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d.tolfree
Reviews
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
A thrilling fast moving film true to the book
I went to see this film after reading the book and intend to write an objective comment based on the film, uninfluenced by other comments, reviews and the publicity hype that has surrounded it. This is the first film that I have ever seen that did not significantly change or distort the storyline in the book. Dan Brown must be pleased with the way it was adapted into a film - not an easy task. Maybe the religious implications it raised made it necessary not to leave out contentious issues. Whatever the reasons it was well produced, directed and acted. I thought that the best performances were from Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Paul Bettany while Tom Hanks, although cast in the main role, was in this film, out-casted by the others. He is an undoubted brilliant actor but this was, in my view, not an ideal role for him. This film is adapted from a work of fiction and must be seen as such but it does give food for thought about the many ways religious history can be interpreted. Before the age of enlightenment when people believed what they were told as they had no way of knowing or separating truth from myth, the Christian Church in common with other religions often sought to deceive to retain power. A point made in the film. Myth, mysteries, stories that are handed down through the generations provide fertile ground for writers who wish to seek out the real truth or just stimulate the imagination through fiction. Now people can investigate almost everything themselves so writers who want to succeed has to do their research carefully, unlike the the scribes of ancient times who could write anything they wished if it brought them fame or fortune. Dan Brown clearly did his research and using his imagination able to write a plausible story which is probably why the film writers did not need to make any significant changes. The content may be against what was written in the bible which underpins the Christian faith but whatever belief one has there is no way to conclusively prove that Jesus did not in his early life as a man marry a woman and have children. It does not really matter whether this is fact or fiction since it does not alter the message in the gospels that led to the birth of the Christian Church. Surely Christianity is strong enough not to be worried by a work of fiction. Therefore it is difficult to see why the Catholic Church was so angered by the film. It knows like all Churches it has both good and bad people within it. The closing scenes of the film summed it up when the character Robert Langton said to Sophie that the only thing that really mattered was what she really believed. Surely this is the point for everyone. If such a story or film can change a person's fundamental belief then the foundation of that belief is on very soft ground.
I saw the film today at a cinema that was nearly full even at an afternoon showing. There were many very young people in the audience and I expected some noise and the usual jeering but all through the performance there was an uncanny silence. May be it was because the film was fast moving, had a well defined storyline and the characters were very real. It worked for this audience anyway. I did have the advantage of knowing the story and have been to some of the locations in Paris so it added to my enjoyment. It may be little more difficult for people who have not done so to follow the codes and symbols so basic to the story. I therefore recommend reading before seeing. My final comment is that unlike so many Hollywood films that rely on computer generated effects, stunts and artificial sets, this film used real locations, real people and a thrilling and interesting story. People who do not go to see it for any reason, will miss a rewarding experience.
Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets (2004)
A thought-provoking spectacular production of a future space voyage
The subject of this film has always been of interest to me so I viewed it both for its scientific, visionary and entertainment value. Every time a film about space exploration is made, expectations rise as new image technology enables productions to be more realistic and precise. The production team succeeded in doing this to the point where, for someone less aware, the event could have actually been taking place. The landscapes on the planets, from the hot surfaces of Mercury to the frozen rocks on Pluto were just as I imagined them. Until recently we had to use our imaginations based often on artistic impressions gathered from visual astronomical data. But now that probes like the Pioneer and Explorer series have actually been close enough to take real pictures, then what we saw in this film I assume, is close to reality.
I also was glad that Pegasis, the space vehicle, looked realistic and had a crew, it added some drama and again realism. They did not use silly-looking people dressed up in combat uniforms or looking like ex- army drop outs in the crew but members who could have easily been trained astronauts, carefully making sure that both gender and race were included. That is what a international crew would be.
The space walk in Saturn's Rings and the release of the dead astronaut into them was extremely poignant and established the dangers of long term space travel. The hazardous landing on the Comet and the subsequent expelling of black ice from it as turned into the sun, nearly destroying the space vehicle, further demonstrated the dangers. One problem that the film did not deal with was the time delay in signal propagation from Earth control to the space vehicle, although being stated as being many hours it seemed that there was a direct link which is not possible over such vast distances. Earth took control over the space vehicle to move it so its shield blocked the bombardment from the Comet's tail when some members of the crew were injured during the bombardment, thus saving it from destruction but they could not have done that so quickly. This technical issue of transmission time always gives producers of space films a problem and although it did not spoil the film for me, it needs to be addressed if films are to be realistic.
Finally and most importantly, films like this give us a vision of the future - one that is not so far away. It stimulates our imagination and invokes our quest for discovery. Most of the technology and knowledge to make such a journey is available. Reducing the costs and risks to an acceptable level is the challenge that confronts us. Earth is a home but not our prison, a point this film makes very well. Space exploration is there for everybody irrespective of nationality, religion, or culture and ultimately, maybe sooner than we think, we shall make the journey so vividly portrayed in this BBC production.
Open Water (2003)
Curious Film
Spoiler Alert
I have seen mixed reviews on this film. Because the subject of survival at sea interests me, my wife somewhat reluctantly accompanied me to see it. I was disappointed in the overall production which I feel as an amateur photographer I could have equalled, even with my low cost Sony videocam, perhaps my expectations for a low cost film were too high. There were many very obvious mistakes like why was there one man on the diving part without a partner, when it was mandatory for people to dive in pairs. Why were the diving tanks and diving gear not counted back on board etc. Three actors did well but after being in the water for a day they would have looked very different. I was confused at the end. She would not have let her partner, even if dead just drift away. Did the sharks kill the woman or did she commit suicide. There was a lost opportunity here to make a more thought-provoking ending which could have compensated for some of the rather boring sequences. The shark attacks were probably realistic but we were not really shown them in any detail. I believe in the making of the film, real sharks were placed in the water with the actors. Apart from some dark shadows gliding beneath the swimmers and a few splashes, the sharks contributed little to the film. The only remaining thing to say is that I may not now give up my desire and ambition to make my own film and get it released for general view, particularly if I can use my videocamera, my wife and a few friends as actors, I think I could even write my own script - and all for less than £5000. So 'Open Water' you have re-awakened my hopes.
Collateral (2004)
A Fat Moving Exciting Thriller
My title says it all. I have always liked films starring Tom Cruise and this film is one of his best. In fact all the actors were excellent. Filmed in Los Angeles at night it added that feeling of expectation. I have driven through that city late at night and it can be scary. I can easily imagine someone like Vincent driving around. This was one of Michael Mann's best films. My wife and I saw it while on vacation in Canada when we had a few hours to spare one evening. I did not relax during the film but was kept on the edge of my seat all through the it. It was difficult to keep up with the deaths during the shoot-outs and distinguish who were the bad guys and who were the good ones, presumably the police were the latter, although at least one was bad, as they all seem to dress and speak the same. My only concern which takes nothing away from a great film is the realism which makes one almost admire the hit man Vincent - a little like the Dirty Harry character in Clint Eastwood's films so some men will see him as cult figure. Excellent films like Collateral can bring such a degree of realism to characters that some people will want to emulate them.
Proof of Life (2000)
Well-directed film with a good storyline
This was a well directed film with a good storyline. It was slow to unfold and lacked acting quality. Better could have been expected from the principal players. Meg Ryan's performance was very much below standard. The location was excellent giving the film some realism and the action was well done although during the rescue of the captives sometimes difficult to follow. In view of their long captivity and deprivation the prisoners looked very fit when rescued. Make-up artists need some training, also nobody can fight vigorously after being half-starved. For me the end was just not right, but I guess the love element was cut out which may explain the end.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
An outstanding example of portrayal of a classic book
Thousands of comments have been made on this outstanding production and there is little left to write that has not already been written or said. Again, not surprisingly at last night's 'Oscars', the third film in the trilogy took most of the awards. Like others I could give glowing comments about content, acting, production, direction, visual effects etc. but will instead, convey what I consider to be equally important; that is the realistic and accurate portrayal of a classic masterpiece of literature from one of the world's most imaginative authors. I have tried and failed three times to completely read the book and I enjoy reading, but feel that I could now do so and have a better understanding of the story - only because I know that Peter Jackson set out to retain accuracy of the story. Sometimes our own imagination lacks the ability to see exactly what the author intended and if a film can help that, then it only adds to the experience. By timely coincidence as I write this my computer screen saver has put up a picture of a mountain valley in New Zealand - it must know what is in my mind. That beautiful country was perhaps the ideal setting for the film with its mystical landscape punctuated with mountain valleys, rivers, forests and open spaces. It cannot be far from what may have been in Tolkien's own mind.
I would perhaps add one comment about content. Although there was much reliance on computer visualisation it was well-balanced by emotional acting like the characters Gollum and Gandalf. Although Gollum was a villain, I actually was made to feel sorry for him at the end. Too many potentially good films are spoilt by substituting acting for over indulgence in special effects. This is an art that the producers and directors of this film had exactly right.
I hope that the success of this trilogy will herald a new era in film-making of classical stories. Our literature has a wealth of candidates, and even ones that have been tried could be re-visited now that such experiences as Lord of the Rings have proved financially viable and immensely popular.