Synecdoche, New York: the story of life (Charlie Kaufman style!)

A lost masterpiece.

Told through the eyes of Caden Cotard (a brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman), we learn of his tragedy. Life. Life is his tragedy thus it becomes his play. Re-creating life in a warehouse for his new play, after winning the MacArthur Genius Grant, Cotard enables us to see how life really is.

Boasting a stellar cast (look out for Keener and Williams in this too), this definitely takes dedication, and threatens on loosing the audience on first viewing (its difficult to totally immerse yourself in the 'oddisies' of Kaufman's script), but the result is more than worth the wait. Definitely weird, but 110% wonderful. This is a brilliant film, so underrated.

That's the thing. No awards, varied reviews, low rankings on imdb and rotten tomatoes. What is the world coming to!? That's the main reason for this post. Not to just rant about my opinion (though that's never stopped me before),  but to give this film its more than due credit. If this was mentioned in the same breath as 2001 or Raging Bull, I would not question it. A truly amazing film, that should be admired for decades to come.

Ebert compares Kaufman to auteur's like Bergman (see below) and after this, you can't help but agree. A true masterpiece, not to be missed.

the Seventh Seal (1957)

Just watched this tonight. Great classic by Ingmar Bergman. As confused as its director about the ideas of faith and religion.



The many contradictions (faith/atheism, light/dark, hope/despair, comedy/tragedy) and lack of answers merely add to the provoking questions the director is demanding from viewers. Not only that but Bergman utlises all resources of the medium (lighting, camera framing, setting etc.) so we can see the conflict in every way.

One contradiction I can't get my head around though is the idea that God does not exist (at least to the title character of the knight), but there is a still strong feeling of retribution to those who die of plague that embodies the film. I dunno. Nevertheless, this merely shows its brilliance (the fact I am asking this kinda question shows how thought provoking it is) rather than highlighting a flaw.

So yeh, bassically just wanted to say that this is a true masterpiece. And for god's sake (excuse the pun), watch it!!!

Best scene: the confession of the knights torment about loosing his faith. Lighting is stunning, the setting of an enclosed space with bars behind is brilliant, and von Sydow knails the monologue (which so clearly reflects the directors own thoughts). Utter, utter brilliance.

Watch it!!!



Director Ingmar Bergman: one of the major directors that defined cinema

Q's Back!: in the form of Ben Whishaw

Expect a full update on Skyfall (yes, i know! we'll talk about it later), but for now here's a quick update that's rather important.

After being left out of Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, everyone's favourite gadget expert is back! This time, however, Q is coming in a bit of a younger form, with Ben Whishaw up for playing the role.

I only know this guy as Sidney in Layer Cake, but tv lovers may know him better as Freddie Lyon in the Hour or maybe Ariel in the Tempest. He's also played numerous film roles (as well as that one in Layer Cake), including the lead in Jane Campion's Bright Star and supporting roles in I'm Not There and the International.



At 31, and still with that youthful face, we can expect a more down-with-all-the-tech kinda of Q, in contrast to the much older one seen before. Another revamp of a character then. How will it come off? It will not be until  October 26th 2012 that we will probably find out, but until than, as always, we can speculate.

He's younger which means a fresh take, sure, but necessarily a good one? I am not entirely convinced. Change for a younger age bracket may have something more got to do with money than artistic taste (if artistic taste is involved in any Bond film). But its not only me to decide, what are your thoughts? Glad that good-young Q is back? Liking the new image? Share your views below...

Man of Steel

Man of Steel. The new Superman reboot.

Much like the Dark Knight Rises, this is another important update on one of the big blockbusters coming up. This new Superman tail is not out until June 2013, but thought I'd get the excitement going early on this one. I mean it is Superman! We really should be getting excited

Despite the long wait,  there's still a lot to catch up on. We got the (only) official pic released so far of Henry Cavil as our new Superman, while also some unofficial, sneaky pics, for those who want to push the boundaries a bit. Included in these beauties is a closer look of our new Superman as well as first look of Russell Crowe as supes dad, Jor-El(!).

With the brains of Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, and the directing (talent?) of Zack Snyder, this will definately be a reboot more along the lines of Bond and, of course, Batman. Can it live up to its hype though? With the likes of Amy Adams (another one we love at the moment. See: the Fighter) as Lois Lane and Russell Crowe as father Jor-El, it definitely has some strong cast members to help it. It may need that help with Snyder directing though.

There was much, much anticapation of who was going to direct, with Nolan himself a rumour at one point, but when it came down to it Zack Snyder was to be the one that was given the reins to the reboot of the most beloved superhero. Not sure this was the best choice. It just doesn't create good impressions getting Snyder to oversee this kind of reboot. Isn't it like getting Michael Bay to do X-Men? An acclaimed director at least would give this revamp huge credibility, but Znyder's name on the front definately shouts commercial rather than credible.

Nevertheless, in Nolan we trust. Nolan has the idea I'm sure and Znyder's take will definately be very...different. Good or bad in the end, we will see.

Anyway, enough of me ranting. Take a look at the facts, figures and pics below and see how you think this new Supe is shaping up....

Director: Zack Snyder

Screenplay: David S. Goyer

Story: David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan

Cast: Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Michael Shannon ( General Zod), Russel Crowe (Jor-El), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White)

Official Pic:

Sets the mood for a more brooding, more action based Supes. First look at the new suit as well. This suit has had many incarnations (see below) but this looks like a good modern take. What differences can we see? Obviously there are the pants which have being abandoned for a Spider-ma-style blue continuity. Then we have the maroon red and darker blue to add to the mood. The extension of the cape is a nice addition too - adds to that epic feel. Good start then. Just enough homage to the original with nice modern touches. Impressed, and veeery excited!

Unofficial, on-set pics:



Got a bit more of a pouch there superman...



Cavill all buffed up.



The new 'Kent farm'.



Action sequence (one of many we're guessing). Note: no cape on Cavill in this one(?).



True to Snyder form, a bit of green screen. Not sure how this scene will fit in though....

Getting a sense of the action increase in these ones then. As only Snyder does there's the usual green screen but much of these shots show more on set stuff than Snyder's work in the past. Nolan's influence? Let's hope so, I mean no-one mixes action with character study better than our Nolan. And with this load of action, its definitely going to need the balance to make the film more than just another Snyder blockbuster.



Cavill, on a bike! First look at young Kent. Not sure how young he's suppose to be here, but he may need some tips from Benjamin Button for this transformation.



First look at Jor-El! What do you think? Reservations may begin to seek in at this point. Jor-El is looking more like an enemy from star trek than Superman's biological father in this one. Not to be too harsh, though....

The incarnations of Superman (if you wanted to compare Superman's, this is what the comparison website would toss-up):



How does the new Superman compare then? By the looks of these comparison photos Cavill and co. seem to be shaping our new Superman pritty well. Indeed, all in all, I don't think we could be more excited. Unless we were jumping up and swiveling in our seats screaming, but hey some of us may already be at that point. Hopefully there'll be a teaser before that becomes widespread, though. Here's for hoping....


Man of Steel is out June 2013, check out the Director's Cut for any future news.

Brave: Pixar's new one

Critical dip for Pixar with Cars 2 (though obviously a commercial smash hit) means something to make up again for the leading animation company. Thus, we have a more theme centred piece: women ridding of the barriers that prevent them from their rightful freedom. Good theme then, and the film looks to be back to Pixar's high standards too. Check out some more family fun below...

Brave Trailer

The Pirates!: from the creators of Wallace and Gromit/Chicken Run...

good fun for all the family. looks good.

The Pirates!: Band of Misfits - Trailer

Shame.

The new film from Steve McQueen has proved his artistic ability. Indeed, the subject of Shame (Fassbender plays a sex addict which is hinted as a product of his past) demands a strong artistic vision to make it credible. McQeen does not disappoint, delivering one of the best scenes of the year. Mulligan (acting as the sister) merely sings classic New York, New York in the well-to-do restaurant while the director focuses only on brother and sister. No words. Just song for 3 minutes. Heart wrenching.

His ability with framing shots can't be missed either. The lingering shots (Kubrick) and on the edge placement of characters (Michelangelo Antonioni), are reflective of some of the best filmmakers of cinema history. McQueen's directing is stunning and fluid.While his inspiration is great, the material couldn't quite live up to his technique. This is not to say the script was bad, but lacked the depth of McQueen's directing.

Have these little thoughts sparked your interest? Take a look at the new trailer below. This is provocative cinema at its best. Compelling stuff.

Shame Trailer 2



The three forces of nature behind shame (from left to right: Director, Steve McQueen; Lead Actor, Michael Fassbender; Supporting Actor, Casey Mulligan)

Soderberg: he's not doing U.N.C.L.E.

Since he couldn't nail down even Channing Tatum as the lead then it was a no go for Soderberg. We think he got off lightly. After George Clooney left the project it has being plagued since.

Here's hoping for a new project with a bit more meat in it than his recent one's....

WANTED:

Director for $60 million blockbuster to be shot this summer. Script waiting but no cast. Director needed urgently.

Think someone will pick this ad up? Don't think it will take long for a replacement to come in somehow....

the Oscars 2012: Update

Billy Crystal is hosting the Oscars! Yay!



Check out how he announced it on twitter:

"Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions. Looking forward to the show."

Brilliant choice.

the Oscars: 2012

Just a couple of months ago he got the job, now Brett Ratner is no longer directing the next Oscars. That has also meant a sad departure of Eddie Murphy. Since working together on Tower Heist recently, it was Rartner holding Murphy in to host. Now he's gone too the Oscar elite will now be looking for that new team to host the 2012 Oscars.

What did he do that was so bad?

"Rehearsals is for fags." Nice little blunder there to show what a pleasant person he is. This coupled with him telling the world about his sexual exploits with Linsey Lohan (accidently since he thought the radio has sound off, oops) meant he was always going to go.

Who will replace him? Will have to wait and find out...

Mirror Mirror Trailer: here's the competition...

We've seen Universal's new take, now its Relatively Media's turn to show us how it has reinvented the classic tale.



Quite a phenomenon this. Two films on the exact same subject, in the same year. Its this kind of phenomenon that brings to the fore front Hollywood's chinks in the armour.

Does this show the lack of imagination in Hollywood at the moment? Is it just about getting franchises that will bring in the bag load of cash?

There's little doubt about the latter, the former is a sad new development if true, though.

Anyway, take a look at the new new take on Snow White, and see which apple your going to take next year.

Mirror Mirror Trailer

PS there isn't a competition. Even the name of this one is lacking.

Soderberg: Update

I wasn't a fan of Contagion, but even this is a step down. At least a more obvious step down. While Contagion was attempting to have some serious credibility Soderberg's latest, Haywire, cannot be described as more than a Bourne-Taken-Knight-and-Day mix.

Trained assassin. check. Revenge. check. American blockbuster with 'trailer guy' voice over to prove it. check.



After the (justified) success of Traffic (critically and award-ly), I automatically assume Soderberg to be one the best directors working at the moment. Indeed, Out of Sight and Erin Brockovich help things too. But this new revenge film has giving me the most disappointing enlightenment, moment. He's not...that...good.

I know(!). I'm scared to say it too. But while he's done Traffic (and this is not to take away from that film, which remains phenomenal) and a couple of other less good, but still amazing films (maybe Solaris and the Informant as well...maybe), he's also done Ocean's Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen, Contagion and now this! Surely Ocean's Twelve is one of the worst films of the decade, while the others are flimsy at best.

He's up-coming ones have to be on top form then, if he is going to remain the credible director we all know and love. Unfortunately, that isn't looking too lightly.

Soderberg has too films in development - both with Channing Tatum (Step up, G.I. Joe, the Eagle) attached. So not a great start.

He has a reason to be hiring Tatum for one, though, since it is based on Tatum's own experience as a stripper. Magic Mike follows new male stripper Mike into his new career, as he is taken under the wings of other male strippers in the business for a bit longer. So yeh. Soderberg appears to want to reminis about Channing Tatum as a stripper. Intersting choice.

Next up is the new adaptation of 1960s t.v. show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. This follows that of a male duo (originally Robert Vaughn and David McCallum) fluttering abroad to fight international crime. After George Clooney and Bradley Cooper have dropped out from playing the part of Vaughn's Napoleon Solo, Tatum is now connected to this too.

The script for Haywire is done by  Lemm-the Score-Dobbs, and by the sounds of these plots, and the direction Soderberg's taken with his recent films, the script for these two will fair little better. And that's just by passing by why after Haywire, Soderberg wants to work with Tatum (as ok as he may be) on another two films. No disrespect to Tatum, but he's no Matt Damon.

Are we witnessing the fall of Soderberg? Maybe I'm exaggerating. Check out the trailer to his new film and post your comments below...

Haywire Trailer

Being Flynn

Not many good titles under this directors belt (About a Boy being his best, Little Fockers being his latest) but Paul Weitz has got a stellar cast for his new one. Robert De Niro looks especially good. Definitely nice to see him electrifying the screen again. Not a return to the old days, but at least he's spreading some more of his acting wings. Even a little bit of his magic is good to see nowadays (really don't know what the point of Fockers and Machete roles are!).

Either way, check the trailer out below and see what your thoughts are...

Being Flynn Trailer

PS wish they kept the original title of Nick Flynn's memoirs: Another Bullshit Night in Suck City. That would have being amazing!

Snow White and the Hunstman: ever wondered what a Kirsten Stewart Snow White would be like?

Speaking of Kirsten Stewart (below) reminded me of this nice new trailer. Why do i like this? Lets face it, its probably just because its got Kirsten Stewart in it. So if you fancy seeing what a Kirsten Stewart Snow White looks like check this out...

Snow White and the Huntsman trailer

On. the. Rooooaadd!

Yes, just read Jack Kerouac's stunning novel that defined a generation and set the next one off trecking across the US. Yes! Yes, man! Dean Moriarty, yes! So while I'm excited about this book I new I had to link it to films. And so I have, with the news that Walter Salles' next film entry is indeed a take on Kerouac's already classic road novel.

With the likes of the Motorcycle Diaries behind him, you can see why producer Francis Ford Coppola (yeh, thats right man! yes! yes!) wanted Salles at the helm. Indeed, if he puts his pacing to Motorcycle Diaries to good use, this adaptation good end up to be a cracka.



It has a lot to live up to, though. Kerouac's semi-autobiographical tale has influenced the likes of Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison, while defining the Beat Generation. Indeed, since it was published in 1957 it has being hailed as one of the best books of the 20th century. So no pressure.

The story itself follows that of writer Salvator 'Sal' Paradise, who takes to the road on numerous, spontaneous trips around America with the free-spirited maverick that is, Dean Moriarty.

Why has it taken over fifty years for such a classic to get to the big screen? It's being tried before but has being one of those films everyone has struggled to get off the ground. It's only when Coppola got the rights after Gus Van Sant (Milk, Good Will Hunting) failed, that things have started to get moving.

Luckily, though, those worries are behind us and the film is now well on its way (yes! yes!).

The film boasts a stunning cast including new(ish)comers Sam Riley and Garrett Hudland (another newcomer on fire at the moment - though not yet sure why. Will he be Kenda in Hollywoods new take on Akira?), as well as Kirsten Stewart (yes man! yes, I love her! You know that!? I love her! yes man!), Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensan and Amy Adams.

(Just take in how those last three names were used in passing for one film. Like Kirsten Stewart wasn't enough on her own.)

So, yeh. That's it. If you're not excited/don't understand what all the 'yes man's' are about, then go now, go now, and read it! Then you will more than understand.

It should be out 2012; so I think of Dean Moriarty...

the Dark Knight Rises! - with Christopher Nolan, thank god

With teasers coming out left right and centre for the most anticipated film of next year, no post for the past couple of months is inexcusable.  So to put that criticism to rest, here we have an update of everything Dark Knight Rises. Check it out and get up to date on Nolan's final in the Dark Knight Trilogy...

Director: Christopher Nolan

Screenplay: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan

Story: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer

Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson and Josh Pence

Plot: unknown. but includes Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle (i.e. Catwoman), and Tom Hardy as Bane. Liam Neeson will also feature as his previous character Ra's Al Ghul, while Josh Pence plays a younger version. Presumably a flash back then, but with Nolan at the helm it's anyone's guess.

Meanwhile, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on as a police officer on a special task force to hunt the bat, and the beautiful Marion Cotillard is apparently flying in as a new addition to Wayne's business. Where the romance will come from (which we will assume will be an element) we don;t know, though. NOTE: Nolan always wanted to finish the trilogy altogether, with no chance of sequels. With a new reboot for Batman (as DC plan an Avengers challenger in the form of....) this is more than likely. So, the key question in all of this intrigue is: how will Nolan finish the biggest trilogy since LOTR!? Will he be able to kill Batman off!? Or will it be something more subtle?...

Teaser Trailer: Didn't get anything much from this myself, but check out and see if you get the bat bug...

the Dark Knight Rises Teaser Trailer

Pictures: Last but not least, the officially released pics (theres tonnes out there, so I've narrowed it to the ones officially released)



Odd but ok...



First look at Bane. Again, not got much from this one (compare it to the hard hitting teaser pic of heath ledger's joker!). But yeh, ok...



This is where Nolan lost me. Yes, I'm afraid at this point my heart officially sunk. She looks terrible! What is with those goggles!? Whats the blue LED light at the corners? That's literally my first reaction. Not good considering Catwoman is driving Batmans bike!

So, that's the update. How do we feel after that? I want to go on with optimism but that dam picture above is plaguing me. While everything would be absolutely fine had I being blown away by/liked the other official teaser stuff, this has left me disillusioned. I am in turmoil. The characters, the trailer, the pics...nothings striking me this time around. It's made worse when you compare it to the Dark Knight. It teased us here and there with beautiful pics and trailers. I mean even the name of that one was a revolution. But this one... Nevertheless, we must not let a constant shroud cover the exciting prospect that is the Dark Knigth Rises. After all, Christopher Nolan is returning for the last in his Batman trilogy(!). As long as that fact is there, we have much cause for the much held excitement. In Nolan we trust then...I guess.

Coriolanus

Like the look of this one...






Coriolanus Trailer

Malick: he's pulling a Woody Allen!

After waiting twenty years for the Thine Red Line, then seven for the New World, you wouldn't be out of line to suggest that after his Tree of Life success, we cud be waiting at least half a decade if not a full one for his next outing. Fortunately (/unfortunately, depending on your thinking), Malick has stepped up his game. Apparently he doesn't do things in half either. So, instead of one film (on average) a decade, Malick has three films all at once. He's pulling a Woody Allen on us!

First up is his, as yet unnamed, romance pic staring Ben Affleck (another busy bee at the moment) and Rachel McAdams. Then we have two almost back to back.

Lawless will star the likes of Ryan Gosling (yaay!), Cate Blanchett, Haley Bennett, Rooney Mara (again! she should give Fincher a very big kiss, she is being boosted into stardom now!) and Christian Bale.

He's added a final one, Knight of Cups, into the mix too. Bale and Blanchett will return for this one(!). What does Knight of Cups mean? Anyone's guess. Saying that, Malick (in usual Malick style) is keeping all these new projects close to his chest.

Now while I was very(!) skeptical before about Malick's 'gift' post-the Thin Red Line disappointment, I have decided to hold fire on these ones. Indeed, one can expect the Tree of Life will show up in my stocking this Christmas (yes, I know!). This just proves that I've grown up. Gone are the days wherewe make pre-concieved ideas of films based on past disappointment. Hello, mature days where we critically analyse films only when I have seen them. Of course some films are deemed exceptions (the Land of Blood and Honey) but it doesn't apply to Malick, and I am still trying.

Either way, it'll be interesting to see what Malick has up his sleeves.

So while no dates are set yet, for better or worse, we can expect to see a lot of Malick in the next couple of years...

Jackie Brown and the lack of QT

That last post reminds me, saw QT's Jackie Brown lately. So poor! What happened? It's the same ingredients (long convos about nothing, small mafia deals, eccentric characters, outbursts of sex, outbursts gore, outbursts of the 'n' word), but with no flair! Compare Samuel Jackson's speech to Chris Tucker outside the flat, with the 'cheese burger' talk in Pulp. Even the kinda funny opening with the AK-47's on tv is way too self conscious for QT. Kill Bill has it's flaws (and I refuse to watch Death Proof), but at least that it is all still QT, through and through. I can respect that. But Jackie Brown just doesn't even feel like Tarantino. Nolan did it too (Insomnia), so maybe it's just something great filmmakers go through (god knows Spielberg and Scorsese are having a spell). But for the moment, you know that new Jackie Brown blu-ray there all pushing for you to get? Don't get it. Get Dogs, Pulp, Inglorious, or Kill Bill (vol.1!) instead. Unlike Jackie Brown, you won't regret it!

Rant over. Over and out.

Kerry Washington joins the Django cast

He was looking for a newcomer. For hours and hours he was looking at the tapes of auditions. In the end, QT has decided on the one he wanted in the first place. Kerry Washington. She was good in Ray and the Last King of Scotland, but not sure how much potential Washington has. Maybe less of a Uma Thurman casting and more of a Pam Grier casting then? That's not to say were not hopeful. This could be her breakout performance, and hey, why not!?



Washington will play the kidnapped wife of Jamie Foxx's (yes, there back together again) slave Django. So it'll be for Kerry Washington that Foxx will turn himself into a bounter hunter and track down DiCaprio's evil plantation owner.

This addition is just another lot of icing in what is becoming a very big cake. The stellar cast now contains an eye watering amount of stars including: Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel Jackson, Christopher Waltz, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kurt Russell as well as the pre-mentioned Foxx and Washington. Unlike Contagion, we're hoping all these stars are put to good use. It should be out Dec. 2012.

Moby Dick...in space

While this may seem like Hollywood butchering another classic novel, it is in fact a genuine idea from the director of Ratcatcher and We Need to Talk about Kevin. With this latter being a brilliantly handled, chilling, drama, the Scottish born Lynne Ramsay has proved herself one of the few female directors (how sad is that comment?) with the potential to pull this off. Thus instead of just dismissing the idea of 'Moby Dick in space', we are going to give her a chance to explain. So, here we go...

"This is really the first time I've spoken about it" says Ramsay. "Moby Dick is a fantastic novel, an American classic, and I'm working on something loosely based on that. It's science-fiction, so we're taking the premise into the galaxy, creating a whole new world, and a new alien. It's a very psychological piece, mainly taking place in the ship, a bit like Das Boot, so it's quite claustrophobic."

So there we have it. That's the pitch. What do you think? This is the second mention of a Moby Dick themed film. Both taking the book way out of context (Wanted's Timur Bekmambetov wanted a FX heavy, action-adventure, revenge film). While neither one is true to the novel though, there is a clear winner as far as the art of film goes. Indeed the concept seems more interesting from Ramsay's mouth. For the moment then our screams of anguish are replaced my murmurs of interest but we will have to wait and see whether she can really turn a literary classic, based in the ocean, into a film classic, based in "the galaxy". So what's your thoughts? Will it be a brilliant piece of psychological art, or a butchering of a classic novel? Both? Can you make a classic film that destroys a classic novel? Is one person's artist another's butcher? Let the lines blur....

Angelina Jolie...the filmmaker?

Wow didn't see this coming. She's at the top of her acting career and is already setting up a new one. Writing and Directing this film about the Balkan War is no mean feet. She's definitely testing herself.



Unfortunately by the look of this trailer, it isn't coming off too well. For me, probably one of the worst trailers of the year. But, this could be a gross misjudgment on my part, and maybe this wanna-be, deep meaningful drama will actually be a deep, meaningful drama.

Now I may be mocking too much, so feast your eyes on the new (fairly long) trailer below and give your thoughts on Jolie's new career move....


the Land of Blood and Honey: Official Trailer

the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: Update

Could it be his Chinatown? Maybe that's getting a bit overexcited. We can be excused though, since we've just learnt that Fincher wants a three-hr(!) cut of Dragon Tattoo! Whether he gets it is another matter (the big Sony execs decide), but this at least proves that this is more than just a simple blockbuster for the director (unlike Panic Room). Indeed, this is shaping up to be a worthy cinematic entry from the top-of-his-game, should-have-got-the-Oscar-last-year, director.

We'll have to wait till boxing day to find out whether our excitement has been justified, but until then we've got the new poster below to scrutinize and tease apart. Not as controversial as the last entry, but take a look and see if the Swedish proverb and the fading, over-lap images do it for you....

Shame (continued)

Sorry but even the poster is gorgeous...

Shame

Provocative. Uncomfortably provocative. And absolutely compelling....


Shame - Official Trailer

I hope this is as good as it looks. If it is it could be something very special. This kind of ambition is surely what film making should be about...

Jospeh Gordon-Levitt: Congrats!

Gordon-Levitt has taken off. After the success of 500 days of Summer and Inception, the young wonder has nailed a part in Spielberg's Lincoln, as well as Nolan's new Batman (the event of the summer!), and is now in talks for Tarantino's Django Unchained on top of everything!

That sound is the jealous groans of young actors everywhere.

He's basically ticking of the best directors working at the moment. Up next?? Scorsese? Mann? Fincher? We could be waiting a while to find out with his pact schedule...

 

Meloncholia

A truly amazing picture. Pitty it has been overshadowed by the idiocy (or should it be odyssey) of Von Trier. Nonetheless,  one of the best films of the year.

Contagion: Hollywood does a flu advert

Soderbergh's Traffic was an example film in how to handle an ensemble cast. Contagion is unfortunately not. Marion Catillard disappears while none of the others have enough screen time anyway to make a connection. Not that they necessarily would if they did.

The character's stories are stereotypes (look at Kate Winslet's 'hard working scientist' who has to cope with the no good, evil, admin women), while the script lags any momentum. Not even Soderberg can give the story of an unknown 'flu' killing people across the world, real credibility. The lectures about how many times we touch our face, the long lingering look at people who sneeze (uh oh!), and the slow steady wiping of a glass with someone's hand. It's all silly.


Take away the voice over and add a $60 million budget to a flu NHS advert. That's Contagion.


The over emphasis on these incorruptible, hard working officials does not ring true either; of course the drugs companies are going to be pulling the strings and milking it, and yes, some of these noble price winner scientists might help them a bit sometimes. Its true. At best, the idea of these officials getting all the stick and not deserving it, is not a relevant theme in a society over loaded with, yes, corrupt officials!

So want a sneak peak of Soderbergh's latest starring tonnes of unnecessary stars including Matt Damon, Gwyenth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Lawrence Fishburne and Marion Catillard? Check out this NHS advert on mute below...

NHS flu advert i.e. Contagion trailer

J.Edgar Poster and Trailer (for those interested)

New J. Edgar Poster. Eastwood and DiCaprio unite. Not keen on the look of this one myself but there's a trailer below for those wishing to be converted...

J.Edgar Trailer

recent trailers of Dragon Tattoo haven't being nearly as good. Still very excited though...

Lars Von Trier: He'll never speak again

Weird. Check this one out.

Lars Von Trier Statment (obviously not spoken):

"Today at 2pm I was questioned by the Police of North Zealand in connection with charges made by the prosecution of Grasse in France from August 2011 regarding a possible violation of prohibition in French law against justification of war crimes."

"The investigation covers comments made during the press conference in Cannes in May 2011. Due to these serious accusations I have realized that I do not possess the skills to express myself unequivocally and I have therefore decided from this day forth to refrain from all public statements and interviews."

Lars von Trier

Avedøre, 5. October 2011

Can't decide whether this is a good thing (he was stupid for saying he sympathized with Hitler whether he was joking or not!) or not. Either way I don't think this one will last. He'll be back to make more mazuma, i'll gurantee it. I can see it now: "Von Trier speaks out after ... years of Silence". Thoughts?

Young Adult Trailer: Jason Reitman + Diablo Cody (on form) + Charrlize Theron (on form) = Kinda Excited

Jason Reitman did some stunning work on Up in the Air. Not sure he can top it, but with another sharp script from Diablo Cody and Charlize Theron on amazing form, this should be decent stuff, worth keeping an eye on.

The trailer will increase your excitement. Check it out below.

Out Feb 10 2012

Young Adult Trailer

Get Your Drive On...

Go and see it. For every reason, go! You've got the romance. You've got the cars. You've got the explosive violence. You've even got the movie stuff that made Sundance give it a standing ovation: the great performances; the amazing director (breaking into Hollywood), blahblahblah.

Just go. Com'on!

The city landscapes haven't looked so good since Michael Mann's Collateral and Heat! The romance hasn't being so touching and intimate since...god I don't know! Yeah, it is sad when Carey Mulligan leaves for the last act or two - sidelined (again similar to 'the Mann') for male characters. And yes, it would benefit from that feeling of (small hint of a SPOILER!) impeding doom, that engulfs the likes of other crime saga's like Carlito's Way. But that's still not a good enough excuse.

Gosling and Mulligan (well done on the faultless american accent by the way!) are electric. So gooooooooooooooooo! Now.

Please....

Ubik and Neuromancer on There Way: New Classics to Sweep Hollywood???

It's unusual that you can boast of truly orginal film concepts heading to cinema, but with adaptation's of Philip K. Dick's Ubick and William Gibson's Neuromancer, we could be in for a very special treat.

The fact that Ubick has being picked up by, no other, than Eternal Sunshine's Michel Gondry, while the script for Neuromancer has being citied as "one of the best adaptation's he's ever read" by the author of the book himself (the one, usually, nutoriously hard to impress!), our theory of 'amazing-new-orginal-films-you-just-must-get-excited-about', has some credibility.

Each has it's own reasons for making us jump up and screech loud noises in anticipation. Neroumancer offers us a book that defined the cyberpunk genre, with noir-esque plots surrounding hackers, a.i., post-human modification, drugs, and sinister corporations. Ubick, meanwhile, treads on similar potentially-classic-sci-fi lines. In this case though we are focused on the team of men  who age rapidly while the world of corporate spies and the like around them goes backwards. Nothing if not original.

Either way, two very interesting concepts, and considering they are both staying away from the studios these are definately a couple of films to keep an eye on. Gondry's script (who is  surely the only person who could write about time running backwards while people age quickly and make it fit) is due very soon. Exciting times!

Watch this space.

the Lion King: Refind Your Childhood!

After plonking myself in front of the tv to watch the Lion King (my best friend was determined to watch it for his birthday!), I now realise the joy of my entire childhood.

With themes such as rivalry and grief, it's weird to think I could find my childhood in a film thick with adult themes. But I did! Because, despite tackling fairly adult themes, the Lion King still remains a children’s animation. Indeed, this is one of Disney’s finest children adventures.

With classic music (tell me hakuna matada doesn't make you want to jump up with happiness?) and heart warming character's (take a bow wise, old Rafiki.), the film oozes its classic status.

While it’s easy to forget some of these charming features which make the film so amazing, watching again can revitalised that inner feeling of joy you get as a child (as well as reminding me just how great Disney can be!).

So, while this may seem like a promotion to go and buy the amazing 2 disc special addition of the Lion King which is available from any good dvd retailers now(!), instead this is a blog to invite all readers to go and refind their childhood. It doesn't have to be with the Lion King (although I do suggest it should be!), it can be any of Disney's (or Pixar's, if you've moved on to the modern age of animation) classics. 

Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Bambi, Cinderalla, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, Pinnocchio...you choose. Any takers?!

PS happy birthday p! thanks for getting me to watch this beauty again

Fincher's Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: the Trailer is Leaked!

Wow. If only it was the original instead of a remake. It feels like a new cult film. Perfect heroin for a cult film as well. I've never thought I'd feel so good about a 'feel bad film'. Especially a 'feel bad film of christmas' (that's the icing on the cake for this trailer, or is it 'she's coming'. Definitely one of the two).

Anyway, check out this trailer. It's a brilliant soundtrack, made amazing by the fast paced (and just pure genius) editing. A first class trailer. Very excited now.

Check out the new trailer below and share your thoughts...

New Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Red Band Trailer




PS Fincher I am sorry I questioned you (I was unsure about such a corporate-driven remake). You're a legend.

Andrew Dominik and Brad Pitt Together Again

One of the rarest gems in the world is a Jadeite. Bet you didn't know that, did ya? Well, the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a similar gem. Very rare. Very unusual. And absolutely beautiful. The only major difference in this kinda weird analogy is that if Jadeite was a film it would be widely acclaimed and given tonnes of awards. Obviously, Jesse James wasn't given the privilege of such a reception. Despite this quite masterpiece (which managed to reinvent the recently stale western genre) going unrecognised by the Hollywood elite, we still have another collaboration on the way from the director-(mega) star duo that brought us Assassination.

Thus, we get a brand new pic from Andrew Dominik’s, Cogan's Trade. While no release date as yet (though expect to see this beginning of 2012), the film still sees Pitt's Plan B company supporting the film, as he did with Assassination, while he (as the picture below shows) also takes the lead role. In this lead role, Pitt plays the enforcer, Jackie Cogan, who hunts down the group of junkies that knocked off a mob-protected poker game, and made some bad people very unhappy. 

Needless to say, with Dominik behind the camera again and a host of acting talent including Ray Liotta, Bella Heathcote, Garret Dillahunt, James Gandolfini as well as Pitt himself, wesa is very excited about this one. Yes, the fact that the release date could be in January (Oscar time!) gives us an indication that the quality will be high, just to look at their last work can tell us that this will be exciting stuff.

As for the image leak. Little is given away in terms of plot details or how this one is going to play out, but nevertheless it still manages to get our excitement-glands moving. Why has it captured our imagination when there is very little to be seen, I hear you ask? Lacking in substance, it is the mood that captures the heart. The dim car park light, against the dull, dark night. The rough leather jacket, and the harsh, long shot gun. Long, slicked back hair and the rugged, dark beard. The atmosphere captivates us. Indeed, while simple, it is a clever first image leak. 

But what do you think? Are we looking too deep into it? Are we just getting carried away? Check out the image and post your thoughts about Dominik’s next latest below...

Drive: New Clip from Ryan Gosling's Latest

Like his recent endeavour (the amazing Blue Valentine), Ryan Gosling is underrated. While Total Film magazine would have given him the best actor Oscar this year, the academy award panel of mysterious old, wise wizards of the film industry didn't even want him nominated(!). Unusually, the movie execs cannot be accused of the same blunder, as they have scrambled - for some years now- to break Gosling into the big time (with the likes of both Captain America and Hawkeye being offered to him!). But, unfortunately (for them), to no avail.

Hence, we get a new clip from his latest small-time-indie film, Drive. It follows the story of a stunt driver (Gosling) who earns extra cash by being a wheelman to the odd shady character or two. This is until he finds a contract on his head when one hit goes a bit wrong. Needless to say, this looks like a keeper.

While Gosling appears to play the part with his usual subtly, though, it is the influence of (slightly-inconsistent) director, Nicholas Winding that makes us film geeks particularly excited about this low key collaboration.

While making his name known by Bronson, and dividing people with Valhalla Rising, this new clip could show the director hitting material. Introducing us to the getaway, the indications from this clip are clear. Lingering shots and the pulsing score. Beautiful lights, in those downtrodden city's. Slow build up of that subtle tension. While substance of the film will have to wait for the actual release, this clip at least proves a technical ability reminiscent of the legendary, and unforgettable Michael Mann. Adding the abilities of Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston and Christina Hendricks into the mix and we could have an overlooked golden egg of a film on our hands.

So, while everyone knows about the likely greatness of Fincher's Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it is only us, the true film geeks, who will know of Winding's new break through and Gosling's new triumph (before it's all even happened!).

But don't take my word for it. Is this Winding's breakthrough into the full on big time? Check out the clip below and give us your thoughts on Gosling's and Winding's new collaborative outing...

Drive Preview from Cannes

Hanna: Bourne meets the Bride

Just went to see Joe Wright's Hollywood blockbuster, Hanna. I'm not going to review it or anything but just wanted to share the fact I'd give it 4 out of 5, and it was a surprisingly good film that took a simple concept and by running with it made it an above-average, action-thriller-coming-of-age movie. While the film dipped in the third act (though loving a Quentin Tarantino style end line), it has proved director Joe Wright to have vibrancy in his direction that was not even shown in the amazing Atonement.  More than this, the great new film proves Saoirse Ronan (absolutely fantastic in this!) and Wright, to be the future forces that will take Hollywood by storm in the years to come.

PS Oh and I also saw Thor (i.e. the one where Kenneth Branagh sold out to the Marvel movie executives, and Chris Hemsworth becomes a star). It's crap.

Batman Reboot Planned...again!

In light of the ever increasing cast for Marvel's new Avengers movie (now including Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Samuel L. Jackson, and no doubt a host of other massive movie stars I just...left out), Warner Bros. has announced a reboot of the Batman franchise after Chris Nolan's latest, the Dark Knight Rises. Yes people, in the hope of getting DC's Justice League finally under way (after a sea of trouble last time), the big bosses in charge have decided, in all their wisdom, to reboot Batman ready for the new franchise.

What does this mean for Batman? Well if the Justice League is to hit the deadline set by Jeff Robinov (big boss no.1), of 2013, a more comic-style Batman is to be created in the next couple of years. So gone is the realistic, down-to-earth batman, and in comes the new, slightly more camp batman, ready for new adventures with his more power driven co.

While it may seem like all is lost, though, there is a glimmer of light at the end of that pitch black, gloomy tunnel, as big boss no.1 is quoted as saying: "Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas will be producing it, so it will be a conversation with them about what the next phase is." So there you have it! While faces have sunk at the idea of loosing the realism of the (already legendary) Dark Knight, there is a gleaming bit of hope in the fact that Christopher Nolan and wife/producing partner Emma Thomas will still hold some of the reins from the latest series, even if Nolan isn't directing.

So all is not lost oh loyal Nolan-Batman fans. With the brains behind the latest Batman also behind this new Batman, we can stay somewhat positive at the appalling, catastrophically terrible piece of news that is the fact that Batman is to be rebooted...again.

'the Tree of Life' Wins the Palme D'Or in Cannes

the Tree of Life. The line between love and hate is never so close as when considering Terrance Malik's directorial films. For me, I have to admit I am on the latter side of the line. But this has not prevented Cannes offering it's highest accolade to the controversial Malik.

We cannot say this is a surprise. On the contrary, the Tree of Life is an expected winner. With the likes of the legendary De Niro and the gorgeous Uma Thurman judging on this years panel for Cannes, Malik's arty-Hollywood film is a perfect choice for the lead prize, acting as a nice addition to Malik's mantle of film festival wins. While unsurprising though, was it worthy?

Through his films to date, Malik has maintained a preacher-esque atmosphere to his films. Indeed, with a degree in philosophy from some of the best uni's in America, it is unsurprising as a director he wishes to share his vision of war (The Thin Red Line) or life (this new winner), from a philosophical standpoint. However, in an industry of motion pictures, Malik's ideas should, surely, be reflected more through motion and less through the preaching voice-over's he continually adopts. This lack of subtly can overwhelm some who question why such a director who lays his message on so thick, should be deemed a "genius" (the New York Times).

Indeed, "genius" puts Mailk on the same level as Kubrick and Coppola. Thus, we see events like that in Cannes, when Malik's winner was booed in it's first screening(!), as critics try to tip the balance back to from "genius" to "average". After all, does the Thin Red Line come even close to matching Apocalypse Now's true genius of war? Does the Tree of Life some up modern life better than Kubrick's 'way-ahead-of-it's-time' 2001?

Then again, maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just not appreciating the genius of an artist. I really don't know. Malik the genius or Malik the preacher? Cast your thoughts below. You decide... 

WELCOME TO THE MOVIES!

A big hello to all you loyal film fan's, on the first post from 'the Director's Cut'. Stay with me for commentary on all the new films and all the film news updates. Together we will piece together all the films coming our way, while judging all the old ones.