Film No. 9. SING SING. (2025). 26th Jan.

 

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 Hudson River, 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. 8. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN. (2025). 25th Jan.

 

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. MARIA. (2025). 20th Jan.

 

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. THE BRUTALIST. (2025). 19th Jan.

 

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 Laszlo Toth? Here, he's a fiction, a figment of Director Brady Corbet'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 (Felicity Jones) 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.      

        

 

 

Film No. 5. HOLY COW (VINGT DIEUX) (2025). 15th Jan.

 

Film No. 5 (2025)  January 15th.  8:00 PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.                       

"I don't know what else to do." (Totone answers the question of girlfriend Marie-Lise as to why he needs to make cheese).

WINNER: Uncertain Regard (Youth Prize) (Louise Courvoisier) Cannes FF (2024).

 

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!

Why such a sweeping question, then? The fact that 90% of the cast had never performed in front of a camera before, for a start. Louise Courvoisier writes and directs her first feature on a shoestring budget. Not to mention, the "coming of age" genre is always harshly judged. But our journey with Totone (Clement Faveau), an 18 year old titan of energy and resilience, sparks our senses in a way rarely experienced. And get this; it's a ninety minute feature where not a moment is wasted or elongated. COW is a triumph. Every cliché is evident, but Courvoisier never allows us to predict an outcome with assuredness. Then leaves us with a warm sense of hope for Totone and his playful sister, Claire (Luna Garret). 

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. A REAL PAIN (2025). 11th Jan.

 

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'S GAME), 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. LEE (2025). 12th Jan.

 

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. WE LIVE IN TIME (2025). 8th Jan.

 

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 THE ROOM NEXT DOOR (2025). 5th Jan.

 

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, ROMA and NOMADLAND, are recent examples. TRND follows the trend. It is particularly profound. 11GUMS.

        

 

Film No. 88. ANORA (2024) 28th Dec.

 

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 PROJECT and 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.

     

 

Film No. 87. TINA (Perth Film Festival 2024/25) 27th Dec.

 

Film No. 87 (2024)  December 27th.  8:00 PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.                       

"The person we are after needs to be a little bit more like us." ("Budding" principal Wadsworth begins his relationship with Mareta in an extremely cumbersome manner).

NOMINEE: Most Anticipated Film (Miki Magasiva) Hawaii Film Festival. 

Does TINA lose some of its lustre because it is not based on an actual teacher? If, in the back of your mind, Mareta was a real life gifted mentor overcoming multiple adversities ... ready to be Googled, post film; then yes, maybe!

Director Miki Magasiva talked of the influence TO SIR WITH LOVE and DANGEROUS MINDS had on his movie, TINA. Unfortunately TINA can't "hold a note" to these autobiographically inspired stories. Magasiva has created a heartfelt story inspired by choirs, and his love of feel-good stories about people who inspire others to sing. Anapela Polataivao playing Mareta carries the film. The script gives her licence to make us laugh, cry and love. She is our hero but to the detriment of her antagonists. Why do we have to have characters using cliched tropes of the 60's and 70's to sledgehammer us into loving Mareta, and hating them? 

The outdoor festival screening I attended had the audience captivated by TINA. The applause and adulation suggested this crowd-pleaser had achieved its gaol. Tina will please many; just not me.  7GUMS.