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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Eat. Pray. Love.

A guilty pleasure for the ladies.

Watching this film felt as if I had entered a secret women's club: Not a single male in the audience. By now you would have heard a lot about the film and its all true. It's good and it's not so good.

Adapting any best-selling novel to an entirely different medium is no doubt a difficult task. It always surprises me when people are upset that it's not the same as the book. Novels are more often than not jam packed with interior thoughts and 200+ pages of prose; which is not easy to translate into a 90 minute, purely visual and audio experience. Saying that, I actually think this film did quite well.

Eat Pray Love stayed true to the book and highlighted all of the key events and people Elizabeth Gilbert experienced. Julia Roberts fitted the role perfectly and encapsulated the persona of Liz without fault. But I'm saying this with a greater knowledge of the character because I've read the book.

Sadly, if you haven't read the book, the course of events may seem irrational and unsubstantiated.

The soundtrack was pretty damn awesome though! So go and enjoy it for what it is. A sensory and visual pleasure with glorious scenery of Italy, India and Bali.

I'm off to the travel agent.

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Remember Me

This film didn't stay at the box office very long. And to be honest that's probably because the trailer doesn't do it justice.

I think people who do not particularly enjoy the Twilight films avoided this film just because it stars Robert Pattinson and the trailer presented it as your ordinary cliche romantic drama without any depth of character.

But those few who did see it (because you're Twilight fans admit it) would have been pleasantly surprised. This film has a wonderfully unique ending that is totally unexpected and holds plenty of emotional weight.

For the vast majority of the film though, I couldn't help but think I've seen this story a hundred times before and didn't realise the craft of the film until it was revealed in the final scene. So be patient when you watch it. It's worth it.

I really don't want to spoil the film. If you haven't noticed already, I only seem to write about the films I like. So the very fact that I'm writing this means I want you to see it. It's a powerful and emotional ending that stays with you and reminds you that life is a blessing and to make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

Well performed by the notable cast and beautifully made by Director, Allen Coulter who has bought to life some of the best episodes of Sex and the City, Law and Order and Six Feet Under.

Put it on your must-see list.

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Creation

This film will warm your heart.

Charles Darwin is famous for his work "On The Origin of Species". I'm sure you've heard of this little book. And I'm sure you're familiar with the photo of him as an elderley bearded man. So it's understandable if you were to expect this film to provide you with little visual spectacular and little captivating drama.

But this film is not so much about his studies, but is instead about a small period in his life as a young father and how his life influenced the writing and publishing of his book. At this time in his life, Charles is struggling to find balance in his life and in his work, fearful of what is right and what is wrong, haunted by the sorrowful death of their eldest daughter.

Paul Bettany is mesmerising as Charles Darwin, with his gorgeous smile. And real wife, Jennifer Connolley plays on-screen wife, Emma Darwin. Together they are superb. I can't fault either of them. Their illustrious careers are indicative of the wonderful performances they give again in this film.

I love this film because it's beautiful. The cinematography is beautiful, capturing those unique moments in nature, like when you see the dust floating in the sunlight and it feels as if time stands still. The story is beautiful; it's emotional, raw, uplifting and ultimately its inspiring.

One of my favourites this year. An unexpected delight.

Mementos

MOMENTOS from Nuno Rocha on Vimeo.

Wow! Only one word can describe this short film: Powerful. A beautiful story about a lost father, a lost soul, and the kindness in people's hearts. Nuno Rocha has created a touching film using a wonderful colour palette that brings to life this man's world; cold, bleak and alone. Incredibly well filmed with a very real performance from leading actor, Rui Penna.

This short was produced for LG Portugal to symbolise, in a unique way, their brand motto: Life's good. A six minute film you cannot miss.

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The Last Station

An adaptation of Tolstoy's biography, this film is at its core an exploration of love. Set during Tolstoy's last mission in life to promote educational reform, the film sadly seems to fall short in providing any depth and insight into his great work. However, the film's strength lies in the story of his relationship with his wife; a love story that is often overlooked in history. Their love is complicated and testing, and it is Tolstoy's dedication to his work that drives the story of their relationship.

Helen Mirren steals this film with her spellbinding performance. Her performance is powerful and her character is raw and vulnerable, giving us a very honest insight into the person that was Tolstoy's wife Sophia. Every second that she is on the screen you're absorbed. She is violent, mad, jealous, passionate. A simply amazing performance and makes this film worth the watch.

In the end I believe this film was in fact intended to be a journey of love and not an account of Tolstoy's work alone, just as the filmmakers have chosen to open the film with his famous quote from War and Peace: "Everything that I know, I know only because I love...".

Wonderful performances and a wonderful love story full of tears and laughter. A must see.

Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.

Directed by: Arev Manoukian
Cinematographer: Arev Manoukian

This short film is mesmerising. A fusion of old Hollywood glamour and modern technology, this film is much like a piece of art. It tells the story of two strangers who for a fleeting moment catch each others eyes. In that one fleeting moment they are captivated. Originating from one of Arev's daydreams, without a single word spoken and accompanied by excellent sound design, this film is brilliant.

Be sure to also watch the making of Nuit Blanche below.

Making Of Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.

The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker - Trailer from Dries Willems on Vimeo.

Riveting. Captivating. Brilliant. This film will open your eyes to the real war that men and women from our country, and many other countries around the world, face with nothing short of courage. No matter what your opinions are about the war itself or the events that led to this occupation, this film will take you to a world we don't see on the nightly news. This film is not about the politics. This film is a study of characters; of the real men who put their lives on the line every single day and why they do it. This is the story of their bravery; their fears; their mate-ship; their idiosyncrasies that help them do their job every single day, knowing that their job walks along the fine line of life or death.

You must see the film for these reasons alone. Additionally, the filmmaking is superb.