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
Â
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
Closer to the Edge 