Golden Globes

The Golden Globes have just been announced. Some of the good surprises of the evening were the winning turns of Kate Winslet. Sean Penn did not win, but Mickey Rourke is a justified winner (even if no one can top Sean Penn's performance this year). Also failing to make good winning turns were the wonderful Meryl Streep (for Doubt) and Angelina Jolie (for Changeling). "Slumdog Millionaire" is the underdog that has been winning everything. Seems to be last year's unbeatable film. For a complete list of winners click here.

Gran Torino

Movie name: Gran Torino
Year of release: 2008
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, John Carroll Lynch, Geraldine Hughes, Brian Howe
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:
Clint Eastwood has offered two great films this past year. "Changeling" is already on my list of the best of the year and "Gran Torino" follows in the same line. The film follows what at first sight looks like the walking grouchy cliche that is Walt Kowalski. His wife has just passed away, he can't get along with his sons or grandchildren. To top it all off, his new neighbors are an Asian family that seems to disrupt his quiet and tranquility. Thao the young man from the house is harassed by a gang and through an initiation has to steal Walt's vintage car, a Gran Torino. When he's unable to do so, his family presents his excuses, making Thao repay what his shameful behavior brought on. An unlikely friendship is forged between this family and this old school man that brings a smile and a sense of peace to his life. However the menace of urban gangs looms by. As is usual with his style, Clint Eastwood is direct in his approach to direction and hits all the spots as far as the screenplay his concerned. This is a character tailor made for him, an aging Dirty Harry trying to find some peace in his old age. He knows his mistakes, his shortcomings, and the persistence and niceties of this Asian family, particularly of those two kids, touch his heart. The film is anchored in it's apparent simplicity, but the message comes across loud and clear. Tradition, values and education. It's a film that shows again why Clint Eastwood manages to create great films in whatever he touches.

The Wrestler

Movie name: The Wrestler
Year of release: 2008
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Stars: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Wass Stevens, Todd Barry
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 8

Synopsis:
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson is a wrestler who has had his glory days in the 80s. Now in his 50's he performs in smaller amateur venues and goes to fan conventions, trying to recapture some of the old glory. His only friend, potential romantic interest is Cassidy (professional name, Pam real name), a stripper/dancer (of a certain age) whom he knows from a local bar. Randy also works in a grocery store during the week to make ends meet. Following a particularly difficult match, Randy has a heart attack and finds himself having to quit the Wrestling world. He tries to connect with his estranged daughter Stephanie, but eventually decides to give his final effort in a match with an old oponent. 

Darren Aronofsky follows the beautiful "The Fountain" with a film that, at first sight, is totally its opposite. Whereas "The Foutain" was about the beauty of life and love, across multiple dimensions, timelines and existences, "The Wrestler" goes for the gritty realism and focuses on showcasing the path to redemption of a beaten down (and lonely) man. The film showcases a terrific performance by Mickey Rourke, one where the mix between his own life and his character's seems to blend to give a richer and more profound sense of where the end of this character's life is. Marisa Tomei also excels as Cassidy, portraying a woman who knows her youth is slowly fading and that her future needs to be changed and moved in a different direction. This is a moving and touching film, one where you can feel the pain and angst of the characters. It's also a testament to a life of unfulfilled dreams, the people you at times leave behind, and the sacrifices you make for what you want to pursue, even if in the end, that pursuit leaves you empty handed and broken hearted. It's a gut wrenching film, anchored in solid performances, with Evan Rachel Wood also adding solid support to Mickey Rourke's indelible presence. The cinematography from Maryse Alberti is great, as is the score from Clint Mansell. A great film from a talented film maker. 

Frost/Nixon

Movie name: Frost/Nixon
Year of release: 2008
Director: Ron Howard
Stars: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell, Rebecca Hall, Matthew Macfayden, Toby Jones, Kate Jennings Grant, Andy Milder
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:
Following the highly successful (and highly mediocre) "The DaVinci Code", Ron Howard went in the direction of a stage play, and adapted Peter Morgan's (author of the screenplay of "The Queen" amongst others) "Frost/Nixon". The film follows the interview process that brought together british talk show host David Frost to disgraced ex-president Richard Nixon. We are introduced to David Frost early on, as a talk show host that specializes in fluff (aka, interviews with celebrities, quizzes, contests). When Frost gets the idea of interviewing Richard Nixon, he does so with the intention of recapturing his popularity in the US. After convincing the former president, Frost sets out to secure financial backing for his project. Even though this proves to be a difficult project, Frost starts out the interview process much to the delight of Richard Nixon and his aids, who see the interviews as a way of cleaning the former president's image. The most interesting thing about the film ends up being the dynamics of these two different personalities. One trying to get credibility that he never had and another trying to restore what was lost. David Frost understands that his facile way of charming and getting out of the situations won't help in this situation and Richard Nixon sees his oponent as someone he can intellectually dominate. Ron Howard for once doesn't try to obliterate the edges and create an appealing and all pleasing story (as he does with every single film he touches). The film plays out as a duel with these characters, that are served with two wonderful actors (who were also in the Broadway play in these parts). Frank Langella does a terrific job as Richard Nixon, with the sad and tired look, but also with the shrewdness. Michael Sheen does a good job playing David Frost, with his quick remarks but also with the fear that his stake might fall flat on his face. A film worth checking out.

Yes, Man

Movie name: Yes, Man
Year of release: 2008
Director: Peyton Reed
Stars: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Terence Stamp, Rhys Darby, Danny Masterson, Molly Sims, Fionnula Flanagan, Sasha Alexander
Genre: Comedy
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 4

Synopsis:
Jim Carrey is back in comedy land, following his unfortunate last film "The Number 23" from Joel Schumacher. This time he plays Carl, a divorced bank employee that says "No" to everything. His best friend tries to bring him to more social activities, but Carl always manages to refuse or to get away from it. When he gets persuaded to go to a self improvement seminar, he ends up being persuaded to say "YES" to each and every invitation that pops up. This new attitude ends up getting him in a lot of different and odd situations, but also allows him to grow as an individual and get a quirky and beautiful girlfriend. As most of the comedies with Jim Carrey, the end is never really the interest - the focus is the journey and how excessive he can get. "Yes, Man" does start to accuse a bit of Carrey's age, but the film also manages to crank a few laughs and unlike the irritating "Liar, Liar", it's facile morality isn't so obnoxious. The film also scores with the casting of the great Zooey Deschanel that is finally getting out of her indie domain. Worth checking with some reservations.

Doubt

Movie name: Doubt
Year of release: 2008
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Stars: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis, Alice Drummond
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:
"Doubt" is the adaptation of a very successful stage play that director John Patrick Shanley wrote and directed on Broadway. The film takes place in 1964, a year after the assassination of President Kennedy, and follows the lives of some intervenients of a catholic school run by nuns. Sister Aloysius is the strict principal, nicknamed "dragon" due to her rigorous and dictating style. Sister James is a more liberal teacher, one that tries to be kind and understanding and Father Flynn hovers as a more progressive and modern figure. When Sister James suspects of wrongful behavior towards a student from Father Flynn, she confides her questions and suspicions to Sister Aloysius, that proceeds with her indomitable will to find the truth behind the situation. The film certainly shows it's theatrical roots, and even though the theme is rich and is pertinent as ever, never really gets profoundly examined. The three main characters brace themselves for the storm, and question each other and themselves, and Doubt does appear, but the film itself feels almost too restrained. One of the more interesting characters ends up being the mother of the young student, one that understands all too well the nature of her child, and one that hopes he manages to survive it all. The film manages to capture the viewer mostly because of the intensity of it's actors. Meryl Streep once again is fantastic, as is Philip Seymour Hoffman. Their battle is intense and ferocious. Amy Adams conveys the innocence and ingenuity of the young sister and Viola Davis is terrific as the mother trying to protect her child. "Doubt" is an actor's film, one that allows them to shine, but it's themes needed a stronger vision.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone. 2009 is upon us and with it the hopes of a better year than the one that we're leaving behind. Hopefully the new year will bring a better economic and social scenery than the one that dominated the year of 2008. If there's something we can do, and must do, is keep the faith that reality and life can improve. It is, after all, in our hands to make things change.

This Blog will keep changing, and so will the sites that I currently have. The photography site is finally going to be changed, and the Flickr page is getting new photos, courtesy of a new camera that finally allows me to do what I want. This upcoming year will see new sites for a couple of my friends and hopefully projects that will allow everyone to grow and be successful in their fields.

All good things for everyone!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Movie name: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Year of release: 2008
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Elias Koteas, Jason Flemyng, Jared Harris, Elle Fanning
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 8

Synopsis:
David Fincher is without a doubt one of the most interesting and accomplished directors working these days. His films are always probes into the depths of the conflicts of men (within themselves most of the times). Following the superb "Zodiac", the new film from David Fincher is an adaptation of a F. Scott Fitzgerald short story. The film follows Benjamin Button, a man that ages inversely to everybody else - he is born with a body of an old man, and as time progresses he keeps getting younger. His family abandons him in a nursing home, where he is raised by Queenie. During his childhood he meets Daisy whom we realize is his soulmate. Though life takes them in different directions, they end up reuniting at a time in their lives when they are chronologically balanced. They experience bliss together, but time keeps ticking. The film is a very interesting meditation on the passing of life and the the real value of what you keep. The film is peerless, as is always the case in David Fincher's films, in the look and feel - the production design, photography, soundtrack are all beautiful. The performances are great, with a strong highlight for Brad Pitt, who finally shows what a good actor he can be. However, the jump that the story deserved, is never really reached, and mostly because the screenplay over simplifies everything. As it is, this is a beautiful cinematic experience, that doesn't achieve the heights it could mostly due to a contrived screenplay. Still a great film to see!

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Movie name: The Day the Earth Stood Still
Year of release: 2008
Director: Scott Derrickson
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler, Robert Knepper
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:
Remaking a classic sci-fi film from the 50's is always tricky. Steven Spielberg tackled the paranoia of the alien invasion in "War of the Worlds", but his was a film about family and the fears of terrorism. Scott Derrickson, mostly known as the director of the surprise hit that was "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" goes for something more current: the environment menace. The film follows Klaatu the messenger of an alien civilization that lands on Earth to protect the planet from humans, that are destroying it. Klaatu slowly begins to understand the uniqueness of the human race thanks to the help of Dr. Helen Benson and her stepson Jacob. The film is not without good ideas, the main issue is the fact that none of it feels new or tackled in a way that is different and bold. Keanu Reeves tries to play off his usual stiffness while Jennifer Connelly is merely on automatic pilot. The film is competent but easily forgettable.

Milk

Movie name: Milk
Year of release: 2008
Director: Gus Van Sant
Stars: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, Alison Pill, Joseph Cross, James Franco, Denis O'Hare, Victor Garber, Lucas Gabreel, Stephen Spinella
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 9

Synopsis:
Following his more experimental work that dominated his previous films, namely the cycle started by "Gerry" and followed with the terrific "Elephant" and the hit or miss "Last Days" and "Paranoid Park", Gus Van Sant returns to form with "Milk", one of the best films of the year. The film follows the life of the first openly gay elected politician, Harvey Milk. We follow him from his life in New York on the brink of turning 40, to his move to San Francisco where he settles in the Castro district (with his partner, Scott Smith). We see through his eyes the changes that occur in the city and his political activism grows as he realizes the discrimination that gay people suffer. Through his attempts to get elected, his group of friends grows as does their ambitions in changing the ruling that is trying to get passed, Proposition 6. Milk's sad demise in the hands of one of his co-workers Dan White, cuts short his attempts to improve the life of the gay community. What is so admirable about this film, is the way Van Sant's vision blends so perfectly with the period pieces. The reconstitution of San Francisco of 30 years ago is perfect, as is the beautiful photography of Harris Savides (one of the great cinematographers working these days). The actors are all fantastic, but three strike a chord, starting with Josh Brolin's amazing portrayal of Dan White. He is remarkable as someone losing grips with a reality that far surpasses his understanding. Emile Hirsch is also great as a young gay man trying to find meaning in his life. But this film belongs to Sean Penn - his portrayal of Harvey Milk is touching, powerful and simply amazing (he truly deserves another Oscar). A great film that needs to be seen now, for what it represents and for the artistry that went into it!

Rolling Stone Magazine Albums of 2008

Though I always think their choices are a bit trendy and don't really reflect the best music being released, I think it's interesting to know what their views of this year in music have been.
Check their choices clicking here!

Studio Output and Glug Xmas

Studio Output is involved with Glug Xmas.
This event is not for profit and all proceeds go to Children with Leukemia!
Check the event clicking here, also here and finally check the Studio website here.

Thanks to Gemma at Studio Output for passing along the news!

Rachel Getting Married

Movie name: Rachel Getting Married
Year of release: 2008
Director: Jonathan Demme
Stars: Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Debra Winger, Bill Irwin, Anna Deavere Smith, Mather Zickel, Anisa George
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:
Jonathan Demme is one of the most interesting directors working these days. After directing a series of interesting films, including "Something Wild", "Married to the Mob", "Philadelphia" and the terrific "Silence of the Lambs", this decade has seen him with a very modest output. His "The Truth About Charlie" (a remake of "Charade") and "The Manchurian Candidate" (another remake), both went largely unnoticed, and now he went to the indie side to present a more modest effort. Written by Jenny Lumet, "Rachel Getting Married" comes in the trail of better films that addressed family disintegration and the secrets that destroys us, which can be largely noticed in the staple that is Robert Redford's "Ordinary People" or even on a smaller scale Dan Harris' "Imaginary Heroes". Anne Hathaway plays Kym, just out of rehab and at home for her sister Rachel's wedding. Kym is a mess - in terms of Hollywood that means having spiky hair, smoking and wearing dark clothes. Everyone wants away from her, except for her dad who wants to make sure she doesn't do drugs anymore. Kym has a secret that haunts her and that is the root for her self destructive behavior. What could have been a really interesting premise, turns out to be a strangely self imploding film - Declan Quinn's camera tries to create the sense of intimacy and home movies, but it never really manages much. And that is because the story never really develops much. The real core of the movie ends up being Debra Winger, who plays the ice queen to perfection (she gives Mary Tyler Moore's character in "Ordinary People" a real brush aside). Her tension is palpable and Debra Winger captures the character perfectly. Anne Hathaway twitches but doesn't really make a character very believable. A sadly missed opportunity for what could've been a really great film.

Australia

Movie name: Australia
Year of release: 2008
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Brandon Walters, David Wenham, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Bill Hunter, John Jarratt, Jacek Koman
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:
"Australia" is Baz Luhrmann's 4th film since 1992. In 16 years his production has been rather meager, and his results have been very mixed. Unlike a lot of opinions I found "Moulin Rouge" extremely overrated, though I did admire his approach in "William Shakespeare's Romeo+Juliet". With "Australia" Luhrmann set out to create his own version of "Gone With the Wind" taking place in his native country. He decided to throw the love story between people of different backgrounds, with the eruption of second World War AND the social agenda that surrounded the treatment of the native Australians. The results are again mixed. On the positive side, there's the definite feeling of the epic, the photography and the entire production design that are exquisite. On the weaker corner, we have all the clichés that have been treated in the most conventional of ways - the screenplay follows all the formulas, which even though sometimes it can be interesting, in this case feels a bit tiresome and overblown. The actors also give mixed performances - Nicole Kidman who did a terrific work last year in "Margot at the Wedding", here becomes almost too artificial when some more naturalistic approach would be commendable (I for one, think this would have been a perfect role for Naomi Watts). Hugh Jackman, filling for Russel Crowe, does his best rugged with a heart impression, takes off his shirt quite often, but still his character needed some extra charisma that is surely missing. The bad guy, handed off to David Wenham, barely registers. This is a film that relies on the visuals that it presents, and it doesn't fail in that department. It's unfortunate that all the rest does.

Kellen Styler

Kellen Styler is a designer with great work. Check his photos and his website clicking here.