Change Your Image
michaelbassett
Reviews
Harsh Times (2005)
Christian Bale is the best actor of his generation
I hardly ever write reviews here but wanted to help make sure this got the attention it deserves. This was released in the UK a few months ago and I hope the reason it was held back in the US was to allow Bale to get the award recognition he deserves for this blistering, nuanced performance. He plays intense, angry guys superbly and this is another utterly committed performance under his belt. Props also go to Freddy Rodriguez for keeping up and not being totally steamrolled by Bale. Truth is, the film itself is a tiny bit predictable in its story but it has strong themes, solid direction and smart writing. It's violent and very direct and for some is no doubt going to be a tough watch that pulls few punches. Credit to the quality of David Ayer's writing that he can make something so predictable into something so damn interesting. If you can, take a look.
Deadwood (2004)
One of the best TV dramas I've ever seen
This is a stunning achievement. Performance, writing, direction, casting, design, everything about it is of the highest quality. It seems so obvious and in your face at first with little in the way of compelling traditional story (ie each episode has a 'plot') but every layer has another layer beneath and they all build into an amazing portrait of this moment in time. (real or fictional it makes no difference to me) For all the apparent lawlessness and depravity on display it is about love and responsibility being forged against the most brutal of times. Ian McShane is a stunning revelation and Timothy Olyphant is superb as the calm fury at the centre of the storm. Cannot praise it highly enough. Better than Sopranos - and that's saying something.
Fandango (1985)
Total gem
There is something so magical about this film and how it captures a fleeting moment in every young man's life. It's sentimental in the best way, harking back to lost youth and that transitional moment into adult responsibility. Kevin Costner has never been more charming (indeed I don't think he has ever tried) and director Kevin Reynolds imbuse this with such a touching sensibility and bravura filming style it really pulls at my heart. I discovered it on TV a decade ago and have always treasured the copy I managed to make of it. Why not available on DVD? Every other piece of s**t is. Wonderful. Not for everyone, not perfect but wonderful. The final frame I even used as a background on my PC for a while and the credits song...perfect. "Have a nice life."