Spotlight Review- Submarine (2010)

'My name is Oliver Tate..'

Like a snail cuddled into it's shell, 15 year old introvert Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) feels at home snuggled into his beloved navy duffle coat - an object of comfort and protection from a world he feels so disillusioned and lost in. Believing himself to be widely adored and a undiscovered genius  Oliver is blindly unaware that he is actually just a pretentious pariah.  Like many British youths (yes, we aren't all gangsters living it rough on the streets of Camden) Oliver still longs to find something....anything to make him feel alive.

It is this whimsical little oddball who serves as both our unlikely hero and narrator...we follow his quest to find purpose and fulfillment  within the vast blustery realms of a sleepy seaside town. His mother and father (brilliantly acted by Sally Hawkins and Noah Taylor) are also stuck in a passionless marital rut and the arrival of his mother's eccentric ex flame (Paddy Considine), who moves in next door, does much to rouse Oliver's suspicions. With his parent's marriage at stake and his non-existent social life tipping off the edge Oliver feels perpetually trapped.

Life, however, starts to look up for our awkward hero when he exchanges glances with fellow outcast Jordanna Bevan- a pyromaniac with a dry sense of humour and a taste for polaroid pictures. Together they embark on a tentative romance, with Oliver vowing to be the perfect boyfriend. As they chase each other round a deserted fairground, setting off fireworks, the audience gets the sense that this quirky couple has a bright future...just waiting to explode.

The gloriously subdued soundtrack composed and sung by Arctic Monkeys heartthrob Alex Turner adds to the warm atmospheric tone and provides the perfect backdrop for sweet drama that ensues. As Turner croons his trademark nonsesual lyrics: 'i etched the face of a stopwatch on the back of a raindrop...' Oliver's life begins to unfold. He has the girl... but now he has to try and keep her. After adopting some seriously unorthodox methods to ensure his parents stay together and that Jordanna will still like him, Oliver is set to learn some tough lessons in life and love..

Littered with unexpected pleasures, this quirky venture by Ayoade breathes fresh air into a stagnant genre, proving coming-of-age flicks need not be riddled with cliches. Originality certainly triumphs. The comedy is silky smooth, while the fresh acting talents of the young leads (Roberts and Paige) guides the narrative steadily to its brilliant conclusion. Another must for any indie cinema fans!

The Best Of...Alternative Romance

We all know those soppy heart-warming romantic films...well to counteract the merriment I have compiled a list of 21st century cynicism. ENJOY.
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1) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

This is actually my favourite film of all time! Not only is the narrative beautifully composed but it touches upon the instability and frailty of human relationships. The synopsis follows like this: After a painful break-up, a couple undergo a radical new procedure to erase each other from their memories, yet it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. 

Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) is a shy emotionally-withdrawn man, who lives a bland existence in a one bedroom apartment, downtown New York. It is not until a random encounter on a train with the erratic flame-haired beauty Clementine (Kate Winslet) that things start looking up. Having been instantaneously drawn together by opposing personalities the two embark on a tentative romance yet unbeknownst to them they have already been lovers. Month before, after a messy fight, Clementine had approached the 'Lacuna' agency, who offered her a radical procedure to erase her memory of Joel. Heartbroken, Joel decided to do the same meaning much of the narrative is told through a surreal series of his memories, as they are being slowly erased. Upon seeing happier times of love with Clementine from earlier in their relationship, he struggles to keep her memory alive as the procedure wreaks through his mind.

Eternal Sunshine is something special for sure...it is remarkably sweet without being mushy or unrealistic. The acting is so fluid and convincing that is actually make you really pine for the two characters to find one another again. There are some wonderfully surreal moments within Joel's memories that are both humorous and deeply moving. Although the narrative in non-linear and can be confusing when jumping through big clumps of time, those who enjoy slightly unusual, almost anti-realist films will enjoy the dream-like quality to the flashbacks.
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2) 500 Days Of Summer (2007)

The tagline reads  'Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn't'. From this alone we should gauge that this is far from the usual optimistic tale of boy meets girl. Hailed as the definitive anti-rom-com, this deliciously indie venture jumps from various days within the 500-day span of Tom and Summer's relationship. Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon Levitt), a greetings card designer is an optimistic 20-something living in New York. He longs to find the one and believes he has found her when he spots the beautiful free-spirited Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel)- a fellow whimsical oddball and avid fan of The Smiths. Unfortunately for Tom, Summer doesn't believe in true love and seems to go out of her way to avoid getting attached to anyone. However, despite her inital reluctance over the passing months the two are drawn together and the film jumps to and fro through the various stages of their relationship from day one (the awkward first glances) to the soul-crushing 500th day (where ties are finally severed).

It is interesting to note that the film was what the industry liked to call a sleeper hit meaning it was an overnight success, unknowingly launching the careers of it's two young leads (evidence- Joseph was recently in the Hollywood blockbuster Looper alongside Bruce Willis while Zooey soon landed the lead role in New Girl, which is now in it's second season). The chemistry throughout between Joseph and Zooey is so perfect as they bounce off each other so naturally (for a while I was wishing they were a couple in real life!) making the film such a pleasant delight, despite its sad moments. A must-see for any fans of independent and alternative cinema...or for those (like me) who fancy the pants of Joseph Gordon-Levitt (he is the ultimate cutie).
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3) Blue Valentine (2010)

Ahhh a film to bring the mood right down. Blue Valentine is one of the films that has stuck with me the most. It charts the counter-development of a young urban couple's relationship (Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams) from the jittery first days of courtship to the eventual breakdown of their marriage years later. Like 500 days, the film is non-linear meaning it skips randomly to different times in the relationship. As the film begins we see the disequilibrium and the frustration that exists between the couple...we get the sense that the passion has been lost between them. The husband Dean (Ryan Gosling) is an unambitious college drop-out, who despite his faults and laziness, cares deeply for his wife and their young daughter. His wife Cindy (Michelle Williams) is a worn-out hardworking nurse who struggles to juggle the stress of work, along with the pressure of keeping her husband happy.

Both Gosling and Williams give performances of a lifetime with unusual power. Although many scenes are difficult to watch and can be deeply upsetting the overall product is profound and will leave a lasting impression. The reason I believe it deserves a place on this list is because despite the overall depressive tone, there are some beautifully sweet moments during the couple's earlier years that truly lift the film, thus (in my eyes) making it worthy of the 'romantic' drama label.
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4) Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

Finding love two weeks before the apocalypse is hard. man. Although the film divided critics, I watched this last week and actually really enjoyed it! As the title states the world will be crushed by an asteroid in a months time. While anarchy and street crime is rife all around the world, life for Dodge Peterson (Steve Carrell) pretty much continues as normal. His maid still comes to clean his house, and he still goes to work (as an insurance provider...how ironic). However the appearance of a young British girl names Penny (Keira Knightley) crying at his windowsill, changes his life forever. They forge an unlikely friendship and subsequently decide to take a road trip to reunite Dodge with his high school sweetheart, before the asteroid hits. On their travels they encounter a whole host of colourful characters and crazy scenarios, all of which are delightful and unexpected. 

While some have been critical of the age gap between Carrell and Knightley's characters I feel this is slightly unfair as it is the quirkiness of the romance that blossoms between them that felt like the film's strongest asset...it was brave and unconventional. Nevertheless a romance set during the apocalypse was inevitably going to end on a sad note and the final scene did give me a little wobbly tear, at the edge of my eye. For that reason, it made it on this list.
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5) Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012)

Yet to see but it sounds amazing! Has anyone seen it and loved it? Comments are always welcome! :)

Spotlight Review: In Bruges

Been dying to see this! As a massive Ralph Fiennes fan, I was intrigued by the notion that the oh-so-very-prim and proper polite English gent would take the role of a foul-mouthed cockney gangster. Ralph, you 'avin a mid-life crisis, bro? 

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The tagline reads 'Shoot First, Sightsee Later'. From this little nugget we should already presume that this is not a conventional gangster film. No, screenwriter Martin McDonagh is far too clever for that. Instead he has created a wonderfully tempting potion of  
cutting wit and cobbled street cat-fights (between grown men)...all paired with a cracking plot, that holds your attention firm in it's grasp.

    Defying convention, gone is the dirty city underbelly, and greasy gangster mobs...in it's place is remarkably human tale of two hitmen forced to hide out in the beautiful historic city, of Bruges [It's in Belgium...apparently], after a job goes wrong. With nothing left to do but wait, the two go to sightsee, with Ray (played by Colin Farrell) being bored out of his brains ['Bruges is a shithole'] while the older, more mature veteran hitman Ken (Brendan Gleeson) happily takes in the culture ['Bruges is NOT a shithole']. It is not until the elusive and beautiful Chloe saunters onto the scene, that Ray finally starts to embrace the city, striking up a sweet yet edgy romance. This much-needed happiness is short lived, however when news arrives that his boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes) has come to the city to take him out, for good. 

Farrell is sheer perfection, in his best role to date, as an immature and rude young man, who at his heart is still innocent and good-natured. Throw in a midget, a belfry tower and a whole lot of f-words, here you have one of the finest modern British {independent} films ever made. It's cheeky, it's crass, it's unrestrained...but most of all it's deeply honest and touches upon the fragility of human nature.

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**Farrell's eyebrows do deserve a special mention seeing as throughout the film they work like little furry caterpillars up and down Colin's face, providing a range of amusing poses. LOVIN' HOW YOU WORK IT COLIN.

The Faces of Farrell {Lookbook}:

'I haven't the foggiest'

'This ice-cream tastes of sh*t, man'

'F**king Bruges'

Not For The Faint-Hearted: Se7en (1995)

You have been warned. The film Se7en is perhaps not known for being the most perkiest of films...it is hardly Sex and The City. In fact it is a truly disturbing odyssey, which ventures bravely into the uncharted territory of religious extremism mixed with body horror. Yet in any case, it is still an undeniably well-made film; one that seeks to push boundaries. I did this review a while ago but I thought I would share it with you. 

A little note about the director:  David Fincher is an interesting director. Unlike many (such as Tarantino and Coppola), he actually got off to an awful start within the world of Hollywood, and didn't make the biggest splash until well into the middle of his career. In the early 90's he had received significant backlash, from fans of the Alien franchise, after he took the bizarre decision to kill off the empowered heroine Ripley, in the third installment. This stressful ordeal - the lukewarm domestic box office takings and the poor critical reception- led to him retreating out of the limelight for a few years, only to explode back onto the scene in 1995 with this audacious piece of cinematic glory. Se7en can be credited with allowing Fincher to become more well respected and sought after, within the industry, sealing his reputation as the 'big daddy' of dark stylish thrillers (he has gone on to make others such as cult favourites Fight Club, Panic Room and Zodiac).

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 Se7en (1995) Dir. David Fincher

Plot
Two homicide detectives search desperately for a sadistic killer, responsible for using the seven deadly sins as a platform to commit unspeakable acts of brutality.

Review

Set in a bleak city, plagued by rain and urban blight - the stage is set for the butchering of the innocent, through the sick acts of a madman. Ahhh yes, the thriller genre has become all too predictable, I huff to my parents. ‘Cue the mindless car chases and gratuitous profanity’- it’s fair to say I didn't have the most open mind about this film.

Yet after 128 minutes of unrelenting tension and nail-biting twists this film had me on the edge of my seat, feeling oddly captivated.  It was not the graphic display of splattered blood and mutilated corpses that kept the interest alive, but the directing style of David Fincher. Instead of showing his audience the gruesome murders he reveals just the after effect, leaving a lot to your own imagination. This interesting choice makes the movie more mature and artistic, rather than just another slasher, that flaunts meaningless displays of bloody violence. The killings are clever and calculated, making you really think and absorb every shred of evidence. 

What pushes a killer to be so brutal and sick, in their actions?

First it’s the turn of a grossly obese man, found face-down in a heap of spaghetti, his mouth smeared with dried sauce stains. Forced to eat until his stomach explodes - this is the ultimate punishment for a gluttonous sinner. From this moment Fincher unofficially introduces our elusive killer, curiously dubbed ‘John Doe’. A killer with a cause: ‘to turn each sin against the sinner’. The men tracking him are two detectives, caught in a race against time, following hidden cryptic clues left at each of the murder scenes. Knowing that six other heinous crimes are yet to follow, it’s a nauseating wait to see what disturbing display the killer will leave for them next.

     The starring role goes to veteran actor Morgan Freeman, who offers a glorious performance as the wise aging Somerset. Somerset is a man who has seen and heard too much, over his many years in the force. Brad Pitt stars opposite Freeman as the arrogant young hot-shot, Detective Mills, who is lined up to replace him. A particular success of the film is Freeman and Pitt’s great onscreen chemistry, perfectly depicting the tentative bond between two very different characters. However the concept, of a veteran teaming up with a novice, does feel slightly regurgitated from the earlier action flick ‘The Rookie’, which displays a similar relationship between Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen.

    Neverless this film sees David Fincher returning in stunning form, silencing all critics  and establishing himself as the master of dark stylish thrillers. It’s definitely a movie to watch with a massive group of friends, huddled up beneath duvet covers. A warning though - make sure you hold onto your popcorn.

Verdict

One of the bravest films to come out of the 90's. The film is highly successful in exploring the very darkest corners of the thriller genre. A must-see for any film addict.

Summer Spectacular- Film4 Summer Screen

Its back! Set within the beautiful avant-garde location of Somerset House in London, the internationally renowned  film event will return this summer, from the 8th-21st August 2013. It is certainly an exciting chance for any film fanatics to experience the unique opportunity to watch both indie and popular cinema, in an open-air location. 

Each night one film or even a cluster of films (back to back) are projected onto vast screen, within the magnificent 18th century courtyard, while the crowd are able take their seats on the cobbled ground. This year the films on offer include many beloved classics such as: Guys and Dolls (12th August), Kes (14th August) and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid (20th August) as well as some new summer releases. 

According to their website early DJ session and food stalls are set to provide some light afternoon family entertainment before the evening spectacular gets underway. Tickets are fairly reasonable at around £14.50 each, for entry and the film, and are available to book online from their website.

Film Circle- The Fallen Treasure of Silent Cinema

   Ahhh, in our technologically advanced era where everyone is able to play around with tinted filters on Instagram, add surround sound to home movies, and be able to experience 'another dimension' of cinematic viewing (reference to the awfully dull 3D phenomenon) the roots of honest filmmaking and innovation has been lost. While many would get annoyed at the constant whirring and clicking noises that come from the old 20's and 30's silent films I'm going to step out there and say..I find it remarkably charming. The fact that there are so many little quirks littered throughout (wonky camera angles, wobbly lighting etc) makes the films seem so much more genuine and realistic; they don't have that distinctly manufactured feel of so many of our Hollywood blockbusters of today.

The intriguing element of silent cinema is that because they didn't have the luxury of sound, filmmakers tried to make up for this by creating visually impressive avant-garde settings, as backdrops to their films. Visual perfection was achieved through bold and geometrically complex shapes, to build up foreboding jagged landscapes, as well as the heavy use of shadowing, to create an unnerving eerie atmosphere (especially in their horrors). This is what we sometimes lack in modern filmmaking, as the abundance of equipment and money mean that visual effects, are reliant on advanced computer technology rather than organic human imagination. That's not to say 21st century cinema is completely blind to it's origins, in German expressionism, as Tim Burton reportedly cited late 20's silent horror as the primary influence for his 2007 musical Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 

I appreciate that sitting and watching a film that has virtually no sound, let alone any spoken dialogue, to most people would be a living nightmare (hell, a lot of people can't even put up with subtitles) but if you can hack it then I implore you to check a few out. 

Certainly American and German expressionist silent films are now available online and even on DVD (from providers such as Lovefilm). Here are some of my picks, which I believe could turn your opinion:

1) The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920)

Perhaps one of the most famous and pioneering silent films of the 20's, which set a standard for expressionist horrors. Francis, a young man, recalls in his memory the horrible experience he and his fiancée Jane have been through, when they visited the charismatic Dr Caligari's exhibition. A grotesque figure Cesare (who is remarkably similar to Frankenstein's monster) is awakened by Caligari as an attraction to the show, and is kept in the cabinet. However when Cesare is let loose, and murders start occurring within the town, Francis must fight to keep his beloved Jane safe from this monstrous figure. The film used stylized sets, with abstract, jagged buildings painted on canvas backdrops and flats to build up dramatic tension and unease. This strange style is further enhanced by the the actors, who use jerky and dance like movements to create a distinctly anti-realist and unnerving atmosphere, as if projected from a nightmare.

2) Metropolis (1927)

Perhaps one of the most important films to the science fiction genre, with it's futuristic dystopian setting echoing civil unrest and the inevitable clashing of the class system in 20th century society. The film is set in a initially idealistic future, where the city of Metropolis is prosperous and its wealthy residents live a carefree life. One of those is Freder Fredersen, son of the man who founded the great city. One day, he spots a beautiful woman with a group of children, who quickly disappear. Trying to follow her, he, oblivious to such, is horrified to find an underground world of workers, apparently who run the machinery which keeps the above ground Utopian world functioning. He sets about redressing the balance but he doesn't foresee the grave consequences. Although at the time the film was far from a financial success and critically, it polarized opinion, it has however emerged as one of the most important films in cinema history.

3) The Man Who Laughs (1928)

An erratic fusion of tragic melodrama and swashbuckling adventure with the earliest threads of gloomy horror. It is based upon Victor Hugo's novel about the life of Gwynplaine, the son of a disgraced aristocrat, whose face is mutilated by order of the King, so that he should always be laughing. His grotesque appearance, of a permanent grin, therefore leads to social exclusion and rejection by the shallow aristocracy of English society. He does eventually find comfort and acceptance when he meets and falls in love with a beautiful blind woman Dea, yet a devastating turn of events threatens to tear them apart. Tragic and haunting the film manages to retell this epic drama in a way that leaves a profound impression on the viewer long after the last credit has graced the screen. 

Rising Stars - Young Kato

The Lead singer of Young Kato and I!

'What an odd little name' I thought when I began my monthly trawl through various Spotify indie playlists...'maybe I'll take a listen, they sound intriguing, i suppose'. It's fair to say I didn't have the highest hopes or even a slight inclination that this obscure band, swept up for the humble cobbles of Cheltenham, would have an impact on me what. so. ever.

How wrong I was.

 Just little over a month later, this band became an obsession for me. I began squealing when they favourited my tweets and each time I heard their songs I started to feel the ever-so-slight tingle of goosebumps. A unstoppable grin would spread upon my face when 'Drink, Dance, Play' shuffled on my iPod. Their music simply bursts with energy!


These infectious, and dare i say, 'poppin' lyrics about just having a good time and enjoying youth, will provide a perfect soundtrack to any summer rave- whether that be sipping mojitos in the sunny space of a garden party, or even at a house party with everyone jumping from sofa to sofa. So c'mon, gear up and get ready to jump.

Verdict: A hot new band, who certainly deserves a place on your summer playlist. Think refreshing lemonade with a hearty kick of pomegranate

Recommended Songs: Drink Dance Play, Break Out, Something Real

Status: ON TOUR (tickets still available)

Indie Fix - Find Some PEACE

'We spit blood at the sun, we spit blood in the ocean'- The wonderfully nonsensical  lyrics are awfully indulgent. Think creased blazers and grungy laced boots; expensive fur coats worn with beanies and gaudy hoops. This is 21st century anarchy- Peace style.

For those painful sundays cooped up revising (I am referring to my own pain here) there is but one band that can drag my out of my deep funk...Introducing PEACE everyone! These rangy haired rockers, with droopy eyes and paisley shirts, might just be your band of 2013. They may not look the part, but *gawd* give them a chance (you will not regret it). 

Any fans Of Made In Chelsea will know them well, their gorgeously crafted debut In Love is a regular play on the show, but don't believe that these boys are in any way affiliated with the 'posh-tosh' crowd of Kensington and Chelsea (dahlinggg), they are true brummies at heart. Peace are one of the few decent indie bands, in recent years, to have emerged from the urban wilderness of Birmingham (close to my beloved hometown), spewing deliciously silly lyrics about past loves, loss and hope. With talent like this, they will surely take this year by storm.


Listening to their 2012 release 'Bloodshake' (music video above), the moment lead Harrison begins uttering those sensual lyrics.. 'from the belly of the jungle, to the bottom of the sea' I can guarantee you will be seduced, enamoured..in love. Any fans of Foals, Wu Lyf or The Maccabees should definitely take a listen; this is weekend escapism at it's pinnacle.  

Verdict: To those already searching for mellow summer tunes, to lazily chill to, I implore you to take a generous scoop from this pot of trancy, transient indie decadence. Think zesty lime and lemon sorbet, with a cheeky twist of melon.

Recommended songs: Delicious, Follow Baby, Wraith, Drain, Bloodshake


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