Based on the premise of a black and white movie about an aging man traveling with his son from Montana to Nebraska, I admit it sounds like a cure for insomnia. But when you consider it was also nominated for six Academy Awards, it becomes evident that there is so much more to this film. Woody (Bruce Dern) is an elderly alcoholic who receives a sweepstakes letter in the mail claiming he has "won" a million dollars. Woody decides he is going to travel from his home in Montana to Nebraska to claim the prize, despite the fact that he does not drive nor have the means to get there. After first attempting to walk there, his long-suffering son David (Will Forte) agrees to take him, against the wishes of his acidic mother Kate (June Squibb). David knows the sweepstakes prize is just a scam, but it seems to mean so much to his father that he can't resist. On the ensuing road trip we gradually find out more about the family history, about Woody himself, and his relationship with his son. Nebraska is a film about family, past mistakes, regrets and broken dreams. But its also a film about the decline of rural America. There is many long distance shots and sparse settings which emphasizes the expanse of the landscape, but also the loneliness and predicament of the characters. The performances are all first class. Woody is a man of few words but Bruce Dern delivers them all to perfection. Woody is the source of both the humor and the poignancy. He is one of the most memorable characters I have seen in a film for some time. Will Forte is also great as Woody's son, and their father-son relationship just seems so believable. Nebraska was never really a serious Oscar contender. There's no flashiness or big stars or special effects to garner attention, but in some ways that's the point. It is simply a film about real people and real lives that is expertly made and acted.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Stoker
(2013)
Gorgeous, brutal and eerie. Like being punched in the guts by a beautiful goth
6 October 2013
Hollywood has a history of creating misleading trailers for movies. It seems that when a film is a little left-of-centre, or deals with difficult subjects, they will attempt to "mainstream" the movie by making it seem more run-of-the-mill than it actually is. Often this does the film itself a disservice.
A few months ago I saw an early trailer for Stoker and was underwhelmed. The trailer made it seem as if it was going to be another teenage drama with supernatural undertones. This could not be further from the truth. The film itself is a gorgeous, brutal and eerie thriller, filled with brilliant direction, cinematography and performances.
The film opens with Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) mourning the loss of her husband in a car accident, along with her daughter India (Mia Wasikowska). India takes it particularly hard as she was close to her father, whilst being distant from the rest of her family and peers. The death also introduces an estranged uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) whom India has not met or even knew of. It soon seems that Charlie's presence constitutes more than simply a mourning brother.
Stoker is directed by Chan-wook Park (Old Boy) and is his first English language film. Park's direction is simply brilliant. His mastery of light and sound are something to behold. He also has the ability to combine the minute and the grand, the beautiful and the violent, all in one scene. It is with these vehicles that he creates an eerie foreboding atmosphere that permeates the whole movie.
The performances are also first class, particularly Mia Wasikowska. I'm not a huge fan of Nicole Kidman, but her performance is subtle and convincing. And combined with Jackie Weaver, there are some great scenes between the three that show just how important Australian actresses are to Hollywood.
Stoker is the most arresting film I've seen for some time. It's a unique, clever and sometimes confronting thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. And despite it's dark content it is also a film of great beauty.
A few months ago I saw an early trailer for Stoker and was underwhelmed. The trailer made it seem as if it was going to be another teenage drama with supernatural undertones. This could not be further from the truth. The film itself is a gorgeous, brutal and eerie thriller, filled with brilliant direction, cinematography and performances.
The film opens with Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) mourning the loss of her husband in a car accident, along with her daughter India (Mia Wasikowska). India takes it particularly hard as she was close to her father, whilst being distant from the rest of her family and peers. The death also introduces an estranged uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) whom India has not met or even knew of. It soon seems that Charlie's presence constitutes more than simply a mourning brother.
Stoker is directed by Chan-wook Park (Old Boy) and is his first English language film. Park's direction is simply brilliant. His mastery of light and sound are something to behold. He also has the ability to combine the minute and the grand, the beautiful and the violent, all in one scene. It is with these vehicles that he creates an eerie foreboding atmosphere that permeates the whole movie.
The performances are also first class, particularly Mia Wasikowska. I'm not a huge fan of Nicole Kidman, but her performance is subtle and convincing. And combined with Jackie Weaver, there are some great scenes between the three that show just how important Australian actresses are to Hollywood.
Stoker is the most arresting film I've seen for some time. It's a unique, clever and sometimes confronting thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. And despite it's dark content it is also a film of great beauty.
Restless
(I) (2011)
Life and love is precious
6 December 2011
Director Gus Van Sant is renowned for films that explore the lives of lost or outcast characters, and reveal their strength and beauty. And his latest film Restless is no exception.
The film tells the story of two free-spirited teenagers - Annabel (Mia Wasikowska) and Enoch (Henry Hopper). Annabel is suffering a terminal illness, whilst Enoch splits his time between attending stranger's funerals and talking to the ghost of a kamikaze pilot named Hiroshi (Ryo Kase). As they fall for each other, it becomes clear that they are exactly what each other needs, and their lives revolve around making the most of each moment together.
Based on this summary you could be excused for thinking that Restless might be too melancholy. But I think it is more a celebration of life. Don't get me wrong, the film certainly does tug at the heart-strings, but there is an appreciation and acceptance of the fleeting nature of life that overwhelms the sadness.
Van Sant has created a beautiful film with vivid images and masterful direction. It's also quite quirky due to its interesting characters, script and film score. The performances are very good (especially from Wasikowska) which I think add to the strong emotions elicited in the audience. Annabel's zest for life is especially inspirational.
In this sense Restless is so much more than a love story. It certainly makes you appreciate life and loved ones, and this is what I really liked about the film.
The film tells the story of two free-spirited teenagers - Annabel (Mia Wasikowska) and Enoch (Henry Hopper). Annabel is suffering a terminal illness, whilst Enoch splits his time between attending stranger's funerals and talking to the ghost of a kamikaze pilot named Hiroshi (Ryo Kase). As they fall for each other, it becomes clear that they are exactly what each other needs, and their lives revolve around making the most of each moment together.
Based on this summary you could be excused for thinking that Restless might be too melancholy. But I think it is more a celebration of life. Don't get me wrong, the film certainly does tug at the heart-strings, but there is an appreciation and acceptance of the fleeting nature of life that overwhelms the sadness.
Van Sant has created a beautiful film with vivid images and masterful direction. It's also quite quirky due to its interesting characters, script and film score. The performances are very good (especially from Wasikowska) which I think add to the strong emotions elicited in the audience. Annabel's zest for life is especially inspirational.
In this sense Restless is so much more than a love story. It certainly makes you appreciate life and loved ones, and this is what I really liked about the film.
Take Shelter
(2011)
A strong feeling of foreboding
7 November 2011
Take Shelter is a difficult film classify. Part thriller, part drama and part social commentary, it is certainly a film that will have you thinking. It also features beautiful cinematography and strong performances with a few twists thrown in for good measure.
Curtis (Michael Shannon) is a blue-collar worker in a small town, where he lives with his wife (Jessica Chastain) and their deaf daughter, Hannah. He begins to have violent dreams and hallucinations which convince him that an apocalyptic storm is approaching. As his fear and paranoia increases, he becomes withdrawn from his family, and becomes obsessed with completing a storm shelter in his backyard to protect them.
The mystery as to whether the threat is real or just a manifestation of Curtis' increasingly unstable mental state, is the central premise of the movie. Curtis becomes increasingly concerned about the safety of his family, but is also consumed by the fear that he may be succumbing to schizophrenia, of which his mother also suffers. The audience is never quite sure which is true, and with this uncertainty and the slow pace of the film, director Jeff Nichols has created a deeply unsettling movie, where the tension really sneaks up on you. I found myself feeling quite uneasy at points, as the film builds a strong sense of foreboding throughout.
To his credit Nichols treats the mental illness theme of the film with great respect and restraint. Indeed it's the treatment of a family in crisis that is the films strong point, due in no small part to outstanding performances from it's leads. Michael Shannon is excellent. You really feel his fear and confusion, often just by facial expressions. And Jessica Chastain continues to impress.
Take Shelter is not an explosive blockbuster, it's more of a slow burn that really leaves a lasting impression on you. It will keep you guessing until the end, so if you can handle the slow pace, it is quite rewarding
Curtis (Michael Shannon) is a blue-collar worker in a small town, where he lives with his wife (Jessica Chastain) and their deaf daughter, Hannah. He begins to have violent dreams and hallucinations which convince him that an apocalyptic storm is approaching. As his fear and paranoia increases, he becomes withdrawn from his family, and becomes obsessed with completing a storm shelter in his backyard to protect them.
The mystery as to whether the threat is real or just a manifestation of Curtis' increasingly unstable mental state, is the central premise of the movie. Curtis becomes increasingly concerned about the safety of his family, but is also consumed by the fear that he may be succumbing to schizophrenia, of which his mother also suffers. The audience is never quite sure which is true, and with this uncertainty and the slow pace of the film, director Jeff Nichols has created a deeply unsettling movie, where the tension really sneaks up on you. I found myself feeling quite uneasy at points, as the film builds a strong sense of foreboding throughout.
To his credit Nichols treats the mental illness theme of the film with great respect and restraint. Indeed it's the treatment of a family in crisis that is the films strong point, due in no small part to outstanding performances from it's leads. Michael Shannon is excellent. You really feel his fear and confusion, often just by facial expressions. And Jessica Chastain continues to impress.
Take Shelter is not an explosive blockbuster, it's more of a slow burn that really leaves a lasting impression on you. It will keep you guessing until the end, so if you can handle the slow pace, it is quite rewarding
The Tree of Life
(2011)
Awesome and Mysterious - just like life itself
16 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
When Tree of Life was screened at the Cannes Film Festival the audience reaction ranged from boos to standing ovation. I wondered how one movie could possibly polarize viewers to that extent. But after seeing it for myself, I now understand. In much the same way as a painting or a poem can mean different things to different people, dependant on their various life experiences, Tree of Life is open to interpretation. And what you take with you when you leave the cinema is the films greatest achievement. Written and directed by renowned filmmaker Terrence Malick, this is a film that challenges your thinking and will have viewers questioning their lives and place in the universe. The plot revolves around a middle class family of the 1950's. The father (Brad Pitt) raises his three boys with fierce discipline and excessively high expectation. This is contrasted against the unconditional, gentle love of their mother (Jessica Chastain). As the boys grow the eldest brother begins to rebel against these two extremes of parenting. This is transposed against his adult life (played by Sean Penn) where he struggles for meaning in his life and for the loss of his brother. This insular microcosm is in itself set against the enormous magnitude of the origins of the universe and life on Earth, in some truly staggering sequences. Tree of Life is worth seeing just for this. Except for a few whispers there is no dialogue in these sequences, which is one of several reasons why this film will be dismissed by some audiences. Three of Life is visually stunning, the cinematography and direction masterful. Brad Pitt delivers another exceptional performance. Sadly I think the movie is too left-of-centre to garner any attention come Oscar time. Considering that Tree of Life has a dearth of spoken word, it is a testament to the skill of the cast that they are able to impart so much emotion and description in their expressions. I think one of Malick's intentions is to broaden the way we see movies beyond just superficial story telling. He wants to challenge the audience. It reminds me of this quote from Jim Morrison - "If my poetry aims to achieve anything, it's to deliver people from the limited ways in which they see and feel." In a time when movies are becoming more about spoon-feeding the audience with special effects and little substance, Malick doesn't offer any easy answers, or indeed resolutions. In that way it's more like real life than a film. It's hard for me to recommend this film. Not because it's bad (I loved it), but because it breaks so many rules of film making that it won't sit well with many people. It's disjointed, confusing, and mysterious, and you will probably leave the cinema with more questions than when you went in. But it is Malick's ability to evoke these questions in you in the ensuing days after seeing Tree Of Life, that is his real achievement.
Sucker Punch
(2011)
Great imagery, entertaining but dark
16 August 2011
Those familiar with director Zack Snyder's work (The 300, Watchmen) will have some idea of what to expect from Sucker Punch. But it's certainly a film that I found full of surprises as well. Snyder creates a hyper-reality full of stunning imagery, spectacular action, and compelling characters. Baby-Doll (Emily Browning) is a girl institutionalized by her brutal stepfather after the death of her mother. Once inside the asylum she quickly retreats into a fantasy world. Within this realm she develops a plan to escape, along with new friends played by Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung. The plans involves several quests within this fantasy world to collect the tools necessary for their escape – and spectacular (and violent) action sequences ensue. Sucker Punch has been panned by many critics but I think some of the criticism is a little unfair. The opening is quite brilliant, almost like a highly artistic music video, and at that point I thought I was really in for something special. However once the movie settles into the "quest" sequences it becomes a little repetitive (it's been compared to the levels of a video game), but I think the imagery and action dished up certainly makes up for it. I also found the finale compelling and unpredictable. I think the film will be a hit with young adults – it's a very cool film with an excellent soundtrack that will appeal as well. The performances of the five girls are all good, (although in my opinion Jena Malone is a standout), and the smaller roles are also solid. It's also quite a dark film, more so than I expected. Whilst the action is spectacular the overall tone is quite bleak, and I think this actually gives the film more substance. Whilst a normal action is film is quickly forgotten, Sucker Punch leaves you with a few emotive moments and striking images that linger with you after you've left the cinema.
Robin Hood
(2010)
Could have been so much more
2 November 2010
There seems to be a lot of negativity flying around about this movie, and I after seeing it I think some if it is warranted. But the bottom line is it's not bad. It's just not fantastic, and I think many were reasonably expecting it to be. With Russell Crowe starring, and Ridley Scott directing a period action adventure, you'd be forgiven for expecting this movie be as compelling as Gladiator. It is not. However some of the things that we all liked about Gladiator are again on show here – the battle scenes have the same masterful direction and magnitude, and Russell Crowe again commands the screen with his considerable presence. But Robin Hood lacks the great characters, and doesn't really develop them as the movie goes on, which makes the movie seem a bit slow and uninteresting in parts (especially given its 140 min. running time). Whereas you could feel the anger and betrayal of Maximus in Gladiator, you don't especially sympathize with Robin Hood other than vaguely recognizing him as a "good man". The supporting cast is impressive: Cate Blanchett (Maid Marion), Max Von Sydow, and William Hurt all do a great job with what they have to work with. But I can't help feeling like all this Oscar-talent is wasted here without some meaty characters to sink their teeth into. Oscar Isaac has gone from playing Jose Ramos-Horta in Balibo to Prince John in Robin Hood, which you've got to admit is pretty impressive versatility, and I did like Mark Strong as the villainous traitor Godfrey. There is also some deviations from the original Robin Hood story, but rather than being a hindrance, I think they actually make it more interesting. So if you don't especially like Russell Crowe or battles scenes on a grand scale, or if (like me) you just can't fathom Cate Blanchett as a primary love interest, then Robin Hood may not be for you. But it does have enough thrills, action and star-power to be entertaining enough for a quiet night on DVD.
Let Me In
(I) (2010)
A quality (if very similar) remake
2 November 2010
When I heard that a Hollywood would be remaking the brilliant Swedish film, Let the Right One In, I was a little concerned. Hollywood has a long history of re-imagining (and ruining) foreign films by simplifying the stories and characters, and adding in irrelevant effects and corny plot devices. But to his credit director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) has shown great restraint and remained quite faithful to the original movie and novel, so that the American version Let Me In is in itself quite a good film. Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee )is a 12 year old boy living in frost-bitten Los Alamos, New Mexico. He is himself isolated - the product of a broken home, and the victim of vicious bullying in school. An escape arrives in the form of a mysterious girl of the same age, Abbey (Chloe Moretz) who moves in next door to Owen. The two lonely characters quickly form a bond. Meanwhile the town experiences some mysterious murders and attacks, and it's not long before Owen realizes that these crimes and the arrival of his new friend are no coincidence. It would be grossly unfair to simply call this a vampire or horror film, because it is so much more than that. In actual fact it's probably more of a love story/drama with some horror themes. But it's the clever story, complex characters and great performances from the leads that raise this film above the standard Hollywood vampire fare. It's kind of what Twilight hoped to be, but never was. If there is one criticism of Let Me In, it is that it's perhaps too similar to the original. Some scenes are almost shot-for-shot copies. Having said that, the Swedish version Let the Right One In is still far superior. It is one of the most beautifully photographed and directed films I have seen in a long time. It has an ethereal atmosphere to it that makes it an impossible film to forget. So if you don't mind the subtitles, I would recommend the original on DVD rather than Let Me In. But despite having that such a daunting original to live up to, Let Me In is still an acceptable alternative.
The Other Guys
(2010)
Promised more than it delivered
2 November 2010
Director Adam McKay again teams up with Will Ferrell in this action comedy about two New York detectives Allen Gamble (Ferrell) and his partner Terry Hoitz (played by Mark Wahlberg). The pair are the joke of the precinct given Gamble is a forensic accountant with an aversion for action, and Hoitz is the butt of jokes having been involved in an infamous shooting incident. They live in the shadow of the precinct's two hero hot-shot cops, hilariously over-played by Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson, but Hoitz wants he and his annoying partner to step-up instead of just being the "other guys". Fans of Will Ferrell will probably like his performance. His awkward, irrational brand of humor is here. He has some great dialog where he goes off onto his trademark long-winded tangents in the middle of conversations. But I think Mark Wahlberg steals the show. He is a surprisingly good comic actor and his irrationally angry and resentful character actually provides some of the movies funnier moments. The supporting cast includes Eva Mendez as Gamble's under-appreciated wife, and Michael Keaton as the Captain. I have to say I was really looking forward to this movie but I was a little disappointed. The jokes in The Other Guys are a little hit and miss. Some of the humor is almost weird at times, so it will definitely not suit all tastes, and unfortunately most of the best bits are in the trailer. With the actions scenes and a great cast thrown in it provides enough entertainment to keep you interested, but you could probably wait until it comes out on DVD.
Inception
(2010)
If you only see two movies this year, see Inception twice.
2 November 2010
Writer/Director Christopher Nolan's follow up to the blockbuster Dark Night was always going to be highly anticipated. But with Inception he has more than delivered. In fact he has created a movie unlike any other. It combines action, drama and suspense, with intrigue, romance and it's also a bit scary in parts. But somehow it never seems overdone, which is a testament to Nolan's skill. Dom Cobb (Leonardo Di Caprio) is a master of a new form of corporate espionage called extraction – stealing people thoughts from their subconscious while they sleep. This ability has made him both sought after and a wanted man unable to go home. A powerful businessman (Ken Watanabe) offers him a job - that could wipe the slate clean and get his life back - involving inception: planting (rather than stealing) a thought in a competitor's mind while he sleeps. This is a complex film with multiple layers, and requires a fair bit of concentration. From the first seconds to the very end it bombards you with fascinating twists and turns, incredible special effects, thrilling action sequences, and thought provoking characters. With such a rich tapestry of cinema on show here, you could easily see this movie more than once. Di Caprio gives another great performance. He both suits the role and does a lot with it. Joining Cobb's adventure are his team played by Ellen Page (Juno), Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dileep Rao, who are all great. Their characters are probably not developed as much as I would like, but in this film there simply isn't time. Tom Hardy is particularly good as the tough, cool and suave Eames. I think we will be seeing a lot more of him. And Marion Cotillard is again excellent. There's even notable actors in small parts like Michael Caine, Tom Berenger and Pete Postlethwaite, which is a nice touch. Like The Matrix or Memento, this is a movie that will be discussed and debated. It's thought-provoking, visually stunning and highly entertaining. It's been a long time since I saw a movie that left the audience gasping at the end. If you only see two movies this year, see Inception twice.
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