Black Swan

You know that awful feeling you get when you hear nails going down a blackboard? That physical feeling? Well expect to feel just like that when you watch BLACK SWAN.

Natalie Portman is simply magnificent in this role, playing the lead ballerina who is transitioning from a young 'perfect' adolescent into a courageous, strong woman. This transition in her life is one of the mind and this is where the thrilling nature of BLACK SWAN ensues. You will literally feel her struggle throughout this transition.

All the supporting cast are equally as brilliant. You are instantly transported into the world of professional ballet. Everything about the ballet world has been captured so well: from the costume and wardrobe, the unsocial competitiveness of the environment and the characters nuances. These achievements alone are wonderful and I admire the work that went into all aspects of the film to achieve this. Don't expect much fluff and grandeur here.

With such wonderful performances and a unique storyline, you can't not enjoy this film. Expect some scenes that will truly horrify you. You will feel uncomfortable but it's well worth it for the overall experience. I highly recommend it and can't wait to know what you think about it.

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Broken Road

Broken Road (2009) from Lynsey Urquhart on Vimeo.

I had the pleasure of seeing this locally produced short film on Sunday night, under the stars, sipping a Cosmopolitan, eating popcorn, and sitting back in a bean bag. This film is one of a few that stood out for me at the film festival event Short, presented by The Last Beatniks and Elsewhere on the Gold Coast.

The cast performances are brilliant and the story flows effortlessly considering there is very little dialogue. The absence of dialogue is perhaps intentional, to provide an air of suspense.

Congratulations to the filmmakers who has collectively scored themselves a bevvy of awards for this production. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am proud that it's a local film of immense quality. Hope you enjoy it too!

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Two Lovers

Don't be fooled by the title. This film is heavy and depressing in its delivery and the two love affairs at the centre of this film are just as somber. But I think that is the point of TWO LOVERS. The film explores the baggage we have as humans; baggage and hang-ups from previous relationships and how we inevitably share those insecurities and histories with subsequent partners with doleful effect.

The film follows the story of Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) who is chronically depressed following the loss of his fiance' and has moved back home to be watched over by his concerned parents. For a middle aged man, this situation doesn't lift his spirits and he's soon chasing escape from his world by getting caught up in the unstable life of his new neighbour, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Meanwhile, a quiet, smart and nice girl is literally knocking at his door but this women offers him little escape that he is desperately searching for.

There was no profound moment of realisation in this film, nor any noteworthy climax. Great performances of seriously complicated characters but nonetheless it was a slow, dreary film overall offering little insight into 'real' relationships that we haven't seen already.

On a side note, this was to be Joaquin Phoenix's last film in his acting career, before pursuing a life as a hip hop artist. You may recall that famous David Letterman interview. Well since then, we now know that was all a hoax. Even so, this film was an interesting choice as his last hoorah.

Perhaps TWO LOVERS had great potential. But I believe a depressing film can still provide the audience with something, anything; perhaps new and fresh explorations into the complexities of relationships. This film just did not quite deliver that for me.

Comments and thoughts of your own are always welcome!! Perhaps I'm wrong. And perhaps it's depressing and disappointing because it's all too real?

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Infinity

Batelco - Infinity from Spy Films on Vimeo.

What are you thinking right now? Daydreaming?

This short film shows you just how wondrous your imagination can be. A brilliant production.

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