MARKED MOVIES

Only God Forgives * * * *

Posted in Crime, Drama, thriller with tags 2013 on July 31, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn.
Screenplay: Nicolas Winding Refn.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm, Tom Burke, Gordon Brown, Yayaying Rhatha Phongam, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Byron Gibson.

After the success of “Drive” in 2011, another collaboration with director Nicolas Winding Refn and star Ryan Gosling was highly anticipated. Now that we are delivered the results with “Only God Forgives“, many have been left disappointed and, from many corners, it has received very harsh criticism. It doesn’t possess the postmodern cool of their previous effort but what it does have, is art house and depth written all over it.

Julian (Ryan Gosling) is a US ex-pat living in Bangkok, where he runs a Mauy Thai boxing club and a family drug business behind the scenes. Things begin to go wrong, though, when his brother Billy (Tom Burke) is killed with the involvement of local police Lt. Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm). This, in turn, brings the arrival of Julian’s sadistic mother Crystal (Kristin Scott Thomas) to avenge her first born’s death. Julian soon realises that they are up against someone who will not be stopped.

For some, this will be a sumptuous five star experience while others will (understandably) criticise it for it’s perceived pretension and ambiguity. It’s a very difficult film to rate and I can’t give it any less than I have, simply because I do believe that there’s substance contained within. The plot summary above, makes it all sound very straight forward but it’s far from that. If truth be told, I didn’t entirely understand it but that doesn’t make it a bad movie. That’s a fault that rests with me rather than the filmmaker and I think this is the problem that many people are criticising it for – not to mention, Gosling fans’ annoyance at his distinct lack of dialogue.
Anyone familiar with Winding Refn movies, will quickly realise that this type of filmmaking is actually the norm for him and much closer to his idiosyncratic style than “Drive” ever was. It’s filled with symbolism, metaphors and spirituality and categorically, it simply isn’t the action movie that most viewers were expecting. Credit has to be given to Winding Refn and Gosling for their bravery here. They refuse to try and recreate their previous magic and deliver a whole new experience. There are others deserving of mention here too, Larry Smith’s spellbinding cinematography is absolutely gorgeous and entirely authentic in capturing both the beauty and the beast of the city of Bangkok, while Cliff Martinez evokes a foreboding score. The biggest revelation, though, is a bleach-blonde, foul mouthed, Kristin Scott Thomas as the dangerous matriarch Crystal, where every time she’s onscreen she absolutely chews it up. It’s an outstanding, against-type, performance from the once (“Four Weddings and a Funeral“) English rose. Thai actor Vithaya Pansringarm’s Chang is also worthy of note with his cold, supernatural, god-like, approach and wielding his own form of justice with the aid a samurai sword that he keeps on his person. He can be seen as the phallus to Scott Thomas’ yonis, leaving the lost and soulful Gosling with an Oedipal complex and dreamlike imaginings of castration – symbolically represented by the loss of his hands. Events don’t exactly make sense on a first time viewing but this is a film that demands repeated efforts to fully capture it’s themes. It has the similar surrealist approaches of directors David Lynch and more importantly Alejandro Jodorowsky (to whom the film is dedicated) and there’s no questioning Refn’s stylistic abilities.

Is it for everyone? Most certainly not, but it will appeal to those who enjoy uncompromising, art-house minimalism and don’t rely on a storyline where everything is linear and readily explained. It’s ambitious and experimental and you probably won’t see a more polarising film all year.

Mark Walker

70 Comments »

The Hunt * * * * 1/2

Posted in Drama, Foreign Language with tags 2012 on July 19, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Thomas Vinterberg.
Screenplay: Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm.
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelsteøm, Susse Wold, Alexandra Rapaport, Anne Louise Hassing, Lars Ranthe, Sebastian Bull Sarning.

There have been a number of films that have addressed the harrowing nature of child abuse; “The Woodsman” is one where Kevin Bacon’s character – just released from prison – admits his guilt, leaving the audience in an almost impossible position in showing any sympathy, whereby John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt” left the audience questioning the guilt of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s afflicted priest throughout it’s entirety. This time, Thomas Vinterberg tackles the issue from the point of view of the innocently accused.

Mild mannered, nursery school teacher, Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen), lives in a small village where he leads a simple life. However, one of his young pupils accuses him of inappropriate behaviour and his life is thrown into turmoil by all around him as he struggles to prove his innocence.

Vinterberg sets his protagonist’s motivations from the off-set. He’s a humble man who is active in the community and seems to have a solid network of friends and a close relationship with his teenage son. To embody this kindhearted soul, Vinterberg chooses wisely in Mads Mikkelsen – who won best actor for the role at Cannes in 2012. Mikkelsen is the type of actor who, having such a unique physical appearance, can perform many different characters. He made a great Bond villain in “Casino Royale” and now confirms that he can completely win you over in a gentler role. He exudes an appealing demeanour that has you fully affectionate towards him and it’s this very affection that has you infuriated at the witch-hunt and complete injustice and turmoil he has to endure. The problem is, there are no bad people in this film. It’s layered and nuanced so well, that even those that choose to abandon and ostracise him are only doing what they believe to be right. As an insider, the audience are privy to all the information and it makes it easy to not just understand Lucas’ plight but to also identify with the shock and grievances that his friends and family have towards him. Quite simply, it’s a film that tears you in many different directions and refuses to let go.
The nature or subject matter of it, may originally put some people off but I can confirm that nothing here is uncomfortably or exploitatively dealt with. It’s entirely honest and innocent and that’s the very thing that it demands the utmost respect for. Vinterberg doesn’t balk from depicting human nature in a cruel or victimised fashion but he cleverly shows restraint in his approach, allowing the actors to deliver the realism and the dangers involved in condemnation through ambiguous gossip.

A gripping and emotionally draining, social drama that manages to be both provocative and empathetic. Proof, once again, that the Scandinavian output of cinema is at the top of it’s game right now.

Mark Walker

35 Comments »

I’m Still Here * * * 1/2

Posted in Comedy, Documentary, Drama with tags 2010 on July 18, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Casey Affleck.
Screenplay: Casey Affleck, Joaquin Phoenix.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck, Antony Langdon, Larry McHale, Sean Combs, Ben Stiller, Edward James Olmos, David Letterman, Tim Affleck.

In 2008, Joaquin Phoenix announces that he’s quitting acting to pursue a music career in hip hop. His bother-in-law, Casey Affleck, decides to film his every move over the course of a year and delivers a portrait of an artist at a crossroads in his life.

Beginning with home video footage from 1981 in Panama, of a young Phoenix jumping from a waterfall, this films sets it’s stall out in exploring a life that’s seemingly always been documented. Phoenix has been in the public-eye from a very tender age, having appeared as young as 8 yrs old in the television series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” before moving onto “The Fall Guy”, “Hill Street Blues” and “Murder She Wrote”. His first recognisable movie roles came in the shape of 1986’s “Space Camp” or 1989’s “Parenthood” before moving into more edgier roles in Gus Van Sant’s “To Die For” in 1995. Up until then, he was better known as the younger sibling of (the late) River Phoenix but eventually gained the full respect of movie goers with two Oscar nominations (now three, since the release of this movie). It’s was through this steady rise in the film industry that brought so much media attention to his, seemingly, self destructive decision to abandon acting and become a rap artist under the guidance of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.
This fly-on-the wall documentary follows Phoenix’s obvious lack of talent for rapping and the abandonment of his personal hygiene, while his fragile mental state increased due to a voracious appetite for cannabis and cocaine. As he’s constantly high and stoned, a frenzied media where clambering for his story and a reason for the meltdown of an actor in the prime of his career. Ultimately, though, the joke was on them (and us), as the whole thing was an elaborate hoax and an exposé of the nature of celebrity and their pandered ego’s and lifestyle’s.
Phoenix is entirely believable in his bearded, paunched appearance and his spiralling egotistical, mental anguish and arrogance. He even dares to tackle chat-show host David Letterman (in a now infamous episode) and when you consider that this was a role that completely consumed him – not only throughout the length of the shoot but in the eyes of the world, before and after – you realise how outstanding he is. It’s a powerful display of commitment and it’s probably one of the bravest and boldest moves that an actor has done.
As entertainment, though, it’s questionable. It goes on too long and there are points where the voyeurism pushes boundaries and comes across as bad taste. What could have been the downfall of a man going through a serious mental breakdown, struggles to decide whether it’s comedic or dramatic. That being said, it’s interesting viewing and it at least exposes the bitter behaviour of western media and how easily they can turn.

Being a fan of Phoenix, will certainly add to the appeal of this film, but if you can normally take or leave him, then this won’t hold much of an interest. It’s flawed, but it’s a bold and noteworthy experiment all the same.

Mark Walker

33 Comments »

TRIVIA TIDBITS

Posted in Uncategorized on July 17, 2013 by Mark Walker

Welcome back to Trivia Tidbits. For those of you out of the loop, this is a little compilation of 10 movie related facts that I will be posting weekly and info that I always find interesting. So without further ado, this weeks are…

1: Michael Douglas, Don Johnson and Mel Gibson were considered for the role of Eliot Ness in “The Untouchables” and rejected it. Jack Nicholson was also offered it and William Hurt was considered but was too busy with other projects. Director Brian De Palma also talked to Jeff Bridges and Gene Hackman about playing Ness and Malone. Harrison Ford was also offered but turned down the role before Kevin Costner was signed.

2: While preparing for his role as heroin addict Harry Goldfarb in “Requiem for a Dream“, Jared Leto lost 28 pounds, starved himself and denied himself the pleasure of then-fiancée Cameron Diaz’s bed for two months. Leto admits that playing the part was “sadomasochistic… the hardest thing I’ve done“.

3: In “Frankie & Johnny“, one scene called for Al Pacino to be surprised after opening a door. “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” was filming in a nearby studio, so director Garry Marshall arranged for Kirk and Spock to be on the other side of the door that Pacino opened.

4: Marlon Brando’s signature was considered so valuable to collectors, that many personal checks he wrote were never cashed because his signature was usually worth more than the amount on the check.

5: The longest film ever made is “The Longest Most Meaningless Movie in the World“, a British underground movie produced by Anthony Scott in association with the Swiss Film Centre, London. Directed by Vincent Patouillard and premiered at the Cinématheque de Paris in October 1970, it lasts exactly 48 hours.

6: Ryan Gosling was the first Canadian-born performer in over 60 years to be nominated for the best actor Oscar in “Half Nelson” in 2006. The last was Walter Pidgeon for “Madame Curie” in 1943.

7: At various points Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Andy Garcia were all previously attached to star in “Donnie Brasco“. Stephen Frears was also set to direct it before Mike Newell took over.

8: The six leads in “The Full Monty” did in fact perform a full-frontal strip-tease in front of 400 extras. Director Peter Cattaneo described it as “a one-take deal.”

9: According to Robert DeNiro, he and Billy Crystal briefly toyed with the idea of co-directing “Analyze This” before deciding to offer it to Harold Ramis. Martin Scorsese was first approached but turned it down.

10: In “Reservoir Dogs“, Quentin Tarantino originally wrote the role of Mr. Pink for himself. Michael Madsen also originally auditioned for it and Vincent Gallo turned it down. Steve Buscemi auditioned for the part of Mr. White. George Clooney read for the role of Mr. Blonde but was turned down, and Christopher Walken refused the same role. Samuel L. Jackson also auditioned for the role of Mr. Orange. Once Tim Roth was cast, Tarantino originally wanted him to play Mr. Blonde or Mr. Pink. Robert Forster and Timothy Carey auditioned for the part of Joe Cabot, and the film is dedicated to Carey.

So there you have it. 10 esoteric Tidbits to masticate on. Some you may know. Some you may not. If you have any thoughts, stick your donations in the comment box.
See you next week…

(For earlier editions of Trivia Tidbits click here.)

46 Comments »

The Limits Of Control * * * *

Posted in Drama with tags 2009 on July 12, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Jim Jarmusch.
Screenplay: Jim Jarmusch.
Starring: Issach De Bankole, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Luis Tosar, Alex Descas, Paz De La Huerta, Jean Francois Stevenin, Oscar Jaenada, Youki, Kudoh, Bill Murray.

Jim Jarmusch has always been a director that’s very particular in his structure, his pace and his mood. Some of his films and approaches are more successful than others and often they are not everybody’s cup of tea. So, if your not a fan, I would advise that you avoid this one entirely.

A mysterious, nameless assassin (Isaach De Bankole) travels across Spain on some kind of criminal mission. Wandering throughout the picturesque city he comes across an incalculable ensemble of oddballs who join him in drinking coffee, passing him matchboxes with directions contained inside and delivering existenstial monologues and advice.

This offering from Jarmusch could been seen as a self-indulgent experiment and it will most definitely not appeal to everyone. The length approaches 2hrs and the pace is very meditative indeed. It’s quite possibly one of the slowest films I’ve ever seen. Yet, despite this, I found it also retained a sense of purpose. It always looked like it had a reason and a direction, although it was never exactly clear what they were. The first 20 mins alone, consist of De Bankole just wandering around… then he does a spot of Tai Chi… drinks an Espresso… more Tai Chi… the occasional, ambiguous meeting with eccentric strangers and their philosophical confabulations… more Espresso and then at least half an hour passes before he realises he’s forgotten to do his Tai Chi, and promptly does so again. Believe me, that’s about all that happens throughout, but I still found it strangely captivating.
The locations are wonderful and perfectly captured by the excellent cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who crafts a dreamlike painting of a film. If you can imagine a crossover between the pace of Anton Corbijn’s “The American” with the philosophical surrealism of Richard Linklater’s “Waking Life” then this would be the result. Also, if you are familiar with the documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop”, which explores the difference between art and pretentiousness, this would make a nice companion piece to discuss along with it. It’s undoubtedly a real audience splitter which I have heard many people disliking. In fact, I’m the only person I know that has rated it highly.

Ostentatious and experimental filmmaking from Jarmusch that’s definitely not for all tastes. However, it’s brave, bold, odd and highly meditative while epitomising it’s very title in ‘the limit of control’.

Mark Walker

15 Comments »

TRIVIA TIDBITS

Posted in Uncategorized on July 8, 2013 by Mark Walker

1: At one point during the casting of “Platoon“, director Oliver Stone wanted Mickey Rourke to play Sgt. Barnes (the Tom Berenger role) and Nick Nolte as the experienced Sgt. Elias (the Willem Dafoe role). Both were offered the parts, and both turned it down. Rourke was also offered the role of Elias.

2: In “Eyes Wide Shut“, according to writer Frederic Raphael, the final form of Bill’s family name (Harford, as opposed to Scheuer in the original story) was inspired by a debate about Bill’s character. Raphael felt Bill should be Jewish as in the original, but Stanley Kubrick insisted Bill (Tom Cruise) and Alice (Nicole Kidman) be “vanilla” Americans, without any details that would arouse any presumptions. Kubrick said that Bill should be a bit like Harrison Ford – hence the name Harford. Ironically, Ford himself is Jewish on his mother’s side.

3: After reading the script to “Backdraft“, Jennifer Jason Leigh reportedly told director Ron Howard that she wished she was the fire because it has the best part.

4: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck‘s original script for “Good Will Hunting” was originally a thriller. The characters were the same, but instead of becoming involved with a therapist, Will Hunting became an FBI agent. There were also rumours that Kevin Smith and Robert Towne were interested in rewriting the film.

5: Paul Newman was so ashamed of his performance in the “The Silver Chalice” in 1954 that he took out a large advert in Variety, the movie industry magazine, apologising for it.

6: In Mike Nichols’s “The Graduate“, there is one shot where Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) holds Mrs Robinson’s breast. She ignores him, rubbing at a spot on her clothes. He turns and bangs his head against the wall. The breast-touching was Hoffman’s spur-of-the-moment idea and he was laughing so much he banged his head against the wall, convinced the shot would be cut. It stayed in.

7: For the German TV version of “Die Hard“, the German terrorists Hans and Karl were been renamed, as the distinctly American-sounding Jack and Charlie.

8: When he got the lead role in “Trainspotting“, Ewan McGregor was open to injecting himself with heroin, to better understand Renton’s character. He later decided against it.

9: Director Brian De Palma met Bob Hoskins over a drink in Los Angeles to discuss playing Al Capone in “The Untouchables” if De Palma’s first choice Robert DeNiro were to pass on the role. Since DeNiro didn’t say yes, Hoskins told De Palma he would do it if he were available. When DeNiro finally took the role, De Palma sent Hoskins a thank you note, and the studio paid Hoskins, who had a “pay or play” deal, $200,000. Hoskins called De Palma and asked if there were any more movies the director didn’t want him to be in.

10: In “Devil’s Advocate“, Keanu Reeves played the character Kevin Lomax. The name Lomax may be a reference to being a “Low MACH.” This is a term used to describe those people scoring below 60/100 on the MACH-IV test used by personality and social psychologists to measure “Machiavellianism” which is a measure of a person’s tendency to manipulate and deceive others for personal gain. E.g. “Low MACHs” tend to agree with the following statements (taken from the test): No. 7.) “There is no excuse for lying to someone else.” No. 11.) “Most people who get ahead in the world lead clean, moral lives.” These are precisely some of the personal moral issues faced by the character in the film.

So there you have it. 10 esoteric Tidbits to masticate on. Some you may know. Some you may not. If you have any thoughts, stick your donations in the comment box.
See you next week…

(For earlier editions of Trivia Tidbits click here.)

39 Comments »

Waking Life * * * * 1/2

Posted in Drama, Fantasy on July 3, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Richard Linklater.
Screenplay: Richard Linklater.
Starring: Wiley Wiggins, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg, Nicky Katt, David Sosa, Alex Jones, Otto Hofmann, Lorelei Linklater, Richard Linklater.

Richard Linklater has always been an interesting director; he’s ranged from his debut independant hit “Slacker” to refreshing 70’s nostalgia in “Dazed and Confused”, through anti-corporate polemic “Fast Food Nation” and cult sci-fi “A Scanner Darkly”. He’s effortless in his range and always involving, but none more so than this unsung gem.

A young man (Wiley Wiggins) walks through life as if in a dream. He talks to a variety of people about the meaning of life and the purpose of the universe, striving for answers as to his direction and his place in the cosmos.

Waking Life is the type of film that’s hard to put into words. The striking visuals are most certainly noteworthy and Linklater’s exploration of the bigger questions in life will only appeal to those who invest and bring something to the film themselves. It has many insightful philosophical ramblings and monologues on the nature of our existence; the purpose of our being; the difference between our dream state and waking life; whether dreams can be controlled and how much they have to tell us.
Using an animation technique called ‘rotoscoping’ – which he later used to equally excellent effect in “A Scanner Darkly” – Linklater works with a medium that allows him to fully explore his ideas and theories in capturing a perfect representation of the dream world and has crafted a highly innovative and wonderfully surreal piece of work. Throughout the journey he discusses essays by paranoid science-fiction writer and philospher Philip K. Dick to lucid dreaming and poses deeply involving existential questions. These questions are never answered fully, teasing us to get involved in the process, question ourselves and become part of the protagonists hallucinogenic, dreamlike trip.

A very intriguing and visually inventive film that isn’t afraid to wear it’s philosophical heart on it’s sleeve. Rarely are such movies delivered where they appeal to both the eye and the head. An existential treat.

Mark Walker

30 Comments »

The American * * *

Posted in Drama, thriller with tags 2010 on July 3, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Anton Corbijn.
Screenplay: Rowan Joffe.
Starring: George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido, Thekla Rueten, Johan Leysen, Irina Bjorkland, Filippo Timi.

He made his directorial debut with the life story of the band Joy Division’s frontman, Ian Curtis in “Control”. Now, renowned photographer Anton Corbijn shows some more control – and restraint – in his second feature, with a beautifully shot and unexpected meditative thriller.

Jack (George Clooney) is a hired assassin who goes into hiding in a small Italian village to let things settle after someone tries to assassinate him. Here he befriends a priest who he very nearly confides in and also falls in love with a local prostitute. His employer, meanwhile, sets up another job for him but all is not what it seems, and his identity is more exposed than is comfortable.

When a film opens with the Cloon-meister shooting an innocent woman in the back, you know things are going to be different. Although, not quite as different as what transpires. Done with a very slow, deliberate and meditative pace – reflective in the mood and existential angst of Clooney’s hitman – and as the title suggests, the only thing ‘American’ about this film, is this very character. Everything else is purely European; the supporting actors, the setting, the look and feel. Its almost an art-house thriller. Emphasis on the art-house (and arduous) as there are very few thrilling moments. When they do appear though, they are impressively handled by Corbijn but ultimately the very slow pace kills the action and on a couple of occasions we are treated to scenes of almost unbearable tension and then left unfulfilled as the tension dissipates, without the expected delivery. I enjoyed the simplicity of the whole thing but also found myself wondering if it was worth the time I was investing. I admire Corbijn’s attempt at going against the formula but it wasn’t entirely successful and I couldn’t help but wonder what could have been had he concentrated a little more on his obvious ability in handling suspense and jangling nerves. However, a brilliantly understated and subtly emotive performance from George Clooney, yet again, proves his versatility and holds the film together.

It doesn’t entirely excite enough for a thriller and isn’t quite as astute as a character study, but falls somewhere, awkwardly, in-between.

Mark Walker

29 Comments »

CLASSIC SCENE: “It takes brass balls to sell real-estate”

Posted in Uncategorized with tags 1992 on July 3, 2013 by Mark Walker

Film: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.
Screenplay: David Mamet.

Setting the scene: In a tough Chicago real-estate office, three salesmen: SHELLEY LEVINE (Jack Lemmon), DAVE MOSS (Ed Harris) and GEORGE AARONOW (Alan Arkin) are confronted by BLAKE (Alec Baldwin), telling them about their future as salesmen, while their unsympathetic supervisor JOHN WILLIAMSON (Kevin Spacey) looks on.

Blake
Let me have your attention for a moment! Cause you’re talking about what? You’re talking about…

[He puts out his cigarette before continuing]

…bitching about that sale you shot, some son of a bitch that don’t want to buy land, somebody that doesn’t want what you’re selling, some broad you’re trying to screw and so forth. Let’s talk about something important.

(He turns to Williamson)
Are they all here?

Williamson
All but one.

Blake
Well, I’m going anyway. Let’s talk about something important!

[Levene is at the back of the office, making himself a coffee.]

Put that coffee down!! Coffee’s for closers only.

[Levene scoffs as Blake walks towards him]

Do you think I’m fucking with you? I am not fucking with you. I’m here from downtown. I’m here from Mitch and Murray. And I’m here on a mission of mercy. Your name’s Levene?

Levene
Yeah.

Blake
You call yourself a salesman, you son of a bitch?

Moss
I don’t gotta listen to this shit.

Blake
You certainly don’t pal. Cause the good news is… you’re fired.
The bad news is you’ve got, all you got, just one week to regain your jobs, starting tonight. Starting with tonights sit…
Oh, have I got your attention now? Good! Cause we’re adding a little something to this months sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody want to see second prize?

[He holds up second prize]

Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you’re fired. You get the picture? You’re laughing now? You got leads. Mitch and Murray paid good money. Get their names to sell them! You can’t close the leads you’re given, you can’t close shit, you are shit, hit the bricks pal and beat it ’cause you are going out!

Levene
The leads are weak.

Blake
‘The leads are weak.’ Fucking leads are weak? You’re weak. I’ve been in this business fifteen years.

Moss
What’s your name?

Blake
FUCK YOU, that’s my name!! You know why, Mister? Cause you drove a Hyundai to get here tonight, I drove a eighty thousand dollar BMW. That’s my name!

(to Levene)
And your name is “you’re wanting.” And you can’t play in a man’s game. You can’t close them.

(at a near whisper)
then go home and tell your wife your troubles.

(to everyone again)
Because only one thing counts in this life! Get them to sign on the line which is dotted! You hear me, you fucking faggots?

[Blake flips over a blackboard which has two sets of letters on it: ABC, and AIDA.]

Blake
A-B-C! A-always, B-be, C-closing. Always be closing! Always be closing!! A-I-D-A. Attention, Interest, Decision, Action.
Attention – do I have your attention? Interest – are you interested? I know you are, ’cause it’s fuck or walk. You close or you hit the bricks! Decision -have you made your decision for Christ?! And action.
A-I-D-A; get out there! You got the prospects comin’ in; you think they came in to get out of the rain? A guy don’t walk on the lot unless he wants to buy. They’re sitting out there waiting to give you their money! Are you gonna take it? Are you man enough to take it?

(to Moss)
What’s the problem pal? You. Moss.

Moss
You’re such a hero, you’re so rich. How come you’re comin’ down here and wasting your time on a such bunch of bums?

[Blake takes off his gold watch and lays it on Moss’ desk]

Blake
You see this watch? You see this watch?

Moss
Yeah

Blake
That watch cost more than your car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see, pal, that’s who I am. And you’re nothing. Nice guy? I don’t give a shit. Good father? Fuck you! Go home and play with your kids!

(to everyone)
You wanna work here? Close!

(to Aaronow)
You think this is abuse? You think this is abuse, you cocksucker? You can’t take this, how can you take the abuse you get on a sit? You don’t like it… leave.

(to everyone)
I can go out there tonight with the materials you got, make myself fifteen thousand dollars! Tonight! In two hours!

(to Levene)
Can you?

(to Moss)
Can you?

(to everyone)
Go and do likewise! A-I-D-A!! Get mad!! You son of a bitches! Get mad!! You know what it takes to sell real estate?

[He pulls something out of his briefcase. It’s two brass balls on a string and he holds them over his crotch, pausing for a moment]

Blake
It takes brass balls to sell real estate.

Blake
Go and do likewise, gents. The money’s out there, you pick it up, it’s yours. You don’t, I got no sympathy for you. You wanna go out on those sits tonight and close, close, it’s yours. If not you’re going to be shining my shoes. And you know what you’ll be saying? Bunch of losers sitting around in a bar…

(in a mocking weak voice)
“Oh yeah, I used to be a salesman, it’s a tough racket.”

[From his briefcase, he takes out a large stack of red index cards tied together with string]

These are the new leads. These are the Glengarry leads. And to you, they’re gold. And you don’t get them. Why? Because to give them to you is just throwing them away.

[He hands the stack to Williamson]

They’re for closers.
I’d wish you good luck but you wouldn’t know what to do with it if you got it.

(to Moss, as he puts on his watch again)
And to answer your question, pal: why am I here? I came here because Mitch and Murray asked me to, they asked me for a favour. I said, the real favour, follow my advice and fire your fucking ass because a loser is a loser.

[Blake stares at Moss for a second and then picking up his briefcase, walks away to the inner office with Williamson]

40 Comments »

TRIVIA TIDBITS

Posted in Uncategorized on July 2, 2013 by Mark Walker

Hello again my fellow bloggers. Some time has now passed since Tuesday’s Trivia Tidbits has featured here and I’d now like to announce it’s long-awaited return. You may notice that I’ve changed the title by omitting the day it would normally be posted. Time has been eating my arse of late and I want to take the pressure off a little by not having to keep to a specific day. Hopefully it can remain (mostly) on Tuesday’s but it should appear either way, give or take a day.
For those of you out of the loop, this is a little compilation of 10 movie related facts that I always find interesting. So without further ado, this weeks are…

1: Indiana Jones was inspired by real-life academic and adventurer, Hiram Bingham III, who rediscovered Machu Piccu in 1911. Bingham’s book “Lost City Of The Incas” led to the Charlton Heston movie “Secret Of The Incas“, which, in turn, led to Indy.

2: According to director Derek Cianfrance, he met with Ryan Gosling at his agent’s home in 2007 while working on “Blue Valentine“. Apparently he asked Gosling what in life, he would want to do that he hadn’t already. Gosling responded that he has always wanted to rob a bank but didn’t want to get arrested. Cinafrance then asked how he would go about it. Gosling then described how he would rob a bank on a motorcycle because it is fast and agile, and the helmet would conceal his identity, then stashing the motorcycle in the back of a truck because the police would be looking for the motorcycle. Cianfrance them responded that he was actually writing a screenplay about a bank robber in exactly that way, and he felt that Gosling was meant to play this role. These are the events that led to “The Place Beyond The Pines“.

3: For her widely panned performance in “The Godfather part III“, Sofia Coppola not only “won” two Razzie Awards (for Worst Supporting Actress and Worst New Star) but also set a new record for the percentage of votes received by any actor up to that point in Golden Raspberry Awards history. In a field of five contenders, she took over 65% of Razzie members’ votes in both categories.

4: To make himself look like an average out of shape middle aged man in “Cast Away“, Tom Hanks didn’t exercise and allowed himself to grow pudgy. Production was then halted for a year so he could lose fifty pounds and grow out his hair for his time spent on the deserted island. During this hiatus, Robert Zemeckis used the same crew to film “What Lies Beneath“.

5: In “Gangs Of New York“, Bill the Butcher (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) is a great opposer of Abraham Lincoln and in one scene he’s seeing throwing a knife on a picture of the president. Ironically, Day-Lewis would later play “Lincoln” in Steven Spielberg’s film of the same name.

6: In Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby“, Ben Affleck was considered for the role of Tom Buchanan, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. After Affleck dropped out, Bradley Cooper and Luke Evans were considered before Joel Edgerton was eventually cast.

7: Before the publication of “The Andromeda Strain“, author Michael Crichton had written under many pseudonyms. One of these was Michael Douglas. The actor Michael Douglas would be directed by Crichton in “Coma” and go on to play a role in “Disclosure“, one of Crichton’s novels

8: An early title for Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil” was “1984 and a 1/2”, an ode to Federico Fellini and “8½“, but the film “Nineteen Eighty-Four” was released and the idea was scrapped, as there would have been legal trouble with the George Orwell estate.

9: While filming “The Score” Marlon Brando took to calling director Frank Oz, “Fozzy” and “Miss Piggy” during the movie. Oz is the voice of Fozzy Bear and Miss Piggy characters in “The Muppets“. Brando’s hazing of Oz over his work with the Muppets got so bad that Robert DeNiro was forced to direct Brando instead, with Oz giving him instructions via headset.

10: As a guest on “Inside the Actors Studio” (Oct. 2, 2006), Al Pacino recounted to host James Lipton how he’d had an embarrassing moment in a crowded elevator after winning his first Oscar for “Scent Of A Woman“. Unbeknownst to Pacino, was that the head of his statuette was poking a well-known actress in her posterior. When she turned around, Pacino quickly explained that his Oscar, not he, was to blame for her discomfort.

So there you have it. 10 esoteric Tidbits to masticate on. Some you may know. Some you may not. If you have any thoughts, stick your donations in the comment box.
See you next week…

(For earlier editions of Trivia Tidbits click here.)

51 Comments »

You Talkin’ To Me? – featuring: The Cinematic Katzenjammer

Posted in Uncategorized on June 21, 2013 by Mark Walker

Ever wondered how to respond to a question by a particular film character? Well, here’s your chance to find out what others have said. Inspired by a feature from Total Film magazine, I’ve decided to adapt some film quotes, that pose as questions to my fellow bloggers. This is my way of shedding some light on some great blogs out there and have a little fun at the same time. There are a different range of questions which will give the blogger the chance to either be offensive, defensive, serious, funny, surreal etc. It may prove difficult to come up with an answer but the whole point is to be as creative as possible.

In the crosshairs in this instalment is Nick, who runs the prolific blog:
THE CINEMATIC KATZENJAMMER

Okay, let’s get started. The film quotes will be in bold with Nick’s answers underneath.

You talkin’ to me?

I was, but with that tone in your voice I don’t think I want to talk to you anymore.

You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

My total at Wendy’s was $7.77. So yes, I do feel lucky. Even though I forgot to get a Frosty…

Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

Once. It was memorable but he’s very handsy. Dinner was delicious, however.

My… my wi-, my wife, Bunny? Do you see a wedding ring on my finger? Does this place look like I’m fucking married? The toilet seat’s up, man!

I’m not Bunny nor am I your wife.

Big Kahuna Burger. That’s that Hawaiian burger joint. I hear they got some tasty burgers. I ain’t never had one myself. How are they?

They’re no Royale with Cheese.

Do you see me holding up liquor stores with a born to lose tattoo on my chest?

No, but I see a lost at birth tattoo on your forehead.

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it’s me, I’m a little fucked up maybe, but I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I’m here to fuckin’ amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Because you’re a short little spitfuck, Joey

Why don’t you try stickin’ your head up your ass? See if it fits.

Again, tried it once. I broke a few ribs in the process. Awkward story at the emergency room.

Alright, alright. Mickey’s a mouse, Donald’s a duck, Pluto’s a dog. What’s Goofy?

A god.

Are you telling me you built a time machine? Out of a DeLorean?

Hell no, I would never take credit from Doctor Emmett Lathrop Brown. How dare you assume such things.

It’s quite a thing to live in fear isn’t it?

I suppose. Better to live in fear than die a coward. (Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa profound).

If you could fight any celebrity, who would you pick?

Well that depends, do I want to win or do I want to have a blast getting my ass kicked? If I want to win, then Stephen Hawking. If I wanted to get beat to death, the biogenetic combination of The Rock and Vin Diesel. ROCK DIESEL motherfuckers.

•••
Many thanks to Nick for his involvement here and if you’ve not checked out his site please do so here. Nick was the 2013 Best New Lamb winner and you’ll find all the latest news, reviews and a plethora of features like Box office talk, The Klash, On The Wall and many, many more. Thanks again Nick and if anyone else would like a crack at these questions then let me know in the comments section and you could be in the crosshairs next.

Mark

17 Comments »

NEDS * * * 1/2

Posted in Drama with tags 2010 on June 20, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Peter Mullan.
Screenplay: Peter Mullan.
Starring: Conor McCarron, Peter Mullan, Greg Forrest, Joe Szula, John Joe Hay, Richard Mack, Christopher Wallace, Gary Milligan, Steven Robertson, David McKay, Stephen McCole, Gary Lewis.

Following up the quality of “The Magdalene Sisters” was always going to be difficult for writer/director Peter Mullan and although he achieves a similiar hard-hitting authenticity with “Neds” and delivers an impressive retelling of youthful gang culture, he gets himself caught up in some artistic flourishes that don’t quite gel with the stark accomplishment on-screen.

Glasgow, Scotland, 1973; the streets are filled with knife-wielding youths. Caught in the middle, is promising and aspiring teenager John McGill (Conor McCarron). He’s a bright and ambitious lad that’s held back by his alcoholic father (Peter Mullan) and the terrifying legend of his older brother (Joe Szula), who he feels the need to live up to. Peer pressure and a lack of chances in life, turn the young McGill feral. So much so, that his brooding anger surfaces to point of bloody violence, leaving him very little hope in achieving anything that he was fully capable of.

Having grown up in Glasgow, himself, Peter Mullan knows the time, the people and the city very well. This, undoubtedly, comes across in his choice of music, his eye for the style of the 70′s and his brilliant and effective use of Glasgow locations. He also assembles an impressive cast of young, unknown Scottish actors who deliver natural, colloquial, dialogue and excellent performances. Myself, being a working-class Glaswegian, could identify with these characters, their behaviour and the politics of gang culture and can confirm that this is an astute portrait of a very real problem that still exists in Glasgow today. For that reason, Mullan has to be given kudos in not only achieving such authenticity, but by delivering it so vividly.
Respected directors such as, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, have made a name for themselves with similar ‘kitchen-sink’ dramas and Mullan’s efforts here, command a similar respect. However, despite the realism and attention to detail, Mullan makes the same mistake he did with “Orphans” and injects it with surreal moments – like visions of Christ – that don’t contribute anything positively to the story. It’s understandable why he’d make allusions to the power, manipulation and guilt that comes with a Catholic upbringing in a city like Glasgow – where there is a big religious divide – but they just seem as if they belong elsewhere. These moments are sporadic, buy they’re still jarring enough to make you believe that this is a director serving some egotistical delusion of his own artistic merit. Whereas, he could be concentrating on the very thing that he knows so well.
The film has a lot going for it in terms of it’s accurate portrayal of these times but as it draws to it’s conclusion and the unsure progression of the main character, the film ends rather ridiculously, not really knowing how to end.

Mullan’s attempt at profundity falls flat, but as a portrayal of Glasgow gang culture it’s very observant and accurate. It’s just a shame that he didn’t really know how to tie things up and delivers an ending that didn’t have the distinct aroma of desperation.

(For the record – and those that missed the poster above – NEDS is an abbreviation of ‘Non Educated Delinquents’. It’s the common term for the violent and anti-social youth in Scotland).

Mark Walker

22 Comments »

The Magdalene Sisters * * * * *

Posted in Drama with tags 2002 on June 20, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Peter Mullan.
Screenplay: Peter Mullan.
Starring: Geraldine McEwan, Nora-Jane Noone, Anne-Marie Duff, Dorothy Duffy, Eileen Walsh, Mary Murray, Britta Smith, Frances Healy, Rebecca Walsh, Eamonn Owens, Eithne McGuinness, Phyllis McMahon, Sean Mackin, Stephen McCole, Peter Mullan.

In 1998, writer/director Peter Mullan made his feature film debut with the blackly humorous, Scottish family drama “Orphans”. Four years later, he made his second feature and decided to drop any form of humour and surrealism and delivered this hard-hitting account of the agonising and torturous true-story of the abuse that young women in Ireland faced in the name of religion.

In the 1960′s, many young women are incarcerated in a Irish convent, run by the Catholic church. Charged for committing such wrong-doing as flirting with boys, becoming pregnant out of wedlock, and being raped, they’re personal nightmares didn’t end there as they are physically and psychologically abused by the head nun and her sadistic staff, who are convinced they are doing the Lord’s work.

Having based his screenplay on actual Magdalene inmates’ experiences, Mullan achieves an authenticity of what life was like for the young women that had to endure the injustices, humiliation and brutality of these asylums and doesn’t pull any punches in his depiction of the events. At times it’s very difficult to stomach, such is the sheer power and uncompromising telling of this harrowing story and he’s aided, immeasurably, by an overwhelmingly excellent cast. As Sister Bridget, the head nun, Geraldine McEwan gives a very memorable and chilling performance that’s reminiscent of Louise Fletcher’s Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” in it’s absolute personification of evil and Eileen Walsh is heart-breakingly compelling as the naive, downtrodden and religiously devoted Crispina. This is an actress that I haven’t seen since but she’s thoroughly deserving of more work and her performance was worthy of so much more recognition than she recieved. Speaking of which, the entire cast and crew deserved more awards attention on it’s release. It did receive numerous nominations and awards internationally, including a British Independent Film award for Ensemble Cast and The Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. However, it didn’t receive much recognition across the pond and had this been directed by someone with a higher profile than Mullan and his crew, this film would have been hailed as a masterpiece. As it is, it’s had to rely on word-of-mouth to find an audience but this doesn’t lessen the effect or superb work by everyone involved here. Mullan’s direction is flawless, the cinematography by Nigel Willoughby is stark, and almost de-saturated, adding to the overall feeling of desperation and loneliness of the women and as mentioned, the performances are perfectly pitched from the largely unknown cast.
It may be hard for some to accept this behaviour went on but it’s even harder to accept that these asylums lasted until 1996, when the last one was finally shut down.

A harrowing and emotionally charged drama that while based on fact, is highly subversive. If the Vatican condemns a film on it’s release (which it did with this) then there’s no doubt that you’re in for a hard-hitting film. Painful, provocative and very important filmmaking.

Mark Walker

35 Comments »

You Talkin’ To Me? – featuring: Fogs’ Movie Reviews

Posted in Uncategorized on June 19, 2013 by Mark Walker

Ever wondered how to respond to a question by a particular film character? Well, here’s your chance to find out what others have said. Inspired by a feature from Total Film magazine, I’ve decided to adapt some film quotes, that pose as questions to my fellow bloggers. This is my way of shedding some light on some great blogs out there and have a little fun at the same time. There are a different range of questions which will give the blogger the chance to either be offensive, defensive, serious, funny, surreal etc. It may prove difficult to come up with a answer but the whole point is to be as creative as possible.

In the crosshairs in this instalment is Dan Fogarty who runs the popular and very productive blog:
FOGS’ MOVIE REVIEWS

Okay, let’s get started. The film quotes will be in bold with Fogs’ answers underneath.

You talkin’ to me?

You’re the only one here…

You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

In my experience, there’s no such thing as luck.

Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

Frequently. 😉 Though not like… slow dances or anything.

My… my wi-, my wife, Bunny? Do you see a wedding ring on my finger? Does this place look like I’m fucking married? The toilet seat’s up, man!

Nice rug. Smells, though.

Big Kahuna Burger. That’s that Hawaiian burger joint. I hear they got some tasty burgers. I ain’t never had one myself. How are they?

Seriously delicious. You wouldnt think Pineapple would GO on a burger, but its great. Hey, that’s my soda!!

Do you see me holding up liquor stores with a born to lose tattoo on my chest?

I dont do that anymore. I think we all make mistakes as younger people, its not fair to hold them against us as adults 😉

Get the fuck out of here…. Tommy…. LOL

Why don’t you try stickin’ your head up your ass? See if it fits.

Ju know why, Mark? That’s because you got chor head… up your culoo, that’s why.

Alright, alright. Mickey’s a mouse, Donald’s a duck, Pluto’s a dog. What’s Goofy?

Goofy is an anthropomorphic dog. A dog given the characteristics of a human, such as Donald would be an anthropomorphic duck.

Are you telling me you built a time machine? Out of a Delorian?

The way I see it, if you’re going to make a time machine out of a car, why not do it with some style?

It’s quite a thing to live in fear isn’t it?

To paraphrase Mr Spock, fear is a thing of the mind and the mind can be controlled. So… I cant relate. Sorry, Batty

If you could fight any celebrity, who would you pick?

Shia LaBouef. He deserves it for annoying me for so long.

•••
Many thanks to Fogs for his involvement here and if you’ve not checked out his site, please do so here. He was the runaway winner at the 2013 Lammys with an impressive 8 awards and you’ll find a whole host of quality reviews as well as some very entertaining and involving features like The Great Debates, Tossin’ It Out There, Under The Radar and the in-depth Movies That Everyone Should See, among many others. Thanks again Fogs, and if anyone else would like a crack at these questions then let me know in the comments section and you could be in the crosshairs next.

Mark

19 Comments »

Potiche * * * 1/2

Posted in Comedy, Drama, Foreign Language with tags 2010 on June 16, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: François Ozon.
Screenplay: François Ozon.
Starring: Catherine Denueve, Gerard Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini, Jérémie Rénier, Karin Viard, Judith Godrèche, Sergi López.

French performers Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu are two household names in their native France but will also be familiar with English language filmgoers. Basically, they’ve been around and have delivered an incalculable amount of great performances throughout their careers. This is a film that brings them both together (although not for the first time) and serves as a reminder of how skilful and commanding they are on screen.

Suzanne Pujol (Catherine Denueve) is a “Potiche” – a decorative, trophy wife – who runs a household, while her husband Robert (Fabrice Luchini) runs the family umbrella factory and philanders with his secretary. A workers strike breaks out which leads to Robert having a heart attack and while he recuperates, Suzanne reluctantly takes control of the family business with her two adult children. However, Suzanne is more shrewd and clever than given credit for and she manages to regain the trust of the workers and turn the fortunes of the business around while steadily gaining respect from numerous corners of society including Maurice Babin (Gerard Depardieu), the influential Mayor.

It takes a little time to work up to “Potiche” as it’s very dialogue driven. So much so, that it’s quite difficult to keep up with the subtitles and it’s constant stream of verbal exchanges. However, it’s confidently handled and when it does get going it throws in many facets of an individuals life and the complexities and challenges that life throws at us all.
Where it’s strengths lie is in it’s perfectly pitched commentary on the struggle that women faced throughout the 1970’s in order to achieve the same equality as men. Denueve’s Suzanne Pujol is the perfect embodiment of a woman hanging up her apron and reclaiming her respect and dignity. It also shows a balance between the strength and vulnerability involved in such a time; on the surface, Suzanne is seen as weak yet she grows in confidence and even considers divorcing her husband. Meanwhile, her daughter Joëlle (Judith Godrèche) is seen as strong and independent yet ultimately can’t bear to be alone. One of the few decent male figures is Suzanne’s son, Laurent (Jérémie Rénier). He’s a prominent supporting character and even though he’s male and serves as his mothers rock, he seems to carry a certain femininity. This is one of the many clever little devices that provide this film with an astute commentary of the politics and the cognitive shift between the sexes during the 1970’s.
The only issue I had was the pacing; despite the wonderful story, quirky humour and solid performances, it fails to completely hold your attention. This is a small gripe but still one that I couldn’t ignore. If it delivered itself with a bit more urgency, then this would have been top class.

A subtly handled little dramatic comedy that manages to incorporate many facets of life and has a sumptuous rendering of the 70’s era. It could have been tighter, but it’s still a lot of fun.

Mark Walker

26 Comments »

You Talkin’ To Me? – featuring: FilmHipster

Posted in Uncategorized with tags 2013 on June 14, 2013 by Mark Walker

Ever wondered how to respond to a question by a particular film character? Well, here’s your chance to find out what others have said. Inspired by a feature from Total Film magazine, I’ve decided to adapt some film quotes, that pose as questions to my fellow bloggers. This is my way of shedding some light on some great blogs out there and have a little fun at the same time. There are a different range of questions which will give the blogger the chance to either be offensive, defensive, serious, funny, surreal etc. It may prove difficult to come up with a answer but the whole point is to be as creative as possible.

In the crosshairs in this instalment is Chris Devine who runs the very productive and aesthetically pleasing blog:
FILMHIPSTER

Okay, let’s get started. The film quotes will be in bold with Chris’ answers underneath.

You talkin’ to me?

“Are ya daft lad!”

You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

“You mind your place, or you’ll be wearin’ concrete galoshes.”

Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

“How many times da I have to tell ya…the right tool for the right job!”

My… my wi-, my wife, Bunny? Do you see a wedding ring on my finger? Does this place look like I’m fucking married? The toilet seat’s up, man!

“No. You’ll flood the whole compartment.”

Big Kahuna Burger. That’s that Hawaiian burger joint. I hear they got some tasty burgers. I ain’t never had one myself. How are they?

“All I can say is…they don’t make them like they used ta.”

Do you see me holding up liquor stores with a born to lose tattoo on my chest?

“Laddie, I was drinking Scotch a hundred years before you were born. And I can tell you that whatever this is, it is definitely not Scotch.”

“Doctor, I’ve seen the captain feverish, sick, drunk, delirious, terrified, overjoyed, boiling mad… but up to now, I have never seen him red-faced with hysteria.”

Why don’t you try stickin’ your head up your ass? See if it fits.

“It fits like a glove, Captain.”

Alright, alright. Mickey’s a mouse, Donald’s a duck, Pluto’s a dog. What’s Goofy?

“I don’t have a clue.”

Are you telling me you built a time machine? Out of a Delorian?

“Aye. And if my grandmother had wheels, she’d be a wagon.”

It’s quite a thing to live in fear isn’t it?

“Aye, the haggis is in the fire now for sure.”

If you could fight any celebrity, who would you pick?

“I’d rather not take sides.”

•••
Many thanks to Chris for his involvement here and his clever use of quotes from the Scottish Star Trek character, Montgomery Scott. If you’ve not checked out his site please do so here. You’ll find a whole host of quality reviews in a different structure, as well as some very entertaining and involving features like Texting Tuesday’s, Hipster for a Day and Fueled by Film among many others. Thanks again Chris, and if anyone else would like a crack at these questions then let me know in the comments section and you could be in the crosshairs next.

Mark

45 Comments »

Dead Poets Society

Posted in Drama with tags 1989 on June 12, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Peter Weir.
Screenplay: Tom Schulman.
Starring: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith, Melora Walters, Lara Flynn Boyle.

“But only in their dreams can men be truly free. ‘Twas always thus, and always thus will be.”

Robin Williams was predominantly known for his hilarity and exuberant sense of fun before he finally started to show that he had acting chops. In 1987, he received an Oscar nomination for “Good Morning Vietnam” and then, two years later, followed that up with another Best Actor nomination for “Dead Poets Society“. To this day, this still stands as one of his most appealing characters and performances.

Continue reading →

40 Comments »

You Talkin’ To Me? – featuring: The Ipc

Posted in Uncategorized with tags 2013 on June 11, 2013 by Mark Walker

Ever wondered how to respond to a question by a particular film character? Well, here’s your chance to find out what others have said. Inspired by a feature from Total Film magazine, I’ve decided to adapt some film quotes, that pose as questions to my fellow bloggers. This is my way of shedding some light on some great blogs out there and have a little fun at the same time. There are a different range of questions which will give the blogger the chance to either be offensive, defensive, serious, funny, surreal etc. It may prove difficult to come up with a answer but the whole point is to be as creative as possible.

In the crosshairs in this instalment is Eric Isaacs, who runs the honest and often hilarious blog:
ISAACS PICTURE CONCLUSIONS

Okay, let’s get started. The film quotes will be in bold with Eric’s answers underneath.

Are you talkin’ to me?

HUH?? Aren’t you asking the goddamn questions?? I may be dumb but I’m not fucking stupid…

You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

I come from the 70s, so I’m always feeling a little bit lucky… and LOOSE! But I’m married now so I just stick with feeling……… LUCKY!!!

Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

I actually have – your readers might not believe me, but it’s true. *Finishes off 7th beer* Oh wait – maybe that was FILMHIPSTER…..

My… my wi-, my wife, Bunny? Do you see a wedding ring on my finger? Does this place look like I’m fucking married? The toilet seat’s up, man!

*Finishes off 11th beer, accidentally pees on your floor* OOOOOOOOPS

Big Kahuna Burger. That’s that Hawaiian burger joint. I hear they got some tasty burgers. I ain’t never had one myself. How are they?

If I remember correctly, that’s a nod to In N Out Burger. In N Out Burger ROCKS!!!! They used to have a “special menu” that was word of mouth only. I wont divulge any secrets but we used to get things like “triple meat, quadruple bacon, there’s 30 bucks and 3 grams of weed under the bun” burgers….

Do you see me holding up liquor stores with a born to lose tattoo on my chest?

If anyone was gonna do that, I would place my odds on you. BUT – I’m friends with you on Facebook and I’ve seen your tattoo – “ALANIS 4 EVA” across your shoulder blades.

YOU are funny like a FUCKING clown!! FUCKING clowns.

Why don’t you try stickin’ your head up your ass? See if it fits.

This reminds me of something Adam Sandler did before he was big. This may not be verbatim but it was a song and went something like “Please shove that shampoo bottle up my ass and work it at a medium pace” and: “The other day I put a mirror on the floor and looked up my own asshole – it blew my fucking mind!!!!!”

By the way – have you ever done that? It may or may not be kind of *record scratch sound effect ending the moment*

Alright, alright. Mickey’s a mouse, Donald’s a duck, Pluto’s a dog. What’s Goofy?

*Finishes 14th beer* I’ve always wondered that too. He seems like kind of a (BLEEEEEEEEEEEP) (BLEEEEP) (BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP)ing (BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP) (BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP)ing (BLEEEEEEP) – let’s leave that interpretation up to your readers. I won’t mention any (BLEEEEEP)s.

Are you telling me you built a time machine? Out of a Delorian?

Well – the thing I was commissioned to include on the DeLorian wasn’t a time machine. It was a contraption to help confiscate grass across the U.S. / Mexico border. In the end, they used it for something else….

It’s quite a thing to live in fear isn’t it?

The only thing I fear is that Dane Cook reads the answer to the next question.

If you could fight any celebrity, who would you pick?

FUCKING DANE COOK!!! I HATE HIS ACT, HIS ACTING AND HIS FUCKING FACE!!!! SUCK IT, COOK!!!!!!!!!

•••
Many thanks to Eric for his passionate involvement here and if you’ve not checked out his site please do so here. You’ll find that Eric does things very differently. He mainly concentrates on horror but branches out to more mainstream reviews and some very entertaining and involving features like Double Takes, Isaacs Interviews 2012 & 2013 and just finished the very popular Shitfest 2013, where he included a whole host of reviews of very poor film’s. Thanks again Eric, and if anyone else would like a crack at these questions then let me know in the comments section and you could be in the crosshairs next.

Mark

42 Comments »

The Place Beyond The Pines * * * * 1/2

Posted in Crime, Drama with tags 2013 on June 7, 2013 by Mark Walker

Director: Derek Cianfrance.
Screenplay: Derek Cianfrance, Ben Coccio, Darius Marder.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Ray Liotta, Ben Mendelsohn, Dane DeHaan, Emory Cohen, Bruce Greenwood, Harris Yulin, Rose Byrne, Mahershala Ali, Robert Clohessy.

When director Derek Cianfrance and star Ryan Gosling collaborated on the grim, but excellent “Blue Valentine” in 2010, they explored the dissolution of a married couple’s relationship. Two years later, they’re at it again with yet another personal journey about the relationship between fathers and sons. The results are no less impressive than their previous delivery and, this time, arguably better.

Motorcycle stunt rider Luke (Ryan Gosling), meets one of his old flames Romina (Eva Mendes). It turns out that Romina has a son and Luke is the father. Luke then decides that he wants to provide for him but it leads him into robbing banks where he crosses the path of a rookie but ambitious policeman (Bradley Cooper). Their altercation ends up affecting more people than they ever expected.

A triptych movie – divided into three parts – where Cianfrance adopts a deliberate pace and allows his characters the space to grow and develop. First off, this is the most impressive element to the film; the characters are all three-dimensional with deeply emotional drives and motivations as Gosling, Cooper, Dane DeHaan and relative newcomer Emory Cohen, all get ample time to find their feet and get into their roles in each of the chapters. Despite the maleness on show, an impressive Eva Mendes flits in between them with a solid turn in what is a very underwritten role. It’s through the committed performances that we are easily able to identify with each of the characters and become embroiled in their tangled relationship that spans a generation. Cianfrance’s scope is highly ambitious and for the most part, very successful. In the first third he focuses on Gosling’s, Luke and his life of crime while striving to support his family and delivers some very intense heist scenes, one after another (all the more impressive as they were apparently done in one take). Much like his performance in “Drive“, Gosling combines good and bad so well. He’s able to exude an innocence but also an underlying darkness that few actors can achieve. It’s this very combination of qualities that has Gosling at the forefront of contemporary performers. There is an absolute smouldering intensity to him. Then, just as we’re getting to know Luke, the film takes a shift towards Cooper’s tortured police officer, Avery Cross, in the mid-section. The blending and shift in tone is seamless and impressively delivered but as much as I was a big admirer of Cooper’s recent, Oscar nominated performance, in “Silver Linings Playbook“, he doesn’t quite have the gravitas to make this role work for him in the same way. He does well and can’t be faulted too much, but he’s too blue-eyed to cut it as a tortured soul here. The intensity that Gosling brings to his role is the very thing that Cooper fails to capture. This may be slightly unfair on Cooper as he’s by no means bad, but it only serves to show how strong Gosling is. His performance actually permeates the remainder of the film once he’s gone but it does still stumble without his presence.
Cianfrance then goes on to finish the saga by audaciously jumping 15 years ahead. At this point, the director fully states his ambition and although admirable, he also stretches credulity somewhat. That being said, the film is so well delivered that it’s acceptable and just about gets away with it. Unfortunately, the father/son relationship that runs deep within becomes a little muddled and relies far too heavily on a coincidental encounter. With Cianfrance stretching his canvas so far it almost tears apart, held only with the most tenuous of threads. His ambition is almost too vast in relation to his material or more appropriately his running time. I could easily have watched another half hour for the latter characters to be fully rounded and any shaky plot developments ironed out.
However, the more I’m writing this, the more I’m realising that I’m being quite critical. It’s not my intention to put this film down, I’m merely pointing out the things that stop this film from being a five star experience. It’s very nearly there and I enjoyed it enormously.

Vast, immersive and marvellouslly assembled. With “Blue Valentine” and now this, Cianfrance is proving to be a very exciting director to look out for. It’s early doors, but so far, this is the best of 2013.

Mark Walker

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CLASSIC SCENE: “Let Me See Your War Face”

Posted in Uncategorized with tags 1987 on June 6, 2013 by Mark Walker

Film: FULL METAL JACKET.
Screenplay: Stanley Kubrick, Gustav Hasford, Michael Herr.

Setting the Scene: On a Parris Island Marine barracks we are introduced to recruits who stand at attention in front of their bunks. Master Gunnery Sergeant HARTMAN (R. Lee Ermey) walks along the line of blank-faced recruits, observing them before proceeding his barrage of profane verbal abuse and humiliation.

HARTMAN
I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your Senior Drill Instructor. From now on, you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be “Sir!”
Do you maggots understand that?

RECRUITS
(in unison)
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Bullshit! I can’t hear you. Sound off like you got a pair.

RECRUITS
(louder)
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
If you ladies leave my island, if you survive recruit training … you will be a weapon, you will be a minister of death, praying for war. But until that day you are pukes! You’re the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even human fucking beings! You are nothing but unorganised, grabasstic pieces of amphibian shit!

Because I am hard, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn. I am hard, but I am fair! There is no racial bigotry here! I do not look down on niggers, kikes, wops or greasers. Here you are all equally worthless! And my orders are to weed out all non-hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in my beloved core. Do you maggots understand that?

RECRUITS
(in unison)
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Bullshit! I can’t hear you!

RECRUITS
(louder)
Sir, yes, sir!

[Sergeant Hartman stops in front of a
black recruit]

HARTMAN
What’s your
name, scumbag?

RECRUIT #1
(shouting)
Sir, Private Brown, sir!

HARTMAN
Bullshit! From now on
you’re Private Snowball! Do you like that name?

SNOWBALL
(shouting)
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Well, there’s one thing that you won’t like, Private Snowball! They
don’t serve fried
chicken and watermelon on a daily basis in my mess hall!

SNOWBALL
Sir, yes, sir!

[A voice is heard from the back of the barracks]

RECRUIT #2
(whispering)
Is that you, John Wayne? Is this me?

HARTMAN
Who said that? Who the fuck said that? Who’s the slimy little communist, shit twinkle-toed, cocksucker down here, who just signed his own death warrant? Nobody, huh?
The fairy fucking godmother said it! Out-fucking-standing! I will P.T. you all until you fucking die!
I’ll P.T. you until your assholes are
sucking buttermilk.

[Sergeant Hartman grabs Recruit #3 by the shirt]

HARTMAN
Was it you, you scroungy little fuck, huh?!

RECRUIT #3
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
You little piece of shit!
You look like a fucking worm!
I’ll bet it was you!

RECRUIT #3
Sir, no, sir!

RECRUIT #2
Sir, I said it, sir!

[Sergeant Hartman steps up to him]

HARTMAN
Well… no shit.
What have we got here, a
fucking comedian? Private Joker? I
admire your honesty. Hell, I like you. You can come over to my house and fuck my sister.

[Sergeant Hartman punches Joker in the stomach. Joker sags to his knees]

HARTMAN
You little scumbag!
I’ve got your name! I’ve got your ass! You will not laugh!
You will not cry!
You will learn by the numbers.
I will teach you. Now get up! Get on your feet!
You had best unfuck yourself or I
will unscrew your head and shit down your neck!

JOKER
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Private Joker, why did you join
my beloved Corps?

JOKER
Sir, to kill, sir!

HARTMAN
So you’re a killer!

JOKER
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Let me see your war face!

JOKER
Sir?

HARTMAN
You’ve got a war face?

[He Screams in his face]
Aaaaaaaagh! That’s a
war face.
Now let me see your war face!

JOKER
[shouting]
Aaaaaaaagh!

HARTMAN
Bullshit! You didn’t convince me!
Let me see your real
war face!

JOKER
[Screaming]
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!

HARTMAN
You didn’t scare me! Work on it!

JOKER
Sir, yes, sir!

[Sergeant Hartman walks over to Recruit #3 again and speaks into his face]

HARTMAN
What’s your excuse?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, excuse for what, sir?

HARTMAN
I’m asking the fucking questions
here, Private. Do you understand?!

RECRUIT #3
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Well thank you very much! Can I be in
charge for a while?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
Are you shook up? Are you nervous?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, I am, sir!

HARTMAN
Do I make you nervous?

RECRUIT #3
Sir!…

HARTMAN
Sir, what? Were you about to
call me an asshole?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
How tall are you, Private?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, five foot nine, sir!

HARTMAN
Five foot nine? I didn’t
know they stacked shit
that high! You trying to squeeze an inch in on me somewhere, huh?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, no, sir.

HARTMAN
Bullshit! It looks to me like the best part of you ran down the crack of your mama’s ass and ended up as a brown stain on the mattress! I think you’ve been cheated!

Where in hell are you from anyway, Private?

RECRUIT #3
Sir, Texas, sir!

HARTMAN
Holy dogshit! Texas! Only
steers and queers come from Texas, Private Cowboy! And you don’t look much like a steer to me, so that
kinda narrows it down!
Do you suck dicks?

COWBOY
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
Are you a peter-puffer?

COWBOY
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
I’ll bet you’re the kind of guy that would
fuck a person in the ass and not even have the goddam common courtesy to give him a reach-around! I’ll be watching you!

[Sergeant Hartman walks down the line to another recruit, a tall,
overtweight boy]

HARTMAN
Did your parents have any
children that lived?

RECRUIT #4
Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN
I’ll bet they regret that! You’re so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece! What’s your name, fatbody?

RECRUIT #4
Sir, Leonard Lawrence, sir!

HARTMAN
Lawrence?
Lawrence, what, of Arabia?

RECRUIT #4
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
That name sounds like royalty! Are you
royalty?

RECRUIT #4
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
Do you suck dicks?

RECRUIT #4
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
Bullshit! I’ll bet you
could suck a golf ball
through a garden hose!

RECRUIT #4
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
I don’t like the name Lawrence!
Only faggots and sailors are called Lawrence! From now on you’re Gomer Pyle!

PYLE
Sir, yes, sir!

[Pyle has the trace of a strange smile on his face]

HARTMAN
Do you think I’m cute, Private Pyle? Do you think I’m funny?

PYLE
Sir, no, sir!

HARTMAN
Then wipe that disgusting grin off your face!

PYLE
Sir, yes, sir!

[Sergeant Hartman waits for a moment]

HARTMAN
Well, any fucking time, sweetheart!

PYLE
Sir, I’m trying, sir.

HARTMAN
Private Pyle, I’m gonna give you three
seconds. Excactly three fucking seconds, to wipe that stupid-looking grin off your face, or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull-fuck you!
One… Two…Three!

[Pyle purses his lips but continues to smile involuntarily]

PYLE
Sir, I can’t help it, sir!

HARTMAN
Bullshit! Get on your
knees, scumbag!

[Pyle gets down on his knees]

HARTMAN
Now choke yourself!

[Pyle places his hands around his throat as if to choke himself]

HARTMAN
Goddamn it, with my hand,
numbnuts!!

[Pyle reaches for Sergeant Hartman’s hand. Hartman jerks it away]

HARTMAN
Don’t pull my fucking hand over there! I said choke yourself!
Now lean forward and choke yourself!

[Pyle leans forward so that his neck rests in Sergeant Hartman’s open hand]

[Hartman chokes Pyle, as he gags and starts to turn red in the face]

HARTMAN
Are you through grinning?