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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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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Boy

Wow. What a delightful film.

BOY is New Zealand's highest grossing film... ever. Directed by Kiwi Taikia Waititi. This is his second feature film and he has certainly impressed his fellow country-men.

This is this story about Boy, a young kid who is growing up in rural New Zealand, without a mother or father around. He dreams of his dad returning (after he escapes jail by digging a hole under the fence with a spoon), moving to the city together, swimming in a pool and seeing Michael Jackson live. Did I mention that their rural village is by the ocean? Yes this film is full of jokes and contrasts. Whilst laughing with them while they run a muck, you also see a young Boy make the realisation that life is actually perfect as it is.

BOY is very much a portrayal of New Zealanders and their cliches. It's always enjoyable when people can happily make fun of themselves. But the jokes, the fun and the storyline are universal and will be appreciated by all.

This film is hillarious and heartwarming. The entire cast are brilliant and I just love the closing scene!! Lots of Michael Jackson references which are a lot of fun accompanied by fantastic production design perfectly reminiscint of 1984.

Don't miss this film!

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The Man Who Walked Around The World

Well this TV spot is the best ad I've seen in a very very long time. I love it and just wanted to include it here in my blog so more people can appreciate it.

When finishing my film degree, my lecturer asked me what I was going to do in the 'real' world, once all the fun of studying was over. He wanted me to make up my mind about what my specialty would be. I think he actually said, "Jess, you can either be a jack of all trades and a master of none OR you can specialise." All I honestly wanted to do was make a beer commercial. Yep. I love beer commercials. I love their big budgets, high production values, they always have a bit of comedy, sometimes they're innovative and they just look like great fun to make.

Now that I'm a bit older and hopefully a tiny bit wiser, I have decided I would like to branch out and also make a Johnnie Walker ad. In fact, I wish I made this one.

I also wish I made "Inception", but my thoughts on that piece of brilliance is to come.

So, basically, this is just a well made TV spot, that makes me wish I liked whiskey. Enjoy the extraordinary, long, single shot.

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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.