Movie Reviewing and nattering

Irina Palm

2007-08-18T09:37:00.000+10:00

2007 Dir: Sam Gararski
Stars: Marianne Faithfull
IMDB

Just how far out of your comfort zone would you go to help, possibly, to save the life of your grandchild. Maddy (Marianne Faithfull) finds out just that. Her grandchild has cancer (or something equally nasty) and all treatments have failed.. There is a new treatment being tried, but it only done on the other side of the world. Having already sold her home, indebted herself as much as she could and with no skills to sell, how was she going to get more money to help. An ad for a hostess at a strip club tests her staid middle class view of the world. A carefully balanced drama with just the right amount of humour, sadness and decency. This film has charmed me.

Why See It? A delightful film.

Day Watch

2007-08-18T09:36:00.000+10:00

2006 Dir: Timur Bekmambetov
Stars:
IMDB

Before the film: This is the sequel to “Night Watch” and is the second in a trilogy of films based on a trilogy of books. The first film was ok, although I only saw it on the small screen.

This long film dragged only very briefly. While you could watch this without seeing ‘Night Watch’ it would be better to see ‘Night Watch’ first. The truce between good and evil holds, but for how long, the bad guys want it to end. Some great effects and action combined with a better understanding of the world it is set in (that of vampires and other people with supernatural powers) made this a more enjoyable film than ‘Night Watch’.

Why See It? To see some non-Hollywood Sci Fi/Fantasy.

Rescue Dawn

2007-08-18T09:32:00.000+10:00

2006 Dir: Werner Herzog
Stars: Christian Bale, Marshall Bell
IMDB

Werner Herzog is a famous director (although mostly in film buff circles), but this is the first film of his I have seen. Based on the real life capture and escape of an American in Laos during the early stages of the Vietnam war. Christian Bale plays Dieter and once again shows the extent he will take his craft. It is a fresh healthy Dieter who takes off on a mission in 1965, 6 months later it is an emancipated man who leaves the jungle. While the escape plays a big part in the movie the interactions of the 6 prisoners in the camp forms the central part of this story. As various levels of madness infect the prisoners. Bale is an odd performer and I have mixed feelings about his performances and the film while showing interesting characters just lacks something to make it great, rather than good or very good.

Why See It? A look at madness in a different setting.

Alexandra

2007-08-18T09:20:00.000+10:00

2007 Dir: Alexandra Sokurov (“Russian Ark”)
IMDB

Before the film: I have chosen to see this film because it is the director of ‘Russian Ark’ (which I still have not seen).

Well I was not disappointed, although tiredness from last nights lack of sleep was hard to overcome at times during this gentle film. I have been seeing a few films about ordinary people in what to me are extraordinary situations, but to many people around the world is a daily reality. Alexandra is a woman visiting her grandson at a military camp in what I assume is Chechnya. It is a look at ordinary people dealing with war, both sides are shown to be just like the other. A can not point to great aspects of this film, nothing stands out, it just draws you in with a wonderful lead character and performance.

Why See It? To see that both sides in a war are people.

Black Snake Moan

2007-08-18T09:12:00.000+10:00

2006 Dir: Graig Brewer
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake
IMDB

Before the film: I have only heard a little about this film, but the main reason for choosing it is the presence of Samuel L Jackson and Christina Ricci.

A very good film about overcoming affliction and finding a purpose when ones life takes an unexpected turn. While these 2 subjects are not deeply fleshed out the film is not a shallow one. It seems Samuel L Jackson can sing the blues. There is some great blues music in this film. It is almost mandatory for SLJ to use the MF phase in his films and this one provides us with multiple examples. Christina Ricci’s performance fluctuated from superb to melodramatic and Justin Timberlake surprised me with an acceptable performance. As a drama with laughs this is well worth a viewing.

Why See It? A slightly unusual look at redeeming someone.

Inland Empire

2007-08-10T08:55:00.000+10:00

2006 Dir: David Lynch
Stars: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons
IMDB

Before the film: I have a vague memory of reading a very bad review of this film, but it is still David Lynch. He can be slow to make his point in film and very hard to fathom, but this very thing makes seeing his films appealing. The audience is not spoon fed, but is left wondering. Perhaps his peak of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet are behind him, but I am drawn in, in the hope of experiencing something at that level again.

Today has not been a good day for viewing. Many years ago film reviewers saw ‘Blue Velvet’ and generally canned it, it is now considered a classic. So I wonder if in years to come I will change my mind about this film. At 3 hours long, this film is about 3 hours too long. Ok that may be a little extreme, but about half the film should be consigned to the cutting room floor. A film to confuse the viewer, Laura Dern’s character is caught up in a gypsy curse associated with the film she is about to make. What is real, what is imagined, what is part of the film she is making? Who cares? Given the level of actors (although Derns’s work has been patchy in the past) in this film and the quality of the crew David Lynch would have had access to, I must assume that the student level quality of the film is deliberate. Lighting, camerawork, acting, dialogue, theme and editing all seemed part of a student film where being all mysterious is meant to be clever.

Why See It? Give me some time to think about this, ah, because you need sleep, or you want to see all of David Lynch’s films.

A Man Vanishes

2007-08-10T08:50:00.000+10:00

1967 Japan Dir: Shohei Imamura
Stars:
IMDB

This film is like an overindulgent directors cut. Truth/Fiction, the point is made and then the film goes on for 20 minutes, or more, longer showing a you did/I didn’t argument. I sat there almost begging for the film to finish. The first part of the film is very slowly paced, but almost brilliantly creates a documentary style/feel. Unfortunately that does not help save the film.

Why See It? You are a film student.

Boxing Day

2007-08-01T17:44:00.001+10:00

2007 Australia
Dir: Kriv Stenders
Stars: Richard Green (Chris), Tammy Anderson (Donna)
IMDB

Tense, fantastic, best so far. Like ‘The Boys’, from a few years ago, this is an intense family drama. Chris is a man sorely tested on Boxing Day as he tries to straighten his life out. This low budget film shot in 1 week after just 2 weeks rehearsal shows that a great film does not need a huge budget to be created. While I found some small issues with the way it has been filmed, it is definitely a highly recommended film.

Why See It? To see a strong tense human drama.

Dry Season

2007-08-01T17:43:00.001+10:00

2006 Chad/France
Stars: Ali Barkai (Atim), Youssouf Djaoro (Nassara)
IMDB: ?

Atim’s father was killed before he was born during Chad’s recently ended 40 year civil war. The Ministry for Truth and Justice has just announced an amnesty for all war criminals. With his grandfather’s blessing Atim goes to find and kill Nassara, the man who killed his father, but how do you kill a man you get to know. Vengeance is not always an easy thing when you are not a killer. An engaging interplay between these two complex characters. Whilst the film could have used a little more ruthless editing, it is the strong performances of Ali Barkai and Youssouf Djaoro, along with a strong script that leaves me no choice but to recommend this film.

Why See It? An interest in themes of vengeance and well developed characters.

Paraguayan Hammock

2007-08-01T17:41:00.000+10:00

2006 Paraguay/Argentina/the Netherlands/France/Austria/Germany
Dir: Paz Encina
Stars: ?
IMDB

Slow, glacially slow. An aged couple set up a hammock and sit on it quietly arguing about anything they talk about. The dog barking, the dog not barking, their son who has gone off to war and not yet returned are frequent points of dissension. There are only 8 camera positions in the whole movie and the long lasting static long shots had me almost wishing for some shaky hand held shots. I struggled to stay awake at times. While the film did have tranquillity, boredom overrode the tranquillity.
Why See It? To see the interaction of a long married couple in an outdoor play-like setting.

2 Documentaries

2007-08-01T10:02:00.000+10:00

The Book That Shook the World
IMDB:

I have no memory of the Little Red School Book that caused controversy, around 1972, here in Australia and in many other countries. My main problem with this documentary is the lack of current day pro-censorship (except Keith Windshuttle) people. I do not know if this was a deliberate bias in the making, or if all those who were apposed at the time are now dead or no longer willing to talk about it. The archival footage of Don Chip (pre Democrats) and Mary Whitehouse were some of my favourite parts of the show. As this was a Danish / SBS co-production it should be shown on SBS some time in the next year.

Why See It? As a starting point for a discussion on censorship, or for a little bit of recent Australian history.

Big Dreamers
IMDB:

Tully and the Golden Gumboot. This documentary was not as good as ‘The Book That Shook the World’. While that focused on the events through the people, ‘Big Dreamer’ is about the personalities in and around Tully. This is a bit of light entertainment. The short interludes with others who have created, or appreciated various ‘big’ attractions around Australia are treated with kindness, although the sniggers from the audience at some of these people suggests maybe the treatment was not that kind.

Why See It? A bit of light entertainment, that it much more palatable than reality TV.

Glue

2007-08-01T10:01:00.000+10:00

2006 Argentina
Stars:

Adolescent sums up this movie. Lucas is a 16 year old boy living in either suburban or small town Argentina. Life is awkward, about sex, mostly only getting with oneself. This movie is not a matured one and given it is about teenage issues it seems appropriate. A slow start needs to be overcome, but once moving the lives of the characters draw you in. Like ‘Once’ I had an issue with shaky hand held shots, which takes a little time to adjust to. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is a recent film similar to this one, although with a different focus. It is likely if you enjoyed ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ you will enjoy this film.

Why See It? To see a take on adolescent life

2007-07-26T22:50:00.000+10:00

Once (85 min)
2006 Dir: John Carney
Stars: Glen Hansard (Guy), Markéta Irglová (Girl)

A love story, a musical, neither, both. The unnamed leads (guy and girl) are would be musicians, well trying to get a musical career people. The story starts when girl talks to guy while he is busking. From there it is a story of music and possible love. Filmed, at times, in a style similar to documentary, the variable quality of the image is distracting in the early part of the film. The shaky hand held shots and graininess of the image gives the film a home made feel, like a movie that had a budget for only part of the filming. Does this add to the charm of the film, yes, but with the downside of the distraction. The music is a folksy pop (like John Butler or Ben Lee). Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová both perform the music wonderfully, with some lovely songs of longing. The music and the performances of these two are truly delightful

Why See It? You enjoy folksy pop music and endearing characters.

Back For MIFF 2007

2007-07-26T22:47:00.000+10:00

Well I am back for the Melbourne international film festival, after a 2 year break. Today I saw Ulzhan and Once (see reviews in other posts). Tomorrow it is off to see Teeth, Exterminating Angels and a couple of short films. Hope you enjoy my reviews.

2007-07-26T22:39:00.000+10:00

Ulzhan (105 min)
2007 Dir: Volker Schlöndorff
Stars: Philippe Torreton (Charles), Ayanat Ksenbai (Ulzhan), David Bennent (Shakuni)

A road movie, a character paly, a mysterious stranger in an unfamiliar land. Charles is a man on a mission he arrives in Kazarhstan by car, but is soon heading east by foot. Despite, or is it because of, his mission he shows little care for anything, his passport, possessions, life or those he meets. As with all road movies it is the journey that is important and a key part of the journey is the people encountered. Ulzhan and Shakuni areCharles’s 2 main encounters. Charles’s journey is not an action packed one (eg Thelma and Louise), nor is it serene (a la Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). The fascination with this movie is what draws the characters together and scenes of Kazarhstan. Unfortunately what draws Ulzhan to Charles does not seem to have a discernable reason and this is a failing of the movie. There was also a short period near the end of the movie were it dragged. This occurred not long after some questions are answered, maybe it is the unanswered questions that hold you interest.

Why See It? You are interested in seeing the journey of a careless man.

Miami Vice

2006-07-30T01:07:00.000+10:00

USA 2006
Dir: Michael Mann
Stars: Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Li Gong

In a word: Hypermacho

Where was Sonny's aligator? They do not walk in 'Miami Vice', they swagger. They do not talk, words come out in stuccato. Colin Farrell and most of the cast looked like they had been freshly cut from a forrest. For an action film there was only a few action set pieces, which was good. So what was the plots: drugs, guns, deception, desire, does it matter? Overall a disappointing film. It may have been Michael Mann's intention to portray a serious image of undercover work, or to have the stuccato speach represent gun fire, it did not work for me.

Why see it? Some lovely South American scenery, you have a thing for one of the stars, you watched the TV show.

Clerks II

2006-07-24T09:39:00.000+10:00

USA 2006
Dir: Kevin Smith
Stars: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Rosario Dawson

In one word: Twisted

The boys of Quick stop are back, along with Jay and Silent bob. Jay (Jason Mewes) seems to have toned it down a little, Randal (Jeff Anderson) has not. Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal are working at Mooby's (remember the big evil corporation from 'Dogma'). Becky (Rosario Dawson) is there boss and Elias (Trevor Fehrman) is the geek co-worker who Randal hassles constantly. Dante is about to get married and move to Florida, and Randal is going to miss his best/only friend, but does Randal want to get married. That pretty much covers the plot, but you are not seeing this film for the plot, but the dialogue, and that is as good as ever. So if you have liked any of the Kevin Smith movies this film should be on your to see list, but it does not need a big screen, although who wants to wait.

Why see it? You like to laugh at twisted jokes, basically you are a little (or a lot) warped, or you would like to see a dialogue film.

Links: IMDB

The Devil Wears Prada

2006-07-17T04:08:00.000+10:00

USA 2006
Dir: David Frankel
Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathwaway

In a Word: Stylish

A chick flick that guys can enjoy. A very funny movie. Meryl Streep and Anne Hathwaway put in brilliant performances along with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. While the rest of the cast are ok, at best. This film though is very focused on the 2 leads. The best way for me to describe this film is to say it is a milder version of 'Swimming with Sharks' (a very good black comedy from a few years ago). Meryl Streep plays Miranda Priestly bitch boss from hell. Anne Hathaway plays Andy Sachs a wantabe journalist who is using the job of Meryl's assistant's assistant to make connections. This ends up being a bit of the clash of slob (Anne) versus the fashionista (Meryl), or should that be fascistista. Anne's inevitable transformation to stylish clothes horse has a ring of her Princess Diaries movie. What makes this movie is the many jokes that just work beautifully and the fine performances from the leads.

Why See It? Because you wish to sit down and have a laugh with just a dash (a very small dash) of seriousness.

Links: IMDB

Shaun of the Dead

2004-10-21T09:52:00.000+10:00

UK 2004
Dir: Edgar Wright

A most appropriate movie to see soon after 28 Days Later, or Dawn of the Dead. This film is an ok spoof of the zombie flick, although it can be seen as a bit of a dig at the zombie life society lives now. Shaun is a man stuck in a rut of his own laziness. Life around him bearly touches his zoned out travel to work each day, and those around him seem to be in the same state of disinterest. Things are changing as the dead start to walk again and as with all zombie flicks are determined to eat the living. Shaun takes charge and with 5 of his family and friends seek the local pub to make a stand against the hoard.

Why see it? You are a big fan of zombie movies or you are lookng for an easy few laughs.
Links: IMDB

28 Days Later

2004-10-04T18:29:00.000+10:00

UK 2002
Dir: Danny Boyle

Very good movie. This is a horror movie that fits squarely in the type started with John Wyndham's 'The Day of the Triffids' (an excellent book). Overnight there is a massive shift in the position of humanity in the food chain. Although this film it is not an overnight change, for the central character (Jim played by Cillian Murphy), who has woken 28 days after a bike accident, it is effectively. Jim wakes in a desserted hospital in the middle of an apparently empty London, a highly contagious rage virus has inflected most of the population. The virus basically turns people into zombies, intent on killing the uninfected. Danny Boyle ('Shallow Grave', 'Trainspotting") is clearly building a case for moving into the ranks of the best directors, time will tell. We watch as Jim goes from a victim in waiting to a survivor at all costs (well almost). His transformation is made with the guidence (a kick up the pants) of Selana (Naomie Harris), who is already a survivor.

Why see it? A very good horror movie without the slasher mentality

Alien Vs Predator

2004-10-03T10:48:00.000+10:00

USA 2004
Dir: Paul W.S. Anderson

So many bad reviews for this film, so I worked at pushing down my expectations. when I first heard about this film I was very excited. Should I get excited about the release of a movie? Yes they bring a large array of emotions to the world, so while they may be unnecessary for life, they do make it more interesting. Even films like AVP which disappoint. There was much wasted potential in this film. The lead in to the battle was good, the arena was well thought out, but the battle/hunt was lackluster. When you think of the tension in Alien or the hunt in Predator you wonder why there could not have been more from this film. Paul Anderson's last film (Resident Evil) also lacked the tension (it still had tension, but not enough), but was still a better done film. He clearly needs to work on his directorial skills. To be fair John McTiernan and Ridley Scott are 2 of the best. Knowing the Alien franchise better than the Predator franchise I spotted several references to the Alien movies (Human lead is a woman, Lance Hendriksen and the Company), but none from the Predator movies.
One of the best bits of this film is the tag line (Who ever wins... We Lose), love it.

Why seeit? you are a fan of either of the franchises.

The Saddest Music in the World

2004-08-23T16:37:00.000+10:00

Canada 2003
Dir: Guy Maddin

In a word: Unusual

Filmed mainly in Black & White with a 1920’s look to the film, combined with lots of Vaseline on the lens and a huge nod to The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. I can think of no other film that has fewer right angles. This is a film about a competition to find the saddest song in the world run by a woman with glass legs filled with beer. I quite enjoyed the first half of the film; party because the strangeness kept me wondering what will happen next. Unfortunately towards the end the film dragged badly. 15 minutes shorter the film needed to be.

Why see it? You are interested in strange films, or you wish to see a film with expressionist outdoor scenes.

Still to come

2004-08-23T15:45:00.000+10:00

Old Boy
Warriors of Heaven and Earth
The Five Venoms
Peterson
Hotel
20:30:40
Young Adam
One Missed Call
Red Lights
Zatoichi
The Lost Skeleton of Cadarva
Hero
A Page of Madness
Azumi
Breaking News
The Heroic Ones
G-Sale
Waking Dreams
The Chonicles of Riddick

Memories of Murder

2004-08-09T16:54:00.000+10:00

South Korea 2003

In a word: Injustice

Between this and Silmido, 2 based on fact stories from South Korea, I have little confidence in justice in that country. Similar to US films like 'The Thin Blue Line', and UK films like 'In the Name of the Father'. Memories of Murder is based on the still unsolved rape and murder of several women. Several of the officers investigating seem more focused on beating out a confession of anyone who has a link to the case, than with finding out the truth. This is a look at officers under stress who vent with violence. Overall the film is engaging and worth a viewing.

Why see it? You want to test your rock solid faith in police justice

Death In Gaza

2004-08-08T11:00:00.000+10:00

Palestine 2004

In one word: Disgust

Due to a late running prior session I unfortunately missed the first 20 minutes of this one, so I may have missed some important points. This film shows things from the Palestinian side, a side that seemed only to be on the news when a suicide bomber went off. There are so many strong emotions in this conflict. The Palestinians have been dispossed of their lands and are constantly under threat from Israeli incursions on their land. The Israeli’s on the other hand are under constant threat of random acts of terror. Neither side has the moral high ground in this one. Then again does any side in a conflict really stand on the moral high ground. It is usually a case of one may be less worse. There are some chilling moments in this film, most notably when a Palestinian insurgent, asked about using a young boy in the conflict, basically replies that if the boy dies there are plenty more where he came from. It was hard to walk away from this film not thinking with disgust of the actions of the Israeli government, but also disgust at the depths people will go to have things their way.

Why see it? For an insight into one side of the conflict.

Human Touch

2004-08-08T10:58:00.000+10:00

Australia 2004
Dir: Paul Cox

In one word: Muse

Paul Cox introduced his film at the session I saw and one scene got me thinking about what the director sees while watching their film, as opposed to what an audience member sees. The scene concerned was a languid shot of cave formations. So was I to interpret that as showing the insignificance of the human experience, what was Paul Cox intending? This is a film about artists and hence has several deep and meaning conversations about life. There are no real answers forth coming from this film, but the musings are interesting.

Why ssee it? A good film about love and what it means.

Ramblers

2004-08-07T15:48:00.000+10:00

Japan 2003
Dir: Yamashita Nobuhiro

In a word: Meandering (or maybe calm)

The wandering of 2 film makers through a rural town and the odd characters they meet. This film meanders in the same style as films I can not think of. Part of the problem with this type of film is that they are hard to remember. There is no particularly memorable scenes. So while I know I have seen similar films, butnames elude me. Even though thse films are hard to remember they can still be interesting and it iis the characters that make or break them. Similar in someway to Jim Jarmusch's Coffee & Cigarettes, in this case better, but still my attention driftered indicating weak points in the film.

Why see it? You enjoy the minimalist films of Hal Hartley ('Amateur', 'Simple Men'), or like odd character pieces, you feel the need for a calm film.

Comment on reviewers

2004-08-07T15:36:00.000+10:00

I wrote this a couple of weeks ago and will just put it down as written.

As I sit here waiting for 'Coffee & Cigarettes' I am thinking about Jim Schembri's piece in last weeks EG. Like Adrian Martin last year he dis's the presence of films that already have a cinema release organised. Given that represents about 5% of the program, it reeks of pretension. Are they suggesting a return to the days when the festival was shown in 2 small cinemas (instead of the 5 large ones of recent years)? Given the presence of so many films and the impossibility of seeing them all I would suggest they both go and see the other films which will not get a release and get over it. Yes it is possibly not the place of a film festival to give screen time to films already scheduled for release, but if the presence of these films helps bring more people to the festival and makes it more viable I see that a a good thing. Also it may give those who would not otherwise see harder to find movies a reason to expand their horizons, an excellent result. On the balance as long as those already scheduled or even likely to get scheduling do not take over the festival can survive their presence.

Josh Jarman

2004-08-07T15:19:00.000+10:00

Australia 2004
Stars: Marcus Graham

In a word: Integrity

A very good film, not great, but very good. Marcus Graham ('Good Guys, Bad Guys') plays a very different role as a nervy play writer trying to keep the integrity of his play in the face of his dream of success. Kym Gyngell plays a successful producer who agrees to put Josh's play on with a few conditions. Kym Gyngell seeems to becoming the new Charles Tingwell, appearring in so many recent Australian films and the films are the better for it. This was a very well made film with none of the appalling acting that has blighted too many Australian films. It has clearly had a reasonable budget, yet retains a low budget feel. The low budget feel comes most from the lack of explosive action sequences. So why did I like it? Performances very good, script good, no obvious gaps but no great strengths, otherwise solid and well polished piece.

Why see it? You enjoy a good film.

Three Suns

2004-08-07T15:06:00.000+10:00

Sweden 2004

In a word: Travelled

A land in plague, a land in grips of madness, a land of suffering and loss. Setting out to met her husband returning from 4 years of fighting for god, Hanna crosses through a land with plague rapidly spreading. Set some time in the middle ages I recognised the place it was filmed, a fortified town from around 700ad that has been reconstructed in Eketorp. Any many ways this is a road movie. Hanna meets many people, good and bad, on her journey to meet her husband. She deals with them as best she can. There are no great insights to be found in this movie, but interesting characters and how they deal with hardship.

Why see it? Musing on sacrifices for love

Wildness

2004-08-07T15:04:00.000+10:00

7 out of 10
Australia 2003

The emotions this doco swirls in me. While overall it was only an average doco, the subject matter stirs me greatly. Peter Dombrovskis, the man who took arguably Australia’s most famous photo, his early mentor Olegas Truchanas and the wilderness they both photographed and loved so well are the subjects of this film. My thoughts now wander to what I am doing in my life and with my life. Conflict in all its various guises has always scared me so much. My life while taking some risks has always followed the easy path. Should I, like the photographers in the film, be doing more for a cause. Their passion for the wilderness and photography lead them to greatness, should I too follow and put more zest into my life. They gambled regularly and eventually lost, but the world is a better place for their passion and gambling. Given what I have written how can I say this is an average doco, well while the subject has brought to the surface some strong thoughts, I found much of the film dull. Films though are not just about how they are made, they are also about what they contain. For that reason alone I recommend this film.

The One-armed Swordsman

2004-08-06T14:18:00.000+10:00

Hong Kong 1967
Dir: Chang Cheh (aka Chang Cheuh)

In a word: Better

This has been the best of the Chang Cheh films so far (the others have been 'The Heroic Ones', 'The Magnificant Trio' and 'The 5 Vemons'). The dialogue is still pretty average, but the fights are better.

Why see it? For aficionados of Kung Fu films.

Woman is the Future of Man

2004-08-06T14:09:00.000+10:00

South Korea 2004
Dir:Hong Sang-soo

In a word: Boring

This has been the worst of the festival so far. This is a slice of life film about people I can not care about. It jumps around in time (at least it seems to), but it is difficult to tell when things are taking place. While mercifully it did not drag, the ending was a welcome relief. Nothing much else worth saying about this one.

Why see it? You have 2 hours it kill and you have seen every other film at the video shop.

Kops

2004-08-04T17:18:00.000+10:00

7 out of 10
Sweden 2003

Finally a comedy, I needed some light humour after all those not so light films. This was a screwball comedy, hope it is the correct term, a quiet town in Sweden is just too quiet for the police. Headquarters has decided the town no longer needs a police station. Trouble is the police like their jobs so decide the best way to keep them is boast the statistics. You can probably guess the rest, goof ups, love interests and oddball characters. Despite the predictable story it was still a good laugh and that is the main aim of a comedy.

Distant Lights

2004-08-04T17:16:00.000+10:00

8.5 out of 10
Germany 2003

Desperate people doing desperate things. This is the 4th movie today about those much worse off than me and it has hardly lifted my spirits, and this was a heavy hammer to bring me down. This movie with 6 separate, but linked stories about people trying to improve their lot has left me feeling low about our world. While the developed world is happy enough mouthing platitudes about helping others, it seems to be doing little but exploiting the many poor to overpay a few. This movie was not about wealthy exploitation, more about the mercenary self interest of desperate and not so desperate people. An excellent film about people sinking or swimming, helping or backstabbing.

Bichunmoo

2004-08-04T17:14:00.000+10:00

7.5 out of 10
south Korea 2000

A story of love and love not returned. Jinha is the hero, a swordsman of the much sort after Bichunmoo (pronounced Bi-chun-moo) art, a swordsman few match in 1-on-1 combat. Sullie is the woman he loves and loves him in return. Fate is not of thier side. A story full of texture with music that mixes both Eastern and Western styles. While the film breaks no new ground in term of story, style or action sequences, it does have a plot that does not jump around too much and can be followed. For someone interested in checking out Asian Kungfu films they would find this an excellent place to start. For those already into them it is a worth while (well worth while) visit to the cinemas or video store.

Japanese Story

2004-08-04T17:11:00.000+10:00

7.5 out of 10
Australia 2003

Moving in both senses, a road movie through remote WA and a film with moving moments. The performances by toni Collette and Gotaro Tsunashima were excellent and the scenery was so evocative of outback Australia. A sense of place was strongly convade. Despite being such an excellent film I can find little to write about it, except see it.

House of Fools

2004-08-04T17:09:00.000+10:00

7.5 out of 10
Russia and Chechnya

The opening shots of train lines was some of the best cinematography I have ever seen. Based on a true story this film is so timely with the masses baying over blood in Iraq, Afghanistan, USA, Bali, and so many other places in the world. It gives the film so much more meaning. Those who get caught up in conflict are people little different from you and me. Janna is a patient at an asylum caught up in part of the conflict between Russia and Chechnya. As first the Chechen rebels and later the Russians hold sway over the asylum, you meet people who are soldiers and inmates.

Technolust

2004-08-04T17:08:00.000+10:00

4 out of 10
Stars: Tilda Swinton

Soft cyberpunk with an amateurish production. With a definite Gibsonesque story set in what appeared to be current day San Francisco. The design aspects varied from the impressive to B- grade. Tilda Swinton (Boys Don’t Cry) plays 4 roles, one very much in the timid geek mould. This role she did not play well, it seemed more bad acting than timid geek. Many of the other performances had a stiltedness to them. While I accept in ‘real’ life many conversations are stilted it is hard to portray that well given the media so often portrays only the well spoken. Despite that it was still a bad performance. Her other roles in the film were of various quality, none even very good.

Intacto

2004-08-04T17:06:00.000+10:00

8 out of 10
Spain 2001
Dir: Jaun Carlos Fresnadillo
Stars: Fernando Boviara

Luck, is it a tangible thing, can you have it, hold it, touch it? Can luck be combined, given away, stored or taken away. Quite right this film is about luck and those with it and without it. Now 15 minutes after the film has finished this film is still a strong presence inside me, it still is as I copy this the next morning. The scenes in the forest and the final game of chance are excellent. Throw the dice and take a chance, see the film or not let your luck decide.

Pure Shit

2004-08-04T15:19:00.000+10:00

Australia 1975
Dir: Bert Deiling

In one word: Rough

Lots of needles and the run aruond to find something to fill them. 'Pure Shit' starts with several minutes of black screen and music. Is it a reference to the blackness of the hit? As it is filmed in Melbourne for much of the film I was trying to spot familiar locations, only one I can be sure of. By and large the acting was stilted, made more noticable with the appearance of Max Gillies as Dr Wolff. Not a great film, but interesting in the very different view of drug usage/addiction.

Why see it? You have an interest in drug culture films, Australian films or you want to see a gritty (such a cliched word) slice of life trying to score.

Coffee and Cigarettes

2004-08-04T15:11:00.000+10:00

USA 2003
Dir: Jim Jarmusch
Stars: Many

In one word: Awkward

Coffee and Cigarettes is a film of vignettes where the main links are Coffee and Cigarettes and awkward conversations. Starting with the over caffinated Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright the film dived into an awkward boringness that did not pick up until an ironic talk between Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan ('24 Hour Party People'). Where Alfred is the less successful actor seeking the attention of the 'in' Steve. Watching this after seeing 'Sipderman 2' added to the amusement. Jim Jarmusch has a knack for getting famous people to play 'themselves'. The trouble with this film is the dialogye is barely interesting and sitting for 1 1/2 hours watching unrelated awkward conversations does not make for a great film. When compared with the excellent work Jarmusch did in 'Dead Man' and 'Ghost Dog', this film is very lacking.

Why see it? Your a fan of Jim Jarmusch or you like dialogue based short character pieces.

Welcome me

2004-08-04T15:07:00.000+10:00

As it is nearing the end of the Melbourne International film Festival I thought I would publish my opinion on some of the films I have seen. So enjoy as I hope to add film reviews on a regular basis.