matthewkilbane Reviews

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Visually Striking, Otherwise Unengaging

[6/10 · 30 January 2022]

Joel Coen masterfully evokes the utter bleakness and creepiness of Macbeth, with cinematography relying on shadows and a minimalistic production design. However, there's something about the movie that doesn't quite work--each individual acting performance is really good, but they don't really mesh as an ensemble. Perhaps Coen created too much distance between the characters and the audience--the production design does overwhelm the performances at times. While Washington and McDormand feel a bit miscast as the leads. The 2015 Macbeth with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard is a stronger adaptation, however this version is still worth the watch.

The White Ribbon (2009)

Unforgettable

[8/10 · 17 January 2022]

The White Ribbon is a film that only Haneke could make. It's bleak, upsetting, perverse, and so true to the human condition that it's hard to watch, yet you won't want to look away. It forces you to think about how a society treats its children, and what those children will do when they've grown up and run the society. The cinematography alone is enough reason to watch this film.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Sharp Satire and Comedy

[8/10 · 17 January 2022]

Films with an all-star cast can often fall short--especially when the film's a comedy. That's not the case with Don't Look Up. This is a well-balanced film, with each actor on screen for a reason, not just for star power. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence make a terrific scientific duo trying to navigate through bureaucracy and media to warn the world of an impending comet that will destroy Earth. The screenplay is well-paced, with a natural progression that is simultaneously serious and hilarious. Adam McKay has proven with previous films (Vice, The Big Short, The Other Guys) that he knows what he's doing--the film knows what it is: a satire with a powerful message, not a blunt message with some comedy sprinkled in. The low critics' scores seem more to be about the critics wanting the film to be something it is not, instead of reviewing what the film is. Some critics seem to have wanted Don't Look Up to be closer to a fictionalized version of An Inconvenient Truth, and they fault it for not being as blunt as a documentary. Don't Look Up is a smart, funny film with a great cast, and a hilarious recurring joke with Jennifer Lawrence's character frustrated about a 3-star general charging her and Leo for free snacks at the White House.

Belfast (2021)

Beautiful Film

[8/10 · 17 January 2022]

Kenneth Branagh delivers a beautiful, heartfelt film about a family in 1969 Belfast. Branagh's love for the town of Belfast is palpable. The cast is superb--especially, Caitriona Balfe, whose portrayal as a wife and mother, torn between staying in her native Belfast as religious and political violence escalates or moving to England for her family's safety, is heartbreaking.

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

Gena Rowlands is Incredible

[8/10 · 18 October 2021]

Within the first ten minutes, I knew Gena Rowland's performance would captivating and memorable. She brings Mabel to life through masterful uses of facial tics, speech patterns, and subtle gestures. She gives one of those rare performances that completely immerses you in her world that you forget you're watching an actress playing a character. Cassavetes's film is a top-tier character study.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

Haunting

[8/10 · 25 September 2021]

This film is a triumph and Paul Muni's performance is terrific and haunting. The final scene and the final line are ones that will stay with for years.

The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

Terrific Film

[7/10 · 25 September 2021]

Paul Muni is magnificent as Emile Zola. The screenplay and direction are extremely well done, and the tension and drama still holds up after 80 years.

The Hospital (1971)

Perfect Black Comedy

[8/10 · 23 August 2021]

Leave it to Paddy Chayefsky to write a ten-minute scene where two characters each speak an expositional monologue that doesn't drag, feel out of place, or spoil the pacing. This film is the definition of a black comedy. George C. Scott and Diana Rigg give terrific performances.

Bodyguard (2018)

Perfect Political Thriller

[10/10 · 19 August 2021]

Bodyguard is the perfect political thriller. Every element of this show is a grade A masterclass in writing, acting, and production. Highest praises go to Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes for their performances. A show of this high quality and caliber only comes around once every few years. If you're on the fence about watching this show, give the first 15 minutes a chance and see if you don't get sucked in to binging all six episodes.

Pieces of a Woman (2020)

Heartbreaking and Beautiful

[9/10 · 14 January 2021]

Vanessa Kirby gives a powerful performance, as does Ellen Burstyn. The cinematography, sound design, and score were all terrific. A very quiet, nuanced, well-written screenplay that put the emotions and actions in the forefront. A beautiful film--in some ways it feels like a counterpart to Manchester by the Sea.

Brief Encounter (1945)

Beautiful Film

[9/10 · 22 November 2019]

Celia Johnson is a powerhouse in Brief Encounter. She magnificently keeps raw, boiling over emotions understated and subtle in a way only the British can. With each look she gives--whether it's to Trevor Howard or to nothing at all--you can feel the love and devastation that is battling within her. The brilliance of David Lean's direction and the film's gorgeous cinematography (especially in one of the last scenes) makes Brief Encounter a classic.

Midsommar (2019)

Cinematography Breathtaking, Screenplay Lacking

[6/10 · 28 September 2019]

The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous the entire time. Florence Pugh's performance was very well done. The screenplay was lacking more substance and character development. There seemed to be an emphasis of aesthetic over characters.