Adolescent to Adulation: Un examen film de Jason Verney.

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Love Like Poison (Un Poison Violent).

Year: 2010

Director: Katell Quillévéré

Bonus: Q & A with Katell Quillévéré

Venue: Curzon, Soho

Showing as part of the "Rendez-vous with French Cinema 2011" season and in the lovely "Curzon" - Soho branch - this was a last minute decision to see what turned out to be a beautifully shot film, by way of a complimentary ticket. I use the term 'turned out to be' as I was a little doubting seeing the movie, due to the mention of a large religious undertone to the picture.

Incidentally, this Curzon - my first visit in a Curzon anywhere - lived up to the hype I'd heard about it.

I previously referenced the possible religious undertones...These were realised in the first scene but these were displayed as if this church was part of a cult more than a religion - or at least in my eyes. The feel, look & sound seemed to put a disturbing slant on 'the church'.

The movie's protagonist - or you could say agonist - is a 14 year old girl. Not only is she coming of age and therefore trying to figure out life, something has, or is disturbing her. Added to this - or perhaps the cause - is that every person she connects with, whether a family member, a preacher type or a young (potential) boy-friend comes across as a little creepy. Creepy to her and also to the film's audience.

Is this poor but seemingly strong girl that adolescent - or is this coming-of-age woman just craving a little of what such girls want - adulation...?

There's no denying that religion plays a large part in this linear story, although I felt that I wasn't sure if this central character was really religious or not at times.

Hardly a spoiler, but there is a confirmation scene included, and it took me back to when I was young. "Confirmation"? What a word...What, up until then I was nobody, no name, no existence but now I'm 'confirmed'? I thought there are governmental and national registers which confirm you exist, no? ;)

But seriously, and bringing the subject of religion to a close by this lowly reviewer, I did have to shout out inside my head "Lord, are you trying to tell me something? A Radiohead tune in the movie too? The third film in the last few weeks [two of these this same week!] to feature them. God, are you hinting that I'm depressed?" I prefer the term 'melancholic' over depressed anyway. Note: I do not dislike Radiohead...quite the opposite.

Apart from the style of the picture reminding me of a screenplay which I drafted many years ago - at the start of this, at least - it was an all-round win with me and therefore won my approval. And by this, I recommend to anyone...Go see!

The lovely director, Katell held a Q & A following the movie. Incidentally - and is the case with these sometimes - she opted to have a translator, even though her English seemed pretty good to me!

Amongst many other aspects covered, a girl stated to Katell in this Q&A that scenes were not long enough for emotional connection but the emotion still gets you at the end of the film. I agree with this...in such a way that I was engaging with the central character but didn't know where each of her circumstantial situations were leading her. I wasn't sure how it would end but ultimately it did, and with a suited resolution.

Lastly, its interesting to note Katell's reasoning for one of the 'creepy' characters [my description - I forget her exact words] in the film. You may or may not find a certain grandparent creepy or perhaps pervy (a grandpervant?!) but Katell states that this character is old, and nearing life's end & so is probably realising or recalling certain pleasures before he goes from this mortal coil. People may bottle cravings up, taboo or otherwise but feel no shame on admitting such wantings before they leave this life.

(Aptly...) ...The End

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec [or "The ‘Besson’ Element"]

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

The Event: Preview

Name: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

Bonus: Q&A with Luc Besson

Venue: British Film Institute (BFI)

This was another film being previewed and shown as part of the "Rendez-vous with French Cinema 2011" season, but this was unknown to me as I went in to savour this offering.

Introduced by actor, David Thewlis this latest (& you could say, forthcoming - in the UK at least) movie by Luc Besson started on a grand scale, as do so many of his pictures.

I'd heard little about this film but I did know from what snippets I must have read, & perhaps seen that it was a fantasy film which included all sorts - a dinosaur or two, mummies &/or zombies and set in another time.

All the latter 'sorts' were introduced to us, the preview audience very early in the film but we still were unaware where this adventure would take us, nor indeed how such variants would perhaps all come together to tell the story...but surely they had, didn't they?

As always, I don’t want to give away the plot or story but I will say this. The first scenes included a “The-Fifth-Element-meets-Indiana-Jones” set-piece, in fact more Indiana Jones than the other...and this put me off a little. The reason? I’m probably one of the few males in the world for whom the Indy films do not ‘do it for me’. Strange? No. I-Am-Me. If the film had continued in the style of Indy I would have thought that it seriously lacked originality (despite this film being based on comic books). But...the film did not continue in such a way.

Make no mistake, this is much a comedy as it is a fantasy movie. To name but one aspect, we are introduced to the police early on in the film - and from there-in throughout - and its fair to say that these criminal-chasers make Chief Wiggum, from The Simpsons look over-observant and intelligent!

Part of this movie involves Cairo and the heavy involvement and interest in ancient mummies. And this, what with the overall humour of the film, prompted me to concoct this ending to a particular scene (you may *sigh* after reading it)...:

Two sisters are reconciled in quite a dramatic way and in such a way which I was SURE - and if not, itching to put it in the script myself given half the chance - was to end in one of these girls saying, as they sighed with relief...”I want my mummy’... There, you can sigh now! This pun would make more sense upon seeing the movie and you know that I would have elaborated further but as always I do not want to spoil the cinematic story.

Lastly, I deliberately left this fact until the end of my review. This picture is in French, which is fine by me [this same week alone I have seen another French film, a Korean movie and English language ones] but I can not say that I've always been 'into' foreign language films. Luc Besson's latest movie could prove vital to the cinema-going public. Not only could this film picture have mass appeal due to it being a comic-book adaptation AND fun-for-all-the-family fantasy film, I also wonder . . . Would it bring 'reading subtitles' to a whole new audience? I sincerely hope it does. I don't mean that necessarily in some cultural-encouragement way but more so in the route to hinting at ‘Joe Public’ that there is not just Hollywood and in fact many, many better films out there!

...But just as Adèle Blanc-Sec does, I'm keen for ‘the world’ to experience ‘the world’!

The Q & A (could've easily stood for Quirky & Amiable).

As these pictures display - although a little unclear - Luc Besson is a sweet, funny & down-to-earth guy. His responses to audience questions were witty and very English. . . for a true Frenchman.

Countdown To Zero (2010) - COMING SOON...But 'WE' Must Prevent 'IT' From Coming.

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

A myriad of emotions passed through me with this latest cinematic storytelling event. Fear; Horror; Worry; Concern; Empathy (for every being and for the Human spirit).

I'll say now that this was no fiction-filled-flick but rather a documentary feature. And one from (recently) Oscar-nominated Brit, Lucy Walker. Now here's a woman who really knows how to tell a heartfelt and poignant 'true story'.

I don't say this based on "Countdown To Zero" alone, that would be naive. No. I previously had the pleasure of seeing Waste Land and that film left me gobsmacked. Indeed, it could be described as a feel-good movie. Just like Slumdog Millionaire was tagged as a feel-good movie - even though filled with evil and bad circumstances throughout until the uplifting ending - Waste Land could be as well.

It is known already, but we are sitting on a time-bomb or rather multiple-bombs in the form of nuclear arms. We have a massive risk hanging over us. This risk, though is not only down to the fact that by the odd switch or two one country could blow ourselves, families and lifelines to pieces. It is a "risk with another risk", of so easily being detonated 'by accident'. These potential accidents or mistakes are shown in this film. I say 'potential' but even that is perhaps the incorrect word as there HAVE BEEN examples of unintentional 'release' and MAJOR panic. You really have to see this motion picture to fully understand.

Accompanied by brilliantly atmospheric music & perfect animation, we witness historical footage as well as some beautiful shots. A few members of the public are asked various questions about nuclear weapons and, for example, individuals are asked to name the various countries 'which they believe' currently have such weapons. Not to mention how many are thought and/or known to be held worldwide.

"Joe Public" is not all that is questioned here... World leaders, politicians and other major figures (past/present) all present their opinions. Most of these - I learned from Lucy Walker's 'Masterclass' and Q & A afterwards - were conducted by Lucy herself...and by no means easy tasks. Whether you dislike, disliked or have disagreed with these political figures in the past you can not help but be moved and interested by their views.

Even Gorbachev & Reagan's 'Star Wars' program and it's ultimate failure or dismissal is shown as touching - but not in the exaggerated way a 'reality' TV show may manipulate it or your feelings.

Whilst I talk here about feelings I feel the need to mention the following... As well as the emotions listed at the start of this review I, for one or two brief moments I experienced Love - not for nuclear weapons - for what the human race could achieve if we all got together, to rid the world of such weapons of mass destruction and therefore this fear.

As brilliant a cinematic documentary as this is - and as Lucy explained - it is so different to her other 3*, especially in narrative. It was also hinted that her future (5th) movie could indeed be different again...a work of fiction in the form of a feature film. Lucy also gave a couple of anecdotes, a story about the lengths to go through when meeting political players, old or new (including how many visits each one took) as well as an amusing tale about her 'un'-intended Oscar dress.

[*See "Devil's Playground"; "Blindsight"; "Waste Land"]

If the mention of a Radiohead track also used in the film [the second Radiohead reference recently - see my review of the Japanese movie, Confessions] doesn't summarise the film and the awe it brings, I'll finish with these further words...

In my opinion, this is a great 'horror' film and with a big heart. So much so that I was on the edge of my seat, especially when we two thirds through it.

...And...as I sit here listening to Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime by The Korgis, it seems to go well with my memories of one of the end shots in the picture. It is a shot where we are above a nuclear missile-head, looking down - one can imagine & fear it going off...not only towards 'us', the audience but also how easily and accidentally the button can be pushed.

If a 'button must be pushed' make it a 'click' on either of the following:

Website

http://www.countdowntozerofilm.com

Twitter:

http://www.Twitter.com/countdown2zero

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/CountdowntozeroUK

"The Eagle" or 'The Last Bling Of Scotland'

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

and MANY, MANY NEW ARTICLES)

"Do You Like Movies About Gladiators?" *

Frankly? No. "But this character's a centurion!", I hear you cry. Indeed, but either way the category of fighters and realm of such is the same...whichever way you cut it. "Have we seen enough movies involving the good ol' Romans?", I hear myself cry. Seemingly not.

Am I sounding a little sarcastic?... Pedantic? ? Apologies if so. I must say that I was a tad tired when seeing this movie, plus other things pressing on my mind...but haven't we all experienced such moments? ;) And before you read any more negative-in-tone remarks from me, I will add that I selected "Better than I expected" on a survey following the showing of "The Eagle". It's just that I feel it could have been better.

I guess that as openminded as I like to be - both in life and film-viewing - I often know what kind of film may not be my cup of tea [no different to most people there] and that tends to make me sit there with an internal smile & trying not to think of 'comical' what-if scenarios in that movie.

The opening scenes and titles are stylish enough & indeed not 'amateurish' and knowing that this new film is from the director of The Last King Of Scotland [which...I've not seen as yet but it was raved about & complimented everywhere, I believe] I was expecting such experienced, & perhaps grand filmmaking.

The movie moves into setting the scene, characters and the like. Formulaic but necessary. I was focused a little on what seemed like varying accents though - was this Scottish, English, American or Irish I was hearing - either way, it was not Roman.

The first main character is here by now, a one Marcus Flavius Aquila [*snigger* even as cosmopolitan as I feel I am]. Marcus is played by Channing Tatum - a fantasy love-child of Tatum O'Neal & Stockard Channing? - and he acts accordingly...I mean both as he should as a centurion and actor.

Next, we need an elder to teach Marcus perhaps the difference between right and wrong ... But would Marcus listen always? Or would he go against his elder's wishes? I mean, the story would have to adhere to both these suggestions wouldn't it, surely, so as to push such a protagonist forwards.

[This is a good time to mention that this film is based on a book and therefore such screenplay structure would originate from these writings.]

The elder whom I speak of is none other than Donald Sutherland. Now, I can't think of him seriously, or at least when hearing his voice, thanks to The Simpsons - the episode “Lisa The Iconoclast” where he plays Hollis Hurlbut, a devotee of Jebediah Springfield.

Anyway. Onwards. On to a miniature amphitheater - way too small for Russell Crowe and his ego - where a slave is brought out to fight with...err...a Gladiator? Of course, it's not Mr Crowe...but who is that slave...? Yes, it's little ol' Jamie Bell.

Again, although I was doing mu best to take this movie seriously and not think of humorous things, this did not stop me thinking of Jamie Bell and of course is most popular role as, yes "Billy Elliott". Thus, after centurion 'Marcus' influences the crowd in the amphitheater to not have this slave beaten or even killed, and Donald Sutherland's character turns to him and asks "Why did you save him?" I couldn't help but answer for him, with... "Because he's a bloody good dancer!" [and if that weren't enough, I had toyed with jesting how his screen-name of Esca was short for - or a nickname for - yes, you guessed it...Elliott!]

Back to seriousness. The film has rich colours and some beautiful scenery, even if looking a tad airbrushed. Apparently, Jeremy Brock (writer of the screenplay and adapted from a book by one Rosemary Sutcliff) also penned the script for Mrs Brown and The Last King Of Scotland. Now, I've seen Mrs Brown and loved it. TLKOS, though, I can not vouch for script & dialogue-wise. I would say, for this film at least there was little originality in words exchanged between characters (especially Marcus and Esca) and instead some dialogue seemed to have been taken from the much-used book called "Lines To Use If Stuck For Original Dialogue".

Lastly, I did notice in at least one of the small battle scenes the use of Ridley-Scott-style so-fast-that-you-can't-make out what's-happening editing. It's not REM but perhaps RSM (Rapid Scene Movement)...?

Of course, it could have just been my eyesight. I sometimes wish I had eyes as good as...oh what's that bird of prey called...?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally...

*The quote at the start of this review, "Do you like movies about Gladiators?" is a nod to, and a line from the film "Airplane!"

+

On a serious note:

The above showing was an exclusive preview screening of "The Eagle", in aid of the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund:

www.operationalcasualtiesfund.co.uk

True Grit (2010) - An Arm for An Arm...

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com

and MANY, MANY NEW ARTICLES)

A revenge western which turns out to be far from plain, out on the plains.

To me - being more of a filmworm than a bookworm - the title of True Grit resonated more with me as a known film. Perhaps this is true of others intending to see this movie. This said, I'm no giant western fan...only one or two have held my attention. And I must add that I also knew little about the original film, not having seen it...or at least not as far as I could recall.

I'm not really a fan of remakes also - Hollywood seem to make them for no real reason, and therefore little artistic reason. A film (or novel), if it is to be retold should be done in such a way that it differs immensely and/or includes much more of it's original source than it's predecessor.

The above case is why I was keen to see this Coen Brothers take on the idea, again, even though I'd not seen the 1969 version. I make exceptions for Ethan & Joel (Coen) as, and we all should know this, their directing style - and let's not forget their writing style, as without this it would be a different 'story' - gives us vibrant and fascinating characters, stylish shots & larger-than-life characters.

Of these characters - and I guess the main one, some would say - we are introduced to a young girl named Mattie. She may not have the quirks of a Coen Character to look at but when she speaks it is like a far-too-educated adult in a girl's mind & body. To look at, I was almost immediately reminding me of Dorothy from Wizard Of Oz. I hope we'll see more from the brilliant Hailee Steinfeld soon.

Next up is the unmistakeable gravelly twang of the brilliant Jeff Bridge. We don't see him but we know who it is...As I say, unmistakable.

Now, the next main character is mistakable, in my opinion. If I didn't realise that Matt Damon was featured in this movie prior to seeing it, I would have been trying to guess whom this actor was on first appearance. Note: I'm not one for big actors or the necessity for them to feature in a movie but I would definitely have a "I know that face, but who is it" moment at this point in True Grit. Damon is truly out of character here.

Enough about these few characters, we all know that the Coen Brothers have a brilliant way of turning actors into bizarre, almost-grotesquely-strange and unique characters...& the same can be said for Josh Brolin - out of character but not majorly. He appears much later in the movie, incidentally.

The story moves along smoothly and in a very linear way...more so than other films by Joel & Ethan, it is thought...and I have to agree.

Without giving away the plot - for those who don't know already - I'll just add the fact that as much as it is a drama and comedy it's also, suspenseful & brutal in places. It also, despite being all these things manages to contain a few traditional western-like scenes, landscapes & music. The latter being epic sounding and reminiscent of the wild west that we all know so well.

The movie has everything. Dry wit, desert landscapes & western characters You'll hopefully feel like you've been on the land with them...and go home with the True Grit of sand between your toes.