two lives

two lives - zwei leben - part 3 for me of the german ff
this one with the added interest of being set in norway
the opening credits running with a state radio broadcast
announcing the dawn of a new era with germany re-unified
the opening scenes of a woman entering the new germany
then donning a disguise straight after coming through customs
next she is at a orphanage and archives centre looking for clues
she claims to have been raised there and pursuing just 1 worker
not really explained - but some relief she may be dead - noted
then a time-shift - 2 weeks earlier and back in rural norway
same woman - katrine - lives with submarine captain husband
her daughter and baby grand-daughter also living with them
standard early morning scenes of each getting ready for the day
latrine's mother called to perform baby-sitting duties - 4 generations
a lawyer comes calling - he wanting to get katrine's co-operation
her father part of the nazi occupation force and she released to the gdr
hers a compelling story of escape on a small boat to norway to find her mother
with the fall of the wall it seems there's now a case for reparation payments
the norwegian government to be held responsible for many cases like hers
katrine is inexplicably reluctant to help - and the orphanage visit re-plays
the film's title then making sense - she does seem to be living a dual life
explained further with her arranging a covert meeting with a german
he demanding she not take part in the case - too much at risk
there's also some very clever archive footage of them both
much younger and a grainy look to add to the authenticity
seems she was a german agent before returning to norway
but in the modern day she seems very content with her life
she loves her family dearly and agrees to take part in the case
court scenes then of her being interrogated about her return to norway
some gaps in her story exposed - and this audience member is struggling
something lost in translation maybe but there's many questions floating
katrine then doing her grandmother baby-walking duties in the town
the baby kidnapped - her agent companion responsible and a threat
his happy life about to be changed and so katrine ordered to leave
the lawyer views some tv footage of katrine - appealing to her mum
and clearly not the same person - that person then seen in archive
she shows up to find her mother but katrine the agent in her place
thankfully it's all making sense now - but the real katrine is shot
even though the new katrine actually tries to help her escape
but she sadly dies and her body is then hastily burnt in the forest
in the modern day katrine's cover is blown and her family in shock
she confesses her lie - she a stasi agent planted to find escapees
but now living her preferred life - but her husband rejects her
she heads to the airport to be put on a flight to cuba as arranged
but steps back from entering the plane and returns to her family
they now more reconciled to the situation and the love is there
katrine decides to turn herself in - and drives off to do that
but her brakes have been tampered with and she crashes
end of story - so well done - more education on east/west
the credits advising that in fact a badly burnt body was found
and that to this day ex-stasi agents are throughout europe
leading normal lives - so a reality angle also in the film
great film - though testing the powers of deduction
if the opportunity arose two lives = two viewings

west

german title - westen - second film seen at the german ff
this one set in the 1970's with the berlin wall still intact
and with it people desperate to escape from east to west
the opening scene of a house in the winter of east berlin
a man bidding a tearful farewell to a woman and child
3 years later - same place - the woman and child leaving
then seen in a car and receiving instructions for the escape
she - nelly - is handed false documents by her new fake husband
then at the border suspicion is aroused and so she is strip-searched
and with it a reminder of the serious intensity of the time and place
nothing found and through they go and deposited at a refugee centre
her celebratory mood seriously jaded by the condition of their new home
more so when she finds out some inhabitants have been there for years
a bit of doubt then creeping in about her expectations of freedom
there's a 12 stage process to be completed before she is accepted
including some rigorous interviews from the local authorities
an african-american representing the u.s. interests most robust
suggesting her partner from 3 years prior is on their radar
she believing him to have been killed in a car accident
this in his native moscow and far removed from her
but the suggestion he was/is a stasi police agent
mainly involved in drafting scientists to the west
all a shock to her of course and she also implicated
though she is unintimidated and defiant to her accusers
some sexual tension evident between her and the american
her young son alexej also having issues adjusting to his new life
teased by his peers, friends leaving for a better life constantly
his best companion is hans a loner man who looks out for him
and offers to help nelly secure an apartment of her own
her paranoia grows with the ever-present surveillance
and a realisation life in the east was similar but easier
alexej also expressing the desire to return - but no can do
she keeps on the case of fulfilling the settlement requirements
resolves the sexual tension with her accuser in a very direct way
leading to her learning more about her ex-partner who is likely alive
she is seen then in an ever-present state of suspicion of all she meets
and at the same time continues to distrust even those closest to her
hans in particular who is seen also by others as a stasi spy
nearly beaten to death by a gang of suspicious refugees
a turning point though as nelly and alexej nurse him
and she is finally accepted to live in west berlin
secures a job and an apartment and all looks good
hans left behind - but - on christmas eve a visit is made
happy ending - not unexpected and certainly well deserved
mission accomplished for the writer, director and all involved
a successful telling of the tale of life can be tough no matter where
the grass is not always greener - and - ultimately - all you need is...
happy with that too - a great tale of east vs west from the heart of it
re-confirming my theory re film festivals - they are picked for a reason
and in this case a good hit rate so far with this german film festival
west - it shall be recommended as a great slice of time insight...

whispers behind the wall

actual title - die frau hinter der wand - german film
opening night at the current 4 day german film festival
brimming with atmosphere and a creepy sense of dread
so reads the program - the festival rules kick in - just do it
martin is a first year law student newly arrived in berlin
seen sleeping in his car and then queuing up for a vacancy
misses the cut and as he is walking away a voice beckons
a disheveled janitor appears hauling a portable oxygen unit
he leads martin up to the inspection of an abandoned apartment
seems the previous tenant robert has suddenly disappeared
martin is desperate for some digs so eagerly applies on the spot
this involves stripping to the waist for a photo for the landlady
she lives behind the wall dividing the once larger apartment
the photo is sent and within seconds a call of approval
he moves straight in and starts the cleanup process
and uncovers some curiosities - a hidden room, a diary
a hole in the wall and a stethoscope which martin uses
thus he becomes a voyeur to the pleasures of his landlady
the naivety of martin reinforced with calls from his parents
there's a random phone number etched on a desk that he calls
the phone then rings in a lower apartment across the street
some strange domestic activity there also and gazes returned
he also receives a call from landlady simone inviting him to visit
on the pretence of signing the tenancy agreement - now - why not?
she of course is as raunchy as he is naive and seduction is instant
interrupted by the arrival of boyfriend sebastian - the lower neighbour
they manage to hide their tryst though he is menacingly suspicious
the scene is set - the characters are introduced and the ride begins
he sees simone in a supermarket - here very sweet and apologetic
schizophrenia very clearly suggested - but too late - he is taken
dinner is arranged and another drug-fueled encounter follows
the director then indulging in some trippy white-out scenes
with the effect then of paying more attention to the detail
actually very good - camera angles, etc carefully selected
all adding to the stated creeping sense of dread of the film
martin standing in a blocked shower of blood-coloured water
the shower scene from psycho referenced with a shadowy visitor
but phew - just the janitor - but the tension now ratcheted up
robert makes a sudden appearance back from a trip to india
a violent confrontation and then he is strangely gone again
similarly sebastian who tires of simones unfaithfulness
leaving martin and simone to continue with their liaisons
but she is a sick puppy - and he is in love and entrapped
he stumbles on another secret room in her own apartment
the horrific discovery of sebastian's body hung in a sling
this then kick-starts the final frantic and bloody scenes
she armed with a large knife and going room to room
the knife plunged into martin's shoulder - me squirming
more so when he grabs it and returns the favour twice over
possibly the most graphic bloody scenes of violence seen by me
a sense of it being very realistic - and sad too - she dies in his arms
final scene - ma and pa show up looking for their errant son
he - glasses lost, blood-splattered and looking in shock
a serious transition from the naive boy they knew
what a cracker - so well done - so many themes
sex, drugs, violence, mental illness, loneliness
etc, etc, etc - it's going to reverberate well...

night moves

i wanted to see this one at the recent nziff
but scheduling issues meant it was by-passed
a short run on general release and this the final night
jesse eisenberg (mark zuckerberg) the main man josh
seen in the opening scenes at a secluded dam with a woman
she - dena - and he having a largely incoherent conversation
and thus setting the tone for the film - nothing is too obvious
next scenes are at dena's workplace of a women's sauna and spa
shots of nude women of various ages - why - though a woman director
me thinking she wanting to prove her independent credentials maybe
a parcel is handed to josh - no explanation provided for this action
then scenes back at his own workplace - a large community farm
if it was the 60s it would be a hippy commune and similar ideals
very few words or smiles exchanged - wassup most common
continuing the theme of austerity in dialogue and action
we are then witness to josh and dena purchasing a jet-boat
discussing the finer points in the private sale with the owner
the name of the boat shown - night moves - and briefly discussed
josh needs a toilet stop and asks to go inside the home for relief
seems something is planned - but no - he just goes to the toilet
again the director demonstrating the theme of  keep-it-simple
the deal is closed and they hook up the boat to their suv and depart
they don't seem the leisure-boat types so something is brewing
further explained in the following scenes with josh's friend harmon
an ex-marine inspecting the boat and providing fertilizer advice
500lbs more is required than what he has already procured
ah ok - boat - bomb - dam - click - we are witness to a plot
dena then seen awkwardly trying to buy the extra fertilizer
there are rules and checks in place that seem too rigid to bypass
but a flutter of the eyes and some sound horticultural-speak helps
the boat is packed up with the goods and the marine-supplied bomb
next we see the boat parked up against the dam wall in the dark of night
the gang of 3 making a nervous and clumsy paddle, run and drive escape
we hear the muted explosion and see the first wry smile on josh's face
mission accomplished then - but a sense of dread that all is not good
they resolve to continue their normal lives as before and no contact
josh back at the farm - his usual loner ways aiding to hide the secret
other workers discussing the merit of blowing up a dam as a protest
here one of many on a river used for hydro-electric generation
conclusion - theatre only - no aid to the environmental cause
this is glossed over so no real insight into the bombers motives
news sneaks in that a camper has drowned in the rush of water
josh then going into a slow meltdown realising he is a murderer
some tense scenes as he sees vehicles and strangers come and go
he breaks the rules of no contact to learn dena likewise affected
a visit to her leading to her 'accidently pulling out' of the team
harmon then advising josh to disappear for a very long time
the closing scene - he applying for a job in a sports store
that's it - the credits roll - the music - minimalist - jeff grace
strange and sudden ending but there's no doubt he will be busted
overall it's a fairly bleak film done in a deliberately austere style
no real environmental message sent - more a psychological drama
works pretty well too - and good to see an unadorned american film
kelly reichardt the director cementing her style apparently
some reviewers claimed it to be ultimately boring
but not me - glad to see it on it's final night...

predestination

this film had to be approached with a very open mind
pre-reading indicating a state of confusion easily attained
with concentration needed to pick up the clue-lines throughout
repeat viewings also recommended to fully embrace the full picture
time travel is at the guts of it - a 'temporal agent' is our guide
the opening scene - an unidentified person enters a building
coat and hat and carrying what appears to be a violin case
'if i put you in front of the person who ruined your life
and guaranteed no repercussions - would you kill them?'
this voiceover presented clearly as the theme of the film
another person setting a counter on what must be a bomb
interrupted, shots exchanged, a fire and a badly burnt face
then seen in a hospital fully bandaged and the boss bedside
as the bandages are removed the face of ethan hawke is revealed
next seen as a bartender and news of the fizzle bomber on tv
new york running scared as his bombs kill more and more
the age of the tv, the clothing, the music suggesting 1960s
ah - got it - the bartender is the time traveller on a mission
he engages in a conversation with john - i guess the bomber
john bets for a bottle of whiskey he has the best ever story to tell
another time shift as john is born as jane and left at an orphanage
grows up a loner, super-intelligent and a tough nut physically
a stranger enters her life, love, impregnation and a baby
but during the birth it is revealed jane has dual organs
and so becomes john - her life ruined by her lover
ok - still with it - good pacing and plot reveal so far
but then it cranks up as the violin case's use revealed
the long string of combination dials used to pick a date
embrace it and - poof - time transport happens - repeatedly
the bartender bouncing around between the 1960s and 1980s
he then interacting with jane, john, the fizzle bomber and the boss
me - very connected to this film - great concept and delivery
yes - too much analysis leads to what-the mode of thinking
but the brain is well engaged and going with the what-if
well locked in to the rapidly moving last part of the film
and revealed - jane is john is lover is bartender is bomber
the technique of repeating scenes never more effective
our perspective completely changed making them new
a quite sudden but appropriate ending and me stunned
extraordinarily good music running with the credits
looking for names/places to give some comfort
but few of those - one of those very generic films
ethan hawke and noah taylor only of any familiarity
the directors - the spierig brothers - unheard of
what a great cinema experience - quite unique
and yes - repeat viewing can only be good
...actually necessary to clear the head...

before i go to sleep

nicole kidman - not usually a big drawcard for me
colin firth more appealing and together they work well
the railway man proved that and some good reviews for this one
a groundhog day kind of scenario with christine (kidman) central
she wakes every day with no memory of anything of prior days
husband ben explains who he is and what has happened to her
an accident several years ago doing the damage to her head
on this day ben advises christine of a trip away that night
he then heads off to work leaving christine alone for the day
there's a daily phone call from a doctor to provide instructions
mainly to retrieve and use a hidden camera to record her thoughts
not fully explained (yet) but her contact with dr nash is covert
he suggesting that it better if ben is not aware of their association
then the action is announced as going back a couple of weeks prior
same routine - she wakes in confusion - ben repeats the explanation
the phone call from dr nash and now also a discreet visit and journey
me thinking how generic the scenery is - could be usa, uk or europe
though the doctor's right hand drive black pug 407 indicates the uk
being distracted by scenery and cars and not characters a sure sign
ms kidman and her typically earnest acting not entirely convincing
but to the story - the doctor inadvertently reveals she was attacked
flashbacks used to graphically show the violent and bloody episode
every night she records the days events into the hidden camera
then each morning she replays the recording and confidence grows
a memory of a very close friend leads to a secret meeting with her
more of her past revealed - she had a child - and also an affair
ben divorced her and had an affair with clare her apparent friend
when she confronts him about all this he flips out and strikes her
a quite confronting scene actually and a major plot shift happens
with it back to the day we started on and ben is taking her away
uh-oh - they end up in the hotel seen in the violent flashbacks
a phone-call confirming ben is not her husband but her lover
having stepped in to her life and played the doting husband
a nasty piece of work with a vicious temper now resurrected
more disturbing scenes of violence and also towards women
but she overcomes him just as the police show up to save her
cut to her lying comatose in a hospital bed - the acting superb
(he says cynically but ms kidman with no lines does it well)
her real ex-husband ben visits and declares his enduring love
then to cap it all off - son adam comes in and the tears flow
with some expert tugging of heartstrings to wrap up the film
phew - colin firth once again lifting the film above average
nicole kidman continuing to add more credits to her c.v.
pretty forgettable really - a hitchcock-wannabe for sure
it will rise and fall quickly - in the usa, uk and europe...

the keeper of lost causes

danish film - danish title - kvinden i beret - woman in a cage
somewhere along the way a decision was made to re-brand it
pre-viewing reading indicating a harsh film and some 'torture-porn'
fortunately that in context and minimal - the girl with... also mentioned
sold - not ever seen a bad scandinavian film so no hesitation really
weird though - this person the only one in the (small) theatre
pre credits showing an ambushed police raid on a house
our main man - carl morck - shot and given paid time out
upon return to the force he is put in charge of 'q' department
desk job with an assistant - assad - 20 years of cold cases to close
ah - the re-brand title explained - one case in particular picked up
merete - a high profile public servant who disappeared off a ferry
leaving behind a dependent and intellectually impaired brother
suicide apparently - though carl suspects she too responsible
the film then splits into three threads - past, present and sometime
flashbacks of the past used extensively to explain her background
in the present carl and assad are learning more about each other
and there are disturbing scenes of merete trapped in a chamber
2 buckets - food and toilet - replaced daily and a yearly visit
with it a man's voice advising the air pressure to be increased
no reason stated but a slow and painful death is promised
the film itself in sepia colours to match the sombre mood
carl and assad painstakingly gather information on merete
she had casual affairs but was devoted to caring for uffe
the lads visit him now in the care of a mental institution
travel on the same ferry and talk to the last people to see her
very clever pacing, dialogue and flashbacks slowly build tension
every sub-titled scene relevant and demanding close attention
carl in a constant scowl even with the in-joke of assad's coffee
he being of arab background and a purveyor of  that special brew
they learn merete was picked up at a conference by a mystery man
head off to sweden in the peugeot 508 to gather more information
but stripped of their badges as they have gone in way too deep
adding further tension to the already intriguing story of merete
the prime suspect is revealed - lars - steely-eyed, lean and mean
the flashbacks showing him in a car accident as a young boy
merete and uffe in a separate car in the same accident
not entirely clear why but lars feels badly done by merete
surely not because she poked her tongue out at him pre accident
a read of the book will explain more but revenge is his to be taken
he now revealed as the captor of merete in the decompression chamber
years have now passed and she looking very disheveled but defiant
carl and assad eventually join all the dots and arrive at the scene
some very tense scenes ensue and with it some brutal violence
needless to say the damsal in literal distress is finally rescued
carl and assad are rewarded with their jobs re-instated
seen with wry smiles and a walk off into the distance
and as some critics suggested - a franchise is born
fully explaining the re-branding of the film's title
as a standalone film from a book quite superb
as a commercial venture - we shall see...

magic in the moonlight

the reviews have been quite lukewarm for this period piece
but woody allen it is and blue jasmine was a cracker of a film
besides - film night and not much on the menu that has any appeal
also colin firth barely puts a foot wrong so that pretty well sealed it
the film opens in berlin in 1928 at a large theatre for a magic show
firth plays stanley crawford on stage as master illusionist wei ling soo
he performs a few tricks then is seen ranting backstage to his assistants
perfection has not been attained so the insults fly - ah - he very arrogant
a fellow magician is also backstage and asks for stanley's assistance
stanley is also an expert at debunking people claiming to be mediums
a young lady is working as such on a rich family in the south of france
stanley has a favourite aunt living there so a visit there is appealing
the two lads then seen in an open-top sports car on the cote d'azur
nice car - shame about the editted in backdrops of the local scenery
however the cars, fashions and music seem genuine for the era
australian jackie weaver plays grace - the matriach of the family
her husband has died and she has asked sophie to make contact
other members of the family are wary of sophies hold over grace
of course she is very attractive though stanley is not taken in
he is rude, abrupt and very dismissive of her apparant powers
not so grace's son brice who serenades her with a ukelele
quite funny actually with his very off key singing/playing
he has proposed but sophie is somehow attracted to stanley
these 2 then seen taking a day drive to visit his aunt vanessa
on the way back the car breaks down and stanley plays mechanic
several hours later and no car-go as very heavy rain sets in
they run to an abandoned observatory and arrive soaking wet
no sign of engine grease - then he hits the open roof button
gazing out at the moon and stars in the sky - ah - film title
next thing and in one scene stanley is suddenly a believer
the power of love - whatever - seems quite incogrouous
even colin firth's acting skills can't make this scene work
more so when his aunt is badly injured in a car accident
at the hospital he is seen saying an out-loud prayer to god
almost cloying - then he snaps back to his old cynical self
his aloofness and arrogance then flatly rejecting sophie
solves the case and then seen in a great scene with his aunt
she magically fully recovered and talks him around to his truth
sophie is the girl for him and of course she answers his call
her ghost-like presence in the room and tapping responses
she suddenly appears and falls into his arms - happy ending
seen coming from the beginning so no surprises with that
quite a confusing film really - not the storyline but the intent
presumably woody allen wanted to tip his hat to a bygone era
when life was simple, love was all and fashion was dominant
films were focussed on character and not the sets and/or action
nor the (lack of) technical wizardry and blatant oddities are ok
colin firth certainly saved the film with his very skilled acting
me thinking that he really is england's own george clooney
the women swooning - both on screen and in the audience
i don't think he will be expecting award nominations
the reviews pretty accurate then - lukewarm it is
glad to have seen it but not rave material...

kilbey speak

the time being aka steve kilbey speaketh - 

we cannot realise the concept of that we call god

god is much more than our tiny minds can possibly dig

god (as we must call him tho i don't like this term)

communicates with each person in their own self

although he may not be heeded

the evidence of his existence is existence itself

this finely tuned and brilliant earth

god does not authorise persecution and killing in gods name

god authorises only mercy and compassion and knowledge

however this is an obstacle course to negotiate

we will come back time after time as we learn everything we need to know

eventually within eternity it will all become clear

it is gods grace to appear in a personalised form i imagine

as christ as krsna as buddha 

tho the universe that communicated with me

was just sudden warm thoughts as i stood in garudasana and tree pose

the idea of 2 warring deities using humans as pawns is preposterous 

not worthy of consideration

so too the idea of the accidental earth fallen together into perfection by itself

yeah my songs write themselves too

just like the birds singing outside in the rain got here by accident

there is something so wonderfully large and warm out there

we are not alone

throw away your scriptures they are misleading if interpreted literally

god is within us 

our world our humanity has slowly cut us off from feeling this warmth

our schools our wars our money

our hatred and anger screams so loud

it drowns out the warmth in our hearts

the warmth favours no country no man no era

like the sky it is above and beyond taking sides 

the words in books are mens words subject to all mens faults and lies

the warmth in the heart is ineffable 

it does not compose rules or impose punishments

that is a human thing to do 

not for god/warmth

karma exists as does maya as does gravity

all you can do is love and forgive and be honest and kind

look and you will see god everywhere if you want to

let it blow your mind

you are imperishable spirit dressed in temporary flesh

rejoice!

this is the truth as i felt it

this is my truth only

but this truth is the indisputable truth to me

originally posted on thetimebeing

calvary

it's a rare event when i see a film twice on the big screen
but after the first viewing of calvary i knew two would work
the missed dialogue due to broad irish accents the main excuse
a powerful first line - i first tasted semen when i was 7 years old
this to father james (brendan gleeson) in the confession booth
with then the unsighted confessor providing graphic details
brutally raped by a priest every other day for 5 long years
his decision now to seek revenge by killing a good priest
father james then given 7 days to 'put his house in order'
he is then seen meeting his troubled daughter off a train
fiona has attempted suicide after the death of her mother
she feeling abandoned more with her father now a priest
at the (small) town pub we meet some of the oddball locals
jack the butcher, aidan the doctor and brendan the proprietor
all with deadpan heavily-accented inappropriate comments
the film then starts to step through each day of the given week
father james going about his pastoral care work in the community
we are in a small town in county sligo on the rugged irish coast
the weather is dull and grey so well suiting the mood of the film
there's an elderly writer who has a special request for father james
wants a gun to end his life when he chooses  - the father consenting
he is then seen meeting the local policeman at his home to do the deal
clearly the cop is not only corrupt but also an unashamed sexual pervert
the gun obtained but also suggested father james has self-defense in mind
a visit to the butcher's estranged wife showing signs of a savage beating
then an unsettling scene surrounded by dead animals at jack's workplace
jack denying he responsible but her new lover the mechanic most likely
he - simon - from the ivory coast admitting cultural differences at work
and finally - michael fitzgerald - local rich man - has his own problems
blatantly arrogant and wondering why abandoned by his wife and kids
phew - a very strong set of characters (and actors) in the supporting cast
then as the week works through strange things start happening in town
the church burns to the ground and the father's dog is savagely killed
father james cries over this and then though an alcoholic hits the drink
this at the pub where the cast of troubled locals are all in attendance
father james is tormented by the doctor with a chilling tale of a small boy
an anaesthetist's mistake leaving him deaf, dumb, blind and fully paralyzed
imagine - being locked in your own body in the dark and quiet - forever
this tips father james over the edge and he explodes in a fit of rage
why the fook would you tell me that - he screams - several times
yet another incident in a long week where his faith has been tested
out comes the gun and shots are fired and his flock are threatened
this leads to his own beating and next day very hungover and sore
decides to leave town and heads to the airport to fly out to dublin
but something - not clearly stated - forces a change of his mind
the sight of a coffin being loaded a symbol of his death maybe
the impending sunday arrives and preparations are underway
he goes to the beach as instructed and the confessor also arrives
what follows is one of the most powerful scenes i have ever watched
a deeply troubled pedophile victim confronting an innocent good priest
the seriously good build-up to this scene surpassed by the delivery here
the climax - breath-taking and mind-blowing - expected but stunning
but then the final scene - the confessor in prison with a visitor
fiona with tears streaming and a hand pressed to the glass
the words about to be spoken and - cut - totally brilliant
troubled souls in a small coastal town - i.e. leviathan
every person in the theatre sitting in stunned silence
me for the second time - and i'd do it again...

venus in fur

a french film - roman polanski director - cannes selection
the film based on a popular play based on a famous book and author
the book - venus in furs (plural) and the author leopold von sacher-masoch
2 actors and 1 setting - sub-titled - hmmm - could be good (or otherwise)
a bit nervous pre-film - the trailer is shown- gulp - maybe in the wrong theatre?
not happy about that - eyes covered - not wanting to see the film summarised
but relief as the film proper starts - definitely a french flick about to be rolled
the opening shot heading up a tree-lined deserted path somewhere in paris
nobody to be seen, a storm overhead - then pushing through theatre doors
the h missing in the name of the theatre - noted - this is a run-down place
a brief shot of vanda (the gorgeous emmanuelle signier) removing her coat
then focus on thomas (equally familiar mathieu amalric) on his mobile
he has not seen vanda enter as he has a whinge to his partner 'honey'
seen over 40 actresses - no-one even close - all bimbos or whores
or so young they have no idea or intelligence to take on the part
he's wanting to bail for the day but vanda is on a mission it seems
she has come across town, hired a costume, is desperate for work
has the same first name as the role so that is a good omen n'est pas?
apart from her striking beauty she seems to thomas unsuited for the part
the tears flow at his rejection to which he weakens to allow an audition
but first she shows technical prowess and adjusts the stage lighting
thomas provides a quick synopsis of the play for vanda (and us too)
the book has themes of female dominance and sexual degradation
the author's name then used to coin the phrase of sado-masochism
thomas offers to read the male part so vanda can then do her audition
and of course she is spell-binding - and knows the words off by heart
with all the necessary nuances - and more - she is critical of the play
so very quickly their dialogue descends into play-reading and argument
and clearly their relationship is seemingly destined for the play's subject
the words coming very quickly and requiring some serious concentration
thankfully the sub-titles are there and quite cleverly shown in different fonts
plain text for thomas and vanda's discussion and italics for the actual play
grateful for that - and wondering how the french coped without sub-titles
vanda really embraces the part - including leathers, dog-collar and boots
thomas falls for her completely and insists on continuing with the reading
a role reversal suggested by vanda - he is now up for anything she wants
the final scenes see him with high heels, dog-collar, lipstick and tied up
vanda then appears  naked under the fur - a sensuous dance follows
and a torrent of abuse about his misoginystic play and she's gone
end of film - me checking the watch - yep - an hour and a half
a sure sign of a good film - completely lost track of time passing
credits rolling - music by alexander desplat - that also appreciated
wiki-checking solves the riddle of where the actors previously seen
the husband and wife in the diving bell and the butterfly - classic
she - emmanuelle signier - also married to roman polanski
he and she done good - very impressed with this film...

the dark horse

the dark horse is the name given to maori man genesis potini
a bipolar sufferer who became a champion speed chess player
he died in 2011 after tirelessly helping maori children to a better life
an inspirational man who's life surely would make an equally great film
the film opens with him stumbling through the rain into a second hand shop
drawn to a ornate chess set, displays his obvious talent and promptly arrested
bailed by his imposing brother and taken to his home also a gang headquarters
his nephew mana then introduced and some argy-bargy about who sleeps where
some tension also in the air about mana's impending coming-of-age gang-joining ritual
his father pushing for it but son and son's uncle wary of the brutality of what that brings
not a happy domestic scene for genesis and he is constantly pill-popping his medication
on one outing he spots a poster promoting a junior chess tournament in auckland
leading to a middle-of-the-night visit to a cousin's place with excited plans
the timing not good but cousin and wife are soon on board with planning
the eastern knights chess club then formed for the local maori kids
a scene of one lesson inside a traditional meeting house very poignant
genesis manages to get mana along to a few lessons and to hang out
but his father is very disapproving and ugly violent scenes ensue
genesis is sent packing and he then becomes effectively homeless
sleeping under a makeshift shelter beside the town's war memorial
it's all very bleak - especially one scene of him sleeping in a downpour
a sense that he is only just hanging on - saved by the mission in his life
his new adoptive family of the chess club providing a sense of purpose
as they practice and raise funds for the big trip mana's life is unraveling
part of the gang initiation involves facial tattoos and a violent robbery
mana a reluctant and unhappy participant in both but with no choice
his father only knows the way of the vagrants - he the gang leader
as the knights leave town for the trip north genesis forces a detour
he rescues mana from the clutches of the gang to join the journey
much happiness as they drive into auckland early on a saturday
then into a 2 day tournament to find the nz junior chess champion
the contrast between the groups of participants quite striking
our maori, towny, earthly, unkempt club from down south
the pakeha, aloof and pristine players from the city opposing
an intentional contrast no doubt but handled quite realistically
the play starts and the tension for genesis (and us) builds up
thankfully (reality is good) most of the knights are eliminated
including mana who this audience member had tipped for fame
but one of the club comes good and eventually wins the big prize
elation abounds - at least until mana's father shows up unexpectedly
hauls him back to base - a sense of dread comes over all involved
sure enough - the final scenes very moving - he has been beaten
but genesis is now empowered and takes on the gang again
the father finally sees a glimmer of right and lets his son go
genesis and mana then seen driving off as close companions
whoa - what a stunning film - another nz film totally delivers
so real - sadly - e.g. the urban scenes of life in the 'burbs
a class of people pretty well left to their own devices
gangs, crime, drug and alcohol abuse the result
and so much more going on in this amazing tale
not the least being the true story of a great man
one who saw hope in the most unusual way
kids playing chess - finding companionship
and with that respect - yep - great film...

wild tales

closing night at the nziff - sniff - but out with a bang
this one purported as the most entertaining film at cannes
so the program advises about this film from argentina
six blackly comic tales depicting frustration and revenge
sounds good to me so settle in for some fun with this final film

part 1 - pre credits - a model checking in at an unnamed airport
then seen on flight being chatted up by the older gent across the aisle
seems they have someone in common - her first boyfriend but dumped
he also an early victim of this classical music critic - completely dissed him
more and more people on the flight then chiming in they know the ex boyfriend
but significantly each has mistreated him or otherwise caused him some grief
strange - then a realisation they are all on the flight because of a prize or a gift
the stewardess then in shock and announcing the boyfriend is on board also
faked is way on as a steward and has now locked himself in the cockpit
the plane then in a dive - last seen in a frozen frame meters from ground
hilarious start - the opening credits roll - they equally as impressive
still photos of animals in the wild - one per person being credited

part 2 - a waitress serving at a deserted cafe on a busy highway
a rude, insistent middle-aged man walks in and she recognises him
he the financier that forced foreclosure on the family home
leading to her fathers suicide - financier then tried to seduce mum
she tells this to the cook out the back - she seriously suggests rat poison
produces a can of it - has spent time in prison - there much easier than this shit
the waitress against the idea but before she knows it the infested food is served
financiers son joins his father and helps himself to the fried chips - then vomits
not dad though - so the cook takes to him with a large knife - hacks away
waitress last seen lying fainted in a large pool of blood - hilarious? - yep

part 3 - mr smooth driving his black audi at speed on an open road
comes up behind of a wreck of a car that won't yield and in fact blocks
audi eventually draws level - a tirade of abuse and a raised finger - and off
some time later the audi gets a flat tire next to a bridge - he fumbles it
and of course the expected happens - the jalopy appears and stops
he backs his car into the front of the audi to block any escape attempt
what follows is the most wickedly violent yet funny road rage ever seen
the breaking of wipers, pounding of windscreen, defecating and urinating
eventually the attacker backs off and gets back in the car to drive off
but audi-man snaps - fires up the audi and pushes the wreck into the river
while loading wheels, etc back into the car the jalopy driver clambers out
audi races off but spots the other man back on the bridge - and returns
tries to run him down repeatedly but messes up and also in the river
impaled on the other car - the 2 men then at it hammer and tongs
an explosive ending and a hilarious final scene with the local cops
trying to figure out how this accident happen - lovers tiff maybe?

part 4 - we are witness to a controlled explosion of a set of large silos
the main engineer then heading home and a mobile call from his wife
don't forget the cake and don't be late - daughter's birthday bash is on
he parks the car outside the cake shop - is rude when told the price
then finds his car has been towed away for being illegally parked
more rudeness at the haulers yard but eventually pays up and leaves
but now caught in heavy traffic so very late for the birthday party
wife is fuming - sick of his lack of priority for the family - warning
next day he queues up to argue his case at the appropriate department
demands a refund, compensation and an apology - but gets a laugh instead
throws a hissy fit, smashes windows, gets arrested and then finally bailed
told he has been fired as his employer does work for government departments
wife pushes for a divorce and then at a brief hearing returns to his car towed again
hmmm - slow learner or what - but enough for him now to plot the revenge
the final scene - loading the boot of his car then watching from a cafe
eventually towed away and then a controlled explosion at the yard...

part 5 - a bmw roars up to the garage of an obviously expensive home
teenager jumps out and races inside to wake his parents and confess
he is the driver in a hit-and-run - the victim announced on the news
a heavily pregnant lady - her and child died on the way to the hospital
her husband then seen saying he will hunt down and kill the driver
father then calls in the family lawyer and hatch a cover-up plan
their gardener agreeing to take the fall for a half million payout
the cops and prosecutor arrive but he does not fall for the story
knows someone else in the family is responsible but then he is bought
agrees to go along with the story for 1 million dollars - corruption is rife
then a few more people try and get in on the deal and the father digs in
throws a fit and basically tells his son to go to hell - enough already spent
phew someone with some integrity at last - nope - a compromise is met
as the gardener is then covered and lead away the victims husband comes good

part 6 - a huge presumably traditional wedding reception in a large hall
everybody partying very happily - until new wife spots new husband
a quite innocent hands-on with one of his very attractive workmates
new wife then goes into meltdown when he confesses to a daliance
wifey rushes to the rooftop and it looks like a suicide is imminent
but in steps a cook up there for a ciggy break - he gives advice
gather your thoughts - get control - make him pay - live you life!
and then back to the reception she goes as a transformed woman
she was shy/timid/lovely - now - bold/aggressive/assured/stroppy
kickstarts the party again to everyones bemusement and lets rip
tells her new in-laws a few home truths and same for husband
then goes into a frenzied spin-dance with the one-time girlfriend
who accidently or intentionally crashes into a full length mirror
blood everywhere - red on white most effective - chaotic scenes
hubby grabs her - and - eyes locked - followed by arms then lips
ah the south american passion at it's best - and a happy ending

6 amazingly consistently funny and engaging tales of revenge
a splendid way to end an amazing film festival - over and out...

leviathan

i can't remember the last time i saw a russian film
possibly the ark one - the hermitage - extraordinary film/place
this one tempting purely for the promo photo - whale bones on a beach
and that in relation to the title - leviathan - large sea monster - or whale
the other attraction being that philip glass composed the soundtrack
in the opening scenes that is to the fore - his unmistakable motif
we're in northern russia where the days are long and quite dark
several scenes around a small seaside town but no action as yet
so me then thinking - hmmm - maybe there is no actual narrative
a car seen driving - arrives at the train station, a passenger picked up
returning to the house and then the men move inside and the talk starts
and the vodka starts flowing - a clear reminder of where we are located
seems kolya has a legal problem and has drafted in his lawyer brother dmitri
corrupt mayor vadim is trying to get a court decree to obtain kolya's house
the house built by kolya that he shares with wife lilya and only child roma
kolya is a respected mechanic and runs a car repair business downstairs
but being oceanside it seems vadim has plans to build a large hotel there
the court scene fairly clearly showing the level of corruption at play
a officer of the court rapidly reading the case and passed just as quickly
the vodka drowning the sorrows at home that night when vadim calls
he is feeling very cocky and hot-headed kolya ready to take him on
fortunately dmitri manages to hold him at bay as vadim departs
next day filing a likely futile appeal kolya is arrested and locked up
while behind bars dmitri and lilya get it on at the hotel he is staying
he is released and then family and friends are off on a shooting trip
target practice actually and an excuse to drink vodka and eat meat
a crude bar-b-que in a bleak seaside setting and guns to the fore
one of the party producing an ak47 to take down all the bottles
dmitri and lilya manage to sneak away but are busted by a child
pursued by kolya and all we hear is gunfire and loud shouting
dmitri then seen on a train high-tailing it out of town for good
lilya looking worse for wear and kolya clearly badly hungover
roma has been a witness to the infidelity and now hates his mum
it's a very sad situation for kolya - his life spinning out of control
a chance meeting with the town priest who spins the parable of job
god's justice in the face of human suffering - why do the righteous suffer?
a hint that if kolya was a regular church-goer he would not incur god's wrath
kolya not convinced of this argument though forgiveness is within him
he is seen making up to lilya for he does love his pretty wife deeply
but her guilt is over-powering her especially the rejection by her son
she is seen wandering off to the clifftops - observing a frolicking whale
a powerful message in itself - and that is the last we see of her alive
her body recovered several days later and of course kolya in despair
vodka again - hits the bottle bigtime and is on a very long bender
his son pleading with him to straighten up to which he briefly does
but vadim really has it in for him and next he is charged with murder
seems there were hammer blows on lilya's body and he the prime suspect
in a fit of jealous rage he had threatened to kill his brother and his wife
no chance in court of course and he is sent to prison for 15 years
final scenes and roma seen wandering around the beached whale
very powerful imagery of leviathan - the monster from the deep
come to pay a visit to this small town and this innocent man
but more than that - the russian way of life laid bare here
corruption - vodka - isolation - bleakness - desperation
this film reminded me of the hunt - the innocent victim
totally absorbing - russia well represented at the nziff

nga reo o te whanua - voices of the land

seen 3 amazing nz films so far at this years nziff
each presented with the director in the house - bonus
this one has special appeal - richard nunns is the man in focus
seen him live once and sell his large number of cds in our little shop
musician with a difference - specialist in traditional maori instruments
the film promising a journey with him around some of nz's best scenery
opening scene - the man and his musical foil horomona horo in a cave
then the singing starts - and so do the goosebumps - very moving
the detail in the imagery simply stunning and a soundtrack to match
this is going to one very special film - settle in and go on the journey
we are heading with nunns and horo along a riverbed - horo bends down
picks up an object, clears out the sand and grit - blows into it - and sound
nunns then joking that the first instrument to be found has to be given away
this setting the scene for the film - mateship, nature, and simple instruments
the man has an advanced case of parkinsons disease so moves quite slowly
usually with the assistance of horo when walking or pushed in a wheelchair
but no loss of his cognitive skills - speaks both passionately and articulately
he is pakeha of scandinavian descent but has a unique connection with maori
was a jazz musician in his early life which no doubt lead to his musicianship
partnered musically with maori language professor hirini melbourne until 2003
upon his death nunns continued to travel and gather expertise on maori music
including obtaining old instruments held in museums or private collections
learning the necessary skills to play them and with the required respect
in the film stating the instruments are like a cell phone to the divine
so giving some modern interpretation of their cultural significance
but it's not just the instrument - it's the use of to connect with nature
more footage then of the 2 of them making sounds in a natural setting
pulling on flax leaves, tapping rocks, blowing into a hole in a rock
and explaining the sound of the wind itself is a powerful instrument
nature needing sounds to live and their instruments closest to it
man mostly relating to music from the voice or from technology
maori music existing on a plane more temporal and spiritual
all very convincing really - and especially so with the visuals
each place of visit sub-titled and many of them recognised
birdlings flat, moeraki boulders, the catlins and many more
at each place a vocal chant, some music or respect paid
the finale saved for a visit to snow-covered fiordland
richard nunns high up with a stunning backdrop
saying how landscape has always inspired him
and the closing scene looking down onto a swirling ocean
the white surf moving diagonally across the width of the screen
me sitting there with goosebumps again hoping the entire screen fills
and it does - like a curtain being drawn - just the perfect closing
a stunned audience as the credits roll - and spontaneous applause
director paul wolframm is in the house and taking up the plaudits
a q&a session that provides more insight of his inspiring subject
wow - another amazing couple of hours in a darkened room
i hope many nz-ers and more besides get to see this film
so satisfying on so many levels - 5 stars from me...

maps to the stars

this one not originally on my schedule for nziff this year
but - a slot available - and it's on at saturday night prime-time
julianne moore also awarded best actress at cannes for her role
so maybe i've misread the writeup and there is something on offer
it opens with a girl on an overnight bus rolling into los angeles
has a sloppy joe with 'bad babysitter' emblazoned on it - noted
finds her chauffeur-driven limousine and all aboard to tinseltown
robert pattinson the driver and mia wasikowska playing agatha weiss
a detour to a property with the large hollywood sign not far behind
here she scours the remnants of a house obviously destroyed by fire
the scars on agatha's neck and full arm gloves suggesting there is a link
cut to fading star havana segrand (julianne moore) and a workout session
being administered brutally by self-help guru stafford weiss (john cusack)
then in a hospital and a young female patient is being visited by her idol
benjie weiss (evan bird) clearly channeling justin bieber in his role
he the star of a successful film franchise titled bad babysitter - ah
he incorrectly asks - how long you had aids - oops wrong disease
then in the carpark he admonishes his p.a. with a tirade of racial abuse
so a nasty piece of work - ah i get it - in real life stars are like that?
he is the son of the self-help guru and returned agatha is his sister
mum also then introduced - seems normal but not coping too well
son out of rehab, daughter back from a psychiatric ward - the talk!
in the meantime havana is intent on reprising a film starring her mother
she's into sex also  - seen in a threesome with full frontal nudity
a gold statue sitting proudly on display in her ostentatious home
she has driven most of her p.a.s away with her neurotic tendencies
so somehow agatha steps in to assume that role - a job is secured
and then the relationship with the chauffeur driver also develops
at least one person who seems to be leading a normal sort of life
over on the film set benjie has a hallucination in the wash-room
ends up strangling one of the younger boys also on the film
havana seen in a car with the chauffeur and then seduces him
in the driveway at her home - unaware agatha is looking on
havana then beaten to death by agatha with the gold statue
back at the weiss home mother performs self-immolation
final scene agatha and benjie (bro and sis) marry each other
using rings stolen from their parents - and the credits roll
thank god - what a shocker - david cronenberg - director
apparantly hates hollywood and everything false about it
so clearly has decided to make a film satirising the place
with then the perfect response to any bad criticism
'but it's meant to be bad - that's what it's really like'
trash place - trash movie - waste of time for me...

erewhon

erewhon - a large property in the heart of rural south island
but also the title of a book written by one samuel butler in 1872
and here the motivation for this film from director gavin hipkins
one of nz's most successful photographers now pushing the horizon
the writeup in the nziff program reading as a quite compelling film
based on a 'lively utopian satire' and the film a 'moving picture essay'
in brief butler had worked on an isolated south island sheep station
obviously he had a fertile imagination and a capacity as an author
he invented a race of people - 'erewhonians' that had certain ideals
connected to nature, vegetarian, eschewing any kind of machine
the opening scene of a bulldozer working a piece of cleared land
no voiceover, no music - just a wide shot of machine at work
an immediate impression that this is going to be a visual treat
then the voice of actor mia blake starts the read of the book
the first surprise - a female voice used for author samuel butler
setting the tone for the rest of the film - conventions are sidelined
so settling in for a real adventure with more wonderful nature footage
immediately bringing comparisons to other amazing travelogue films
baraka, samsara and godfrey reggio qaatsi series coming to mind
but here the point of difference being the narrative of the book
initially a tale of a journey up a river not previously discovered
then up the mountain range, across and descending to a paradise
clear imagery of the southern alps and the west coast filling our eyes
i'm hooked - every frame of every scene making for rivetting viewing
but it's not all nature, words and beauty - we jump into the unknown
some quite beguiling graphics and backing music at regular intervals
matching the mood of the reading of the book - butler a visionary
his fear of the effects of the industrial revolution a stark contrast
the film then giving some attention to rusted and derelict machinery
other throbbling machines also shown in the relentless energy plunder
director gavin hipkins drawing on butlers fears to provide modern visuals
but then another shift - footage of monkeys and scenery clearly not nz
suggesting that the world in butler's mind is not rooted to a physical place
and words from the book indicating the same of the erewhonelian people
final scenes of a scyscraper fronted beach on the gold coast of australia
matching the words from the book predicting constant future travel
what a stunning film - and not just a visual treat - narrative as well
i love the aforementioned travelogues but this has an added dimension
with the inspiration and the clear respect of the book uppermost
and a wonderful surprise after the film's credits have rolled
director gavin hipkins is in the house - q&a time
a small but appreciative audience lauding him
and an opportunity for me to thank him also
that's 3 extraordinary nz films in a row
and each with directors in attendance
happy, happy, happy...

housebound

another nz film premiering at nziff - this a horror/comedy film
the wimp in me avoids horror and the grump ditto avoids comedy
so heading into this one with a mix of trepidation and doubtfulness
a chance meeting/discussion with bill gosden had convinced me to attend
he the director of the whole nziff shebang so obviously knows his stuff
pre-film he introduces the audience to director gerard johnstone - nice
his words of advice taken on board - best idea is to laugh at the horror
no horror in the opening scenes but laughter pretty well from the start
a botched raid on an atm using hammers and dynamite by a man and lady
he knocked out and she jams the lowered toy-boy racer on a speed hump
kylie then seen in court and sentenced to home detention for 8 months
then seen standing outside her mother's house - the classic house of horrors
miriam lives there with her new husband graeme - but it's not a happy family
kylie is still in teenage angst mode and despises her mum and step-father
she overhears her mum on a radio talkback show saying her house is haunted
confronts her about this and then the fun begins - a few home truths revealed
the house a scene of a murder when kylie a child and then blissfully unaware
a young girl brutally stabbed multiple times and the killer never identified
implications that it is her ghost that is inhabiting the dank basement
more interesting characters are then introduced into the plickening thot
amos is the bumbling security guard assigned to monitor kyllie's homestay
dennis the counsellor who makes regular visits to assess her wellbeing
there's a creepy loner neighbour most likely to have murdered the girl
and a couple of over-officious police officers obsessed with paperwork
kylie buddies up with amos as they then try to solve the murder case
it turns out the house was once an asylum for mental illness patients
a folder found detailing the previous inhabitants - now murder suspects
a big clue is a denture plate also found in a wall cavity in the basement
so the pair mount a raid on the neighbour's house to extract his dentures
thinking if they match then that would prove his culpability - hmmm ok
but this leads instead to another unexpected discovery in their own house
turns out there's been a boy now man ex-patient living in a secret room

the film now descending into hilarious farce as the pace then picks up

plenty of genuine laugh-out-loud moments at the most unexpected times
mostly at the screams of other members of the audience at shock events
you know those are coming and surprisingly for me easy to deal with
thankfully the mood of the film now well established as comedy-horror
nothing to be taken at all seriously even with the amount of blood seen
spoiler alert - dennis the inept counsellor then identified as the girl-killer
now roaming the house with a large knife in hand and ready to kill again
one hilarious scene when he has a large plastic basket jammed on him
reference to a dalek - exterminate, exterminate quite clear - so well done
i honestly don't recall when i laughed so much at a film of any genre
particularly one billed as part horror - this film is an absolute hoot
of course it does contain the happy-ever-after kind of ending
but no problem with that at all - it and we kind of deserve it
a q&a with the director and lead actor rima te wiata follows
gerard johnstone clearly with a great dry sense of humour
the film taking 3 long years to complete on a small budget
but already obtaining high praise here and overseas
me - the next big thing i reckon - whale-rider-ish
completely different but still uniquely kiwi
brilliant - loved it - may it travel well...

te awa tupua - voices from the river

the first new zealand film seen by me at this years nziff
documentary - political - cultural - historical - even controversial
the film inspired by the 79 day protest held in whanganui back in 1995
iwi of the area deciding to hold a peaceful gathering in moutau gardens
another part of a long-running dispute over ownership of whanganui river
i don't recall any media coverage of the event at the time - not much it seems
so most of the footage used in the film supplied by channel 9 from australia
this consists of scenes of people arriving in the gardens at dawn one morning
the sense of the importance of this protest for all maoris everywhere realised
with iwi from other parts of the country travelling to support the local iwi
many whanau consisting of people of all ages making up the large numbers
a total of over 600 people involved in the near 3 month period occupation
the film providing a good account of their quiet determination and commitment
interviews with various iwi elders, speeches, hakas and the eventual leaving
a decision to do so peacefully after a high court ruling went against them
a calm withdrawl to maintain their dignity - mana - of upmost importance
then to provide the necessary persepctive the film then travels the river
footage of a snow-capped rongatiro where the snows melt and descend
feeding into streams and waterfalls that eventually lead to the large river
then some stunning aerial shots from a helicopter of the flowing river
an explanation then of the cultural and spiritual significance to all iwi
impressively done - this pakeha sitting in a theatre then totally gets it
there's enough still photos of historical significance to provide depth
this is not just a modern-day issue - has been going on for centuries
cut to modern day and interviews with a number of unnamed people
talking not only of the river but also of the want to maintain their culture
expected of course from elders but here impressively from young people
2 teenage girls in particular speaking with confidence of their love and respect
same with a quite hardened looking man speaking like an elite intellectual
there is a steely resolve in all their eyes and a sense of utmost integrity
the later part of the film is based around a canoe race on the river
again iwi coming from near and far to take part in the large event
some pre-race interviews suggesting being there is the main thing
nothing too serious with craft of all various shapes mostly fibreglass
some footage of the race itself and the enjoyment of participation
then a clear statement that the river is important socially also
cutting away from the big event the film then starts to wind up
more amazing scenery footage and still shots of the area
mixed up with some quite haunting but beautiful music
and a voiceover explaining how the proposal will work
the river will become a separate entity in its own right
not owned by the crown or persons or organisation
one iwi representative and one crown representative
to meet as required to oversee activity requests, etc
such a disconnection of land/resources quite unique
a first for nz and only the second time in the world
we are in for a special treat at this film showing
the director - paora te oti takarangi joseph is with us
he was a student attending the original protest back in 1995
now carving out a career as a film-maker and this a big step
his first feature-length documentary and rightly proud of it
coming across in the q&a session at the conclusion
me - well informed now - will recommend it
a film for every new zealander (and more)...

pulp - a film about life, death and supermarkets

never a big fan of pulp or jarvis cocker so - convince me
i go into this film with that attitude - let's see what i have missed
the opening scenes a brief look at a large farewell show in sheffield
big venue, big crowd, big show - the adoring masses of their hometown
then wind back from that and we start meeting the band and fans
jarvis cocker up first - seen clumsily changing a wheel on a car
an obvious setup and i presume trying to prove his normality
he almost looks embarrassed at being filmed - not his idea?
then we are in the heart of sheffield and looking very tired
a toothless, rotund newspaper seller declaring his love of pulp
ditto quite an elderly lady sitting at a bus stop - jarvis is the man
a trans-sexual musician also a fan of pulp but also of sheffield
tried to live in london for a while but got tired of being mugged
at least in sheffield you know who is mugging you - said seriously
a scene at the market and the butcher where jarvis used to work
dispelling any thoughts he could be a pacifist/vegetarian/hippy dude
the heavily tattooed interview-ee there with an indeciperable accent
not a fan of pulp or cocker it seems and happy to take the piss
cut to a scene of older women in an acapella group warming up
blue and silver glittery uniform and performing common people
ah - i get it - pulp's biggest hit and we're seeing the inspiration
next off to a football pitch and a young ladies team practicing
the word pulp proudly emblazoned on their red satin tops
on the sidelines one of the fathers explains - he the drummer
nick banks - apparantly the lads were up for a bit of sponsorship
though he says when his daughter is asked to explain the branding
'oh that - pulp - that's the crap band that my father drums for'
laugh - typical english self-deprecation coming to the fore now
other members of the band past and present also interviewed
most impressive being candida doyle - keyboards player
she talks quite candidly (oops) about her arthritis condition
which makes playing very difficult - but she pushed on through
richard hawley (yay) also makes a talking head appearance
speaking fondly about the hardcore album - he most proud
and in all honesty he is the main interest for me in pulp the band
(pulp being the launching pad for his own successful solo career)
on the day of the big final show there's interviews with fans
many waiting for hours outside and some coming from a-far
mostly gushing young girls - i just l-o-v-e jarvis so much
shots of the truckloads of gear being hauled in and set up
the band walking backstage and the grand entrance
lights down, the crowd roars and the band fires up
finally some footage of the band in action - good
their hometown fans going nuts with delight
lots of (pasty-faced) whitey boys and girls
so the film ends on a big high
...kind of saved it really...

eastern boys

eastern boys - immigrants from ukraine, russia, romania, etc
this film opens with views down onto gare du nord station in paris
there's a gang of them hovering, jostling, teasing, moving around
we are like voyeurs on the scene - expecting to see some crime
but nothing obvious - then daniel - kevin spacey lookalike enters
he catches the eye of one of the boys - follows him and then talks
this the first bit of dialogue in the film - 15 minutes in - bonjour
marek promptly offers he will do anything - 50 euros - your place?
address handed over - crikey - is this guy stupid - or maybe desperate
next day at the agreed time there's a knock at the door but not marek
another of the gang enters, then another and then all of them are inside
make themselves comfortable, loud music, dancing and then stripping
of all his possessions - they are one by one taken to a waiting van
this under instruction of 'the boss' who presents as a bit of a tough guy
very lean, tattooed, fit and border psycho - seen laying into one of his own
daniel realises there is no point calling the police and basically rolls over
next day another knock at the door - this time marek - the deal is on
daniel then proceeds to seduce marek - he takes the money and bolts
the pattern repeats itself and emotions start to make an appearance
we are well entrenched in a film that seems to want to challenge us
but gay sex was done is a much more open way in shortbus way back
here it just drags on rather tiresomely before the next act kicks in
daniel wants to 'adopt' marek but his papers are locked up at his hotel
it is an el-cheapo with a floor rented by the govt to house immigrants
the action relocates to the hotel where the gang and family are living
marek shows up there first and manages to steal keys from 'the boss'
those keys to the safe (locker) where his precious papers are held
but caught in the act so he is beaten, bound, gagged and locked up
but daniel to the rescue - checks into the hotel in an adjoining room
but he's known by the gang so has to be very discreet with movements
and so it goes - all a bit cloak and dagger-ish - and not very enthralling
in the end (phew) the gang gets busted - daniel goes to court with marek
the outcome not stated but they are seen walking off into the sunset
well at least a metaphorical one - the proverbial happy ending it is
the film heading towards 3 hours long and a mixed message
maybe illegal immigrants - eastern boys - are bad news
or - older man / young boy in love is normal and ok
whatever - it's a pretty average film at best - pass