The Boys (1998)

 

Director: Rowan Woods
Cast: David Wenham, Toni Collette, Lynette Curran, John Polson, Anthony Hayes, Jeanette Cronin, Anna Lise, Pete Smith


David plays the evil Brett, an ex-con who came back home to his family. He was released
on parole after twelve months serving a sentence of assault. Brett manipulated his family
and girlfriend, his performance is powerful, he is dominant and scary figure. When he
came back from jail he attempted to regain his position as the alpha mail in the family.
Brett girlfriend Michelle portrayed by Toni Collete who is willing to stand up and confront
the brutality of Brett and was accused by Brett that she cheated on him.

Glenn is the middle brother portrayed by John Palson who has a living partner Jackie.
Glenn was trying to be good with the help of his partner but Brett accused Jackie feeling
too good for them. Stevie is the youngest who has a pregnant girlfriend named Nola, who
feels uncomfortable and afraid of Brett. Glenn and Stevie can be easily led and bullied by
Brett. Lyn Curren who portrayed the boy’s mother, tried to keep her family in straight path
but failed. She is afraid and does not have power over Brett.

The film has a sense of fear and danger, Brett character looks really frightening, the
dialogues is brutally coarse that adds authenticity to the story. “The Boys” isn’t a great film,
the claustrophobic atmosphere was maintained through the film by not using long shots
they even slow the pace by using slow motion. but it is very good. Raw and nasty, it’s also
thoroughly depressing.

References:

Film Threat (2011) The Boys [Online] Available at http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/445/ [Accessed 01 June 2011]

Nytimes (2011) The Boys [Online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/101599boys-film-review.html [Accessed 01 June 2011]

eFilm Critics (2011) The Boys [Online] Available at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=1099 [Accessed 01 June 2011]

AV Club (2011) The Boys [Online] Available at http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-boys,19828/ [Accessed 01 June 2011]

Festivale Movie Review (2009) The Boys [Online] Available at http://www.festivale.info/filmrvu/9806frvn.htm [Accessed 01 June 2011]

The Cinematographer Style (2006)

 Directed by: Jon Fauer
 
“The Cinematographer’s Style” is a documentary film made up interviews with 110 influential and prominent Cinematographers in the world written and directed by Jon Fauer. The men and women practitioners passionately talked about the craft, discussing the aesthetics and effectiveness of lights through composition, movement, emotion and mood that we usually see in the film. The film was organized within a few broad themes the Style, Lighting and Technology. Style - how these people became a cinematographer whether it was through experiences, inspiration, other field or engaging an artistic aspiration. Some speakers quoted these “Visual Psychiatrist is like a painting pictures on the dark”, “each film must have own style” and “the best lighting is without a light”. The use of “light - switch on one at a time like a brush stroke until you see the pictures”, “shadows are more important than the light” and “precision lighting is very important as well as the focused with your subject”. Unfortunately I cannot identify who were those speakers because most of them does not have identifications or names during their interviews.

The technology now, cameras are getting smaller that you can put them anywhere and much more versatile, whereas before they are physically big.

During the interview, cinematographers always employ the rule of thirds, light positioning and depth of field was well composed.

References:

Variety (2011) The Cinematographer Style [Online] Available at  <http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117931001/> [Accessed 23 May 2011]

Documentary Film (2011) The Cinematographer Style [Online] Available at <http://www.documentaryfilms.net/index.php/cinematographer-style/> [Accessed 23 May 2011]



 

A Decade Under the Influence (2003)

Directors: Ted Demme, Richard LaGravenese

“Decade Under the Influence” is a wistful documentary and scrutinizing the decade of American films in 1960’s to 1970’s the time when film makers were having difficulties in attracting new generation of filmgoers. They opened the door for new young directors from film schools. The film was directed by Richard LaGravenese and Ted Demme.
The film is a discussion about the American cinema during 70’s by some of the most influential directors of that time. Sydney Pollack talked about 60’s heroism, drugs sexuality, civil rights, and political movement. Pam Grier about art and music, Polly Plat about different approached in film making, William Friedkin talked about protest, arrogance, racism about American blacks and sexuality. Kurosawa talked about the actors and actresses during the time they do guerilla type filming like no license and no permit because of low budget. During this time, bad language and swearing were substitute for action. The talking heads diversifying with other footages in between, showing different old films, protests, war films, nudity, sex and drugs. The opening sequence was a very nice grungy 70’s style graphic. The film was very interesting and informative now we know where all the movie styles came from.

References:

Nytime (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/25/movies/25DECA.html [Accessed 05 May 2011]

SFgate (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/05/30/DD247338.DTL [Accessed 05 May 2011]

eFilm Critic (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=6908 [Accessed 05 May 2011]

Film Critic (2011) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/2003/a-decade-under-the-influence/?OpenDocument [Accessed 05 May 2011]

Flickhead (2004) Decade Under the Influence [Online] Available at http://home.comcast.net/~flickhead/Decade-Under-the-Influence.html [Accessed 05 May 2011]

Withnai & I (1987)

Directed and written by: Bruce Robinson
Cast: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths

The film was about two young guys who were failed actors immersed their failures and frustrations with drugs and alcohol, living at the remnant of the 1960 in one of the London city’s rat-infested flat.  It was written by Bruce Robinson which the story was based on his own experiences.

Being so desperate and no money they came up to that stage of consuming lighter fluid.
Withnail (Richard Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann) decided to take a restorative holiday in the countryside where Withnail eccentric and homosexual Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) owns a cottage. During their stay, Withnail falsely told his Uncle that Marwood is homosexual. That night, Uncle Monty confronted Marwood with his desire but Marwood managed to get off on that situation by telling Uncle Monty about his (Marwood) relationship with Withnail. The next day the two traveled back to London where Marwood learned that a job is waiting for him. He packed and left, believing that this will be the time for his life to be changed without Withnail.

The film colours and textures are somehow relate the time of the setting, camera angles employed but lacking  point of view shots and long shot like many film makers do these days. The film used a lot of swearing, dark humor and homosexual scene. It is dark and lonely; I think some scenes need some background music too. I did not really enjoy the film during the screening session, but I watched it at home and somehow I like the comedy – drama.

References:

Roger Ebert (2011) Withnail and I ([Online] Available at http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090325/REVIEWS08/903259987/1023 [Accessed 15 April 2011]

BBC (2007) Withnail and I [Online] Available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/11/01/withnail_and_i_1987_review.shtml [Accessed 15 April 2011]

eFilm Critic  (2011) Withnail and I [Online] Available at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=2211 [Accessed 15 April 2011]

Flickering Myth  (2011) Withnail and I [Online] Available at http://flickeringmyth.blogspot.com/2010/10/british-cinema-withnail-i-1987.html [Accessed 15 April 2011]

Dead Man (1995)

Directed and written by: Jim Jarmusch
Cast: Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer and Crispin Glover

The film setting is in mid 1800s in the Western town of Machine. Willam Blake (Johnny Depp) travelled by train through the scenic landscape of American Midwest to a small town where he was offered a job as an accountant by Dickinson Steel Works. However, he found out through the office manager (John Hurt) that his job has been already taken. Willam Blake (Depp) spent all his money just to get there. He argued with the owner of the mill (Robert Mitchum) but he was asked to leave with shotgun pointed at him. He (Blake) was involved with a prostitute who sells paper flowers; she was also the girlfriend of Dickinson Steel boss’ only son. In the prostitute’s bedroom with Blake, the boyfriend came and exchanges of gun fires arose and her boyfriend died. Blake was wounded and escaped from the bedroom window, he went through the town outskirts where he met a Native American named Nobody (Gary Farmer) who helped him and thought that William is the famous poet named William Blake. While Mr. Dickinson learned about his son’s death he hired bounty hunters to track down and kill William Blake.

The film had a dark, sweaty, dusty feeling about the setting and somehow had beautiful cinematography,  the story required patience to be appreciated. 

References:

Roger Ebert (2011) Dead Man [Online] Available at http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19960628/REVIEWS/606280301/1023 [Accessed 30 March 2011]

eFilm Critic (2011) Dead Man [Online] Available at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=578 [Accessed 30 March 2011]

Nytime (2011) Dead Man [Online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/library/filmarchive/dead_man.html [Accessed 30 March 2011]

Best in Show (2000)

Directed by: Christopher Guest
Cast: Fred Willard, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara

The film was presented as documentary or a mockumentary of the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show in Philidelphia. This film was directed and written by Christopher Guest, a mockumentary comedy built around improvisational techniques. Five different dog owners’ competitors who live in different States have been followed by a cameraman as they prepare their dogs for the show. Christopher Guest also portrayed the character of Harian Pepper as a fly fishing shop owner from Pine Nut, North Carolina was hoping that his Bloodhound Hubert  will win the competition.  Meg Swan (Parker Posey) and Hamilton Swan (Michael Hitchcock) were a well-paid young middle-class professionals getting ready with their spoiled neurotic Weimaraner dog named Beatrice for the big event. Scott Donlan (John Michael Higgins) a professional dog handler from New York with his longtime partner Stefan Vanderhoof (Michael McKean) a hair saloon owner were very confident that their Shih Tzus will win the cup. Sherry Ann Cabot (Jennifer Coolidge) also was confident with her two-time champion standard Poodle to win the competition, but to make it sure she hired Christy Cummings (Jane Lynch) with a very good reputation in dog handling. Gerry Fleck (Eugene Levy) a menswear salesman from Florida with wife Cookie (Catherine O’Hara) were highly satisfied with their Norwich Terrier, Winky, for this very important event.

Best in show is a witty humorous film properly played by the casts, lots of funny scenes and jokes, it was well shot and the acting was well played, the comedians worked with each other fluidly.

References:

Roger Ebert (2011) Best in Show [Online] Available at http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20001013/REVIEWS/10130301/1023 [Accessed 25 March 2011]

Nytime (2011) Best in Show [Online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/27/arts/27BEST.html [Accessed 25 March 2011]

Urban Cine File (2011) Best in Show [Online] Available at http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=4539&s=Reviews [Accessed 25 March 2011]

Decent Films Guide (2011) Best in Show [Online] Available at http://decentfilms.com/reviews/bestinshow.html [Accessed 25 March 2011]

Lost in Translation (2003)

Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Cast:Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Giovanni Ribisi

“Lost in translation”, casted by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.  The film classified as romantic-comedy but never really developed into full-pledged romance.
Their relationship boosted by their feelings of alienation and displacement during their stay in Japan, and of complex human emotions such as boredom and loneliness.

The core of their relationship is explored from the different perspectives of a humorous, alone and tiredness.  Aging movie star Bob (Bill MUrray) went to Japan for a multi-million dollar deal commercial shoot for Suntory whiskey and recently married young woman Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) who is in her early twenties, bored yet restless. She always wonders the streets of Tokyo, exploring the places to fill her loneliness. She always reflect on her husband John (Giovanni Ribisi), whom seems not spending enough time with her, that affects their marriage life. Bob and Charlotte found each other on a common ground, they are both unhappy with their marriages and being with each other they found company which makes them happy but managed to suppress their growing feelings in each other.

The film used only minimal but beautifully and cleverly shot locations in the city street of Tokyo and the manipulation and utilization of the lightings are cleverly used, the camera angles and point of view shots were also very good, but you can find inconsistencies from the film, like when they are in the karaoke bar the room number was changed from 601 to 602 and when Bob crossed the road wearing black shoes and the next scene walking with brown shoes. But if you are not really paying attention, you will not notice them.” Lost in translation” is a good chick flick film that is worth seeing.

References:

The Village Voice (2011) Lost in Translation [Online] Available at  http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-09-09/film/after-sunset/1/  [23 March 2011]

eFilm Critic (2011) Lost in Translation [Online] Available at  http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=8132  [23 March 2011]

Filmcritic (2011) Lost in Translation [Online] Available at  http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/2003/lost-in-translation/?OpenDocument  [23 March 2011]

American Beauty (1999)

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening and Thora Birch

Lester (Kevin Spacey), a family man suffering through a mid-life crisis, who despises his job, became apathetic to everything which he considered his existence pointless, even his relationship with his wife is very frigid. He is married to Carolyn (Annette Bening) who is an ambitious real-estate broker,  a miserable wife slowly driven by materialistic insanity and lacking sense of motherhood, her relationship with her husband as a wife has no time for any form of intimacy. Beneath the appearance of their marital happiness were the constant arguments, fighting and lack of love with each other. Jane (Thora Birch) is the low self-esteem 16 years old daughter. Next door are the new neighbors Frank Fitts (Chris Cooper) a retired US Marine Corp Colonel and his wife Barbara (Alison Janney) and their son Ricky (Wes Bentley) who smokes marujuana and a drug dealer, despite his strict disciplinarian father he managed to conceal his drug activities. Lester started working out to gain the attention of his daughter’s friend Angela.

The cinematography of the film was excellent with superb clarity by Conrad L. Hall, the red roses petals became a visual poetry in the film. The story was written well by Alan Bal. The characters were exceptionally played; American Beauty mirrored the American life in a dark, painful irony and cynicism way. The ending of the film was tragic but comical.   

References:

Nytime (2011) American Beauty [Online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/091599beauty-film-review.html [23 March 2011]

Rolling Stone (2011) American Beauty [Online] Available at http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/american-beauty-19990915 [23 March 2011]

Salon (2011) American Beauty [Online] Available at http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/review/1999/09/15/beauty/index.html?CP=SAL&DN=110 [23 March 2011]

The Austin Chronicle (2011) American Beauty [Online] Available at http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/1999-09-24/140323/ [23 March 2011]

SF gate (2011) American Beauty [Online] Available at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1999/09/17/DD106066.DTL [23 March 2011]