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Stained (2010)
Powerful and gripping short but may not be for everyone
I had the pleasure of catching a viewing of Stained along with a few other short films funded by Screen West Midlands. While the showcase featured a number of talented filmmakers, Stained stood head and shoulders above them all.
What is first apparent is the wealth of names attached to this project. You don't expect Harnett, Conway and Harper to be in such a low budget film but you quickly realise that they were attracted by the wonderfully tight script. Add to this Arnold's subtle direction and you have a wonderful example of a short film. With the wealth of big budget, non-thinking films we are exposed to it's nice to finally see some "cinema". Beg, steal or borrow a copy.
Starsuckers (2009)
Engaging and well researched documentary, just don't expect a good review in The Sun
Starsuckers is a documentary by Chris Atkins which concerns our obsession with celebrity and explores how we are genetically predisposed to want celebrity for ourselves. It shows how the media use this to manipulate us. While, for me, this was preaching to the converted I still found it interesting and the arguments presented seem well researched and sound. I was lucky enough to also see it with a Q and A from Atkins which was informative, compelling and funny.
The manner in which the film is tied together is also interesting. Atkins uses images of magic tricks and illusion to tie together his arguments and this is, obviously, what the media and PR do. It also, and this was a point Atkins made during the Q and A, doesn't offer any solutions and really I suspect the only solution would be for us to stop absorbing and buying the media which obviously feeds us false and misleading stories to fill newspapers and airtime.
As it attacks the media expect it to get either panned or ignored but see beyond that, seek this film out and watch it.
Avatar (2009)
Technically good but no soul
I have no doubt that the current high score is reflective of people being blown away by the special effects. I have to agree that the special effects are mind blowing however, strip those away and you have a very clichéd story which doesn't have a lot to say.
This film will be forgotten over time. Technically it's very good but it has no soul. It's like listening to a Yngwie Malmsteen song. Sure some people will only listen to that but most people would prefer The Beatles, they would prefer something that moved them. Avatar is Malmsteen and there are so many other films out there that are The Beatles.
Thir13en Ghosts (2001)
Well worth seeing
Thir13en Ghosts isn't, particulary, a superbly crafted horror film. What it is, is an hour and half of fun. It will make you jump and maybe even scream. The suspense levels are fairly high but the frights come from the look of the monsters and, to a certain degree, the editing style. Yet, it is well worth seeing. Set design and make up effects stand out above the sometimes over-the-top acting but it's fun. What more do you want from a horror film?
Nil by Mouth (1997)
The greatest British Film ever made
For all those who believe that Four Weddings, Bridget Jones or any of the host of nice British films rules the roost then you have to see this film. It is an unflinching, violent portrayal of life in Working Class England in a concrete jungle. The script is superb and led many to believe that it was improvised due to it's accuracy. Not a bit of it, ever word spoken is as Oldman put it in the script.
The look of the film is also superb, reminiscent of a high price continental art house film than a low budget British effort.
What this film is not is entertainment. Expect to be dragged through this film by the scruff of the neck and expect to be emotionally drained and wiping tears from your eyes at the end. It's a hard film to watch, and so it should be. Ray's attack on his wife is one of the most aggressive and violent incidences I can recall seeing in cinema and a testament to Winstone and Burke that they were able to create such powerful feelings on screen. Yet, the high point of the film is Winstone's breakdown. This is truly painful to watch and leaves mixed feelings about the character. Recalling it later you will feel sadness, but at the same time awe that you have seen such a powerful piece of work.
This film was given a hard time for its level of bad language. While it is true that the profanity is constant, this is a honest portrayal and no honest portrayal of these people would have worked without that level of language. If you are offended by that, don't watch it. For the rest of us here is a film which will blow you away, affect the way you see the world and open your eyes.
Genius.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Very close to the Perfect Film
OUATIA is as close to a perfect film as I have ever seen. Superb acting, innovative direction. great soundtrack and unbelievable editing lead to a must see movie. A true epic spanning the life time of four gangsters as they plot and deceive.