it is, but also a good piece of education. One of the best I've seen as part of my challenge so far!
Sunday, 26 February 2012
14 Days of Free Film Challenge: Day Eight, Super 8
Super 8 was a film which I really wanted to see at the cinema but unfortunately didn't get the chance. It's about some children who are making a film for a Super 8 competition when they witness a devastating but unusual train crash.
This film is quite scary in terms of real-world implications, because it questions how far we can trust the Government and people who are employed to protect us. In this case, the US forces start a wildfire to force evacuation of the town so the disastrous consequences of the train crash can be concealed.
It's got obvious resemblances to the Goonies, but only really because it's about children trying to save the day. The Goonies is much more fun, but I'm not sure Super 8 is trying to be fun. It takes itself a bit too seriously which is a shame because it could have been better.
But the children are good actors and make the film enjoyable. It's the adults that slightly bring it down- there's a lot of adult over-acting here.
The films enjoyable enough and it's worth a watch but it's not as good as I'd hoped. As with Cloverfield, the monster reveal ruins it and JJ Abrams would have been better off leaving the monster to the audience's imagination.
This film is quite scary in terms of real-world implications, because it questions how far we can trust the Government and people who are employed to protect us. In this case, the US forces start a wildfire to force evacuation of the town so the disastrous consequences of the train crash can be concealed.
It's got obvious resemblances to the Goonies, but only really because it's about children trying to save the day. The Goonies is much more fun, but I'm not sure Super 8 is trying to be fun. It takes itself a bit too seriously which is a shame because it could have been better.
But the children are good actors and make the film enjoyable. It's the adults that slightly bring it down- there's a lot of adult over-acting here.
The films enjoyable enough and it's worth a watch but it's not as good as I'd hoped. As with Cloverfield, the monster reveal ruins it and JJ Abrams would have been better off leaving the monster to the audience's imagination.
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