As a political drama, THE IDES OF MARCH sits firmly in a dual-genre;… MoreAs a political drama, THE IDES OF MARCH sits firmly in a dual-genre; enforcing itself as a vehicle for ideas and insights into our modern governmental systems, yet also as a form of narrative entertainment. George Clooney's latest directorial endeavour fails and succeeds at these two split dynamics - it is interesting in character but never in ideas; moving in tone but never in greater depth. THE IDES OF MARCH is Clooney in story mode without the ideas, it is a shallow albeit entertaining fixture surrounded by bigger themes aching for a piece of the limelight. The film hints at greater points, but ultimately means very little, which is unfortunate - because what is left is still quite good.
Powerful and dangerous, SHAME is bold, daring, emotional, lustful, and… MorePowerful and dangerous, SHAME is bold, daring, emotional, lustful, and interestingly complex. It is many things; a myriad of emotions swirling in confusion and distress, but given a greater shade of clarity through a moving character portrait. In Michael Fassbender, an unafraid and thoroughly committed performance is delivered on screen - a highlight that gives his film a raw intensity rarely seen in cinema. His commitment gives the film a physicality and movement that would otherwise be lost; drawing the viewer into this characters inner torment, Fassbender combines a skill for nuanced facial expressions with a harsh bodily showcase. We are left always wondering what thoughts are going through this characters mind - not only what compels him, but what frightens him.
This is the Fassbender show - first and foremost - but director Steve McQueen has a grander picture being painted. Addiction, lust, and needs are explored. While sex is the main point being driven, it is more a point of dependence and the inability to commit and grow that is given a more rounded exploration.
Confined, gripping paranoia seeping through the lense of a film with a… MoreConfined, gripping paranoia seeping through the lense of a film with a firm grip on its tonal qualities. TAKE SHELTER is a meticulous, compulsive film - its frames, sounds, and editing spliced carefully to create a creeping tension. It works impressively well, but the main problem with the film lies in its own devices - it is meanderingly slow with a conclusion a little too clear-cut for an otherwise interpretive effort.
Nostalgic, romantic, and infectious in mood - THE ARTIST is an… MoreNostalgic, romantic, and infectious in mood - THE ARTIST is an encapsulation of cinema that transcends mimicry or straight homage to become a piece of warm insight of its medium and history. Love and passion are the driving force, whereby its nature in its portrayal of cinema feeds its emotions. The film is heartbreaking and humorous, with lovingly choreographed sequences and meticulously pieced scenes. This is a beautiful film.
In a film with so many magnetic qualities, perhaps what is most impressive is in its method of avoiding mimicry. Through its playfulness with its subject matter, the film is at a continual struggle along with its lead character.
