Empire Magazine is a must !

Please go out and buy a copy of Empire as it is great for all film lovers.
It gives in depth interviews and features on the years biggest film as well as Blu-Ray, DVD and game releases.

Sex Lies and Videotapes - A Review

 A Review 

For me, I didn't know what to expect from this film... I thought that it would be just what it said in the title. But I was wrong. There is a preconception with any film when you see the title to instantly guess the narrative of the film from the title, but until you sit down and watch the film in detail you might be surprised.

Sex,Lies and Videotapes isn't a Hollywood film, it is the beginning of the Indiewood era (late 80's and throughout the 90's). Written and Directed by Steven Soderbergh the film explores the relationship and the concept that people have towards sex. With character's who have different views on sex itself and a relationship with it. 

That stood out to me from the beginning of the film, being introduced to Andy McDowell's character Anne who doesn't really desire or in fact want to engage in sex, to her she finds it hard to talk about and is I felt a little bit timid and slightly disgusted with the idea of sexual intercourse with anyone or the act of even  satisfying herself as a women. 

She is a frustrated kept women, her husband is a lawyer in a big company who made her give up her career and in my view her life to be a house wife and to satisfy the idea of the man is head of the house and the sole bread winner, where as her life is concentrated on cleaning the house and cooking his dinner while he sleeps with her younger sister. 

All the concepts of what the title suggests are there, but unlike the preconception that most people have towards this film, it is a gritty real life story of a women stuck in a marriage that she thinks she can't escape from, a man who is frustrated with not being able to have sex with his wife so seeks out a mistress who happens to be his wife's sister and a man who can't even get an erection in front of another person and so finds it hard to release his sexual frustrations and becomes detached from life.

In my head I class this film as being like a William Blake Poem in a world full of Wordsworth poems, as at the time of the films completion in 1988, the industry was packed full of High Concept Blockbuster films that were an outlet for  cinema goers to escape reality of their everyday lives. Whereas Sex, Lies and Videotapes was a reminder of someone's life, about how miserable life can be and the harsh reality of being in a marriage and the frustration of being in it between a man and women. 

It also as I stated before highlights the relationship that individuals have with sex itself, also looking at the relationship that men and women have with sex and showing that men are more interested and engaging with sex as a concept but also breaking the stereotype using characters such as Anne and Graham who's relationship with sex has become disengaging and more  feeling like a discomfort about the idea of sex. 

I loved Graham's and Anne's relationship, they were from the very beginning attracted to each other but didn't know how to verbalise these emotions. Whereas John (Anne's husband) is seeking relief by having an affair his wife's sister as he isn't getting any at home. He is using Cindy(Anne's sister) who is the complete opposite of Anne, she is more adventurous and doesn't really have a care in the world when it comes to sex. She enjoys it, she gets her kicks from it and doesn't mind talking about it with a complete stranger. But Cindy knows that there is no strings attached and this is just sex, which is breaking the stereotype that women are sensitive about sex, that it is an act of love between a man and a women (or a gay relationship) and not just a consensual past time between two people. 

The film isn't Pornographic what so ever, the scenes involving sexual relations are hardly there or are done tastefully and sensitively. 

Andy McDowell's character Anne confronting her sexuality with a video camera

 Speaking of Graham, he is a hard character to actually understand when you first are introduced to him at the beginning of the film. He has an aura of awkwardness around him, you're not sure who is he and are a little bit suspicious of him as he is a stranger in the film, he is the strange guy who has just come in with little information about him.
Graham is John's old friend from school, he is a complete opposite to John and is more sensitive and inquisitive towards Anne. He is attracted to her instantly from meeting her and the sexual tension is there.
Graham confesses that he is impotent to Anne and is very open with her about his life and his videotapes which are interviews with women about their sexual experiences. He does not show them to anyone else and finds it easy to get turned on to them (which is a little bit strange but you have to watch the film to understand the character and why he does it) and to manage to get an erection. But it isn't in a perverted way there is an underlining phycological reason to why he is impotent.

Graham - watching his interviews back

In film- making terms this film is brilliant, the way the whole film was shot was simple and not complex. I liked the fact that it was shot softly, there was no harsh shots and there was always a soft filter on the camera which allowed the audience to be drawn in, it was almost romantic looking. Although this was distracting us from the harshness of the narrative itself, dealing with issues that are still quite important in today's society. The issue of infidelity is a issue that affects everyone in daily life and to see it on film can be a comfort to know that you are not alone.

The film itself was made on a budget of $1.2 million and grossed $25 million at the US box office showing that it was a great success in America as well as around the world.
The movie also had major success at the Sundance Festival and Cannes Film Festival where it was well received by the audiences.

If you were wondering whether to watch it or not I recommend you watch this film! It is a must see!!!!

Screening of Sex Lies and Video Tapes

Watching Sex Lies and Video Tapes in film lecture will write review later

SpotLight- November 2012

November 2012

Spotlight feature will be on Stanley Kubrick's 'A ClockWork Orange'.

Original Film Poster 

From Director Stanley Kubrick brings the critically acclaimed and controversial film from 1971. Set In Future Britain, the film follows delinquent Alex DeLarge on his journey as he is jailed and volunteers for a experimental aversion therapy created by the government in the hope to save  Britain from it's crime problem.

But all does not go to plan! 

Stanley Kubrick was known famously for directing the Steven King horror novel "The Shining". 

In the Spot Light feature I will also look into Stanley Kubrick's work and his life to try to understand the man who created a Cult Classic. 

London Calling!!!!

Off to the big smoke today will be popping to HMV on Oxford Street ;) getting some movies for myself including one that i will use as a new feature called Spot Light where i'll take a film, director , film festival or new talent and write about it !
i'm so excited haven't been London for ages !!!!!

The BLOCKBUSTER!!!!

The birth of Blockbuster is set in History for all eternity!  And I don't mean the Video shop, I mean the Blockbuster Film.

Yes believe it or not the modern Blockbuster came to life in 1975 when a film was released that changed the face of cinema and the rise of the High Concept and High budget film!

The film well it is one of the best films in history with a simple score of notes that made a villain, with not very super high tech special effects or CGI, you're probably thinking what film are you on about!
If you're guessing Star Wars you're a little bit early that wasn't released until 1977.

The film in question was Directed by one of my favourite Directors of all time, his unique way of making films and writing them has made him become a family name throughout most households!

I am talking about the man himself Mr Steven Spielberg and his classic Epic JAWS!!!!

Jaws was ultimately nothing that had never been seen before on cinema screens, after the age of the Movie Brats (Directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma and George Lucas) Jaws burst onto the scene with a new way of advertising and marketing a film.
As you can see the Film Art is simple and what we would call High Concept Art, you can tell what the film is going to be about from the actual poster.
When i mean marketing a film, Today films can be everywhere all over the internet, TV and Radio, back in 1975, the film company bought up 30 second slots on TV three days before the film was due to be released and made sure that the majority of the public knew about the film, this clever strategy made sure that Jaws remains one of the biggest grossing films in history at the box office!

Jaws's Success paved the way for the Blockbuster culture throughout the late 70's and 80's with big budget films being made and realised to mass audiences using advertising and marketing formats that Jaws had introduced.

No One Can Hear You Scream In Space!

Thinking of High Concept films, I've brushed on them before, and haven't really explained them, some films that you wouldn't think were High Concept actually are.
I can argue that some are not, for and example Alien can be considered a High Concept film due to it's artwork rather than the narrative (which is complex in every detail if you read into it!) as Sir Ridley Scott wasn't just making a Horror/Sci Fi film about an alien killing everyone on a Spaceship... watching the prequel (Prometheus- 2012 on DVD and Blu-ray) the actual content of the narrative is complex as you would ask how did the Alien get on the ship? Why is it there? Whats the reason for killing the crew members?








And leaving Sigourney Weaver's character to be the last human alive on the ship?

The Last Human Left- A Female Hero!

Original Star Wars Cast 

Other High Concept films have followed another legendary hit being Star Wars (1977) by George Lucas, with it's out of this world cinema experience for the time (the later films again the prequels episode 1,2 and 3  were even better for special effects) captured the imagination of a generation. 

With the odd nod to the film in cult comedy series like 'Friends' and cartoons such as 'Family Guy' and 'The Simpsons'. Star Wars went down in history as an epic, with droves of dedicated fans still to this day going to comic book conventions and buying merchandise and one off pieces. That was  what sold the Star Wars franchise again a new technique on the marketing front. Making action figures to go with the film is simple these days back then it was a new thing to make action figures for a market to get involved in a film! Selling mechanise to the general public from an external company made George Lucas rich as the film company thought it'd be silly to keep the rights to themselves! OH HOW SILLY THERE WERE !!!!! 

Rachel dressed as Princess Layer in the iconic Gold Bikini

Yes it is true to say the 'Blockbuster' is here to stay!!!! So when you read the term Blockbuster hopefully you'll understand the term? 

SKYFALL

Just seen the trailer for Skyfall on TV !!!!!
well excited !!!

Who else is going to see it when it hits our cinemas ???

DVD and Bluray Releases That Caught My Eye for OCT/NOV 2012

We all have to a film now and again to fill out film collection, mine needs updating as I am getting bored now of seeing films that are from 2 years ago. Anyway that is beside the point!!!!

The first film that really has caught my eye was called by Empire in an Interview with the Director:
"A Summer Blockbuster." 

It can only mean one thing that Sir Ridley Scott is back!!!

Prometheus was one of the best films over the summer to go and see for all Alien Lovers and for those who wanted to see his take on how the human race came to be.
For a Blockbuster, Prometheus isn't your typical action blockbuster, although there is a lot of action in it. And it wouldn't be apart of the Alien Franchise if an alien wasn't coming out of someones gut!!!!!
There was loads of gore for all those who love the red stuff, technology for all you Sci-Fi geeks and some hot hunks for us girls. (Yes I did Just Did say that!)

On a serious note though Prometheus was amazing, incredible as you can tell with any Sir Ridley Scott film. He had to extend the Pinewood studio sound stage just to make sure he could film the entire film in the UK. Which is a good thing for the James Bond Team- as they have loads more room to make the 007 films now.
But thats beside the point!!!

Alien Sacrifice- to create Humans!!!!

The film was done in amazing detail, unfortunately I wasn't able to see it in 3D although that would would have been a really good experience! If you have a 3D TV and a 3D Blu-ray please please buy it on that format as it is out of this world.
It is also absolutely brilliant in 2D and is a great addition to your film collection.
A familiar face was the star actress (she also had to learn English for this role and a London accent) Noomie Rapace who was made world famous for playing Lisebeth Sandler in the Swedish films The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (also on the MUST WATCH LIST!!!!) who got stuck into everything Alien like, with even having a c-section on film (Yummy!) to get a baby alien out of her!
Prometheus is actually the prequel to the Alien films, it explains how Alien happened and gives a back story to where it all began!
Again a must see!!!!

For all those lovers of Comic Book All American (bar 1) Action Heros then The Avengers was the highlight of your summer! As it was mine!
With the single franchise movies all leading up to the Avengers film it was no surprise that The Avengers was one of the biggest film hits of this year for cinema goers.
With popular Characters such as Captain America and Thor as well as Iron Man and the reinvention of The Incredible Hulk for the film along with Black Widow who we all met in Iron Man 2 ... I gave up on Iron Man 1 after 5 minutes (don't know why... I just just didn't get into it!) and Hawk Eye who I don't think i've ever seen or heard of... Comic Book readers feel free to GO OMG!!!!

I really loved The Avengers, I enjoyed the film especially the bit that I can't say what happened in detail(buy the DVD or Blu-Ray) but it involves the Hulk and Loki!

The Avenger's cast!

Finally who would've thought one of this years biggest hits in cinemas would consist of a grown man and his teddy bear? Yeah I know it's true!!!
If you love witty and slightly in your face humour then Ted is for you!

Brought to you by the one and Only Seth McFarlen, who's wired and wonderful imagination has brought us TV series such as Family Guy, then this movie is right up your street.

Ted in bed singing the 'Thunder Song'

Ted is not one of those fluffy Teddy Bear movies, it isn't what you expect. Instead it is full of rude and dirty jokes with references to the movie Flash Gordon! 

Flash actually makes an appearance in the film , and he isn't the squeaky clean saviour of the universe he is far from it, but it works!

FLASH GORDON!!!!!! 

I would recommend to have your friends over with a few beers and pizza and stick this film on for a load of laughs!!!!!! Oh your Teddy Bear can join in to!!!!!

Super Heros - Comic Book geek ALERT !!!

Yes it is true I am a massive Comic Book Geek!
My first post was about Dredd, but before that I was into other comic films such as Spiderman!
Actually Spiderman was my intro to comic books.

Recently I want to see the new Spiderman staring Rhys Ifans and i really enjoyed the film it was darker than the other adaptations I watched and enjoyed it a lot more.

Other comic book films I have really enjoyed watching are of course the Batman trilogy by director Christopher Nolan (something about that man I love from when I saw The Prestige again thanks to college!) as it wasn't done in that silly cartoon style that some comic films seem to do which makes it look like cheese.... there is grit to the Nolan Batman's which I adore, as that is something he transferred through from his indie routes!

Other comic book films that i really liked were Sin City and The Green Lantern.
Interesting that the Green Lantern was the only other DC comic to become a major hit behind Superman and Batman. Wonder Women NEEDS A FILM!!! she's epic (was wonder women marvel?)

Halloween party films for all the family and for the faint hearted!

As a faint hearted person myself I don't really enjoy Horror films especially the Slashers!!!

So it got me to thinking what would be awesome is a list of some films that had the spooky theme but were tame enough not to scare the hell out of people!
Don't get me wrong I love gore within context so not a massive fan of red being all over the screen from start to finish so.... for all those who are having a little get together on Halloween with the kids or just having a fun night in, here are the films that I thought would be good to watch.

For a starter, lets have a look at a classic:

THE ADAMS FAMILY!

Yes The 1991 feature film that stars no other than Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown to all you Back to the Future Fans!!) Is a fun and light hearted Halloween film with jokes and no scares. Although i wouldn't really recommend young children watching the film! But again for a great Halloween party, especially if Mum is dressed up as Morticia!!!

Above Picture of Morticia! 

If thats not really your thing and have got young children around then no need to panic, Disney is always the answer !!!

Monsters INC (Which is planned to be screened at my friends Halloween Party- hmmm I want Donnie Darko but I don't think they'd let me somehow!) Is always a good solution although it isn't your classic Halloween film but it may just fit the bill, with loveable characters that are soft and fluffy and not terrifying and are just right for your little and big monsters running around the living room! 

If you want to turn the lights down low and watch something a little bit more adult then I would suggest the cult classic that is Donnie Darko. The film was released in cinemas on Halloween 2001 and wasn't a major success in the USA but was a huge hit in the UK! 

This again deals with more adult themes such as mental illness and a six foot rabbit called Frank! If you are scared or have a fear of guys in rabbit costumes or masks this isn't really the film for you!!! 

As you can see Frank(far right)  is not someone who you can really see in a cinema... he's a little bit freaky!!!!! 

If you still want to entertain the teenagers then something like Twilight will do,with it's non offensive love story between a Human, A Vampire and A Werewolf (confusing situation for any human to be in right??) then this is the sort of film to watch although the sexual tension KILLS MEEE!!!!! 

OOOO a smouldering R-Pazz!!!!! Gets teenage hearts fluttering faster than 1 Direction!!!!! 

If your teens want a little bit more mature content- or more Violence and Sex then i suggest a TV Programme that is also a famous book, along the same theme as Twilight called:

'The Vampire Dairies' 

As you can see a lot more Blood in this show I can tell you!!!!!

If Vampires are not your thing then... Harry Potter is another great film to put on, keeps the kids, teenagers and adults happy all at once. Warning for parents though as you go through the series of films themes become a lot older and wouldn't suggest little ones watching the film from about The Prisoner of Azkaban or Goblet of Fire!!!! (Warning to teenage hearts might brake in Goblet of Fire as R-Pazz dies!) 

Wands at the Ready!!!!

Other films like: 

WitchCraft 

Staring Sarah Jessica Parker and Bet Midler 

Stardust

Staring Robert Dinero, Michelle Pfeiffer and of Ricky Gavais!

Or of course snuggle up in front of the TV with a cup of Coca or Punch with fake eyeballs and watch what ever you want!!!! 

Oh another film quickly which doesn't really have to do with Halloween but is set on that day and lovers of Anime will like this is : 

Cowboy Bebop- The Movie !!!

Set in 2071, the tagline actually gives you a good idea of what the film is about! 

It's a good watch!!!! 

If not tuck the kids up in bed, if they're not still hyper from all the sweets and stick on an old classic from 1973!

ALIEN!!!!!

Granted it is terrifying non the least but it is more phycological than gore up to the very end if you haven't seen it it's a massive surprise!!! 

Even to the crew at the time!!!!! 

Anyway i hope you find the perfect Halloween movie to suit your tastes and HAVE FUN!!!!!!

Some New Releases that caught my eye in UK cinemas

As the title describes, October 2012 is going to be packed full of new film releases for all the family!!!

As Halloween approaches , the films are reflecting this theme, with some spooky films from Director Tim Burton a classic musical that took the world by storm and got men to dress in women's clothes.

A Little Clue for some film and stage buffs!!!!


The 17th October:

Will see two films coming onto UK screens that will please different audiences from families to young adults who want to scare themselves silly.

The first has to be Frankenweenie from the director Tim Burton.

For all those who want family fun plus the added bonus of Tim Burton's slightly strange and wired directorial style this is the film for you. It's also for adults who don't really want to scare themselves stupid.
The plot follows a young boy who conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved Dog back to life. Only to face some unintended, scary consequences.
This will be a MUST SEE WATCH during Half Term to entertain the kids.

For the adults however, the Indie film that made it big in Hollywood is back, Paranormal Activity 4 hits cinemas tomorrow and is set to be a watch for fans of the first 3 films.
The first film was made on a tiny estimated budget of $15,000 and smashed the box office when it first hit cinemas.
It Grossed in the films opening weekend release in the UK:
£3,596,762
Which is huge for an Independent production!

above poster of paranormal activity 4

The plot continues from the first film where the disappearance of Katie and Hunter over 5 years ago, a suburban family witness strange things happening in their neighbourhood when a women and mysterious child move in.
One to watch for all the lovers of Paranormal!

On the 19th see's the return of a Kids favourite Madagascar with it's third film in the franchise with Alex the Lion and cast traveling back through Europe to get home to the Big Apple!
Again a one to watch over the Half Term Holidays to keep the kids entertained!!!

Calling all bond fans's!!!
HE'S BACK ON THE 26TH OF THIS MONTH!!!!
Daniel Craig stars in Skyfall the new addition to the James Bond franchise!
After 50 years of entertaining world wide audiences with the glamour and sophistication of this secret agent, Skyfall is a happy and welcome return to UK cinema screens.
Although her Majesty will not feature in Skyfall we can all be reminded of the Olympic Opening Ceremony of James and the Queen herself jumping out of an helicopter!

Pictures above SkyFall poster, and shot of Mr 007 with Her Maj! 

If that wasn't even enough British for you the new theme is by no other than Adele herself and is set to be the first Bond theme ever to be at Number 1 in the UK charts. 

Finally but not lastly the same day see's the return of a classic to our screens, that as I gave a clue to before.

Meatloaf stared and got killed in this film which i never seem to be able to stop crying at. 

If you haven't guessed already:

It's THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! 

Yes this freaky and somewhat confusing film hits the big screen again after entertaining and bewildering audiences since 1975! 

Fun loving freaky musical that introduced us all the "Time Wrap". 

Staring Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry. 

This film is a great film to go to the cinema and have a laugh, as well as Dancing and singing to down the cinema aisle and just really  having a good time, also a great film to watch on Halloween itself for those that don't really want to watch Horror films!

As for me, I will be definitely watching Skyfall and hopefully not flooding the cinema in tears as I watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show!!!!

Independent Cinema and some little surprises

Confusing isn't to actually Define Independent Cinema- Don't ask me to define it because I can't!!!

I think some of it has to do with perception... How do you actually perceive a film?

Does it look Art House?

Is it low budget?

Is the film dealing with issues that a mainstream market wouldn't?

Does it deal with realistic ideals and subject matters??


Well to shock some people, films that you wouldn't think are independent films are:


For Example:

Run Lola Run (1998)

Donnie Darko (2001)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Momento (1998)

Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles


Yes really Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles was an Independent film!!! Which comes as a shock! To everyone who has watched that film!

Thinking about Indie cinema is a really confusing, as it is a massive Grey area! Nothing is Black or White with Indie cinema.

As you have to think about how it was financed for a starter, some people would think that indie films are financed by a director off their own back, without help from bigger to major film companies from Hollywood.
But now Hollywood have intercepted indie ideals, and given some  mainstream films an indie look(Juno for example) ... but it has been financed by Hollywood companies.

When i look at some of the examples i have just given you guys of Independent films... I didn't think that Donnie Darko was an independent film. I watched it after hearing and reading about the film and having the opportunity to actually watch it at College!
I didn't even think that it was an indie film. My perception of indie film and cinema was wacky completely off the wall films that only certain people wanted to watch.

Is there Snobbery toward Independent Cinema?

Am I too thick to see Independent Films?

Will It Appeal To Me As A Person?

I would have no idea whether to go to watch an independent film if it wouldn't be something I was studying.

Something for me to think about....

My favourite film of all time

That is a really hard question for most of us what can we even describe as out favourite film?

For some it might be the first film that made them go WOW! Or they have really read up on and thought this is amazing i have to go and see it.

Whatever the reason, Favourite films can define a moment in that person's life.

Anyway enough of that!!!!!

Now you are wondering what is your favourite film of all time?

This is a film that I would consider to be the first film that actually got me interested and drew me in although it is not the most conventional since my last post was about Dredd.

It's Moulin Rouge!

The 2001 Musical by director Baz Luhrmann staring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. 

Set in 1900's Paris the story is about the legendary night club The Moulin Rouge. 

From the word go I was intrigued with the whole imagery and concept of the film. Baz Luhamann who is best known for his modern remake of  Romeo and Juliet (1996) staring Leonardo DiCaprio, known for it's stylised cinematography and miss en scene with fast flowing edits throughout and quirky camera work through out. 
This was apparent in Moulin Rouge with Luhrmann's writing and directing style shinning through the film itself. 
With a mixture of crazy editing and fast motion camera work, it's an feast for all the senses, with modern music classic's remastered and mixed together with classic show tunes from the Classic Hollywood era. 

One of my favourite scenes is the 'Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend' sequence when we are first introduced to Satine (Nicole Kidman). The interesting thing about this is the actual way the sequence has been constructed, the way that Luhrmann has Satine sat on a swing in mid air floating down with glittered falling down around her the lighting being a blue colour. If you read into that lighting it can mean that she is in fact a Diamond herself which is actually suggested in the film, but also the cold harsh reality that this is her life, cold and no feelings... she is not allowed to love.
The thing that is clever is using an old Hollywood Classic  song originally sang by Marilyn Monroe in the classic musical 'Some Like It Hot' with a modern twist to relate to a new audience by adding Madonna's 'Material Girl'. 

(Above Image of Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend Sequence) 


The other sequence that caught my eye and made me actually get goosebumps was the rendition of Roxanne originally sung and recorded by The Police. 
This is a beautiful moody dance sequence, with the Tango being at the forefront of this, the beauty of the actual dance sequence, the cameras sweep around the Dancers making them the scene , it's like camera is in fact taking part in the dance itself. 

(Images above sequences from El De Roxanne- taken from google images) 

I know it may seem a little bit typical for a girl to say this is her favourite film but just take a look!