Rewind - Bronson

Bronson's DVD slip promises one thing: that it will take a deep look into the man behind the madness of 'Charles Bronson', Britain's most violent prisoner. You'd think that this wouldn't be much of a hard feat, as most of the film is backed up by Bronson (played by Tom Hardy) being centre stage, telling a whole (imaginary) audience his story in the most narcissistic way. However, other than knowing that Bronson was a very violent man, who was a little on the eccentric side, and enjoyed being as theatrical as could be, we never quite get to know the man at all. And that is where Nicolas Winding Refn's stylish "A Clockwork Orange for the 21st Century" ultimately faulters.

Since we don't ever find out that much about the man behind the myth, the audience is subjected to watching violent escapades that could only be expected...there's nothing more than that. That's not to say that Bronson's story isn't interesting. He's a real character. He states that there isn't anything wonky about his upbringing - he was born into a nice, respectable middle-class family and didn't experience anything out of the ordinary. But there's just something in him that sets him off on a violent streak. He likes being evil. He even likes being in prison. And as time goes on, Bronson creates his own brand of violent. He's all about the theatricals and his interest in art brings out a different side to him, albeit a bad one. Other than that, this is just your run-of-the-mill biopic which feels the need to show important events rather than delving further into the character.

Even though the character's mindset is never fully explored, Tom Hardy gives a simply marvellous performance in this movie. Here he is completely transformed. I actually found it hard to believe that this was the same guy who got his breakthrough from his cheeky performance in Inception. Hardy is undeniably the star of this flick, and probably the only reason that could make it worth watching. He just pulls together the violent act so well, and has a ball being insane, but never loses his grasp on reality. He doesn't have any trouble anchoring the film by himself, either, as he is really the only character in the movie, just with some minor characters floating in and out every now and again. Hardy was completely dedicated to his character, and there are no recognizable similarities between he and his character, come to think of it. It's just a shame that his work went so unrecognized, because it was truly ground-breaking.

Bronson is also really well made. Nicolas Winding Refn has a different sort of style to everyone else. He has a lot of violence to work with in this film, and he tries to make every portion different from the other. His style is very theatrical, which fits the character very well. Also, backing most of the film up with a classical/opera style soundtrack is something which is very interesting. Refn is trying something new here...a sort of artsy style aggression-fest. It works, for the most part, but it really doesn't have the material to back it up. In the end, Bronson is a very disappointing movie. It's too slight and there's no narrative structure to it. But I would definitely like to see a few more movies made with this sort of style and Tom Hardy tackling more work like this. Because, hell, after seeing this, there is no doubt that he's going to become one of the best actors around.

THE VERDICT: Refn's style and Hardy's performance do not make Bronson the film it should have been, mainly because it's missing a vital narrative and something that isn't insanity or violence.

What I hoped for:

What I got:

Cinema - 127 Hours

or: The movie without a right arm.

One word to sum it up: Eye-popping

127 Hours had a lot riding on it to get my approval. Firstly, I've been waiting FOREVER to finally see this movie, considering it came out 14 weeks ago in America and we have just got it. Then there's the fact that Danny Boyle never fails to impress me, so I wasn't willing to admit defeat here, especially because the trailer made it look jam-packed full of great visuals and colour. And there's the little bit of hype surrounding the now famous amputation scene...more on that later. To those who doubted that this would get its place among this years Oscar nominees, you were very wrong. This is one of my favourite films to get nominated this year.

The story is pretty well known. Based on Aron Ralston's autobiography 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place', this tells the story of Aron's (James Franco) plight to survive. On a hiking trip, Aron finds himself with his arm crushed and trapped by a boulder in an isolated canyon in Utah. With limited food and water, Aron starts to think of possible ways he could get himself out, all the while recalling past experiences which have shaped him as a person: mainly including his regrets. As Aron slowly deteriorates, he begins an unthinkable task to ensure his survival.

A whole movie based on a guy stuck in a canyon could have been a tedious journey. However, from the get go, when we see Aron getting ready for his big trip, Danny Boyle uses multiple split screens not only to add more visual goodness, but to give us a small reminder of what we are in for: a hyper adrenaline junkie type film. From there on this movie moves quickly, but surprisingly, the memories don't run this movie over. The film never strays far away from its awful predicament. While being stuck in a small place couldn't possibly be the most interesting idea for a movie, screenwriters Boyle and Simon Beaufoy give us plenty to chew on. They bring you right into the story, and with the aid of brilliant direction from Boyle and an ambient score from A. R. Rahman, you can feel every prick of pain and the urge to survive. And they also give you a very good moral: always tell someone where you are going. All the time.

James Franco had a big job in this movie. For 80% of the film, all we see is James Franco, on his own. The other 20% of the time we have people coming in and out of the story, who are easily outshone by Franco's brilliant star performance. Had this been given to any less likable than Franco, it would have fallen flat on its face. I'll admit, had Boyle's first choice Cillian Murphy gone with the role, it probably wouldn't have been as good. James Franco makes this movie. If only he could win the Oscar this year.

The editing in this movie is another strong point. There must be a million different angles used to make the prospect of claustrophobia in the canyon a lot scarier than it should have been on film. But the best editing is used in the amputation scene. There are terrific cuts which explode within the scene which is ten times more horrible than any movie that is intentionally sadistic, i.e. Saw (+7). I wouldn't call myself an expert on gore, but I generally felt sick after that scene. Which made the ending all the more sweet. In fact, this movie was life changing for me. I appreciate water a lot more now.

THE VERDICT: 127 Hours is a visceral and intense drama with the typical Danny Boyle flair that we know and love. James Franco is simply amazing acting (for the majority) by himself, and truly makes this film the uplifting hit it is.

What I hoped for:

What I got:

DVD--Nowhere Boy

or: How John Lennon became John Lennon.

One word to sum it up: Insightful.

Usually, I wouldn't be interested in a biopic on John Lennon. I mean, we learnt a bit about The Beatles in Music class, but I wasn't really that interested. However, I thought Nowhere Boy looked like a good time, as it had been getting some rave reviews. And I guess the fact that Aaron Johnson was in the lead role and had been getting critical applause for it aided in my decision to watch it. John Lennon's story actually looked pretty interesting.

This is the story of a teenage John Lennon (Aaron Johnson), who has been living his life under his strict Aunt Mimi's (Kristin Scott Thomas) care. But Lennon wants to know where his real parents are, and ends up finding his free-wheeling mother Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), who introduces him to a world of fun and music, much to Aunt Mimi's dismay. Lennon starts up a band called The Quarrymen with a few of his friends, and catches the eye of Paul McCartney (Thomas Sangster), who joins the band on their journey to becoming The Beatles.

If you were expecting a real musical insight, then you will be sorely disappointed. However, this film is definitely quite interesting, whether it's about John Lennon or not. It's kind of a funny story, which I really didn't believe was true, let alone believe that it was the early life of one of the world's biggest icons. It sometimes comes across as a pretty standard British biopic, but it has so much elevating it from that kind of status. First is the remarkably artsy direction from first time director Sam Taylor-Wood (who, yes, happens to be 20-year-old Aaron Johnson's 43-year-old fiancee). Then comes the groundbreaking performances from a charming ensemble cast.

Aaron Johnson is perfectly cast as Lennon, and really makes the whole film worthwhile. He has studied every aspect of Lennon's character and is more believable than he should be, considering his two most recognized roles are that of a Sex-God in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and a nerd trying to fight crime in comic book movie Kick-Ass. Nowhere Boy proves that Johnson is much more than his teen-idol status allows him to be, and he will be the next big Oscar winner in the future. He is joined by two well-experienced actresses who give commanding performances. Kristin Scott Thomas is fierce and cold as Mimi and Anne-Marie Duff lights up the screen as Julia. Thomas Sangster, too, in his supporting role as Paul McCartney, makes the most of the opportunity and is well prepared to take on more roles worthy of his talents.

All in all, Nowhere Boy is run by amazing performances and great direction, which the story tends to take a backseat to.


THE VERDICT: Sometimes a little standard, but an inspired performance from Aaron Johnson makes the movie a little more than an insight on a star.

8/10

Girl with a Pearl Earring

And thus, Cillian Murphy week that actually took two weeks draws to a close, with Girl with a Pearl Earring. Though I am sure to watch a few more Cillian movies in the near future, so keep an eye out. However, on the subject of Girl with a Pearl Earring (not one of the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' films, as one of my friends pointed out)...a lovely period drama that reminded me a lot of Bright Star, because not much happened, but I still liked it.
This is the story about the events surrounding the creation of the painting "Girl With A Pearl Earring" by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer (Colin Firth). The girl in the painting, Griet (Scarlett Johansson), is a maid in the house of Vermeer. Vermeer's wealthy patron and sole means of support, Van Ruijven (Tom Wilkinson), commissions him to paint Griet with the intent that he will have her for himself before it is finished. She must somehow secretly pose for the crucial painting without the knowledge of Vermeer's wife, avoid Van Ruijven's grasp, and protect herself from the cruel gossip of the world of a 17th century servant.

Like most period dramas, this film is slooooooooooow. All the substatial things that happen in this movie are only substantial to the time period, not to the times we are living in now. But you hardly expect for someone to call Griet a bitch on Facebook...right? To fully enjoy this movie, you must put yourself in the mindset to watch a period drama. The film is visually stunning, and from start to finish, you will be marvelling over every scene in this movie. It's set out like a painting. Scarlett Johansson walks around in this film looking like the painting. Every bit of this film is so intricate and well put together, you could definitely acknowledge this as art.

The whole cast performs so brilliantly that you will believe in this 17th century story. Even Scarlett Johansson. And, I have to say, Cillian Murphy looked like Peter Pan in this movie. It manages to be a little romantic using no erotic scenes at all, which adds to the beauty it conveys so well. Like a painting, it builds up in layers, and at the end we get a beautiful portrait. Sounds like some stupid metaphor, but it's true.

A beautiful piece of cinematic art, but unfortunately the story was a little slow for comfortable viewing.

7/10

La Vie En Rose

I cannot begin to even try to describe how wonderful Marion Cotillard is. I loved her in Public Enemies. I loved her in Nine. But I astronomically LOVED her in La Vie En Rose (2007). Honestly, if you have not seen this film, and/or a great performance, then La Vie En Rose is for you.
La Vie En Rose looks at important parts of the life of French singer Edith Piaf (Marion Cotillard). It follows her story from when she was a young child living in the slums of France, to when she was a fading woman close to her death, with the songs that made her famous packed in between.
This movie is by no means perfect. It excels in the cinematography and set design area, but the script and story is a little lop-sided. While at times it seems boring, there is one thing to get you through--Marion Cotillard. When she is on screen, nothing else matters. She is Edith Piaf...it is exactly like seeing the real thing on screen. Okay, so you may think I am going a little over the top on how great Marion Cotillard is, but you have to see it for yourself. Her performance in this is probably one of the best performances I have ever seen. Thank goodness she won that Oscar.
My advice to you is: please go get this film, it is a revelation. I have nothing more to say but that.
8/10

The Aviator

I watched The Aviator (2004) for the first time around two years ago, when I had my infatuation with everything Golden Age of Hollywood. Then I watched it again last year andd fell in love with it, mainly because of the brilliant performance by Leonardo DiCaprio. Everytime I watch this it's like watching a new movie...it's like something has changed, but it hasn't really changed at all. I guess the more mature I get, the more I understand this movie.
The Aviator follows the life of aviator, film director/producer and millionaire Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) between the 1920's and 40's. He was a man obsessed with perfection, liked evrything to be clean and was a tad wee deaf. He also knew how to spend his money. Through this period of his life he had turbulent love affairs with Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), which ended without marriage. And theen there was the court case of his over spending...
Well, this movie is a masterpiece. I mean, it is directed by Martin Scorsese, so what would you expect? Everything about this movie is perfect, it's like Howard Hughes himself might have made it. The performances by Leo and Cate Blanchett are the real shiners here. They both take their roles and transform them into something of their own, while being true to the people they are playing. This is what you call cinema: mental problems, film-making, flying, everything.
10/10

Coco Avant Chanel

I've established the fact that I am now a huge fan of European Cinema. Coco Avant Chanel (2009) is a French film which is not only great, it has so much style and flair that Chanel herself would be impressed.
The film follows Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel's (Audrey Tatou) earlier life, depicting how she went from rags to riches by using her talent of designing clothes. From the time she was 9 years old and living in an orphanage, Coco knew she had to make her own way. Her and her sister were singers at a restaurant, but when her sister left her to marry a baron, Coco went and stayed at a rich friends and began to design hats-without feathers. Coco started the trend of women wearing pants, dresses without corsets, shoes without heels and hats without feathers. And this is what made her famous.
Coco Avant Chanel is a beautiful and stunning portrait, which unfortunately slows down through the middle and fails to keep attention. Though it's a roller coaster of a film, Audrey Tatou delivers a fantastic performance as the amazing Chanel. I learnt a lot about the famous fashion designer, through the heart-breaks and happiness entangled in the script.
I loved it, though it was a flawed masterpiece.
7/10