Film No. 16 (2024) February 23rd. 1:15 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 4, Perth City.
"I'll be back soon, sweetie." (The words Rubens says, as he touches the cheek of wife Eunice, fully believing he would soon be back in the bosom of his family).
WINNER: Best Performance by a Female Actor (Fernanda Torres) The Golden Globe Awards.
In a world where dictatorial regimes continue to plague countries in contemporary times, does I'M STILL HERE (HERE) remind us, how middle-class life can so simply be, "torn to threads" without good reason? You bet!
Director Walter Salles (MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) takes us into the lives of the wonderfully functional Paiva family rollicking on the beaches of Rio in 1970. We'd hardly believe Brazil was under authoritarian rule; a military sensitive to any disgruntled individuals. Ruben Paiva, an ex congressman and family man, came under military focus and disappeared from his family. HERE then becomes the story of how Eunice (Fernanda Torres) suffers the indignity of arrest and the frustration of not knowing the whereabouts of her husband, while remaining the resilient, stoic mother of a bright, vibrant young family. This is not a "based on a true story" tale, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. Salles knew the family. The Paiva's only son, Marcello, wrote, I'm Still Here, in collaboration with his mother, Eunice. It's a personal story and Salles has made it personal. The film's pace will alienate some. Not me. I was gifted a freedom filled, happy life in an uncomplicated democracy (Australia). HERE is a salient reminder to be thankful.
It's rare for a film to be nominated for a Best Film and Best International Film gong at the same ceremony (The Oscars). However, the gong may go to Torres for Best Lead Actress. Three days on, I can't get the image of Eunice out of my mind. 11GUMS.
Film No. 15 (2025) February 19th. 9:30 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 6, Innaloo.
"I know it's going to sound cheesy, but from the moment we locked eyes there was a spark". (Iris explains to Josh how she felt at their first meeting).
WINNER: Directors to Watch (Drew Hancock) Palm Springs Int FF. (2025).
Is COMPANION (C) a better entertainment experience when seen unincumbered by watching trailers and reading reviews? For me, the answer is a wholehearted, yes. C is an ocean of refreshing ideas soaked in blood!
No spoilers here. Perhaps you are a lover of thrillers with lashings of horror - so long as they present new and exhilarating ideas which both surprise and shock. If so, then, COMPANION, is for you. Sophie Thatcher's Iris will captivate you into believing she is something she is not. Her perfect boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid) and his supportive friends will have you thinking, how can this vanilla drama amount to anything? You will find you couldn't have been more wrong. Read no further, go see it!
Drew Hancock usually writes and directs middle of the road T.V. fiction (SUBURGATORY). This is his feature debut. I'll be looking out for more of his big screen creations. Universal are loving C. 10GUMS.
Film No. 14 (2025) February 18th. 6:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.
"Our retirement years were meant to be golden. But he's just sitting there!" (Tiina Hammer tells her son what life is like with her husband Lars who has lost his zest for life).
NOMINEE: Best Documentary (Filip & Fredrik) International Catholic Film Critics Association .
I liked DEN SISTA RESAN (DSR), English title, THE LAST JOURNEY), but when watching it, how do we decide what's contrived and what's real? Well, one doesn't really, but we take a guess, and then in the end, it doesn't matter.
Filip Hammer and Fredrik Wikingsson are Sweden's version of Hamish and Andy (Australia); a fun comedic duo who have grown on a nation (Sweden) and who are generally accepted as harmless, if not slightly "wet". The idea of a documentary depicting one of those comedians (Filip) connecting with his father (Lars) in a way that would move a nation (and beyond), is the idea that drives this partially contrived documentary. Is it more promotional spin for the duo's brand, or a fun vignette to warm the heart? The answer is - it's both. This very entertaining 90 minutes of feature film making is wonderfully humorous, empathetic, thought provoking and most of all, original. And while the boys are key to the road trip, Lars is the star, and they never try to steal his limelight.
We all, as we age, treasure childhood memories of good times, created, with love, by our parents. They may not be there when we'd like to thank them. DSR reminds us to "drink" in all that our parents are to us while they are still with us. 9GUMS.
Film No. 13 (2024) February 10th. 7:00 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 1, Perth City.
"This supervision of an election is a duty I thought I'd never have to perform." (Cardinal Lawrence is in shock as he deals with the death of The Pontiff and accepts this new role bestowed upon him).
WINNER: Best Ensemble Cast (Edward Berger) Critics Choice Awards. NOMINEE: Best Motion Picture (Edward Berger) Oscars.
Does a conclave represent the best backdrop to understanding the politics involved in electing leaders? It's hard to argue otherwise ... CONCLAVE is both insightful and beguiling in this sphere.
British author, Robert Harris, wrote the novel of the same name. The film adaptation tells the story, entertainingly. Director Thomas Berger (ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) using the talents of Peter Straughan (screenplay) has created a "potboiler" full of intrigue, tension and reflection, and with a fulfilling twist. The exquisite skill of Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal-Dean Lawrence leads us through the dark tunnels needing to be navigated in this forced lock-down. All the Cardinals from around the world coming together to elect a new pope, leading to an arm-wrestle between the Progressives and the Traditionalists. Questions to be asked are: Do those who covet the job disqualify themselves because of their ambition? And, do women have a role in this process?
This very polished film sparkles. Tucci, Lithgow, Rossellini and Fiennes buff the quality of Berger's vision, but the soundtrack by Volker Bertelmann (VB) rivets us to our seats. Of all it's Academy nominations (8), I hope VB gets to hold an Oscar high. 11GUMS.
Film No. 12 (2025) February 3rd. 6.30 PM LUNA WINDSOR, Cinema 1, Nedlands.
"I know what it requires. I've been in the fields for years!" (Barbe-Nicole states her case to the prospective investors keen to buy her fields).
"NOMINEE: Audience Award (Thomas Napper) Toronto Film Festival." (2023).
Some of the best stories being told in contemporary times relate to women overcoming male dominated business environments, to not just succeed, but to unleash new and creative leadership methods. So what of the story of a woman who revolutionised the Champagne industry in the 18th century?
Here we have the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Widow Cliquot, the name behind the label Veuve Clicquot attached to very expensive bottles of bubbly. If you are an historian in awe of the achievements of this madame of industry, before her time - then the film will likely disappoint. WIDOW CLICQUOT (WC) is more a double pronged love story. Widow, Barbe-Nicole, is less depicted as a steely woman of substance but more as a competent, strong, likable, even gullible female who loved and lost and then loved again as she battled adversity to achieved her goals. Director ThomasNapper (JAWBONE) is an experienced director of engaging TV series. WC is a strong but gentle drama. It has a 'soap' quality. A quality soap, mind.
The flashback aspect to WC's "bubbly" persona wear thin. The fact her first love was a tortured soul (bipolar, perhaps) is understood. Not even love could calm his mind. We got the gist of this early on. I was keener to learn more of her empathic methods for conquering a male dominated industry, while working on mending her broken heart. It's a good yarn, never the less. 9GUMS.
Film No. 10 (2025) February 2nd. 5:00 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 3, Innaloo.
"It's not about politics, it's about emotions". (Production boss Roone Arledge reacts to questions about his focus on an upcoming US v Cuba contest).
NOMINEE: Best Original Screenplay (Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David) The Oscars (2025).
There was a time, when the question was "where were you when the Olympic Village (1972) was stormed by terrorists?" Since 9/11 the aura surrounding Sept 5, '72 has diminished. SEPTEMBER 5 is a stark reminder that little seems to have changed in Palestinian/Israeli relations ...
The events of September 5 are made more remarkable because 900 million people watched the drama unfold in their own living-rooms. In most western nations, colour images flickered. This tightly bound feature tells the story behind how, and why, so many people were able to sit and view the barely believable reality of what was unfolding. Swiss film-maker Tim Fehldaum (THE COLONY) brilliantly balances file footage with dramatic theatrical re-enactment. The ABC network, via its on-site sports unit led by Roone Arledge (Peter Sarasgaad), Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin) and producer Geoff Mason (JohnMagaro) brought the tragedy of Sept 5 to the world. This is how they did it. Even when we know the outcome, the tension is electric.
I was 14 on September 5, 1972. Television was an invention new to our family lounge room. Watching these men with guns, doing as they pleased, was frightening. It was a coming of age moment for me. SEPTEMBER 5 shines a light on how journalism revealed a hard-truth, responsibly, but not without risk. 11GUMS.
Film No. 10 (2025) February 1st. 11.00 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"I was looking for meaning and depth and finished with dullness and self indulgence!" (The words of a film critic, who shall remain nameless, as she sought to sum up her QUEER experience).
WINNER: Best Actor (Daniel Craig) National Board of Review (2024).
Why did I attend this screening of QUEER, when I promised myself, 33 years ago (NAKED LUNCH), I would never waste my time in front of another William H Burroughs tale? Well I didn't actually know it was a Burroughs' tale until I'd settled in the dark of the cinema.
I'm a heterosexual male who has enjoyed many films depicting gay lust and love on screen, MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, LOVE LIES BLEEDING, CAROL, and PRIEST, to name a few. While the lustfulness in certain scenes of QUEER are confronting, they fit with the voraciousness of Daniel Craig's, William Lee. It was the loose ended, classic "Burroughs tripping" scenes with which I could not connect. There was squirming, and walk-outs in our preview. If we (my wife and I) hadn't been with friends, (who it turned out, thought the same as us) we would have walked back into sunlight. I could not warm to QUEER. Self indulgent and plain boring was my take.
Most of the accolades (80% of its award nominations and wins) for QUEER are for the performance of Craig. For an actor of his stature, this could have been a risky career move, but he wholly succeeds in the role. 6GUMS.
Film No. 9 (2025) January 26th. 8:00 PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.
"So are you acting at all during this interview?." (John is dumbfounded when asked this question by the parole board chairperson).
WINNER: BSFC Award; Best Ensemble Cast (Greg Kwedar) Boston Society of Film Critics (2024).
Would Donald Trump be empathetically inclined to fund theatre programs, like that depicted in SING SING, for those doing time in the repressive, US prison system? Likely not. The term, empathically inclined, is the key to answering that question.
This quiet film, based in Sing Sing, an old Gothic style prison on the HudsonRiver, New York, will fill you with hope. A hope that real life prison programs like this one - Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), might spread through other detention centres, world wide. Thus giving hope that troubled people may find redemption. One day in 1996 Katherine Vockins accompanied her husband, an interfaith minister, to his work. He helped in the rehabilitation of prisoners through reading. She was inspired to do the same through theatre, founding a program called, RTA. This uneven, but profound film tells the story of what followed, through the eyes of Clarence "Devine Eye" Maclin (Colman Domingo) a founding member, and one of the few characters played by an actor. Yes, the majority of the other actors are former inmates of Sing Sing.
The heart of this story, however, comes via Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin. This is who we get, the real Clarence and he is divine! This is film at it best, where a real story takes us into a real world, with the real people (baring a couple) who made the magic happen. 11GUMS.
Film No. 5 (2025) January 25th. 10.30 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"Your songs are like oil paintings at the dentists office." (Dylan describes his interpretation of Baez's music to Joan herself) "You're kind of an arsehole, Bob" (responds Baez).
WINNER: NBR Award, 10 Best Films. (James Mangold) National Board of Review; USA (2024). NOMINEE: Best Actor (Timothee Chalamet) Oscars.
Do you have to be a Dylan devotee to appreciate A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (ACU)? Definitely not, but in my case, I thought the film was strong until it lagged around the period when he was being obnoxious, and "going electric".
But how do you make a film, summarising an artist who created 55 albums, won a Nobel peace prize and is still alive? Being Director James Mangold (WALK THE LINE) would be a good start. Then you have to find the perfect actor to pull off someone as secretive and as uniquely iconic as Dylan (likely the hardest task of all). Mangold has a gift. Focusing on Dylan's early life and first transition (electric) plus recruiting Timothee Chalamet meant he'd created the bedrock for what is becoming the most highly acclaimed film of 2024. Chalamet brings Dylan to life, as possibly, no one else could. This film would not excel, as it does, without Chalamet.
For every legend there are mentors and lovers. And so the choices by Mangold of Edward Norton as Dylan's "rock", Pete Seeger, then Elle Fanning (Sylvie) and finally, Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez) as people who love him, then leave him, forms a special recipe. Here, we have an entertaining slice of history. 10GUMS.
Film No. 7 (2025) January 20th. 6.30 PM LUNA WINDSOR, Cinema 1, Nedlands.
"An exultation, an intoxication. I thought the stage itself would burn." (Maria Callas responds to the question, "how it felt to perform", put to her in her dying days).
WINNER: Tribute Award (Angelina Jolie) Gotham Awards. (2024).
Are you a get up and "leaver", once the screen goes to black and the credits begin to roll? Well I suggest you stay seated for the file footage of the real Maria Callas when the curtain comes down on Angelina's performance here.
After making movies about, Jacqueline Kennedy,JACKIE (J) and Princess Diana, SPENCER (S), Pablo Larrain turns his attention to another, often misrepresented soul, opera diva Maria Callas. And while he maintains his original, arthouse technique of interpretation, here he allows Jolie a licence to control us. People who wanted a clean cut, warts and all versions of the lives of J and S were disappointed. The Chilean director is not about to adjust his style. He is empathetic to his subjects. His lens gives them a beauty and depth he believes they deserve. MARIA may well be the best of the three portraits. And if Callas was possibly the least vulnerable of the three, Larrain asks Jolie to give Maria a more arrogant, assured pose. Ms Jolie is very good.
Which brings me back to the rolling of the titles. For me, after being mesmerised by Jolie's interpretation, the silent moving images of Callas shows a happier, more vibrant, crowd friendly person. That's Larrain though, he often leaves you with something to think about. 10GUMS.
Film No. 6 (2025) January 19th. 2:00 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 3, Innaloo.
"Tell me, why is an accomplished foreign architect shovelling coal here in Philadelphia?". (Harrison asks Laszlo why he has lowered himself, considering his profession, in the job market).
WINNER: Best Picture (Brady Corbet) The Golden Globe Awards.
When it come to Best Picture Awards, can THE BRUTALIST (TB) be compared with OPENHEIMER? Yes, we could also compare apples with grapes but it would be a ridiculous pursuit. The similarity may well come when the Oscar for best picture is announced in 5 weeks! But does a film like this, with it's baffling ending, win Best Picture?
So, who was LaszloToth? Here, he's a fiction, a figment of Director BradyCorbet's imagination. Corbet's fascination with the 50's style of concrete, block style architecture (Brutalism) grows legs as he tells a "what-if" story. What if a Hungarian WWII refugee, a man of rare architectural brilliance, risks all to come to the U.S. hoping to fall on his feet, so he might unleash his creativity through concrete and marble? And in 215 minutes (including a 15 min. interval) we are cemented into this unique and exhilarating experience. To recommend TB to all and sundry is, however, fraught with danger. The film has flaws and it is more an aesthetic experience, than entertainment.
The two characters most key to Laszlo's U.S. vigil are his wife Erzsbeth (FelicityJones) and his benefactor, Harrison Lee Van Buren Snr (Guy Pearce). Jones and Pearce are the bonding agents that set this titanic film. I see why TB has an Oscar buzz. I loved ANORA a whole lot more - for different reasons. 10GUMS.
When it comes to cinema, pound for pound, who can match it with the French? Maybe I'm exaggerating, but the question did cross my mind as I walked, under a star lit sky, after viewing VINGT DIEUX (COW); a coming of age delight!
So, back to my original question. The one about, the French, their films and why they create such original cinema. Here, we have, a young artist in her late twenties with a coming of age idea, using non actors, and set in a region familiar to her. Also, she's never made a feature film before. Who backs this young writer/director? Only in France, could this happen, I'd say. Brilliant! 11 GUMS.
Film No. 3 (2025) January 11th. 12:50 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 10, Innaloo.
"I also wanted to say, I know you're not the most comfortable person with people". (Benji opens up on his cousin, desperate to keep everything open when it comes to discussions on their trip).
WINNER: Best Original Screenplay (Jesse Eisenberg) Chicago Film Critics A.A. (2024)
Is film making, for Jesse Eisenberg, his preferred method of personal therapy? He openly talks about how his scripts become a reflection of his streams of consciousness; so yes, undoubtedly. A REAL PAIN (PAIN) is a shining light, reflective of his imaginative process.
To say PAIN is a refreshing blast of a cool breeze on a hot day is an understatement. Cousins Benji (Kieran Culkin) and David (Eisenberg) were once like brothers. Benji is troubled, unreliable, but also charismatic. David commits to Benji's vigil to visit Poland to pay homage at the childhood home of their deceased grandmother. Their Jewish heritage, WWII and its horrors meant paying this respect would "cleanse" them (Benji mainly). Their adventure, as part of a tour group before their visit, is where the real cleansing takes place. Benji centres us in a way that we feel welcome as part of the group. We wander in the hands of guide James, with fellow tour members, Marcia, Eloge, Mark and Diane through multiple towns and cities of Poland. But Benji talks the truth, as he sees things, throughout this 90 minutes of delightful film-making. The actions and reactions to these truths glue PAIN together.
In the same way that Aaron Sorkin stamps his mark on character interaction (MOLLY'SGAME), Eisenberg's style is uniquely his. "Oh, that sounds like an Eisenberg script" will be exclaimed in years to come. I for one can't wait for his next effort. 10GUMS.
Film No. 4 (2025) January 12th. 1.10 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 7, Leederville.
"Not everyone can believe this. Surely they can see what he is." (Lee describes her feelings about Adolf Hitler, as she watches a newsreel with Roland).
WINNER: Crystal Award (Ellen Kuras) Women in Film Crystal Awards. (2024).
Was Lee Miller the most rebellious female photographer of all time, as described by the Arts in Focus publication in 2024? It's a bit like asking if Kate Winslet's best screen performance is this one. Don't you think?
Director Ellen Kuras portrays one of her life-long heroes, photographer Lee Miller, via the talents of Kate Winslet - another admired artist of hers. The inspiration for the film comes from the biography, The Lives of Lee Miller, written by her son, Anthony Penrose. The rights for the story were bought by Winslet. It's a story worth telling. Miller's WWII portraits remain etched in the minds of a world coming to grips with the horror of war. And LEE is a handsome but prosaic depiction of her adventures. Miller was a strong minded woman who loved photography, life, and men. Her demeanour when amongst men left them in no doubt where they stood. They were in the presence of a woman of substance.
LEE, cost $50M to make, and Winslet and her backers are battling to break even. Miller, an American hero, has failed to attract an audience in the US. Seeing one of their own depicted by a Brit may have grated. LEE is clunky, I wish it wasn't. 7GUMS.
Film No. 2 (2025) January 8th. 3.00 PM BACKLOT, The Auditorium, West Perth.
"Whether we like it or not, the clock is ticking." (Early in their relationship, Tobias brings up the subject of their having a baby, with Almut).
ANTICIPATED: Feel Good Drama (John Crowley) BFTA (2024).
Can a film like WE LIVE IN TIME (WLIT) lose lustre because of the "toing and froing" from time frame to time frame? Not for me, but there are some who are critical. You need to have your wits about you, but, for what tight, slick, drama, do you not?
Director John Crowley doesn't quite reach the heights of BROOKLYN, but he shows his class. When it comes to the heartfulness with which this love story of Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh) is told, Crowley needed to do things differently. After all, the, meet by accident, fall head over heels in love, only to break our hearts, trope, is well worn. Crowley takes us on a non-linear story path. He picks his jigsaw pieces and places them (scenes) in an order to more lift us, than break us. Pugh shows her own talent by playing a character equally as talented (world class chef and more!). Garfield is a perfect good guy.
WLIT is a crowd pleaser. You know what you are getting - like a restaurant meal. perhaps it's your favourite fish dish, sometimes it's overcooked, your hope, is that it will melt in your mouth. "Chef" Crowley makes this experience a tender one. 9GUMS.
Film No. 1 (2025) January 5th. 2.50 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 5, Leederville.
"I'm learning from her. You should too" (Ingrid explains to Damian how much being with Martha is influencing her life).
WINNER: Best Film/Golden Lion (Pedro Almodóvar) Venice Film Festival (2024).
What is it about the whimsical soundtracks which accompany so many Almodóvar films? It's a part of his cinematic fingerprint. It is such a unique aspect to his often simplistic story-telling, usually about very serious matters.
THE ROOM NEXT DOOR (TRND) gives us Ingrid, (Julianne Moore) a seemingly successful author, whose latest book contains themes of death. A concept she is frightened of. A friend from her past, Martha, is sick with cancer. She reignites their friendship to emotionally assist Martha towards recovery. The extension of this helping hand places Ingrid in a position of comfort she could never have contemplated. Almodóvar takes us on an emotional journey that encompasses the theme of euthanasia with such dignity, both Moore and Swinton must have drooled at the opportunity to perform to the beat (that soundtrack) of a master.
The winners of The Golden Lion (Venice FF) are often serious, profound films delivered with a unique voice, ROMAand NOMADLAND, are recent examples. TRND follows the trend. It is particularly profound. 11GUMS.
Film No. 88 (2024) December 28th. 1:00 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 2, Perth City.
"My Cinderella, yes my Cinderella." (Ani's work pal describes her friend prior to Ani leaving work for the last time).
WINNER: Palme d'Or (Sean Baker) BAFTA (2024). Cannes Film Festival.
Does Sean Baker create characters for screen that are meant to shock audiences? No, but they are profound; helping us to feel a great sense of empathy for their plight. ANORA will exhilarate you, however.
So, think PRETTY WOMAN without the gloss. Mikey Madison (Ani) has all the beauty of Julia Roberts, but the silver slipper she needs to fit into may not be there when she most needs a fitting. The themes of loneliness, greed, the need for love, and trust run through ANORA. All the heroes Baker present us with are battered and bruised from life's travails. He issues some hope and then allows his characters to either unravel, or toughen up. Ani, a stripper (and more), meets her prince in the form of a Russian oligarch's son, Ivan (Mark Eidelshtein). We scream at her - "It's too good to be true, lovey, wake up!"
I adored THE FLORIDA PROJECTand liked RED ROCKET. Both could have done with another cut. ANORA is nearly perfect. And Ani, while your awakening was rough - you finally cottoned on to what was in front of you all the time. 12GUMS.
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