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Tag Archives: Ridley Scott

White Squall

08 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 41 Comments

Tags

1990's, Adventure, Balthazar Getty, Based on a true story, Caroline Goodall, Coming-of-Age, Eric Michael Cole, Jeff Bridges, Jeremy Sisto, John Savage, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Ridley Scott, Ryan Phillippe, Scott Wolf

Film Title

White Squall

Director

Ridley Scott

Starring

  • Jeff Bridges as Captain Christopher “Skipper” Sheldon
  • Scott Wolf as Chuck Gieg
  • Jeremy Sisto as Frank Beaumont
  • Ryan Phillippe as Gil Martin
  • Eric Michael Cole as Dean Preston
  • Balthazar Getty as Tod Johnstone
  • Caroline Goodall as Alice Sheldon
  • John Savage as McCrea
  • Julio Oscar Mechoso as Girard

Inspired by true events of a ship that acted as a school and learning ground in seafaring, plus the storm they ran into along the way, Ridley Scott’s White Squall is an underrated adventure/coming of age film that while a tad formulaic, is riveting entertainment and spectacle throughout.

It is the early 60’s and a group of teenagers sign up to sail on a ship known as the Albatross for several months. The curriculum is both a mixture of scholarly work and more importantly the practical seafaring variety. The ship is commanded by experienced and tough Captain Christopher Sheldon, who is referred to throughout as Skipper. He is a take no prisoners captain who doesn’t tolerate slacking or idleness. The ship also has Skipper’s wife and medic Alice, English teacher McCrea and cook Girard on board. The main boys comprise of personable and searching Chuck Gieg(who also functions as narrator), the much abused and insecure rich kid Frank Beaumont, timid and vulnerable Gil Martin, misbehaving show off Dean Preston and wise-cracking Tod Johnstone . Their voyage will take them through the South Pacific and the Caribbean, and be a rites of passage for all. At first, the ragtag group of recruits is at odds with Skipper’s methods and continually rebel. His rigorous training takes flight as he expects them to learn discipline, respect and teamwork while aboard. Not that this will be easy as the boys test him with all they’ve got in various ways. He however is not above this challenge and enforces his authority with his tests and  Gradually, a newfound respect and sense of teamwork is discovered among them all. They all manage to bond together to form a skilled set of young men, with Skipper growing quietly fond and protective of them. Experiencing misadventures and mishaps binds them as a group and the training from Skipper more than pays off. Yet just as everyone is coming together, disaster lurks in the distance. They find themselves coming into the view of a ferocious storm, which will test each and every one of them as danger approaches.

Within Ridley Scott at the helm, you know the direction isn’t going to disappoint. And Scott brings his trademark eye for visuals to this exciting story, while still getting to the human heart of the themes of survival and camaraderie. Scott has this tale under his command and allows us time to learn about the crew before disaster hits later on. Spectacle is something Ridley Scott does superbly, but his equally excellent building of emotion and heart is also worthy of praise, particularly in White Squall. Gorgeous vistas and sights are glimpsed, presenting life at sea as something ripping but just as easily challenging and not for the weak of heart. The coming of age aspects of White Squall are far from original but we’ll plated and envisioned. It helps that you buy into the initially green boys growing up and after scrapping and disagreements in the beginning, can be there for each other and pull their weight in times that it is needed. The movie isn’t perfect however, with some of it really going too slow. I believe that because you know imminent tragedy will come you are waiting for it to happen, and it can make you impatient. This presents both a slight flaw and a positive; the build up at least establishes quite a few of the characters to us and let’s us observe their changes under the tutelage of the Skipper, while it can get to be a chore when you’re anticipating the big set piece to flower. Any in pace is however made up when the storm hits and we are dealt an exciting and emotion driven wallop. Using fast cuts, slow motion and stirring yet tense music, the scene is an extended action piece that is mightily impressive in almost every aspect. This intense and ferocious scene where we see the boys go beyond everything they’ve learned can to survive and face danger head on is one of considerable impact and vision. I can’t wax lyrical enough about this scene and what it accomplishes, both on an action level and on emotional clarity. The ending chapter feels a tad tacked on, but can be forgiven for what has come before. A dramatic score is just the ticket for this movie, finding both beauty and danger in its rhythms.

Jeff Bridges exudes a tough, compelling yet fair persona as the captain, mostly referred to as Skipper. He’s the kind of man to keep you in line but reward you if you comply and be part of the team. Bridges boasts a dignity and wry wisdom that inspires both admiration and trepidation among the boys. For me, Jeff Bridges has always been a fine actor when he quietly and subtly gets into part, which is what he does in White Squall. A sea-captain often allows the opportunity to overact and be loud, but Bridges has a more disciplined and nuanced angle that is largely more effective than over dramatic antics. You believe him as this leader because if the commanding energy and the fact that he doesn’t care whether his crew likes him, as long as they pull together even needed. A finely tuned and thoughtfully played performance from the great Jeff Bridges is what we get. Scott Wolf is the main eyes and ears of the film, providing the narration and likable attitude of the movie. He has a certain wonder in his eyes as he observes the events on the ship and he makes a really great lead character. Jeremy Sisto is very impressive, digging into the troubled mind of a spoiled kid, constantly berated by his father and singled out. If this kid could only get a break, he might be able to flourish. Ryan Phillippe is appropriately scared and in a muddle, mainly down to the character feeling he is so weak in all of this, when he’s actually pretty smart. The classic bully comes in the form of Eric Michael Cole, who reveals that he’s really a shy person with no self-esteem that is complimented by Balthazar Getty as the know it all joker. Though these characters feel rather archetypal in the scope of things, they are acted with sincerity. While the previously mentioned actors get parts that they can work with, the rest are awash in a sea of white T-shirts and suntan. As the main woman in the film, Caroline Goodall isn’t given a whole lot to do, but still shows her mettle when the occasion calls for it. John Savage provides some comic relief as the ship’s sonnet quoting teacher along with Julio Oscar Mechoso.

While it’s nothing particularly new, White Squall succeeds in the strength of its story, acting and command under Scott’s stylish yet emotive and exciting direction. For my money, this is a pretty undervalued movie in Scott’s filmography that deserves a watch.

Someone to Watch Over Me

18 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

1980's, Andreas Katsulas, Jerry Orbach, Lorraine Bracco, Mimi Rogers, Ridley Scott, Romance, Someone to Watch Over Me, Thriller, Tom Berenger

Film Title

Someone to Watch Over Me

Director

Ridley Scott

Starring

  • Tom Berenger as Mike Keegan
  • Mimi Rogers as Claire Gregory
  • Lorraine Bracco as Ellie Keegan
  • Jerry Orbach as Lt. Garber
  • Andreas Katsulas as Joey Venza

It isn’t the best movie from Ridley Scott, but Someone to Watch Over Me is shamelessly overlooked and underrated for its atmosphere and visual style. A romantic thriller that looks at differences in lifestyle and appearance, the thriller aspect lacks but the rest of the piece, namely the acting and direction, make it a watchable and at times intriguing movie.

Mike Keegan is a recently promoted police detective who lives with his wife Ellie and young son Tommy in Queens. His marriage is stable and he is largely good at his job, so everything is going quite swimmingly. someone-to-watch-over-me-posterThen he gets the call to come in after a murder is committed. A criminal by the name of Joey Venza killed a businessman who he thought squeezed him out of a deal before their partnership severed and it was witnessed by the beautiful Upper East Side socialite, Claire Gregory. Mike is assigned to protect Claire and provide round the clock support as she is clearly in danger. If any evidence is brought forward, Venza will most likely be charged. Claire’s testimony is what this cast stands on and Venza makes it his priority to silence her. At first, Mike and Claire aren’t exactly friendly; his tough demeanor is at odds with her aloofness and the obvious difference in backgrounds is pretty noticeable. Yet, as he continues to watch over her, he develops romantic inclinations for her that are reciprocated. He gets a glimpse into the high life of extravagance and she lets her icy guard down. This poses obvious problems for Mike as he does really love his wife Ellie deeply, yet is unable to deny the attraction he has for Claire. At the same time, Claire is menaced by Venza, who threatens to kill her if she talks anymore about what she saw him do. Add to this situation the fact that Ellie is growing very wary of Mike’s devotion to the case, and things look like they will be very complex for everyone here.

The film is directed with exceptional finesse by Ridley Scott, whose stamp of luscious and enviable imagery and depth of cinematic quality is in good supply. someone-to-watch-over-me-castThere is a real elegance to Scott’s direction that juxtaposes the glamour of the Upper East Side with the working class Queens to striking effect, while giving that sheen of sophistication you can always count on in something directed by Ridley Scott. He knows how to visually bring out the themes at hand, here it is someone from the outside looking in along with society and lifestyles, that are rendered with impressive results. Now while Someone to Watch Over Me is billed as a romantic thriller, the elements of thriller can sometimes be a bit lacking. That isn’t to say there isn’t any tension or suspense because there is, but the main focus is more the unlikely romance between Mike and Claire than just action. The film functions better as a study of two people who are almost opposite in every respect unusually finding a mutual attraction in possibly dangerous circumstances. That’s where the real force of the film lies, despite it being straightforward and displaying parts that are a bit implausible. mimi-rogers-and-tom-berengerIf you concentrate more on the romance aspects and the look at people, Someone to Watch Over Me is frequently quite riveting and engaging. The main thing that marks the movie down in my estimation, despite it being still very watchable, is that is lacks the special something that Ridley Scott movies usually have. Despite this hiccup, the smoky atmosphere leaves a lot to be thankful for, helped in no small part due to the lovely jazz music that features heavily. The growing attraction between Claire and Mike is kept to a classy level which actually makes it more interesting because of the subtlety, you didn’t need overly sexual scenes to convey their sparks.

Tom Berenger fares well as the tough guy who unexpectedly finds himself straying from the marriage bed by someone who is completely out of his league. Berenger finds the right understated note to play Mike, that allows him to be cynical and hard-boiled on the job and more sensitive when the occasion calls. The beautiful Mimi Rogers has the class and poise for Claire, while underscoring that for all the glamour she has, houses a void of loneliness that is suggested through Rogers’ subtle face. She has become accustomed to this life of privilege and enjoys it, but with everything going on, she finds companionship of an unusual sort with Mike that allows her to open up. Her quiet and fearful demeanor are played extremely well by Rogers in a way that is understated and demure. But the best performance in Someone to Watch Over Me comes from Lorraine Bracco. ellie-someone-to-watch-over-meAs the dutiful but outspoken wife of Mike, she nails the suspicion and attitude of the woman, who knows that something is definitely not right and wants answers. Bracco has an unpretentious and open delivery which coalesces with the heart of Ellie to form a well-tuned piece of work, from what could have been a throwaway part of a wallflower. Jerry Orbach is fun to watch in a supporting role of grizzled police lieutenant who appoints the job of watching Claire to Mike, while Andreas Katsulas has a face made for a villain that is used very effectively as the criminal trying to eliminate any chance of a life sentence.

So while the story is quite simplistic and some of the thrills could have had a bit more punch, Someone to Watch Over Me should be more well-known and appreciated for the stylish way that Ridley Scott shoots it and brings it to life.

Alien

17 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 46 Comments

Tags

1970's, Alien, Harry Dean Stanton, Horror, Ian Holm, John Hurt, Ridley Scott, Science Fiction, Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Yaphet Kotto

Film Title

Alien

Director

Ridley Scott

Starring

  • Tom Skerritt as Captain Dallas
  • Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley
  • Veronica Cartwright as Lambert
  • Harry Dean Stanton as Brett
  • Ian Holm as Ash
  • Yaphett Kotto as Parker
  • John Hurt as Kane

Alien is a classic hybrid of science fiction and horror that brought a lot to the table upon its release. The claustrophobic and horrifying influence of this chilling film can be felt on many a horror flick, but I don’t think anything has ever matched its shocking and frightening power. With the talented Ridley Scott at the helm and Sigourney Weaver entering cinematic history with her performance as Ripley, Alien still holds up as one of the most effective horror films I’ve ever seen.

Set in the future, the commercial spacecraft Nostromo is returning to Earth. The ship is controlled by a sophisticated system code-named Mother. The crew comprises of Captain Dallas, Warrant Officer Ripley, navigator Lambert, engineer Brett, Science Officer Ash, second engineer Parker and Executive Officer Kane. Alien PosterThe crew of seven are in hyper sleep but Mother picks up what seems to be a distress signal coming from a nearby planet. Although many of the crew are doubtful of what to do, according to the laws of the company, they must answer the signal. Upon landing on the planet, the ship is temporarily broken and in need of repair. Dallas, Lambert and Kane set foot on the planet in an attempt to find the cause of the distress signal. What they find is a strange ship apparently abandoned, but filled with multitudes of egg like objects. Unfortunately for Kane, one of the eggs hatches and a strange creature attaches itself to his face. Fearing for him Dallas and Lambert bring him back to the ship where Ash lets them in. Ripley is infuriated by this as it could jeopardize their safety or bring harm to any of them. After a while the creature seems to vanish and Kane appears to be fine. But during breakfast after the ship has been fixed and is in orbit, the real horror of the situation arrives. Kane convulses violently before dying as the creature emerges from his chest and flees into the bowels of the ship. With the beast on the loose and safety in danger, the crew attempt to kill it. But as bodies hit the floor and the alien grows rapidly into a terrifying creature, it all comes down to Ripley to survive the carnage and kill the alien.

The first thing to praise about Alien is the direction. Ridley Scott balances the interesting characters and the encroaching carnage with certainty and skill. AlienThe pace of Alien is magnificent as suspense builds and builds before erupting into terror and horror. The visual design of the Nostromo is second to none as well as the Alien itself, a horrifying creature that bleeds acid, has a double jaw that can pierce skulls and the ability to blend into its surroundings. A tense atmosphere of ghoulish uncertainty gives Alien a slow-building but effective backbone that brings many fears to light in disturbing fashion. We have the fear of bodily intrusion as the Alien lives inside a host before hatching, the fear of the unknown thing stalking the members of the crew and we have the fear of entrapment as the layers of the spaceship become a prison for the crew as they do battle with the creature. Jerry Goldsmith’s ambient score is a terrific asset in Alien’s already impressive arsenal, bringing that humming menace and gradually building terror to the forefront as the alien turns the ship into its personal hunting ground.

The effective cast brings a refreshingly adult sensibility to the film and it’s really refreshing to see grown ups instead of screaming teenagers running around. Tom Skerritt brings weariness to Captain Dallas, as he realizes that bringing Kane back onto the ship was a bad idea. The real revelation of Alien is Sigourney Weaver as the tough Ripley. Ripley AlienWeaver brings inner vulnerability, grave authority and determined strength to the character as she gets in touch with the warrior inside in order to eliminate the threat posed to her. Ripley would go on to become an iconic character in the science fiction genre and rightfully so because of Weaver’s talent and power in the part. Veronica Cartwright is suitably wide-eyed and scared out of her wits as Lambert, while Harry Dean Stanton is sarcastic as Brett, a blue-collar worker complaining about company procedure. Ian Holm brings a quiet sort of uneasiness to Ash, who is concealing many secrets beneath his humane demeanor. Yaphett Kotto is great as Parker, Brett’s sparring partner and fellow mechanic, while John Hurt brings something devastating to the part of the tragic Kane and enters cinematic history as a result.

Haunting and horrifying, Alien is one of the best science fiction/ horror films out there and its impact can not be underestimated.

 

Thelma and Louise

21 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 30 Comments

Tags

1990's, Brad Pitt, Callie Khouri, Drama, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Ridley Scott, Road Movie, Susan Sarandon, Thelma and Louise

Film title

Thelma and Louise

Director

Ridley Scott

Cast

  • Susan Sarandon as Louise Sawyer
  • Geena Davis as Thelma Dickinson
  • Harvey Keitel as Detective Hal Slocumb
  • Michael Madsen as Jimmy Lennox
  • Brad Pitt as J.D
  • Christopher McDonald as Darryl Dickinson

The story of two best friends going on a vacation that turns into something completely different and ending in an unforgettable finale, Thelma and Louise struck a chord with many upon its release in 1991, maybe because of its road movie revamping and its new female spin on a male dominated genre. Whatever your view on it, there can be no debating the amount of buzz and arguments it has caused over the years since it’s release. Anyway, back to the review of it.

Thelma Dickinson is a meek, put upon housewife whose husband controls everything she does, her best friend Louise Sawyer is a tough-talking, world-weary waitress whose unexplained trauma that happened years prior has made her that way. Both bored in their uneventful and small Arkansas town, Louise suggests going on a trip, just the two of them. They both decide to do it and along the way stop at a bar, planning to leave after a short break. A suave man named Harlan begins to flirt with Thelma and eventually gets the timid housewife drunk. When she goes outside for air, his charming demeanor changes to violent as he tries to brutally rape her. Louise, stops him with the aid of a gun and threatens him. After yelling obscenities at her, Louise shoots him dead. Fearing the consequences of the incident, the duo go on the lam in an attempt to escape imprisonment, and so begins a thrilling journey of self-discovery and the power of friendship, that involves theft, guns and a spectacular chase through the Grand Canyon.

What is so interesting upon viewing Thelma and Louise, is its merging of various genres and its dusting off of old clichés in the form of new ones. At the heart of it, it is a road movie, but it also includes many instances of crime, action and drama. This is all handled under the thoughtful direction of Ridley Scott. Although I wouldn’t expect Scott to make a film such as this, heThelma and Louise actually pulls off the film admirably and memorably. The Oscar-winning script by Callie Khouri furthers our engagement, emotional tie and understanding of the women and gets to the heart of their characters. Credit should also be given to Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, who both create convincingly outstanding portrayals as the eponymous best friends. All the way through the film, they anchor the proceedings and keep us watching as the women try to find a way to escape imprisonment whilst driving through the twists and turns of the American frontier. Harvey Keitel is also used to great effect as a sympathetic detective, who tries numerous times to persuade the women to stop running. Film buffs should also look out for a young Brad Pitt as a charismatic thief who Thelma takes a shine to after picking him up.

Debate rages on as to whether the film is man-hating, that its depiction of crime is one of a positive nature and that if it shows women in a positive or negative light. The film is also a hot topic when it comes to the ending, which I won’t divulge in case people reading it haven’t seen it. Those who have will know exactly what I’m talking about. Arguments made against it have labelled it flawed and cop-out, whilst others have disagreed. All of this aside, Thelma and Louise makes for memorable viewing because of its re-writing of genre and gender favorability, its title characters that are brought vividly to life by Sarandon and Davis and its mix of humour, drama and emotion.

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