Stoker // Sydney Film Festival 2013

Stoker 

Directed by Park Chan-Wook

Starring Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Jacki Weaver and Matthew Goode

This review contains spoilers

Let's begin at the end. We see the result of everything that happens during the middle portion of the film which proves to be the least interesting part of the film. What is interesting is seeing how it all begins and how it all ends and where this could lead.

Les Miserables // The power of the spoken word

Tom Hooper's adaptation of Victor Hugo's tome and worldwide stage hit, Les Miserables, tries to say (or sing) so many things, piled on top of each another, that the resulting reaction from me was to cringe and look away. 

Taste of Cherry // The sweet taste of life

Abbas Kiarostami's film Taste of Cherry leaves us in a state of contemplation - not after the film's conclusion but during.

Melancholia // Inner apocalypse and preteniousness

Lars Von Trier's Melancholia is split into two parts titled with the names of the two protagonists, 'Justine' and 'Claire'. Justine is played by Kirsten Dunst, Claire by Charlotte Gainsbourg. Justine is depression, Claire is anxiety.

Film Talk // A ticket for one please

I just got back from seeing an incredible play called Midsummer and I went alone. 

Three Reasons // Tampopo

Directed by Juzo Itami
In this humorous paean to the joys of food, the main story is about trucker Goro who rides into town like a modern Shane to help Tampopo set up the perfect fast-food noodle restaurant. Woven into this main story are a number of smaller stories about the importance of food. (Synopsis from IMDB.com)

Three Reasons // Bicycle Thieves

Directed by Vittoria De Sica

Italian neorealism broke the rule that movies had to be filmed in studio lots. By taking the camera and shooting on location they capture on film the lives of ordinary people and their problems and joys. Motivated with their conscience instead of potential profits, the result is a beautiful, sometimes painful look at what it is to be human.

Whenever I watch the Bicycle Thieves there are two states of mind I naturally fall into. One focuses on the social aspect of the film (poverty, class divisions, etc.) while the other is more concerned with the endearing portrayal of a father and son relationship. These two share a bond and fondness with one another that is so authentic it makes potentially banal scenes - such as crossing the street or sharing meal - so enthralling.

The film is always thoughtful of class divisions and the disparate existence of the rich and poor. It may not be subtle sometimes but then again why should it be?

What are your reasons?

This is a repost from my previous blog, FILM MUSIC ART