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Best Picture Oscar Nominee's

With the Oscars looming near, I have recently been in awe of the selection of films for this year’s awards season. Unfortunately my limited leisure time has meant that I have not had the opportunity to visit the cinema to see a selection of the nominated films that I am sure are fantastic. The light-hearted features of Alexander Payne’s recent film, alongside the impeccable performance I do not doubt Bruce Dern gives has made Nebraska close to the top of my next to view list. Yet there is a clear contrast between this and other films nominated for the Oscars best picture award, take for instance the comparisons between each and every film in this category in relation to 12 Years A Slave.  

Cinematically, this piece of film has stood out for me even before its release as a potential nomination or even winner through a selection of categories, it is the type of film which awards seasons are known for acclaiming. By that I am referring to the historical and social elements of slavery that it explores, although this era has become very common under recent award winners, many films which are cinematically and emotionally insightful into particular areas of American history to me tend to be a shoe in for a nomination if not a win.

However, others in this category seem to be, in certain areas, much more blithesome than this. As well as the likes of Nebraska, Her seems to be the most joyous film in this category, following the love affair between man and his computers advanced operating system. This film is an exploration of love no matter on the circumstances, and although I am sure there are some difficulties the couple face during the film, the overall sense this film is striving towards is a happy medium. Therefore this is an obvious direct juxtaposition to 12 years a slave with an immediate tone of desperation and hurt.

Other Comedic films in this category include both American Hustle and Wolf Of Wall Street, both which include elements of real historical events yet on a more profound and audience based level. Although I have not seen 12 Years a Slave myself, from opinions from others I have heard, this film seems to have come across as being very difficult to watch. With violent scenes and no holding back on the realism of the situation, when shown to an audience potentially looking for a form of entertainment, this film might be hitting the wrong place. This can be laid against a comparison to these comedy films which from my experience were easy and enjoyable to watch. Seriousness does surround both of the films at a deeper level yet the interpretation of directors Scorsese and Russell meant that these films probably appealed to a much wider range of an audience. Although perhaps a little more profound than the meaningful 12 Years, I found that both of these films were still both cinematically intriguing with interesting use of camera shots, framing and composition. The most stand out element of both of these films however, was in fact David O Russell's original screenplay, and in my eyes is a stand out to tip the Oscars in this category.

Although the context surrounding low budget Oscar contender Dallas Buyers Club is very morbid and is something which defiantly has a strong backbone for a potentially indicative film. Even this film contained elements of comedic flare which I felt defiantly helped to break down the dramatic seriousness of the narrative. Dallas Buyers Club was defiantly to me an outstanding piece of film, I found it insightful, intriguing and in a way, passionate. However I have also become aware that my liking of this film could in fact be due to the impeccable casting of Matthew McConauhey and Jared Leto. There is no doubt in my mind that the film would have had a completely different impact on me (and I’m sure many others) if neither of these men had been cast. And for that reason, although it would be lovely to see a film of this budget and niche-ness to win the Oscar I think that the potential view that it was carried a lot by its actors could limit its chances. Although top them for the acting awards.

Many of the films I this category this year are very forward thinking in terms of technically and conceptually. As discussed, Her, follows a currently socially unacceptable storyline yet due to the advancement in technology it may not be the case for much longer. The first film tackling issues of this sort has defiantly from my point uncovered certain potentially disturbing issues that may become the case in the near future. Yet technically, there is no denying that throughout production and post production, Gravity has become the most advanced film of the past year. Pushing the boundaries of the potential of Hollywood cinema, it has defiantly received the recognition that it so deserved just for this factor itself. Not visiting the cinema to watch this in its most glorified form is something which I have been disappointed in myself for. The chance that Gravity will in fact pick up this Oscar for best picture, in my eyes will ultimately be whittled down to the judges, how well this film will compare to its competitors in an everyday setting rather than just as a cinematic advancement.

Stoker - Review

Recently I was introduced to Chan-Wook Park’s 2012 masterpiece, Stoker. When I began to watch I was completely unaware of what was to come as I did not have any knowledge of this film before it bgan playing. And needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Cinematically this film is beautiful, with conscience yet immaculate appreciation of framing and composition the overall style was something which I found compelling. The film is a mystery crime thriller surrounding the life of 18 year old India who is introduced to her previously inexistent uncle after her father dies. The pair are shown to have a connection, this is done through cinematic references through camera angles and framing of the pair together, however this connection is something a little out of the ordinary. India seems to become infatuated with her Uncle Charlie, yet there are elements which would leave the audience to believe it is the other way around. As the film progresses more is learned about the life Charlie had been leading up until his momentous reencounter with his niece, and it is something which I will not spoil for anyone as I will defiantly be proposing anyone interested to watch this film. 

Along with the beautiful cinematography comes a clever use of sound, shots and editing. The film is in fact quite morbid and never seems to pick up the tempo which would be expected from a regular mainstream film. Conventionally in films of this nature there are uses of particular lighting techniques such as low key and much more contrasting lighting creating darker effects. However within this film Park takes to a much more experimental approach. Linking back to the titles reference to Bram "Stokers" Dracula, each of India's senses are supposed to be enhanced. This is explored in the cinematic way of enhancing the visual and audio elements within the film. Instead of deepening the lighting and desaturating the colour like it would have been expected, throughout the film the colours are enhanced. Bright colours are used to make objects stand out, but overall everything is much brighter than it should be. In some ways this begins to create even more of an atmosphere than say, low key lighting would have done.
As someone who is very interesting in films which showcase unusual elements but still sticking to a narrative structure, Stoker was defiantly a film that I have fallen in love with. Beautiful cinematography never goes a miss throughout the whole film, and with key attention paid to each of its influential elements there is no doubt that you should watch this film!

TRACK

By yours truely, and the rest of the team :)

Cherrybomb - Review

“Two Guys. One Girl. Game On”

This very thought provoking tagline (please sense my sarcasm)seems to hint at more of a rom-com film, which may sort of be the case, however with this British independant film being set in modern day Belfast it strays a lot from today’s Hollywood multimillion dollar budgeted rom-coms. So much so, that IMDB is even listing it as a drama/thriller, and who can deny IMDB is a website counts for everything as a teenager interested in film.

The classic story of two best friends falling for the same girl is somewhat distorted in this gritty and urban thriller, as Rupert Grint and Robert Sheehan star as two 15 year old boys fighting for the attention of Michelle (Kimberly Nixon) through the means of rebellion. With attention from Michelle coming thick and fast to both of them when either of the boys act out, this underlying romance based story, takes a complete turnaround from the norm.

A weekend of drug and alcohol abuse, followed multiple fights and breaking the law is actually told in an interesting way. Directors Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’sa, both also of Good Vibrations, film this as a circular plot as told by Grints character Malarchy as he is telling prying police officers; and so, from the outset we all know its not going to turn out well for the three rebellious youths. I was interested in this film originally from the cast line up, and without the highlight of Rupert Grint, and his surprisingly not bad irish accent. This film probably wouldnt have been distributed as it was in fact the support of his fan base which helped find a distibution deal. It is more of a gritty role for Grint (fitting more so with the last name) than his more famous character Ronald Weasly in the Harry Potter films, and I do not think that the performance was a bad one. Neither was It by Robert Sheehan, although I refuse to believe they should be playing 15 year olds but I think that is beyond the point somewhat.

In terms of its cinematic qualities, some of the shots were in fact very interesting, and obviously well thought out. Unfortunatly, when lighting came into question I think 4 week shooting time frame seemed to take its toll; im not actually too sure what it was about the lighting that I didn’t like but I think I have come to the conclusion that it seemed much too bright and high key. In certain scenes, mostly those within any of the houses the lighting just threw me off any believablilty. But maybe that’s what was being aimed for and there was a deeper meaning behind it all that I missed. It is definalty a modern day and very urban film which I do think should attract the right audience through it’s stars and hopefully due to it’s ending will not actually ruin teenagers by making them beielve rebellion is the way to find love.

One thing I would love to mention that I am very happy about in this film, is that Kimbery Nixon playing sex bomb Michelle is a love interest who has a bit of curve to her. As a female who is by no means stick thin, it is nice to see the boys swooning over a more curvatious girl who still in fact looks super hot!

Edinburgh International Film Festival

I’ve not posted in a while, and to anyone who is actually reading, I apologise. But now I’m back I fancied sharing my recent trip to Edinburgh International Film Festival with you all, I travelled down for 4 days on a college trip and spent 2 full days in the marvellous and inspiring city. Which, as you can probably tell, I enjoyed. I also managed to fit in six films in three nights; when booking my tickets I tried to be experimental with the nationalities and genres of film that I chose to watch, and although I probably could have done a better job at diversifying, I feel that I made some pretty good choices. I’m just going to give a bit of a low down on some of the ones I watched, trying to give them a quick review. I saw quite a few films, so it will probably be a bit of a long post.

The first that I watched was Magic Magic, this was one of my favourite choices from the offset admittedly due to it’s star credential of Juno Temple; who I think may be one to look out for within more mainstream films in future years if given the right role and opportunity. It also stared Michael Cera, and like most of his films he was type casted as a more socially awkward and sex driven teenage boy. However, this film had its thriller vibes running through and even ended up giving me the creeps towards the end with a voodoo ceremony. The film contained both the English language as well as Spanish and in places was difficult to follow, due to the nature of the story. Which, I honestly would not be able to describe to you, without a long explanation of pretty much every scene. So lets just say, that Juno Temples character Alicia, is travelling in Chile with her friend and her native friends but begins to experience very odd and physiological events. That again, I would find difficult to explain. It was a weird film, one that you finish watching, turn to those around you and just say “What?!” and the ending did not help matters either. A lovely cliff-hanger for us to enjoy. As a whole, if you fancy having a lot to think about after a film, then this might be the one for you. But it was also, very slow paced so even though it didn’t even make it to the 100 minute mark, you’d be surprised what that time actually felt like! But Temple and Cera were brilliant, although their characters may have been a little off putting, they were played the correct and believable way you could only ask for.

The next film I went to see on the first night was Pluto, a South Korean film, focused around an elite private school and a murder which took place there. But it is not your typical “whodunit” movie, it is told from the point of view of Kim June in flashback form, Kim June is the believed killer by the police yet the story is told with him holding certain students from the school hostage to let out his side of the story. The deceased Yujin Taylor, was the top student in the school, and the film focuses on both his struggle to stay on top whilst others, including Kin June tried to take his place in order to find a better life for themselves at University. I think that the basis for the story was a good one, an interesting view on school “cliques” as well as a very severe and advanced one. Cliques which are so high and mighty, that they will do anything to stay at the top including murder. It was a film which I did thoroughly enjoy, and would most defiantly watch again. Even to people who are put off by foreign language film, GO AND SEE IT! You might enjoy it.

PEAKY BLINDERS! What can I say? I’m super excited about this one. They were screening the first two episodes of an upcoming BBC tv show due to be airing in the autumn. You heard about it here first guys, a must watch! Based in Birmingham just after the war, Peaky Blinders is in fact a local gang who are both dominant but reluctant in their ability to control everything. From the first two episodes, it can be grasped that the life for the lads of this gang is not going to be easy with both the law and rival gangs after them. What I can say for this one, is that as soon as it begins to air, I shall be getting the popcorn ready and setting it to series link so that I do not miss an episode. It also stars Cillian Murphy, If that entices anyone anymore. Before this screening, the director shared a few words with those in the cinema, I remember vividly him saying that he was excited for it to be shown at Edinburgh first in a cinema screening, as this is how he wanted his vision to be seen; rather than on a home television set. I was lucky enough to experience this, and I can fully agree that it was cinematically very good and as a TV show may not be done justice by the way it will now be seen. Just remember this if you do in fact decide to watch it later on in the year. Which you should!

The final film that I will share with you, was I think, my favourite of the ones I watched at the festival. “UWANTME2KILLHIM?” Although I am not a massive fan of the title, and the excessive use of text abbreviation (which I’ll get over, because when it was set, it was a big thing) I still enjoyed this film. Based on a true story of two teenage boys, Mark, (who we’ll call “Mr Gullible”) seems to be obsessed with internet chartrooms, and with the story set in 2003 with this new technology all the rage, who can blame him. I don’t want to say too much about this film, as if I remember correctly there was a plot twist which I do not want to give away. So in terms of story, I shall quote its description from the EIFF app “A suspenseful tale of adolescent obsessions and shifting identities” which I think is pretty much spot on. This is also what I will call a must watch, maybe not 5 star, but it’s a film which will begin to make you contemplate your use of the internet as well as question other peoples, one that you won’t want to miss.

Walk The Line - Review

Somehow I wonder how I hadn't previously watched Walk The Line before my boyfriend forced it upon me due to his interest in the subject of this musical biopic. Walk the Line follows the early life and career of country music star, Johnny Cash, showing his rise to fame, love affair with June Carter as well as the troubles he faced. Puerto Rican born Joaquin Phoenix, (also famous for his co-starring roll with Russell Crowe in Gladiator) plays the star, with Reese Witherspoon taking on the role of June Carter. Both play their parts exceptionally and well worthy of the Golden Globes won by the pair for this, as well as Witherspoon’s Oscar and BAFTA. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this film throughout, right from the off there was interesting plot and characters to interest the viewer straight away, I think that this is highly important for any bio-pic. Along with the famous life the subject needing to be interesting and worthy of its own 2 hour film, the childhood of the character must be intriguing in order for the movie to get off on a good foot and carry the film through. This is easily shown through similar musical biographic, Ray, with his interesting childhood and back story, the film is able to show extra elements to the character people could have been unaware of before they watched the film.

There are not many elements within the film that I can fault, even the actor's own singing; although not a patch on Cash's, Phoenix managed to show the passion and love Cash had for singing with the use of his own voice whilst not dragging the film down with it, this is also the case for Witherspoon. I was pleasantly surprised by the use of their own singing abilities, especially Witherspoon's due to my knowledge around her only really spanning from Legally Blonde to Four Christmases, neither of which are the most meaningful of performances. It begins to show her versatility and ability as an actress by branching out into this genre rather than the type cast rom-com girl that people usually refer to her as.

Admittedly, I am finding this one a little difficult to review as it was a few weeks ago when I actually watched this, and has just taken me so long to finally get round to reviewing it. But what I do have to say is that, it was a brilliantly put together film, interesting from start to finish and most defiantly worth a watch!