Film No. 60 (2015) Me And Earl and the Dying Girl. August 22nd.

Film No. 60 (2015) August 22nd.  10.45 AM LUNA Leederville. 

"No, hey, I'm not here because I pity you, no I'm actually here because my mum made me". (Greg justifies his visit to Rachel).

 

This film will be forgotten more easily than Juno, the film it is being most compared with, but I think it is cleverer; maybe it's just a little too unique for its own good but who cares. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl has deserved all the accolades and awards it has received in recent months.

Meet Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) a scrawny high school student who spends most of his time with Earl (RJ Cyler), his co-worker, making elaborate home made films based on higher profile blockbusters from the past. Grumpy Cul-De-Sacs (Mean Streets)and Senior Citizen Cane are just a few of the titles produced by Greg and Earl. Greg's meandering life takes a turn when his mum (Connie Britton) insists he visit Rachel (Olivier Cooke) who has cancer. From here it is the clumsiness of the meeting then the graduation of the raw honesty they share that separates Me and Earl from other teenage weepies.

Perhaps director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon has tried a little too hard to crearte a quirkiness about every character but as none of them over act he gets away with it. Earl is wonderfully likeable from the get go and I for one would love to have seen his all knowing relationship with Rachel captured in more scenes. But when a film as rich as this is served up there can often be a taste for more.

And then there is the ending. We know that we are being lead inevitably towards sadness prior to the rolling of the credits. The real sadness, with a touch of the uplifting, does come quite brilliantly in the last 7 minutes but not quite as you might expect. In those seven minutes we travel back through the key days of Greg and Earl and Rachel's relationships so brilliantly you'll be left touched. To be left uniquely and truly touched by a film takes great skill. I have fallen more in love with this film in the days since. 10GUMS  

  

Film No. 59 (2015) Holding the Man. August 15th.

Film No. 59 (2015) August 15th.  10.45 AM LUNA Leederville. 

"Do what you wanna do, be what you wanna be Yeah". (The lyrics of Because I Love You by The Masters Apprentices, a moving centre piece song).

 

Holding The Man.

Neil Armfield showed us how brilliantly he could extract moving performances from young actors (Cornish and Ledger) in Candy (2006). Nine years on and Armfield returns to our screens with Holding the Man. The true love story of Timothy Conigrave (Ryan Corr) and John Caleo (Craig Stott) based on Conigrave's memoir published 20 years ago. He has not lost the ability to move us but I feel Candy is the superior work.

The film relies on the performances of Corr and Caleo. Both young actors are learning their craft and this test proves they have the potential to take their careers to a new level. So much of the onscreen affection displayed by Conigrave and Caleo would have divided an audience 20 years ago but because of our world's understanding of homosexuality, we are less confronted. We are able to invest our attention in two people who grow to love one another. 


Holding the Man is a period piece depicting a love story from the 70's and 80's. The issues and themes reflected in the film divided the world at the time. People were confronted with HIV and AIDS; diseases people knew little about. A film of this quality is a great reminder and discussion point for people of varying generations. In the same way Breaker Morant reminds us of a an unjust issue from our past, Holding the Man reminds us of a time when a health epidemic gripped society.

So why is Candy the superior film? Holding the Man is more staged. It's adapted from a book which was translated to stage. There are scenes in Holding the Man which are reenactments of the stage play. Live theatre can take its time when dwelling on the most moving and poignant moments. To emulate that on film in exactly the same way means scenes can lose their relevance. This happens on a couple of occasions in Holding the Man. It is often hard to compare original screenplays with adapted versions. Never the less, Holding the Man will be well received. 8GUMS.



   

Film No. 58 (2015) Irrational Man 12th August.

Film No. 58 (2015) August 12th.  6.30 PM LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge. 

"That should put some viagra into the philosophy department". (An observation made by Jill's (Emma Stone) mother on news that Abe (Joaquin Pheonix) has been appointed to the local university)

 

Irrational Man

 

Woody Allen is back to present his annual offering. No matter what one thinks of Allen, based usually on his private life, the legendary manner in which he churns out quirky cinema of the Allen type is amazing. Because he is so prolific, the quality of some of his films suffer but with every new offering there are always unique ideas and characters. Irrational Man is no exception but it is not his best work.

Match Point is Allen's best effort at an odd ball mystery offering. He has tried to repeat this in Irrational Man using the idea of an emotionally constipated philosophy tutor, Abe (Joaquin Pheonix), expounding his virtues about real truth but then discovering his unblocking comes from an ultimate undisciplined act of taking the law into his own hands. Has his world of academia given him a false sense of what is real?

See I told you Woody brings something new(idea)to the screen each time he writes and directs. This time Woody trials the idea that a doyen (Abe) of idealistic thoughts and morals can only unblock his emotional handicap by being tempted into contemplating an act most despicable. Abe however completely justifies, on moral grounds, why the act is righteous. Good idea isn't it?

The problem is Woody over scripts this one. Most of Allen's films run between 88 and 94 minutes. He's the master of telling his story in traditional movie length time. This one runs 15 minutes too long. I'm not sure Joaquin Pheonix is the best choice for the lead role. I think we need to feel more aligned with his decision to test his morals but we don't; at least I didn't. Also the chemistry between he and Emma Stone is not quite right. Never mind, I quite enjoyed Allen's new idea, they are always refreshing. 8GUMS.      
  


     

Film No. 57 (2015) Trainwreck August 11th.

Film No. 57 (2015) August 11th.  8.30 PM HOYTS Garden City. 

"Your mother and I are getting a divorce, you must realize that monogamy isn't realistic" (Amy's dad emphasizes a key personal foundation for life to his two young daughters who repeat in unison his words as the film opener). 

 

Trainwreck

 

I'm assuming that the title of this very funny film relates to the life Amy (Amy Schumer)is leading as she follows to the letter, her father's rant concerning monogamy. I'm not sure that the title is a good one. Only because we meet a self confident woman working on the sleazy side of tabloid magazine publishing. Other than taking alcohol in quantities more than she should, she seems happy in her own skin. It's not until she meets Dr Aaron (Bill Hader) that she is forced into a more realistic approach to monogamy. It's only a minor quibble.

Inside Amy Schumer is a big hit on pay television at the moment. Her approach to comedy is raw, in ya face and not to everyone's taste. She has written Trainwreck in a similar vein with many scenes playing out like her sketch work. This time, in the careful hands of Judd Apatow, they have woven a love story through the comic set pieces. It works, but then again I'm a fan of Schumer's work, not every one is.

In the same way Apatow worked with Kirsten Wigg in Bridesmaids there is a whole lot to laugh about in Trainwreck. Amy has a boss Dianna (Tilda Swinton) who serves up "off the wall" as only Swinton could. The editorial meetings are hilarious and set the task for Amy to write a story on Dr. Aaron a high profile sports doctor but a doctor with heart. Meanwhile Amy has a semi steady man in Steve (John Cena) who loves himself and his body slightly more than he loves Amy but in a very self effacing way. The cinema scene with Amy and Steve had me in stitches, the type of stitches writers and directors aim for but so often miss.

And then there are the LeBron James (himself) sketches. LeBron is one of Aaron's clients, but is more than just "meat" in the rough and tumble of sports medicine;  LeBron looks out for Dr Aaron in a role reversal. It is clever and James is more than a dab hand around the hoops, he delivers comedy quite brilliantly in Trainwreck. Chris Everet turns up later in the film and looks as so many celebrities do on film, uncomfortable; James shines. If you like the best of Apatow's work and/or you find Schumer's T.V. shows amusing then chances are you'll enjoy Trainwreck, I did. 9GUMS



 





        

Film No. 56 (2015) Fantastic Four August 5th.

Film No. 56 (2015) August 5th.  6.45 PM GREATER UNION Innaloo. 

"It is our duty as human beings to push forward into the unknown". (Dr Franklin Storm delivers his world view to his young scientists) 

 

Fantastic Four

 

"When Marvel sold the live action rights to many of their characters and groups of characters in the 1990's, it was on the condition that the rights would revert back to Marvel if the properties were not used within a certain number of years". This is a fact I found on-line on The Stackexchange and I think it sums up the desperate plight of 20th Century Fox as it fumbles around with The Fabulous Four franchise. This effort is definitely as bland as eating Weet-Bix straight from the box.

Maybe the characters of this re-boot FF would be best left on cheap comic stationary. I was never a Marvel reader as a lad but I had plenty of mates who loved each weekly edition and I understood their love for disappearing to a corner to escape to their fantasy world. This is why it confuses me as to why the release wouldn't take place in school holidays. I imagine it to be a perfect time to capture the hearts and minds of 9 to 13 year old boys all looking to escape on a dreary day into a dark cinema space. 

Four young scientists get drunk one evening then decide to teleport themselves to some nuclear powered planet where they teleport themselves back, each now possessing new individual super powers. Politics then plays a part in how their super powers are harnessed. See it's a plot line best left on comic sheets.

If you are a boy and you are 11 years old who loves watching big colourful action movies plus you've never heard of Whiplash and Miles Teller's brilliant performance then go see Fabulous Four. I'd also like to say I'm pleased an 11 year old is reading my blog ! 3GUMS     

Film No. 55 (2015) Life In A Fishbowl. 28th July.

Film No. 55 (2015) July 28th.  6.30 PM LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge. 

"And he didn't stop until I was fifteen". (Eik addresses her mother at the death bed of her grandfather.

 

  Life In A Fishbowl(Vonarstraeti)

 

This mesmerizing film from Iceland will have you thinking for hours afterwards. While some of the subject matter is not pleasant, the wonderful manner in which we journey into the lives of Eik, Mori and Solvi leaves us wondering why more 140 minute films can't make it seem like only an hour has passed.

Eik (Hera Hilmar) is a single mum. She earns her money as a prostitute working in the evenings, usually with repeat clients and as a childcare worker by day. It suits her lifestyle as she cares for her 8 year old daughter; a daughter with whom she shares a very loving relationship. Premium money earned in a short time span fulfills her priorities. Mori (Porsteinn Bachmann) is a legendary Icelandic author, although our first glimpse of him belies this fact. He is alcohol dependent and looks like a bum. He has a past which weighs heavily on his demeanor. Finally Solvi (Thor Kristjansson) completes the triangle as the ex soccer star who has been fast tracked into the world of banking but whos' morals are still intact. 

The intelligent script blends the characters into each others lives most gently and with depth. There are scenes which may seem a little too coincidental or even convenient but the very best stories suffer the same consequence, however because the story telling is so good we rarely complain. 

Life in a Fishbowl is a tale that holds the mirror up to the world's inhabitants as the GFC is striking. Iceland felt the early effects and in Fishbowl our three characters are trying to live their lives to certain standards but facing trying circumstances and moral tests along the way. Much like us all! This will surely be in my best 5 films this year. 11GUMS       

  



  

Film No. 54 (2015) Homesick 25th July.

Film No. 54 (2015) July 25th.  2.15 PM LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge. 

Charlotte is longing for strong family bond but is she reaching out in the right direction?

 

Homesick (De naemeste) 

 

We meet beautiful, fragile Charlotte (Ine Marie Wilmann) at a  wedding dinner as she makes a nervous speech to acknowledge her friendship with the bride. Charlotte is happy for her soul mate but underneath she cries knowing that she is losing a security anchor, someone she has relied on to keep her on an even keel. From then on we scream out for Charlotte to be loved - but certainly not in the vein she chooses.

Henrik is Charlotte's half brother. They have not been brought up together and suffer from the effects of a lack of any form of family nurture and love. Henrik is older and was abandoned by his self-absorbed mother as an infant. We meet Henrik as a family man, seemingly happy. He tries to ward off Charlotte (she is the child of his mother's next, enduring relationship) who craves re-connection with her half brother. He is however attracted to her and their bonding is understandable considering the loveless nature of their past.

Homesick is but another example of Norway placing an un-abashed mirror up to the mores of life in a very civilized western culture. The relationship that unfolds between these insecure half siblings is very confronting but that's the whole point of the film. We are left to contemplate what might come of two adults paying the price for a childhood where they craved for warmth and recognition and got none.

Wilmann, with her Kate Hudsonesque looks, is perfect in her role as Charlotte. The blending of her gentle demeanor as the dance teacher with her insecure existence adds to our complete care for her. I have loved the Scandinavian approach to relaying human drama to my world during this unique festival. Homesick is confronting but thought provoking, and while the themes have potential to repel an audience, film going purists will luxuriate in the tender way it is made.  9GUMS       


















 

Film No. 53 (2015) Far From Men 20th July.

Film No. 53 (2015) July 20th.  2.30 PM LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge. 

"I join you my way by educating my pupils" (Daru explains how he contributes to his people's fight for independence)

 

Far From Men    (Loin des hommes)

Viggo Mortensen is becoming the face of the lone hero, battling against the odds to reveal what is right and true. In most cases he plays a character with a past and while that past is not always morally balanced there comes a time to right the wrongs. A History of Violence and The Road remain favourites of mine, mainly due to the brilliance of Mortensen. Far From Men is the equal to these two powerful films.

Inspired by the Albert Camus short story The Guest we are taken into the Algerian tundra to meet Daru (Mortensen) a pacifist working as a teacher for the goat herder's children of the region. The time is 1954 and the Algerians are fighting the French for their own sovereignty. Daru is of Spanish extraction but he has grown up amongst the French. His aim is to teach the young Algerians so that they might think for themselves and thus have a vision for their own future. Daru's world changes when he is forced by his French contemporaries to transport (by foot) an Algerian prisoner to a nearby town to face trial for murder.

Road Movies come in many forms but few are as unique as Far From Men. Daru resents the fact his prisoner Mohamed (Reda Kateb) has short circuited the new life he has dedicated himself to, but as the journey unfolds and the layers of Daru's past are peeled back, new choices are made by both our intrepid travelers.

All the elements of great film making come together in this human drama. No dialogue is wasted, as the most insignificant of conversations built layer by layer the scaffold to this central relationship. The rugged backdrop complements the human challenges so desperately depicted. Then finally the earthy soundtrack so wonderfully derived by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis bring an extra dimension to the story. The fork in the road conclusion could so easily have been cliched, but it produced a "cracker" of an ending.  10GUMS.