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.
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.
