“And then I had the strangest thought; Are these feelings even real?”
Her (2013)
A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence (2015)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Inglorious Basterds (2009)
Django Unchained (2012)
Recently Watched: Under the Skin (2014)
"Under the Skin" is an existential piece of science-fiction masterpiece.
This film is an example of tonal perfection. The unmistakable atmosphere of this sleek, uncompromising sci-fi film is overwhelming, and the journey of self-discovery, isolation, and desperation of the protagonist, played with brilliant detail by Scarlett Johansson is masterful. Under the Skin is a film about loneliness. In the context of the movie it's about an alien who comes to earth through unexplained circumstances, and essentially experiences life; its intricacies, its flaws, its wonders, but at it’s core, it’s about a lack of human connection, and a lack of love and care, seen through the eyes of somebody that hasn’t experienced, loss, love, or life. This is a film that will stick with you for a very long time. This is one of those rare films that will keep you silent, sitting in awe and hysteria as it's silent credits flash by. This is an urgent and relevant look at loneliness and desolation. This is one of the best movies of all time.
Recently Watched: Tom At The Farm (2013)
Darkly compelling and oddly addictive, ‘Tom At The Farm’ is a film rooted in complexion and well played ambiguity. It’s a film that expects you to know the intricacies of the suburban farm-based family this film centers around, and as the film plays out, you learn information visually and through natural conversation. Tom At The Farm has a pulsing tension throughout its two-hour runtime; characters develop and arc in an unconventional, dark manner, and as this erotically-charged thriller descends into madness, so do the two lead roles, played brilliantly by Xavier Dolan and Pierre-Yves Cardinal; whom bring a level of depth and intrigue, creating a Stockholm-Syndrome esque relationship, with Dolan presenting an intriguing character study of a man plagued with the hysteria and delirium of losing a loved one, coupled with the anxiety of a lack of human connection and empathy, as he struggles with telling his deceased lover’s family of their homosexual relationship.
Tom At The Farm is a brilliantly executed tour-de-force of ambiguity and complexion, one that, at it’s core, is an examination of a loss of connection and significance in a cold, unwelcoming small town.
9/10
“Today a part of me has died. And I cannot mourn, because I’ve forgotten all the synonyms of ‘sadness’. Now, all that I can do without you, is replace you.”
Tom at the Farm (2013)
Recently Watched: Magic Mike XXL
Magic Mike XXL is pure bliss. It’s an overwhelmingly optimistic movie, but not one that lacks complexity. At it’s core, Magic Mike XXL is an examination of natural human interaction, but also the simple idea that if a man can give a woman what she wants, make her feel loved and important, then why wouldn’t they? The male entertainers aren’t arrogant or douches in any way, but instead are simply attractive men who understand they are in a position where they can help girls out, not because they need to, but because every human being deserves to be treated with respect and love. Throughout the film we watch characters develop in an unconventional way, not through hardship or loss, but rather experiences and mere interaction.
Many may dismiss this film as mindless and empty, but Magic Mike XXL has a lot to say, and it says it brilliantly.
10/10
Rewatched: Birdman: Or: (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance
Birdman is a film that has a lot to say, but doesn’t say anything. In terms of themes, Birdman is indecisive and confused; subplots are explored or referenced, yet are not executed. The film is so egotistical and mean spirited, it takes shots at what it thinks are lifeless blockbusters that are made for the sole purpose of money, when the film itself contradicts this, as it is a tonal and thematic disaster, hastily put together with a lack of soul or relevance.
The film seemingly struggles to grasp the concept of social commentary, as it does not explore any subject. Instead, it merely references different concepts that the screenwriters felt needed to be addressed, and in a sentence or two blatantly says how they’re bad and this movie is better. The idea that this film is faked to look as if it is one shot, convincingly at that, is very intriguing, but feels gimmicky. Is it referencing the structure and confusion of a live performance? Is it symbolizing the hysteria of Riggins’ mind? The issue isn’t that it’s ambiguous as to what the one-take technique is referring to, the issue is that no matter what it is, it’s completely irrelevant, as Birdman has a lot on it’s mind, but is poorly spoken.
In terms of performances, it’s all pretty surface level, with one exception. Emma Stone gives an overdramatized, unrealistic performance, in which any lines that she recites feel forced and disingenuine. Michael Keaton isn’t bad per say, and obviously has talent, but is held back by the lackluster script. Edward Norton is absolutely fantastic. Not only does he portray his character that, under any mediocre performance would be monotonous, extremely well, he has excellent chemistry with other characters; and while that would be a good thing, characters are all too bland and stale to offer an interesting and involving contrast.
The lighting and shot composition are perfectly done, and even though tonally this film is off, individual scenes are made atmospheric with extremely well realized lighting work. And while gimmicky, the camera handling is absolutely stunning.
Birdman is a film I wanted to love. it’s a film I did the firs two times I saw it, but something in me snapped on the third viewing; as I watched and tried to dissect the film, and came up with nothing, leaving me to wonder if this is an empty film.
Birdman is a contradictory mess of theme and tone.
3/10