lines of flight - show 1

i've been looking forward to this festival for some time
our paths having never crossed in it's biennial incarnation
my kind of music - immediate, unique, improvised, exhilarating
the festival offering 4 sessions over 3 days of nz's best experimenters
tonight showtime is in the top level of the dunedin public art gallery
grab a drink, chat to a few comrades and snag a second row seat
a brief welcome from the 2 peters (porteous/stapleton) and into it

first up radio cegeste aka sally ann mcintyre - seated on the floor
even from the second row it's very difficult to see her in action
but leaning forward and down and she's playing with radios
transistor ones probably now considered of vintage age
long pull out aerial, black vinyl case and scrolling knobs
she has a bunch of them - ritually sets them up on the floor
each contributing to a slowly building analogue static sound
her assistant tonight in control of a projector pointed at her
thus providing her silhouette over a screen of old photographs
intentionally or not the slide-show seems quite badly handled
it comes and goes, gets realigned, her silhouette seems wrong
but no worries - the noise builds, drops away and she packs up
a favourable response from the audience and part 2 soon follows

stanier black-five is introduced and she in turn introduces her show
named oenosthesia - exploring the link between taste and hearing
and for us tonight an interactive performance - wine will be served
generously donated by a small winery especially for the occasion
and with that she delves into the apple mac and sends out the noises
a slow build of a circular sound of what sounds like water running
a nod then a signal for wine and glasses to be handed to the audience
i get it - a multi-sensory experience more than the usual eyes and ears
a sniff and a gentle sip of some quite deliciously flavoured white wine
this in conjuction with some sounds that i convince myself are relevant
surely the simulation and amplification of the effect of a swallowed liquid
possibly not - but let's go with that - we're hooked - and 2 more wines yet
it's a simple yet effective aural presentation - and a grateful audience with it
a bit of post-show discussion advising our lady is a respected wine critic
totally impressed and a very enjoyable and confident show tonight

the aletheia ensemble  - 2 laptop powered chaps and 4 speakers on stands
billed as an electro-acoustic 4 piece - hmmm - a scaled down show tonight?
some pre-show chatter suggesting some performers had not shown up
maybe this is the result of that - not too worried - ignorance is bliss
but as they get stuck into their minimalist show something is amiss
i'm thinking a projection of some kind would have been so easy
watching a bowed head totally focussed on a laptop is no show
fortunately there's 2 of them so that offers some viewing options
and there is the clever use of 4 speakers with 2 behind the audience
this meaning a surround sound effect becomes their defining feature
the digital sound they produce is quite enjoyable though forgettable
and admittedly - it does tend to the monotonous as the set drags on
one of two false endings too many really and relief as it winds up
polite applause and mental notes - the full ensemble is needed

jeff henderson / hermoine johnson are next up - clarinet and piano combo
he - standing tall with instrument in hand and blasting out random notes
she - also standing over the piano and pulling on a set of erect wires
a bank of those attached presumably somehow to the piano strings
each exuding a different note as her hand is dragged over the wire  
now we're talking - total improvisation on analogue instruments
i'm sitting in the best seat in the house next to the piano action
both musicians a few metres away as they get stuck into it
loving it - a reminder of many shows in sima days in sydney
the clarinet pushed to the limit and a sense of full confidence
and then he wanders off - still blasting notes as he goes from view
making full use of the acoustics provided in this upper level open space
the wooden floor and angular partitions acting as natural amplifiers
his eventual return marking a change in sound - a tenor sax in use
and unexpectedly she takes a seat and puts hand to piano keys
but conventional - no - hands running up and down rapidly
a quite aggressive style and the keyboard seen moving
i'm worried - she - nope - just keeps up a relentless sound
ditto with he - sharp jabs of notes with a sky pointed sax
the crowd whooping it up as the intensity is maintained
as they finish they similarly exchange approving signals
nothing quite so satisfying as witnessing sated musicians
a brilliant climax to this first night of lines of flight - more...

the second best exotic marigold hotel

the original thinking was this sequel could be bypassed
number one was ok - kind of fun and even an original idea
but such ideas when stretched to follow-ups are rarely better
however pre-screening review reading suggesting this one does it
tonight is fil-um night and a consensus required - so we take it on
an unexpected opening - a mustang being driven at speed in america
sonny (dev patel) driving and muriel (maggie smith) a cowering passenger
route 66 - the one-liners around accent and interpretation flowing already
we then see them in a meeting in a las vegas boardroom seeking funding
chairman of the board played by david strathairn - now that's a surprise
he boss of a large hotel chain considering an expansion into india
cut back to rajasthan and all the familiar characters re-introduced
douglas (bill nighy) a bumbling tour-guide with lines fed by wireless
evelyn (judi dench) a part-time textile buyer for a large multi-national
seems these shysters are still trying to get their romance up and running
the other hotel inhabitants also shown picking up where they left off
and then the film opening credits roll - and part 2 is well underway
they actually killed off a character in part 1 so first deal with that
enter - richard gere - divorcee so the (older) ladies in a flap
says he is a writer but sonny treats him like a hotel inspector
sonny's mother catches his eye and the charmer goes to work
one cringe-worthy scene of him 'writing' his love-story novel
and her - 'i've not been with anyone since my husband died'
him - 'you will not be my first - but you will be my last' - crikey
there's a wedding being planned and another suitor on the scene
and so many other sub-plots going on it's a challenge to keep up
or - more likely - nothing of any substance or demanding empathy
of course nothing should be demanded - this is lightweight central
fortunately the backdrop of indian city life is very well represented
so even with no interest in the many stories at play it's an ok ride
and the skill/experience of all the main actors holds the attention
though - some camera trickery in use with ms dench and smith
their few scenes together such they seem filmed separately
muriel (smith) has a serious and secret medical condition
with that a suggestion that she will be this film's write-off
and a quote then thrown up several times in her presence
there's no present like the time - misquoted but cute
meanwhile in amongst all the drama sonny is very busy
holding together the sub-plot of the actual point of the film
his second hotel - which provides the excuse for this sequel
another stab at legitimacy - david strathairn shows up again
and then into the big finale - sonny and sunaina's wedding
everyone is suddenly happy and seriously partying is on
a loud dance scene in true bollywood style dominating
the choreography looking borrowed from mj's thriller
muriel sneaks away and is seen prone on her bed
did she die - maybe - maybe not - wait and see
everything left open for number 3 in the series
now that would be seriously pushing it
no doubt the bean-counters will decide
enough already i say - checking out (groan)...

a little chaos

yes well period piece films are not usually my scene
but in this case there's one factor that appeals big time
versailles - the gardens of - this film based on the build
starring and directed by alan rickman - he knows his stuff
kate winslet - well - not a big fan - but - let's see how she goes
1682 - the year the film is set - versailles construction underway
king louis xiv (rickman) has demanded a grand vision for the gardens
andre le notre is his chief gardener but he needs help for this huge project
and so sabine de barra (winslet) has submitted an application for the gig
she has a 3 minute interview with le notre who dismisses her outright
seems her want to dispense with 'order' challenges he who utilises it
she pushing for 'a little chaos' in the future-looking garden design
but male vanity is alive and kicking in the 17th century - no gig
other (male) applicants smirking - but of course she wins in the end
this after that night le notre makes a surprise visit to her paris home
and more (no) surprises - a suggestion of a romantic appointment also
she a widow and he a married man - though seems wifey is an infidel
as we witness with some rumpy-pumpy in a horse-drawn carriage
sabine is assigned the job supervising the build of an outdoor ballroom
cascading waterfalls, tiered seating, marble dancefloor, etc - big job
so some screen time spent showing that process and sabine's drive
in the meantime over at palace hq king louis has some family drama
his wife has died (the queen is dead) and he is in a state of mourning
alan rickman seen revelling in the role of a morose and aloof oligarch
he takes time out - sits alone unwigged in one of the palace nurseries
soon joined by sabine but she does not recognise him as the king
so some silly banter as he briefly plays along with her small talk
so far - well - flat as really - acting all a bit go-through-the-motions
but the dramas keep on coming - le notre now besotted with sabine
and with it wifey picks up on her husbands own other love interest
leading to some vengeful sabotaging of sabines work in progress
this involves a release of a water spillway that sabine ends up in
nearly drowning in the process and predictably saved by her man
the passion flows and so soon too the regret for a tearful sabine
distraught in fact - somehow this episode triggers a long flashback
seems her husband was also a cad and ran off taking their daughter
as he escaped their carriage crashed down a slope - daughter killed
so much drama packed into this film - but - where's the conviction?
anyway - the finale rolls around - of course she gets the job done
the aristocracy dressed to the max for the fixture's grand opening
louis taking a dance with sabine (ah nice) and into party mode
the cameras back and up providing an aerial shot of versailles
but - not even a very good model - clearly not the real deal
which pretty well sums up the whole film - a real wannabe
the promotion poster suggested comedy, drama, romance
comedy - a couple of cringeworthy wise-cracks at best
drama - plenty of that - but coronation street-esque
romance - sex maybe - and then only box-tick-ish
the best thing about the film is the costumes
everyone and everything seemed...detached
a very english film hijacking a french story
and fictionalised anyway - it's just a yarn
alan rickman and team have more work yet
more acting required as they talk this one up
probably should have gone straight to youtube

citizenfour

the story of edward snowden's whistleblowing has intrigued me
in a sense a martyr to the cause of personal (digital) freedom
so very excited to see this film quietly hit the big screen
our friday night viewing underwhelming in bums on seats
and a quiet fear that the general populace - nah - who cares
the film opens with footage from inside a car in a long tunnel
the documentary format kicking in with some plain text displayed
providing background to the main players and the main game on show
laura poitras is the director/producer/filmer and already on the nsa watchlist
brazilian based reporter glenn greenwald writes for the uk paper the guardian
some footage of him at home writing articles on other nsa whistleblowers
war vet william binney for one - went public about the nsa's covert plans
he seen giving public talks with others about the growing infringements
interesting - but - anxious to get to the story of the main man - snowden
he makes contact with lp and gg and arranges for a secret rendezvous
this in hong kong - out of the tunnel and then onto the busy streets
then the man is in frame as the trio's first meeting is being filmed
the focus is on edward snowden as he begins to divulge details
he a contractor for the nsa - with the highest of security passes
now alarmed at the depth and spread of surveillance systems
far out-stripping any legislation in place or mooted for debate
first impression - one very intelligent, articulate and brave man
forward-thinking too - we are the fly-on-the-wall - mesmerising
i remember the news footage at the time and now we are right there
up close and personal never more appropriate for a historical moment
snowden has released via greenwald highly classified nsa documents
these describing the extent of the surveillance systems that are used
as repercussions start kicking in we are witness to honest discussion
the plan is for snowden to go public and his reasoning is laid bare
he does not want to skulk but be open and honest about his actions
one reason - to encourage others to also take up this noble cause
the very footage seen all over tv at the time then seen recorded
nothing but total admiration now for the man - very, very cool
as he goes public via gg there's also footage of various reactions
obama for one saying he would have preferred to control the release
as if that was going to happen - more credibility doubts for the c-in-c
the authorities use a spy law from the 1940's to lay charges on snowden
so a return to the u.s. of a likely to lead to a very long prison sentence
the focus of the film now remaining with snowden's clear thinking
he is contacted by chinese lawyers for the united nations h r c
one named mr man seen arranging safe passage to their offices
julian assange also on screen organising flights for snowden
next seen living in moscow with his american girlfriend
his future unclear but in a sense his mission accomplished
the issue of government sanctioned surveillance now public
not necessarily curtailed but at least more exposed/discussed
some reviewers rated this film better than fictionised espionage
totally - nearly 2 hours of at times jaw-dropping commentary
and the conclusion/credits rolling with some stunning music
this film an outstanding success on every level - a must-see
so glad to have made further acquaintance with this man
modern-day hero - may he continue to gather friends...

child's pose

this film another one receiving big rave reviews during 2014
won the golden bear award (best film) at the berlin film festival
and universal glowing praise for lead actress luminita gheorghiu
she in the opening scene bemoaning to her sister about her only son
mainly the way he treats her and the verbal abuse that comes with it
cornelia (mum) also not at all fond of son barbu's partner carmen
seems carmen is to blame for the bad mother-son relationship
cornelia seen chain-smoking, seems unhappy and is very uptight
cut to a happier scene of her with friends at her 60th birthday bash
various people introduced including high-up government officials
affluence abounds so it seems she is from the top end of society
she makes excuses for her son's absence and parties on anyway
next day her husband seems more circumspect to the son's attitude
their cleaner in common with the son is interrogated by cornelia
plied for specific details of his home life - she has no shame to ask
second-hand shoes offered to the maid as payment - but declined
a not very likeable person is emerging - the son may be justified
long scenes of cornelia poking around inside her son's apartment
every action played out fully - my first reaction - screen-time fill?
more likely the director's want to present (non) action realistically
we also see cornelia and husband in attendance at a small opera
3 people singing in a centered stage and given plenty of screen time
thinking - some exposure to romanian arts and culture on offer here
cornelia is summoned away by her sister - there's been an accident
barbu the driver of a car that has killed an errant freeway crosser
cornelia's maternal instincts kick in - or an opportunity to appease?
the parents show up at the police station barbu is being held at
she wastes no time asserting herself and questioning procedures
this our first sighting of barbu - he maintains a shocked silence
seems he was speeding in a risky road rage overtaking move
so charges are likely and therefore a life-changing incident
but cornelia has other ideas as she then calls in some favours
days pass as she wheels and deals - bribes, demands, pleads
a whatever-it-takes attitude to ensure her son is not charged
and with that an insight into the corrupt romanian system
the director seemingly intent on showing it for what it is
ditto the gaps between rich and poor with a visit by cornelia
this to the family of the boy killed - she lays on the sadness
her tears do seem false - she has an ulterior motive after all
this all despite barbu already asking her to keep out of his life
in the final scene barbu faces up to the father of the dead boy
cleverly framed in a rear-vision mirror - no words but they are ok
a brief hand-shake and with it the suggestion compassion is the foil
a simple act more effective than everything his mum tried to enact
so - mother/smother not recommended - let the children grow free
pozitia copilului the romanian title - translated - position the child
thus implying there is another person doing some maneuvering
and to me a far more accurate title for the content of the film
a case of the meaning of the title being lost in translation?
but a minor quibble - still a seriously good serious film...

in bloom

this film appeared on several best-of lists in 2014 so needs a viewing
set in post-ussr georgia in 1992 and focused on two 14 year old girls
war, violence, family feuding, poverty to be dealt with on a daily basis
or so the mostly positive reviews advise - enough to make it must-see
opening scene of one of the girls on a small bus looking very pensive
one man heard loudly exclaiming all georgians should carry a weapon
she (eka) then seen at her modest home with her mother and sister
seems dad is away - a letter has arrived but eka not allowed to read
scenes then of eka and friend natia scrapping it out in a bread queue
locals feuding to get the best position to obtain the loaf or 2 of bread
the girls then harrassed by local young thugs on their way back home
at natia's home her despondent parents also fueding loudly and abusively
grandmother also in residence and young brother cowling with the tension
school days also hard-going with a strict and authoritative woman teacher
not exactly happy days - the opening scenes suggesting life is quite hard

but teenage girls have universal interests - boys and music are up there

a group of friends seen gathering for a singalong around a piano - nice

attractive natia also has an admirer in the form of a good-looking boy

he secretly gives her a loaded pistol for self-protection - she takes it on

eka a bit alarmed at this turn of events but natia insists on keeping it
the menace of the weapon strongly suggesting a further appearance
at this point i'm thinking - yes good - feeling very much transplanted
the director taking the time to provide a real feel for the time and place
and with that empathy for the girls in their central roles as protagonists
sensing also that it's a typical girl-growing-up story in a hostile place
local traditions are that women marry early - and so it is for natia
though not to lado - her protector - he has gone to work in moscow
she marries kote - he of a local family - eka does not react well
'do you love him' she asks - 'i am told i will grow to love him'
natia then handing the gun to eka for her to scare any bullies
the girls friendship suffers as kote jealously locks natia away
but on one rare outing they come across lado back from moscow
kote spots the eye contact and pursues him through the city streets
a knife is drawn and lado is murdered - one stab and he drops dead
natia goes into a rage and is intent on revenge and needs the gun
but her best friend eka refuses to hand it over - such maturity
which pretty well wraps up the story - they dispose of it
and the final scenes - eka visits her father in prison
he himself a murderer - maybe an act of revenge?
eka at fourteen dealing with plentiful adversity
and that seems to be the theme of this fine film
some kids have adulthood forced upon them
and some (eka) know how to handle it
in bloom - the title very appropriate
not for everyone but for me - is good...

locke

locke - ivan locke - played by tom hardy in this unique film
he is the only actor seen - the film based entirely in a car at night
a man is seen walking off a large building site and getting into a car
noted - a late-model bmw estate - so this man seems to be a professional
drives off - indicators on for a left turn - the red light goes green
but he remains transfixed - the truck behind sounds a loud horn
and startled he suddenly changes to a right turn and speeds off
then the first phone call (hands-free) is received from bethan
she a bit distraught - she is about to give birth - ah - he dad
but mysteriously she questions - have you told your wife yet?
he says he is about to and advises he will be there in 2 hours
then a flurry of phone calls as he organises the next day's work
seems he is a project manager on a large build at a critical point
tomorrow is the biggest concrete pour in europe outside of military
his assistant gerald pretty well freaking out when told he is in charge
but an assurance from locke that he will give him all the help he can
then the call home to the wife - after first checking in with his 2 sons
some game of football on tv he is supposed to be watching with them
katrina likewise freaks out when locke confesses his one night stand
he pleading his case - a one off mistake - but she hangs up distraught
and so it goes - calls coming and going as he deals with all 3 crises
and added to that - he has a phantom passenger in the back seat
locke strangely seen talking to his father as though he is there
but no love lost - seems dad abandoned his wife and son at birth
so in turn locke junior has determined not to behave similarly
and thus the decision to take responsibility for his actions
bethan pushes him for an 'i love you' - he not interested
he tries to convince katrina to agree to talking it all over
but she is devastated and has taken advice from her sisters
'there's a big gap between never and once only' is the mantra
and so she announces he is not to return home - it's all over
this followed by a phone call from his boss to say he is sacked
but locke assures him he will continue to assist setting up the day
and so he does - proving again his trustworthiness and integrity
this point of difference shouted to his rear seat phantom passenger
meanwhile the hospital is also in regular contact with baby updates
and a perceived but slight shift in locke's attitude to the mother
clever stuff - at times feeling more like live theatre than a film
the regular passages of electronic/jazz/chill music welcome
i'm totally believing in this most unusual mix of scenarios
a man, a car, a phone, a dysfunctional past and 3 crises
in one sense hard to believe his wife has ditched him
but - infidelity can result in uninvited life changes
and that really is what the film seems to be about
locke's life completely transformed in this trip
acted superbly by tom hardy - a tour de force
and as the text on the film poster also suggests -
compelling, genuinely moving and suspenseful
reverberates with the power of big universal themes
i'd agree with that - and the ending - new baby - new life

a most wanted man

the last feature film from philp seymour hoffman rip
'nuff said - must see - but also anton corbijn as director
he with the sharp eye (u2 joshua tree is his claim to fame)
but also - the film set in hamburg - the city visited in 2014
based on a john le carre novel but that of no real consequence
i've not read the book so hoping that does not count against me
but - aware that a lot will be going on so concentration is needed
(and in this viewing on a tablet - a rewind/replay option is available)
the prologue text advising the 9/11 attacks were planned in hamburg
and since then the city has been in a heightened start of observation
the opening shot of a illuminated seawall advising the director's intent
a bloodied, dishevelled young man scrambles up and to a nearby car lot
cut to a poured glass of wine and then hoffman seen equally unkempt
examining a photo and on a phone call reassuring the caller in arabic
scenes then of the loner working his way into a bustling hamburg
filmed and identified as a chechnyan by gunther's (hoffman) allies
they part of a covert unit set up to infiltrate the muslim community
gunther seen at a public talk by abdullah - a high-profile muslim
appealing for donations to his charities and seemingly a pacifist
and then the final part of the character introductions plays out
seems gunther's unit is held in disregard by the local senior police
their boss and a visiting female american diplomat in gunther's ear
they have the chechynn on their radar also and give gunther 72 hours
their fear of a terrorist act - gunther wants to observe before acting
in the meantime issa the muslim has taken up with a muslim couple
they have hooked up with a young german left-wing female lawyer
she played by rachel mcadams - the cycnic says - eye-candy - tick
so - got it - all characters well defined and now ready to roll with it
it all looks good - sensing that director anton corbijn is all over it
the use of light, patterns, silhouettes, etc making an attractive film
though possibly over-playing the want to make a shambolic gunther
constantly smoking, messed up hair and clothing - shades of colombo
a realisation that the most wanted man is not issa the chechnyan muslim
gunther is gunning for abdullah - suspecting his charities fund al-qaeda
and it transpires that issa is in town to collect on a huge inheritance
which he has no call for and wants to donate to abdullah's charities
so the thot plickens - is he for real or is he also funding terrorism?
very well constructed actually and now clearly from a spy novel
some of it does seem unlikely - not helped by some of the acting
for me it's always difficult to get past americans playing foreigners
e.g. hoffman's german accent and rachel macadam's lack of accent
inconsistent - and william dafoe also in a role as a german banker
a big reminder that hollywood is bank-rolling this film-of-a-book
hard to not imagine a german made sub-titled film would be better
and so we are left with taking it for what it is - a commercial venture
that aside - and the director's want to impress - it's actually quite good
if flows like a book to a big climax - abdullah is set up and busted
gunther going undercover as a taxi driver to claim his big prize
but then his nemesis in the police steps in and cleans up
despair for gunther but a solid and clinical film ending
he then seen wandering off into the sunset of hamburg
a poignant departure for the actor playing the character
it's 2 hours long and i was pretty well fully entranced
kind of tempted now to read the john le carre book
but then again the film left nothing to question
which for me means it was a good adaptation
and the star - phillip seymour hoffman - vale

the theory of everything

the third installment of brit bio-pics over this summer season
seen - c w turner (timothy spall) and alan turing (sir cumberbatch)
this one comes with some anticipation - gongs are already accumulating
a promise of an exemplary award-winning performance from eddie redmayne
stephen hawking amongst others suggesting he has captured the man's spirit
a surreal first scene with blurred images of some people in a large room
and then we see hawking as a young man in 1963 riding a bike
racing with a companion through the narrow streets of cambridge
the lads then in a pub in jovial form - and then at a university dance
the future mrs jane hawking (felicity jones) spotted and is approached
his first word - science - hers - arts - and some interplay about their choices
she is a devout christian - he as a cosmologist is required to be an atheist
or as he explains to her - cosmology is a religion for intelligent atheists
he stating his belief in the proof of being able to wind back the clock
they start dating, we meet the families and all is happy and fun-loving
some exposure to the intelligence of the man but fairly cursory really
before long there are signs of the disease and a well-filmed collapse
hawking crashing to a street in slow-mo and a violent head-bounce
scenes then of his diagnosis in the 1960's uk national health system
leading to an alone hawking being informed of his terminal illness
an emotionless - sorry old chap - nothing i can do - you have 2 years
motor neurone disease - explained in detail - and naturally shock sets in
hawking seen dismissing his family and friends - but jane - she sticks at it
soon enough they marry and the babies start arriving as his condition worsens
he persists with his studies and the determination to find the elusive formula
the so-called theory of everything - a single formula to explain the universe
his work leading to plaudits and the awarding of a phd - doctor hawking
jane is struggling with her own studies due to the pressure of family life
a widower music teacher befriends jane and soon is part of the family
he is befriended by hawking but most others suspect he is jane's lover
suggestions of some truth to that in a camping trip while hawking away
seen at a wagner concert in bordeaux but he collapses and is hospitalised
pneumonia - the doctors urge to take off the life support but jane defiant
the resultant operation leads to the loss of his voice but he recovers
and with that the introduction of the synonymous computer voice
this empowers him to communicate verbally and in written form
he writes his bestseller book - a brief history of time - fame follows
fascinating stuff  - this film a great history lesson of a remarkable man
eddie redmayne's bodily contortions and facial expressions so accurate
agreeing with hawking - hard to believe what we see is actually an actor
but the film is a success on all levels and importantly including emotional
lovely to see stephen and jane's love story - heart-wrenching to see it dissolve
she does end up with jonathan and he travels abroad with his therapist elaine
but they remain close and jane accompanies stephen to buckingham palace
he is awarded a cbe by the queen - and with it the film's natural conclusion
her last hurrah as it is based on jane hawking's book of her life with stephen
we return to the opening surreal scenes - the family in a room in the palace
then the cleverest of endings - a fast rewind of scenes to the beginning
set to the haunting music of johann johannsson as heard throughout
and finally some facts of hawking in 2014 - still studying at age 72
jane married jonathan but no mention of stephen marrying elaine
a small reminder that this whole film is based on jane's book
let's not be picky - though - she does get a lot of screen time
and - hmmm - there's barely any scientific/academic stuff
certainly not much to hold the man in awe intellectually
maybe the film - a brief history of time - is imminent
now that would be a stunning legacy for the man
but for now we will settle for this bio-pic drama
the brits are certainly good at that genre...

the great beauty

bafta, golden globe and academy award winner 2014 = must-see
missed it on the big screen so the offer from google play accepted
opening shot - literally - down a cannon barrel - fired and applause
followed by sweeping and stunning scenes of random people in a park
beautiful acapella singing from 8 ladies seen on an upper floor of a building
some japanese tourists seen in awe of this place - one wanders off - drops dead
a close-up of one of the singers as she belts out a glorious solo - i'm hooked
then cut to loud dance music at a outdoor night party and a total contrast
dancers, a stripper, lots of people whooping it up and an italian line-dance
the man - jep gambardella - striding it down the middle on his 65th birthday
it looks kind of surreal but then after a while it is what it is - rome at play
jep obviously has a lot of friends/acquaintances but no partner to be seen
mingling with party guests reveals some further background to his life
a successful one-book author of some 40 years prior - now a journalist
part-time - his lady (dwarf) boss urging him to take a gig out of town
take up the offer to visit and write about the costa concordia capsizing
she trashes herself and he wanders off with another rich lady socialite
after the deed she offers to show him her facebook photos of herself
he slips away and a voiceover announces a newly determined decree
at 65 i have decided to not spend any time on things i do not enjoy
back home the next day and on his rooftop adjacent to the colosseum
the scene is set - he is rich, indulgent, sharply dressed and quite incisive
but with all that likeable too - some fine acting from toni servillo as jep
a surprise visit from an old acquaintance now married to jep's first love
but she has died - both in tears - and an announcement jep was the one
her husband reading in her diary that he was merely a 'good companion'
regrets - jep then seen lying on his bed and a visualisation of their time
a clever seamless flashback - director paolo sorrentino's skills on show
this event seems to trigger a realisation from jep that his life is empty
and more blows as firstly the son of a good friend commits suicide
the daughter of a very old friend becomes his plutonic companion
more incredible scenes of rome as jep has a friend with a set of keys
they are seen as mid-night visitors at famous museums and galleries
this is revealing for us the audience and ramona who is new to this
but her father is concerned for the amount of money she is losing
in secret she reveals her big medical issues and then dies (cancer?)
more life lessons for jep - he now does not waste words on friends
cuts them down to size with any hint of ego, jealousy or false intent
his main male friend then leaves rome to return to his country town
rome has failed him - ciao - jep then seen looking at the capsized ship
a brief trip though and back to rome and off to another cultural event
he as main writer for a respected journal - this one a photo montage
one man with a huge display of a daily passport type photo of himself
jep seen in tears as he observes and realises how short and linear life is
then at a wedding jep is introduced to a papal cardinal and seeks answers
nothing forthcoming though - this would-be-pope prefers to talk recipes
a bit of a swipe at religion methinks - and the religious overtones continue
a mother teresa type figure is coming to town to be canonised - at age 104
scenes then of her blessing the flock and being held in complete reverance
she is a fan of jep's book and so agrees to a dinner in her honour at his home
in a brief discussion with him there she passes on some words of wisdom
the reason i only eat roots is because roots are important - uh - yes ok
we see him being inspired by the singular spirituality of this woman
he seemingly now regretting his pursuit of a fully indulgent life
in the final scene the voiceover indicating a return to writing
and with that some more spine-tingling acapella singing
the end - 2 hours and 20 minutes of total absorption
every frame of every scene done quite exquisitely
this film is going to be watched multiple times
if only (but not) for the superb soundtrack
and the awards cleanup - totally justified
la grande bellezza - eccellente!

whiplash

this film has had some favourable reviews
appeared in various 'best of' lists for 2014
and in the running for a couple of academy awards
in-flight entertainment has it as an option - taken
small screen - yes - but volume plus on the headsets
it opens with a single snare drum beat - louder and faster
a young chap seen behind a kit in a room at the end of a hall
interrupted by an older gnarly bald chap dressed fully in black
master and apprentice - at the famous shaffer conservatory of music
fletcher (jk simmons) the man - last seen as juno's cool forgiving dad
winds up andrew (miles teller) with an impromptu audition - and gone
andrew then seen at the movies with an obviously doting dad (paul reiser)
and a girl in the candy bar that catches andrew's eye - we can predict
rehearsals at school then - andrew in the 'b' band - sounding average
then seen spying on the 'a' band - lead by the man - big difference
ok - inspired - he practices to buddy rich cds and gets promoted
on a roll he asks the girl out on a pizza date - so far - so ok
at his first rehearsal for 'a' band the master's technique shown
treat 'em mean keep 'em keen - the verbal abuse thick and fast
barker - that is not your boyfriend's dick - do not come early
screaming profanities at a trombone player supposedly out of tune
andrew then also copping it as he takes lead drums in the tune whiplash
the man being pedantic about the correct tempo - forced repeat of a few bars
an opportunity (taken) for jk simmons to demonstrate his take on his part
hand movements, finger-wiggling, grimaces, etc of a serious jazz expert
then a chair flung across the room over andrew's head - tantrum stuff
of course it is clear that fletcher has an eye/ear for andrew's talent
push, push, push is his modus operandi - as per john coltrane
a story told in private of he suffering the same fate with a cymbal
inspiring him to practice longer and harder to become the best he could
i kind of like this film but i kind of get annoyed by it's predictability
and the almost caricature-like portrayal of fletcher is also grating
example - andrew sees him being kind to a child - see - he has a heart
the band has an up-state competition - andrew on a bus to the gig
bus breaks down - improvise - rent a car - manic driving - accident
but the show must go on - he plays (badly) though seriously hurt
sacked - perfection only is acceptable - but he gets his revenge
a prior student commits suicide as a result of fletchers abuse
andrew (secretly) provides evidence so in turn fletcher fired
their paths eventually cross - the man working in a jazz club
just like all the greats did here in this greatest city for jazz
or at least as fletcher reminds andrew - coltrane name-dropped
the man invites andrew to drum in the upcoming jvc festival
sure - but fletcher out for his revenge too - sets andrew up
first tune - a new one - unknown - no sheet music - improvise
but this is big band jazz - not free-form - so the band sounds bad
he walks - he thinks - he returns - he then drums out of his skin
redemption - fletcher has done it - dad and girl in the audience
the end - no surprises then - but musically it's a cool ending
volume cranked up on the headset - very much enjoying that
the film - well - i probably wanted to like it more than i did
my hollywood-sensor flickering at quite high levels throughout
great acting - yes - but the approbation of the love of jazz annoys
especially by white-boy actors with blacks and/or females marginalised
and a blooper - fletcher - you could be signed to blue note or be an emc client
hmmm - i think he means ecm - but surely that would not get past editting
but then just looking out for such faults - cynicism is also in the house
fed more as the credits roll - filmed entirely in los angeles - phooey!
there will be nodding approval by many pseudo jazz lovers
but those with a real love for the music will be doubters
my feeling - it's really well done - but just too staged
of course - it's a fictional film - so there's no soul
which in the end is a big missing ingredient
very nice try though - oscar may approve...

selma

i've been looking forward to seeing this film for a while now
most mentioned as mostly ignored by the academy awards people
with a suggestion that the white dominated academy not in the mood
gave 12 years a slave the gong a while back - you people want more?
apart from that a bio-pic of a famous man in a famous time is appealing
martin luther king (david oyelowo) seen preparing an acceptance speech
also hesitantly putting on a tie with his dress suit - wife coretta reassuring
then a scene as he is awarded the nobel peace prize at a ceremony in oslo
looking good - first impression is this film is going to do the man justice
some children then seen laughing and talking as they descend a staircase
and bang - a loud explosion - seriously frightening - a church destroyed
we then see a negro lady very slowly and meticulously filling out a form
she approaches a counter and hands the form to a perfunctory white chap
recite the preamble to the constitution he demands - to which she complies
he interrupts - how many county judges in alabama - 67 - the correct reply
clearly attempting to trip her up his next question does that - name them
the main man mlk is seen in discussion with his peers in the srlc group
southern religious leaders conference - they abhorred by the bombing
racially motivated no doubt - they also discuss the difficulty in voting
as seen - the deliberate denial of voting rights via registration trickery
mlk then seen in the oval office with lbj - he played by tom wilkinson
clear mutual respect in place as mlk pushes the president to take action
legislation required to allow unencumbered national voting for blacks
totally absorbing - superb acting - great script - stunning camera work
so authentic looking - the fashions, the cars, the furniture - everything
edgar j hoover makes an appearance with lbj - creepy as - hates blacks
text then types up on the screen at various points indicating fbi logging
this occurs as mlk is seen at home or at various meetings with the srlc
one such meeting sees a decision to crank up the action - 'selma it is'
the plan is to organise a peaceful protest where authorities are hostile
i.e. force the issue - obtain some publicity - pressurise the president
this requires time away from family for mlk - his wife coretta worried
another famous politician introduced - alabama governor george wallace
here played by tim roth and with all the expected right-wing invective
we are then treated to totally gripping cinema of the subsequent events
a large group of mlk followers outside the selma town hall to register
the local sheriff determined to break up the group - palpable tension
some violent scenes follow culminating in a police chase and shooting
this brings attention as desired from the media, politicians and people
next - a plan to march the fifty miles from selma to the state capital
this through southern redneck territory and considered highly risky
but they persist - and brutally repressed at the bridge outside selma
they go again - but at the first sign of hostility - a prayer and turnback
mlk then drawing criticism from his own supporters for backing down
but mlk has it thought out  - next time they are allowed to pass - victory
some stunning footage then of actual photographs of this historic event
set to a recognised piece of music from fink - 'where do we go from here'
the credits roll and with it a roll-call of the actors and their characters
lbj - introduced the required legislation - wallace - shot and paralyzed
malcolm x - shot - andrew young and others - now or past congressmen
coretta king - never remarried and tirelessly keeping mlk's legacy alive
famous actor - ophrah winfrey - barely recognised in the film - good
she and brad pitt also listed as executive producers - he the man
cannot recommend this film highly enough - just superbly done
one for every follower or student of history to see and admire
hope it gets an oscar - but up against - ahem - american sniper
a stark reminder - in 1965 it all looked so promising
but now - yikes - even with a black president
the u s of a still at war with minority groups...

wild

one of my all-time favourite films is sean penn's into the wild
a true story of a college dropout going awol and hiking into alaska
that film aided very much by a great soundtrack from eddie vedder
so my first reaction of hearing about this one was - it better be good
this a true story also - so - similar premise - similar title - i'm skeptical
reece witherspoon on lead acting and producer duties - she well into it
she plays the part of cheryl strayed - the subject of a book now this film
first seen clambering to the top of a tall peak and unloading her bulky pack
boots off to reveal bloodied feet and oops - knocks a boot off into a long drop
tantrum - the other boot thrown after it - hmmm - that seems unlikely - skeptic
and back in time we go - she then shown being deposited at the start of the trek
struggling big-time with the fully loaded pack - it looks just too staged for me
but she persists and heads off admonishing herself for the folly of her plan
and back further - she then shown as a late teenager at home with mom
played by laura dern - the mother/daughter relationship looks plausible
bobby (mom) is also studying in an attempt to improve her lot in life
in rocks cheryl's younger brother and a mate - mom starts cooking
bobby is a bundle of apparant happiness - which annoys cheryl
'we''re fucked mom - how can you be so happy' - cause i have you
then jump back to the pct - pacific crest trail - and a 'day 1' sub-title
cheryl struggles to pitch her tent, has the wrong gas - another tantrum
and another flash-back - this time to the final day of her relationship
an amicable parting of the ways with paul after 7 years - he's over it
seems she has cheated on him - lots - her real personality coming out
and so it goes - trail, flashback, trail, flashback - time equally split
the early days on the trail announced one by one as she settles in
along the way she encounters other trekkers and small town people
she bums a ride and then a meal with a farmer and his obese wife
so not exactly into the wild - and the music - a few snatches only
not sure about this film - nothing too revelatory happening so far
another flashback - mom has cancer - so 2 distraught children
she dies in hospital - cheryl's reaction - drugs and sex - lots
scenes of both - shooting up heroin and implied hard-core
a relief to get back on the trail then - ah - redemption - got it
the mandatory wildlife scenes - rattlesnake, coyotes and bugs
cheryl handling the snake but screaming at the bug - such a girl
encounters with men always suggesting sex is their priority
only fellow naive teenage boy trekkers seem harmless males
even the good-looking kind-hearted chap she meets beds her
conclusion - men are shallow - and cheryl has deep issues
95 days later and she reaches trip's end - bridge of the gods
the celebratory el condor pasa tune now played loud and long
as she stands looking out her voiceover announces her future
happily married - couple of kids - all is good in her world
right - thanks - one very rushed ending to this 2 hour film
and of course the slideshow of the real cheryl then shown
similar looks - same t-shirts, same tattoos - take a bow reece
seems like one last pitch for authenticity - this woman is real
ok - but still not very likable - i mean - she took a long hike
maybe in the land of obese and lazy that is of significance
but - no empathy from me - for her or for her country
this film makes outback america even less appealing
and damn the title - wild - ah - i see - that's her
but tamed by nature - cute - but not deep
sorry reece witherspoon - very average
sean penn's film still top of the heap...

unbroken

ladeez and gentlymen - introducing the one and only - angelina jolie
so much talk about this film being the directional debut of the lady
well at least her first b-i-g feature film with some ginormous budget
seen the trailer so many times i feel like i have seen the film already
thus expectations - none - the mind is open as it cranks into action
beautiful sunrise shot and pan right to see a squadron of aircraft
world war 2 bombers - on board one of them is louis zamperini
he the subject of this bio-pic played by englishman jack o'connor
impressive and authentic looking scenes inside one of the planes
confirmation of the likely budget and the director's eye for detail
zamperini is the bombadier seen at work as they near their target
a promise ' to light it up like christmas' as a large factory is seen
bombs away - then wry smiles as a large explosion cloud forms
presumably on a japanese island base - then the zeroes attack
scarily good scenes then of machine-gunfire being exchanged
fighters downed and various air-crew shot up and a limp home
a crash-landing on their island base and relief as part one ends
and so back in time we go to see lz as an immigrant schoolboy
a loner - bullied - a petty thief and worry for his italian parents
but his elder brother nurtures him as his athletic talent is spotted
seen running on a tree lined avenue - pan up, down - now a man
he wins some big races so gets sent to berlin for the 1936 olympics
bro's parting words - 'a moment of pain is worth a lifetime of memories'
in his chosen 5,000 metre race - no medal but an astonishing last lap
caught the eye and handshake of hitler but no mention of that here
so part 2 finishes quite clinically - it's all very well done but, but...
next - fast forward back to the lads now on another flying mission
search and rescue for a downed plane but their one dies mid-flight
a crash into the sea and only 3 survivors - more impressive scenes
they clamber onto a couple of liferafts - now adrift in the pacific
what an ordeal - for them too no doubt - it goes on and on and on
just too many unlikely scenarios as jolie wants us to empathise
fashionable goaties grow, hair does not, a shark is hauled on board
47 days adrift then 'rescued' by the japanese - part 3 - over (phew)
in the prisoner-of-war camp the commander singles out our hero
he's a bit of a boy though (played by miyavi - a japanese pop star)
his character nicknamed 'the bird' then sets out intimidating lz
screams at him and continually pummels him with his staff
he lines up all the other prisoners to punch him one-by-one
no doubt true but - no blood, no broken skin, no bruising
at which point she has lost me - it's actually quite boring
proven by an irresistable urge to close the eyes for a bit
alerting to catch the scene of him holding a large beam aloft
'if he drops it - shoot him' - na - up it goes - screaming defiance
thinking - christ-like - skinny man in rags and large piece of wood
intentional? - well everything else in this film is clearly micro-managed
and finally - the end of the war - the yanks arrive - yay - we are saved
the final scene - a heroes welcome stateside and with his loving family
the compulsory real-life photos shown and the rest-of-life footnotes
louis became a christian and embarked on a mission of forgiveness
real footage then shown of him carrying the olympic torch in japan
aged 80 - a few seconds of film that kind of redeemed 2 hours of it
ms jolie - technically on top of it - the attention to detail impressive
but just no - soul - nothing to latch on to - nothing to actually f-e-e-l
the huge orchestral score (alexandre desplat) tries to inspire that
but it just seems too ponderous to me - and the final clincher
as the credits roll - a new tune from wunderband coldplay
she throws everything at this film - but - nothing sticks
which makes me feel quite sad for louis zamperini
another case of a celebrity highjacking a real story
the imitation game of hollywood strikes again...

still alice

julianne moore - i'm looking for an act of redemption
the last film seen of hers - maps to the stars - what a stinker
lots of rave reviews though - me - na - she ok but hated the film
we are in new york - a family dinner for alice's (moore) 50th birthday
alec baldwin back in his revolving door role of the husband and father
eldest daughter anna and husband charlie talking about ivf treatments
son tom late to the dinner and some ribbing about a lack of girlfriend
all very cosy and happy-family-ish - ms moore looking very comfy
she then seen in los angeles presenting a paper to a large class at ucla
she introduced as a world famous professor and author on linguistics
superb acting as she confidently demonstrates her expert knowledge
this film is about the early onset of alzheimers so we expect a trip-up
sure enough - one word lost - the in-flight glass of champagne blamed
then another one dropped in a taxi as she is playing a word-game app
a visit to daughter lydia (kristen stewart) struggling to get acting work
but her smart mother not happy - 'go to college - you need a backup plan'
back in new york alice is out for a run and through the columbia campus
looking quite regal too in the autumn weather - but - then she loses it again
completely dis-oriented for a few minutes in this place she knows so well
back home and hubby john (baldwin) routinely asks about her run, trip, etc
rushing out - he very busy too as a successful and ambitious research doctor
so far so good - all the main players introduced with alice (moore) dominating
pre-screening reading advising she is a constant and appearing in every scene
one cynic suggesting also this film is a big oscar-grab - yep - i can see that
alice knows something is wrong with herself so a neurologist is consulted
a probing of her background revealing some sad facts of alice's childhood
her mother and sister killed in a car accident when she was only 18
some grainy footage then screened of the 3 of them on a sunlit beach
not entirely sure of the context of this though some emotional baggage?
dr benjamin continues to fine-tune tests and asks alice to bring in john
eventually confirming the early onset of familial (hereditary) alzheimers
a 50/50 chance of her children also having the disease and are informed
this the turning point in the film as alice's mental decline then kicks in
a gradual and very convincing portrayal of the effect of the nasty disease
tearing at alice and her family who mostly provide the essential support
alice is no martyr though and is seen addressing an alzheimers convention
she also has the wherewithal to record a video to herself for a future suicide
revolving around a simple daily test - if she fails then take the hidden pills
the delibitating effect of the disease demonstrated well in a theatre scene
the family watching lydia in a play and alice talking to her backstage later
not as her mother though - she congratulates her as though a stranger
one plot development sees john wanting to relocate to milwaukee
the cad (baldwin - as usual) considers his career over his ailing wife
it is all so believable - and i'm looking for holes - ms moore is so good
she stumbles on the video which cleverly provides a then/now contrast
aware that film time is nearly up this seems to be a logical conclusion
a happy ending was never going to happen - but she is interrupted
no suicide - unexpected - instead a suggestion of a long life ahead
for she is in top condition physically - the cruelty of the disease
the film then closing with a vacuous look on alice's face
as she stares into the eyes of her daughter lydia
who has recited a beautiful excerpt of a play
what's it about mum - it's about love
yes it is mum - yes it is - weep...
(give that lady an oscar)

a thousand times good night

ah - yes well - juliette binoche - makes this an instant must-see
interesting synopsis too - she plays rebecca who is a war photographer
faced with her own conflict - husband and 2 daughters need her at home
not much more known as the film rolls with a strange opening sequence
a slit of light with specks of something illuminated - snow? rain? mist?
the acting credits shown in small font - including larry mullen jnr - what?
then a hatch is opened and bright sunlight in a very arid place - ah - dust
rebecca (binoche) steps out clad in full flowing black robes and headgear
large and expensive looking camera in hand and clicking away rapidly
what appears to be a funeral - an open grave with a woman lying in state
but her eyes open and she is then guided up and out and into a courtyard
seen loaded up with a vest packed with explosives - a suicide bomber
the graveside scene presumably her choice of ritual prior to death
no words exchanged as she embraces all the other women present
rebecca asks and allowed to travel with her in the departing vehicle
tension already high as they get through a roadblock in a busy city
as rebecca leaps she fires more photos and a policeman then alerted
chaotic scenes as she yells at people to run and then the bomb detonates
rebecca knocked to the ground and unconscious - and questionably dead
some suggested death scenes ensue set to some appropriately moving music
me - wow - too much - too good - this is shaping up to be one stunning film
in hospital husband marcus advises she has been airlifted from kabul to dubai
then seen driving up to a friends place in ireland and waiting daughters
tom (mullen jnr) and wife then host rebecca's family for a nervous meal
with it the first signs of the effect her job choice is having on marcus
he digs in then at home denies an affair and finally lets it all out
the constant fear of a bad news phone call messing with his emotions
elder now teenage daughter steph also holds a distance from mum
tears streaming as she begs her mother 'when will it end mum?'
brilliant acting from all making for a totally believable scenario
with it a series of scenes showing rebecca embracing her family
and a decision to abandon her career to focus on those who need her
her stunning photos of the suicide bomber the last sent to new york
eventually marcus convinces her to take steph to africa on a safe job
in kenya mother and daughter are very close but danger is lurking
the supposed safe refugee camp they are at gets attacked by rebels
rebecca sends steph to safety as she throws herself into the fray
her addiction back with a vengeance and her daughter despairing
all the recovery work undone but an agreed secret between them
returning home to ireland and marcus eventually learns the truth
steph has filmed the whole episode so there is no denying the facts
he flips out and sends rebecca packing - she is now very alone
totally mesmerising - big wide shots of her on a beach at night
eventually a call from her new york boss and an offer of work
a return to kabul to capture some more photos of the 'group'
back there and full circle to the opening scenes of the film
but this time a teenage girl being wired up with a bomb
this has a profound affect on rebecca  - she cannot shoot
and with it a self-realisation it has ended - no more for her
please end now - yes - perfect - a beautiful song running
me - pinned to my seat - stunned - a totally faultless film
ms binoche surely in the best role of her long career
all other major actors well cast and giving their all
larry mullen jnr also turning in a fine performance
and norwegian writer/director erik poppe - brilliant
repeat viewing and rave recommendations imminent...

american sniper

as one reviewer so eloquently described the target audience for this war flick
this is not a film hand-wringing peaceniks like myself are going to flock to
pretty well summing up my initial thoughts - na - give that one a miss
but - needed a fix - seen everything else on the tick list - give it a go
a win-win really - it will be as bad as expected - or it might not be
a faint hope that clint eastwood may produce another great film
straight into the action in iraq with an american armoured patrol
a huge lumbering tank and heavily armed soldiers going door to door
our man chris kyle (bradley cooper) positioned prone on a nearby rooftop
looking for danger through the telescope of his clearly high-powered rifle
a woman and boy sneak out - he has a grenade - permission given to shoot
bang - back a couple of decades and as a boy kyle shoots his first deer
redneck texan father then seen teaching his 2 boys the meaning of life
3 types of people - sheep (wimps) wolves (baddies) and sheep-dogs (us)
we gotta protect the flock boys - that's our job - no sheep in this family
thinking - this is bordering on a piss-take but sadly nope - it's for real
skip forward and the brothers then seen as tough-nut rodeo cowboys
and tougher still - kyle evicts his cheating girlfriend and her lover
eyes glaze over as he sees on tv the american embassy bombing
a calling for this sheep-dog - he signs up as a specialist navy SEAL
the toughest of the tough with scenes then of their physical training
looking more like outtakes from a stripes film - badass leaders to boot
a pickup scene in a bar snags taya (sienna miller) - he is so irresistible
more eye-glazing as they then watch live footage of the 9-11 attack
they marry and on the big day - woo-hoo - they get the callup - iraq
back to the rooftop and bang - he does take out the woman and boy
with the rushed background eastwood now thinks we have empathy
and off we go - this is where he wants to be - the first tour of duty
kyle picking off baddies as his cohorts smash it up door to door
high-tech gear in abundance as they totally intimidate the locals
the scenes so well done i am thankful at least for a reality check
but hoping forlornly for some respite and a sniff of decency
forget it - we are repeatedly told they are all 'fuckin savages'
the end of the first tour and back home with the little lady
he's a bit distracted though - watches tv news of war footage
she now pregnant and waves goodbye as he goes back again
and so the pattern repeats  - 4 tours - 1000 days - 160 kills
the big final battle scene and he is onto his enemy nemesis
also a skilled sniper - slow motion shot of the bullet that kills
kyle so good he picks him off lying on a rooftop a mile away
a sand-storm whips up and chaotic scenes of the boys bailing
racing off in a vehicle - where's kyle - open the door - voila
somehow he's managed to keep up with the speeding truck
crikey he's such a superdude - then relief - back 'stateside'
the bit i'm looking forward to - an expose of post-war stress
we see kyle staring at a blank tv and talking to maimed vets
then magically he seems all good and playing the perfect dad
final scene - goes off to a shooting range with one of the vets
end of film - a line of text advising he was murdered there
then actual footage of the legend's funeral procession
two hours later - my feeling - complete ambivalence
but post screening review reading and this summary

American Sniper is precision-targeted at complete fucking morons. This is a hagiography of a literal mass-murderer - straight-up pornography for those who get off on seeing poor people being bloodily dispatched by high-powered weaponry. Its Manichean philosophy affirms flag-waving nationalism aka the vile ideology of those who will happily carry out whatever atrocity they're ordered to by their superiors. And it's got the gall to say we're the sheep.  

hagiography - book making someone's life better than it was
manichean - morale course of action based on good vs evil
could not have put it any better - waste of time - nope
an affirmation of the perception of the american way
spend up big destroying things - then make some films
got to keep those sheep moving in the 'right' direction
good thing eastwood is 80+ else it'd be clint for prez
this film - win-win - as bad and better then expected...

pride

i missed this one first time around on main release
but it seems to have an after-life and back on the big screen
main reservation then - 1980's england - true story - miner's strike
the story pretty well told in various reviews and those mostly average
plus - bill nighy and imelda staunton - i want to like them but - well....
a twinge of social conscience and a lack of other options does the sell
mark ashton is gay and living in london - a tv news story catches his eye
margaret thatcher doing the 'never surrender' speech re the coal miners strike
then seen appealing to his friends about how much they share with the miners
hated by thatcher, the government, the media and the police - 'we have to help'
so a small rabble of gays and lesbians use a gay pride march to pass the bucket
young (straight) joe gets caught up in the march - some sympathy for the cause
following scenes of him and the gang partying it down in 1980's london town
the smiths played loud and the fashions and haircuts also wound up to the max
thinking - this is why i had reservations - but - relax - lets go with the promise
the buddies then form a group lgsm - lesbians and gays support the miners
but some difficulty getting the raised funds to be accepted by the straights
so a decision to accept an invitation to a welsh town and deliver in person
then some revealing and realistic scenes of an absolute clash of cultures
in this time and in this place homophobia is very much alive and kicking
but several sympathetic and grateful locals provide the required shield
our two main stars providing those roles and looking very comfortable
it is so feel-good that being based on a true story actually redeems it
including a brilliant dance scene with one of the gang going crazy
jonathan (dominic west) hamming it up to 'shame, shame, shame'
full-on disco dancing including table-tops that is a real highlight
(up there with a similar scene from the superb film intouchables)
music and dance thus providing the means to seal the camaraderie
including a friendship between a grey-set lady and 'my 2 lesbians'
it kind of feels clinically stereo-typed but there's a real heart to it
more so when back in london the miner's spokesman makes a visit
and a role reversal - he then in hostile territory in a full-on gay bar
but a stirring speech acknowledging their common ground saves him
again/still - almost cloyingly cliched but the sense of reality overrides
it's actually a great ride we are on and so going with it is the only way
various sub-plots are then cleverly played out with alternating visits
welsh gay gethin makes a first visit in 16 years to his disapproving mum
a hateful widow undermines (oops) the fun calling in the hostile media
young joe finally comes out and grows up when confronting his family
and a sign of the times - hiv/aids is a big issue and often discussed
so lots going on and possibly a little too much as it does start to drag
fortunately the finale wraps things up nicely with everyone gathered
a huge march in 1985 london headed by the national miners union
busloads of miners show up to show solidarity with gay groups
the text rolling at the end of the film providing sobering facts
thatcher defeated the miners but their support of gays telling
the only national union to fully endorse gay rights legislation
meaning a change in law that otherwise would have lapsed
sadly though mark ashton died of aids at the age of 26
a bit of a sad ending to a very entertaining film
informative too - a fine balance is achieved
a great social history lesson for everyone...

birdman

so much appealing about this film but 2 main factors
mexican director - alejandro g inarritu - babel and biutiful
and mexican composer - antonio sanchez - pat metheny group
enough said - the buzz about the film of no consequence - i'm in
bold black white and red lettering opening the film in staccato style
a way cool solo jazz drum sequence playing as the credits roll
and a quote from raymond carver piques the interest levels
and did you get what you wanted from this life even so
i did - and what did you want - to call myself beloved
to feel myself beloved on the earth
opening scene - riggan thomson (michael keaton) in his room
levitating - and other objects also seen to move mysteriously
he being reprimanded by a mysterious voice - ah - the muse
then seen moving from room to stage - fellow actors at work
a kitchen scene from 'what we talk about when we talk about love'
rehearsal only - one male not up to it - sacked - riggan also director
then frantic back-stage scenes and a sense of the urgency of it all
and a realisation this has all been one shot - russian ark-ish - yay
not quite - some clever and obvious transitions are being utilised
the solo jazz drumming used at those times - me - totally hooked
edward norton then enters as the new actor and the sparring begins
clever stuff - actors playing actors being actors - lines are blurred
the main man riggan also has a past mega-hit franchise (birdman)
with it an obvious reference to keaton's previous role as a batman
so many layers - so absorbing - so well cast - so balanced - so good
naomi watts steps up and blitzes any prior role as fellow actor lesley
emma stone as riggan's daughter sam - those eyes - totally rivetting
there's the ex-wife and the theatre critic also - all strong female roles
a real sense that director alejandro innaritu is well in awe of women
blah, blah, blah - just so much on offer in this beautifully crafted film
but back to the story - riggan is struggling to prove himself as genuine
not just a celebrity but a serious actor and director - but with it a sad life
infidelity and career costing him his marriage and his daughter's respect
surely also another nod to real life for many caught up in film/stage
one scene from carver's play is used repeatedly in the film itself
this set in a motel room and a husband busting his cheating wife
he then producing a gun and threatening then taking his own life
end of play but seen each time in the film the intensity increases
off-stage riggan is also having some real life relationship problems
his ex-wife, daughter, girlfriend all adding to his state of despair
sam stunningly screaming at him regarding his place in the world
'you're nobody - you don't even have twitter or a facebook page'
and his muse - not seen but heard pushing him to do a sequel
resurrect birdman - it will make billions - a loud, deep voice
riggan hits the bottle for escape but with it more complications
the pace is frenetic and so much going on but brilliantly managed
it's impossible to predict how it's going to end as the final act starts
a real gun and a real shooting in the motel scene - does riggan die?
possibly - we now see birdman hovering over riggan's shoulder
pushing him again and now fantastical scenes of the big sequel
downed helicopters, explosions and a transformer-ish monster bird
riggan seen flying above it all as though in after death out of body
but then a cut back to a hospital bed - he has a blown off nose only
his ex-wife lovingly by his side and sam also makes a forgiving visit
the play - receiving rave reviews - sam has set up a twitter account
85,000 followers in one hour - proving cross generational success
seems he has now the love he craved for and suggested at the start
but then left alone - his muse cowering in the bathroom - 'fuck off'
an opening of the window - out on to the ledge and then he is gone
sam re-enters - dad? - her stunning eyes then up high and smiles
the end - whoa - what a ride - 2 hours of a full-on intense film
so so much to like about this film and a want to see it again
and the soundtrack - the solo jazz drumming just brilliant
keaton and norton - top stuff - oscars for both of them
and director alejandro inarritu - surely the same
9 nominations apparantly - it should clean up
i reckon - 5 stars from me - loved this film...

love is strange

the decision to see this film made a relatively long time ago
on the pick list for nziff 2014 but scheduling issues precluded it
but fortunately it has now made general release five months later
confession though - me the straight guy had slight reservations
but very strong reviews suggesting it is a film for all film lovers
if opens with ben (john lithgow) and george (alfred molina) waking
then seen going about nervously dressing for an important occasion
depart from their small apartment and out on to the new york streets
all cabs full so they hoof it but gently - don't want to work up a sweat
i'm liking it - here their conversation is naturally lost in the street sounds
destination - an outdoor wedding - theirs - in front of families and friends
an intimate party back at their pad afterwards and a singalong under way
the 2 lads co-sharing piano and singing duties with bountiful affection
looking good - early impression - america does art-house very well here
the acting superb with both molina and lithgow endearing in their roles
george then seen as a dedicated music teacher at a catholic high school
but then sacked under orders from above following his public wedding
their perilous financial position exposed and so family are gathered
private music lessons (george) and artist income (ben) not enough
so a decision to sell their apartment and seek cheaper rental digs
quickly - they need temporary accommodation in the meantime
the only solution is for them to split into separate arrangements
ben moves in with nephew elliot his wife kate and his son joey
george takes up digs with ted and roberto - 2 gay new york cops
so far so good - all very natural feeling of life in the big smoke
more so as ben settles in - he shares a bedroom with young joey
a teenage boy with issues of his own and busy distracted parents
he directs, she writes - all of them kind as can be to interloper ben
but discomfort sets in as the 4 of them struggle with lack of space
similarly george is squirming with the constant stream of visitors
parties are a nightly event but he puts on a brave face and smiles
clever film - characters and situations all so realistic and familiar
the pace is slow to glacial but no doubt very much intentional
when ben and george meet socially we sense and feel their love
but a conclusion is required - ben takes a tumble down some stairs
george in a chance encounter at one of the parties snags an apartment
they seen in a great long shot in an alley at night discussing their future
a sense the film could end there - no - ben then seen entering the subway
maybe then - no - next scene and george now seen in the new apartment
a surprise visit from young joey - ben has died - a painting is produced
this done by ben of joey's friend on the rooftop of their home building
tears flow and joey then skates off to meet his new latino girlfriend
a sense of a transition from one (old) couple to a younger couple
and life goes on - in a city full of diverse ages, races, sexualities
a very, very good film - normal people with normal issues
and lesson taken - gay/straight - totally irrelevant - thanks

the imitation game

finally - the real deal - after seeing the trailer multiple times
one of those films where you kind of know it before you see it
but main man benedict cumberbatch has appeal factor to spare
and of course always good to see a piece of history dramatised
in this case alan turing (cumberbatch) is the man being celebrated
confusing opening scene set in 1951 with turing in police custody
then back to 1939 and he is seen being interviewed for a covert job
this at a radio factory hosting a secret project to crack the enigma code
a team of intellectuals being assembled to decipher nazi war messages
from the outset turing is seen as precise, literal, direct and confident
his achievements at his age (27) compared to other historical geniuses
the interviewer not fussed about turing until he drops the enigma word
an assurance the code can and will be cracked which gets him the gig
then another time shift showing him as a boy and writing coded notes
passed to a boy in his class who he clearly pangs for - the seed is sown
back at the factory turing buddies up with joan clarke (keira knightly)
their relationship (and star-power) set up as central to the film's plot
the team then gets to work and the facts and figures are tossed around
a staggering number of iterations need to be tested on the messages
a machine is designed and built to crunch the data to find the code
turing's personification of it is complete as he names it christopher
the years pass while the war rages and seen in some actual footage
there's some angst with the suggestion of a russian spy in the camp
tension also as the government grows tired of the lack of results
and a surprise proposal from turing to joan to keep her on the case
more so as another flashback shows the reveal of his homosexuality
and the shock of the death from illness of his first real love - christopher
more time then spent in 1951 and clear now that his sexuality is an issue
back in the main story a sudden revelation finally cracks the enigma code
'heil hitler' ending every coded message providing the source of a pattern
the allies then able to translate signals and use (or not) to their advantage
success and some very deliberate playing of the importance of their work
the team is disbanded and instructed to keep the entire project a secret
forward to 1951 and turing the unknown hero charged with indecency
forced onto hormone treatment to 'fix' his sexuality - suicide follows
end of film - and some very revealing statistics roll in the credits
2 million lives saved by the code crack ending the war quickly
over 50,000 british men charged with being homosexual
2013 - the year the queen overturns turing's charges
all good - made me appreciate the film just witnessed
for i did not really as i was watching it - for some reason
not sure what - possibly the very proper englishness of it all
i sat there mostly impressed with the acting effort on display
2 major leads and a bunch of wannabees - it just felt - staged
a sense of  the overt celebration of an actor more than the act-ee
this graphically demonstrated in the film poster - bc is the enigma
plenty of 5 star reviews unanimous in the praise of cumberbatch
no doubt - he steals the show entirely - hence my reservations
the celebration of turing's work played like second fiddle
cynically thinking - the spectre of oscar larger than alan?
this an entirely personal and guilt-loaded summation
the film will be very properly recommended...