Things We Lost in the Fire

Tags

2000's, Alison Lohman, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Drama, Halle Berry, John Carroll Lynch, Susanne Bier, Things We Lost in the Fire

Film Title

Things We Lost in the Fire

Director

Susanne Bier

Starring

• Halle Berry as Audrey Burke
• Benicio Del Toro as Jerry Sunborne
• David Duchovny as Brian Burke
• John Carroll Lynch as Howard
• Alison Lohman as Kelly

Susanne Bier’s first foray into American film is an intimate study of grief and addiction. Bolstered by two restrained and very powerful performances by Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro, Things We Lost in the Fire is a hopeful film showing the connection between two wounded characters as they attempt to stay afloat in a sea of grief.

Audrey Burke is a mother mourning the death of her husband Brian, who was killed whilst trying to defend a woman from her abusive partner. She shuts down emotionally and forms a protective shell around herself to protect her young children, Harper and Dory  from her own grief. At Brian’s funeral, Jerry Sunborne, Brian’s friend who he attempted to help through his intense heroin addiction, turns up to pay his condolences. Audrey has never liked Jerry and believed Brian was wasting his time in his attempt to help his friend kick his habit. But after seeing how caring he is with her children, she asks him to move into her garage. Her invitation is not a romantic gesture, it is far from that. She just wants someone to be there as she tries to readjust to life after her shocking loss. Audrey and Jerry both have an impact on the other as they connect through grief, heartbreak and addiction. Examined in non-linear fashion, Susanne Bier crafts a moving movie about the need to connect , how powerful an emotion grief is and how we all deal differently we deal with it.

Refreshingly in Things We Lost in the Fire, Audrey and Jerry don’t fall in love as is the case with other movies. They connect after initial reluctance and see how much the other meant to the deceased Brian.  The intimate screenplay delves deeply into the emotions of grief and anger with moving results. There are occasional times in which the movie lapses into melodrama, but Susanne Bier manages to create a deeply human movie despite the contrivances. Her camerawork is a marvel to watch as it zeroes on the tiniest emotional nuances between Audrey and Jerry. Her use of close-ups of eyes may put some off, but I personally thought it added a personal and subtle impact to the emotions displayed through the eyes. What I admired the most about Susanne Bier’s direction is her scenes of silence in which body language provide us with a heart of the story. The evocative score, mostly composed of an acoustic guitar, is organic and gets to the heart of the subtle emotions on display.

Susanne Bier draws two emotionally subtle performances from Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro. Halle Berry plays Audrey with a subtle emotional core, we watch as she shuts down and keeps her emotions bottled up in order to survive her pain. She doesn’t come across as cold, but rather shielding herself from having to deal with what has happened. When she does let her emotions out, we see all of the anger and suffering she has endured since her husband’s death. It is a moving and convincing performance by Halle Berry. Benicio Del Toro is amazing as Jerry, the drug addicted friend of Brian who is actually a decent man caught in difficult circumstances and attempting to stop his habit. He is by turns caring, frightening but above all sympathetic as we see how Brian never gave up faith on his best friend. As the deceased Brian seen in flashback, David Duchovny is reliably warm-hearted as the good guy whose life ended tragically. In small but effective roles, John Carroll Lynch and Alison Lohman play an unhappy neighbour and a recovering addict.

Hopeful, filled with deep emotion and two stunning lead performances, Susanne Bier’s Things We Lost in the Fire is a drama of emotion and recovery that is moving and movingly observed.

The Railway Children

Tags

1970's, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan, Gary Warren, Jenny Agutter, Lionel Jeffries, Period Drama, Sally Thomsett, The Railway Children

Film Title

The Railway Children

Director

Lionel Jeffries

Starring

• Dinah Sheridan as Mrs. Waterbury
• Jenny Agutter as Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury
• Sally Thomsett as Phyllis Waterbury
• Gary Warren as Peter Waterbury
• Bernard Cribbins as Albert Perks

Heartwarming, nostalgic and told with quiet intelligence, The Railway Children is a classic children’s film that adults can also enjoy. Focusing on the adventures of three middle class children in Edwardian times, it is sure to bring a smile even to the most cold-hearted person.

In Edwardian times, the three Waterbury children, Roberta ( commonly referred to as Bobbie), Phyllis and Peter live an idyllic life in middle class London with their mother and father. Their lives are changed forever after their father, who works for the Foreign Office, is arrested for allegedly selling state secrets. After his arrest, their mother takes them to live in a cottage in Yorkshire that is located near a railway. Although vastly different from their middle class existence, the three children soon learn to love the place and have many exciting adventures whilst befriending many of the local people, including a kindly station porter called Perks. The siblings enjoy their days in the countryside and by watching the various trains go past on their journeys. Among these adventures are saving a train by waving petticoats to the oncoming train after a landslide, taking in a Russian man looking for his family and caring for an injured grammar schoolboy. Nostalgic and poignant in equal measure, and handsomely directed and cast, The Railway children is a pleasure to watch for any age.

Lionel Jeffries directs with a loving attention to period detail and keeps the story both filled with joy and an underlying melancholy. The music of the film is a beautiful listen, capturing the adventures of childhood and the importance of family. The scenery of the Yorkshire countryside is stunning to look at, as is the many scenes in which the children wave to passengers on the trains in the hopes of their love passing to their incarcerated father. Abounding with memorable scenes, it is hard to highlight just a few. The two that stay in my memory are the ones that highlight the closeness of family and the bonds it has. In one scene, it is Bobbie’s birthday. She enters the living room and is greeted by family friends who all give her small presents that mean more than any rich finery. Bobbie seems to glide on a wave of happiness as you see how the little things in life mean more to her. In the other scene, Bobbie is reunited with her father. He emerges through the steam of a train and the look on Bobbie’s face is just so lovely, you see the love and utter joy at this as she runs towards her father. The moment she cries “Daddy, my daddy” is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt things I’ve ever seen. If this scene doesn’t make you shed at least one tear, then you clearly have no heart.

Above all, it is the cast that makes The Railway Children such a lovely film to watch. Dinah Sheridan is a kind and soulful presence as the mother, obviously sad at the events that have transpired with her husband but focusing on the positives and caring for her children. As the eldest child Bobbie, a young Jenny Agutter is perfectly cast. She movingly encompasses her character’s love for adventure with the eventual knowledge that the responsibility of adulthood is slowly arriving. Sally Thomsett and Gary Warren are well cast as the adventurous Phyllis and Peter. In the supporting cast, Bernard Cribbins is excellent as the kindly porter who befriends the three children. The Railway Children is the kind of film that never seems to get old, it just comes back fresh as ever when you watch it and all those nostalgic memories come flooding back.

A heartfelt period drama with adventure, moving music and engaging characters, The Railway Children is a film that will never run out of steam.

Love Actually

Tags

2000's, Alan Rickman, Andrew Lincoln, Bill Nighy, Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Joanna Page, Keira Knightley, Kris Marshall, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Love Actually, Martin Freeman, Martine McCutcheon, Richard Curtis, Romantic Comedy, Rowan Atkinson, Thomas Sangster

Film Title

Love Actually

Director

Richard Curtis

Starring

• Alan Rickman as Harry
• Bill Nighy as Billy Mack
• Colin Firth as Jamie
• Emma Thompson as Karen
• Hugh Grant as David
• Martine McCutcheon as Natalie
• Laura Linney as Sarah
• Liam Neeson as Daniel
• Thomas Sangster as Sam
• Keira Knightley as Juliet
• Andrew Lincoln as Mark
• Martin Freeman as John
• Joanna Page as Judy
• Kris Marshall as Colin
• Rowan Atkinson as Rufus
• Billy Bob Thornton as US President

Over the Christmas period, I only got chance to see a couple of movies. Love Actually happened to be one of them. I’m not the biggest fan of romantic comedies but decided to watch it because of the all-star cast. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Sure there were parts that were clunky and lagged in terms of pacing, but for the most part, I enjoyed it for its cosy look at romance.

Love Actually focuses on various people in the run up to Christmas in London and how love affects them in different ways. We have Billy Mack, an ageing rock star trying to make a comeback with the help of his put upon manager. Harry, the manager of a designing agency who has his head turned by his provocative secretary  and whose wife Karen begins to suspect something. Jamie, a writer who vacations in a French cottage after catching his wife cheating on him. He begins to fall for his Portuguese housekeeper Aurélia, although he can’t profess his feelings as he doesn’t speak Portuguese. David, the newly elected Prime Minister begins to develop feelings for Natalie, a junior member of staff in 10 Downing Street. Sarah, a worker at Harry’s agency is left with the difficult decision as to whether she make a move on an enigmatic worker or care for her mentally ill brother. Daniel is grieving for his late wife while finding out about his stepson Sam’s crush on a girl in school. Mark records the wedding of his best friend to the stunning Juliet, who he has always adored but has never spoke. And the stories just keep on coming as love changes the lives of the characters in the seasonal time of year.

Writer and director Richard Curtis creates a film that is unabashedly sentimental but this does add some charm to it. With so many stories, Curtis manages to keep most of them interesting. Although some fall flat and don’t engage as much as the others. The whole segment with the character Colin, who travels to America in the hopes of attracting woman, could have been cut as it is funny in parts but a little needless in comparison to the rest of the tales on show. Also, some of the actors are not really used in effective ways to make them interesting to the audience. Martin Freeman and Joanna Page are both talented but their story of two body doubles falling in love never really goes anywhere.

Now, on to the positives of Love Actually. Despite being saccharine, it does have a bittersweet tone to various chapters. Mark’s pining for Juliet, who finds out when she watches the wedding video he recorded and finds it is composed of footage solely of her, is a bittersweet tale . This story may have its limitations in terms of character development, but is still an enjoyable segment none the less.  Out of the star-studded cast, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson and Laura Linney are the standout performers. Bill Nighy is absolutely hysterical as the washed up rocker attempting to reach Christmas number one. Emma Thompson is natural and moving as Karen, the wife of Harry who feels sadness for the fact her husband is attracted to his secretary. The scene in which she stands in her room, tears falling from her eyes after expecting to get a necklace as a present ( it is in fact for the secretary) , but instead receiving a CD is touching and melancholy to say the least. Laura Linney is luminous as the conflicted Sarah, caught between her caring side that wants to help her ill brother and her lonely side that wants love from someone. That isn’t to say the rest of the cast isn’t good, but these three stars are the ones you will most remember. Colin Firth is excellently suited to the role of Jamie, who is enchanted by his housekeeper. Liam Neeson managed to be warm and caring as the grieving father, helping his son as he feels the neglect love can inflict and he tries to impress his crush at school. Thomas Sangster excels as the pining Sam, head over heels for the most popular girl in school. Andrew Lincoln and Keira Knightley rise above the limitations of their tale to give us the now memorable scene of him professing his love for her through cue cards. Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon are good as the lovestruck PM and the junior member of staff who are drawn to each other in a reversal of the Notting Hill formula. Fun cameos are provided by Rowan Atkinson and Billy Bob Thornton.

It may be sentimental and cloying, but Love Actually does manage to warm the heart and doesn’t fall into the same old convention of everyone ending up happy. The fact that some of the relationships in the film don’t work makes it more interesting and not as clichéd as many a romantic comedy. Not for everyone, but cosy and festive viewing for romantics.

Merry Christmas Fellow Bloggers

Tags

Merry Christmas

With it being Christmas Eve, I wanted to take the chance to wish my followers and all those who have viewed my blog a Happy Christmas. I hope all of you have a fantastic day and may all my best wishes be with you. I couldn’t do this blog without the continued support of all of you, and for that I am always grateful. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Tags

2000's, Andy Serkis, Bernard Hill, Billy Boyd, Cate Blanchett, David Wenham, Dominic Monaghan, Elijah Wood, Epic, Fantasy, Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen, John Noble, John Rhys-Davies, Karl Urban, Liv Tyler, Miranda Otto, Orlando Bloom, Peter Jackson, Sean Astin, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Viggo Mortensen

Film Title

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Director

Peter Jackson

Starring

• Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
• Ian McKellen as Gandalf
• Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
• Sean Astin as Samwise “Sam” Gamgee
• Andy Serkis as Gollum
• John Rhys-Davies as Gimli
• Orlando Bloom as Legolas
• Liv Tyler as Arwen
• Miranda Otto as Éowyn
• Billy Boyd as Pippin
• Dominic Monaghan as Merry
• Bernard Hill as Théoden
• Cate Blanchett as Galadriel
• Hugo Weaving as Elrond
• David Wenham as Faramir
• John Noble as Denethor
• Karl Urban as Éomer

Rounding out my marathon of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is the grand and unbeatable Return of the King. It has been great reviewing these outstanding films and I hope that the other bloggers have enjoyed it as well. Winner of a staggering 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Peter Jackson once again creates a film of such beautiful and emotional scope. Focusing on Frodo as he reaches Mount Doom, Aragorn’s taking of kingship and earth shattering battles, Return of the King is a fantasy epic of the highest order that is certain to blow you away.

Frodo continues his quest to destroy the ring with Sam and the ever changeable Gollum, whose desire for the ring is growing more dangerous by the day. Day by day, Gollum conspires to drive the two friends apart in order to gain access to the ring. Meanwhile Aragorn claims the throne of Gondor and begins to raise an army of the dead to fight against the forces of Sauron that are quickly taking control over Middle Earth. Aided by friends, the time has come for Aragorn to fight and Frodo to prosper as he nears the end of his quest. Prepare for the epic spectacle of Return of the King, it will most certainly take your breath away.

If I could describe The Return of the King in one word it would be spellbinding. From absolutely stunning locations to fierce battles and the perils of various creatures, Peter Jackson never loses out attention for a single minute. He deservedly won the Best Director Oscar for his awe-inspiring and deft direction. By the end of the film, you feel so close to these characters and feel as if you’ve been on the epic journey with them right until the end. The smart screenplay is mainly the reason for this as the film nears its end, we get to see the impact the ring has on each of the characters within the narrative. As in the other films, the score is an evocative and dramatic listen that soars with emotional dexterity. While watching the film, I really didn’t want it end as it was just so involving for me. Moments in this film will forever be indelible in my mind. Some of these are Arwen’s vision of the future that persuades her to wait for Aragorn and armies rising just before battle as Aragorn, tears in his eyes utters “For Frodo”. As he says these words you understand the loyalty and friendship that is shared and the power of it.

The ensemble cast is a richly talented who have created indelible characters. Elijah Wood continues to impress as the stout-hearted Frodo, who is nearing the end of the journey whilst overcoming many obstacles. Ian McKellen is another highlight as Gandalf, while Viggo Mortensen gives one of the strongest performances as the returned king Aragorn. Sean Astin is still impressive as the good friend Sam, who has helped bring Frodo this far with his own will and determination. The scene of Frodo and Sam comforting one another, their faces dirty, their eyes red from crying but their spirits still strong, is an undeniably moving moment in a trilogy of memorable scenes. Andy Serkis is amazing as the demented Gollum, now almost completely consumed with the power of the ring and poisoning Frodo against those closest. With the power of CGI and Serkis embodying Gollum’s wiry movements to unnatural fashion, Gollum is a memorable masterwork.

Fleshing out the other members fighting with Aragorn are the reliable John Rhys-Davies and Orlando Bloom as Gimli and Legolas. Liv Tyler is moving as Arwen, who has renounced her immortality as a means of staying with her one true love Aragorn. Miranda Otto has an expanded role as Éowyn, here showing the mental and physical strength to fight in battle. Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan are still as plucky as ever as Pippin and Merry. Bernard Hill is very good as the brave King Théoden, while Cate Blanchett radiates ethereal beauty and deep wisdom as the elf Galadriel. Hugo Weaving and David Wenham reappear successfully as Elrond and Faramir. John Noble provides the interesting character of Denethor, a stand in ruler who is weak-willed and snake-like. Karl Urban rounds out the cast as the knight Éomer.

Stunningly mounted, emotionally gripping and all round magical, The Return of the King is all you could ask for in a fantasy movie and more.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Tags

2000's, Andy Serkis, Bernard Hill, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, David Wenham, Dominic Monaghan, Elijah Wood, Epic, Fantasy, Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen, John Rhys-Davies, Karl Urban, Liv Tyler, Miranda Otto, Orlando Bloom, Peter Jackson, Sean Astin, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Viggo Mortensen

Film Title

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Director

Peter Jackson

Starring

• Elijah Wood as Frodo
• Ian McKellen as Gandalf
• Sean Astin as Samwise “Sam” Gamgee
• Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
• Andy Serkis as Gollum
• Liv Tyler as Arwen
• Billy Boyd as Pippin
• Dominic Monaghan as Merry
• Miranda Otto as Éowyn
• Orlando Bloom as Legolas
• David Wenham as Faramir
• John Rhys-Davies as Gimli
• Billy Boyd as Pippin
• Dominic Monaghan as Merry
• Bernard Hill as Théoden
• Cate Blanchett as Galadriel
• Christopher Lee as Saruman
• Hugo Weaving as Elrond
• Karl Urban as Éomer
• Brad Dourif as Gríma Wormtongue

Now for the second entry into my Lord of the Rings marathon. Picking up where Fellowship of the Ring left off, The Two Towers is a superb continuation to this engaging trilogy that balances great characters, mythology and some of the best battle scenes ever put on film. Darker than its predecessor, Two Towers is just as good as the first and introduces us to more engaging characters who populate the lands of Middle Earth. If this doesn’t get you excited for the final concluding entry in the trilogy, I don’t know what will.

With the Fellowship now fractured and Gandalf sacrificing himself in the mines, the various factions that remain continue travelling. In one segment, Frodo and Sam continue the perilous journey to destroy the evil ring and are joined by Gollum, the ring’s former owner whose life was tortured by his desire to the ring and the inability to resist taking it. Gollum knows the way to Mordor, but Sam distrusts him and warns Frodo about what Gollum may do. In another strand; Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas travel to Rohan which is about to come under attack from the forces of Sauron. Along the way, they encounter an old ally. A now reborn and stronger Gandalf who aids them in bringing the king of Rohan,  Théoden out from under the spell cast by Gríma Wormtongue, one of Saruman the dark wizard’s workers. And in the other segment, Merry and Pippin flee after being captured by orcs into the forest where Treebeard, an ent who listens to them and journey’s on. Busting apart the common idea that the middle film of a series is the weakest, The Two Towers contains gorgeous locations, breathtaking scope and the all round magical feeling of a fantasy quest you will never want to leave.

Peter Jackson again fashions a fantasy epic of staggering proportions with this entry. Having three separate story strands could have been a risky move, but in this case it pays off handsomely as we watch not just one journey, but three. This entry also focuses more on Aragorn as a character and his emergence as a skilled warrior who may finally have to reclaim his right to the throne in the future. As is to be expected from an epic like this, the locations are spectacularly captured in long panning shots as mountains, dales and volcanos come into view.You watch scenes like this and really understand the unparalleled power and splendour that Jackson has brought to the screen. Peter Jackson handsomely combines action with an emotionally involving hero’s journey to overcome the forces of evil whilst battling against the many foes along the way. The Battle at Helm’s Deep is in my book one of the best battle sequences recorded on film, the sheer scope and meticulous craft on display is so mesmerizing as Aragorn leads men against the orcs and other forces of darkness.

Once again, the vast ensemble cast delivers, with newer additions adding impact along the way. Elijah Wood successfully continues his role as Frodo, here showing the burden that has been put on him and how he attempts to remain resilient to the dominating force of the ring. Ian McKellen shines as the resurrected Gandalf, who is as wise and powerful as he ever was. The scene when he appears to Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas in a vast array of light is a stunning sight to behold. Sam Astin continues to impress as loyal Sam, in this film it is Sam who really anchors it and functions as the narrative’s heart as we watch his friendship tested but never loses faith in his friend. Viggo Mortensen  is given more of a fleshed out character here, this further adds to the interesting dimensions of his character of Aragorn. He is strong, hopeful and above all a brave character, embodied by Mortensen with outstanding skill.

It is Andy Serkis who makes the biggest impact in the film. His fluid and strange movements combined with amazing CGI create the character of Gollum, the one who once owned the ring that has poisoned his mind forever. Gollum is an interesting character in that sometimes you feel utter revulsion for him, whereas on the other hand he is sympathetic as you see how the powerful ring of the title has shattered his sanity. Liv Tyler continues her luminous portrayal of Arwen, Aragorn’s elf lover who has now left her immortality much to the chagrin of her father. There is a beautiful scene in which Elrond predicts a melancholy for her and Arwen begins to cry. Instead of giving up on her love she replies “There is still hope” in a sincere and emotion filled voice, as the tears run down her pale face. Miranda Otto is beautiful and strong as the king’s niece Éowyn, who falls for Aragorn along the way. David Wenham plays Faramir, brother of the late Boromir, whose path crosses with Frodo’s. Orlando Bloom and John Rhys-Davies are on form as Legolas and Gimli, their characters adding a certain amount of banter to the proceedings.  Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan are as good as before as Pippin and Merry, who evade capture by hiding in the woods. Bernard Hill is suitably imperial as Théoden, the king given his life back by Gandalf after being a zombie for Sauron. In a small but memorable role, Cate Blanchett reappears as the wise Galadriel, who predicts what may happen if the war comes into fruition. Christopher Lee is villainy personified as the fallen Saruman, now heading a war against mankind. Hugo Weaving is stately and wise as the elf lord Elrond, while Karl Urban is a success as the exiled heir and Brad Dourif a slimy presence as a force of evil.

A stunningly mounted second entry into an exciting and emotionally involving saga, The Two Towers is not to be missed by anyone.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Tags

2000's, Billy Boyd, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Dominic Monaghan, Elijah Wood, Epic, Fantasy, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKellen, John Rhys-Davies, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Peter Jackson, Sean Astin, Sean Bean, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Viggo Mortensen

Film Title

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Director

Peter Jackson

Starring

• Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
• Ian McKellen as Gandalf
• Sean Astin as Samwise “Sam” Gamgee
• Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
• Liv Tyler as Arwen
• Cate Blanchett as Galadriel
• John Rhys-Davies as Gimli
• Billy Boyd as Pippin
• Dominic Monaghan as Merry
• Christopher Lee as Saruman
• Orlando Bloom as Legolas
• Hugo Weaving as Elrond
• Sean Bean as Boromir
• Ian Holm as Bilbo Baggins

The other day, I was rooting through my DVD collection when I came across The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It has been an age since I last saw the films and so along with my brother I sat down and watched the films in one go. To say the experience was epic is an understatement. To start my reviews of the trilogy is The Fellowship of the Ring.

Many said it was unfilmable but Peter Jackson sure proved them wrong. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings is the absorbing, stunningly executed and all round epic first entry into the trilogy. Fantasy has rarely looked this amazing and majestic onscreen and I may just run out of adjectives to describe the sheer scope and beauty of the film. Anyway enough of my rambling, onto the review.

Set in the vast lands of Middle Earth, Fellowship follows the tale of Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit living peacefully in the Shire who is entrusted with a dangerous task. His uncle Bilbo is leaving the Shire to live with the elves of Rivendell. He leaves Frodo a ring, yet this is no ordinary ring. It is the ring of power, forged centuries ago by the dark lord Sauron. There were originally other rings forged given to the different races of Middle Earth. Bound in the ring is the power to dominate the other bearers of rings and succumb to the rings dark trappings. Sauron was believed dead but his presence has survived and is now intent on retrieving the ring. Upon hearing of the ring, Bilbo’s old friend, the wise wizard Gandalf instructs Frodo to flee the Shire as the forces of darkness will soon come looking for him. Aiding Frodo is his loyal best friend Sam and two others hobbits named Merry and Pippin. Later he is joined by a mysterious ranger Aragorn who has a claim to a throne, archer and elf Legolas, dwarf Gimli and warrior Boromir. The future of Middle Earth is at peril because of the ring and only by destroying it can the danger it brings be erased. And so Frodo sets off with the others, known as the Fellowship, on a perilous journey to destroy the evil ring before it falls into the wrong hands. Prepare for a handsomely mounted fantasy tale of bravery, kinship and a dangerous quest filled with uncertainty directed with dedication and visual splendour by Peter Jackson.

The first thing to praise in Fellowship is the New Zealand locations that make up the vast lands of Middle Earth. Mountains, woodlands and vast fields appear breathtaking and we as an audience are sucked into the arduous journey that Frodo must take. The intelligent screenplay gives us a thrilling fantasy adventure with characters we can root for and features some amazing fight scenes against the dark forces that terrorise Middle Earth. We become immersed in the various legends that abound and the various people who make up the lands. Also, we get see the friendships of the main characters, embodied by the loyal and sincere Sam who would do anything for his best friend Frodo.

Sonically, Fellowship is a marvel. From the high-pitched screech of the Nazgul, wraith like beings attempting to return the ring to the dark lord to the evocative and splendid score by Howard Shore, it really is amazing to say the least. Special effects are of the highest order, creating menacing beings such as the vicious orcs and a particularly memorable cave troll. The many fight scenes are executed to excellent standards, especially when the Fellowship face the orcs. Fellowship of the Ring is a film of many memorable moments it really is hard to choose just a few to mention. Highlights for me are the chase of Arwen, a beautiful she elf who risks her life to save Frodo from death, by the evil Nazgul through woodlands, the Fellowship battling orcs in a catacomb and the kissing of Frodo’s forehead for good luck by Galadriel, a wise elf of immense power and wisdom.

But the biggest impact on the film is made by the supremely talented cast assembled to flesh out the various beings of this fantasy tale. Heading this is the ideal casting of Elijah Wood as Frodo, the one who the task weighs heavily upon. Wood embodies the initially frightened realisation of his task and later his bravery that will lead him on his way. Ian McKellen is excellent as the wizard Gandalf, showing us the wise man with immense power who is an invaluable ally on the quest. As the loyal, stout-hearted Sam, Sean Astin is perfectly cast as he is one of the driving forces behind Frodo. Without Sam’s wisdom and pluck, Frodo’s journey would not have been as interesting. Viggo Mortensen is suitably heroic as the skilled ranger Aragorn, while Liv Tyler is earnest and beautiful as Arwen, the elf who he has fallen in love with. Their relationship is beautifully observed as we watch the conflicted desires of both as Arwen questions whether to give up her immortality for love, her line ” I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the Ages of this world alone” is haunting. Cate Blanchett is suitably ethereal and full of intelligence as Galadriel, the presence of her engaging voice in the prologue of the ring’s journey is a stroke of genius.  John Rhys-Davies provides some comic relief as the belligerent dwarf Gimli, further adding to this humour is Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan as the mischievous Pippin and Merry.  Christopher Lee is gleefully evil as the wizard who has turned to the dark side. Orlando Bloom makes for a skilled ally of Legolas, an elf with a talent for archery. Hugo Weaving exudes respectability as Elrond, lord of the elves while Sean Bean makes a deep impression as Boromir. In the small but pivotal role of Bilbo, the one who found the ring, Ian Holm shines.

Crafted with meticulous and faithful detail by Peter Jackson, Fellowship of the Ring is a fantasy film to treasure for its engaging storyline, glorious scenery and its ability to transport us into a world of magic, danger and hope.

Interview with the Vampire

Tags

1990's, Anne Rice, Antonio Banderas, Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, Horror, Interview with the Vampire, Kirsten Dunst, Neil Jordan, Stephen Rea, Tom Cruise

Film Title

Interview with the Vampire

Director

Neil Jordan

Starring

• Tom Cruise as Lestat de Lioncourt
• Brad Pitt as Louis de Pointe du Lac
• Kirsten Dunst as Claudia
• Antonio Banderas as Armand
• Christian Slater as Daniel Molloy
• Stephen Rea as Santiago

Accorded a mixed reception upon its release, Interview with the Vampire is a mature, Gothic and well-mounted tale soaked in both sadness and blood from director Neil Jordan and scripted by Anne Rice, from her own novel. I personally have never really had a problem with the film and have felt it has been underrated over the years since its release. Anyway, back to my review of it.

Interview with the Vampire begins in modern-day San Francisco. Daniel Molloy is an eager reporter who documents people’s lives. His client this time is Louis de Pointe du Lac, yet Louis is no ordinary client. He is a 200-year-old vampire. Louis wants to tell Daniel the story of his life after he was “born into darkness”, fascinated Daniel begins to listen. The film flashes back to Louis’ life just before he was transformed into a creature of the night. He was an owner of a plantation just south of New Orleans in 1791, who fell into deep depression after his wife died in childbirth. Wanting to be freed from the pain and suffering, Louis was turned into a vampire by the cunning Lestat. Louis later comes to regret wanting death as Lestat has now condemned him to immortality. He finds it hard to live as a vampire because of his good nature and this impacts on the fact that he can’t bring himself to kill humans in order to survive. Lestat on the other hand shows no mercy and enjoys draining the life away from humans. Although commonly at each others throats, the two are bound because of their vampirism. One night the hunger inside Louis causes him to bite the neck of Claudia, a young plague victim. Lestat sees the little girl as an opportunity for company and something to make Louis stay as he knows the guilt Louis suffers from. He transforms Claudia into a vampire and they form a somewhat macabre ‘family’. As the years pass and the family move from place to place, Claudia forms a bond with both Louis and Lestat. Lestat teaches her to be a killer of which Claudia has no problem as she has a thirst for blood that challenges even the brutal Lestat’s, whereas Louis becomes almost a surrogate father to the child he never had. Claudia eventually becomes resentful of Lestat for turning her into a vampire, as she still retains the doll-like appearance of a young girl but has mentally grown up into a woman. Events soon come to a head between the three as power shifts between them and Louis attempts to search for answers regarding vampires. Stunning visuals, gorgeous set decoration and all round great performances populate this melancholy tale of the loneliness of being a vampire and the Gothic horror surrounding it .

The first thing to praise in Interview with the Vampire has to be Neil Jordan’s directing. We get a vampire movie with a sombre heart that is very adult and mature in theme and does not pander to a younger audience. Anne Rice writes the screenplay from her own novel and generally succeeds in being faithful to the source material. The visual design of the film should definitely be praised for the way it captures the various time zones and countries encompassed within the narrative, from Louisiana to Paris. Set decoration is particularly stunning in the scenes of an underground group of vampires that Louis and Claudia find, the various catacombs and chasms glimmering in candlelight with a Gothic splendour. Make-up and effects are also of the highest order in bringing to life the lives of these vampires. Standout scenes include Louis watching his last sunrise before his transformation, Claudia convulsing violently during her metamorphosis as her blonde hair morphs into red curls and a gruesome scene of vampires putting on a play involving the sacrifice of an innocent victim. The score provided makes for an eerie listen that highlights the themes of darkness and sorrow; the opening sound of a single choir boy’s voice singing a lullaby is enough to send chills down the spine. The presence of Louis’ mournful narration adds a certain pathos to the story, as we listen to his experiences and how he feels that being a vampire is a curse, and not a gift. 

Although there was controversy surrounding the casting of Tom Cruise as the flamboyant and sadistic Lestat, Cruise handles the role in an effective enough way. It’s not one of his best performances but he still gives the role his best shot. Brad Pitt is very good as the tortured Louis, bringing sympathy to the role of a man living an endless life of regret and pain. It is Louis who forms the centre of the story as we witness his reluctance to harm in order to survive and his relationship with Claudia. The biggest impression made on the film has to be a very young Kirsten Dunst as Claudia. She plays her role with an astonishing amount of maturity whilst also showing a devilish side to this vampire. Claudia is the most tragic of the trio of main vampires; as an audience we feel her struggle at learning that although her mind has matured, her outward appearance will always be that of a young girl. In many scenes, Kirsten Dunst steals them from her more experienced co-stars with her mix of startling complexity, expressive eyes and sense of entrapment. Fleshing out the supporting players is a seductive and dangerously charming Antonio Banderas as the head of a secret sect of vampires, Christian Slater as the man listening to Louis’ extraordinary story and a menacing Stephen Rea as the deceptive Santiago.

For those who want a sumptuous, blood-soaked tale of regret, Interview with the Vampire is most certainly advised viewing. Bold, melancholy and mature, it is a vampire film that questions the effects of transformation and whether it is as great as it first appears.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

Tags

2000's, Audrey Tautou, Foreign Language Film, He Loves Me He Loves Me Not, Isabelle Carré, Laetitia Colombani, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Samuel Le Bihan

Film Title

He Love Me, He Loves Me Not

Director

Laetitia Colombani

Starring

• Audrey Tautou as Angélique
• Samuel Le Bihan as Dr. Loïc Le Garrec
• Isabelle Carré as Rachel

The phrase goes that there are always two sides to every story. In Laetitia Colombani’s He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not this is certainly the case. Presenting two sides to the ‘relationship’ between a young art student and a cardiologist, it is strange, bewitching and creepy. Starring Audrey Tautou in a role very different from that of Amelie and crisscrossing genres, it will most certainly leave you wondering about certain things when it finishes.

Angélique is a young, sprightly art student who is passionate about her work. Her pixie like smile covers the opening frames of the movie as she purchases a single rose for her beloved. The man in question is Dr. Loïc Le Garrec, a handsome cardiologist who happens to be married. Angélique believes he will leave his wife to be with her, but events change when Loïc’s wife Rachel becomes pregnant. Her usual happy and sweet self soon gives way to a descent into self-destruction as her pining is to no avail. It is precisely at this moment that Colombani uses an ingenious technique, she rewinds the film. This time the events are seen from the perspective of Loïc, and this time events that appeared innocuous in the first section take on a shocking new meaning as Angélique is this time revealed to be not as innocent as her lily-white persona radiates and that her love for him may in fact just be obsession. What started as a seemingly glossy romance and drama soon becomes a chilling, psychological thriller as twists and turns, shifts in perspective and a haunting score pull the rug from underneath you and leaves you questioning what happened before .

By showing us two perspectives, Colombani has crafted a tightly coiled film that at first lulls you into a false sense of security and then springs some shocking truths upon us. And although there may be some that may have guessed that there is something amiss in the relationship between the two, it shouldn’t detract from the overall jaw-dropping induced by the flashback to another side of events. He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not may have it’s fair share of occasional clichés and uninspired moments, but Colombani manages to make these few whilst crafting this chilling thriller. When the film begins, you may be forgiven for thinking it is just another sweet romance and then a drama about a wronged women. But once the switch in viewpoints changes, the gears of a thriller fall into place and the uncertainty regarding Angélique and her actions. Perhaps the biggest draw of the film is the casting of Audrey Tautou in the role of Angélique. Best known for her elfin charm and wide-eyed beauty, Tautou utilises these features to excellent effect by masking the darker side of her character behind this and making her all the more dangerous and ambiguous as a result of her disarming charm. It is Tautou who fixes the attention and after seeing this film, you may never see her as just the girl from Amelie ever again. Samuel Le Bihan is suitably handsome and intelligent as the unsuspecting Loïc , who becomes more paranoid as a result of the pining and ambiguous fixation of Angélique. In a supporting role, Isabelle Carré is excellently frightened by the presence of another person slowly tearing her husband apart. The haunting sound of a piano on the score adds a level of menace to the fixation and obsession on show.

Shrewd, chilling and deftly told from differing perspectives, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is creepy viewing as the various shocks arrive unexpected. Boasting a startling performance from Audrey Tautou, it is a film that will floor you as well as chill you.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Tags

2010's, Action, Amanda Plummer, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Francis Lawrence, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Lenny Kravitz, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin, Science Fiction, Stanley Tucci, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Woody Harrelson

Film Title

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Director

Francis Lawrence

Starring

• Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
• Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
• Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
• Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
• Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
• Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair
• Jena Malone as Johanna Mason
• Donald Sutherland as President Snow
• Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee
• Jeffrey Wright as Beetee
• Amanda Plummer as Wiress
• Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
• Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the second film of The Hunger Games series. Following on from the groundwork set by the predecessor, it emerges as a smart, darker and more thought-provoking film. Featuring an excellent cast, a relatable heroine in the form of Katniss Everdeen as played by Jennifer Lawrence and some amazing visuals, Catching Fire is an sci-fi/action movie with brains that still delivers the goods.

After surviving the 74th Hunger Games by threatening to kill themselves, Katniss and Peeta return to District 12. They are paraded around as victors, but Katniss is having trouble adjusting to life again. Although seen as a beacon of hope by many, she is plagued by horrific nightmares of what she had to do in order to survive. The corrupt President Snow senses rebellion is brewing as a result of Katniss’ defiance. He blackmails Katniss into saying that the reason she survived was her ‘love’ for Peeta, when in actual fact she did it to enable their safety. He threatens to kill those most dear to Katniss if she doesn’t comply with his actions, including her good friend Gale, who has feelings for her. Although he wants Katniss dead, he employs the help of the enigmatic Plutarch, a man working on the Games. Plutarch suggests using a special version of The Hunger Games in order to relinquish rebellion. In this version of the games past victors can be chosen and sure enough Katniss and Peeta are both selected for the brutal games. As the games begin, Katniss must ally herself with some of the other skilled competitors in order to emerge alive from the carnage that will follow.

Taking over the reins from Gary Ross, Francis Lawrence crafts a darker, smoother movie than the first. Whereas Ross favoured use of kinetic shaky cam, Francis Lawrence utilises more fluid shots to create a sense of journey and the uphill battle to stay alive. The special effects employed in Catching Fire are marvellous in execution, especially the various obstacles that are thrown the way of Katniss. These include tidal waves, birds that mimic the screams of a loved one and some seriously vicious and brutal baboons. The score provided accentuates the struggles, pain and horror that befalls those competing. One flaw could be the length of the film as it does drag in places, but overall the running time is appropriate.

What gives Catching Fire its thought-provoking edge is the cast of it. Jennifer Lawrence once again is phenomenal as the heroine Katniss Everdeen. Lawrence lets us glimpse the emotional scars she suffered that she hides behind her strong, armour like demeanor. As a result, Katniss emerges a multi-dimensional character, alternately strong and capable but also caring and vulnerable. It is Lawrence’s performance that gives the film its heart. Josh Hutcherson rises to the challenge by being given more to do as Peeta than in the last movie. Liam Hemsworth follows suit with a more expanded role. Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks are both on fine form as the returning mentors to Katniss and Peeta. Newcomer Sam Claflin is charming as the capable contestant Finnick and Jena Malone is a stubborn, sullen but moving presence as Johanna. Donald Sutherland is gleefully nasty as the corrupt President Snow, while Philip Seymour Hoffman works well with his enigmatic role . The ever-reliable Jeffrey Wright provides the brains as the techno wizard and Amanda Plummer is delightfully kooky as his wife. Lenny Kravitz is touching as the sympathetic stylist to Katniss and Stanley Tucci is a hoot throughout.

Combining thrilling action, interesting parallels with the subtext of media manipulation and well-drawn characters, Catching Fire proves itself as a successful sequel  and great movie in its own right, spearheaded by the evocative and strong performance of Jennifer Lawrence.