gwest-07331 Reviews

The New World (2005)

THE NEW WORLD ( 2005 )

[10/10 · 4 January 2022]

I love the beginning of the film that slowly drifts into tranquillity in beautiful film imagery and music: The three ships arriving in view from greenery land where the sun captures the light in shadow from the sky: The unusual dance movements and playfulness of the Native Americans' -'inquisitive and gentle like deer' -it all intrigued and captured my attention:

"They are gentle, loving, faithful, lacking in guile and trickery. "The words denoting, 'lying, envy, slander and forgiveness' -have never been heard: "They have no sense of possession. " 'Real' -is what I thought was a dream."

And yet, in a dreamlike quality and tale, this is how the story unfolds -but how very different this film would have been in mood without the haunting and lovely musical score: from a long journey to form a new settlement into a colony among Native Americans'?

The words are often spoken in quietly voiced, and imagined thoughts -in confrontation, in harmonisation to communicate in division of languages between two very different cultures from ancestral nations:

There are no horrors to witness to unsettle the viewer in alarming terror: but there are hardships, hunger, fighting and poor discipline, and a constant threat in fear from the natives to be conquered, to be colonized in control of their freedom?

I like the eventual pageant meeting at the Royal Court with King James and the daughter of Chief Powhatan: 'Pocahontas!' -the girl, hypnotic to mesmerising beauty to Captain John Smith -and to the camera lens itself!

The beautiful filming and music drifts and lingers along in 172 mins of viewing time -and a piano concerto by Mozart ( no.23 ) is prominent throughout to enhance a sadness of a love story that I had not mentioned -but in a longing desire that the film seems intent to convey!

Directed by Terrence Malick Music by James Horner Cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki Starring Q'orianka Kilcher, Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale, August Schellenberg

I saw the film in the cinema at the Tavistock Wharf ( Devon ) on Thursday, 30th March 2006 ( I still have the box office ticket! ) : An afternoon viewing at 2.00pm that drifted into an early evening visit to the 'Tavistock Inn' -in a reflective mood to engage my imagination and enchantment -with my thoughts, not so very far removed from 'The New World' in beauty of this film!

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Amélie (2001)

"....And magic is the key: the fascination of wonderful surprise...."

[10/10 · 29 December 2021]

. Magic comes in all sorts of ways -and pleasantly unexpected sometimes - and in disguise, but it certainly comes in abundance in this remarkable film....

And magic is the key: the fascination of wonderful surprise...

Sometimes the film reminds me of 'The Double Life of Veronique' - with strange, visual focus and a combination of colours of red, green, and orange -and had drawn me to watch a film that I had not previously seen: namely, 'The Shape of Water:' And sometimes, the film reminds me of the genius and silent humour of Jacques Tati!

The film is strong in storytelling of first class observation: It is so unusual, like a sideways glance of life. Visually stunning -always with attention to detail: the spyglass, the mystery of neighbourhood: the loneliness of lost souls in a distant watch in a search to connect the invisible threads of life in a Zen like quality.

Expect the unexpected and be surprised in a magical film of beauty; an outstanding achievement -and funny too: the film connects in answer to all of its imaginary and mysteries ....

The Double Life of Véronique (1991)

The Double Life of Veronique - Krzysztof Kieslowski ( 1991 )

[10/10 · 2 December 2021]

....after I had seen this remarkable film, I expressed a thought to my companion to say that I think I may have unravelled the riddle of the story ....we were traveling on a tube train from a London cinema to a local pub to celebrate a friend's leaving party from work ....

Throughout the film, I was intrigued -spellbound by the inventiveness of the motion picture; inspired to the haunting music; puzzled by the mysterious link to the puppeteer....there were striking images to enlighten my imagination -oozing in my taste for an art house filming.

.....as I am writing, I am experiencing the deja vu feeling...I go back to my first thought after viewing the film: I recalled saying to my dear friend that if we picked-up on the story at middle ( -rather than at the beginning of the film, ) I would say that the tale of The Double Life of Veronique evolved here, from the puppeteer himself, who had written the very story in the first place!

The Double Life of Veronique intrigues me to this day as it did a long time ago after that I had seen the film: And I still have a collective thought of collage images -but does it all make sense now in my kaleidoscopic memory of beautiful colours: I truly don't know?

I have just telephoned my friend -the very lady who accompanied me to the cinema in the first place- we have reminisced in the magic and mystery of the film: 'Shall we meet again to see the film -on DVD- and who has a copy, me dear...'

'Krzysztof Kieslowski' writes, "people are linked to each other by invisible threads.... "they experience loneliness.... " -Krzysztof Kieslowski was the great film director and screen writer from Poland ( 1941 -1996 ).' I highly recommend if you like the sentiments that I took delight to express.... * Here is a quote from the film director, extended from my text above:

"At a meeting just outside Paris, a fifteen-year-old girl came up to me and said that she'd been to see 'The double life of Véronique'. She'd gone once, twice, three times and only wanted to say one thing really - that she has realized that there is such a thing as a soul. She hadn't known before, but now she knew that the soul did exist. There's something very beautiful in that. It was worth making 'Véronique' for that girl. It was worth working for a year, sacrificing all that money, energy, time, patience, torturing yourself, killing yourself, taking thousands of decisions, so that one young girl in Paris should realize that there is such a thing as a soul. It's worth it." -Krzysztof Kieslowski.

Oci ciornie (1987)

DARK EYES / OCI CIORNIE

[10/10 · 8 November 2021]

Dark Eyes can be expressed as a film that arises in greatness in the landscape of Russia -a story that never quite ends in thousands of miles of imagination to regain a love that was lost in a nostalgic desire of melancholy....

The film was directed by Nikita Mikhalkov, who has a wonderful talent to convey such a love story that sweeps across the beautiful houses of both Russia and Italy in a magnificent film image of travel.

This is a rare film of quality that might have otherwise felt dated by its period drama...but it is a story of love that will never grow out-of-date in changes to its shifting scenery: A love that is unmoveable like a mountain - only changing in nature and season of time - and a love that cannot be separated in an extended landscape of endless thought....

The film is not as stunning as 'The Barber of Siberia' in epic proportion, but is not unlike that film in its allurement of mystique of storytelling -of a lost love that draws itself into the past and present as though time itself were one of an imaginary thought of reality - only age will eventually capture love lost souls together in times end?

Macello Mastroianni is a wonderful actor and excels in his light and comical portray of the Italian whose life is easy going, and has the time and wealth to enjoy his leisure in the film's haunting theme of love....

'Dark Eyes' has world class status -with Nikita Mikhalkov as the master, film director, and Marcello Mastroianni as the exceptional actor: a combination that in itself is remarkable! It is a film of my personal choice.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

"The lighting is great and subtle...."

[7/10 · 24 October 2021]

The lighting is great and subtle, the photography is great -the light shades of colour are divine. We anticipate dark thoughts when we visit the Coen Brothers -unknown and familiar themes that enter along a corridor that runs on a threadbare thread that connects in a world of early morning travel.

In a gentle way, this is lovely film, and subtle with its comedy - with one strange act of violence that reappears as though the film is set in rotation? But there never seems an end or a conclusion from the road of travel to the arrival of another gig.

A ginger cat accompanies the songwriter, and I guess this has a meaning in a sublime of thought of creative freedom? The strange faces we see, bearing on an expressionless thought of life -black humour turns to grey -with light and pastel colours to gentle our ride.....

We are watching a film that is set in a musical key of C major that cries out to hear a sour minor key of musical chords..... We are looking at the artistic adventure paralleled with the freedom of the ginger cat along with the anxiety of the Songwriter..... The viewer though, becomes mildly tired on a journey of creative and artistic adventure of anticipation.

The film is great though, but flawed in identification: The anti film: like a 'rolling stone that gathers no moss'. We are never allowed to forget the hallmarks of a Coen film; strange though it may seem -are we missing a third Coen brother to make the film three dimensional?

Churchill (2017)

"The slightly hunched appearance of the iconic figure of Winston Churchill looms memorably...."

[9/10 · 23 September 2021]

The slightly hunched appearance of the iconic figure of Winston Churchill looms memorably on an English beach in scarred memory of the disastrous loss of life on the beaches of Gallipoli, in a battle of which Churchill blames himself for the heavy casualties as the then First Admiral in WWI:

Churchill relays his anguish as a foreboding warning that an ill conceded plan of allied attack on D-Day could replay itself on the beaches of Normandy in WW2:

The calmness of the sea and tide, and soft music with some vocals will set a classic tone in contrast to a moody and troubled Churchill in reflection on the English beach: This is how the film opens -and how refreshing and absorbing it is to watch a classy film like this unfold:

I immediately liked this portray of Churchill, with his affection for King George VI, and his immediate admiration for the men who will take up arms: Brian Cox stars and gives a charismatic -if slightly eccentric- but hugely likable portrayal - of a sensitive and vulnerable man, but with an explosive temper:

It is a breath of fresh air, far removed from traditional, heavy mimicry of punctuated, static and vocal diction: It is all there though -subtly of course, but what a fine piece of acting of masterclass to make the film become real and alive - that in another drama, with another actor, could over blow the diction and become dangerously distracting in the flow of a very fine film and story indeed!:

Leading up to D-Day, Winston will clash with the snappy, self elevated -the indignant charm- of Montgomery, and will rasp in despair with the brass necked Eisenhower: The quarrels and fallout of temperance are wonderfully humorous and entertaining, and will thread throughout the negotiations of planning the strategy of D-Day.

Clementine -his wife and dear friend is strongly at hand to give Churchill her moral and loyal support, but will not to be slow or afraid to chastise the great man when the time calls: There are beautiful moments of dismay and affection of human nature within the high drama -the film truly endears Churchill....

The script is electrifying -fantastic in fact....we have delightfully, light touches of humour -of observation that boarders on the likes of a Shakespearean Play.... Winnie being sidestepped in negotiations by Monty and Ike.

Overall, the film gives a very personalized portray of the man; challenging he is -domestically and authoritatively; and with Clementine, who is the force of help in reflection of charm and wisdom of encouragement to smooth over the flaws and mistakes.... Winston -he berates everybody, even his current secretary in angry frustration, but later triumphs in great kindness of personal service to this lady, whose husband is a midshipman in the D-Day landings.

The film amplifies Winston's great service and personal dedication and leadership in WW 2: I consider this film -side by side in distinction to 'The King's Speech' - such were the personal accounts and struggles of two very different men: both men who courageously succeeded in very testing times, who were very loyal and trusting to each other in friendship and affection.

The film will end with Winston on the English beach again in reflection of the beginning of the film, but in a very different tone and mood! A remarkable man: a remarkable film!

Mr. Turner (2014)

" The film appears as a colourful slideshow of moving images in picturesque details of striking and visual colours...."

[9/10 · 1 September 2021]

There is a cosy charm of domestic bliss in the Turner household -as comfortable as an old pair of boots. Under the watchful and darting eyes of a mousey and twitchy housekeeper, the old and senior Mr Turner, and the aging JMW Turner, tag along together -agreeably well, and enjoy 'morsels' of meat and discuss measurements of canvas.

The film appears as a colourful slideshow of moving images in picturesque details of striking and visual colour -and I loved the opening scene briefly set in the marshlands of Holland. JMW Turner is ideally played by Timothy Spall -gruff; stout: focused -he struts along and grunts his way to impose his authority.

Overall, the film has to be admired rather than be criticised: overly long, with repeated episodes of trips to Margate - but here we are rewarded with the seascape of orange sunsets with boats and ship: with a curious mix of fisherman, and locals with rich dialects.

The film could be described as a study of an aging JMW in domestic life. A slowly paced film with occasional meetings of fellow artists at the Royal Academy: and a fleeting scene with a moody John Constable. We get to see and study all sorts of characters....an impetuous and pretentious John Ruskin....the oddity of the housekeeper Hanna Danby....moments of intimacy with the landlady in Margate -and oddly again....strong encounters with his estranged family who visit JMW in London?

I think I get the picture: and will be happy to view again for its visual content and stunning details -with the accompanying sounds of violin as background music to the film score: The film itself has a calming, but a sleeping affect as though we are on holiday in extended time on a visual treat of art from a bygone age? Timothy Spall captivates the temperament of JMW Turner, and we are drawn in fascination to his character.

Mr. Holmes (2015)

"The film conveys a beautiful feeling of nostalgia, and is captured in the ghost of melancholy past...."

[9/10 · 1 September 2021]

The film conveys a beautiful feeling of nostalgia, and is captured in the ghost of melancholy past. The story could be a simple, country tale of beekeeping with Mr Holmes in retirement in 1947 -interesting in itself! But we are rewarded with a good story and fine acting performances throughout the film -and there is a delightful scene with Frances de la Tour as a dotty Madam Schirmer!

Ian Mckellen stars as Mr Holmes, and portrays his character with an authoritative and authentic touch. It is a profile of Sherlock Holmes who is now elderly and struggling with memory problems and domestic life issues. He is helped along with the domestic chores by his housekeeper, Mrs Munro, and her son Roger ( played by Milo Parker ) who are employed to his services.

Mr Holmes is now the beekeeper - studying the bees as a hobby in his pastime. Mr Holmes muddles in confusion with his ailing memory: there is an unresolved case troubling his mind, which was never solved agreeably when the great detective took retirement. It was the last case of his profession, and continues to bother him sadly.

The film is based upon the novel 'A Slight Trick of the Mind' by Mitch Cullin. The story is very finely crafted together to intrigue with poetic touches of Zen like philosophy of human nature -and here we have another link into a mystery that is set in Japan....the oriental change of scenery will boost the film with dynamics and alerts our probing mind?

Ian Mckellen has a wonderful talent to portray a wide range of emotions -touchingly: it is top draw acting. We see an almost genteel Mr Holmes, but his wit and observation are as sharp as the film portrays him to be in the past of his striking image of silhouette of top hat and coat tails: He was immaculately and distinctly dressed in this manner on detective business, and strode along importantly!

The past story begins to unfold through his present day friendship with the inquisitive young Roger -there are concurring images of the past when Mr Holmes picks up on a clue in his domestic age of retirement....his face glooms, but sharpens like a bloodhound on the trail of scent.....There is also the present day story to observe in a picturesque setting of the countryside of the retired detective's home....

This is a wonderful film directed by Bill Condon, with beautiful vision of cinematography by Tobias A. Schliessler, and a film score highly esteemed in musical adaption to enhance the film in greatness. This is a film to be recommended for its refinement and quality to detail: It is a film wonderfully cloaked in mystery!

Customer image.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

"....one of the very finest films from Woody Allen...."

[10/10 · 17 August 2021]

This is one of the very finest films from Woody Allen - the director must have been truly inspired by Paris from the bygone age with the great artists, philosophers, song writers, writers....it is ingenious and mysterious of how the story will flip back into the past and unravel a story with snippets of information.....

Owen Wilson stars, and by gum -he is well cast, along with a troupe of actors -admirably suitable and brilliantly portrayed in character to the illustrious famous.

I love this film set in Paris...a favourite of mine because one of my best friends was a French lady- 'Christiane Vouloir' ( -had she still been with us now ) -she would have adored this film? The lady herself had lived most of her life in Paris; her father George introduced Christiane to cafe society in 1946 at the tender age of 6 years....her father particularly asked her to remember Jean Cocteau: I think this is why I am so endeared to this film -the French way of life that conjured magic and freedom?

'Midnight in Paris' is a film very much full of fun and nostalgia - Owen Wilson's character is enchanted to the magic that will follow him....the present to the past is very surreal: The film itself is beautiful; present in portrayal of pictures, paintings - and thoughts - and writing, of course...the passion of life and love ...hope you enjoy the film -it is a merry carousel in the funfair of life?

Some critics may abhor this style of past reflection that is compressed into fun -without the reality of struggles to succeed in life....but after all, this is a film that is remarkable in magic -and should be dedicated to Parisian lovers.

Ha! I am happy to have deleted my original review, to have now revised in truthful inspiration of what I had originally found difficult to express in the first place?

Again, one of my favourite films.... I highly recommend!

Oranges and Sunshine (2010)

"....A very fine film -packed with emotion....in story telling in compassion of an investigation of enforced adoption...."

[8/10 · 17 August 2021]

A very fine film -packed with emotion: The subject matter is daunting and evocative to haunt the painful memory of the emigration of children from UK to Australia. A film very well crafted together in story telling in compassion in an investigation of enforced adoption and loss of what happened to the children and their UK families.

Jim Loach ( as director ) has a flair for conveying a tragic loss and upheaval of home life -without boarding upon casual sentiment.: An absorbing film that flows into a striking, cinematic vision of oneness - with attractive music that is softly beautiful: Jim Loach is gifted in visualizing the story to cinema: Oranges and Sunshine was not the promised land for the children, but one of pain, fear and abuse...

The Revenant (I) (2015)

"The filming may not appeal to those who are reluctant to watch a snowbound, wintry forest in slowness of motion...."

[8/10 · 22 July 2021]

The Revenant is a remarkable story in a film that crafts survival and adventure into a bleak season in North America. Leonardo DiCaprIo stars as the tough, frontiers man, Hugh Glass -and along with a group of fur trappers of beaver, the story will challenge the trappers with the terrible forces of wild nature and hostile Indians to pursue their trade in harshness of landscape.

After a ferocious attack by a grizzly bear, and left for dead by a treacherous member of the team, ( played by Tom Hardy, ) Hugh Glass will defy the forbidding odds to struggle to survive, and return home to take revenge .....the revenant is the man who comes back from the dead....

In many ways, the lengthy film prompts my thoughts to some very classy films - I keenly name them: 'The Black Robe' ; 'The New World' ( Colin Farrell ) ; The Russian film 'Andrei Rublev' ; Akira Kurosawa's 'Dreams' ; and the beautiful and visual revenge western 'One Eyed Jacks' with Marlon Brando:. Although, maybe not as outstanding ( in comparison ), the film is very close as an epic: of a cinematic journey of a masterclass of film making?

The filming may not appeal to those who are reluctant to watch a snowbound wintry forest in slowness of motion in its character of nature -exquisitely slow, in thoughts and in masochism- but I found it to be exciting in a harrowing, but brutal, true tale to reveal the heart and spirit of mankind in survival, and to search for that wonderful compassion that will arise in sanction of mercy.

The film was directed by Alejandro G. Inamitu ( Birdman ), and cinematic vision by Emmanuel Lubezki ....in blizzard white, I embrace winter's grace.....

The Machine (I) (2013)

"....well, actually, the good news is -it is a masterpiece!...."

[9/10 · 30 June 2021]

If this had been a Russian film -made 30 years earlier- it would have been hailed as a masterpiece: well, actually, the good news is -it is a masterpiece!

This is a highly intelligent and inventive movie -and scripted to a dialogue that will sharpen our wits. The theme is Artificial Intelligence; androids; and a simmering, but distant threat of war between China and the West: we have a script for a very fine film.

'The Machine' is a movie that takes us into a sinister and violent journey into the unknown, but is grounded in life surviving thoughts of mortality, leading to love and possibly compassion? It is very much a cult film belonging to British ownership, with an enjoyable sense of dark humour: A highly entertaining movie in a futuristic style of an early Russian masterpiece of film making?

The theme of the film will generate the horror of what is probably going to happen in anticipation of this story....and will ponder the question of the likely winners and losers of control....from war-torn and brain damaged soldiers -to the experiments liken to Frankenstein and The Borg.....the soldiers of misfortune will try to engage in conversation, and those who do, will only speak in despair: they are imprisoned and treated like lab rats?

The scientists, Vincent and Ava will have no fear of adventure and discovery, but they may have agendas of their own fancy -but Ava is different and a brilliant, new scientist -she could potentially be more dangerous than the principle chief - a character that is wonderfully played in confidence and polished style by Denis Lawson........Vincent and Ava are charismatically played by Toby Stephens and Caity Lotz respectively - they remind me of Mulder and Scully ( from the X Files ) ....buzzing and engaging....

Most of the action takes place in an underground building - the lightening is top draw affects, and keeps us gazed constantly at the screen: the music ( or incidental music ) is genius to keep you attentive to the action with a sinister mood of anticipation. Outstanding in my opinion: I very much like this movie, and will watch again!

The Lady in the Van (2015)

"....Sadly though, by the end of the film, I felt slightly heady and nauseated...".

[5/10 · 17 June 2021]

In my opinion, the theme of the film is not quite right, and feels unsettled in mood: I thought it promised to be a breath of fresh air of comic eccentricity, with a clash of wills -in some way it is, but I found the film be a routine of tiresome humour of tension between a playwright and an old lady who lived in a van outside the playwright's house.

Maggie Smith however, is wonderful as the actress in her portrayal of 'The Lady in the Van.' Perhaps the film could have won me over if it were entirely focused on the lady's character or life story ( -or even a monologue which would have been far more interesting than Alan Bennett's own monologues of himself, of which he greatly seems to be indulgent, and be fond of.... )

Instead, we seem to have a portrayal of Alan Bennett in importance of being.... Alan Bennett - and if that were not enough of his own presence in film image, we also have a screen image of two Alan Bennett's....one with the imagination of the playwright.....and the other in thought of the domestic Alan of the house -talking to themselves together: how annoying is that?

I would though, like to draw merit to the actual filming in the beautiful setting of the drama -there is a visual and wonderful nostalgic feeling to the time and place -and I like that, except that the style of the filming tends to be whimsical which clashes in contrast to the expense of poking fun of the eccentric lady's character. The incidental music score does not help - the melody skips along like a daft walk of mimicry fun.

I also don't 'buy' the blue plaque scene outside the playwright's house....rather than to bring honour and to add a memorial to the lady, it draws a fantasy of attention to the Play itself -by Alan Bennett.....as the real life playwright himself turns up on his bicycle to view the unveiling scene of the plaque; so does the camera withdraw backwards so that the cinema audience get to see the actual filming with cameras and microphones on the film set. This may be clever, but feels a bit crass and self-centered. The ending too, of the film feels as though the storyline has run out of steam of ideas of the 'comical' character that the film seems intent to make fun of, and then unfairly - masquerading her description as a cantankerous woman -as though everything was her fault in the first place.

The film gives unfair licence to allow us to indulge in the fun at her expense of the play and film's success -but forgetting that we have invaded her very own private and sad life.....

I also feel that the characters in the neighbourhood are sketchy and pedestrian as though there is no soul or depth of feeling in getting to know their own thoughts - at least the playwright could have extended his imagination in style of old England's Coronation Street? Sadly though, by the end of the film, I felt slightly heady and nauseated.

Colette (2013)

"It is a film of the story that needed to be seen....as one of many films that will reflect the horrors committed by the Nazis...."

[8/10 · 2 June 2021]

I feel apprehensive to review a film of the Holocaust that is harrowing to watch: How heartbreaking to see those who suffered -and died -and to hear the painful stories from those who survived: A patent reminder: The stain of inhumanity of the past, and for generations to come:

The film opens comfortably in a busy neighbourhood with the yellow cabs of New York in America in 1973: We observe a family engaged together, like a happy reunion - this is the film's basis to have the story of the past -retold: It is how the story will evolve, with two survivors meeting together.

This is a film with fleeting images of horror, that will prompt compassion - and anger: The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the true story of 'Colette,' by Arnot Lustig. It is a 'story of a couple who fall in love, but are housed in separate compounds of Auschwitz.' The film moves briskly along in storytelling; and in time, we may be drawn to read the book ourselves?

As nature is unforgiving in itself, I am disturbed by the unforgiving nature of mankind -the pecking order of control - of sadism - and horror of the Nazi regime that the film potently and singularly portrays -in a matter-of-fact way.

Sometimes, the film shows aerial views of the camp at night, with huts illuminated by search lights; and chimneys with smoke, and red fire and ash -airborne in the sky....we feel frightened; we feel alone; we want to be with our family and be safe.

It is a film of the story that is needed to be seen by the cinema audience as one of many films that will reflect the horrors committed by the Nazis. But how do we articulate and share into words, while the film will reverberate, and the book will unmask....

An answer is that the film conveys empathy of love, and courage to survive under an extreme harshness of total Nazi control from annihilation and starvation: But great sadness too, that will loom in ones' own destiny to live as a survivor from the horrors that cannot be forgotten.

Every moment is precious In a life that is treasured.

God Bless the time clock of life -least we should forget: The love that brought us to life!

Margin Call (2011)

"I highly recommend to watch.... the film's ending has all the hallmarks of an Eli Kazan movie, that is, that the ending has a new beginning?"

[10/10 · 24 May 2021]

Men in smart, dark suits act nervously in a hush as a procession of women enter the office: Redundancy is in hand, and we observe a clinical dispatch of 'bad news' packages handed-out by the women to selected employees.

The human stain of culling has started, and things are going to 'get ugly.' But there is a greater threat lurking in the background, and the secret of this will begin to unfold - from the office trading floor to the man at the top in the boardroom.

The message is clear -the stock market is about to crash. Traders get twitchy, and the cosy charm of personal wealth is lost in an exchange of crisp dialogue. We are about to learn a lesson in the language of profit and loss: The traders have overstretched themselves, and the promise of high returns won't be fed back to stimulate the market: The public has gone broke.

.......Behind the seemly world of polite manners, smart suits and cocktails, lies a seething energy of ruthlessness: The film is set in the world of trading -and a great story too, that enhances itself to the screen....

The film engages energy and invites the viewer to observe a private and exclusive world. But it is like an artificial world born out of science fiction, which will soon crack open to reality: The traders are reminded that they are only one step away from becoming broke themselves ......

The film has a subtle way to soft pedal emotions and politeness in a controlled manner - it is like a mafia shake-up without the blood.

There are lovely touches to the film - the music score ( by Nathan Larson ) vibrates along pleasantly in pulsation of beat - and there is a snippet of a Chopin prelude ( no.15 in D flat major ) that is cut short in play as Kevin Spacey awakes from slumber as we are about to indulge....and a trader recalled to office from a plush bar, still drinking from a lengthy bottle hidden in a brown, paper bag. I like the bright, glass windows that echo an image of the traders in reflection of duality in conflict of two worlds -one real, one artificial ( in sunlight and fluorescent )....

I loved the ending: masterfully and touchingly real - - - the directors first venture into feature film -remarkable, and well done J. C. Chandor! The acting is also rewarding on all levels, especially with the star graded choice of actors which includes Jeremy Irons - and more. ....The story loosely reminds me of ' The Machine Stops' ( by E. M. Forster ); 'We' ( by Yevgeny Zamyatin), and the film, 'The Swimmer' ( starring Burt Lancaster ).

Treat the film with a sense of black humour as it teases us to do so in return - and don't sell your soul to the night of the film, but do watch the film at night-time, -and catch it at this late hour, like a thief in the night to possess the office of night... a helicopter that hovers in darkness and lands with blazing lights on the rooftop -as the previous day of oppression simmers during the night, and so the night unfolds before .... "Light breaks where no sun shines" ( "quote": Dylan Thomas -poem ).

I highly recommend to watch.... the film's ending has all the hallmarks of an Eli Kazan movie, that is, that the ending has a new beginning?

West (2013)

"....A beautiful film indeed, along with lovely warm and cold tones of colours that alternatively reflect moments of liberation, and of fear...."

[9/10 · 13 May 2021]

An atmosphere of cold fear moves across the border of East Berlin as a mother and her child flee to West Germany in search of freedom: The present day film is set in 1978. ( -The film though, will open to a fleeting and touching reference to a happier scene with husband, wife and child -3 years earlier. )

In 1978, the process of Western citizenship will take 12 days of rubber stamping of authorization as the mother and her child are interned into a community camp for refuges.

From the unrestricted freedom of the Western camp, the mother attends interviews with the American immigration officers, while her child attends the community school. Two Immigration officers quiz the mother to establish why she chose to escape from East Germany - but all is not clear in her reasoning as we learn to discover that her husband may have died in an uncertain death?

This is a beautiful film that draws interest of storytelling in episodes - one with an Immigration Officer; another with a fellow interned refuge; and then of course - with her child, and then again with the daily life of the community camp - until her application has been completed.

A beautiful film indeed, along with lovely warm and cold tones of colours that alternatively reflect moments of liberation, and of fear: Paranoia will underline the tone of the film. The filming itself is remarkable and fresh; subtle, but in sharpness, sometimes in angled shots of street level in autumnal season.

I love this film to its attention to cinematic detail - the bright and low lighting - the tones of the colours - it is a great artistic achievement by film director, Christian Schwochow. The acting is not stilted, nor is it unnatural to the uneasy atmosphere of apprehension: It is as though freedom itself cannot be defined between the East and the West (- the West which seems to mirror the Soviet East?)

Again, an absorbing film, but with highly charged outbreaks of emotion from repressive souls: Only the mother will understand how to seek happiness in the true sense of freedom of liberation?

An outstanding film of which I highly recommend and enjoyed, and a terrific performance by Jordis Triebel -the film later reminded me of a classic film entitled,' Fear Eats The Soul.' The film ends with a very upbeat jazz score by Marion Black -entitled, 'Who Knows?' ( cert.15 )

Bright Days Ahead (2013)

A beautiful film....

[10/10 · 9 May 2021]

BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD ( LES BEAUX JOURS ) 2013

Fanny Ardant is the star in this lightweight comedy of infidelity and reawakened passion of sensuality: It is a love story from the French cinema that graces our non-Gallic screens in a refreshment of elegance by the French actress.

'Les Beaux Jours' is an activity club for the 'seniors', and Fanny Ardant -who plays 'Caroline' -attends free classes with gift vouchers given to her as a present from her two daughters after Caroline takes early retirement as a dentist.

Caroline's initial attendance at the club is not successful as she is apprehensive and feels estranged from enjoying the fun of the class-room activities: Her best friend died five months earlier -and her early retirement was an unsavoury issue due to a bad working relationship with a former colleague.

It is only later at home when her husband complains of computer problems that Caroline will return the next day to attend a computer class for guidance to resolve the home issue of an internet connection: And here, with the attraction of a hypersexual tutor -that a romance will inflame into passion.

Fanny Ardant will glide through the film with a graceful command of confidence as an actress: The new romance will excite into an oblivion sense of freedom from the constraints of marriage and daytime routines of home life -it is like a teenage love affair of attraction; except that the 60 year old Caroline, played by our French actress -oozes command with experience of aged wisdom in a carefree freshness of living in the present: The film will reflect this idea throughout - and there is a lovely and sustained filming at the seaside beach with her grandchildren flying a colourful kite that is directed and willed only by the charm of the sea wind.

Eventually, the story of the new romance will want to uproot itself with desire to return home to foundation: The outcome is pleasantly rewarding to invigorate a renewal of life interest itself: There is a lovely film score, with a buzz of romantic music to accord to the background melody. It was filmed at the seaside port of Dunkirk, which adds to the film's attraction. I recommend the film for light entertainment in reminiscence of a nagging feeling of youthful past: But I also highly recommend Fanny Ardant who is a charming actress of the French cinema! Also stars, Patrick Chesnais as her husband, and Laurent Lafitte as her lover: A beautiful film!

Camille Claudel 1915 (2013)

"....the beautiful Camille in self reflection of our time...."

[10/10 · 4 May 2021]

Time and patience: Endure: Slowly for Camille Claudel.

Suffering: Thought into compassion: The spirit enlightens the Soul:

Our soul - Deep in thought of ourselves: To seek a divine spirit:

In answer.

A divine spirit...

Time has no answer: Only art: In expression: In confinement: Of Time.

....The beauty of this film is the portray of Camille Claudel in character of emotion ( played by Juliette Binoche ).... The truth...so far removed from her brother; the wooden brother - of whom - in betrayal of compassion, of false light-hood and prayer of self delusion....in wickedness of sham - in a shameful ignorance under ecclesiastical parody....

A triumph of film making -truly inspired....the beautiful Camille in self reflection of our own time. Outstanding - a kaleidoscopic mix of zen and compassion -God Bless the lady of past times, in kindness and patience of a beautiful soul -and to remember her life.

The film was allowed to be filmed in a sanatorium with a non-professional actors, some of whom are interned themselves, in the beauty of their own spirits of divine light; in imagination in deep thought of life; Simplicity of spirit, kindness unbound in companionship of love. There are no flash backs to Claudel's life, but there are -her words, her personal thoughts in an anguish of a happier time in a free life that was stolen from the lady...I highly recommend. Directed by Bruno Dumont.

Dreams (1990)

"....a personal film by Akira Kurosawa...."

[10/10 · 2 May 2021]

Kurosawa's 'Dreams' is an exciting film to watch for film goers in anticipation of originality, in creativeness of imagination of an interesting film; a joy....there are eight episodes of individual stories from what we might call art house filming from the very famous film director....

Dreams is a personal film by Akira Kurosawa, with Steven Spielberg as co-producer -and in one episode, Martin Scorsese stars as Vincent Van Gogh: The music in this episode may sound familiar if you have ever seen Margin Call with Kevin Spacey -who awakens promptly from his slumber in his nightmarish crash of City banking ( Chopin: 'Prelude no.15 in D flat major' )

It is an intriguing film; kaleidoscopic, and a bit surreal. I would say that the central theme cultivates itself on Japanese tradition with introspection of balance into passion from the sudden end of Japan's involvement in WWII -with the painful destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But the film also carries a message of hope and salvation of rebirth to survive. Retrospectively; a warning of the near destruction of life on Earth: save for a return to nature with basic materials.

I have seen the film twice on its original release in a London cinema ( ....invited friends to watch on second viewing ) -and also much later on VHS video to share with a delightful friend, to enlighten and show how my inspiration was captured in a thought to express an idea of a deeper meaning to include in my own booklet -with ideas gathered in a notion from watching the first episode of the film: ( author: J. G. Pacific - 'Don't Push the Thought Before the Heart is Ready to Grow' )

Definitely one to watch, though I felt a like a lost soul after my very first viewing, but this may have been due to the sadness that the film conveys, but also to my young spirit of temperament and loneliness?

The film may indeed disappoint because it is very strange and conveys a feeling of isolation, and fragments into episodes: I especially liked the very first one, 'Sunshine Through the Rain' with the fox ceremony in the forest; the fifth one, 'Crows' with Vincent Van Gogh; and the very last one: 'Village of the Watermills' that ends the film with lingering music played with orchestral melancholy ( 'In The Village' by Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov ).

Memorable; haunting - eye catching to watch; passionate, and certainly filmed in Japanese custom.....but in reflection, we are all very much like each other: in nature, love and life itself : Zen -and how are you, my dear friend who sent me a message so recently?

Ps. There were only a few in the cinema that afternoon: we left the auditorium in silence: there was no applause, there was no personal contact. I paused for a minute in the foyer, and saw a girl in a pink top who read the magnified, film review that was posted on the billboard by the Observer newspaper: I puzzled myself too, but felt too polite to interrupt her quiet thoughts: I did not feel quite ready to hurry back home from Goodge Street, but I did have a tennis match booked early evening with Tibbs. Good manners prevented me not to turn up, and there was no mobile 'phone in those days to cancel.

I could not shift my solemn mood during the game of tennis at all. All I could think was that I wished I hadn't left the cinema so soon: the film that haunted me like a phantom in the daytime, only wishing to revisit later at night-time: And so I did the following week, with two friends in tow, and had arranged afterwards to have supper at a Chinese restaurant to refresh and put that ghost to rest....

The Count of Monte Cristo (1964– )

...."Haydee, asked the Count, " Why are you cold and formal with me...."

[10/10 · 26 April 2021]

..... Alan Badel excels and engages so well in character of The Count of Monte Cristo that we believe him to be the only actor who can rightfully portray the Count in this screen version from the BBC? I think we might agree....

....Although there may be some age-old doubts as to the BBC production of years ago, in my opinion this is finest version to date.... The words are spoken directly from the very book by Alexandre Dumas: Alan Badel is fluent in French, and therefore he naturally articulates in French pronunciation when the spoken word demands. He commands a performance that is both convincing and enigmatic in power of destiny of revenge - it is chilling and remarkable! The BBC had televised this outstanding production in black & white before colour transmission followed -and now we can reminisce or discover and judge for ourselves whether this is the best version which is available in DVD?

It was a long time ago that the BBC adaption was shown in a series on television....in 1964 only....and it is wonderful now to have a copy in DVD format! There have, of course, been several feature films - usually disappointing though, with romanticized melodrama and over simplification of the wonderful plots....though I did like the French version with Gerald Depardieu which runs for 360 minutes. Gerald Depardieu is colourful and flamboyant in character of the Count, and it is a lavish production...but this version could be a little annoying or confusing if you are expecting to follow the familiar plot details? In this version, for example, The Count has a French mistress in Paris, and the story romanticizes with a different ending to the original.

Although the BBC drama is 300 minutes in total running time on television, it is quite acceptable that there are many plot details missing in the adventure of this story....for example, there is an absence of Gaspard Canderousse who is to be reintroduced again, later in the story ( along with Benedetto/Andrea Cavalcanti in Paris. ) .... but having said that, though- full credit must be given to the BBC script writer who has kept to the quality of the original story in regard to the connections that enhanced a mystery in a charm to intrigue....and it is the very finest in British drama with acting performances to match the quality.

The BBC drama is not dated in my opinion, and indeed, the complete series has held me spellbound in mystique ever since I had watched it.....so happy to watch again, but a little sad as well, as to the revengeful manner of how the Count lived his life....

I highly recommend to watch the completed series in DVD, and to read the book -and hats-off to a gentleman reviewer who reads the book every year.... I personally love the book, but would recommend an edition with slightly larger print from the standard issue?

.

The Count of Monte Cristo (1998)

"....The Count has a French mistress in Paris, and the story romanticizes with..."

[10/10 · 26 April 2021]

In my opinion, the BBC production with Alan Badel is the best version to date, but I really do like this film with Gerald Depardieu...

It is stunning and flamboyant, and beautiful to watch: The film moves along briskly in storytelling in drama and interest: It is like opening a colourful picture book with dazzling images to arouse the imagination.

Gerald Depardieu is colourful and flamboyant in character of the Count, and it is a lavish production...but this version could be a little annoying or confusing if you are expecting to follow the familiar plot details? In this version, for example, The Count has a French mistress in Paris, and the story romanticizes with a different ending to the original.

The music too ( by Bruno Coulais ) is subtle, but is powerful to linger in a chilling memory of danger and uncertainty of revenge .

A lavish production indeed, worthy of wonderful praise -but rather than to express slight criticism, I do endorse this French version as I had great fun watching the film, which runs for 360 minutes! Incidentally, I will also post my review of the BBC production starring Alan Badel!

.

The Lobster (2015)

"....peel away the the first layer if you originally disliked...."

[8/10 · 17 April 2021]

This is an incredible, and original film....peel away the first layer if you originally disliked....and watch it again in freshness of a new spirit...and maybe everything will fall into place - hopefully you'll find a deeper and satisfactory answer to this dark tale - a story that you will touch and puzzle you with an understanding of weirdness of this strange film...

I disliked the film initially, and empathize with reviewers who feel the same..... I was not quite ready or in the mood to relish an extraordinary film....and so I watched it the next day....and sure enough, I have found wisdom and maturity in a venture of an answer..... I am not trying to be funny here, but I really do like the nature of this film on second viewing?

'The Lobster' is a film of very dark humour; the characters really do gel together in delicious contrast of entertainment of cinematic drama: It is certainly not a comedy though. In my opinion, the film profoundly offers an alternative vision of how -the futile seeds of shallow indifference -could develop into warfare of misconceived ideas.... An idea that will stranglehold the very thought of love: A love that really should have one meaning only; and that is a love to share in desire of purity. The film ingeniously questions 'love' in manipulation against the horrible thoughts of loneliness -it is thought provoking?

I believe now that the film is a classic - it reminds me of another film; namely, 'Life is a Bed of Roses,' and I feel this is a film of very high quality... I have looked forward to view future films from the director's chair of 'Yorgos Lanthimos,' but I have struggled to understand and like them? Extraordinary!

Patriots Day (2016)

"....I found myself shocked in emotional challenges to steady my feelings...."

[8/10 · 17 April 2021]

Patriots' Day in the USA may sadly be remembered internationally for the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013: In short reference, it is a national holiday in Massachusetts to commemorate the first battles near Boston of the American Revolution -and to celebrate and to uphold liberty: the highlight of the day is the marathon.

The film will follow the events before and after the shocking scenes of horror of the bombings: Initially focusing on a police sergeant -who personalizes the collected and dogged determination of the Boston Police Force: A determination in spirit of duty to share their responsibility to help the victims, and to seek capture of the two assailants. We also see a snapshot of the lives of several of the victims.

Although we are bated in forlorn knowledge, the bombings come as we least expect them to appear on the screen -unprepared by the viewer to witness: From there on, the film never losses its grip on emotional intensity.

The film spreads out strongly in reportage of the narrative and action: I found myself shocked in the emotional challenges to steady my feelings of hate and revulsion towards the assailants of their callous nature of murder; but of great compassion to the victims, with my unflinching admiration of the courage displayed by the police force and the public alike. I question my own sententious nature to say this is a film I recommend to watch, which has provoked me in the morality issue of choosing to watch the film in the first place. But it is an excellent film if I may say so, with shifts of mood, and with a powerful force of justice and humanitarianism: the message is clear to me -that we seek a united front in rightful liberty, and strength in unified love.

Mark Wahlberg is outstanding in portrayal of the police sergeant, as are his co-stars, which include, Kevin Bacon, and J. K. Simmons....the manhunt and capture of the two brother assailants is satisfyingly heady to the point of blood thirsty revenge...

The Walker (2007)

"Carter Page III has all the hallmarks of theatrical elegance of the late 19th century...."

[9/10 · 13 April 2021]

Carter Page III has the hallmarks of theatrical elegance of the late 19th century; his slow and southern drawl matches his refinement in dandy attire; the seasonal costume of his life style charms rich and bored wives of an affluent circle of women who leisurely play cards -and drink; bitch together in gossip with Carter Page: Carter Page III -unique as the gentleman and dandy of afternoon pleasure....

• I was beginning to tag along with this story, but then began to tire of his relaxed pleasure until Carter Page III stepped out of the plush building of afternoon desire, and drove off smoothly in his modern day, black limousine:

This was in Washington DC; present day- the grandeur of privilege momentarily fazed my attention of closeted ladies of play....and I really thought whether this were the same film that I had been watching that I had described in past two centuries? And yet, I do remember and acknowledge now that a modern, medical word was mentioned in the rich dialogue -that was very much the subject of vulgarity in the common use of language of the card playing ladies with the gentleman Carter of the day.....

I really thought that I was going to have a problem with Carter as the third heir -with his affectionate mannerisms - slowly and velvety drawn in casual and nonchalant approach.....but after a while, I didn't mind at all: I was actually drawn to his character: it felt refreshing in style of contrast to modern day conversation and behaviour?

The film itself was like a Phillip Marlow investigation with a semi-camp 'Marlow' in purple and white cotton knuckle dusters, showing off his presence and physique. But 'Carter' himself was a gentleman of refinement in elegant clothes: the brass, metal jewellery, and male masculinity of 'old leather boxing gloves' were out of date here.

'Marlow' or rather Carter Page III -embroiled himself in perjury to save the grace of a lady friend from the gossip machine of the American political market of which is seen through the dry eyes and dear ears of gay Carter Page and his circle of lady friends, who incidentally, are married or associated to the most powerful and influential politicians of the day.

Carter Page III is not without influence himself -or at least his generation of father and grandfather were certainly very much so remembered in that way..... Unfortunately he seems to be faulting to live up to his great name and reputation of his forefathers. His occupation is a 'walker- who walks with rich women from place to place!'

I liked this film - it intrigued me, and is worth watching again to follow the layout of players of who's who - there is a lot of name dropping here, but I've never had a good or retentive memory for this kind of stuff, and so I had to play again in sub-titles from the American accent of abstraction!

Woody Harrelson stars in the lead role, and fabulous he is, together with a super cast of supporting actors who are equal to the leading man....namely; Kristin Scott Thomas, Lauren Bacall, Ned Beatty, and a few more -which also includes Willem Dafoe!

The film leaves me feeling pretty good - and cool! Mr Carter Page III may initially think he has fallen from grace, but He is the stand up guy in great honour to himself....his forefathers shamefully in secret took advantage of their popular position to gain great financial profit without gallantry.....The film lingers in my mind of coolness and patience of longevity of righteousness of Mr Page - and I wish I could have been there myself to grace my influence with the affluent rich?

The film is as cool as the 'Sea Breeze' cocktail - that in character, Woody Harrelson ordered at the bar to drink with Lauren Bacall ( - who played Natalie.... the great actress herself who is best remembered in her debut film playing alongside Humphrey Bogart! ).....and there is more that I cannot say....

Hamlet (1964)

HAMLET - director - Grigori Kozintsev - starring - Innokenty Smoktunovsky ( 1964 )

[10/10 · 12 April 2021]

The Russian version of Hamlet is top of the draw for imagination in film making....it brings 'Hamlet' to real life, and I love the large, white subtitles from the very words spoken -and written by Shakespeare.

Filmed in black and white, the photography is fantastic. The film has been honoured with nine awards, and would still be worthy of academy acclaim if it were shot in silence alone: but we have a wonderful film score from the music of Dmitri Shostakovich: It is film acoustics of moving image?

I would highly recommend a cinematic viewing if a rare opportunity presented itself. I love the melancholic mood of Hamlet: the feigning of his madness; Hamlet's reflection of thoughts, with the sea, crashing down upon the rocks; the black flags dangling down from the castle; the visual treachery of King Claudius - the wickedness we see upon the King's face - his laughter: I will never forget the incredible and powerful scene of the ghost of Hamlet's Father - the tone of the story is set for a remarkable film.... .