No. 76 (2023) KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON. Oct. 24th.

 

Film No. 76  (2023)  October 24th.  10:40 AM  EVENT CINEMAS,  VMAX Cine 16,  Innaloo.

"When these women die of these illnesses, you have to make sure that these head-rights come to you. That's the way it is." (Uncle Bill lectures Ernest on the duties he must carry out as the husband of Molly, as she cares for her sick mother and ailing sisters).

NOMINEE: The Most Anticipated Film (Martin Scorsese) Hollywood Critics Mid-Season Awards.

 

I've not read the book, Killers of the Flower Moon, but I'll be seeking it out. David Grann's important documentation of what happened to the Osage Nation in the badlands of Oklahoma during the early 20th century has now been captured by Martin Scorsese, in a film of the same name. And,  running at 209 minutes, your cinema experience, if you choose to accept this mission, will be long, but very worthwhile. 

When a director of Scorsese's standing is presented with yet another opportunity to depict GREED (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, THE IRISHMAN) on screen with a relatively unlimited budget (Apple Studios) it's not likely he'll be rejecting the idea, is it? And the story of why a peaceful people, like the indigenous population of the Osage Nation, died in great numbers as oil in great abundance was being extracted from their native land, was tantamount to genocide. So, how did it happen and what were the processes of justice which had the guilty prosecuted?

I'm not into retelling this story. No way, but I will emphasise the fact Scorsese is at his best here. He and fellow writer Eric Roth gathered together their tried and tested team.  DiCaprio's, Ernest, DeNiro's Uncle Bill and Lily Gladstone's Molly dominate the screen and thus the story. We never tire of their talents as they control the pace at which this vile and horrific tale unravels. I came to the film with no historical knowledge of this time. I kept waiting for a change in emotional intelligence from DiCaprio, an outburst of meteoritic proportions from DeNiro and then, for Gladstone to maintain the knowing demeanour we first meet her with. Knowing the story changes my experience with KILLERS. DiCaprio is particularly good here. He and Gladstone are about to be showered in nominations in the coming months.

A running time of three and a half hours should not be an obstacle to seeing a film so well directed, so well performed, so well designed and so important. I say, should not, in the hope you'll go see this brilliant feature film.  11GUMS.    

           

         

   

  

No. 75 (2023) SHAYDA. Oct. 9th.

 

Film No. 75  (2023)  October 23rd.  6:40 PM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 7, Leederville.

 

"It means Hossein can see Mona, alone, unsupervised" (Shayda internalises the news she has been dreading. The directive that her abusive husband is allowed access to their daughter, the love of her life).

WINNER: Audience Award (Noora Niasari) Sundance Film Festival. Best Film (Noora Niasari) Cinefest Oz, Bussleton, Western Australia.

Film is all about story telling. Stories can be entertaining, Marvel style; big scenes and thunderous soundtracks. They can be big budget retells of popular novels or documentaries depicting exceptional people or events, or they can be small tales of everyday life gone wrong: such is,  SHAYDA, a small, brilliant but gruellingly honest tale with an unsettling subject matter; domestic violence. SHAYDA proves it's a story worth telling.

A faultless performance by Zar Amir Ebrahimi as Shayda fills every scene of writer/director Noora Niasari's debut feature. Zar's brilliance comes from her ability to harness all the compassion we can muster for Shayda as she deals with the impact of a marriage break-up, domestic violence, protecting a child. Shayda faces the threat of losing her 6 year old daughter, Mona (Selina Zahednia) to a troubled husband. The fact that she is being housed in a woman's refuge adds the real backdrop to this sobering story. No, this is not light entertainment. 

The choice Niasari makes with her opening scene is meticulous, brave and impactful. Three people, Shayda, Joyce (Leah Percell) and Mona walk through an international airport precinct. Shayda and Joyce are coaching Mona on how she needs to react to a possible abduction by her father. The importance of that scene becomes a constant as a reminder of the true anxiety Shayda is feeling .

Based on Zar Amir's own experiences in a Brisbane shelter, in the care of her mother, in the mid nineties, SHAYDA is a triumph. And while the subject matter is less than uplifting, there are great moments of joy and relief. Mona and Shayda care and are cared for by others in the shelter. Each has a story. We are taken inside a world most of us have little awareness of. Leah Purcell as Joyce depicts a loyal rock, vulnerable people would always hope might be there for them. Niasari's real life Joyce must hold a special place in her heart. SHAYDA is an excellent film. Yet another important story, well told.  10GUMS.    

 

No. 74 (2023) THE OLD OAK Palace British FF (Preview Aust) Oct 16th.

 

Film No. 74  (2023)  October 16th.  6:30 PM  PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 7, Perth City.

"We've been in this village all our lives, man. And we're sposed to share it with that lot. We don't even know them." (T.J's mate Charlie expresses the views of his drinking gang, while gathered for a pint at The Old Oak).

WINNER (Ken Loach & Paul Laverty) Audience Award. Cinefest Sudbury (2023).

THE OLD OAK is not classic Ken Loach, but it is, trademark Loach. I'm a Loach/Laverty (writer) devotee so I'm a bit sad that I have to pass a couple of negative comments here. But how can I be truly sad about a film, created by a master, that simply screams out "why the hell can't we all just get on, man?" 

Actor Dave Turner is T.J. Ballantyne, a loyal, big hearted publican in working class Durham. The backdrop for most scenes is, The Old Oak, his pub. From the first images we are made aware of T.J.'s generosity of spirit. He is on hand, in the streets he likely grew up in, helping Syrian refugees exit their bus to be housed in nearby, (government) flats. Bigoted locals surround the bus, expressing their anger at the "inundation" of these foreigners. T.J. is focused on helping, all the while being quietly aware of the vitriol being aimed, partially, at him, for becoming involved.

From here it is pure Loach. The gentle, generous nature of Yara (Elba Mari) along with her Syrian family, the Good Samaritan deeds of T.J. and Laura (Claire Rodgerson) and the concept of a communal meeting place (The Old Oak) where all may meet and be fed, set the example for how this community can thrive together, and it warms our hearts. But where is THE DRAMA you ask? Well, it is in the whys and wherefores of the human condition. Who deserves their sense of belonging more? The locals or the refugees? And what needs to happen for them all to live in harmony?

Some of the preaching by Loach is over played, but the message is so meaningful; the extra reinforcement is worthwhile.  

Loach is now 86. There are murmurings that this, the third part of the trilogy which began with, I, DANIEL BLAKE, followed by, SORRY WE MISSED YOU, is his last film. I hope not. My understanding is THE OLD OAK had  issues due to COVID leading to casting restrictions. I'd be surprised if Loach finished, knowing that THE OLD OAK could have been better. There is a preachiness that weighs it down. But only ever so slightly.   10GUMS.

No. 73 (2023) THE CRIME IS MINE (MON CRIME) Palace (Aust) Oct 13th.

 

Film No. 73  (2023)  October 13th.  12:50 PM  PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 2 (Platinum), Perth City.

"For years, women have been bitterly eliminating us" (The prosecution mounts their case against Madeleine with a sweeping statement or two).

Feature Film of the Week (Francois Ozon) Law Society Journal Aust. (2023).

Francois Ozon is possibly France's most prolific, current day feature film director. His resume reads as an A Grade artist's should. His popularity has been built on his ability to create films of substance, but none that you might label "Ozonesque" as one might a Wes Anderson flick. He is a versatile film maker, considering THE SWIMMING POOL and 8 WOMEN are two of his best. Both very different films. THE CRIME IS MINE is far more in the mould of the latter. Here he presents a silly, yet highly entertaining farce which is sharp in style and comic timing.  

So, what's the crime? Madeleine (Nadia Tereszkiewicz), an ambitious actress, is our  protagonist. We meet her in the opening scene, coming from a lavish dwelling, looking slightly dishevelled and anxious. Her friend Pauline, an energetic, "wet behind the ears" solicitor, is on hand to meet her as she arrives back in their flat. The lavish residence she has come from is that of a well known producer, Montferrand. She tells Pauline of his predatory behaviour, a key reason why she turned down the role he'd offered up. Soon a policeman arrives. He has news that the producer has been found, in his house, shot dead.  Madeleine is soon the key suspect, for good reason. Pauline will represent her. 

MON CRIME is really a film within a play, but that's because it is based on a 1934 play by Georges Berr. This notion becomes more apparent later, via a very clever finale involving Tereszkiewizc and the superb Isabelle Huppert playing Odette, the key ingredient in solving this mysterious killing. 

Here we have a #MeToo costume drama of the '30's, old as a farce and full of intrigue. A type of film, producer Weinstein may have approved of, told as a US version, twenty years ago. But the good thing is, he's in no position to do so. Thanks Francois, for this salient reminder, told with a lightness not aligned with such abominable behaviour. The ending, so important to the tale, is a delight.   10GUMS.   

 

        

No. 72 (2023) LIKE SHEEP AMONG WOLVES (COME PERCORE IN MEZZO AI LUPI) Palace Italian FF. Oct. 9th.

 

Film No. 72  (2023)  October 9th.  3:50 PM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 1, Leederville.

 

"You were never around to look after him. Get out!" (Heartbreakingly Vera is ostracized by her father at the worst of times in her life).

OFFICIAL SELECTION: (Lyda Patitucci): Best Film; International Film Festival, Rotterdam (2023).

 

Good action, feature, crime dramas, have been hard to come in recent years. Being told in a series via TV streaming tends to be the home of this genre, recently.

 Well, if you are missing a big screen story telling experience of this nature, then seek out, LIKE SHEEP AMONG WOLVES. Isabella Rogonese's Vera is a character you won't forget easily.

First feature director Lyda Patitucci could hardly have made a more audacious debut. The story, told through the eyes of Vera, an undercover cop, unfolds with an edginess reminiscent of a Scandi, noir tale.  Vera is in every scene. For good reason. She's doing a job she is addicted to. But she knows there is a limit to her resilience. The film tells the story of her last weeks in the job. Enter her family; the family she stepped away from years ago. Her loyalty, we sense is unquestioned, but when her brother, a young father, appears, just when he shouldn't, she regrets not leaving the service earlier.

Like Sheep Among Wolves is easy to recommend. It's full of all the tropes that make crime dramas addictive entertainment. Vera is a hero, looking to make changes in her life. Will she be able to make those changes on her terms? For the violence and sadness she experiences, is the ending, the beginning of the phase in her life which will test her ability to really make a difference? Go find out.  10GUMS. 

  

No. 71 (2023) THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS (LE OTTO MONTAGNE) Palace Italian FF. Oct. 7th.

 

Film No. 71  (2023)  October 7th.  1:10 PM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 5, Leederville.

 

"I didn't expect to find a friend like Bruno in my life. Nor that friendship was a place where you put down roots." (Pietro narrates the opening words to this epic tale, depicting a friendship that shapes his life).

WINNER: (Felix Van Groeninger, Charlotte Vandermeersch)  : Jury Prize; Cannes FF (2022). WINNER: Best Film; Donatello FF.

 

To listen to co director Charlotte Vandermeesch talk of the journey it took to get the best selling novel by Poalo Cognetti to the screen is to hear about an odyssey which parallels this epic story of friendship, family and life itself. Actor Vandermeesch and her partner, director Felix Van Groeningen co created MONTAGNE (The Eight Mountains) on the Italian Alps, bordering France, in 8 months. They had to overcome challenges of isolation, weather, and resource issues, by the hour. But you need to see this quite wonderous film to appreciate how difficult the shoot must have been. 

From the first narration, we are in the hands of Pietro who is reflecting on how blessed he was to have had a friend in Bruno. This is not a docudrama about well known people, it's the story of two boys who meet as young lads, then grow into men. Over the next three decades, their friendship shapes who they are, and who they become. All of this is set, in the main, in surroundings so harsh and breath-taking (seasonal) that the substance of the friendship matches the alpine beauty. 

So often a film cannot match the power of a novel. The descriptions of relationships, sweeping landscapes and emotional healing, told over time, through the written word, has greater aesthetic depth. Here, however, the magic of scenes of silent contemplation, along with a thoughtful musical backing, means THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS gathers that real depth. The country/folk soundtrack  has a real relevance to the images. The scenes on the side of the mountain, as the two build their cabin (a symbol of their lasting bond), will be the lasting image you take away. We all have friends we cherish for the strengths we share. It's likely the reason THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS has struck a chord with so many. 11GUMS.      

      

     

 

No. 70 (2023) SCRAPPER Oct. 1st.

 

Film No. 70  (2023)  October 1st.  2:40 PM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 4, Leederville.

 

"I don't need you to replace mum. But I need someone" (Georgie comes to a few conclusions about how Jason might fit into her life).

WINNER: (Charlotte Regan) World Cinema: Dramatic; Sundance Film Festival.

 

SCRAPPER created a real buzz at Sundance this year. Sundance is all about films that bring a freshness to big screen tales. Running at 84 minutes, and telling the story of a 12 year old girl living without care or love, might seem like serious business. It's the intelligent manner with which first time feature writer/director Charlotte Reagan handles that business that impresses. 

Our scrapper is Georgie (Lola Campbell). She lives in a yellow semi- detached unit somewhere on the outskirts of East London. We meet her not long after her loving mother has passed away. There is no father on the scene, and get this, Georgie cares for herself. It's all pretty fanciful I know, but this is where Regan convinces us that a resourceful girl like Georgie could exist. But there is something missing: love.  Love is definitely the resource Georgie will not be able to survive without. Enter Jason (Harris Dickinson), her father.

Director, Reagan, could be a Ken Loach devotee with an optimistic vision of the naturalistic style. Loach often does leave us with hope, but Reagan strikes a chord using humour, laced with short interludes of fantasy. We know the hope and love for Georgie turns up in the form of Jason. He's too likeable to let us and Georgie down with something like an addiction but: Why did he run away as a teenage dad?  Why is he back? Is he ready for this responsibility?

It's these loose ends that are tied up wonderfully by Reagan. A 29 year old director who, herself, was brought up by her Nan in a working class borough similar to that of Georgie's.  SCRAPPER reeks of a personal story. Georgie and Jason never outstay their welcome. Reagan leaves us in the sort of place she herself has been left, as she follows her dreams.  10GUMS.

        

 

No. 53 (2023) THE SPACE RACE. Perth; THE REV. Film Festival July 15th.

 

Film No. 53  (2023)  July 15th.  10:30 AM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 5, Leederville.

 

"I loved the space program. I was fascinated with it. But no one doing that stuff looked like me " (Black NASA administrator Charlie Bolden describes his younger days, as he aspired to become an astronaut).

NOMINEE: (Lisa Cortes & Diego Hurtado de Mendoza) Best Documantary Film, National Geographic. FINALIST: (Lisa Cortes & Diego Hurtado de Mendoza) Audience Award, Tribeca Film Festival 2023. SPECIAL SCREENING: (Lisa Cortes & Diego Hurtado de Mendoza) @ The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library. June 18th 2023.

Important films like THE SPACE RACE never get a wide enough big screen audience, mainly because, it's a National Geographic production. Generally these films are filed in a streaming vault to be accessed at will. So, THE SPACE RACE is a film available to many, but you have to go looking for it. I suggest you do.

Major League Baseball wears the Jackie Robinson story with pride. They celebrate his story with a designated day. Kids run around fields all wearing the famous 42 on that day. After all, 75 years ago this humble man became the first black man to play in the Majors. What's this got to do with THE SPACE RACE? Well, plenty. Charlie Bolden, Edward Dwight and Victor Glover represent the black men who fought a similar battle to Robinson, but their fight was with an even bigger organization, NASA. 

This classic, tick the boxes, thorough Nat Geo doco reminds us of the society that existed in most parts of the world, especially in the 50's, 60's and 70's. THE SPACE RACE mainly  holds our focus via the very articulate and focused Charles Bolden. He talks to camera telling the story of the struggle to prove ones worth but never feeling equal. Edward Dwight (first black astronaut), Victor Glover (first pilot on the SpaceX crew) and Guion Bluford (first black African to fly into space) all tell their stories. The inclusion of Ron McNair (the only black African on Challenger '86) brought a sad note, but importantly the doc highlights his genius, and the loss he was to the program.

Films like THE SPACE RACE continue to remind us of the archaic times that existed.  Times that remind us that tolerance is one of life's special ingredients. Times when the likes of NASA and MLB should have known better. More importantly we are in awe of of the pioneers of change; in this case the Boldens', the Dwights' and the Glovers' of the world. This film is one of those important films that keep us all on track to making our world a better place. 10GUMS.

 

     

   

No. 69 (2023) THE LAST FILM SHOW Sept. 26th.

 

Film No. 69  (2023)  September 26th.  4:30 PM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 4, Leederville.

 

"I want to study light." (Samay tells his dad, in his own way, that he wants to make films).

WINNER: (Pan Nalin) Audience Award; Mill Valley Film Festival. NOMINEE: (Pan Nalin) Tribeca Film Festival.

I'm trying to think of a better "tribute to cinema" film than, THE LAST FILM SHOW. I can't. It's a big call I know, but this small Indian masterpiece will take your heart in such an unassuming way, you'll have tears rolling down your face within 100 minutes and know exactly how they got there.  Pan Nalin's semi autobiographical feature relives his journey into how film became his life in a tiny village in central India.

Bhavin Rabari plays the key role of Samay. A ten year old boy who becomes fascinated with the magic of movies. The small isolated village is the setting for which Samay comes of age running tea for his dad (Dipen Raval) at the local railway station. Samay's fascination however is with film, he helps Fazal (Bhavesh Shrimal) the village projectionist and discovers the magic of the moving image, along with his 5 mates, all being as mischievous as they need to be to explore their dreams and take assorted locals along for the ride.

Then just as we all get an education in how the moving image is created using a sewing machine, single cuts of celluloid film reacting through a tumbler of water via a torch, Samay learns of the sacking of friend Fazal. The world of digital movie entertainment has come to the village. The transition from celluloid to digital transforms TLFS unexpectedly. The narrative diverts TLFS into a reusables "mini doco". It's like Nalin's wish that all the celluloid has reusable value. It's a very quirky deviation.

But the heart that beats in THE LAST FILM SHOW is as big as the big, well oiled projector Fazal operates. Samay, his family and friends fill the screen with optimism, exotic simple cuisine, compassion and dream chasing. Ultimately the magic of cinema is all of these things ... this time the story is told by a film maker (Nalin) telling us how it was for him.  11GUMS.

   

   

  

No. 68 (2023) #ANNAISMISSING Sept. 18th.

 

Film No. 68  (2023)  September 18th.  3:30 PM  KINO Cine, Prague, Czech Republic.  Cine 5.

 

"Dad, I've seen her on your phone. I'm scared" (Nina confronts her dad with her discovery).

NOMINEE: (Pavel Soukup) Young Film-makers submission, Prague.

Travelling in a country where big films are made by international studios can mean the local industry fades into obscurity. #ANNAISMISSING is a Prague production of the mystery/thriller variety and while it may well disappear into obscurity if it can't gain an international distributor, I can take pleasure in reporting I had a great time with this small, raw potboiler.

In plotline terms the title suggests social media will feature heavily. It does, and this aspect of the narrative is "massaged" well by first time feature director Pavel Soukup. His #MARYISDEAD TV series (one season) extends some of these ideas.

Nina (Alexandra Vostrejzova) is a follower of influencer Anna (Viktorie Vitova). Anna is a prolific poster, until she isn't. Nina, a teenager with spunk, becomes suspicious, and while so much of what follows is convenient, the red herrings and side stories help to build a believable enough space for Nina to follow her nose to a tight, unnerving ending. Flashbacks are a key to keeping total engagement for the audience. Soukup balances this technique well. 

The young performers carry #ANNAISMISSING.  Vitova is particularly strong as Anna. They showcase a vibrant Prague performing arts community. Hopefully an international festival run, in coming months, with give this film some oxygen.  8GUMS

  

  

 

 

No. 67 (2023) MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING Part One Sept. 12th.

 

Film No. 67  (2023)  September 12th.  1:35 PM  CINE CENTRE, Sofia, Bulgaria.  Cine 6.

 

"Listen to me! The world is coming after you." (Ethan is warned that this task he has accepted could be his last, given the stakes).

NOMINEE: (Christopher McQuarrie) Most Anticipated Film, Hollywood Critics Association.

Stepping up to the Candy Bar with the citizens of Sofia, Bulgaria for what was voted Hollywood's most anticipated film was a strange experience. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING Part One had been around for 6 weeks so the queue had diminished. BARBIE was still The Queen of the Box Office. Bulgarians were still queueing for this pink "bombshell". This didn't mean our first ever experience of a Bulgarian Cineplex was lessened because MI might disappoint. Far from it, MI was edge of the seat entertaining and deserving of its $300M  profit.

Talk about Impossible; I feel like an imposter reviewing a film that forms part of a franchise I've visited only once previously; the original, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (1996), the Brian DePalma creation. Well, this Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher) effort is an addition that likely surpasses most of the other seven action/adventure POSSIBLES! Each sits comfortably as a stand alone story. And while my two major ambitions; admiring a 60 something Tom Cruise and ground breaking action sequences were achieved in spades, the idea of a satisfying BLOCKBUSTER, seen on a mega screen was an undeniable positive. 

I'm kicking myself that I haven't indulged enough over the 27 years the franchise has been in operation. A critics analysis would suggest an improvement with every franchise addition.  Only a diehard fan could best advise on these matters. Me, well that's my second and I admit to enjoying both, thoroughly. Technology, techniques and effects gives DEAD - RECKONING the edge.  Oh, and thanks for having me, Megaplex, downtown Sofia.  9GUMS.