Hi Everyone,
Just to advise you, Closer to the Edge is now changing stations over to Blogger as I feel it will be a better platform for me to produce this blog
I would like to thank WordPress and all of you wonderful people in over 96 Countries for reading my stuff over the last three years, you are all amazing people and thanks for your nice feedback, for the new blog site please head over to http://floweringsnows.blogspot.ca/
All The Best
Alex 🙂
Almost a week on from his tragic suicide at only 63 years old, Hollywood and the rest of the film world is mourning the loss of Robin Williams. One of the most raw and funniest talents of his generation, Robin’s maniac energy and zany humour forever had us in stitches. From those of us who grew up seeing him on Mork and Mindy- we always knew he was something special. But more than just being a funny man, he could also play it straight incredibly well when required. Films such as Awakenings, The Fisher King, Insomnia and the Night Listener proved his capabilities as actor. Yes, he may have near blown things with a clutch of overly sentimental failures such as Patch Adams, Jakob the Liar and Bicentennial Man, but he has forever remained a talent dear to our hearts. No matter what issues or problems existed in his personal life, I will always choose to remember what great memories and magical moments he was capable of giving audiences. Here are my favourite five performances from RW,
Adrian Cronauer- Good Morning VietnamÂ
As the manic Airman Adrian Cronauer, Williams was given free reign to be hilarious and the result was him becoming the brilliant voice of the Vietnam War. From the moment he loudly utters “GOOODD MORNING VIETNAM!” you can feel the high ranking army feathers ruffle and our sides split from his eccentric routine! His casual disregard for the rules and his steadfast commitment to entertaining the troops heading into certain death means that Cronauer gives the film a mighty heart. Though at times he becomes his own worst enemy and tests the friendship of his sidekick Eddie (Forest Whitaker) with his antics, Adrian has our firm support throughout, particular for his lighthearted mocking of his bullying superior Sgt Major Dickerson (J.T Walsh) as he rightly informs him “You know…. you’re in more dire need of a blow job than any white man in history!”
One of his more iconic roles, as cross dressing Scottish nanny Mrs Doubtfire, Robin Williams found the perfect vehicle to showcase his comedic talents. His sequence of prank calls to his soon-to-be ex wife for the job advert are ones that kill the most “I AM JOB!!!” and his unique methods of inspiring the children to improve such as throwing the TV remote into the fish tank are moments that are still everlasting. Playing a divorced Dad who simply wants to be around his children, Williams doesn’t just play this role for laughs but gives a believable performance of a man wanting to better his children’s lives. Although his method is unorthodox (and probably not advisable to other Dads!) he comes away making us smile widely and is largely responsible for the giving the feel a magic feel that lasts long after the credits have rolled.Â
After a succession of flops, Mark Romanek’s creepy thriller elevated Williams back into the film world’s attention with a stunning yet terrifying turn as a lonely photo technician who holds a frightening obsession of a family whose pictures he develops! Through this role we were exposed to a new side of his capabilities and the end result was one that both extremely uncomfortable yet completely absorbing- the dream scene where Williams eyes begin gushing with blood is truly startling! But impressively Williams also gives a great human feel to this isolated man and shows that beneath the disturbing menace, lies a tortured man who desperately wants to feel love and acceptance.
So far as Disney character’s go, Robin Williams brought the Genie alive in Aladdin and his manic ball of energy was one of the key elements that made this movie so successful. Even today his voice still fits the role perfectly and instantly made Genie into the kind of friends/wish granter you would kill to have in real life! But what perhaps makes it so memorable is the fact the Williams improvised the bulk of his work and this effect was brought the laughs by the bucket load- in turn he voiced nearly 52 different characters! Even his singing pipes are spot in during ‘Prince Ali’ and when he croons ‘Friend Like Me’ you would be hard pressed to disagree. But also it opened the door for celebrities to do more voice work.
Sean Maguire- Good Will Hunting
This role in Gus Van Sant’s 1997 triumph rightfully bagged Williams a deserved Oscar, as Sean Maguire, Williams is probably the most quiet and sedate he has ever been in a movie, but this proved to be his most emotionally powerful. Eternally changed by his beloved wife’s premature death, his life experience makes Sean the perfect man to break down the hard resolve of troubled genius Will (Matt Damon) and the bonding between the two forms the movie’s core. The park scene where Sean with a minimum of words and pure passion cuts Will down to size and for once makes him realize that his book smarts and cocky attitude mean nothing- and unlike the pain and heart Sean has suffered, he has a long way to go! This was our first glimpse into the talents of Williams and he continued to surprise us.
RIP Robin William- You Are Forever Loved
Night Moves
Director: Kelly Reichardt
By Alex Watson
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Ever heard Kelly Reichardt? Well if you haven’t then that is a shame and now is the time to make amends. Her previous movies Wendy & Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff have proven to be excellent portrayals of the natural world and the people we come into contact with. This week the US director tackles a whole new issue, eco-terrorism. People commit acts of vandalism in the name of the ideas they believe in, but what effect come afterwards? These ideas and more are explored in Night Moves.
Three individuals Josh (Jesse Eisenberg), Harmon (Peter Sarsgaard) and Dena (Dakota Fanning) are plotting to blow up a hydroelectric dam as they are infuriated that world is becoming over-run with technology. Eventually after a few minor hitches, the plan is executed. But when they learn of a small but tragic event that followed, the three are thrown into a crisis of conscience. Soon they begin falling apart at the seams as suspicion takes over.
Night Moves is an excellent and terrifically slow burning thriller which benefits from the truthful direction of Reichardt. Smartly, this film benefits from the things we do not see or hear, when we first meet the heroes, their exact reasons for wanting to carry out this act remain ambiguous and their back stories are cleverly withheld from us. The lack of answers to the questions may frustrate some, but it also helps to create a magnificent sense of apprehension and Reichardt succeeds in creating a film that is wonderfully tense from using so very little.
The first half of the movie is a gradually moving affair, as we view the characters preparing for the task ahead and desperately attempting to keep a lid on things. One key scene shows Dena participating in a low key but unbearably nervous purchase of fertilizer. But the after the mission is completed a heavy and paranoid edge is carried across. From there each character is has reached the point of no return and slowly doubt is thrown over their trust in each other.
Each character is different in themselves and their persona affects the movie in different ways. Josh is calm and calculative terrorist, never one to push things. Dena is drawn to him through this and his brooding both attracts and worries her. However, she does because involved in a troubling love triangle between the three men and seems more willing in the job when encouraged by the more radical thinking Harmon. All throughout we wonder what will bring about their downfall? There are whispers on the air that someone is talking and this thought will trouble us until the end credits.
Reichardt’s striking visual eye keeps the tension continuously flowing and for this the simplest devices are the most effective. The rumbling of car tires in the distance, headlights in the rear view mirror or even an awkward glance perfectly personify Josh’s jangled nerves. Also the electronic score by Jeff Grace combined with the beautiful and naturalistic cinematography by Christopher Blauvelt gives a haunting ambiance to Night Moves. The final shot however is one that is delightfully vague, so straightforward but at the same time could be all important- decide for yourself.
Jesse Eisenberg continues his great run of form as Josh, more subdued than his usual roles but nonetheless still electric. His serene approach in the films beginning is slowly replaced by a irrational thinking and leads to him beginning to unwind. Through Eisenberg this adds to the film tightening feel. Dakota Fanning also showcases what an impressive adult actress so is growing into with an understated turn as Dena- a girl both lovely but also growing to be a burden for both men.
Peter Sarsgaard is largely absent from affairs, but his presence is still noteworthy as the default leader Harmon. Sarsgaard in his limited screen time gives a great portrayal of a man who both lives and breathes under a life of darkness.
Night Moves will be one of 2014 most absorbing and gut stirring thrillers and Kelly Reichardt demonstrates why she is fast becoming an auteur of American Cinema. Best start watching her earlier work, because is one director we will hearing a lot more of in future years!
Life Itself
Director: Steve James
By Alex Watson
There is no doubting just how much influence that the reviews of Roger Ebert have had on the film community and his admirers have stacked up over the years. As a critic his opinions were often hard but always correct and that blunt approach was what made him so influential and his death in 2013 robbed us of probably the greatest person of his field. It is fitting that Hoop Dreams director, Steve James this year brings us a tribute with the full support of Ebert’s family in his documentary, Life Itself.
Narrated by Steve James, this movie documents the life and times of Roger Ebert, from his upbringing in the mid-west to his notable tenure writing for the Chicago Sun Times- where he became a Pulitzer Prize winning writer. It also carefully analyses his legendary movie review pairing with Gene Siskel where the pairs love/hate relationship always guaranteed fireworks. Ebert also gives James full access to the last months of his life in unflinching detail.
There is a lot of love expressed throughout Steve James’ movie and Life Itselfis a perfect and touching tribute to life of Ebert. The scenes documenting his final days suffering from cancer and unable to speak (Ebert had to have his entire lower jaw removed) are the ones that hit home the most. But through the pain and intensely difficult physical therapy, he is always able to retain his unique sense of humour. They also show just what a fighter that Roger was until the end.
His career as a writer for the Chicago Sun Times and brief foray as a screenwriter maybe glossed over a little too quickly, but his relationship with Gene Siskel certainly is not. As two very strong willed gentlemen, their opinions frequently differed as to what made good movies and at times there was an intensity to their battles. The outtakes on show ably demonstrate just how heated things could get! But the pair always greatly respected one another and Siskel’s death at only 53 greatly affected Ebert. However we soon learn that relationship off screen was perhaps closer than many of realize and together, the pair were the best possible match.
His marriage to his strong willed wife Chaz marks a real cornerstone in the film because it marked an important transition in his life. The man on camera at time comes across as very unlikeable and almost arrogant of himself. But the Ebert behind the scenes was a very different man and Chaz helped shape into a loving and caring man who was passionately committed to his family. But it’s her description of the day of Ebert’s death that will guarantee tears as it was something so tragic yet so beautiful.
Steve James makes no secret of his admiration of the man in Life Itself and it shared by a bunch of notable peers such as Werner Herzog, Errol Morris and Martin Scorsese (who co-produces). Scorsese in particular gives a loving eulogy to the man as he was the first critic to really promote his early work and his words would pave the way for a whole new audience. He could be harsh in his analysis, but only because his love for the big screen was so large- he hated seeing it tarnished!
Life Itself is by far 2014 best documentary and Steve James gives the most poignant and everlasting memorial to Ebert’s work and by the films end, it is impossible to feel the same way. As a fellow critic, his work has been a big influence on myself and many others before and after. Roger, I hope this is one review you would have approved of!
Guardians of the Galaxy
Director: James Gunn
By Alex Watson
Stan Lee and his Marvel Enterprise make their way onto our screens once more this week, but there is not Avengers present in this adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy has been one of this summers more hyped movies and so far it has promised great things with a new band of characters who have potential. But as they are outside the staple Marvel characters, will they be able to succeed with the fans?
When scavenger Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds a mythical object called ‘The Orb’ he firstly finds a bounty put on his head by his former mentor and rival, but also finds himself the target of Kree terrorist Ronan (Lee Pace) who wants to orb for himself to control the galaxy with Thanos (Josh Brolin). But through his misadventures, Quill will former an unlikely alliance with Thanos’ adopted daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Raccoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Tree thing Groot (Vin Diesel) and convict Drax (Dave Bautista). Together, they might just be the universe’s only hope.
Guardians of the Galaxy is by far this summer’s most fun blockbuster and it has a playfulness to it that has been lacking in some of the more recent Marvel efforts. The moment we meet Quill lip syncing in a cave, the laughs and wise cracks begin early. Also the use of 1980’s pop culture references such as the Millennium Falcon and a cracking soundtrack make us smile all the more. Director James Gunn is an untested talent in these waters, but his smooth direction ensures a successful on screen adventure for our new heroes.Â
The bonding between characters plays a key part in the films humour. Thrown together by a bizarre twist of fate, their relationship comes alive during a daring but thrilling prison break. From there these tortured souls become an effective team. Rocket and Groot steal much of the films laughter (Groot’s three words never cease to be brilliant), but big lug Drax and his misunderstanding of metaphors is the one that really steals our hearts. Quill is an initially unlikeable leader due his quirky yet self centered nature. But as the film progresses, his begins to win our respect and proves to be a resourceful and brave figure for Marvel.
Although the villain Ronan looks the part with some impressive face paint, he doesn’t have the needed menace to succeed. His back story is underwritten and the hows and whys of his desired vengeance are a big mystery throughout. These elements combined make him rather flat and largely forgettable. Gunn also falls into the same trap that has befallen many before him, he sets his finale as a big air battle. Although this a solid ending, you can help feeling this is become a bit too much like a staple for this studio. But these errors aside, Guardians of the Galaxy has enough wit and enjoyment to make them forgivable.
Chris Pratt succeeds brilliantly as a leading actor and his comic charm helps Peter Quill along and makes him more memorable than anticipated. A solid supporting actor in movies such as Wanted, Moneyball and Zero Dark Thirty, Pratt proves he is up to the big task and this role could be the one that opens the big doors in future. Bradley Cooper on his voice along is excellent as the wise cracking Rocket. But he also brings a great sense of trauma and feeling to his role.
Former wrestler Dave Bautista proves to be the movie’s real surprise package and rather than just giving the picture its muscle, he able to raise his performance to a whole new level. Bautista succeeds in bringing an almost authentic protrayal of a man wanting vengeance but realizing it will take more than hard hits to gain it!
The Marvel enterprise has opened a whole level of new possibilities and Guardians of the Galaxy deserves every accolade bestowed upon it. Everyone may be counting down to the next Avengers movie in 2015, but I cannot wait to see another adventure from these guys. Â
Boyhood
Director: Richard Linklater
By Alex Watson
There are some directions who have pet projects which can either make or break a career. For Michael Cimino it was his big budget disaster ‘Heavens Gate’ which failed to deliver either critically and commercially and effectively killed his career. Or the three years that Francis Ford Coppola invested making ‘Apocalypse Now’ which although legendary came at great cost to his finances. In 2014, Richard Linklater has outdone them all and delivered a picture 12 years in the making! Boyhood has been one of this years most anticipated, but will the long journey bring the desired result?
Mason (Eller Coltrane) is a six year old kid who lives in Texas with his mother Olivia (Patricia Arquette) and his sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater). Over the course of the next 12 years, Mason learns some of life’s hard lessons and gets moved around continuously in search of a better life. Through this reconnects with his father, Mason Sr (Ethan Hawke), falls in love and in the course of things learns to become a better person.
Boyhood is a wonderfully realized masterpiece by Richard Linklater and I am proud to inform you that his passion and commitment to his project has paid off magnificently. Linklater takes his time to tell Mason’s story, but his transformation from being a shy and quiet young man into a self assured and confident young adult feels very naturalistic and the tale flows excellently as a result. There are many clever clues to the passing of time such as haircuts, Obama signposts and changing of motor vehicles- but throughout this tale we are transfixed by Mason. But this isn’t just any ordinary story and in some senses this is a movie about learning to become human and overcoming what obstacles block your path.
Adults and their influence play a vital role in this movie, Mason’s parents are not perfect by any means. Olivia is a smart woman who repeatedly gets together with alcoholic men who always turn out the same way- where his father is a fun loving slacker who is still himself learning to grow up. But although they have their flaws are guilty of dropping the ball on more than one occasion, they are still loving and devoted- because of this Mason becomes a better man. But these segments bring about some the movies most hysterical and emotionally charged moments, such as an awkward father/daughter talk about sex!Â
Perhaps the most charming element of Boyhood though, is the fact how just about any person who views this can relate to any number of the scenes of Mason growing up. As we view him flicking through a lingerie magazine with his friend, or see him wandering around the streets of Austin slowly but effortlessly in love with his then girlfriend or even goofing off in a nearly renovated house with his slacker friends, all of this rings true for the audience. The result here is one that is effortlessly charming and with an excellent soundtrack including The Hives, Arcade Fire and The Flaming Lips- our hearts glow.
Eller Coltrane emerges a real star of the screen and his progressive performance from the age of six onwards is a joy to behold. Watching him rise to becoming a charismatic and thoughtful adult on the verge of something great marks him out a future star. Undertaking this type of a role could have either flown or crashed the film, but Coltrane ensures that it flies higher than we could have imagined!
Ethan Hawke is equally mesmerizing as his well meaning but slightly confused father, but his performance is so engrossing that we quickly grow to love this mans presence and he is the kind of person you would have to hang out with. A Linklater regular, Hawke succeeds in delivering the goods and we quickly forgive any misgivings this character may bring. Patricia Arquette is also suitably excellent as Olivia and although we have not seen her regularly onscreen recently- this wonderful impassioned performance more than makes up for lost time.
Boyhood was a big gamble for Linklater to undertake, but the end result has been his finest and most mature movie of his career. This movie will serve as one of the finest and most moving of the year and we will make us think over the moments of our childhood far more carefully- because the moments we hate the most are always the ones that can shape us!
Snowpiercer
Director: Boon-Joon Ho
By Alex Watson
Everyone hates a morning commute to work on the train, we are all penned in like cattle and pay fares which are always steadily increasing. Well imagine if you will actually having to live on one! This week Korean director Boon Joon-Ho shows us a radical version of the future where such a life actually exists in his movie, Snowpiercer. After mass controversy about its US/Canadian release due to Harvey Weinstein insisting on constant edits, Joon-Ho’s vision has finally made it and the anticipation has been high. But will two hours stuck on a train really make for good viewing?
In the year 2031, the world has been a frozen wasteland due a horrific chemical experiment to stop Global Warming years before. The surviving humans are forced to live inside a large train called Snowpiercer. Each carriage is divided by class and ruled with an iron fist by President Mason (Tilda Swinton). The tail inhabitants led by Curtis (Chris Evans) and Edgar (Jamie Bell) are plotting a revolution to end the class rule and to do this, they will need to fight their way to the front and take the most sacred part- the engine!
Snowpiercer is a truly remarkable piece of work by Boon Joon-Ho and it has been worth every minute of its long delay. A visual masterpiece along with being an engaging thrill ride, early on the movie goes into overdrive and this exciting effect rarely drags. Despite the physical limitations, there are many heart stopping moments along the way and each carriage they make an assault on brings a newer and more dangerous challenge. such as the moment where our heroes stumble across an army of armed soldiers- cue bloody and limbs being shed as the cross a large bridge followed by a long black tunnel (also look out for the most bizarre New Year celebration you will ever see).
We are shown a future where hope is a dangerous thing and those who dare to dream are severely punished. There is an almost Stalinist type feel to early scenes where we the poor inhabitants crowded into cramp carriages living in squalid conditions. Class rule is one of the key elements of this movie and the message from Mason is “I belong to the front, you belong to the tail” Joon-Ho however doesn’t get lost in a political argument and instead gives us a simple but effective tale of people simply wanting to be free. The moment however, when the groups rescues junkie ‘Security Expert’ Namgoong Minsu (Song-Kang ho) this gives their effort massive (albeit drug related) shot in the arm.
Curtis is the default leader of the group but is nervous about doing so. But he beautifully sums up the struggles of the poor class in one wonderfully emotional monologue towards the films end and with one line “I know what people taste like and I know babies taste best.” suddenly his whole mentality devastatingly clicks into place. Such moments of simple humanity rarely exists in movies like these and this kind of thing elevates Snowpiercer above the norm.
Amidst the tension and continually building animosity between class, Joon-Ho finds moments of surreal yet hilarious humour. In one scene, our heroes visit a class room overseen by an overly peppy teacher (Alison Pill) who after showing a hammy propaganda film about unseen leader ‘Wilford’ she bursts into the zany sing-song ‘The Engine is Eternal’ which at the time will seem bizzare- but be prepared for a surprise afterwards!
But the real moment we are counting down to is the groups final confrontation with Wilford (Actor name to be withheld) and this doesn’t disappoint, because all the bitterness comes to fruition, particularly when we see just how his sacred engine is being run! But the end shot is the one that will stay with us as it suggests a beautiful new possibility for humanities future!
Chris Evans once more proves he is star material as Curtis, but this turn requires a lot more from his than usual and for once, Evans shows how diverse his range can be. This is one of the more emotionally complex performances he will show us and gives proof that this man is more than just Captain America. But its Tilda Swinton who perhaps steals the show as the Yorkshire accented leader Mason- almost unrecognizable underneath heavy make up- her buck toothed character is both gut wrenching but also great comic relief at the same point.Â
Although it may have taken its time to reach North America, Snowpiercer is by far one of the most original and stunning concepts that 2014 will bring and offers a unique mix of playfulness, excitement and feeling. I have no doubt this will be among my top 10 list for the year! Just think about this movie on your next train commute.
Ray ‘Crash’ Davis (Bull Durham)
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Kevin Costner and Baseball have always gone well together and his turn as veteran minor league catcher Crash Davis was a career best for the man. What makes Crash such an appealing character is the fact that he knows his career has past him by (except for his 21 glorious days in the majors) and he sets about becoming mentor to talent pitcher Ebby (Tim Robbins) to help him succeed where has failed. Also his superb speech about the things that he believes in will eternally rank as one of the most motivational ones in Baseball
2. Billy Beane (Moneyball)
A real life character yes, but Brad Pitt’s interpretation of the well noted Oakland A’s GM is truly fantastic. Managing one of the poorest teams in Baseball and placing his entire career on a risky idea involving sabre-metrics, Beane is literally living on the edge. But through all the uncertainty, we firmly root for this man due his steadfast approach to his idea and through this he changes the face of baseball forever- even if it means making tough choices and going against the people closest to him. His meetings with his scouts exemplify his attitude towards old time Baseball.
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Ricky ‘Wild Thing’ Vaughn (Major League)
Pitchers don’t come more entertaining than the Wild Thing, from the moment we see him getting the call to join the Cleveland Indians (from prison no less) we know this is no ordinary man. The man has a fast arm, but no control and this becomes a burden for the team. But as he learns the art of throwing a strike- he becomes the man with the golden arm. One of Charlie Sheen’s better post Platoon performances and through his devil may care attitude- a baseball movie legend was born! After watching this, I guarantee you will be singing X’s version of ‘Wild Thing’ continuously in the coming days.
Bruce Pearson (Bang The Drum Slowly)
One of Robert De Niro’s most unknown performances, but nonetheless one of his most powerful. Bruce Pearson is a semi-literate catcher for the fictional New York Mammoths who is currently dying from Hodgkin’s Disease. The organisation wants of him, but his friend Henry (Michael Moriarty) is determined to fight for him, but cannot explain why! De Niro’s firmly captures our hearts and his turn as simple natured Bruce is one of the most compelling, but as the team begins to rally around him it begins to fill his final days with joy.
Kenny Powers (Eastbound and Down)
Based upon notoriously loud and foul mouthed pitcher John Rocker, Danny McBride’s turn as Kenny Powers has lit up all four series of this fine comedy show. With an ego the size of the US, this man is an ex star pitcher whose lousy attitude has seen him thrown out of most MLB teams. Now he is being forced to pick up the pieces of his ruined career- but still refuses to accept his career is done. Oddly his supreme arrogance succeeds in drawing him closer to the audience! Purely because we want to just how a second chance would treat him. Or maybe it just because we love hearing “You’re Fucking Out!”
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Director: Matt Reeves
By Alex Watson
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Planet of the Apes was considered long dead ever since Tim Burton’s disastrous (albeit wonderfully designed) attempt back in 2000. By after Rupert Wyatt’s well received re-boot effort ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ back in 2011, it appears that this franchise has a new lease of life! This week our ape friends come hurtling back onto our screens again and they are gearing close to world domination in Cloverfield director, Matt Reeves’ film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Set 10 years after the ALZ-113 virus has all but wiped out the worlds human population, Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his other ape companions live a contented existence in the forest of San Francisco, where they hope to be alone. But any hopes for peace between the two races are quickly shattered by mistrust and violence. Family man Malcolm (Jason Clarke) works in vain to prevent an onslaught, but his boss Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) has other ideas.
After Rupert Wyatt’s unfortunate departure, Reeves skillfully picks up the torch and delivers a great sequel and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is both thrilling and very emotionally real. The world we see if a very different one and San Francisco has been ravaged by war and humanity is barely holding on. The tone of this movie is somewhat more serious than previously and human/ape relations are continually on a knife edge due the previous violent and this provides the movie with a tense atmosphere.
Family is a major theme of this movie and Malcolm and Caesar are both equals. They are both family men striving for peace and to keep their families safe, but are continually thwarted by the people around them. Their bonding is the heart of the movie and an uneasy friendship is gradually born amongst all hell breaking hell loose. Caesar is the predominate feature of Reeves movie as he is a jaded warrior who although is willing to fight to protect his people, also wants the blood shed to cease which has caused friction among the ranks.
The main problems comes from human hating ape Koba (Toby Kebbell) whose slowly disintegrating respect for his leader takes his people into dangerous and more violent new territory. Dreyfus on the other hand is emotionally scarred man who wants rebuild the old world and sets about rallying the remaining survivors by telling war is necessary, despite Malcolm’s plea that the apes should be left alone, he disregards this advice with devastating results.
Matt Reeves shows great adaptability as a director and he easily slips into the role of blockbuster maker and brings us a visual stunning world. His greatest triumph on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes comes in a thrilling show down as the apes storm the human compound. One stunning revolving shot shows Koba capturing a tank and through the 360 degree chaos shown- humanities hopes hang by a thread as he nears their door! But its the end sequence that will have the most impact as we feel a new world looming, but may not be one of unity.
Andy Serkis is a long last beginning to get the credit he deserves for his motion capture work and as Caesar he gives a performances that is phenomenal! His is given a troubled persona as a conflicted leader, but Serkis succeeds in bringing this out on screen and his perfomance is incredibly moving and he shows a depth of emotion rarely seen in an animated character.
The always consistent Jason Clarke is a great choice as lead human Malcolm, after years of succeeding films such as Zero Dark Thirty, Lawless and TV’s Brotherhood, Clarke finally gets to show his leading credentials and he passes with flying colours. Malcolm isn’t the most interesting character that the series will show, but Clarke gives him a likeability that makes us want him to get through to Caesar and avoid the potential war.Â
Although some may view this merely as a filler before the next installment, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is by far this years best sequel and gives more light to the fact that this series is back- and it sure means business! Caesar you’re welcome back any time!
The ImmigrantÂ
Director: James GrayÂ
By Alex WatsonÂ
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Arriving in a new nation can be a very scary thing indeed. You have no knowledge or understanding of the culture before you and have no idea who to trust. I can relate to this fact twice over, but since I have recently moved to Toronto, my adaptation was perhaps less than some. Regular partners Joaquin Phoenix and director James Gray re-unite this year in their 2013 Palme D’or nominated movie, The Immigrant which gives a powerful example of a woman doing all she can to survive in the face of increasing odds.Â
in 1921, Ewa Cybulski (Marion Cotillard) is a Polish who just arrived at Ellis Island, New York with her sister after escaping Great War Poland. But moments after arriving her sister is quarantined and Ewa is threatened with deportation! Â Suddenly she is rescued by Bruno Weiss (Joaquin Phoenix), but things are not as they seem and it soon comes through that Bruno is a man of low morals. To survive Ewa is forced to become a prostitute to makes ends meet and begins to hate herself! Things also get complicated by the introduction of magician Emil (Jeremy Renner).Â
The Immigrant is a journey that every emotionally taxing, but it is worth every minute of viewing time and through the magnificent direction of James Gray- we are given a potent and heart rendering example of a woman paying a terrible price to survive. There is an almost ‘Godfather Part II’ feel to the early Ellis Island scenes, particularly due to the bronze tinted cinematography by Darius Khondji. Here Ewa is thrown into a strange new world and within seconds her world is torn apart. Bruno at first appears to be a white knight, but soon his devious side appears and he forces to work in the erotic club he frequents to exploit herself for much needed cash. The worse part for Ewa, is that although she loathes this life, she depends on Bruno and has no way out!Â
Ewa is a woman who is deeply traumatised (she even recoils at Bruno attempting to hug her) and all throughout her grief intensifies- her stage debut as an erotic dancer is like something from a horror film and we can powerfully feel her insecurities and doubts. Although she attempts running away, Bruno always seems to show up and eventually breaks her in to her new profession by making her her sleep with a scared teenager to prove to his father he is ‘manly’. After he snidely remarks “You helped your sister today.” The money she makes is slowly bringing her towards her goal of rescuing her sister, but she can only bide her time for this.Â
At the centre is a bizarre love triangle, Bruno is a man with a twisted moral compass, but he seems to truly feel something for Ewa, problem is Ewa truly hates him as she informs him early on “I like the money, I don’t like you!” His inner pain of these rejected feelings causes him to act out violently and in some cases he is like a spoiled child. But in the films slower second half, his character goes through a severe change and as his cocky and bashful layers are stripped away, a sweeter and more considerate  man appears.Â
Things in The Immigrant are given a dramatic change when magician Emil rears his head. We want to believe he is a decent man who really means to take Ewa away from the awful life that she has. But his introduction sparks a fierce war with Bruno and from the outset we can tell this will be civil war and collateral damage will be brought! But against all odds, James Gray gives an ending which is very gut wrenching but immensely uplifting- the final shot will stay with you for some time after as it shows just what different directions lives will take!Â
Marion Cotillard is simply excellent as Ewa and she is able to brilliantly convey her sense of trauma in Gray’s movie. With a convincing Polish accent, Cotillard proves just why she is one of the finest European actresses today as she shows us a woman on the verge of a new phase, but will forever be marked by her horrific arrival to the States. Joaquin Phoenix is also a revelation as Bruno, a man brooding and desperate who his feeling for the girl he has exploited. But Phoenix strives to make him likeable somehow and his quality continually shines through.
Almost a year after it wowed Cannes, Gray’s movie The Immigrant has been a wait worth having and we will struggle to see a more harrowing journey than this one in 2014. Phoenix and Gray and are partnership that is really starting to click well and it is wonderful to see them back together again. Just remember when you arrive in a new place- trust no one! Â
Closer to the Edge 