Edinburgh Film Festival: The Return of the Hero

I hadn’t realised just how rare a period costume comedy was until writer and  director Laurent Tirard introduced his film at EIFF last month. He said that you don’t see many films of this genre and I struggled to think of examples. Apart from the genre being surprisingly unusual, Tirard said he was influenced by Jane Austen’s work and that he wanted to adapt one of her novels but seeing as they have each been adapted countless times, he said he had to write his own. I booked a ticket for this film last minute and it turned out to be one of my favourites of the festival.

Feckless Captain Neuville declares his love for Pauline, who comes from a very wealthy family and asks her to marry him. He is then immediately called to war, but promises to write. Pauline’s older sister Elisabeth doesn’t believe him for a second. After months of no word from him, she decides to write as the Captain to ease her sister’s suffering. But the letters become far bigger than she anticipated, she creates a fantastical heroic tale of the Captain’s fictional adventures and eventual supposed death. Her sister happily marries someone else, has children and the town remembers their ‘hero’ and life moves on. Until one day, the Captain returns, but he has been stripped of his rank, penniless and living like vagrant. His sudden return causes problems for Elisabeth so strikes a deal with the coward who deserted the army. But instead, the ‘hero’ returns, playing the part that Elisabeth has created for him. 

Jean Dujardin is the Captain is so utterly perfect in the role as a charming con man. Melanie Laurent is equally brilliant as the stubborn and independent Elisabeth and the two actors have such great chemistry. The pure comedy in the film is pitch perfect, from ridiculous situations to romantic comedy territory that is actually delightful to follow. There is also something uniquely spectacular about the costumes and the locations, with a story about lies and cowardice being played on this grand looking scale. 

Another aspect of the film which I appreciate being a more than a device but an actual part of the character of Elisabeth was about her writing. Elisabeth is vexed by the Captain’s return because it would expose her lies but also because she is the true author to his stories which he takes delight in reenacting for his eager ignorant audience. Her desire to be discovered as the talented writer she is becomes more important to be revealed than the fact she lied. Her frustration that she cannot do everything she wants to do, even though she chooses not to marry, she can’t be the writer she wants to be because its not possible for a woman, is an important part of Elisabeth just as much as her sense of honour and the truth. 

I’m really hoping that the film gets a general release in the UK as I think as Austen is always a winning in formula, the story and essence of the film would be very much appreciated. Fingers crossed!

The Dude Abides

The Dude has abided for 20 gutterballing, White Russian drinking, pot smoking years. The Coen Brothers' cult film celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and I'm not the only one celebrating.

Tonight, there is a screening of The Big Lebowski, part of Cinema Rediscovered and I will be introducing the film. Very nervous but also super excited. I though to go along with the film, I'd bring a mini zine I'd made (also thanks to my Dad who trimmed the edges and stapled them together) for those who wanted something to take home with them. I added in a word search as I thought why not? Plus I was inspired by Hannah Woodhead's Laura Dern zine.

I'll have more to write about this weekend as I will also be catching some other films I haven't seen before which I'm very much looking forward to.

Here's a look at the zine:

June/July Watch List

Slightly preempting this month but releasing the watch list early-ish, but I'm guessing the films I see later will ge included next month.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

I completely forgot about this Star Wars story. In my head I thought I'd written about it. I think, in some ways, I didn't want to write about this film, just enjoy it. I'll say this first, this film, wasn't needed, but it was fun to watch. Seeing young Han, played perfectly by Alden Ehrenreich (love this guy), scrabble around for survival the escape to become a pilot for the Empire, then to meet his best friend for life Chewie was something I didn't know I wanted to see. Han and Chewie best buds scenes were the highlight, apart from Lando in all his caped glory. From the war, to the heist with those epic trains, to being caught up in a gang war, to the beyond creepy Crimson Dawn and the all the crazy bits inbetween (slave riot is another highlight), Solo was a great story that fits neatly into the saga, even though it doesn't actually answer anything, but brings more questions about the extended universe, the last few minutes for example. 4/5

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

What can I say about Jurassic World that hasn't been said already? As sequels go, its as expected. It isn't necessarily 'bigger' but it does try to be bolder. The dinosaurs are in peril, as the island they inhabit is about to explode as it is discovered that there is an active volcano beneath the island. Funny how this was wasn't checked out when the theme park was built on it. Actually, there are quite a few of these moments that happen so often, it doesn't matter. The film is ridiculous but I love it. Dinosaurs are awesome and as the plot just gets sillier, the more enjoyable it becomes. From terrible names for new dinosaurs to steretyped new characters to the number one thing to never do in a Jurassic Park/World film, bringing dinosaurs to the mainland, it never ends well. Anyhoo, the dinos are in danger of being killed off, our favourite couple (no longer a couple at this point) Claire and Raptor whisperer Owen try to save them when an obvious shady deal is struct with a shady company, owned by a guy who used to know Hammond and his shady assistant. Dr. Henry Wu is also back and gives a few 'I'm an artist' speeches before being knocked out and dragged into the next film. Blue is also back, in videos of her as a baby dino, which are adorable I have to say, and as an injured adult. The evolution of the Velociraptors from villain to friend over the entire franchise is something you wouldn't have expected. An added bonus was a scene with our favourite Chaos Theorist who insists that we should let the dinos die otherwise we'll end up in their world. Life finds a way. 3/5

Ocean's 8 

I've always said that Ocean's Eleven could have had an entire female cast and the dialogue would not have needed to change. Then last year it was announced that there would be an Ocean's film, featuring all women, well, I was half happy, half confused. On the one hand having a cast a really great women who are just effortlessly cool was fantastic news, but the fact that it was part of a 'franchise' and not a brand new story with no ties to the male orientated trio of films, was disappointing. Debbie Ocean is released from prison, similiar to how her brother Danny was in the remake, Ocean's Eleven. She and her partner in crime Lou put together a team of women, each bringing their own skills to the table, to execute a heist at the famed Met Gala. At first it was annoying they were stealing jewellery BUT the heist is actually quite thrilling and the plan is perfect. The only thing that bugged me in the end was that the film didn't up the stakes. There was no real peril for the ladies, plus James Cordon was no needed. I did enjoy the fact that none of the woman had to resort to seducing anyone and didn't use their sexuality to complete the heist as so many spy or crime thriller often do. It was clean cut and as I said earlier, effortlessly cool. 4/5

Four Film Noirs

A while ago, I bought a boxest of four films; The Dark Mirror, Secret Beyond the Door, Force of Evil and The Big Combo. All reviewed on Vulturehound HERE.

Tokyo Tribe

Having missed this Hip Hop musical about gangs in Tokyo, based the mang series, at LFF a couple of years back, I saw it on sale, like I do, in my favourite Fopp. Watched it on a whim and within minutes I hated it. Some of the music introducing the gangs was good and set design of the entire film is actually amazing but the constant threat of rape of the all the women in the film (only one main character who is a woman too) was too much. Maybe it's my own fault for not reading more about the film to understand what it was about or maybe I should go the hint from Hip Hop (like a sexist Hip Hop video but feature length). Either way, I really did not like this film. If you're curious, by all means seek it out for yourselves, you may enjoy it. 1/5

Set It Up

 A surprise hit from Netflix original films, meaning, I thought this was better than expected. Two PAs in work themselves to the bone for little to no pay off for their highly strung and careless bosses decide to set them up to make their own lives easier. But over time, the question of sacrificing their own freedom (and happiness) at the cost of lying to someone comes into question, also the PAs themselves start to fall for each other. Even though I'm not a 'sports fan', I can appreciate that the two main female characters are sports writers. Lucy Liu is the successful owner of an online sports journalism empire and she's fantastic. For me, I think its just great to see Lui in a film again. Her relationship with her PA Harper is better than that of Charlie's with his venture capitalist boss Rick, who moans about his ex-wife and takes little to no interest in his kid's life. The guys are out for themselves but Harper, no matter how badly treated she is, still respects Kirsten and her work. Its slightly messed but in the end it all works out better as Harper is encouraged to write by Kirsten. I actually worked as a PA for two terrible months, it takes a patient and special kind of person to do that job. 3/5

Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

This was watched on a whim as I never watched the first Ninja Turtle film. I hate Michael Bay and I'm not a huge fan of Megan Fox, but after what she said about Bay and her treatment, I have more respect for her now. Those feelings aside, a live action version of Ninja Tutrles didn't sound great on paper or in trailers BUT the sequel was a fun silly frolic where 80% of the characters from the TV animated series were motion captured. With Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady appearing in this jam packed film, I couldn't resist. It was just like the cartoon I watched as a kid, except there was some emotional brother drama between the turtles which was just annoying to sit through. 3/5

The Search for John Gissing

Full review of this 'lost' Alan Rickman starring film from 2001 is over on Vulturehound. 2/5

The Miseducation of Cameron Post 

My thoughts on this film will be posted up on Vulturehound next month nearer the the UK release date. I'll link back here then. 4/5

Edinburgh Film Festival: Dead in a Week

I've said before (I think) that I'm a sucker for a hitman story. So when I see Aneurin Barnard is in a new film AND it has Tom Wilkinson playing said hitman, I'm going to make sure I see it.

Suicidal writer William had tried to end his life numerous times but can't catch a break. He meets hitman Leslie on a bridge one night who offers to do the deed for him. As Leslie is trying to fill his quota and struggling to do so, he has taken to assisting suicides instead of 'proper' contracts, to the disapproval of his boss. William has a week window where Leslie will try to kill him in the cheapest possible way, bullet to the head. But in that same week, William has interest in his book about his failed suicide attempts from a publisher and asks to hold of the deal, but Leslie is a desperate man and a contract is a contract to him. 

A comedy about a hitman who is getting to old for his job he loves and suicidal writer who writes about his failed attempts is an odd sell, but for the better part, it works. The film has a very British feel about it and has jokes such as the Europeans are taking over the hitman market and the delusional heroic death where everyone claps after William saves a child in a way seems like British humour to me.

The film has a simple story with complicated characters that flesh out the plot, not going over the top in any direction which, with a subject, let alone a comedy haevily featuring suicide, is needed. Heartfelt moments are well balanced with comedic ones. Wilkinson's very matter of fact and annoyance when he accidentally kills the wrong person going after William is perfect, as well as his wife Penny played by Marion Bailey, presenting with a scrap book of all his 'best hits', is nicely placed in the middle of the quiet chaos. 

With a great cast of characters and actors, a hitman comedy about suicide is an unexpected bright light amongst the gritty depressing British film landscape. 

Edinburgh Film Festival: Supa Modo

My favourite film of the festival. Hoping this will get a general release in the UK and when it does, I'll be right back there to watch it again.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

Sometimes we want to pretend we’re someone else and forget our problems. We might even pretend we’re our heroes or we’re our own hero. For Jo, that’s Supa Modo.

Jo is dying. Her mother and sister have given the terrible news that she doesn’t have long to live. Wanting her to be in a comfortable familiar place, they bring her home, away from her friends at the hospital. At first her sister sees she isn’t happy so cheers her up by making her think she has super powers, even getting people in their village to join in. Feeling like she isn’t the sick child, Jo finally feels happy, even when her mother stops the games. As Jo is a huge fan of superhero and karate films, the village gets together to make her very own film, with her as the star.

Even though there is bitter sweet feeling from the start, it doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying every moment of the film. Balancing sadness with comedy and with a great cast, especially Stycie Waweru who plays Jo, she lights up the screen and is able to see and understand what is happening to her but her illness isn’t going to stop her from having fun.

Likarion Wainaina director and writer was present for a Q & A where he shared stories about how the film was made and how the story came about. He had had a very different story in mind, mostly autobiographical, but after meeting the children in the similar ward Jo was in, he changed his mind.

Even though you’re in for an emotional ride, you know it’s coming from the start, you can’t help but feel drawn into the family, their friends and the whole village who come together to one little girl’s dream is beautiful to watch. Seeing the completed film at the end, complete with a fantastic VJ performance, not a gimmick but a common way to watch films in Kenya, you feel uplifted and hope that Supa Modo lives on!

Blind Spot: One Sings, The Other Doesn't

Its been a while but I’ve finally been able to post a Blind Spot post!

I had never seen an Agnes Varda film until last month when the BFI had programmed an Agnes Varda season. The title had always caught my eye and I was finally able to see it.

When school girl Pauline, recognises a portait of her estranged neighbour and friend Suzanne in photographer's studio, the two reconnect under strained circumstances. Suzanne is pregnant with her third child with the photographer and can't afford another. Pauline helps raise money for her to get an abortion but things get worse. The photographer commits suicide, leaving Suzanne no choice but to leave to countryside back to her hostile parents. Meanwhile Pauline leaves home and school and becomes part of a singing troupe.
 
Ten years later the women are reunited, meeting by chance at a demonstration in 1972. The two friends stay in touch through letters over the years apart. Pauline continues writing songs and moves to Iran with her boyfriend Darius, whom she later marries but having grown disenchanted with her life returns to France to give birth. Suzanne eventually saves enough money to leave her parents' farm and opens a family planning clinic where she meets and marries a local doctor. Even though the two friends are separated, they meet together sharing their lives apart.

Both Valérie Mairesse (Pauline/Pomme) and Thérèse Liotard (Suzanne) portray their characters with such ease, even in the face of such despair, they seem so natural. The hippy lifestyle that Pauline sometimes lives is also seen as a natural choice. The songs her group sings are soft spoken protest songs about feminism and life. A favourite song of mine is the song Pomme sings about travelling to Holland to have an abortion along with all the other women. Collectively they take boat ride together, which where she sings about the abortionees. Its humorous but with a sting of truth as it is still painfully relevant for the women of Ireland, who only recently were given their freedom to choose.

The story about these two women is beautifully told through the lost art of letter writing. Their bond is so strong from the minute they meet, they are true friends. Sometimes friendship is portrayed as cliches and difficult to watch because it doesn't feel real. No matter where life takes them and what happens, their affection is genuine.

To find out how it all started, head over to The Matinee and to see what's happening now, check out Returning Videotapes who is the new host of the Blind Spot Series.

Edinburgh Film Festival: The Heiresses (Las herederas)

An couple face their straining relationship after one is sent to prison for debt and the other finds a new lease of life by driving her neighbour to a card game and by meeting a younger, more adventurous woman. One of the more intricate films of the festival, with a great story about the Paraguayan film industry as it grows.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

The film will hopefully be released in the UK on 10th August.

The director of The Heiresses, Marcelo Martinessi spoke about how the film industry in Paraguay is very new and it only just forming. Baring that in mind, the film, having been developed in film labs, feels like it is part of a heritage and the actresses are veterans of the screen. Everything is naturally played out and feel effortlessly created.

 
After falling into debt, Chela and Chiquita, two middle aged women who have been together for years, end up having to sell most of their belongings. Their financial difficulties has put a strain on their relationship and the two drift further apart when Chiquita is accused of fraud and made to go to prison. Left alone, Chela but finds a way to keep busy by driving her older neighbour to a card game, where she meets Angie, a younger, more vibrant woman, who she develops a crush on.

 
The film takes a very delicate approach to how Chela conducts herself, with the class system in place Chela wants to remain respected, even as her possessions are sold off. Her relationship with Chiquita is difficult as financial problems can cause a rift. They seem to have loved each other at one point in their lives but now, as they get older, they have become part of a routine with one another, especially on Chela’s side, the less independent one. She finds a new lease of life when she begins driving (without a licence) and finds a friendship with Angie that soon becomes unrequited. Having always been driven by her partner, Chela enjoys her freedom and is obviously devastated when the prospect of losing the car becomes necessary.

 
With so many delicate moments, the women’s performances, from theatre actors and many non actors too, all had time to craft their characters. Ana Brun had earned great acclaim playing Chela and even won an award at Berlinale. With a general release coming to the UK later this year, this quiet masterpiece will be share it’s beautifully crafted story to everyone and not just remain a ‘Festival’ film.

Edinburgh Film Festival: In Darkness

Its always a pleasure to seek out new British films at any festival. This thriller/mystery took me by surprise as it wasn't quite what I expected and I ended up really enjoying it.

About a blind piano player who ends up embroiled in the suspicious death of her upstairs neighbour while also carrying our her own plans.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

The film, I believe, was/is in select cinemas 6 July, and out on DVD & Digital today.

Revenge can take years of planning, especially in films. Some plans take carefully planning, others are executed in the heat of the moment, as you might not get another chance. How to add to a twist on a murder mystery/revenge story? You make the main character blind. Adding this character into the middle of someone else’s story makes for an exciting take on the genre. Even better when said blind character has her own agenda.

 
Natalie Dormer portrays Sofia, a blind piano player who is neighbour to a woman who has died under suspicious circumstances. She knew the woman, but not intimately but she didn’t see anything, which is the truth. As it transpires the woman who fell to her death was the daughter of a war criminal currently enjoying the hostile and hospitality of the UK, with a very stern Joely Richardson and Ed Skrein at his side.

 
As psychological thrillers go, this one covers all grounds. Building suspense through Sofia who can’t see all the danger but we can. There is anticipation about what will happen if she is caught with that little vile of poison or if the police find out she didn’t have headphones on the night of the possible murder. The film creates a semi believable scenario involving war criminals, secrets and long planned revenge but the final few minutes of the film, after a gruesome fight, is severely disappointing and really wasn’t needed, especially after Dormer gives a brilliant complex performance as Sofia. But, ignoring this one little detail, the film is a welcome change to the British thriller landscape.

Edinburgh Film Festival: Steel Country

An unlikely 'detective' becomes obsessed with find out aout what happened tp the little boy who waves at me.

Previously published at Vutlturehound HERE.

British film has always been able to step outside its comfort zone and outside the country itself. Finding stories that can resonate with everyone and in some small way, relate to the characters. Saying that, its a push to say this about the characters of Steel Country. Set in a small town in the middle of America, the depressing after effects of the Trump administration looms. Everyone knows everyone, even if it is just a wave from a child to a sanitation truck driver every bin collection day.

Andrew Scott plays Donnie, he is autistic and has young daughter, result of a one night stand. When a young boy who he used to see on his route as a sanitation truck driver goes missing and later found in the river, he becomes fixated on the fact that this wasn’t an accident. Casually but unsubtly asking people about the boy, his parents, his doctor and whether or not there was something more serious happening, he unconventionally tries to seek the truth through accidental shocking behaviour. His determination is seen as annoying at first until he himself is threatened, he knows he’s on to something.

A twist on a detective story where the main character has no connection to the victim in the story, he just sees injustice and believes this needs to be corrected. Most detectives are given a harsh back story or a drinking problem, one of Donnie’s characteristics is that he is autistic, although, this is never confirmed in the film, whether or not this is to show the lack of patience or ignorance from the fellow townspeople but Donnie is more aware than most of what’s happening. He might not know what ‘sleep together’ means, but he does seem to have a profound insight to how the little boy felt.

The filmmakers did mention that they had wanted to keep the time and place anonymous, taking out the posters about the election but then realising that this the signs would mirror the times, digitally inserted them back in during post. Showing how America lives, with many people living in poverty or in dead end towns like the one the film was shot in. Britain is somewhat know for its social realism films but having a British cast and crew focus on what its really like in America, has the vantage point of what an outsider sees, similar to Donnie who is an outsider in his community. People fear the unknown and automatically don’t trust it, however in film, we can usually turn this around and give the hero his moment, even if Donnie doesn’t get that.

And we lived beneath the waves, in our yellow submarine

There are some films that you watch when you're really young that stay with you into your adulthood. They are at the back of your mind where they rest throughout your teenage years and when you're in your early 20s you start to want those childhood days back and start to reminisce about when you first saw that film...

For me, the films I think back to are films like, Star Wars, Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and of course, Disney. But the more obscure films, such as The Mikado, Pirates of Penznace, The Secret of NIMH, American Tail, Big Foot and the Hendersons, Some Like it Hot, Flight of the Navigator, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Hook, Brassed Off, The Lady Killers, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Guys and Dolls and the Marx brothers films, just to name a few films that shaped me. But the one I'm missing off my list is The Beatle's Yellow Submarine.

This year is the 50th anniversary of The Yellow Submarine, an anniversary that has prompted my parents and my aunt and uncle to reminisce about when they first saw it, at the cinema! Luckily the film is an important part of the animation and British film landscape so it was given the 'big screen' treatment, meaning that fans like me, could see it in all its glory for the first time at the cinema.

I can't remember exactly what age I saw it, but I was very young, maybe not even 8 years old yet. The Yellow Submarine was on TV and back in the day, we recorded everything on video tapes. We used to have a HUGE library of videos, having to take half of them out to see where everything was. I wore that video out I watched it so much. I eventually, in my early teens, was able to ask for the 'real' VHS for a birthday or Christmas present and I was ecstatic when I saw that shiny yellow box. I waited another decade to get the shiny new CD that had been released with all the music from the film and not long after that, I was able to purchase the restored version on DVD, special edition.  It's so beautiful to behold.

Directed by George Dunning, this classic animation will be forever the cult hit with fans of The Beatles and new fans of the animated marvel. Hoping that the coverage the film has been getting in the past few months that more people will go and see why it is such a beloved film. A story about a fictional fantastical land, Pepperland, who are invaded by the evil Blue Meanies who hate music and anything happy really. Their one hope, Captain Fred who escapes in the fabled Yellow Submarine travels to our world where the Fab Four go on an adventure to help out Fred and the rest of Pepperland fight, with music and song.


My family obviously knew of my Beatles obsession, so my dad painted the sub on my wall which was there until I moved rooms when I was 15. My obsession has quieted down but when I see all the awesome merchandise, I can't help but wish I had it all and it never 'all too much'.

I used to put on The Beatles vinyl that my parents owned and listen to their music and dance around the dinning room table. Seeing the film on the big screen made me think back to those days. The animation is still crazy and wild and I love it. With the use of what we'd call a gif, used throughout Eleanor Rigby and the hand drawn sketch effect in 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' all moments I adore. Just need a sing-along to happen and life would be complete.

Edinburgh Film Festival: Dumped (Larguees)

One of my early morning films was this fun in the sun, with two sisters trying to cheer up their mum after she is left by her husband for a younger woman. Laughs, awkward meet cues, equally odd staff to match the crazy guests.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

A comedy about two sisters, who couldn’t be more different, who take their mother on holiday after their father leaves her for a much younger woman, does exactly what it says on the comedy on holiday genre tin. Heading off to a beach resort with daily activities, excursions, parties, shows and a view so perfect you wish you could be there too, is a perfect setting for mishaps, lies and of course, family bonding.

 
The three women at the centre of the story can easily be put into the stereotypical boxes they were carved from, but that would be over looking the fun quick dialogue that is spouted, especially from free spirited and sexually adventurous younger sister Rose (Camille Cottin) who is the instigator for most of the chaos.

 
The film takes advantage of the enclosed setting, meaning supporting characters get to have their moment for a few minutes. There is insight mainly to the sisters as they talk, bicker and laugh together, their lives are talked about, with no sign of change, even when their greatest flaws are brought to light. For this story, the only development that is needed is from the mother, Francoise who does indeed open up and move on with her new life.

 
Not quite by the book family comedy but it does fit a genre and that’s no bad thing. The story, like its characters, are fun, sometimes silly and over the top, but at the end of the day it all about daughter-mother bonding.

Edinburgh Film Festival: Waru

The directors of 'Waru' will also hopefully feature in my post 'She Makes Movies'. A film of segments all connected by the suspicious death of a young boy. Stories varying depending on distance, love, friendship etc.

Made up of eight stories, eight different viewpoints of Maori women in the aftermath of a young boy named Waru’s death, set around the tangi, a traditional Maori funeral rite. Each stories is directed by a Maori woman, showing delicate insight to different women’s lives and how they are affected by this tragedy. Some women are directly connected to the boy, others are presumably in the same community or, as in one film, a news reporter who challenges her ignorant white male co-anchor on his ridiculous comments.

 
Each story is 10 minutes in these women’s lives and each have their own problems and worries. Each story is also shot, no cuts, with the camera fixed on the woman of the story. It isn’t visually groundbreaking but the fact that it depicts multiple viewpoints of women, its becomes a powerful film that is sometimes heartbreaking to watch.

 
The film, directed by Ainsley Gardiner, Awanui Simich-Pene, Briar Grace-Smith, Renae Maihi, Chelsea Cohan, Casey Kaa, Paula Jones and Katie Wolfe, has been hailed as an important New Zealand film and will hopefully be given a wider release. The fact that this is the first feature film to made by Maori women in nearly 30 years, says a great deal about the film industry and that this film has arrived at the right time.

Edinburgh Film Festival: The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches

In no way was this a favourite of mine at EdFilmFest but it was shot amazingly. Athe creepy gothic feel of the story, framed perfectly still. It's a grim story that I felt was disfficult to sit through.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Gaetan Soucy, this Canadian film is shot in chilling black and white and drenched in darkness, death and the uneasy feeling that everything is wrong.

Two siblings, a boy and a girl, but both raised as boys, live in a dilapidated Manor House where their somewhat deranged father forbids them from leaving the grounds, cutting them off from the world. But when their father hangs himself unable to live with the past (or the present) the siblings are left to survive, as well as uncover secrets long buried and keep away from the angry villagers.

Without an obvious plot line and instead a series of desperate situations that just keep getting worse. Fragmented memories of a tragedy intertwine with moment of euphoric bliss swiftly followed by violent acts that could leave anyone scared. It’s difficult to put an easy to categorise label on this story as it seems to stray from and follow gothic genre stories. The film is disturbing from beginning to end and its difficult to connect to any of the characters, including the girl (Marine Johnson) of the title. The abuse the girl suffers, mental and physical and the story just progressively becomes worse for the siblings, especially the girl. The only moments of calm are when the girl is close to nature, lying in the fields, riding a horse and choir music, almost religious like song is played.

Starting from the middle and rewinding to the start, the flashback from years previous, appear like dreams and transform into memories, this disjointed feeling is played out throughout the film. Ending on a joyful and very painful last few minutes, their is no real resolution or, in fact, hope, just a release which may be enough for some.

Edinburgh Film Festival: Loveling (Benzinho)

A great start to the festival with a familt drama that has drama happen all the time but its all take at ease.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

Loveling - Starting off the festival with a good film really sets the tone for the rest of the time. Beginning with Brazilian film ‘Loveling’ (Benzinho) about a family just living their daily lives when the eldest son is offered an opportunity to play Handball in Germany. His eminent departure, leaving his family behind to start a new life, doesn’t overshadow the film’s rather non linear structure, but serves as a turning point, especially for the mother, Irene, played to emotional beauty by Karine Teles.

 
Irene just wants the best for her family and has worked hard all her life. Her four sons are her pride and joy, but she also wants to do more. Graduating from high school is huge step for her, a dream come true. She supports her husband, constantly trying new businesses and even agrees to sell her beloved beach house in order for the hope of better opportunity and to finish the family’s new house.

 
Although the film is about family, it is also about hopes and dreams, mostly echoed by Irene and her husband, who haven’t fulfilled all their dreams yet but hope they can for their sons. Seeing their eldest Fernando excited about his new future, is both heart warming and breaking at the same time, mostly because they don’t know if he’ll come back.

 
With beautiful scenes by the beach, the calming sea, where mother and son sit curled up together just floating is a complete contrast to their hectic busy lives in the city. The film stays at the same tone throughout, not needing to exaggerate situations, characters or plot. It is perfectly balanced portrayal of a normal family, just living their lives.

Edinburgh Film Festival: Unicorn Store

Last film of the festival, left a lasting colourful effect. Brie Larson's directorial debut is fun, fragile with a touch of fantasy that isn't cliche or tiresome.

Previously published at Vulturehound HERE.

Sometimes, when we’re young, we believe in something so much that we carry this belief into our adulthood. We believe in it so much that sometimes, it materialises, like, getting married on a beach, climbing a mountain, dancing on stage or owning your very own unicorn. Well, the one might be limited to a small percentage of people including Brie Larson’s character, Kit.

Kit is an artist. She is a dreamer who enjoys living in a multi coloured world. She carries this brightly coloured outlook on life into her art and into her art school class where she is simply not appreciated. Returning home, feeling like a failure, she wallows in self pity before being embarrassed into temping. But no sooner has she started to accept the mundane existence, she starts to receive mysterious letter urging her to visit ‘The Store’ where she can buy what she wants and needs. The Store, is the Unicorn Store, decorated just like Kit’s bedroom, except it also has everything s unicorn needs, with a bonus of Samuel L. Jackson who is the salesman. After being promised a unicorn, Kit has to complete the requirements; build a home worthy of a unicorn, prove she is financial able to take care of a unicorn and finally, create a loving environment. Seems straightforward enough but by trying to complete these tasks, Kit meets and makes new friends, is able to be honest with her parents and she make a presentation that goes above and beyond the call of duty for a vacuum cleaner. It is truly amazing and definitely a highlight of the film.

As Brie Larson’s directorial debut it is a glittery delight and definitely showcases her talent and hopefully future directing. The story is simple and it needs to be if its going to be about a woman trying to get a unicorn. It isn’t over the top and isn’t in the danger zone of quirky either, escaping the manic pixie dream girl taking centre stage too as Kit doesn’t have any friends and actively doesn’t look for a boyfriend to complete her. The story could easily be about growing up, but its not, its understanding what you want. Also, if you don’t believe in unicorns, you really should watch this film, the skeptic in you will be surprised.