What I've Been Watching #8

 

OCULUS (2013) » Supernatural pandemonium and inanimate objects: a combo I rarely take seriously. In this film, however, I found myself engaged and entertained, which is not too bad. This is a horror story about murders executed by... a mirror. I know, it sounds ridiculous. The mental history of one of the main characters and the childhood flashbacks that tell the viewer the story behind the demonic mirror kept me interested. I wasn't satisfied with the ending but it could've been worse. There was a scene involving an apple and a lightbulb that really disturbed me - nightmare material is always in the details.

THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN (2014) » What was supposed to be a medical documentary about Deborah Logan's Alzheimer's disease, turns out to be a disturbing thriller where dementia blends with demonic activity. Secrets and revelations ensue and we witness frightening footage at every level. I liked the concept of this unsettling film, and solid performances made it worth watching, not to mention the suspense factor and some subtle scares... All in all a creepy poignant experience. What terrified me the most was what I know it's a real menace to the human health and sanity: Alzheimer itself.

THE BABADOOK (2014) » I watched this film last night and frankly, I was expecting something else, maybe a different kind of horror. Not that I was disappointed; on the contrary, it was a refreshing surprise approaching the realms of psychological horror seen through an ambiguous yet keen eye. Some scenes reminded me a bit of these three: We Need to Talk About Kevin, Repulsion and The Shining. This film plays with the audience and with anyone's mind. Count on outstanding acting, freaky distress, Aussie accent and beautiful cinematography with nightmarish atmosphere. Babadook itself is Tim Burton-esque spooky, sinister and all things eerie. This horror flick scared the shit out of Sundance and it's certainly a good pick if you compare it to the recent wave of splatter movies and want something, as stated before, different.

MAPS TO THE STARS (2014) » I reaaaaaally liked this one, which surprised me since I wasn't too impressed with Cosmopolis. It's official: Cronenberg hasn't lost his mojo! In fact, this film is good enough to be considered a cult classic. There was a distinctive Bret Easton Ellis-esque vibe about the storyline: it's vicious, it's cruel, it's a fucked up satire, it's weird, it's Hollywood. Both Julianne Moore and Mia Wasikowska steal the show, the latter acting like the twisted mind of all. Seriously, Wasikowska always gives an accomplished performance whenever she plays a psycho. Everyone is bitching about how Cronenberg isn't the same genious anymore and how the CGI effects look ridiculously botched... Screw you, haters. I loved it, in all its glory of violence and tragedy.

WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD (2014) » My expectations were high when I started watching this film, because I adore Araki's work, I'm a huge fan of Eva Green and I already knew the soundtrack would be perfection. I wasn't wrong, this one lived up to my expectations and beyond. Set in the late 1980s/early 1990s, this is a story about a girl and her mother's sudden and intriguing disappearance, exploring the structural complexity behind such mystery and depicting how dysfunctional this family portrait was and why. It's also a coming of age narrative, with a few dream sequences to match the dream pop/shoegaze soundtrack. I won't spoil it but let me just add that the final plot twist caught me and my curiosity off guard! Well done.

YVES SAINT LAURENT (2014) » If you're into iconic fashion references, French stylish flicks and biopics as I am, you better watch this asap. Impressive how this film offers a glimpse at YSL's career, love life, early years, erratic lifestyle, scandal and controversial creations. The industry contrasting with inspiration itself, combining glamour with decadence, offers the perfect backdrop in this visually sumptuous, dramatic intoxication made of haute couture and timeless style. Kudos to Pierre Niney, for the incredible impersonation - the mannerisms, the voice... it was like watching Saint Laurent himself. Bravo!

What I've Been Watching #7

HATESHIP LOVESHIP (2013) » I'd never thought I could see Guy Pearce, Nick Nolte, Hailee Steinfeld and Jennifer Jason Leigh in the same film but well, it happened. Awkward and adorable, this is a nice so-called indie gem - a slow paced story about love, loss, grief, recovery and eventually, hope. You know the drill, ordinary people and modern world problems. 

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (2014) » This one is beyond brilliant! Not only it struck me as one of the most visually pleasing movies I've ever watched but also made me feel nostalgic in a bittersweet way, given its dramatically dreamy tone set in 1930s Europe. Phenomenal characters, eye-candy cinematography, a lovely storyline loaded with wit and an absurd sense of humour... Not to mention the stellar cast. How wonderful! It's sad. It's funny. It's quirky. It's Wes Anderson.

TOMBOY (2011) » Zoé Héran 10-year-old Laure, who pretends to be a boy (Mikhael) as she moves into a new neighbourhood. The film follows Laure's struggle to experience life as a transgender, hiding the truth from her friends. I think many people (parents and kids) should watch this coming-of-age French film, in order to understand a bit more about gender identity, social interaction, and the innocence present in every childhood, instead of hiding behind their own taboos.

GUINEVERE (1999) » Believe it or not, I loved this film. I know, it's full of clichés and it's not exactly a masterpiece... Harper (Sarah Polley) is a mousy young woman living in San Francisco, who turns down a Harvard degree for an older man, this Irish bohemian photographer named Connie Fitzpatrick (Stephen Rea) who takes advantage of how impressionable she is. She becomes his pupil, protege and lover... Oh, and ego-feeder, of course. They embark on a free spirited lifestyle which obviously will end in tears, given the fact he's a self-destructive alcoholic sharing his dingy apartment with a vulnerable girl who's not sure if the experience of a lifetime means salvation or downfall.

NORA (2000) » Here's an incredibly underrated film with an insightful directing and ravishing acting. Ewan McGregor sings, Susan Lynch steals the show and the photography itself is reminiscent of an impressionist painting. Even if James Joyce isn't your cup of tea, his passion for Nora Barnacle has to be! She was his wild muse - just read his smutty letters to her. Their journey from Dublin to Trieste triggers inspiration in Joyce and also jealousy, resulting into an emotional chaos. Instead of focusing on the writer's mind and work, the film explores his intense love story with Nora loaded with steamy sexual content and emotional tension. The early 20th century costumes are to die for, I loved Nora's hats and dresses. In a nutshell, I loved it.

MARIE KRØYER (2012) » Another dramatic and fascinating biopic, this one about the Krøyers, insanely beautiful Marie and the famous Danish painter P.S. Krøyer. Directed by Bille August, this film narrates the marriage and adultery of Marie, Kroyer's manic depression and treatment attempts and the tragic consequences awaiting both. A tale of love, scandal and insanity, with a slight Anna Karenina vibe, featuring breathtaking Scandinavian scenery that made me google "copenhagen stockholm ryanair" right after watching this period drama.

What I've Been Watching #6

SHADOW DANCER (2012) » Set in 1990s Belfast, this is the story of a  woman who was simultaneously a single mother, an IRA member, a daughter, a sister and a spy. Andrea Riseborough delivers a solid performance in this riveting thriller which premiered at Sundance. This is not just another film about the Troubles, it's a compelling tale of tragedy lurking in the streets of suspense, recreating the atmosphere of the catholic working class neighbourhoods in dim colours. Only maybe a bit too slow-paced for its own good.

LA FEMME DU VÈME (2011) » This film is a dark European thriller entering and exiting a man's psyche; a mystery that will make the audience question what is real and what is fantasy. An American novelist comes to Paris to deal with some family issues and ends up in a sleazy, dank hotel in the suburbs. Eventually he meets this charming lady played by the gorgeous Kristin Scott Thomas and everything gets confusing and unclear (deliberately, I suppose), I even lost track of what was really going on. It's a very enigmatic plot with a very hostile atmosphere and obscure cinematography. I didn't fully understand the ending but I guess there's room for many interpretations.

THE IMMIGRANT (2013) » Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix star in this melodramatic tale set in the land of opportunity back in the early 1920s. It's impressive how Cotillard speaks Polish so convincingly - her performance is magnificent. This film is a bit of a cliché but it works just fine by embracing a story about hope, love, illusion, greed, survival, shattered dreams and ultimately, forgiveness. The American Dream turning into a nightmare with an outstanding set, photography, costumes and direction.  

LOVELACE (2013) » This is the story about Linda Lovelace and it also depicts the porn industry in the 1970s - not exactly a matter of interest but still a biopic worth watching. Amanda Seyfried does a nice job (no pun intended) and James Franco as Hugh Hefner is just awesome! Peter Sarsgaard's performance is also pretty good. This film is entertaining albeit unimpressive.

THE PUNK SINGER (2013) » Every woman should watch this documentary! I absolutely loved it. I'm a huge fan of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. Kathleen Hanna has always been a source of inspiration to me - as a woman, as a musician, as an activist and as an icon. She made the riot grrrl scene happen! A feminist movement that made other women around the world aware of their own rights... How cool is that?

SENNA (2010) » I couldn't care less about F1 but this documentary was really something. Ayrton Senna is often referred as the greatest driver who ever lived. His short life and tragic death made him a legend, a champion and a superstar. This film follows Ayrton's world of fame and success; it also sneaks into his private life but never in a distasteful way.

What I've Been Watching #5

Breakfast on Pluto (2005) » One of the most adorable, quirkiest films I've ever seen! Cillian Murphy is, along with Michael Fassbender, my favourite Irish actor and he really amazed me as the naïf tranny Patrick "Kitten" Braden, a young lovely creature whose story brought tears to my eyes. In the 1970s, he/she leaves a small town in Ireland, heading London, looking for his biological mother and some answers from the past. The soundtrack is groovy and I can assure you it's impossible not to empathize with the protagonist. I wonder why I haven't seen this film before.

Michael Collins (1996) » Here's one hell of an epic biopic! For those who never heard of Michael Collins, well, let's just say he played a major role in the freedom of Ireland, even if it was only partial. I actually visited his grave when I was in Dublin this month. He was the intelligence of the IRA, leading it against British rule and established the Irish Free State in the 1920s but soon became a threat for those who dreamed with a completely independent Irish Republic. Neil Jordan's depiction of the life and death of "The Big Fella" is pretty accurate, entertaining and dramatic, with a balanced amount of action, politics and romance. Liam Neeson's charismatic portrayal of Collins is compelling and thrilling - and you know that I'm crazy about Liam, don't you? Julia Roberts, on the other hand, wasn't convincing at all - absolute miscast.

The Crying Game (1992) » Three Neil Jordan's films in a row! This one is a film to remember. A British soldier is kidnapped by IRA terrorists and befriends one of them. An unlikely friendship develops between Jody the soldier and Fergus the IRA volunteer. The hostage goes terribly wrong for both sides and next thing we see is Fergus escaping and going to London, where he looks for Jody's lover, an exotic hairdresser named Dil, as he promised Jody to find her. What happens next is the most unpredictable thing... I kinda forsaw it, but that's just me being hyper-observant.

We'll Take Manhattan (2012) » Photographer David Bailey met it girl Jean Shrimpton in the early 1960s and their love affair gave birth to a new concept of pop culture, young icons, fashion and beauty standarts. This partnership epitomized the beginning of the Swinging Sixties at its coolest. Bailey and Jean were sent on a photoshoot to New York with Vogue's old fashioned editor, Lady Clare Rendlesham, who dislikes Bailey's innovative photos... Well, her loss. I just can't see Karen Gillan as Jean Shrimpton... ever!

Burton and Taylor (2013) » The lives of Richard Burton and Liz Taylor in 83 minutes of brilliance! Helena Bonham Carter steals the show as the 50-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, capturing the essence of the boozy diva with a turbulent soul. Burton attends Taylor's 50th birthday party as her recovering alcoholic ex-husband, asking her to star in a stage play with him. The setting for this TV movie is 1983, a year before Burton's death. Not to miss.

Liz & Dick (2012) » Forgettable version of one of the most passionate love stories ever born in front of the cameras: the torrid relationship between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Hollywood's most scandalous couple. Most of you already know that but... They divorced and married twice! Anyway, I can't take Lindsay Lohan seriously but in this film someone did a fantastic job on making her look almost exactly like Liz Taylor! Still, Helena Bonham Carter wins.

Hunger (2008) » This is not a film for the weak of stomach. It's a raw, shocking and dramatically powerful masterpiece. What struck me the most is that I was witnessing something that actually really happened. Steve McQueen and Michael Fassbender are fucking brilliant whenever they work together. It took me a while to "digest" this film... Fassy got so thin to play the role of Bobby Sands (google him if you don't know who he was), you can see his bones, like some sort of ghoulish walking corpse. His performance still haunts me! Hunger follows life in the Maze Prison, Northern Ireland, during The Troubles. You can't possibly imagine the conditions in that prison in the 1980s. It also takes a closer look to what happens when body and mind go through a ruthless hunger strike - it's beyond martyrdom, beyond sacrifice, beyond honour and even beyond the cause itself.

Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (2013) » A man meets a wounded woman in an alley and brings her home, where she reveals her story of life, lust and nymphomania. Their conversation is intellectually stimulating, wandering through subjects like Literature, love, instinct, death, Art, philosophy, music, etc. Von Trier digs into human sexuality and psyche with a brutal and poignant honesty that surely isn't everyone's cup of tea and possibly makes the audience feel uncomfortable. Also, Uma Thurman's performance was outstanding!

Nymphomaniac: Vol. II (2013) » In the second part of the latest Lars Von Trier's film, we witness Joe's obsession with sex spiraling down into self-destruction and her tormented struggle. Her erotic experiences explore other concepts and sources of pleasure and her own persona dives into the underworld of depravity. It's very depressing. What I loved the most about the second volume of this film was the way it ended: totally unpredictable yet quite relatable to reality... You'll understand what I mean if you watch it. I won't spoil it but all I can say is that has a feminist undertone condemning patriarchy and hipocrisy. By the way, I loved the chemistry between Charlotte Gainsbourg and Jamie Bell.

What I've Been Watching #4

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) » What a great masterpiece! It won the Palm D'Or for Best Film at Cannes for some reason. This is a story about two brothers in 1920s Ireland, the O'Donovans, who join the IRA brigade after what their families suffered at the hands of the Black and Tans. The violence is achingly convincing and the powerful sense of patriotism and sacrifice makes any viewer looks at the Irish (and the British) from a different angle. The performances are visceral - Cillian Murphy never disappoints (and those cheekbones...!). I urge you to watch this moving, devastating film. And yes, I cried.

Summer in February (2013) » If you are a fan of Downton Abbey (or any other British period drama), please don't miss this film. A tale of love, scandal, passion, romance and art set in the years approaching the Great War. Based on the book which is actually based on true events, this film is sometimes muted but always enrapturing. Edwardian bohemian artists gather in the Cornish coast and emotions begin to unfold. Expect superb scenery, tragedy and poetry. Dominic Cooper is just brilliant as AJ Munnings, he's so talented! The ending stayed with me for a while... That's a good thing, I suppose.

The Invisible Woman (2013) » Directed by Ralph Fiennes, this is a film I have been waiting for - because I am a Literature enthusiast and also quite curious about his secretive liaison with Ellen Ternan aka Nelly (much younger and more intellectually stimulating than Mrs. Dickens) at the peak of his career. Ralph's portrayal of Charles Dickens is ravishing! This 19th century affair was kept top secret for a long time but it couldn't be a secret forever. The literate's heart struggles with a dilemma between the feelings of the two protagonists and the fact that no one can escape the moral consequences of certain actions, considering the social and moral structure of Victorian England and also the standarts imposed by society. If you are in the mood for a slow-paced movie that has nothing to do with the mainstream Hollywood standarts and want to know more about the secret life and lover of Mr. Dickens... Watch it!

Cadillac Records (2008) » This movie follows the rise of Chess Records and the turbulent lives of America's iconic musical legends: Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry and Etta James. After the blues blast, rock and roll soon takes over Chicago in the 1950s and Leonard Chess discovered and recorded all those great voices in his studio. Yeah, I forgot to mention but this is based on real events. The rags to riches journey brings along, of course, self-destruction but you all knew about that part. Beyoncé steals the show, I kid you not! She played Etta James and I'm not sure what struck me the most: her powerfully dramatic performance or her soulful voice.

Amelia (2009)» Amelia Earhart has to be an all time inspiration to women all over the world, not only because she was a brave pioneering woman pilot who went missing in 1937 but also because she made other women believe in themselves and in their own dreams. Hence, I couldn't possibly miss this biopic, obviously. I think everyone should watch it; Miss Earheart was surely an interesting individual and I respect and admire everything she did. Hilary Swank did a good job as the legendary Kansas girl whose attempt to make a flight around the world made her become a myth.

Kill Your Darlings (2013) » Columbia University, 1940s. Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs - these men ignited the Beat Generation with their intoxicated/intoxicating ideologies, transgressions and unconventional creativity. However, this film fails to offer a refined depiction, which is a shame, because the potential is there. And Daniel Radcliffe's dull performance doesn't really help. I suggest you keep your expectations low, really. However, I really liked the first half of it. And hey, somebody gets killed - murder is always a tonic.

Albatross (2011) » In this British film we witness the way Jessica Brown Findlay brights our day. The chemistry between her and Felicity Jones is tremendous! The story follows Emelia befriending Beth and getting involved with Beth's dysfunctional family in every sort of way. This refreshing film has an awkward tone and alternates between comedy and drama brilliantly. The cast is first rate and the performances are sensational. Delightful indie film, indeed.

Trance (2013) » Another film that did not live up to my expectations. Danny Boyle can do better than this. James McAvoy and Vincent Cassel are amazing actors so I can't complain about the acting. The memory loss, the heist, the missing painting, the gang of criminals, the hypnotherapist... The concept is alright but not enough to fascinate me. However, the plot twist impressed me more than the plot itself.

The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman (2013) » Here's a vibrant, raw and cool movie about the power of love. A crazy love story intertwined with the underworld of crime, with amazing cinematography and Mads Mikkelsen *sigh*. An adventure in Bucharest, filled with moments of technical and visual brilliance, in which even Rupert Grint appears to make us laugh at his character. For some reason, I can't stand Shia LaBeouf. I feel like punching his face. Bottom line: worth watching because it's an enrapturing experience to the viewer's senses.

What I've Been Watching #3

Gravity » Being adrift in space must be a terrible experience. This movie is thrilling, and also a nice pick for anyone who's interested in Astronomy. The visuals are pretty impressive and Sandra Bullock does a great job (can you believe she's nearly 50?!). Plot wise... It's no big deal, obviously. I'm usually not into special effects and Hollywood blockbusters in general but Gravity is not so bad. It won a bunch of Oscars for some reason. I should've watched it on a big screen though.

Her » Some of my friends looooved this film but for me it was just... good and nothing beyond that. However, I found the concept of a cyber romance very interesting and relatable to reality nowadays and in the future. Plus, Joaquin Phoenix is one of my favourite actors. There's "forever alone" written all over this film; it's an insightful modern tale of love, technology, loneliness and isolation. Still, too long and a bit boring for my taste.

Philomena » This film is based on the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin Sixsmith is the former journalist who aided her pursuing the truth. Once again, Judi Dench is an absolute marvel with her acting and Steve Coogan is not bad either. This film made me smile and also made me cry. It's a simple yet heartbreaking story of loss and forgiveness. As an atheist myself, I loathe the Catholic church... and this film was just one more reason for me to keep on being a proud atheist. If you liked Philomena, you must watch The Magdalene Sisters, which was even better. 

Nebraska » I ended up liking this film more than I expected! Bruce Dern and June Squibb are such great actors! This film has a peculiar sense of humour and is visually beautiful, not to mention the father and son relationship. Everything about Nebraska is low key and slow but very poignant, offering the viewers a bleak view of ignorance, greed, stupidity, desolation, meaningless endeavour, remoteness and decrepitude. There is something so incredibly REAL about every single character, with many quietly, lingering and funny moments in brilliant scenes. This is not a film for everyone but if you love cinema, watch it.

Captain Phillips » I knew this movie wouldn't be exactly my cup of tea but I still wanted to watch it, so I could have an opinion about it. The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama is fueled with action, drama, tension and despair. Barkhad Abdi steals the show and Tom Hanks gives a great performance as usual - their scenes together are very interesting and engaging. I didn't love it but it was worth watching.

The Counselor » I don't get why so many people disliked this film. It's not Ridley Scott's best film obviously but it's still very good. You will either love it or hate it, that's it. Bardem co-acting with Fassbender is just brilliant, I love their dialogues and there are many memorable scenes, like the one involving Cameron Diaz and a Ferrari...! The cinematography is beautiful, with exotic aesthetics and well thought angles. Besides, some of the death scenes are quite creative. In a nutshell, a tragic fable of greed and its most terrifying consequences.

Before Midnight » Jesse and Celine have changed a lot since their first meeting in Vienna almost 20 years ago. For those who believe in fairy tales and happy endings... Well, watch this film. Marriage is as flawed as it gets and not even this couple is an exception. The performances are effortlessly amazing, specially Julie Delpy's. The film takes place in Greece, at the end of their vacation. These two always looked like a real couple, accurately capturing the highs and lows of being married and the emotional struggle of keeping their love alive and make it work even after the romance is gone. If you've seen the first two films, do not miss this one.

August: Osage County » The Weston family couldn't get more dysfunctional. This is such a powerful film! The viewers are allowed to witness the lives and paths of the Westons, who gather in Oklahoma, where toxic interaction, confrontation and dark humour await. All the characters are unhappy and once altogether in the Midwest, their worst comes to the surface. The acting is terrific, Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts are electrifying. I didn't expect Benedict Cumberbatch to be in it, it was a pleasant surprise! August: Osage County is definitely a must-see.

Inside Llewyn Davis » I've watched this one last night. Folk music is not something I am passionate about but the whole film, with or without music, is so wonderfully atmospheric! Seriously, the cinematography couldn't get any better! It's Greenwich Village in 1961 and the folk scene is flourishing. Garrett Hedlund looks ultra-cool and fucking hot, Justin Timberlake sings and Carey Mulligan plays one of the best roles of her career (and it's nice to see her dark-haired for a change). I didn't empathize with Llewyn the slightest but I felt sorry for him every now and then. I got bored several times as the film is very quiet but anyway, it's still a good cinematic experience.

What I've Been Watching #2

Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006) » This is a documentary film about Stephen Fry's bipolar disorder. I think it was incredibly brave that he talked openly about his condition, mentioning his suicide attempts and making the whole thing public. He was diagnosed at 37 as being a manic depressive and started to investigate and reasearch everything about it, meeting others who suffer from the same mental illness. Hopefully, this documentary will contribute to raise public awereness of bipolar affective disorder and erase the stigma associated with it.

The Air I Breathe (2007) » This drama is based on a Chinese proverb which states that life consists of four emotions: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. The cast ranges from Brendan Fraser and Sarah Michelle Gellar to Forest Withaker and Kevin Bacon (I love him!). For some reason, I really think this film could have been much better executed. The plot line is a bit cheap and cliché, even though the concept is interesting, and so is the interaction between all the characters.

Lizzy Borden Took an Ax (2014) » Here's a TV Movie I couldn't possibly miss! If Christina Ricci is in it, I shall watch it! I don't even care if it wasn't accurate enough. Lizzie Borden was a young woman from Massachusetts tried in the 1892 murders of her father and stepmother. Yup, true story. Among all the multiple suspects in town, evidence kept pointing back to the Borden's youngest daughter, a Sunday school teacher. The period costumes are perfect and Christina Ricci is flawless in her acting, playing the role of a psychopathic girl with some weird issues. The soundtrack was awesome - mainly blues and rock n' roll - but many viewers hated the paradox of modern music featured in a 19th century setting.

American Hustle (2013) » This film was pretty good and nothing more. Definitely NOT the best film of the year, by far. Or maybe my expectations were too high. There is something Scorsese-esque about American Hustle, with all that American 70s sleaze and the groovy soundtrack that sort of saves the film. Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale do a solid, remarkable job and the gorgeously talented Jennifer Lawrence steals the show! Amy Adams, well... I still don't think she's award worthy. She's a bit dull.

Killing Kennedy (2013) » This is just another take on the assassination of President Kennedy, based on this book, which I haven't read. The film is no big deal but it helped me having an idea of Lee Harvey Oswald's sociopathic delusions of grandeur and communist obsessive ideologies. Apparently, he used to be a marine who got disappointed at America. And yeah, that's it. We all know what happens next.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) » What I love the most about this film was the acting. Both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto delight the audience with brilliantly raw performances! Their acting skills are outstanding and the best of their career in this drama, which tells the story about Ron Woodruff, a HIV diagnosed hick from Dallas, struggling to survive at a time when the AIDS epidemic (and stigma) was at its worst. The homophobic redneck whose source of fun is cocaine and sex, soon bonds with Rayon, another patient who is also a junkie tranny with a heart of gold. The two start their own club where Ray treats people with AIDS, selling unapproved meds to other citizens with the virus. In a nutshell: a must-watch.

Jin líng shí san chai (2011) » Such a beautifully, emotionally powerful masterpiece! I applaud this film passionately. Zhang Yimou has created a wonderfully shot wartime true story set in 1937 China, during the barbaric Nanking Massacre. Witnessing the cruel horrors of war is harsh but the violence is not gratuitous, it's just realistic, and the brutality is beyond belief. An American mortician seeks refuge in a catholic church and ends up playing priest, finding himself among the convent girl students and some prostitutes of the red light district. Oh and trust me in this one: you will all be smitten with Yu Mo, played by Ni Ni (google her, she's exquisitely beautiful!). This touching film, based on real events, will stay in my head for a while... and it also broke my heart. It truly is a great movie about sacrifice, honour, hope and survival. Ravishing!

Filth (2013) » There is a twisted brilliance in this film, making him one of the best of 2013. In this adaptation of novelist Irvine Welsh's Filth (I haven't read the book and shame on me, as Welsh is one of my favourite authors!), we enter Detective Sargent Bruce Robertson's world, a playground of sex, violence, revenge, evil, family issues, debauchery, corruption, immorality, cocaine, booze, manipulation, ego, self-obsession, delirium, scottish accent and insanity. The protagonist is also obsessing over his possible promotion and not taking his meds. James McAvoy is a revelation as anti-hero Bruce Robertson, I was blown away by his accomplished performance. What's not to love about a bad cop with a bitter past engaging in fucked up activities? I really enjoyed this film, it's one of the most screwed up stories I've came across in years and now I look forward to read the book. Desperately.

Withnail & I (1987) » I know it's a shame I've only watched this cult film recently. My friend Danielle watched it 46 times and I have just watched it for the very first time. Whitnail and I is a delirious ride back to the late 60s, set in a squalid flat in Camden Town, where two unemployed actors live. Withnail and Marwood, fed up with their own intoxicated lives, leave for a holiday in the countryside... which turns out to be a drunken disaster fueled by English humour and depravity. There are so many surrealistic scenes in this comedy/drama, all of them embellished by the fantastic soundtrack. This film is one of the best ever made about friendship and vice, and I salute that.

What I've Been Watching

Splendor in the Grass (1961) » This movie made me sob and that is a good sign. In the end, I felt miserably heartbroken. Elia Kazan was a despicable snitch but well, he was a brilliant director, we all have to admit! Kansas, late 1920s: and Bud and Deanie are in love, torn between sexual desire and conscience, morality and parental pressure - such things destroy even the greatest love. Fragile Deanie, blossoming into womanhood and sexual awakening, can't deal with Bud's breakup and her unrequited and forbidden, passionate love for the boy from the town's most influent family drives her into a nervous breakdown. The portrait of a Prohibition era America as the joy of the roaring twenties turns into the despair of Depression is a quaint metaphor. Barbara Loden also gives a fierce performance as Bud's unconventional flapper sister. Natalie Wood delights us with one of the greatest (and more underrated) female performances of the 1960s! Her acting is really like diving head first into madness. The ending is one of the most realistically, powerfully depressing in the history of cinema. It's such a heartbreaking story... You've been warned: this masterpiece is a downer.

Få meg på, for faen (2011) » Awarded Best Screenplay at the Tribeca Film Festival 2011, this is a nice, tasteful watch! 15-year-old Alma is a Norwegian small town girl, consumed by her horny hormones and romantic fantasies. I would describe this film as an independent coming-of-age comedy with a realistic sense of humour and a frank yet funny approach to teen sexuality. The mild sexual content blends in with the sense of awkwardness we often find in girlhood issues. The teenage years are complex and embarrassing, and many girls would probably relate to Alma. Her lonely and frustrating, quiet, dull life explains a lot the libido factor and why it's always getting her on trouble.

Jeune & Jolie (2013) » Here's one of the most fascinating french flicks of 2013 - no wonder it was nominated for the Palme D'Or. I loved everything about it: the poetic angles of the erotic (François Ozon knows a thing or two about the poetry present in sexuality), beautiful Marine Vacth, the filming locations (from the holiday house in the seaside to the streets of Paris... not to mention the sophistication of the hotel rooms) and of course, the brilliant soundtrack, which is beyond engaging, featuring Françoise Hardy, M83, Crystal Castles, Vitalic, Poni Hoax and more. From virginity to part-time prostitution, this subversive coming-of-age film explores and captures the intimate side of Isabelle's adolescent life and her sexual awakening with convincing realism.

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) » For a sequel, it's not that bad as expected. Chapter 2 explains a lot of what might have been happening in the first film. The scary moments are fewer, in my opinion, this one is less entertaining but more... enlightening!  Patrick Wilson's character gets more interesting in this second chapter, which is good. I've never found this movie as terrifying as claimed. It just follows the forever haunted Lambert family, this time uncovering a mysterious childhood secret that will answer all your questions, like, why the hell are they so dangerously connected with and haunted by the spirit world.

The Wolfman (2010) » I will be honest about this one: I only downloaded such thing because it featured Benicio del Toro! I am not easily convinced by werewolf stories but it was nice to see Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving and Emily Blunt co-acting. This movie is nothing but a tacky remake of the 1941 classic, ressurected by Universal Studios, adding all sorts of special effects and visceral attacks. The only thing I liked about The Wolfman was the Victorian atmosphere, the costumes and of course, the slightly gothic feel.

The Truth About Emanuel (2013) » Jessica Biel and Kaya Scoledario look so beautiful in this film and their acting is outstanding. Alfred Molina is always a pleasure to watch, of course. However, I was not too impressed by the plot. Emanuel (Kaya Scoledario) is a troubled girl and so is her new neighbour (Biel - who knew she could actually act?), who asks her to babysit her newborn. That's when we enter a fragile world of obsession, loss and grief coping. Basically, we witness two mentally unstable women bonding... and we can foreshadow some tragic consequences ahead.

Le feu follet (1963) » Louie Malle's Le Feu Follet is exquisitely directed, to say the least. This film is an intellectual and existentialist study of the last day in the life of an alcoholic, combined with masterfully sophisticated photography, with a very simple beauty in every angle. Erik Satie's dramatic melodies add even more substance to this black and white french classic. It's a mesmerising journey through a man's insight and Maurice Ronet honours his role... to the point of us, viewers, start questioning our own lives. I certainly understood and related with the main character while watching the film.

Oslo, 31. august (2011) » I've been into Norwegian cinema recently, so it seems. This film is about Anders, a recovering drug addict, who takes a break from his rehab center, so he can attend a job interview and see his old friends and acquaintances back in Oslo. I really liked it - it was clearly inspired by Le Feu Follet (1963), which I also watched this month. It's such a sad story, it's a display of melancholy, loneliness and second chances in life. The cinematography is subtle yet hauntingly real.

The Maiden Heist (2009) » The Maiden Heist could have been so much better! Peter Hewitt casts amazing actors like Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, Marcia Gay Harden and William H. Macy... wasting their skills on a light criminal comedy that you would only watch on a Sunday hangover afternoon. I won't say I didn't like it but all those predictable plot twists and clichés were not exactly enjoyable. If only the director was more creative...! How could a film with so many good actors in turn out that bad?...