After a very short run earlier this year at the Egyptian Theater here in LA, and with no other wider release, "The Snowtown Murders" is finally out on DVD and to watch instantly on Netflix. The title refers to a series of murders that were committed in the late 90's in a small town in the south of Australia. These crimes are famous because they gave Australia its most vicious serial killer John Bunting, played here by Daniel Henshall. This is Justin Kurzel's first feature, and it is a great debut. The film really creates a conflict for the audience given the fact that Bunting justifies his murders with the premise that his victims deserve it : Pedophiles, junkies, rapists. The people that get involved with him fall for his charisma (as usual with serial killers and cult leaders), he becomes like a father figure for the boys that eventually are under his wing. Bunting's favorite is Jamie (Lucas Pittaway) the most vulnerable of the bunch, he becomes Bunting's disciple and becomes terrified of him after he sees, and eventually helps commit the murders.
If you are looking for gore, guts and full on sadism this is not the film. There are a few violent scenes, but they serve to release some the tension and atmosphere that is created. Many scenes are shot from outside a door, between walls, like hiding, being a silent witness of the darkness that is unfolding. Pittaway is great as Jamie, the transformation both physical and psychological he suffers are devastating and the pain and uncertainty are palpable in his performance. Remember this film is based on a real story, on real vicious acts that were condone by a community of people, at first for seeming as a neighborhood cleansing, and then just for the thrill of feeling powerful by taking another life.
It is a very disturbing film because of its lack of blood and full frontal violence, the subtle danger creates a more powerful effect in the audience psyche. The small sounds, the slow pace Kurzel uses to show the environment, and the internal decaying of the characters around Bunting create a sense of distress in every frame. If you are up for a real revelation of narrative skills and great performances, dive in. For all what it accomplishes, the film still lacks a bit of a punch, a more powerful note to bring all the built tension home; nevertheless, it is a compelling film. By the way, the last shot is perfect way to end such a bleak piece. Grade B+
After wanting to watch this film for a while, I finally had the chance yesterday, and my first and most compressed thought about the film is that it is likely to become the little indie film that crosses over to a large audience because of its charm and warmth. Its difficult to categorize the film, in a funny way I would say it is a post-apocalyptic southern fantasy drama film. "The Bathtub" is a fictional version of a wrecked New Orleans, it is a community of people who didn't want to be rescued and moved to a refuge. Among these people there is a little girl who goes by the name of Hushpuppy and her dad Wink. These are the two main characters that drive the "boat" for the film.
In "The Bathtub" life is full of the simple pleasures, survival lessons and an acceptance for an unpretentious and unstoppable cycle of life. As Hushpuppy mentions many times every piece in the universe needs to be in place for everything to work. The film never ever wallows on the hardships, or is pitiful or patronizing of its characters, it shows them raw and wild, but always with conviction to survive and never be tied down. The people in "The Bathtub" called the rest of us "The Dry World", this is an alien place where we have all these conventions and false materialistic needs that don't let us be truly free. In fact I truly believe the film is about the "beasts" we all are, how we are part of something bigger, but that at core we are animals in need to survive and who must be free and need simple things to be happy. All these lessons are conveyed through the breakthrough performance by Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy. It is indeed marvelous to see such a complex performance delivered with such ease by a child actor, she is lovable and fierce, but also insecure as a girl her age would be. Wallis is the heart of the film, and a heart that really makes this indie film into a gem of cinema.
Forget about the special effects, that is just a glossy side dish to the acting. Also impeccable is Dwight Henry as Wink (Hushpuppy's father), the character is an ill alcoholic who still holds on to his dignity and strength and refuses to be tamed by the power of conventional society. He transmits this to Hushpuppy forming a bond that is at heart wild and indomitable. A crucial moment in the film is when we see Hushpuppy in a dress and Wink in a wheelchair (no spoiler here) , that is when we realize their nature and how they feel like beasts on a cage.This and many other subtle touches really express the love for life and freedom, this fearless acknowledgement of death. Tears are held back in this world, but when tears flow they are powerful, more than in many other films that try to tell you "now you cry", in "Beasts" it comes naturally.
On more technical notes, the film is beautiful, it has a feel of realism that is hard to believe since it does involve fantasy, but there is also pure magic that I'm sure came from the crew and the director Benh Zeitlin, and the good time they sure had making it. If you love Louisiana, or the South, or Movies, or Fantasy, or Life in general this is a must watch. Calling it early, but I wouldn't be surprise to hear Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress for Wallis, and Best Supporting Actor for Henry. Just my very early predictions, in the meantime if you haven't yet, do go see this. Grade A+
After my last post this week, I found out "Compliance" was playing in a small Art House theater here in LA, only in one theater for a one week run. Therefore, I decide to cross the city and go watch it before its gone. I usually ( obviously) I concentrate on the movie and not on the audience that accompanies me at the theater, but this time, the audience's reactions to the film really made it seem as an ongoing self-analyzing experiment. "Compliance" is a difficult film to watch, it is in fact something most people will not sit through. Perhaps, its because it confronts us with very raw moral issues about what is at core "Right" or "Wrong", regardless of the motivation for such actions. In this film the motivation is the call that moves the plot forward. We really don't know much about any of the characters other than they work at a fast food place, we might know a thing or two irrelevant personal traits, but in general this sets the piece as something that could happen to anyone. That fake normality is where "Compliance" has its strength.
Becky, a young cashier, is the chosen artifact to test her coworkers and friends "decision making skills". Blamed of having robbed a costumer, Becky is subjected to disturbing treatment and punishments under the cover of Officer Daniels' commands. We know the whole time that this Officer Daniels is a hoax, and that makes these people's actions even more repulsive. I have to admit that at some point the "punishments" get so bizarre and vicious they ignited laughter in the audience, but considering the fact that the film claims that it is based on real events, this is conflicting. Just to consider how far the characters go to "comply" with the requests is very unsettling. The way they follow this unquestioning obedience and how the victim herself is complying too, urged by the fear of even worse consequences. The nature of power and obedience and how we bend our moral judgements to accommodate and serve our own interests is put right in your face, so much that one of the ladies in the audience stood up and exclaimed "I cant watch this" and walked out. The first time i actually witness someone do this.
Also adding to the drama is the magnificent musical score.Many times the music is not what is noticed first in an indie, low budget film, but in " Compliance"the music becomes a very dark and menacing companion to the film.Used in the right moments, like in very long shots that follow the characters as if to witness without blinking what they are about to do. This is Craig Zobel's sophomore feature and it works brilliantly, the whole film flies so quickly, and although it might seem that nothing really happens there is never a dull moment in the film. Organic and simple in its conception, the whole film takes place basically in one main location, with a handful of actors, and over one night of this people's lives. The cast is just pitch perfect, Pat Healy as the non-existent Officer Daniel's gives us a lesson on the seductive nature of power and the need for submission he expects from his victims. As Sandra, the place's manager, Ann Dowd is really convincing of someone who has block their own convictions in order to fulfill and mindless duty.
My only note on the film is that at the end it tries to gives some sort of assurance that justice wins and it seems a bit PSAish, but it is something that doesn't take from the overall "mind rape" the film leaves on you. See it if you can and form your own questions,but I'm sure it will be an experience, because the film brutally rattles the basis of our definition of victim and accomplice. Grade A.
Here 3 films that will be released in the upcoming weeks that look very interesting and seem be very out of the ordinary. When I get the chance to check them out I will post their respective reviews, for now here is just a little taste of each one of them.
"Compliance"
This film looks very intriguing and one of those films that are not for everyone. A stranger calls a Fast Food Restaurant pretending to be a police officer and this way testing what the owner and employees are willing to do under the banner of "What,s right" . Seems sort of disturbing, and the fact that the film has been very controversial and even walking out of the theater because they couldn't handle it. Yes I must see this.Its only playing in one theater in LA and in a handful across the country, but I'm almost certain its worth the effort. Here the trailer. Did i mention its based on TRUE EVENTS. That is the cherry on top to inspire curiosity "Chicken With Plums"
Form the graphic novelist and director Marjane Satrapi, creator of "Persepolis" both the novel and animated film, comes this new Franco-Persian tale. A much more magical and visually striking film in comparison to "Persepolis", obviously because this time the adaption from the graphic novel was to live action instead of animation. An Iranian musician in love with a woman he cant have searches for love in music, while married to another woman. It looks beautiful and strange, reminds of "Amelie" in its tone and visuals. Really looking forward for this film, although its extremely limited release might make difficult to catch. Here the trailer
"Samsara"
The last of the 3 films that I'm more anxious to see this month, might be described more as a visually religious experience. From the makers of "Baraka" comes a new completely visual (not dialogue or narration here) testimony of the human experience and the art of nature and ancient civilizations. It might seem like a National Geographic Doc, but it is much more. Shoot in 70mm (that gives me the chills just to think of it), which provides a quality of imagine unimaginable. All this with a combination of shape, color, form, religiosity, epicness that can only be experienced on the big screen. Definitely catching this one when its out. Here a quick look
The second film I had the chance to watch this past weekend is a violent crime film starring Matthew McConaughey as “Joe”, a corrupt police detective whose business on the side involves murdering people for money. Simple enough. The film revolves around a family of not so bright, down-on-their-luck folks. This family formed by Chris (Emile Hirsch), Dottie (Juno Temple), Sharla (Gina Gershon) and the “patriarch” Ansel (Thomas Haden Church). All of them fulfill the stereotypes of middle/redneck America. In the midst of a drug deal gone wrong, Chris, decides to hire “Killer Joe” to murder his mother and keep the insurance money, which in turn belongs to his younger sister Dottie. The tale doesn’t gives much info on the character,neither the family nor Joe. We do not know how Joe gets away with murders, or if there is past clients, or anything that resembles a more humanly complex villain. All we know about the family’s carelessness towards the mom is what Dottie says about neglect and drinking. In my opinion not enough to justify murder. All the characters in the film are presented as very basic, with the simple motivation of money. Having said this, if this was Friedkin’s objective then it was well achieved; however, with all the character development it lacks, the film succeeds with very dark but fitting humor and violent scenes that shock. That’s why the NC-17 rating. Overall the film works for what it, but its biggest strength is McConaughey’s performance, he is splendid, erasing all his baggage as a Romantic Comedy leading male, to immerse himself in a sexually perverted, violent sadistic, power hungry asshole. Just for his performance alone it deserves a viewing. The film is entertaining, has a couple good funny moments, and doesn’t lack in shocks up till the very end. I believe thanks to some solid acting it earns a B-.
PS: Watch out for the fried chicken. (not kidding)
This past weekend I watched two new films out in theaters now. The first one is the latest animated film from Laika, creators of the beautiful stop-motion film Coraline (2009). "ParaNorman", also a stop- motion film, had been on my radar since the very early trailers in November last year. I must admit that i was very excited to watch this film from the beginning. The concept of a weird and bullied kid that can see ghosts, and fights zombies, all of it in stop-motion was very appealing. The story revolves around Norman, a young boy who isn't like the rest and who has the "talent" to be i touch with the afterlife. As the curse of an old town witch unfolds, the real message in the film also is revealed. "ParaNorman" is about violence toward what we don't know, everything that is different and how throughout the ages this has been a crucial reason for people to not get along. The witch represents that, a person that didn't fit the mold of the time and was judge and even murdered for it. In my opinion very profound and out of the usual message in a "kid's film". Nevertheless, the film is extremely funny and unapologetic about its darkness. Some jokes perhaps are more directed for a more adult audience, but all in all the satire and mocking of the horror genre is great. It is a very cleverly written film, even in the heart warming moments the film does not become corny, it is honest about negative human emotions like seeking revenge or hate. If this is not enough to convince you, the technical and visual side of it, its top notch. The amount of detail and the facial expression makes it hard to believe that stop motion was used, but it never feels like a computer animated film like those of Pixar. "ParaNorman" has a very organic visual feel to it and a very original premise. If i had to note anything negative perhaps the fact that some characters and plot points were somehow stereotypical of small towns in the US, but then again some of the biggest strengths of the film also rely on how small towns treat the "abnormal" in the community. Overall I loved the film, and it is a better example of original animation in both content and form than "Brave" or other recent animated films. In my book the film gets an "abnormal" A+
To express an opinion publicly, on any topic, it is enough to create a new post on Facebook, or a new Tweet, or a mass text message. Given that fact, then a Blog is just a more tedious, time consuming, blown-out version of these modern self-expression tools. However, I've decided to create one because my absolutely deranged passion for Film is just too big and broad for a few posts. I believe that most blogs end up being just followed by the creator's friends and acquaintances, but if you are someone that does not know me personally, then welcome to my very Selective Vision of the movie world. Most film blogs have reviews or comments on all the biggest releases and must see films of the moment, which it is indeed great, but as the title of the blog implies, this is a very selective outpouring of my thought on movies. I do want to post about the current film releases that catch my eye, but I think that my forte is to share hidden films for a greater audiences. Foreign films, indie films, old classics, documentaries, foreign animation or new releases lost in the midst of all the huge budget films. I surely have my own guilty pleasures, and I do get excited for many mainstream and big budget films, but those are very specific. I will, however, watch any film just to form my own opinion on it, either to hate it or love it. I wish to find people that share or at least find interesting my very weird way to see films and relate to them, as an aspiring filmmaker (as many thousands of people I know -_-) I hope to give some insight on some technical stuff, plot issues, and theme, but believe film for me is a visceral and heartfelt thing. So do not be surprise if i get over excited for a random film that most people will find bland. If you ended up in this blog for any reason please share your thoughts and point me towards new exciting films. Thanks.
