Indie Review: Elephant (2003)

         

        'Elephant' Is A Grand Haunting Look At Small-Town America

        High school is hell. A lot of us who went to high school and went through the same routine sometimes feel that it is like the eighth circle of Hell. But when you watch this film and what the main characters eventually go through, a mundane day at high school will suddenly feel like a day at the beach.
    
        Story:
       Elephant follows the story of several students experiencing a simple day in high school. However, that day suddenly doesn't become so simple once two students concoct a fatal plan to commit a massacre.

        Ups:
       The main thing that I'll discuss is the direction, as well as the writing by Gus Van Sant. One thing about his direction that I loved was how we see the film from the angles of both the victims and the shooters, making the film less one-sided. Not only that, but Van Sant doesn't weave in any judgment into his direction or go deep into the politics of high school or gun control. He just shows us an ordinary day of high school taking a turn for the worse while also leaving subtle hints at the motives behind the killings.

        There are plenty of long tracking shots, including one of one of the shooters being bullied in class, another of the two shooters watching a Hitler documentary, and a first person point of view shot of a shoot-em-up video game being played. There is even a long shot of the two shooters embracing each other, hinting that they might have been isolated for being gay. That is how I personally interpreted it, but anyone else can come up with their own theory. Van Sant never really spoon feeds to the audience what the true motives are. We are left to piece the puzzle ourselves.

       I also want to give points to the cinematographer Harris Savides. In a lot of the long shots taking place in the high school, Savides always films from behind the main actors as if they are in the kind of video game that the shooters play. This creates a rather uneasy feel, even before the fatal climax. But even though the film takes place on a simple day at high school, we still get a glimpse of the struggles and insecurities the students face and based on their traits, as well as how they interact with each other, it all feels authentic.

      Downs:
       NIL.
 
       Consensus:
       Overall, Elephant is an unnerving yet masterfully crafted portrait of violence in small-town America. The direction and writing by Gus Van Sant is no-holds-barred yet incredibly apolitical and without judgment, the cinematography is beautifully shot, and even though there is no real story, it still feels real. Sadly, too real.

       Would I Recommend It?:
       Yes, but with a warning. It is extremely well-made, but its authenticity will likely leave viewers uncomfortable as it hits pretty close to home.

Grade: A+
    

Indie Review: Weekend (2011)

                         

                 A 'Weekend' I Never Wanted To End
           
           Since writer/director Andrew Haigh created the HBO series Looking, that was sadly cancelled, and burst onto the scene with the subject of this review, I now get the sense that we are starting to see a new, refreshingly creative voice for LGBT fiction that doesn't delve too deeply into the struggles of being gay and paints his characters as simple human beings trying to 'be'.


        Story:
        Weekend follows the story of a man named Russell (Tom Culleb) who, after partying with some straight friends one night, goes to a gay bar where he meets Glen (Chris New). Russell and Glen then have sex at Russell's apartment and the rest of the film deals with them finding out more about each other while dealing with the complexities of a relationship over the span of one short weekend.

         Ups:
        I'll start off with the performances by the two leads, Tom Cullen and Chris New. Those two have such outstanding chemistry as two men with slightly different ideals since Russell is more open-minded when it comes to relationships while Glen says he, and I quote, "doesn't do boyfriends." That whole complex dynamic allows the two actors to reveal layers of heartbreak as well as light humor while helping each other shape who they are.

        Next, I'll discuss the writing and direction by Andrew Haigh, who is also the creator of the recently cancelled HBO series Looking. What he does here is he always keeps the camera rolling which allows us to witness many angles of the main relationship, from the conversations to the sexual intimacy. Not only that, but Haigh demonstrates how a stranger can come into your life and help shape it while also revealing the complexities of a simple relationship in general and not just a gay relationship.

        Downs:
       NIL.  

        Consensus:
        Overall, Weekend is a flawless look at relationships with layers of entertainment and heartbreak that also has such refreshing authenticity shown by writer/director Andrew Haigh and the two dynamic leads.

        Would I Recommend It?:
        Yes, but with a small warning. Some viewers might be turned off by the film's gay content. But if that doesn't bother you, you should give it a watch.

Grade: A+

Indie Review: Dogtooth (2010)

                       

           
                    'Dogtooth's' Bite Far Exceeds Its Bark
               
     Plenty of us watch movies for perspective, to have an epiphany of some kind if we think our lives are terrible. This might be another one of those kind of films as while you watch it, you might think to yourself "Huh, and I thought my family was messed up."

       Story:
      Dogtooth follows the story of a man (Christos Stergioglou) and his wife (Michelle Valley) who keep their children hidden from the outside world. They teach them existing vocabulary words but give them new meanings, have them engage in unorthodox competitions to win prizes, and the only outsider allowed on their premises is a woman named Cristina who is always assigned to satisfy the som's sexual urges. The only way that the children are allowed to leave their home is when their dogtooth falls out.

       Ups:
      First off, I thought it was very interesting that even though there is a plot, there isn't necessarily a story per se. It is mainly a character study about the different family members and focuses on what goes on in their world with the parents literally treating their children like dogs and even telling them the most dangerous predator is a cat.

       Next, I'll discuss the performances. Christos Stergioglou is very enigmatic yet unsettling as the father whose methods of conditioning his kids slowly take a toll on them. The actors playing the conditioned children are also outstanding. Aggeliki Paupolia is a quiet force of nature as the oldest daughter who has the predatorial and sensual tendencies that her fellow family members have yet is yearning to pass into adulthood. Christos Passalis portrays quite a grey character as he acts as the film's bright spot through his gleaming smile yet still shares the same animalistic characteristics as his family. Even though Michelle Valley is given a smaller role as the wive, through the use of her facial expressions, she still undergoes a powerful yet silent dramatic arc. The other two actresses, Mary Tsoni as the young daughter, and Anna Kalatzidou as the son's suitor Cristina, are also astounding as well.

       Lastly, I'll get into the direction and writing by Yorgos Lanthimos. I thought it was incredibly fascinating how, through the use of the film's limited setting, Lanthimos manages to construct plenty of layers through his storytelling. For example, the way the children are taught at home makes the film seem like a satire on homeschooling and the methods in which the father conditions his children make the film also seem like a demonstration of dominance and of the animal inside of us.

        Downs:
        NIL.

        Consensus:
        Overall, Dogtooth is an unsettling yet masterful look at the fierce animal inside us all that offers interesting layers in its storytelling and should for sure make writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos a talent to be on the lookout for.

        Would I Recommend It?:
       Yes, but to those that love to study film. This is a well-crafted film, but it is not for everybody as it pretty graphic with scenes of explicit sex and a few scenes of violence.

Grade: A+

Indie Review: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007)

                                 

       
          A Subtle Thriller That Is Intense Yet Still Goes On '4' Almost Too Long
 

        Story:
        4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days follows the story of two college students, Otilia and Gabita (Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu), who decide to arrange an abortion for Gabita. The rest of the film follows how their fateful decision slowly starts to unravel.

       Ups:
      I'll start off with the performances. Anamaria Marinca is a rather quiet powerhouse as Otilia, who serves as a flustered yet loyal friend as well as nervous young woman caught up in a situation beyond her grasp. Laura Vasiliu is also outstanding as the more naive yet equally anxious Gabita. Both actresses really bring the various facets to their characters to life and work quite well off of each other.

      Next, I'll get into the direction by Cristian Mungiu. I liked how he managed to always let the camera roll and focus on the actors while still giving them a lot of breathing room even though watching the film is a rather tense experience. Not only that, but because the film has more limited settings, it is given a more claustrophobic feel.

     I also liked how Mungiu manages to incorporate different facets to his screenwriting as it is a topical film that isn't judgmental of its subject matter, nor is it one-sided, and it is a film about the bond of friendship that demonstrates two young people who are caught in a more adult situation, seemingly unaware of the severity of it.

     Downs:
     Honestly, I thought some of the use of long takes had the film dragging at times to the point where my eyes would wonder. At other points, the use of long takes worked pretty well, but other times, it didn't like in a scene where Otilia is having dinner with her boyfriend and his family.

     Consensus:
     Overall, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is an incredibly layered look at abortion that, despite its uneven pacing, manages to feature stellar performances from the cast mixed with less judgmental social commentary.

     Would I Recommend It?:
     Not to everybody. As I said, it gets very slow at times and might not please those that hate reading subtitles.

Grade: B

   

Indie Review: Begin Again (2014)

               

     
                      'Begin Again' Hits The Right Notes

    Whenever I talk about the ups about a film that I love, sometimes I start with "Where do I begin?". That start is certainly fitting for the appropriately titled Begin Again.

   Story:
   Begin Again follows the story of a record label producer named Dan (Mark Ruffalo) who not only is separated fron his daughter (Hailee Steinfeld) and wife (Catherine Keener), but gets fired from his job. Just as he feels he hit rock bottom with nothing to live for, he stumbles across a woman named Greta (Keira Knightley) who, after singing a song that moves Dan, forms a musical bond with him that will shape their lives.

      Ups:
    Where do I 'begin'? I'll start off with the harmonious performances. Keira Knightley shines as Greta and manages to pull off a character that is slightly neurotic yet illuminates the screen when she appears as it is so easy to connect with her. Mark Ruffalo is his usual astounding self and manages to not only provide some great comedic timing, but also such raw emotional gravitas through the use of subtle glimpses. Both he and Knightley have such dynamic chemistry and each create such complex characterizations.

    Next, I'll get into the thematic material. What I found so amazing was how despite it being a film about music,  it doesn't necessarily go into the politics of the music industry or anything like that. It is more about the philosophy of why we make music, whether it is to have some kind of connection, to emotionally inspire people, or to follow our hearts.

    Lastly is the film's most crucial element: The songs. All of them are not only absolutely incredible, but almost each one has a purpose. For example, "A Step You Can't Take Back" inspires Dan to not want to take his own life and leads to the first meeting of him and Greta. Also, the Oscar-nominated "Lost Stars" is a representation of the relationship between Greta and her ex-boyfriend Dave, played by Adam Levine, as well as how Greta struggles to let her artistic integrity be recognized by a large audience.

     Downs:
     NIL.

     Consensus:
     Overall, Begin Again is a wonderful ode to the emotional power of music with fantastic performances from the cast as well as harmonious songs that demonstrate the dynamic storyline.

     Would I Recommend It?:
     Ab-so-lutely. Even if you haven't seen the film yet, listen to the soundtrack. But I think everybody should see it.

Grade: A+

Indie Review: Magic Mike (2012)

                               

     
          'Magic Mike' Pulls Some Interesting Tricks Out Of His Hat

          It takes a director like Steven Soderbergh to take a film, in which its premise seems out of his reach, and turn it into an entertaining romp with deep storytelling and artistic merit.

          Story:
         Magic Mike follows the story of a veteran stripper named Mike (Channing Tatum) who works in construction during the day and as a stripper at night. But he slowly wants to put his stripper past behind him and start a furniture business. Also, he takes a young rookie stripper named Adam aka "The Kid" (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing, showing him how to get girls while making easy money.

         Ups:
       Now, what surprised the heck out of me was that even though it is a movie about male strippers, the stripping is not the main focus. While there are some musical stripping scenes, that is mostly a facet showcased for entertainment. At the center, however, the film is mainly a character study about a man trying to leave his past behind that also demonstrates the seediness of the male stripping industry. So, there are quite a bit of layers to the story and through the use of his restraint, director Steven Soderbergh manages to successfully allow the different layers to mold together. Soderbergh also did a splendid job with the cinematography and not only does he film with his typical yellow color scheme, but some of the colorful lighting in certain scenes helps fit the mood for each scene.

      Next, I'll get into some of the performances. Channing Tatum manages to pull off a great performance that is a potent blend of movie star charisma and subtle emotional gravitas. This is a complete 180 from his work in films like Foxcatcher, so he is really proving his versatile acting chops. I also thought he and Cody Horn, who plays Adam's concerned sister Brooke that Mike forms a bond with, had some nice chemistry. Alex Pettyfer is also fine as the young and rather cocky Adam and undergoes quite a dramatic arc as the film progresses. But one actor that I'd like to acknowledge is Matthew McConaughey as Mike's boss Dallas. He stole the show in my opinion as he had me in stitches yet also looking at his character with disgust. There is also a bit of complexity to his portrayal of a man who is narcissistic yet also quite vapid.

     Downs:
    I'll admit that I do feel some of the other actors, like Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, and Adam Rodriguez were a little underutilized. Other than that, I don't have much complaints.

    Consensus:
    Overall, Magic Mike is an entertaining film that features a surprising dramatic story at its centerpiece. It's well directed by Steven Soderbergh, has brilliant performances by some of the cast, and has quite a bit of facets to its storyline.

    Would I Recommend It?:
    I probably would. Although some may write it off as just the "Channing Tatum stripper movie", trust me, it is a lot more than that. You might be as surprised as I was.

Grade: A-

Indie Review: Rust and Bone (2012)

                           

         
              A Beautiful Love Story That Still Cuts Deep Into The 'Bone'

               Sooo....we're starting to see a trend of horror films being void of cliches and now we have love stories being void of cliches thanks to films like this one? Not only that, but a love story can be given multi-dimensional characters, spectacular visual storytelling aided by beautiful cinematography? Who knew.

              Story:
         Rust and Bone follows the story of a man named Ali (Matthias Schonaerts) who tries to make ends meet by taking odd jobs while struggling to become a professional fighter. But one night, while working as a club bouncer, he stumbles across a whale trainer named Stephanie (Marion Cotillard). After a dreadful accident that causes Stephanie's legs to be amputated, she and Ali start to form a bond that will slowly start to shape their lives.

         Ups:
       I'll start off with the amazing performances by the two lead actors. Marion Cotillard gives such an enriching and complex performance as Stephanie, a woman who seems rather cold and calculating yet behind that lies such humanistic vulnerabilty. She is fiercely independent yet needy, dominant yet submissive, and will grief occasionally but not sit around feeling sorry for herself. Matthias Schonaerts is a revelation as Ali, a struggling father who is rather careless yet has animalistic tendencies and instincts. Schonaerts manages to bring such amazing layers to his character as he showcases a rather sensual yet boyish charm packed with a rough and bullish exterior. We might be looking at a Belgian Marlon Brando. Both Cotillard and Schonaerts have such rich chemistry and make us want two people seem mismatched end up holding hands by the time the credits roll.

    I also want to give points to director/co-writer Jacques Audiard who helped the two actors create such rich chemistry and, through the use of his long takes and screenwriting, demonstrated a great amount of visual storytelling. For example, in the scene where Stephanie wakes up in the hospital after her legs are amputated, she figures it out herself and there isn't a traditional doctor or nurse coming in to tell her the bad news. Audiard does a lot more showing rather than telling and I absolutely loved that. Audiard gives us a different kind of love story as the words "I love you" are rarely heard and he avoids the use of cliches and feel-good sentimentality.

   Finally, I thought the cinematography was stunning. What made cinematographer Stephane Fontaine's filming scheme so special is that he shoots it very realistically while incorporating a beautiful yet rather subtle color scheme, like in the aforementioned hospital scene where Stephanie is surrounded by the room's blue walls to capture the melancholic feeling.

    Downs:
    NIL.

    Consensus:
    Overall, Rust and Bone is a sensual yet ferocious meditation of love that features multi-dimensional performances by its two lead actors, beautiful cinematography, complex direction, and realistically raw storytelling.

     Would I Recommend It?:
     Absolutely. Whether you are a fan of reading subtitles or not, I would highly recommend you check this one out. This kind of love story doesn't come around very often, so I would say take advantage of it.

Grade: A+

Indie Review: It Follows (2015)

               

     
       An Ode To The Golden Age Of Horror That Refuses To 'Follow' The Conventions Of 'Its' Genre
       
     So, as it turns out, I guess I am not losing my faith in the horror genre. Thanks to the efforts of David Robert Mitchell, I now realize that a horror film can be void of cliches, have an interesting premise, and of course, be scary.
 
        Story:
        It Follows follows the story of a girl named Jay (Maika Monroe) who, after a strange sexual encounter, finds herself being followed by a supernatural force that won't stop coming after her, or her friends, until she dies.

         Ups:
        I'll start off with the direction by writer/director David Robert Mitchell. What was so fascinating was how, kind of like how The Babadook director Jennifer Kent takes the film's monster movie concept and uses it as a metaphor for grief and depression, Mitchell managed to take the film's concept and use it as a possible metaphor for STDs as this force follows the main character around like a virus. I also loved how he hardly uses any cliches. The protagonist, that is typically the virginal one in horror films, isn't virginal here. Plus, there aren't any real stereotypes like the jock, the cheerleader, the nerd, or the stoner, etc. The main characters are a small group that doesn't feel mismatched like most teens in a slasher film.

      I also loved how, thanks to the amazing cinematography and synthethized score, the film is essentially a throwback to horror films from the late 70's and early 80's. Yet, unlike a lot of the horror films back then that dealt with teenagers getting picked off, there is hardly any gore in this. The horror is based around its idea and I love that. I also want to give a shoutout to the actors who do a splendid job. Maika Monroe is absolutely splendid as Jay and gives a rather dynamic performance as a girl who is spunky and carefree then slowly becomes a withdrawn victim trying to fight for her life. Here is hoping the future is bright for this young talent. All the other young actors, like Keir Gilchrist, Jake Weary, Lili Sepe, and Olivia Yaccardi, are all terrific as well.

      Downs:
      NIL.
 
      Consensus:
      Overall. It Follows is a nostalgic yet tense horror gem that serves as a metaphor for the dangers of human sexuality. Its direction is genius, the cinematography is beautiful, the performances from the cast are terrific, and the score is absolutely haunting.

     Would I Recommend It?:
    Absolutely. If you love horror movies, run to your nearest theater and go check it out. You will be in for a real treat.

 Grade: A+
     

Top 15 Movies Of The 2010s So Far

Hello, Bloggers, since we are at the other half of the decade so far,I figured I'd post what I feel are the Top 15 Movies of The Decade so far. Here we go:

15. Prisoners (2013): Starting off my list is the edgy thriller Prisoners from Denis Villeneuve. Even though this film is NOT a pleasant film-watching experience, especially if you are a parent, it is still an amazingly crafted picture that hooks you within the first few minutes until the last frame.

14. Inception (2010): As I mentioned before, Christopher Nolan is somebody who knows how to turn a blockbuster film into a work of art. Inception is certainly, yet another, one of those films.

13. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011): I remember when I saw this film, I was certainly entranced. Entranced by the cinematography by Jody Lee Lipes, luminous breakthrough turn by Elizabeth Olsen, as well as the mystery surrounding the film. This is certainly an entrancing yet also incredibly haunting experience. Seriously, when John Hawkes sings "Marcy's Song", it'll get under your skin.

12. Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Teen movies are a tricky beast. I'm not going to lie. But thankfully, Stephen Chbosky adapted his own novel into a film and stayed incredibly true to it as the novel was true to teenage life itself. When watching this, it felt like I was reading the book all over again.

11. Whiplash (2014): Who knew that a movie about a kid learning drums could be so terrifying? Writer/director Damien Chazelle.  That's who. Oh, and there is the acting powerhouse named J.K. Simmons, who more than earned his Oscar. This movie is my tempo.

10. Black Swan (2010): To quote the Black Swan herself, this movie was perfect. Everything, from the direction to the performances to the costume design, is done with absolute precision. This film is director Darren Aronofsky's magnum opus.

9. Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Silver Linings Playbook has not only become one of the best of the decade so far, but it has also become one of my favorite movies. When watching it, I just can't help but enjoy the chemistry between the two leads, Robert De Niro's return to form, the smart screenwriting, and how it is a romantic comedy with facets like mental illness, superstition, and sports. Excelsior!

8. Drive (2011): Drive is not only an amazing piece of cinema, but it manages to demonstrate how to create a cinematic achievement and give it mainstream appeal as it has a little something for everybody: action for the guys, a romance and Ryan Gosling for the ladies, and masterful filmmaking for the cinephiles. Drive has a killer engine.

7. Boyhood (2014): Despite people claiming this movie is a simple gimmick, in my opinion, Boyhood manages to take the 12-year gimmick and turn a simple story into something special. Not only do we get to watch the titular boy grow, but the family as well and we even get glimpses of nostalgia (Harry Potter, Coldplay, etc.). It is not just about this one kid growing up, it is essentially about all of us.

6. The Place Beyond The Pines (2013): What makes this crime saga so unique is how it demonstrates how one crime can influence those you love, in particular, one's child. This epic telling of fathers and sons features breathtaking cinematography,  layered performances, brilliant direction, and a fantastic script. An absolute yet quiet marvel.

5. The Master (2012): The Master is not necessarily a film per se, but an experience. As you watch this film, it feels like you, personally, are taken on the journey that Freddie Quell is. Even if everybody won't appreciate this film, I feel that there is at least one thing people can take away from it, whether it'd be the dynamite acting trio (Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman), the beautiful yet mysterious cinematography, the haunting score, or even the terrific screenplay. All thanks to the master himself, Paul Thomas Anderson.

4. The Social Network (2010): The Social Network is another one that has quickly become a favorite of mine. Thanks to the efforts of director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin, the film manages to take its concept on the founding of Facebook and use it as both thought provoking cinema and entertainment. While some might get a kick out of the snappy dialogue, the film will also have people asking questions.

3. Shame (2011): Interestingly, even though Shame seems like the kind of film you watch once, I still find myself wanting to watch it again. Its subject matter is tough to swallow, as it deals with sex addiction, but director Steve McQueen takes no prisoners with his direction and Michael Fassbender delivers a multi-dimensional performance for the ages. The film might be hard to watch, yet I still couldn't look away.

2. Birdman (2014): What more can I say about Birdman other than it is every filmmaker's dream and that it more than earned its Best Picture Oscar? Not much else other than I will likely continue watching it, studying it, and continue being observed by its brilliance.

1. Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013): I have seen this movie in the beginning of last year. Cut to today in in 2015, it still continuously plays in my head. In my opinion, that is how I know I am watching a masterful piece of cinema. When this film premiered at Cannes and won Best Film, it went to its two lead actresses which makes sense because they essentially are the movie, especially the tour-de-force discovery that is Adele Exarchopoulos. She just commands the screen in a film that lasts 3 hours, yet doesn't feel like it, thanks to not just her phenomenal performance, but also the efforts of the cinematographer who would even film her when they would take a break from filming, as well as the superb writing, visceral direction, and support from her co-star/fellow powerhouse Lea Seydoux. I could sing my praises about this movie until the end of time.

Now, here are some honorable mentions that didn't quite make it:

50/50 (2011)
Animal Kingdom (2010)
Compliance (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Easy A (2010)
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Gone Girl (2014)
Her (2013)
Melancholia (2011)
Starred Up (2014)

So that was my list of the top 15 best movies of the decade so far. Whether you agree or disagree, please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!