Film No. 45 (2015) Amy 27th June.

Film No. 45 (2015) June 27th.  10.30 AM LUNA Leederville. 

"The more people see of me the more they'll realize that all I'm good for is making music". (Amy Winehouse during an interview at age 18 as her star began to shine).

 

Amy

I can remember hearing of the death of Amy Winehouse in mid 2011 and not being surprised considering the reputation that preceded her. I enjoy her pure vocal tones and I own just one of her albums but I knew little of her life other than that which had been reported, mainly by dubious sources. After spending time with her via this intimate documentary I can't help but wish I'd taken a little more time to consider who she really was, while she was alive. 

Amy takes us on an intimate journey into the world of a young lady who possessed a prodigious talent. Low self esteem, talent, strong mindedness and a penchant for addictive behavior is too often a fatal concoction. Judy Garland, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe left our world before they'd fulfilled all their talent, all suffering from, it would seem, similar afflictions. The name Amy Winehouse must now be included on that legendary list. The sadness I felt comes from the fact that I now wonder if anything could have been done to save this strong willed soul.

Asif Kapadia made one of my favorite documentaries of all time, Senna, 5 years ago and while Amy offers up more intimate material in the form of home video, he doesn't quite reach the same heights. He is however a master at finding a sense of the truth about his subjects. He's never judgmental, he merely produces critical footage that gives us an intimate view of his subjects. In Amy's case the scene in which she meets her idol, Tony Bennett in a recording studio is one in which a wonderful moment is captured. We see a vulnerable Amy but during a special moment, a strength of character also shows through. It is a magical short scene.

The Amy story is told conventionally from her early life through to her sad end. It was well told but there were facets of it that left me unfulfilled. We are told early in her story of Amy's father's exit from the family unit when she was nine, then quite suddenly he becomes her key mentor nine years on. Russell Brand, no shrinking violet himself, and major Winehouse ally had no input into the portrait. Juliette Ashby was Amy's best friend and a very positive influence on Amy's life but she seems to cut in and out of the doco without continuity. Minor quibbles indeed.  8GUMS      

      

Film No. 44 (2015) Jurassic World 24th June.

Film No. 44 (2015) June 24th.  6.45 PM READING Cinemas Belmont.

"Every time we have unveiled a new attraction, attendance has spiked".

Jurassic World

 

Jurassic World, the B Grade movie of the year, without doubt may even become the highest grossing movie of all time. The B Grade tag doesn't dilute it's credibility, it just describes the film from a formula driven content POV. And what a formula this big blockbuster of a disaster movie has.

A flailing tourist attraction of a dinosaur park needs to maintain the edge in the new beasts department. So what happens when the newer bigger, more intelligent Indominus Rex goes free in a tourist park during peak holiday season? Of course we have the kid and his teenage brother out exploring when they shouldn't be. Their Aunt, who does everything in high heels and a tight skirt, is an executive in the parks hierarchy and rarely takes heed of the buffed ranger guy who will eventually help save the day. 

Funnily enough I was reminded of an outstanding documentary when watching JW. Blackfish told the story of Tilikum an Orca (Killer Whale) held in captivity. It was responsible for the maiming of various keepers and handlers at a Sea World attraction in the U.S. Large intelligent animals held in captivity have the potential to cause mayhem because of their circumstance and the way they have been cloned. Jurassic World uses the same premise, and if you sit and watch in 3D glasses the mayhem is twice as chaotic.

There are no big names in the cast or crew to talk of, except perhaps Spielberg (Executive Producer). There is nothing new either from a script or effects POV. There is however a vehicle which looks more like a tom-bowler which is innovative but that's about it. The first two weekends of the film's release, world wide, saw nearly half a billion dollars taken. I'm not sure there are enough corn kernels being cultivated to keep up with the demands of Candy Bars. Jurassic World is a B Grader of the highest order … I got what I expected, it's just I'm still wondering what all the hype is about?  7GUMS.

    

    

Film No. 43 (2015) Aloha 23rd June.

Film No. 43 (2015) June 23rd.  1.00 PM ACE Cinemas Rockingham.

"Your life is going to become very, very complicated". (Carson Welch played by Bill Murray indicating to Gilcrest (Cooper) what's in store) 

Aloha

 

Why didn't this convoluted series of muddled sub-plots and unconvincing performances called Aloha go straight to DVD?

Maybe the producers felt that with a cast including Cooper, McAdams, Stone, Baldwin and Murray the job was done. People would flock to cinemas. 

What am I talking about? I got sucked in, but I owe my mum an apology for dragging her along. We lost 100 minutes of our lives we will never recover.   

Download it when there is absolutely nothing else to watch. 2GUMS    

Film No. 42 (2015) Going Clear: Scientology and the Prisoner of Belief June 22nd.

Film No. 42 (2015) June 22nd. 6:40 PM LUNA SX Fremantle.

 

"They sell it all in the beginning as something quite logical". (An ex-disciple describing their Scientology experience)

 

Going Clear: Scientology the Prisoner of Belief.

 

After watching this riveting feature, Going Clear, I'm baffled as to why; one,a "crackpot" like Hubbard, a prolific Sci Fi pulp fiction writer could believe in most of his fanciful writing and two, how thousands of people became disciples to these, in some case, quite sinister beliefs. The church today is diminishing in numbers but expanding as a business enterprise. Interesting!

Alex Gibney (Enron & The Armstrong Lie) is a thorough documentary film maker. In a recent interview it was interesting to hear him talk about taking his raw footage then handing it over to his editor,in this case Andy Grieve, and having total confidence the film will emerge as he intended without him having to look over his shoulder. Gibney is a a documentary film maker of the expose' type. With Scientology (cult or religion) in his sights he has found the perfect fodder. 

We first learn of the origins of Scientology. Gibney incorporated excellent home footage of Hubbard discussing all dimensions of his world, the impression being that Scientology was born of simplistic ideas from a complicated figment of his imagination. How he was charismatic enough to attract the disciples he did  baffles me. But once the battles with the US internal revenue were finally won, thus gaining Scientology religious status, the evidence was that big business was a motivation for its existence.

It would seem Scientology is a far more sinister organization in contemporary times. Auditing is an important tradition of the cult; here an individual reveals truths about their lives to the "church." It becomes a record which is held for purposes only people higher up the "food chain" can know. I can't help but wonder what they hold over Tom Cruise and John Travolta; neither seem totally comfortable in their P.R. roles for the organization. But then again who cares. I did however enjoy the ride Gibney took me on.  9GUMS  

    

Film No. 41 (2015) Love and Mercy 20th June.

Film No. 41 (2015) June 20th.  10.45 AM LUNA Leederville.

"He (Bill Pohlad) had a different vision for this movie; he wasn't trying to cram Brian's story into two hours. He took what Brian and I felt were the most important areas of Brian's life and expanded on them. I think it really works. He set out not to make a typical biopic. (The real Leadbetter commenting on Love and Mercy immediately after its premiere). 

Love and Mercy

In March 1978 Brain Wilson and The Beach Boys came to Perth and performed in a way that meant embarrassment for the group was the least of their concerns. Brian Wilson apologized and stated that a concoction of drugs and alcohol was the reason he fell dangerously from the stage on numerous occasions. He was lucky not to badly injure himself that night. Love and Mercy goes some way to explaining why Wilson acted as he did all those years ago.

Love and Mercy is both a love story and partial biography, told brilliantly as we learn of Wilson's (Paul Dano) tortured genius through the 60s interwoven with Wilson (John Cusack) as a sedated shell of a man in the 80's. Dano's Wilson paints for us the early days of how a unique sound from a legendary band came into being. Enter Melinda Leadbetter (Elizabeth Banks), an ex-model and new car sales person 20 years on. This story is so well told that for me Leadbetter is a hero to rival Erin Brockovich.

Perhaps the music tragics will be disappointed that the soundtrack isn't laden with hit after hit but they are sure to love the insight into how many legendary songs came into being. The subtle means by which we are lead down the path of trusting Dr Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) made sense. Wilson was ill so he had to rely on some form of professional care. But when Wilson's love for Leadbetter proves to be a more effective therapy, Landy despises her impact and we see a darker side of him as he tries to reduce her influence. Leadbetter backs her own instincts thus giving Wilson back to the rest of the music loving world.

It's easy to say that Love and Mercy is a winner because it is well written, brilliantly directed and cast so well. The film has all of these attributes in spades but it's the simple scenes which give an insight into one man's ability to create so uniquely, even bizarrely all the while suffering in his own lonely world. Dano, Cusack, Banks and Giamatti bring it all to life wonderfully. The real Wilson's rendition of Love and Mercy at a recent live concert, shown while the titles roll, is a show stopper.  11GUMS.  

  



  

Film No. 40 (2015) Far From the Madding Crowd June 15th.

Film No. 40 (2015) June 15th. 6:30 PM THE WINDSOR Nedlands.

 

"Mr Oak I don't want a husband and if I ever were to marry I'd want someone to tame me and you'd never be able to do it." (Miss Everdene explains her plight to her one great ally, Mr Gabriel Oak).

Far From The Madding Crowd

Yes you guessed it, here again is another lavish, sumptuous costume drama. This one retells a famous story penned by Thomas Hardy back in the late 1800's. The story has been around for so long there is a chance one is visiting the cinema in the hope of viewing a new and original take on a famous narrative. At least that is what I wanted from Madding Crowd. I saw and enjoyed Thomas Vinterberg's dark take on an unnerving subject matter, The Hunt at last year's Perth Film festival. I was salivating at the prospect of something equally rewarding.

I have to say I was disappointed in this version but I'm more disappointed that I built my hopes around my Vinterberg theory because this version of Hardy's novel hardly puts a foot wrong. There is real chemistry between the four key characters and the stark beauty of the landscape, so important as a backdrop to this story is captured brilliantly. Maybe I watch too many films and thus get ahead of myself on occasions.

Bathsheba Everdene is an iconic character, etched into the imagination of all who have read Hardy. Cate Mulligan does a great job of matching her natural beauty with the strong minded hard edge needed. She deflects the affections of Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen) with believable precision. I wasn't convinced so much by her union with Francis Troy (Tom Sturridge). Because the novel is such an epic, the retelling of it in two hours meant that the dramatic, if fractured, union between Everdene and Troy fails the chemistry test.

This film will do good business. There are masses of baby boomer film goers craving another costume drama. I've never before seen the Thomas Hardy characters to be quite as beautiful and immaculately dressed as this version would have you believe but it is easy viewing. Personally, I'd like to have seen Vinterberg put a less saccharine blanket on this famous fairy tale.  7GUMS  

  

Film No. 39 (2015) The Emperor's New Clothes 12th June.

Film No. 39 (2015) June 12th.  4.20 PM LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge. 

"Did you know about the five million in bonuses last year? Did you get some of that? I'm startin' to thing your involved in some sort of high level financial skulduggery". (Brand talking, with tongue in cheek, with a bank security officer as he tries to get access to yet another bank executive).

 

The Emperor's New Clothes.

 

There is nothing in Russell Brand's new documentary about the world's financial inequality that most people don't know. The fact Michael Winterbottom, one of the U.K.'s premier directors, adds his name to being a major contributor to the film surprises me because there is nothing in the film that sets it above other documentaries of a similar preaching nature.


Millionaire Brand wants to know what happened to the millions that was paid to bankers after the GFC of 2008. His major gripe is that in all cases the money was taxpayer funded. It was provided to solidify the banks, to insulate them from imploding not to provide funds for "fat cats" to grab because they could. It is a fair crusade and he uses his charisma to put the case for the down trodden.

The most engaging scenes are those where Brand returns to his roots, Grays London. He walks the streets and chats easily with the locals as if walking to his local. Then he sits in the living rooms of working class locals who talk passionately about how hard it is to afford the basic essentials and an education. Brand is totally comfortable in every domestic situation and given the film was released months before the recent parliamentary elections it would seem the massage did not spread in the viral manner he and Winterbottom would have hoped.

It would seem Brand's signature scenes where those where he barged through the revolving doors of banks such as Lloyds & HSBC to name a few. Unfortunately he moved into territory he could be compared forensically with US filmmaker Mike Moore and Moore is better at the cold call. Brand was unable to embarrass any of his targets because is ambush methods were too cumbersome. Never the less Brand is likable and he has a point. It's unfortunate that the people he's fighting for are too busy working 15 hours a day to join his bandwagon.  7GUMS   





       

Film No. 38 (2015) Wild Tales June 7th.

Film No. 38 (2015) June 7th. 4:20 PM LUNA SX Fremantle.

 

"Crime of passion perhaps sir?" (A detective puts this quizzical notion to his superior as they approach a dire scene).

Wild Tales

 

I was cut off by an Audi driving chap in a hurry while driving on The Freeway last weekend. I watched him speed away and quietly hoped I might pass him further along as smoke plumed from under his bonnet or while changing his tyre in the emergency lane. Perhaps then I could give him a blast of my horn while making a hand gesture in his direction. After my Wild Tales experience I think I'll give all future vengeful fantasies a miss.

 

Wild Tales was a nominee for best foreign film at this year's Oscars. I wonder if it was hampered by the fact it told six different stories rather that of a conventional feature in nature. For me this rollicking two hour experience gets my vote as my most entertaining theatre experience of 2015 so far. And as my first paragraph suggests you'll leave questioning a behavior or two of your own as a reaction to some of these stories.

 

I purposely kept away from reading reviews of Wild Tales because I'd been advised by so many people that it was a not to be missed cinematic adventure. When told it was a film telling six short stories I asked if there was a link in any way via the theme, the characters or use of a clever common denominator. The answer was always no. After my experience with Wild Tales I'd have to disagree. My point of difference is that there is a common theme. Vengeful Endeavor is the common denominator I'd fix to these six Wild Tales.

 

If you detest viewing bad behavior by your fellow human being and prefer lighter, softer, reflective cinema. Then I'd suggest you give Wild Tales a miss. If you love tightly made films, using many and varied techniques (particularly camera positioning) depicting the ultimate definition of drama "man in a mess", then make Wild Tales a must see.  11GUMS   

 

  

 

 

Film No. 37 (2015) The Nightingale June 3rd.

Film No. 37 (2015) June 3rd. 6:45 PM PARADISO Northbridge.

 

"She made me promise to return to this village with this bird" (Zhigen explains to his granddaughter, Renxing, part of the reason he is taking his trip).

The Nightingale

 

Four years ago France and China signed a treaty forming an arts partnership of an unlikely kind. The bond was to commit artists and funding in a united front to make unique movies. The French would inject artistic expertise while Chinese talent and relevant funding mechanisms were placed on call. The Nightingale, a sweet film, part road movie part relationship reparation is an off shoot of this splicing of cultures.

 

Put simply our hearts are taken by Zhigen (Bao Tian Li), the aging grandfather of Renxing (Xin Yi Yang), an indulged only child. Zhigen has decided to travel some distance across China to return to his home village where he will spend the rest of his days. Renxing is constantly caught in the middle of squabling parents Qianing (Xin Ren Li) and son to Zhigen, Chongyi (Hoa Qin). When Zhigen learns of his daughter in law's busy schedule he invites a reluctant Renxing along for the ride.  Perhaps, deep down he's hoping to repair other wounds along the way.

 

And so the road trip begins. The complications arise as the gentle natured Zhigen quietly adapts then comply s with is needy granddaughters' demands. The common thread to their partnership is tied by the old man's pet, a Nightingale. The old bird is carried carefully by its owner as they travel but soon Renxing is drawn to the chirpy feathered creature. It's no surprise that as she becomes more compassionate we begin to soften our view towards her. 

 

The telling of this simple tale is done very cleverly. On the surface the narrative slides smoothly along with good humour and without complication but the issues faced by each character are nothing but complicated. In particular the father/son issues of which the resolution is not entirely convincing. French director Philippe Muyl has stamped his whimsical imprint on this gentle, atmospheric piece of cinema. I shall seek out some other films made under this unique artistic treaty.  8GUMS     

Film No. 36 (2015) What We Did On Our Holiday 31st May.

Film No. 36 (2015) May 31st. 4:50 PM THE WINDSOR Nedlands.

"The truth is every human being is ridiculous in their own way. So we shouldn't fight because in the end none of it matters, none of it". (Billy Connolly's granddad character Gordie discusses a simple life philosophy with his grand-daughter Lottie). 

What We Did On Our Holidays

I'm always fascinated, in this digital age, when a film is still showing in a suburban cinema 4 months out from its release date. What We Did On Our Holidays is one such film continuing it's "time in the sun" in the western suburbs of Perth. To quell my fascination, I joined the queue and experienced a very amusing film with more life lessons than an hour in a local church. 

I'm a fan of Outnumbered, that quirky British comedy series which relies on the brilliance of the child actors to be at their improvisational best. Creators Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin take their formula to a feature length project in Holiday and to my way of thinking they have a true gift when it comes "out of the mouths of babes" entertainment. The film is slightly too saccharine for its own good. It has a brilliant opening stanza which is hard to live up to but it remains amusing to the end.

Doug (David Tennant) and Abi (Rosamund Pike), recently separated, play happy families for a short holiday period for the sake of Doug's dying father Gordie (Billie Connolly). They travel to the picturesque Scottish highlands to celebrate what is likely to be Gordie's last birthday, his 75th. Doug's brother Gavin (Ben Miller), a short seller (the theme for a very funny scene), lives in a mansion, the setting for the many antagonistic verbal family stoushes.

Hamilton and Jenkin give their audience a children's eye view of the ridiculous adult behavior unravelling before our eyes. The unscripted responses from Jessie (Harriet Turnbull) and Mickey (Bobby Smalldridge) in particular give the film the extra dimension which then grows as Connolly and grand-daughter Lottie bring a different chemistry again to the story. But as you may have gleaned, this feature is all about the kids. They are the reasons for the drama of Holiday and they unnervingly and without fear help to solve the ills of the complicated family around them. 9GUMS    

Film No. 35 (2015) Waling the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago 30th May.

Film No. 35 (2015) May 30th.  10.45 AM LUNA Leederville. 

"You just follow the path and whatever comes up is there" (Widower Wayne reflects on his journey along the trail).

"Because I don't have a choice" (3 year old Cyrian on being asked why he is on the path with his mother, Tatiana).

 

Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago.

I feel bad criticizing a film like Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago. It is a feel good, big hearted documentary which gave myself, my wife and two good friends the opportunity to walk, without any chance of gaining a blister, the ancient Christian pilgrimage path with people trying get a better insight into their varying lives. It's just that it had the potential to be far more riveting than it was.

Six Ways, represented 6 different personalities attempting to service their spiritual health. There was Wayne (Canadian) who had recently lost his wife and needed to relieve his soul of the sadness he felt. His mate Jack, the episcopal priest, walked every step by his side. Tatiana (French) pushed a stroller with 3 her year old son Cyrian on board, her rudderless brother accompanied them for sections depending on whether he was on speaking terms with her. Sam, of U.K./Brazil (perhaps a duel passport holder) had low self esteem and clinical depression and just needed to achieve something personal, something unique.

Next was Tomas, a German with movie star good looks, who decided to walk the Camino on a whim even though he had blisters to begin with. Then there was Annie who moved at a snail's pace with sore knees and ankles and reflected on the wonderful people who would lend her a hand along the way. Finally Misa (Danish) and William (Canadian) who met each other early on the trail then came to terms with their very independent ways to form a loving bond. Perhaps part of my criticism revolves around these two easy going souls; it was their developing reliance on one another that I was dying to know more about.

In the last few years I have enjoyed a couple of feature films depicting characters finding new meaning by trekking extraordinary distances. Martin Sheen in The Way and Reece Witherspoon's academy nominated performance in Wild gave heartfelt insights into personal endeavour. I wonder if film-maker Lydia Smith had so much footage from her months of field work that when it came to the final edit, depicting 6 subjects in 95 minutes with any depth was always going to be a challenge. For those who have walked the Camino or are thinking about such an adventure,don't miss this easy to watch adventure documentary.  7GUMS.