Blind Spot Series: Peeping Tom

This is one of those films where I can't believe I waited this long to see it.

Mark Lewis is a loner. He lives in the house he grew up in, where his famous father performed psychological experiments on him, mostly documenting his fear. This could be contributed to his onbession with fear. He murders women, filming their deaths and watches them in his rooms. While trying to complete his 'documentary' he befriends one of his tenants, Helen and tries not to film her, afraid of what he may do. Meanwhile, the police are closing in on him.

Directed by Michael Powell (without the Pressburger) this was released in 1960 and it is no surprise to hear that the film was met with outrage and controversy. In fact, it almost ruined Powell's career. This is a sign of a future classic or in this case, a cult hit. Years later, the film is now considered a masterpiece and I think I can agree that in some ways it is. However, if the film had been released now, the reception would have been cold and stayed cold. The film is 'of its time' as well as something that can be related to now.

Austrian actor, Carl Boehm is Mark Lewis, an outsider. By casting an Austrian actor to play the part of the filmmaker serial killer, an outsider from the start, makes it clear that he is isolated, not only by his actions or by the way he lives but by who he is too. This makes its difficult for an audience to identify with him in anyway, even though Powell treads a thin line where he wants us to pity Mark but not forgive him. Unlike most murder mystery or crime films, the serial killer is revealed in the credits. But also unlike other films of this genre, we don't sit and wait for him to be caught either, this is about his 'documentary' he is making and whether he will get the the shots he wanted and if he will get to finish. Any filmmaker or in fact creative knows how it feels to want to finish something, whether there is a deadline or not. Mark just wants to finish, he has it all planned out, even right to the end.

The film captures the obsessions people have with watching. After all, the film is about a voyeur. It also mirrors what the audience does, watch. I can see why the film caused a stir, no one likes to think they are a voyeur but in some ways a film audience is. As a horror thriller is scratches the surface of why people are obsessed by horror films and seeing people in peril. The film has layers to it that are aren't explored enough but I can appreciate the story and the obsession with cinema, as well as the need to watch so much TV and film. It is a form of art as well as an unhealthy way to live, glued to a screen, but I won't be changing my ways any time soon, this has just fuelled my love of cinema more. Film can't always be pretty.

To see where it all started and for an excellent insight to film, have a look at The Matinee and have a look HERE for more Blind Spot posts from other bloggers.

I will also be taking part next year too. HERE is the list of fims for 2017.

Watch List 2016

We all know how terrible 2016 has been. Deaths, bad desciions, the trolls who all admitted to be =ing misyongints throughout the Ghostbusters release, the idiots that voteed to Leave in Brexit (I will never forgive you for this), the idiots who voted a woman hating homophobic rasict rapist as head of one of the most powerful countries, and I think hell did in fact freeze over. You get the point, its been terrible.

But despite all that, there has been some great movies released this year which a small comfort to a shitty year.  I managed to narrow down my favourites to 10 films! There is no order apart from the film of year.


And I can launch into my favourite films of the year:

Deadpool

If I could name one superhero film that really made me love the genre all over again it would of course be Deadpool. It made fun of the franchise films as well as joining in with them. New characters were given time as well as some familiar ones. I really hope that there are more Deadpool adventures coming our way and hopefully Copycat will surface... but until then I'll have that song from the credits in my head.

Zootropolis

A crime thriller in the form of a Disney film with a fox and a rabbit joining forces to solve it? What's not to like? A fantastic film that had humour, fantastic characters and wonderful animation. Making the story about a missing mammal case rather than murder mystery was clever (safe for kids) and i loved it. I'm hoping this Frozen bs calms down so we can get another story with Judy and Nick.

Hail Caesar!

The Coens are on top form with a massive dig at Hollywood while also celebrating it. All about misdirection and wonderful scenes full to the brim with nostalgia and left room for me and my theories which I go into depth HERE. Can't wait to see what the Coens give us next.

Mustang

A brilliant, unbeliabley sad but strong film about five sisters who have their lives ruined but still believe there is hope. The stand alone film at last years Oscars as the only film nominated to be directed by a woman, this story stands the test against all the 'big guns'. Hopefully more films like this will follow.

The Neon Demon

Director Nicolas Winding Refn has said that he made this film for the 16 year old girl inside him which I thought at first was a little over the top but after watching it, I can see that she was screaming to get out. A hybrid of coming of age, would be thriller, portrait, horror exploit, it delivered a strange, familiar and hideous view, it was brilliant.

Nocturnal Animals

A slow burner revenge story that isn't violent on the surface, it attacks beneath. But the story within the story is brutal and devastating, which is how it is described in the story. It is a brilliantly made film but I could never see it again. The memory of it will stay with me for a while.

Adult Life Skills

When do you aquire adult life skills? Do they even exist? This film brought a bit of sunshine and realistic feeling into the mix. It was fantastically accurate and relatable and added the dramatic element of moving on from a terrible time, but it also shows that it is possible to continue from grief and live outside a shed in the back garden.

Arrival

I'm glad to say that I'm not the only one who found this film difficult o describe. It is simply beautiful. Points about the world now and what we should do for the future are made but they are not imposing and make your eyes roll. If anything, they will make you tear up and wish to stay watching that moment in the film over again. As I said, simply beautiful in every way.

Rogue One

I am the force, the force is with me, Say it enough times and you will believe it. This was more than I could have hoped for. Darker than those in the saga, but it needed to be. Amazing characters that I will miss. It was a film for the true fans and the those just discovering the galaxy and tied in perfectly with the greater story. Rogue One, you were amazing.

The Film of the Year

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

I have been saying this since June. I picked the film on a whim as I knew the director and it fit in with my time frame at Edinburgh Film Festival and I am so glad it did. I have never laughed so hard or been in a room filled with everyone laughing so much in a cinema. Ricky Baker and Heck's adventure through the New Zealand bush that turns into ann epic manhunt is so bizarre and yet so homely and simple, it is the best film of the year, the anti-2016.  I loved the it. For more about how much I loved it, go HERE.

Blind Spot Series 2017 List

I'm a little late on announcing my list for 2017 but at least it wasn't never.

Anyone joining this year round (first time under She Likes Movies) is the Blind Spot Series which was started and hosted by Ryan from The Matinee. The list is comprised of films that are considered classics and films that should have been watched by now. There are twelve in total for each month of the year. Ryan's list can be read HERE.

My list this year is not quite as diverse as I had hoped with 5 American, 1 Australian, 1 Swedish, 1 French, 1 German, 1 Czechoslovak, 1 Irish, and only 1 British. I was quite disappointed at first as I had wanted to use this list to watch films I would be less likely to see but the American films are those I really should have seen by now. It's also quite amusing that 3 of the films have been turned into stage musicals too.

Bring on 2017!

The list in full, in no particular order:

The Network

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Belle De Jour

Wings of Desire

Closely Watched Trains

The Seventh Seal

Rope

Top Hat

In the Heat of the Night

The Commitments

The Purple Rose of Cairo

The Man in the White Suit

The Vulturehound Twelve Days of Christmas

Over the past 12 days this month, Vulturehound has posted up twelve Christmas films and quite delightfully they aren't all the obvious ones.

For me, Die Hard is the ultimate non obvious, but clearly it's Christmas,  Christmas film. I watch it every year along with all the favourite ones BUT I chose I different film to focus on, a childhood favourite; Santa Claus the movie.

This is on the VH website but they didn't post my whole article for some reason SO HERE it is in full.

Now for a little PR. All the films can be read about HERE. The latest Vulturehound issue is also out and can be read HERE 

December Watch List

Midnight Special

Meaningful and heartrenching science fiction is a trend this year (wait for Arrival) with Michael Shannon (a towering figure of brilliance) as a father who just wants to protect, save and help his son at any costs. Essentially a road film that begins in the middle, going from a crazy cult who thinks the end of the world will be prevented by forcing a boy to stay with them. A NSA agent who believes something is more sinister afoot to the boy and his family who do not entirely understand what is happening but stay together to try and help the boy to safety. It does leave quite a bit up to the imagination until the end but doesn't answer all questions, which worked much better for me, although the ending was traumatic as well a heart warming. People's lives are changed forever and it is sometimes a great thing. 3/5

Arrival

Its’s difficult to describe this film. That was my first thought when it ended. The book it is based on the novella by Ted Chiang, ‘Story of Your Life’ where at the first I wondered about the title, now, makes a whole lot more sense. On the surface it appears to be an alien species arriving on Earth and two scientists are sent to find out what they want. And that is how it is meant to feel except that instead of the big noise all those other alien invasion film start and end, Arrival takes its time, one step at a time hyping the tension and the initial fear. But emotion soon takes over as you start to wonder and guess what is really happening. You’re with Louise throughout and in a way it is her journey and discovery but it turns into something bigger. There is the message that the world needs to unite rather than attack first ask questions later. Instead of the over dramatic desparate run it is an understanding that is shared. The one thing I noticed/felt was that the aliens are intimidating at first, the fear of them isn't that they will attack but its they are tryin to warn us in some way. This film could slip into the dramatic or into science fiction but it escapes the traditional action disaster thriller despite including a few recognisable tropes such as the secret secret base with fully fuctioning idiot CIA agent and gun happy soldiers but thanks to the presence and focus being the two scientists the film is one of the most beautifully crafted films. Its a surprise to see how though with Denis Villeneuve at the helm. 5/5

Moana

Moana was better than I hoped it could be. A fantastic character following her journey to discovering who she is and her actual journey across the ocean. Every song was magical and catchy, despite the odd lyric that seemed strange, there is nothing to fault the story, animation or music. Shut up Frozen – you’ve finally been dethroned. Except….no one is talking about this amazing film. The frenzy that surrounded that snow crud is not for Moana and I really can’t see why. Moana, as she says is not a Princess, she is the daughter of the chief and will one day take up that title and lead her people. She has internal issues, like any other teenager. She wants to help but she cannot resist the call of the ocean. Unlike Frozen, we are treated to a back story for how the world came to be and reason for why the island is dying and why the ocean chooses Moana for this special mission to save her island by returning the heart of (goddess name) Mother Nature type goddess. She is accompanied, reluctantly at first by the Demi-God Maui who caused all these problems in the first place. The two form a brilliantly unlikely duo, sharing some triumphant moments, saving each other and some more emotional ones, where Maui shares his sad past that haunts him, but with Moana’s help he can overcome them. There is even time for a slow motion walk just at the right moment and beautiful, with the parting of the sea and Moana embracing who she is. All this and there’s even a great scene with a gigantic crab who sings in a Bowie-esque number about being shiny, voiced by the recognisable Jermaine Clement.  There are a few snide quips about the generic ‘princess movie’ such as Maui trying to correct Moana telling her ‘you’re wear a dress and you have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess’. But Moana is much more than that. Not only is this film about her finding her way, but there is no distraction of a ‘love interest’ for the first time and while watching the film, you do not miss it. The film proves that stories can be bigger than that. The ocean chose Moana, but she’s only human. She doesn’t have magical powers, she doubts herself and takes risks, and she is a far better role model than the previous characters before her. This film is ground breaking for the right reasons but I’m worried this won’t be reflected in the box office success. 5/5

Rogue One

I don't think I have the words to describe how excited I was just sitting down to see this film. If I could just sit here make noises to show excited I was before during and after the film, that would sum up my enjoyment. Some say its better than TFA. Some have been disappointed. Some have said its an amazing film just on its own regardless of the Star Wars tag. For me, this was everything I expected with some surprises my friend and I literally squealed in delight at. The rules apply here, no spoilers even though the plot to the film is well known as well as the obvious outcome, but its how the rebels do it that I don't want to spoil. There are some truely great characters in this film, not to mention Jyn Erso who is an excellent addition to the galaxy, but as we all know, the film is a stand alone so it is highly unlikely that we will ever see such great characters again. With a stand alone story in the middle of the saga, it seems out numbered but the film holds ground. Bringing together the heart of the original and hints and nods to the future. This was a perfect fit fir Gareth Edwards who knows how to cut through a battle scene, showing everything and making you feel like you're there. I hope to delve deeper into why I loved this film so much at a later date when its been out longer and spoilers won't be an issue but for I give it my all 5/5.

Whimsical Misery Is On It's Way

 I debated writing posts for new trailers, I know some of my favourite blogs do so I felt I was stepping on their blog shoes and also, I'd rather read than write them myself. BUT a few trailers of late have caught my attention. In fact this new series set to stream on Netflix in the new year has had two trailers come out. It of course warned us not to watch and find something else to do as this is what the books said all that time ago. I am ecstatic that the excellent saga of misery and brilliance set in an ambiguos time and place has finally made it back to the screen. Of course its A Series of Unfortunate Events.

The thirteen part series by Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snicket, was a wonderful saga about the Baudelaire orphans; Violet, Klaus and Sunny who are sent to live with their so called distant relative, Count Olaf after their parents are killed in a suspicious fire. Olaf is the true villain. He thinks hes an amazing actor but really is a theif and liar who wants to steal the Baudelaire fortune. Throughout the story, at first, the orphans are passed from 'relative' to 'relative' trying to escape Olaf as well as find out about their parents and the secrets they hid. The books were released in  wonderfully designed mini hardbacks, complete with fantastic illustrations by Brett Helquist. This saga was unlike any other childrens' book, full of misery and supposed hopelessness, but with a dash of hope. Another aspect of the books which I am pleased to see in the new TV show is tha Lemony Snicket is involved, as a narrator at first but then part of the actual story too, creating further mystery.

Back in 2003 I was impressed by the film, in fact I adored it and even didn't mind the messing around with the timeline slightly BUT seeing as the film was never given a chance to continue, hearing that the show was being made by Netflix all those months ago AND hearing on who was playing the villain of the piece, Count Olaf, I was over joyed. With each announcement the TV series looked more promising. Neil Patrick Harris looked perfect in the leaked photos not long ago and the teaser trailer of Patrick Warburton as Lemony Snicket walking through an empty set was delightly. That man's voice is something else, but I'm also pleased to see that comedy has a place in this sad story because as anyone who has read the books, it is indeed a tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans; Violet, Klaus and Sunny.

From the two trailers released it looks like the first four books; The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, The Wide Window and The Misrable Mill will be covered. For me, this is rather a shame as the fifth book signals a big turning point in terms of story, plus a great cliffhanger. The books covered pieces of the bigger story  but didn't go into detail until the fifth and sixth book so maybe this season will be a taster.

I won't go into further detail in case there are those who hasn't read the books and no spoilers. But from the trailers it looks to be amazing - bring on January 2017!

Just to see how good the show looks, HERE is the latest trailer.
 

Lazy Sunday Murder Mystery: Murder Under the Mistletoe

As it’s almost Christmas, its cold outside, the heating is on, the tree lights are twinkling and you’re curled up on your bed or sofa ready to watch something Christmassy. What could be better than a murder mystery?

There are a few ‘Christmas Specials’ to pick from or those stories that take place at Christmas, another fantastic episode from Crimes of Passion springs to mind, but for this, we’re going down under for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Set in the late 1920’s, usually in Melbourne, following the Lady of the title as she solves crimes with her ever reliable friend/assistant Dot Williams. They are then accompanied by the legitimate police officers, Det. Jack Robinson and Dot’s fiancé, Sergeant Hugh Collins.

 Strictly speaking this story doesn’t take place in the right season as the characters are celebrating Christmas in July as Australia has reverse seasons to the Northern hemisphere of the globe. Lady detective Phryne Fisher along with trusty assistant Dot, best friend Dr Mac and even Aunt Prudence are invited to spend the ‘holidays’ with some friends in the snowy mountains near an old mine that used to be part owned by Aunt Prudence’s husband. Unfortunately, as soon as they arrive tragedy has already struck. Someone has been electrocuted while decorating the Christmas tree. But the hosts, unable to summon the police or the coroner due to a severe weather warnings, the hosts decide to try their best to keep up the spirit. But when other guests start turning up murdered, Phryne calls in reinforcements, Jack Robinson and Hugh Collins who arrive just in time before the storm traps everyone in the house. Together, the group solve the murders making sure they aren’t bumped off in the process. It’s very festive.

The murders follow a pattern, the 12 Days of Christmas song, as each person has been given a card with a number, hinting at the way they may die. The back story to the mine and a collapse of a tunnel years previous is also gradually revealed as the killer has been planning his vengeance for quite some time.

 In true Miss Fisher fashion, its fun, fast and quite gruesome in places but all fitted with Phryne fantastic wit and skills, not forgetting the great chemistry between Jack and Phryne. The ‘will they won’t they’ sparing isn’t exactly put on hold but it does take a back seat for the episode until the end.

An alternative watch to the usual Christmas films out there, perfect to watch on Christmas Eve maybe, all ready for the big day.

The Fellowship of the Ring 15th Anniversary

It has been touched upon and mentioned in various publications and thrown around on the bloggersphere but as this film, well the trilogy, means a lot to me so I needed to mention it again.

The Fellowship of the Ring celebrates its 15^th Anniversary next month which means it’s been 15 years since the incredible saga of JRR Tolkien’s work was brought to the screen. It is also 15 years since I first argued with my aunt about the film. She loved the books when she was younger and didn’t think much of the films. I’ll it at that. I wrote a while ago about the first time I saw The Lord of the Rings and touched how much the film meant to me so I’ll try not gush about it too much.

I used to know all the facts and figures concerning the film, scouring every inch of books about Middle Earth and all the movie guides too. I bought a Tolkien Encyclopaedia that gave the history of how Middle Earth came into being. I had the map of Middle Earth in all shapes and sizes. I even bought my first proper films poster of the fellowship walking along the mountain top. You know the bit where the music swells and they slowly and majestically, one by one look over into the distance and follow on. Looking back, I wish I just bought the map. I do love maps.

Having attended a girls school, the Lord of the Rings was classed as a ‘boys film’ so talking about it made you a nerd or a geek. There were a few people who shared my love of the film. They would go to conventions and obsess about minor characters, but this wasn’t until later. During the first film’s release, I missed the fanfare, waiting until after Christmas to go see it. My friend and I saw it three times each and we were obsessed with different characters. She liked Legolas and I couldn’t get enough of Merry and Pippin. Throughout the fandom phase I accumulated lots of merchandise, including various postcards, stationery and even the One Ring, because why not?

The film was breath-taking. A fantasy story set in a very real world. The story does fit very neatly into the one of the seven stories, unlikely hero must face and defeat evil, but it isn’t just about Frodo destroying the ring, if he didn’t have that support around him nothing would have happened. The Fellowship wasn’t just an exposition piece. Setting the ground work and introducing the characters, they all go through changes during the film and no is the same at the end before they are all split up and taken on their individual paths. Even when torn apart, they are still a fellowship.

The fact that the film was shot on location as well as studio gave the film and story something more. Although Tolkien imagined the British countryside when he wrote his stories, New Zealand IS Middle Earth and is its own character in the films. Such different landscapes and beautiful places, its no wonder you can be absorbed into the film.

Some of the best scenes in the entire trilogy is in The Fellowship of the Ring. The Balrog of Moria and the death of Gandalf weigh heavy in the final scenes of the film. It is a key turning point for certain characters but it is also a spectacular scene. Even earlier scenes such as Bilbo’s birthday party was impressive, getting to see The Shire and how Hobbits live. Rivendell too has the council scene where the Fellowship is forged and the beautiful artwork displayed in the background where the famous sword, Narsil lies. The attention to detail is felt in every scene which, to me, makes the film that much greater.

The film stands the test of time. Though there are CGI elements, these do not change the story or how you felt when you first see the orcs running through the forest towards the final fight of the film. The costumes and make up created for the film is terrifying and at the same time the elves of Lothorien are mystical and calming. It can watched over again and feel that it was released last year.

I’ve loved film since I was very young but this was the film that made me want to make films. I wanted to be there. Peter Jackson and his army inspired so many with this film alone which is why it deserves to be celebrated.

Happy 15^th Anniversary Fellowship of the Ring!

Around the World in 80 Films

Unable to physically travel the world, I plan to travel through film.

I tried this challenge back in 2012 where for 6 months, leading up to the London Film Festival, I watched as many films from around the world as possible. I covered an unimpressive 21 countries, most of them Europe and the UK. To be fair it was impressive at the time but that's not so great now.

The aim of the game is to try and watch 80 different films from around the world. I do understand that I might not get to 80 films but I’m damned well going to try my best. As this will be a challenge, there are a few rules to remember:

THE RULES: There are no rules! No there are rules otherwise it wouldn’t be a challenge…

-No repetition of countries

-Countries only – no city stand ins

-Collaborative films between countries are allowed but those countries can't be picked again separately

-The Vatican City is not a country in this challenge, it would be included as part of Italy (just covering all bases)

-For the purposes of this challenge, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are separate countries as each has its own industry.

There is no order to the countries. I will pick a country and announce the next country I am writing about in the next post.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in! 

Feel free to use my basic banner or use your own. 80 films is slightly daunting so don’t worry if you don’t have time to do them all.

As I’m a curious cat, tweet me - @HoganShogan or comment on a post about any posts you do for the challenge so I can have read. #AroundtheWorldin80Films

I have made a Letterboxd list for this occassion where I will be adding films to be watched. 

It all starts 1st January 2017 and ends 31st December 2017.

Blind Spot Series: Belleville Rendez-vous

I actually watched my pick for this month a few weeks ago but I'm getting around to writing this now. Novemeber has been a sad month. With a funeral and plagued by health issues and nasty procedure, I did leave my blog side for a while. It might not looked that way but that's the beauty of scheduling.

At a short but sweet 78 minutes there is so much to take in from this weird and wonderful animation from Sylvain Chomet. The film tells the story about Madame Souza, a elderly lady raising her grandson, Champion. She tries to cheer the boy up after the supposed loss of his parents with varous things, including getting him a puppy named Bruno. Finally she gets hims a tricycle after noticing that he has been following the races in the newspaper. Years later Champion is a professional cyclist and competes in the Tour de France but during the race he is kidnapped by the French mafia and whisked away to New York looking Belleville. Madame Souza naturally pursues, along with Bruno in serach of Champion. Along the way she meets and is aided by the once famous Belleville triplets who were know for their music hall shows. Together they track down the mafia and try to save Champion.

For a film that is just over an hour, the story stretches quite far. With a international cycling race, a chase across open ocean in a peddle boat, an improv music show, the mafia and not to mention the triplets disgusting diet of frogs and tadpoles, its crazy film.

The film was named The Triplets of the Belleville but seeing as they aren't the main focus, I chose to go by the UK title. With barely any dialogue, everything is conveyed through noises, mostly from Bruno and from everyone's expressions. Nothing is lost from the lack of dialogue as body language and action speaks volumes in the right scenes. The story is beautifully and disgustingly laided out with characters either being grossly over drawn or exaggerated, minor characteristics becoming more animal like or resembling objects. The latter applying to the mafia henchmen who are indentical and at one point mould into one and separate. There is one scene that worked perfectly without any words which is in the Triplets flat where they cook and comsume dinner. Their excitment at the different courses of frogs cooked in various ways is polar opposite to Madame Souza who is baffled by what is in front of her.

Music is also a centre point of the film, the soundtrack being delightfully put together, especially in the experimental music show where the Triplets create music from a fridge, newspaper and vacuum, with Souza coming on on a bicycle wheel and sticks.

The style of animation is bizarre. Mostly yellows, greens and brown like colours, dulled and muddied making some characters even more grotesque. The opening sequence of a televised musical hall variety show is an over the top and rather cruel looking take on more well known animation. Everyone is wearing Micky Mouse gloves and its hard to ignore this. All grinning teeth and plastic faces, its an excellent intro to the film, even though, it doesn't really have an significance to the story.

A wonderful animation that I was glad to discover late. Its a very unqiue look at the world and the people that feature. Nothing is quite as it seems despite not being fantasy. I think in a world where 4 old ladies can fight the mob and still manage to sing afterwards is fantastical.

To see where it all started and for an excellent insight to film, have a look at The Matinee and have a look HERE for more Blind Spot posts from other bloggers.

November Watch List

Looking back through my year's watch lists and comparing them with last years', I've noticed that I don't go to the cinema that often. I think its to do with the working 9-5 nowadays. Working shifts you can fir films in here and there. Weekends are spent with friends/family and tiredness sets in. I miss the cinema. Watching films at home is nice and all but I miss going to the cinema after work. 

Christmas with the Coopers

 A festive film from last year that is just like any other the studios troll out. The review should be on Vulturehound HERE.  2/5 

 

Dog Eat Dog

Hated this. Thought I wouldn't but I did. Full review is on Vulturehound HERE. 2/5

 

Doctor Strange

 When it was announced that Mr Cumberbatch was to be cast as the sorcerer supreme, I was excited along with everyone else (apart from the Matthew Modine supporters), with the casting, but as time grew nearer to the release date and with each trailer released I grew less excited. There is something very irritating about an English actor putting on an American accent. It’s a small thing but it really annoys me. Same with an American putting on a British accent. Back to the story, Dr Strange is an arrogant genius (stop me if you heard this one before). He is a gifted surgeon and very wealthy (of course) but after a tragic accident, his hands are never the same. Desperate for a cure, he travels east to Kathmandu and eventually ends up being trained as a sorcerer by the Ancient One (a brilliant turn from the wonderfully enigmatic Tilda Swinton). Strange’s big nemesis is the dark forces and the name of the game isn’t spells, being able to travel via sling ring, or even the weird dimensions, it’s about time. Not knowing the character that well was not useful. Luckily I had my friend with me who knows about these things. I got him to explain things I didn’t quite get. The film overall was pretty good but we both left the cinema feeling something was missing. I can’t see future Strange films, it seems he might work better within a larger group popping when needed. I was also annoyed at the blandness of Rachel McAdams character, Christine. I’m waiting for the day she plays a different character, back to her Regina George days. It was also sad to see Mads Mikkalsen underused from the start, same for Chiwetel Ejiofor who ends up with a weird complete 180 degrees on his character with no development. But thank gad for Swinton. At the end of the film, when there was an infinity stone revealed and we didn’t even know it, it started to feel like everything was falling into place. It also felt a bit pokemon, gotta catch em all. One left to pop up in Ragnarök, Black Panther or GOTG vol2 or even Captain Mavel. 3/5 
 

Nocturnal Animals

I tried to read the book in time before the film arrived. But it arrived the day before I saw it. Having missed the film at LFF, I was pleased to see the swift release. Based on the novel, ‘Tony and Susan’ by (author name) the film differs from the book. With a screenplay written by Tom Ford as well as directing, there is fine cut feeling throughout. It is beautifully shot as expected and leaves you with a hole in your stomach, the feeling that things aren’t resolved. Susan (Amy Adams) is a woman who has everything. She works for a gallery, has a magnificent house, a dashing husband (and later you  find out she has a daughter). But she is unhappy. She doesn’t care about the art in the gallery, her house is run by maids and assistants and feels cold and empty and her husband is cheating on her. She received a manuscript written by her ex-husband who she once shared ideals with. She was an artist, he was a writer, but she slowly became her mother, as apparently, we all do. The book is dedicated to her and is even name after her in a way. The film is of two parts alongside each other, with the book being about a horrific incident and the lengths someone would go to for revenge. This seems to be what Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal) is doing within the novel and externally. He is slowly taking revenge on Susan. It’s a brilliant film but the novel story is devastating. Michael Shannon is the detective in the story and his scenes are so intense, this man just has screen presence that is hard to forget or ignore. Apart from the feeling that things will never be resolved, I would say it’s one of the best films of the year. Also, anyone who is planning on watching this, don’t be alarmed by the opening credits sequence. 4/5 
 

Maggie's Plan

 Having missed the film at the cinema, I was keen to see it. But Maggie’s plan wasn’t quite what I had expected. Yes Greta Gerwig places another version of herself, an amalgamation of her previous characters. This one, Maggie, wants to have a child and doesn’t want to wait. But not long before she is about to impregnate herself with an old school friend’s donation, she meets John, a ficto-critical anthropologist, whatever that is, and who is also trying to write his novel. The two fall in love, breaking up his marriage to artist Georgette. But from here I was confused. Possibly down to the trailer that makes it seem like a humorous harmless comedy but it’s more about how people make mistakes. It should have been called Maggie’s mistake not plan. She likes to control things but in the least imposing way. John and Georgette seemed like a good match maybe with a few issues that aren’t explored enough. The funniest scenes are when Maggie is with her friend/ex-boyfriend and his wife/Maggie’s colleague. It’s funny in a few places but ultimately it feels like the story went round the block to get next door. 3/5
 

Adult Life Skills

Another film I missed the cinema but lucky I watched this month. Anna (a brilliant Jodie Whittaker) is about turn 30 years old but she lives in a shed in her mum’s garden. After the death of her twin brother, Anna retreated into her imagination and refuses to move out. She lives in the middle of nowhere Yorkshire, working at an obscure activity centre and makes films with her thumbs in her shed. She is going through something painful and is haunted by the loss of her twin. But her mum still tries to get her to move on. She finds an odd connection with a seven-year-old cowboy who becomes inspired by her and eventually accepts herself and moves on. It’s brilliant. Growing up and moving on is difficult enough but add death too and seems impossible. Funny and redeeming and with added random moments just make it great.  4/5

 

Gun Crazy

This was originally meant to be in my Blind Spot list but it was booted off as I wasn’t going to be able to find a copy of the film to watch. Luckily 6 years after reading about it a book about film violence I read for my dissertation, the BFI came to my aid. With only a couple of screenings on, I got to see the classic film noir on the big screen. The story is about Bart (John Dall) and Laurie (Peggy Cummins) who fall in love over their obsession with guns, hit hard times and go on the run, robbing shops, banks and a factory. The whole way through it feels like one will betray the other in between their emotional scenes and carefully planned robberies. What made this film stand out were the scenes where the lovers are driving their car and the camera is placed behind them. They are really driving dangerously through cities and the dialogue seems more natural. It also ramps up the excitement of each crime. The cool down scenes aren’t filled with awkward silences but instead these really love each other and are deluded into thinking they can get away, even right up until the end. A fantastic film with even had a small role from a very young Russ Tamblyn, an extra delight. They really don’t em like they used to. 4/5

 

Mr Right

It looks like this film will not be getting a cinema release here. It was shown at the Edinburgh Film Festival this year but that’s about it. To be fair, it’s a fun film but it’s not amazing. I just really love Sam Rockwell and the fact that Tim Roth appears, doesn’t hurt either. Rockwell plays Francis, a notorious contract killer who has had a change of heart. He now kills the people that hire him. At the same time feeling sorry for herself sad case Martha has just been cheated on by her boyfriend and doesn’t really have much going on. By chance these two meet and its love at first sight (mostly on Francis’ side). He tells her he’s a killer and is quite open about what he does, but of course she thinks he’s joking. Meanwhile a mafia type gang is hunting Francis down as well as his old partner in disguise. But Francis wants to do is be with Martha. It’s funny and rather sweet in places but its not anything you may have seen before. What makes it delightful is Rockwell and to a lesser extent Anna Kendrick who usually irritates me. 3/5

By Women About Women

Joining Dell's fantastic blogathon a little late but no less excited. All this week Dell (and guest posts from Joel) has been posting about women in film. You can check out what he's been writing on his blog HERE.

These aren’t a top ten but there are a list of ten films directed or written by women about women or featuring a lead female character.

For a Good Time Call… Scr – Lauren Miller & Katie Anne Naylon

 The underappreciated comedy about two women (Ari Graynor & Lauren Miller) who start their own business. The business is a sex chat line. But don’t be fooled by this, the film and the characters are brilliantly played out. It starts like any other film, two people who dislike each other find they need each other and soon realise they are best friends. They take the business seriously, become successful, go through ups and downs emotionally and sometimes actually and one of the best moments is when they say ‘I love you’ to one another and it’s not in a romantic way, they are best friends and that’s really what the films is about, not the sex chat line.

 

Obvious Child dir & scr. Gillian Robespierre

 Aka when Jenny Slate became one to watch and not just a bit part actor. A comedian playing a comedian can feel a bit too much but it’s actually entertaining as well as super uncomfortable, but that might be just me as I’m not a fan of stand-up comedy, no matter who is performing. The film isn’t about a struggling comedian, it’s not even about her one night stand that results in a pregnancy, it’s about the fact that abortion is not a taboo subject, and nor should it be. Donna, knows exactly what she needs to do and doesn’t spend the film second guessing, she spends her time trying to get past her cheating ex, write the right jokes and decide whether to tell the Max (Jake Lacy) the guy she likes she’s having an abortion. The story ends on a hopefully note with some answered questions which actually works for the story and I’m hoping this movie will stop being referred to as ‘the one about abortion’.

Electrick Children dir & scr. Rebecca Thomas

 A film that didn’t make too much noise upon its release but those who did see it were left with a feeling of wonder. About a 15 year old girl, Rachel (Julie Garner), living in a fundamentalist Morman community who believes she has become pregnant through a cassette tape when she hears a rock band playing for the first time. After she escapes the community and a shot gun wedding, she searches for the band and meets a group of skaters in Las Vegas. Clyde (Rory Culkin) offers to marry her and help her look for the man on the tape. It seems so innocent but underneath there is the uneasy feeling and question, who did get Rachel pregnant. There is a conclusion of sorts and a sense that things will be alright in the end but it also feels too idyllic. 

Belle dir. Amma Asante

 Unlike the others in the list, this is a period costume drama based on a true story. The film takes its inspiration from the 1779 painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle and her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray which was commissioned by their great uncle, William Murray, the Lord Chief Justice of England at the time. Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) was the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Murray’s nephew who was brought to England. Despite being an heiress, she was looked down upon and forced to take her meals separate from her family and guests. The film mainly concentrates on her relationship with a lawyer and a case about the Zong massacre, where a slave ship owner claimed he lost cargo and filled this with his insurance company. The outcome of the case is said to have contributed to the abolition of slavery. Quite a bit of history to look into but the film does bring its focus on Belle and her transition but at times, it has the feel of ‘sweeping costume drama’ to it.

Love Like Poison dir. Katell Quillevere

 Anna returns home from her Roman Catholic boarding school to find that her Dad her left their home, leaving her with her mother and beloved Grandpa. She questions her faith in the lead up to her First Holy Communion. Throughout the film she talks with the priest and her Grandpa and shares a mutual attraction with a boy her age, the beginning of her sexual awakening. There are some uncomfortable moments and the films ends in a hopeless way with a death and a return to routine, her faith not what it used to be. I felt a connection to this film as I was brought up Catholic, primary and secondary schools and made to go to church every Sunday. I hated it as I was forced to do all these things and between primary and secondary school I left cheated and resented going. When given the chance I stopped but in fact I did have a choice but unlike Anna who questions her faith, I ended up rejected the rituals. It’s a beautiful film with hard realities and made me look out for more films from Katell Quillevere.

In a World… dir & scr. Lake Bell

 Taking on the male dominated world of voiceovers, more specifically movie trailer voiceovers. Carol (Lake Bell) is a vocal coach but hopes to do trailer voiceovers, but her over bearing arrogant father who is the ‘king of voice overs’ doesn’t believe in her and actively doesn’t help her. After a few successes with advertisement she is recommended to audition for an upcoming trilogy featuring women warriors and goes head to head with her father to win this coveted job. The film is full of smaller characters that make this film feel delightful and a quiet approach to punching your fist in the air saying ‘equality’! It’s one for the feminists as it shows women can do what men do but it’s also one for the dreamers. Geena Davis makes an important appearance too, bringing the excited Carol down to Earth pointing out that she may not be the best but its time women were given a chance. It does put a downer the triumph at the end but it’s needed to remind women to keep going, don’t give up yet.

Frida dir. Julie Taymor

 I dismissed this film at first, not sure why as it’s a fantastic biopic and celebration of the surrealist artist Frida Kahlo. Following Frida (Selma Hayek) from her terrible accident, damaging her back and her first paintings to her meeting with Diego Rivera and her career as a successful painter. Her art is intertwined within the narrative of the story painting a literal picture her emotions and what she saw. A much better film than I remembered the first time and one that I will return to again.

Caramel dir. Nadine Labaki

 How can a movie about a group of women who work in a salon be so brilliant? A salon is a place where women can be free, they come together and talk, laugh without holding back. Labaki’s feature film debut on a group of five women who lead up to one of their weddings. One is having an affair with a married man, another is unable to except her age, another is attracted to women and another wants to follow desire but has a duty to her elder sister. The film is about these women’s everyday life, following their problems and emotions in sometimes beautifully subtle ways. 

Adult Life Skills  dir & scr. Rachel Tunnard

 Not everyone can adjust to adult life, sometimes we all struggle but when you lose your twin brother, everything is just that much worse. Anna (Jodie Whittaker) hasn’t gotten over the death of her brother. She lives in a shed at the bottom of her mum’s garden and still makes silly videos like she used to with her brother. In the week leading up to her 30^th birthday, her mum tries to move her to her own flat, a 7 year old won’t leave her alone and an old school fellow tries to make it clear he likes her, but all Anna wants to do is make videos with her thumbs. Genuinely amusing as well as heart-breaking, Anna progresses slowly and is finally in a place she can move on. Being on the wrong end of my twenties myself, I can relate slightly as I’m still at home and financially unable to move on. But like Anna, I will make the push and blow up a shed. If that’s what it takes.

May in the Summer – dir. Cherien Dabis

 Shown the London Film Festival a few years back now and barely receiving a UK release date and no DVD release as yet, a story about three sisters who return to Jordan for one of their weddings. May (Cherien Dabis) has it all, but returning to Jordan brings up doubts from all sides. Her mother disagrees with the marriage, her siblings have their own issues that pile on the pressure and their father returns. The scenes that the sisters share are the most intimate as they talk and share secrets, matched with the beyond beautifully scenery, it’s a shame the film wasn’t given a wider release.

Another Classic Ruined?

With the release of the live action version of Beauty and the Beast, we’re all waiting on which childhood memory and beautiful film Disney will ruin next. I know it seems that I have been ‘bashing’ Disney lately but just to reiterate, I do love Disney film, the classics, Pixar (mostly) and the occasional live actions BUT NOT REMAKES. I have a rant about Frozen ready to go but I’m holding back a little longer (waiting for Moana to set sail to brilliance). Of all the films of live action fairy tales, I liked Cinderella. This was probably due to me not particularly liking the animated classic as much.

Let me launch into this. My favourite Disney classics are Beauty and the Beast, Robin Hood most likely The Little Mermaid. I can hold on to the fact that a live action of Robin Hood would be near impossible. Remaking with humans just wouldn’t work and no one can match the voices of Peter Ustinov and Terry Thomas. I hope, as I write these words, that I’m not sealing the fate of the film, oo-dalally. Unfortunately, this doesn’t save my two other favourites from being potentially destroyed.

This reign of fairy tale films is lasting longer than I expected. With successes, Snow White and the Huntsman, there were disappointments, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. With mediocre performances too, Jack the Giant Slayer. The key to success seems to be, follow the formula, meaning just copying the original story and making it look better, which is what Cinderella did. But with Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Peter Pan, they changed things.

The wave of changing fairy tales isn’t new. Bill Willingham has been doing it since 2002 in the epic universe of Fables. The delicate balance between ridiculous and brilliance was taken care of throughout the comic series and its’ spin offs. But what Willingham did was take note from the original fairytales rather than the Disney versions. The ABC TV show ‘Once Upon a Time’ tried to do all three. Copy, twist and Disneyfied. Now it seems that they just have Disney characters appearing as well children’s literature characters pop with myths and legends. The show was in danger of stepping on Fables coat tails but luckily the creators shot themselves in the foot. Fables is now free to be amazing even though there is the threat of a film on the horizon.

With each Disney live action remake, there is the loss of magic that animation brings. It is replaced by CGI and tricks. The more magical moments, I find are those that include more within the frame, the art direction is beyond amazing, even with the the more terrible film that have been produced. It has been said many a time that remakes are there to bring the story to a new audience, thus depriving the 'new audience' of the brilliant originals. A 'new audience' will never understand that Maleficent was one of the greatest villains created but was ruined in a mediocre attempt in making her the 'good fairy'. Why 'twist' the classic tale? The same was done with Snow White and the Huntsman but this wasn't Disney. It was just a terrible attempt at changing the story.

Back in 1996, 101 Dalmations bounced onto the big screen. Technically this could have been a straigh forward adaptation of the book but it was made by Disney. It kept the story, it kept the villain a true marvelous villain AND the animals didn't speak. It was brilliant. But Disney didn't learn from this successful film, it tried to change it. Cinderella followed the story and was successful. I actually really enjoyed this version. I was never close to the animated classic and I hated the mice. The cast were perfect, the costumes beautifully made and everything fit so well. I haven't seen the whole of The Jungle Book yet but I've been told its brilliant. It sticks to the story and the songs are even intact. a sense of childhood memories mixed with terrifying scenes. All you could want really. I haven't seen Pete's Dragon, I haven't even seen the original. This barely made it on the radar when it was released. But out of the remakes, this made sense as it was the lesser known Disney. But with the news of Beauty and the Beast and the release of the second trailer, I don't think its going to be what we've waited for.

Of course CGI is at hand to make the memorable characters of Cogsworth, Lumiere and Mrs Potts come alive but the Beast? There is something not quite right. And that brings me to Belle. Emma Watson is not Belle. She is too harsh and has that know-it-all expression that doesn't suit this character. Where as Luke Evans and Josh Gad at Gaston and Lafou are spot on. The fact that the songs are to be included, worry me too. I really wish that Disney hadn't tampered with this film. Now that Mulan is the next film to be ruined remade, that means all the classics you hold dear are in the firing line. How the hell would they do Mushu? There has also been talk of an Aladdin spin off prequel about the Geni. With stories and rumours like this, I wonder, why can't Disney make some original films? Zootropolis was amazing! Why can't they continue their winning streak? I really can't understand any of it.

The Kids Are Not Alright

I love Disney but I never dressed up at any of the Princesses. I don't think I dressed up as any Disney character but I'm pretty sure I identified with Ursula more than Arial. Let me say first, little girls dressing up as Disney princesses is absolutely fine, there is nothing wrong with that. But just like the little girl who dressed up as a hot dog while everyone else in her dance class were princesses, it’s also completely fine to dress up as anything else.

Looking at children’s films, now I understand the frustration that parents have when talking their children to the cinema. There isn’t really much on. So, they rely heavily on the what animations are out there. Adaptations of favourite childhood books are a safe bet but when animations such as The Secret Lives of Pets has only 2 female characters and there are countless male ones – what message does this send to children? Ok, I know they are animals and children aren’t going to care what gender the animals are but it is something to think about.

Disney tried to progress with Frozen, by having the love that broke a spell be between two sisters, which yes is new and different but Ana still had a love interest and sang few sappy songs including a love song. Also the film had some other gaping plot holes such as, where and how did Elsa get her powers? What’s with the trolls? Where did Kristoff’s parents go? The story also has a serious lack of villainy. The ‘so-called’ villain doesn’t make himself known until the film is almost over and his plan is thin at best. But for some reason all these issues were over looked in the name of progress.

The original Snow Queen story would have been better. There was an actual villain to be proud of, complete with great background story and there are siblings in the story, a brother and sister. It is the sister who has to save the day but in order to attract ‘boys’ to see this film, they changed everything when there wasn’t any need. The title just could have been.

The only progressive part of the Frozen tale probably would have been the fact that Elsa could be Disney’s first LGBT character. Her song, Let It Go, has been interpreted as her coming out and being who she wants to be. I think this would be an excellent step for Disney to take, if they do it well. But I can see into the future, the ignorant folks who don’t want LGBT characters on children’s films will speak out in their droves and it will be hideous all over again.

 The Frozen hysteria aside, what I don’t understand is that there was progression, before the huge eyed female leads became the norm. Such a negative fuss was made over the beautifully 2D animated, The Princess and The Frog because it didn’t perform as well as it was expected. Disney said that boys didn’t go to see it because it had ‘princess’ in the title. Or parents won’t take their children to see a great film?

With the progression Frozen apparently radiates, has everyone forgot Tiana? She was hardworking, independent, brave and was determined in reaching her goals. Sounds like a strong female character to me. As I recall, she didn’t falter with her dream AND was willing to help others despite her own wishes too. So why isn’t Tiana celebrated like Ana and Elsa?

I could go through each triumphant female character but I think the Frozen frenzy is too strong. That bring me to Moana, the upcoming Disney movie, another heroine with big eyes and big dreams. Moana is the first Polynesian princess and the film is set in ancient Oceana in the South Pacific. But wait stop, there is something that separates Moana from the other Disney delights. While she may be in 3D animation, it has been reported by Disney that she will not have a love interest for which I couldn’t be more delighted. This is progression! With the recent trailers appearing online, Moana looks beautiful (the ocean always does) and having the demi-god, Maui, along, this looks to be the buddy adventure of 2016.

Studio Ghibli were actually the studio making films about and for girls. Looking through the catalogue of all their film, many of the protagonists are either on the cusp of teenage-hood or they are young, sometimes very young, like Ponyo. All delightful stories and some without an ounce of a romantic storyline. Hopefully with Moana, Disney are taking a leaf out of Ghibli's book.

Focusing on Pixar, after reading through Slantmagazine.com's article, which you can read here, ranking all the Pixar films from worst to best, something was blindingly obvious. I am quite ashamed that I never noticed this before. Out of all 16 current Pixar films, only 2 films have a lead female protagonist, Brave and Inside Out. When Finding Dory is released it will be 3. Also, there have been no female directors, except Brenda Chapman who was a co-director on Brave.

Something is very wrong under the lamp.

After reading Anya Jaremko-Greenwold’s article on The Atlantic’s website, an excellent read by the way, I strongly suggest this, it’s heart-breaking to realise just how neglected young girls are when it comes to films and protagonists. The films that Anya Jaremko-Greenwold mentions are films such as Matilda, A Little Princess, The Secret Garden are all films I watched when I was young and you just don’t see films like this anymore. Young girls, pre-teens are presented with films featuring older leads, male or cartoons and the more I think about it, the more I worry.