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.