I'm not sure if this is true or not, but during school or possibly college, the word 'brainstorm' was going to be banned because it was potentially offensive. I thought this was absolutely ridiculous. But, as I can't remember where I heard this, and having not heard of anything since, apart from that it was to be called 'mind mapping' instead, this crazy idea might be changed.
Anyway, I've had to do quite a bit of 'brainstorming' lately as I'm trying to complete a project but I'm having some difficulty. I was told that there is not such thing as 'writer's block' and it was just something writer's used as an excuse. I'll agree to that but this time, its not excuse. I literally have too many ideas that I want to use and they are mostly conflicting. I know that the simplest of ideas are the best and lead to great ideas, story, characters and so on, but the desire to create something from scratch and not have any previous ideas get in the way is causing 'writer's block', leading me to 'brainstorm' everything.
It doesn't help that I have had next to no sleep this entire week, but I won't harp on about that. Usually I do my best work in the early hours of the morning, a 2am miracle. That's how I came up with two of best stories (in my opinion). The rest all happened when I was no where near my desk or even London. But being able to write only by the coast or in the forest gets a little expensive.
My compromise was to find the perfect place to write in a cafe or coffee shop but so far I haven't found that dream combo close to home.
I think the key to completing a project is:
LOCATION + IDEA x TIME = Completed Project
At least this is what I'm hoping is the winning formula and nothing more complicated.
Sunday, 29 March 2015
Thursday, 26 March 2015
March Watch List
1. Chappie
I've seen mixed reviewed for this film about A.I and child development and I'm surprised. I thought this film was brilliantly executed. On the surface, its about a creator and his creation and how people can corrupt an innocent for their own gains. Then there is a deeper message, is a child corrupted by its family and the people it associates with or is it just circumstantial, the environment. To bring down crime in Johannesburg, the police are made up of human offices and robotic humanoids. The success of the robot offices brings success to Tetravaal, a weapons manufacturer and the creator, Deon. Deon then creates artificial intelligence giving a robot emotions and he ability to form opinions but after he is kidnapped by a street gang who forces him to 'wake the robot up' so they can use it to assist in their crimes. Chappie is born. Sharlto Copely plays Chappie, voice and motion capture too, and he is brilliant as well as being the director Neil Blomkamp's favourite having appeared in his last two features. There is heart in his film as well the enjoyment of seeing corruption of innocence seen through the eyes of a child/robot. There have been talk of a sequel which would be a shame as this film and story stands well alone. I should also mention that Hugh Jackman, as the ex-solider turned weapon designer is quite good as the weird villain who wants man operated machines on the streets instead. He is so far removed from the typical muscle crazed hero its delightfully refreshing. With a mixture of non actors and professionals, the characters gel surprisingly well together, on screen at least. 4/5
2. Fifty Shades of Grey
Seals, folktales and beautiful 2D animation, of course this film was aimed at someone like me. The story is about Ben and his sister Saoirse and their father, the lighthouse keeper. After the death of his mother, who died presumbly during childbirth, Ben has always been hostile towards his younger sister who at age 6 has still never spoken a word. But when Saoirse discovers a white coat and lead to the sea by mystical fairy lights, there she discovers, after wearing the coat, she is a Selkie. After being discovered on the sea shore the next morning, the children's visiting grandmother insists the children live with her in the city. The defiant Ben decides to escape and make his way back home with Saoirse in tow. They journey home and discover and meet fairies of the myth and legend as well Saoirse's destiny and importance between worlds. Its beautifully animated and the story, so simple yet brings out all emotions. The seal and folklore aspects just the film all that more enjoyable to watch. 4/5
4. Suite Française
My friend and I went to see it like it was like any other war drama, but after the first viewing we were hooked. The film's end felt like we were left in suspension and for me disbelief that it ended. Again, I've read mixed reviews about this film, centered around the German occupation of France in 1940. A regiment is sent to a town outside Paris and how the residents and he soldiers live along side each other. We became obsessed with this film and story, as we both read the book the film is based on by Irene Nemirovsky, who was writing the novel just before she was taken to a labor camp for being Jewish. The film is heartbreaking above all but it was also interesting to see a different aspect to the war. Set just when Germany defeats France and takes over, the Germans are the enemy but are seen to be civil until one of their own is murdered. Along side the main story of occupation, there is a romantic element. A German officer, Bruno is billeted with Lucille and her stern mother in law, Madam Angellier. Her son is a POW and she treats her tenants with contempt. Bruno and Lucille share a bond through their love of music but it is, as always, an ill fated romance. Played with such subtly by Michelle Williams and Matthias Schoenaerts, the relationship is not sweet but delicate and works so well on screen, just wish they had longer scenes. The story's outcome and the outcome for several of the characters featured in the film is changed and ultimately damned by one selfish person. From this point on the story descends into the usual, way a war film does, its frustrating but not disappointing. By my friend and I reading the book, we searched for answers to see if we missed something. We both felt that the romance needed further attention and I personally felt the sting of the ending. I don't wish this often or ever, but I hoped for a change of ending from the book. And no matter how many times I watch, love, despair at the film, it will never change. Directed by Saul Dibb with the elegant touch that he previously had in The Duchess, I should have know I would have been depressed with the end. If you're wondering about the title, it is the name of the music that Bruno is composing throughout the film. 4/5
5. Seventh Son
I'm sorry but I gave this the lowest possible score as it didn't even hold my attention. The myth behind the story is far more interesting than the actual film. It's not a surprise that this film is based on series of books. I think the studio who made it was hoping for a franchise to bloom but I really can't see it. It will most likely go the way of Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, The Dark is Rising, Vampire Academy and Eragon, all based on book series aimed at young readers and tweens. None of them got a sequel. Dystopian adventures seem to hold the winning formula but those are also running short. The Seventh Son was bland and not even Jeff Bridges playing Jeff Bridges could save this film. Plot, young man destined to save the world from darkness and a powerful witch becomes to the apprentice to a Jeff Bridges who is a 'Spook' someone who can vanquish evil things. That's the premise and I'm sure you can all predict the end. Oh, and they make sure to leave room, just in case a sequel is made. 1/5
6. Zero Motivation
After seeing the trailer on Apple trailer, this was during festival season, I was hooked. A comedy about women during military service, perfect. But where the trailer made the fill look purely like a black comedy, the film was more about friendship and the comedy was slightly thin on the ground. The film is split into 3 chapters, 'The Replacement, The Virgin and The Commander'. Each section follow the day to day life at the military base of the women, mainly, who non-combatants, working the admin office. Zoar, is on the surface lazy and refuses to make an effort and Daffi just really wants to leave the base for another in a better location. I did laugh at some of the mishaps and the scene where the entire office is stuffed full of shredded paper but otherwise there are some quite disturbing stories within the base, one involving a suicide and one of the women being possessed by a ghost. I would reccomend the film but be aware its not an outright comedy. 3/5
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Seals, Sea and Sanctuary
Last year I finally fulfilled a dream. I visited the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek. I tried to take as many photos as possible, these are just a precious few that came out ok. I think I was just too excited to be there.
There were also sea lions, humboldt penguins and otters. No photos of sea lions. But I spent quite a bit of time staring at these little guys.
While in Cornwall we also visited St Agnes, an amazing beautiful beach. There are also a few photos of one of favourite places, Milford-on-sea.
While at the sanctuary, we spotted this adorable seal sleeping in the bottom of the pool and he's smiling.
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Mothers, Monsters and Mayhem
It has forever been a bother for me when stories are trying to find something or someone for the audience to 'connect' to and they end up going for the same old boring thing, single mother with a sick child. It's incredibly disappointing.
I appreciate stories between mothers and sons/daughters but when its part of the story not as a lame add on. There are films that have the 'mother figure' or the 'mother presence' that is usually needed as part of the main character surrounding supporting characters, especially if its a family drama or someone who is returning home.
But, more often, the 'Mother' character is one of two beings. Someone who is domineering, maybe even violent, she causes misery, sometimes for comic effect. The other role the 'Mother' plays is the absent parent, events in the story are in her name or her absence is the cause for the events and certain characters behaviour.
A few films are based around a very generic relationship between a mother and a child, for example in 'Anywhere But Here'. Adele (Susan Sarandon) up roots her daughter, Ann (Natalie Portman), to LA in order to better themselves. Ann can't stand her Mother and says this all the way through even though at times she won't go anywhere without her.
In a twisted way, the relationship in Watchmen between Sally and Laurie is similar. Even though, Sally forced her daughter to become Silk Spectre 2, dressing her up in provocative clothes, forcing her to take up the mantle and refusing to tell her about her real father, Laurie still visits her mother all the time, even going through the transporting which makes her ill. Her mother stole her childhood but she still feels like she needs her mother and Sally definitely still needs her.
There are plenty of horror stories that play on the 'violent, evil' Mother character. One that comes to mind is Carrie. I haven't actually seen the film but because it's an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, there has been so much coverage of it especially with the less successful remake. Carrie's mother is a religious fanatic who tortures her daughter mentally and physically to the point where Carrie breaks. That's just putting it gently.
Sometimes its the bond between mother and usually son that is too close and strong that causes the most damage. The prime example here is 'Psycho', Norman Bates (SPOILER) has a disturbingly close relationship with his mother to the point he dressed up in her clothes and murdered people, he even spoke in her voice. For me, that last scene where he is sitting in the cell, is the most disturbing. The TV series, Bates Motel, has run with this relationship, but set in modern day. It shows the lead up to the events that will eventually be 'Psycho', Norman's breaking point.
The horror and the shame the way mothers behave can have a terrible outcome and mothers who have been thought to be caring and loving are actually selfish and delusional. 'Flowers in the Attic' demonstrates the reverse nurturing effect when mothers become consumed with themselves and try to ignore their children as they are 'getting in the way of their happiness'. Heather Graham played Corrine, seen at first as a loving mother until her husband dies and she's forced to move back home. But in order to stay in her father's good side, she hides her 4 children in the attic, where they remain for years. She barely visits them after a few months, intent on starting a new life. This entire ordeal completely damages the children in different ways mentally and physically, scaring them for life. There is also another mother daughter story between Corrine and her own mother, Olivia. Olivia had always been jealous of the relationship between her daughter and husband and she takes it out on her grandchildren.
The jealous mother character is usually for step mothers but like 'Flowers in the Attic', in 'Stoker', Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) is very jealous of her daughter, the slightly strange, quiet, India (Mia Wasikowska). At first it seems she was jealous of the father daughter relationship, she mentions to the uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode), that they used to do everything together and exclude her. She is bitter about this, especially after the mysterious death of her husband. Charlie, the brother, is also fascinated by India and in turn India seems to have a connection to Charlie. Evelyn then tries to take Charlie's attention away, the only way a woman can, supposedly. But Charlie has other issues which is why he is connected to India, so for Evelyn, this attempt at making her own daughter jealous will ultimately fail.
The mean mother character can be comedic or incredibly serious, but sometimes a serious problem of bullying can create a comedy classic. 'Throw Mamma From The Train' is more about writers and a strange remake of 'Strangers on the Train', but the fact that a mother character comes into the story is important and shows just how strong a hold 'bad' mothers have on their suffering children. Owen (Danny DeVito) wants to be a writer but his overbearing beast of a mother is stopping him progress is every way. He convinces his teacher, Larry (Billy Crystal) to 'criss-cross' their murders, as Larry wants rid of his evil thieving ex-wife. As I said its not really about the relationship but its interesting to see a serious issue played out in a comedic way. The ending is hilarious by the way.
Mothers have a great influence over us and in films, as I said so many films are done in 'name of' our Mothers, particularly revenge films, like 'Four Brothers' that was actually pretty darn good. Its based on the The Sons of Katie Elder'. The four brothers seek justice when they're mother is murdered. This the 'absent' mother character, like a ghost who comes back to haunt the characters we see, sometimes never mentioned but we can all feel the presence.
This feeling can be applied to those mother characters that are no longer mothers. 'All About My Mother' is about Manuela who after her teenage son is killed, is left alone and decides to go back to Barcelona to look for the father. Its an heart-breaking start, but even though her son is gone, he still echoes throughout the film, so she never actually stops being a mother.
The 'over protective' mother type is often seen is quiet dramas, where the mothers don't want their children to fall off the rails but this usually has back lashes, particularly in 'The Virgin Suicides'. Kathleen Turner's character is positive she is doing the right thing when it is completely wrong, and her behaviour and rules may have contributed to her daughters desperate needs to 'get out'. Over protective 'action' mums can also 'get it wrong'. In 'Terminator: Judgement Day', Sarah Connor is locked up in a mental hospital while her son is looked after by foster parents. When she escapes, she is very 'motherly' but she has the instinct to protect. The need and want to protect the child can be a double edged sword, trying to do good may lead to downfall, but doing nothing can lead to resentment, its difficult to determine, in each film if its the mother or the child.
To wrap up on a happier note, the 'mum' character type in teen comedies is always fun to watch. They are usually uptight, rule making generics, a waste of space or hardworking and never at home. The ones that stand out and break these moulds are Mrs George (Amy Poehler) and Rosemary Penderghast (Patricia Clarkson) from 'Mean Girls' and 'Easy A'. To be honest these two films break the teen movie mould anyway. Mrse George is ridiculous, she is always taking photos of the back of her daughter's head and she doesn't really monitor what her younger daughter watches BUT she also encourages her daughter, be in a weird way. She comes to see her show, she brings drinks and snack for daughters friends and she doesn't really approve of the teens drinking. She's crazy but sometimes responsible and seems utterly oblivious to the fact her daughter is a bitch as she seems to love her no matter what.
Rosemary Penderghast seems easy going and like Dill, her husband, get along with their children, having very easy conversations about anything, even their sexual history. Rosemary, again, like Mrs George, seems oblivious to the rumours about her daughter. She trusts her daughter and doesn't pry into her life and is able to make funny jokes about 'gentlemen callers'. It's a very easy going relationship with her daughter, Olive and its not often that you see this on screen AND it feels completely believable this happens.
My last mention on mothers has to be about the ultimate mother-daughter relationship, Gilmore Girls. I could write a whole essay on this example alone. Lorelai Gilmore is a best friend to her daughter and mother. She knows when to draw the line and teach her daughter what she needs to know while giving her space and time to make up her own decisions. She is supportive in (nearly) everything Rory does. The circumstances that created this close bond come from another mother-daughter relationship. Lorelai and her mother Emily didn't get along because she was the opposite to what Lorelai is for Rory. She forced her into things she didn't want, she didn't support her in the way she needed, resulting in Lorelai literally running away to be free. I know some people are Gilmore fans, I know my sister hates it, but it is one the best examples for the mother character to be explored, there are 7 brilliant seasons to discover what I mean, and this isn't even 1% of what I'm trying to convey here. To press this further, both Lorelai and Emily could be examples of most of the 'mother' types at some point during the TV show. But, that will have to do as I have rambled on for a very long while.
I know there are a dozen more 'mother' types out there but the ones mentioned here are the ones that came to mind. If you have any more to contribute, please do leave a comment below, I'm always happy to read.
Happy Mother's Day!
Films mentioned; Anywhere But Here (1999), Watchmen (comic/film), Carrie (1976), The Sons of Katie Elder (1965), Four Brothers (2005), Psycho (1960), Flowers in the Attic (2014), Stoker (2013), Throw Momma From The Train (1987), All About My Mother (1999), The Virgin Suicides (1999), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), Mean Girls (2004), Easy A (2010), Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
I appreciate stories between mothers and sons/daughters but when its part of the story not as a lame add on. There are films that have the 'mother figure' or the 'mother presence' that is usually needed as part of the main character surrounding supporting characters, especially if its a family drama or someone who is returning home.
But, more often, the 'Mother' character is one of two beings. Someone who is domineering, maybe even violent, she causes misery, sometimes for comic effect. The other role the 'Mother' plays is the absent parent, events in the story are in her name or her absence is the cause for the events and certain characters behaviour.
A few films are based around a very generic relationship between a mother and a child, for example in 'Anywhere But Here'. Adele (Susan Sarandon) up roots her daughter, Ann (Natalie Portman), to LA in order to better themselves. Ann can't stand her Mother and says this all the way through even though at times she won't go anywhere without her.
In a twisted way, the relationship in Watchmen between Sally and Laurie is similar. Even though, Sally forced her daughter to become Silk Spectre 2, dressing her up in provocative clothes, forcing her to take up the mantle and refusing to tell her about her real father, Laurie still visits her mother all the time, even going through the transporting which makes her ill. Her mother stole her childhood but she still feels like she needs her mother and Sally definitely still needs her.
There are plenty of horror stories that play on the 'violent, evil' Mother character. One that comes to mind is Carrie. I haven't actually seen the film but because it's an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, there has been so much coverage of it especially with the less successful remake. Carrie's mother is a religious fanatic who tortures her daughter mentally and physically to the point where Carrie breaks. That's just putting it gently.
Sometimes its the bond between mother and usually son that is too close and strong that causes the most damage. The prime example here is 'Psycho', Norman Bates (SPOILER) has a disturbingly close relationship with his mother to the point he dressed up in her clothes and murdered people, he even spoke in her voice. For me, that last scene where he is sitting in the cell, is the most disturbing. The TV series, Bates Motel, has run with this relationship, but set in modern day. It shows the lead up to the events that will eventually be 'Psycho', Norman's breaking point.
The horror and the shame the way mothers behave can have a terrible outcome and mothers who have been thought to be caring and loving are actually selfish and delusional. 'Flowers in the Attic' demonstrates the reverse nurturing effect when mothers become consumed with themselves and try to ignore their children as they are 'getting in the way of their happiness'. Heather Graham played Corrine, seen at first as a loving mother until her husband dies and she's forced to move back home. But in order to stay in her father's good side, she hides her 4 children in the attic, where they remain for years. She barely visits them after a few months, intent on starting a new life. This entire ordeal completely damages the children in different ways mentally and physically, scaring them for life. There is also another mother daughter story between Corrine and her own mother, Olivia. Olivia had always been jealous of the relationship between her daughter and husband and she takes it out on her grandchildren.
The jealous mother character is usually for step mothers but like 'Flowers in the Attic', in 'Stoker', Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) is very jealous of her daughter, the slightly strange, quiet, India (Mia Wasikowska). At first it seems she was jealous of the father daughter relationship, she mentions to the uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode), that they used to do everything together and exclude her. She is bitter about this, especially after the mysterious death of her husband. Charlie, the brother, is also fascinated by India and in turn India seems to have a connection to Charlie. Evelyn then tries to take Charlie's attention away, the only way a woman can, supposedly. But Charlie has other issues which is why he is connected to India, so for Evelyn, this attempt at making her own daughter jealous will ultimately fail.
The mean mother character can be comedic or incredibly serious, but sometimes a serious problem of bullying can create a comedy classic. 'Throw Mamma From The Train' is more about writers and a strange remake of 'Strangers on the Train', but the fact that a mother character comes into the story is important and shows just how strong a hold 'bad' mothers have on their suffering children. Owen (Danny DeVito) wants to be a writer but his overbearing beast of a mother is stopping him progress is every way. He convinces his teacher, Larry (Billy Crystal) to 'criss-cross' their murders, as Larry wants rid of his evil thieving ex-wife. As I said its not really about the relationship but its interesting to see a serious issue played out in a comedic way. The ending is hilarious by the way.
Mothers have a great influence over us and in films, as I said so many films are done in 'name of' our Mothers, particularly revenge films, like 'Four Brothers' that was actually pretty darn good. Its based on the The Sons of Katie Elder'. The four brothers seek justice when they're mother is murdered. This the 'absent' mother character, like a ghost who comes back to haunt the characters we see, sometimes never mentioned but we can all feel the presence.
This feeling can be applied to those mother characters that are no longer mothers. 'All About My Mother' is about Manuela who after her teenage son is killed, is left alone and decides to go back to Barcelona to look for the father. Its an heart-breaking start, but even though her son is gone, he still echoes throughout the film, so she never actually stops being a mother.
The 'over protective' mother type is often seen is quiet dramas, where the mothers don't want their children to fall off the rails but this usually has back lashes, particularly in 'The Virgin Suicides'. Kathleen Turner's character is positive she is doing the right thing when it is completely wrong, and her behaviour and rules may have contributed to her daughters desperate needs to 'get out'. Over protective 'action' mums can also 'get it wrong'. In 'Terminator: Judgement Day', Sarah Connor is locked up in a mental hospital while her son is looked after by foster parents. When she escapes, she is very 'motherly' but she has the instinct to protect. The need and want to protect the child can be a double edged sword, trying to do good may lead to downfall, but doing nothing can lead to resentment, its difficult to determine, in each film if its the mother or the child.
To wrap up on a happier note, the 'mum' character type in teen comedies is always fun to watch. They are usually uptight, rule making generics, a waste of space or hardworking and never at home. The ones that stand out and break these moulds are Mrs George (Amy Poehler) and Rosemary Penderghast (Patricia Clarkson) from 'Mean Girls' and 'Easy A'. To be honest these two films break the teen movie mould anyway. Mrse George is ridiculous, she is always taking photos of the back of her daughter's head and she doesn't really monitor what her younger daughter watches BUT she also encourages her daughter, be in a weird way. She comes to see her show, she brings drinks and snack for daughters friends and she doesn't really approve of the teens drinking. She's crazy but sometimes responsible and seems utterly oblivious to the fact her daughter is a bitch as she seems to love her no matter what.
Rosemary Penderghast seems easy going and like Dill, her husband, get along with their children, having very easy conversations about anything, even their sexual history. Rosemary, again, like Mrs George, seems oblivious to the rumours about her daughter. She trusts her daughter and doesn't pry into her life and is able to make funny jokes about 'gentlemen callers'. It's a very easy going relationship with her daughter, Olive and its not often that you see this on screen AND it feels completely believable this happens.
My last mention on mothers has to be about the ultimate mother-daughter relationship, Gilmore Girls. I could write a whole essay on this example alone. Lorelai Gilmore is a best friend to her daughter and mother. She knows when to draw the line and teach her daughter what she needs to know while giving her space and time to make up her own decisions. She is supportive in (nearly) everything Rory does. The circumstances that created this close bond come from another mother-daughter relationship. Lorelai and her mother Emily didn't get along because she was the opposite to what Lorelai is for Rory. She forced her into things she didn't want, she didn't support her in the way she needed, resulting in Lorelai literally running away to be free. I know some people are Gilmore fans, I know my sister hates it, but it is one the best examples for the mother character to be explored, there are 7 brilliant seasons to discover what I mean, and this isn't even 1% of what I'm trying to convey here. To press this further, both Lorelai and Emily could be examples of most of the 'mother' types at some point during the TV show. But, that will have to do as I have rambled on for a very long while.
I know there are a dozen more 'mother' types out there but the ones mentioned here are the ones that came to mind. If you have any more to contribute, please do leave a comment below, I'm always happy to read.
Happy Mother's Day!
Films mentioned; Anywhere But Here (1999), Watchmen (comic/film), Carrie (1976), The Sons of Katie Elder (1965), Four Brothers (2005), Psycho (1960), Flowers in the Attic (2014), Stoker (2013), Throw Momma From The Train (1987), All About My Mother (1999), The Virgin Suicides (1999), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), Mean Girls (2004), Easy A (2010), Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Sunday, 1 March 2015
Blind Spot Series - The Player
Firstly, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get this film, ended up buying second hand which was fine, but it wasn't as cheap as I thought a film made in 1992 would be. Secondly, I cannot resist films about films or making films, The Player fits perfectly.
Not an obvious classic but to me it is, as it is one those films talked about, infamous and made by Robert Altman, a great American director. As well as being a 'modern' classic, it also boasts a great typical 90's cast, which made me want to watch it more.
Tim Robbins, is Griffin Mill, studio executive who meets writers, hears their pitches and makes a deal. That's what his job appears to be. He's got it all. Great car, great job, girlfriend who also works at the studio and he knows everyone, even if they hate him. He also has power, but it's slipping. With the arrival of 'hot shot' Larry Levy (Peter Gallagher) set to take his place and the fact he keeps receiving mysterious threatening postcards from a writer he never called back, he's not in the best shape. Things get worse when he murders the writer he thinks is sending him messages. With the pressure of the police and being cornered by two screenwriters with a crazy idea, Griffin is drawn to the deceased writer's artist girlfriend, seen a bright light in all the Hollywood hell.
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I really enjoyed Altman's style and they way he set up all the characters involved with the 7 minute opening shot. It not set up the story and the way thing are run at a studio but it also gave sense of what these Hollywood people are like and hints to the ultimate end. Not quite drawing a full circle but letting the audience know, just what it's like in the studios. Altman did actually fight with the studio system for years, working outside of it and finding success. The film is actually based on a book by Michael Tolkin who also wrote the screenplay, which I always find is much better for the film, the original writer still has input.
As captivating and enjoyable at the story was, it was still difficult to feel attached to Griffin, no matter how brilliant Robbins is, the film was full of people who unlikeable. I know they had the dead writer's girlfriend as the only decent person, but I found her incredibly bland and her only quirk was that she was a painter who never finished any of her pieces. The film felt like it was lacking a punch. Griffin isn't in any real danger, the studio has his back if he is found out by the police and as he's rich, he'll get away with it right? My favourite parts of the film were when writers were pitching and all the meetings at the studio. Tom Oakley (Richard E. Grant) and Andy Sivella (Dean Stockwell), had the best few scenes. They are the writers who pitch, spontaneously, Habeas Corpus, a legal drama featuring no major stars and with a depressing ending. As the story is being explained you get sucked in and want to see it (which we do, but not until the end). It features a great cameo and inside joke about stars.
But overall, the film felt like it was missing something. Possibly a better 'third act' or a better confrontation, for example, you never actually get to meet the real writer who was sending those postcards. I'm still an Altman fan though.
Have a read of The Matinee's Blind Spot Series, this month, All That Jazz.
Not an obvious classic but to me it is, as it is one those films talked about, infamous and made by Robert Altman, a great American director. As well as being a 'modern' classic, it also boasts a great typical 90's cast, which made me want to watch it more.
Tim Robbins, is Griffin Mill, studio executive who meets writers, hears their pitches and makes a deal. That's what his job appears to be. He's got it all. Great car, great job, girlfriend who also works at the studio and he knows everyone, even if they hate him. He also has power, but it's slipping. With the arrival of 'hot shot' Larry Levy (Peter Gallagher) set to take his place and the fact he keeps receiving mysterious threatening postcards from a writer he never called back, he's not in the best shape. Things get worse when he murders the writer he thinks is sending him messages. With the pressure of the police and being cornered by two screenwriters with a crazy idea, Griffin is drawn to the deceased writer's artist girlfriend, seen a bright light in all the Hollywood hell.
I really enjoyed Altman's style and they way he set up all the characters involved with the 7 minute opening shot. It not set up the story and the way thing are run at a studio but it also gave sense of what these Hollywood people are like and hints to the ultimate end. Not quite drawing a full circle but letting the audience know, just what it's like in the studios. Altman did actually fight with the studio system for years, working outside of it and finding success. The film is actually based on a book by Michael Tolkin who also wrote the screenplay, which I always find is much better for the film, the original writer still has input.
As captivating and enjoyable at the story was, it was still difficult to feel attached to Griffin, no matter how brilliant Robbins is, the film was full of people who unlikeable. I know they had the dead writer's girlfriend as the only decent person, but I found her incredibly bland and her only quirk was that she was a painter who never finished any of her pieces. The film felt like it was lacking a punch. Griffin isn't in any real danger, the studio has his back if he is found out by the police and as he's rich, he'll get away with it right? My favourite parts of the film were when writers were pitching and all the meetings at the studio. Tom Oakley (Richard E. Grant) and Andy Sivella (Dean Stockwell), had the best few scenes. They are the writers who pitch, spontaneously, Habeas Corpus, a legal drama featuring no major stars and with a depressing ending. As the story is being explained you get sucked in and want to see it (which we do, but not until the end). It features a great cameo and inside joke about stars.
But overall, the film felt like it was missing something. Possibly a better 'third act' or a better confrontation, for example, you never actually get to meet the real writer who was sending those postcards. I'm still an Altman fan though.
Have a read of The Matinee's Blind Spot Series, this month, All That Jazz.
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