The New World: Review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves

By Alex Watson

 

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. 

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!

Desert Rose: Review of Lawrence of Arabia

Classic from the Vault

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Director: David Lean

By Alex Watson

 

There are many reasons why David Lean’s 1962 movie, Lawrence of Arabia is rightly regarded as classic of cinema, but the real reason comes down to two key points. Number one, Lean himself, because no one could make lenghty epics as enthralling and spellbinding as he could and in the midst of the heat in the Arabic desert- another major hit was born! The second point was the casting of a then unknown Irish actor named Peter O’Toole who with great charm, courage and borderline insanity, made his impression on Hollywood and from there a legendary star would soon follow! Together these two made a movie that inspired many and was has been described by Steven Spielberg as a “Miracle of film!” a statement that perfectly describes Leans epic.

T.E Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) is a misfit British Army Lieutenant stationed in Cairo during WW1, frowned upon by his superiors for his odd personality, Lawrence is continually frustrated at being left on the sidelines drawing maps. Finally he gets an assignment in the Arabic desert as an observer. Soon he will become a legendary figure to the masses as he leaders them in a revolt against the invading Turkish Army and becomes involved with Prince Faisal (Alec Guiness), the murderous tribal leader Auda abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) and the mysterious Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif).

Winner of over seven Oscars in 1962, Lawrence of Arabia is an effort that even today stands up well as an exciting and valorous war movie and perfectly encapsulates the mystery surrounding Lawrence and his adventures. From a early point when he is sulkily confined to his Cairo basement, we witness that Lawrence is no ordinary man and his due his difficult persona, his General sends him on his adventure purely to be rid of him! Whilst in the desert, every success he garners sees his confidence grow to the point where he develops an almost god like complex- where in reality, he has become no better than the cut throats he looks down upon. Lean and writer Robert Bolt give Lawrence a convulted psychological edge which heightens his character and make his increasing relish commiting his various killings all the more disturbing!

But it’s not just the characterisation that is the star of this piece, the surrounding and isolated desert along with Lean’s breathless execution of the battle scenes make this film thrilling, particular the daring desert attack on the heavily fortified town of Aqaba.  Cinematographer John Box also stakes his own claim with a variety of stunning shots, including now infamous entrace of Sherif Ali, who makes slowly creeps onto the screen from heat haze in the desert. However, it is the final mass slaughter scene that leaving the lasting impression as Lawrence and the Arabic warriors brutally murder retreating Turkish soldiers.  We witness Lawrence’s eyes lit with barberous glee and screaming his famous line “NO PRISONERS!” and our hearts go cold as we see them hurtling towards their prey at a furious rate. But this act will serve as wake up call for the great man and as we see him sat blood stained and traumatised about the bodies lying around him, he has learned that being a god comes at a heavy price!

Faith and courage are two prominent features of Lawrence of Arabia and in two key sequences, Lawrence learns that not everything can be written off so easily- during their treacherous desert crossing- his friend Gasim has been separated from the main group and Lawrence rides off to rescue him and is dismissed by Ali as basically commiting suicide. But when makes his unexpected return to an astounded group, he heroically declares “Nothing is written” and this becomes a key metaphor for the later events.

Peter O’Toole shines in the role that defined his career, clad all in white, O’Toole magnificent performance brings an icon to life. In his quieter moments though, he is equally mesmerising, particularly during his painful confession to General Allenby (Jack Hawkins) that he enjoyed committing his acts. From there O’Toole springboarded onto the big stage and after his sad passing early this year, we have lost one of the all time greats. Albert Finney and Marlon Brando both passed on this role, but you cannot imagine anyone but O’Toole standing above the train carriage!

In the supporting ranks there are number of fine performances and the Oscar nominated Omar Sherif matches O’Toole with a enigmatic turn that draws us to him straight away after he noted entrance. Alec Guiness also does well as the conflicted peacemaker Prince Faisal, a man who wants desperately for his land to return to normal, but isn’t above waving a sabre during an airborne attack urging his people to “Stand and fight!”

Lawrence of Arabia may be a film that is long in running time, but every minute of this journey is something truly remarkable and once seen it is never forgotten. It is easy to see just why this piece has acted as an inspiration to so many directors- Spielberg was dead on with calling this a miracle.

 

 

Inner Struggle: Review of From Here to Eternity

Classic From The Vault 

From Here to Eternity (1953) 

Director: Fred Zimmeman 

By Alex Watson 

Most times when you watch a classic war movie, it focuses on the men’s heroics on the battle field and the courage that goes with it, but we rarely see the struggle faced by soldiers at home. In 1953, director Fred Zinneman adapted James Jones’ well received novel From Here to Eternity, which focuses on a US Army Base on the lead up to the Pearl Harbour attacks in 1943, the result was one of the most iconic and heartbreaking war movies of all time and gave birth to one of cinema’s most notorious kissing scenes!

Private Robert E Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) arrives at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii after being transferred. His new superior Captain Dana Holmes (Philip Ober) knows of his boxing past and is keen to use him in the upcoming boxing championships, Prewitt however relents due to quitting boxing. To get him to fight, Holmes encourages all NCO’s to make his life hell on a daily basis until he gives in! Meanwhile Holmes’ bored wife Karen (Deborah Kerr) takes up an affair with his trusted aide Sergeant Milton Warden (Burt Lancaster) which will lead them down a dangerous path!

Winner of the Best Picture Oscar in 1953, Zinneman’s From Here to Eternity is an excellent war movie in ever sense of the word and its depiction of internal struggle of portrayed splendidly. In this movie, each man is fight his own personal war but unlike the battle field, here there can be no possible victory! Prewitt is the subject of horrendous prejudice by the NCO’s of his platoon because of his refusal to fight and his disillusion with army life increases throughout the movie despite the odd kind word by Warden. Eventually he is pushed to breaking point, and when he is old fighting spirit reappears it is both glorious but also devastating! He does find solace however, in a romance with nightclub girl Lorene (Donna Reed), although their ideals for the perfect life may not correspond.

Warden and Karen’s romance is the movies true centre point and it gives way to the infamous beach scene where the pair kiss on the sand whilst being hit by the waves! Their romance initially is a way for the manly Warden to get one over on his arrogant superior, despite warnings from fellow soldiers about Karen’s previous affairs! Although their romance blossoms into something much deeper, Warden wrestles with his desire to start a new life with Karen and his commitment to the Army, but from the very start their romance is doomed to fail because Warden is already married to the service and cannot imagine life anywhere else! But perhaps the real tragedy comes from the downfall of Private Angelo Maggio (Frank Sinatra), Prewitt’s confident friend who is bullied severely by racist Sergeant ‘Fatso’ Judson (Ernest Borgnine), who enjoys regularly beating his soldiers in the stockade!

The actual Pearl Harbour bombings pay only a small part in From Here to Eternity, but when they hit the result mirrors the confusion and terror faced by the soldiers involved and their peaceful base is literally blown to pieces by the Japanese bombers, Tora, Tora, Tora would give a much more in depth look at this 17 years later!

Both Burt Lancaster and Montgomery Clift give towering and Oscar nominated performances in this movie, Lancaster’s Sergeant Warden is a man dedicated serviceman, but soon learns that opening his heart might be a dangerous thing to the woman he yearns to love! This a reminder of what a dominant force that Lancaster could be one our screen and the 1950’s belonged to him! Montgomery Clift plays a far more sensitive and suffering man, Prewitt just wants to play his bugle and forget about boxing, but his unable to forget to tragic incident that made him quit! One of cinema forgotten talents, Clift’s affecting turn gives Zinneman’s film its soul.

Supporting wise, Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed (who won an Oscar) are both coequally superb and Kerr gives the film its key female presence and despite this being a male dominated movie, she truly stands out as the woman who desired to find something resembling happiness in life! But the Oscar winning Frank Sinatra steals the supporting honours as Angelo and many forget what a capable actor Ol’ Blue Eyes was! Though how he got the role would later influence the horse head sequence in The Godfather years later!

From Here to Eternity is a true golden oldie and through its strong performances and affecting story, it a film that deserves revisiting again and serves as proof that not all wars are fought on the battlefield! Just be careful recreating the beach kiss, those waves might just ruin the moment!

Five Great Movie Soldiers

• Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn-Aliens): Tough colonial marine on the outside, heart of gold on the inside. Hicks firmly made his mark on the Alien franchise with suitable charm and badass attitude! When he sticks his rifle in the xenomorph’s mouth and cooly says “EAT THIS!” his steadfast soldiery is well demonstrated. But his main quality us his loyalty to the ones he loves and in his company, Newt and Ripley’s safety is never in question.
• Colonel Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson- A Few Good Men): The hardened veteran has a way with words and through them his full force is felt! Jessup lives by the book and will damn sure die by it, his court room scene facing off against Tom Cruise shows his full force as the Colonel without shame about the order he previously gave for this he will go down swinging. His ice cold persona under pressure makes him very memorable on screen and this is one man who knows “How to sidestep a few landmines”
• Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen- Apocalypse Now): The mysterious CIA officer is very much a blank slate, but he has a ruthless streak a mile wide and this is exactly why the army has sent him into the ‘heart if darkness’ to kill notorious renegade Colonel Kurtz. Throughout Coppola’s Vietnam war film, Willard shows his hard edge as his mind beings to turn to the other side as he nears his target! The iconic shot of him rising from the shadows covered in mud to confront Kurtz becomes the movies defining image.
• Sergeant Vernon Waters (Adolph Caesar- A Soldiers Story): Of all the leaders on display, this one is not a go to guy for encouragement. A light skinned African American, he has a pathological hatred of the other men in his all black company and seems to relish hurling them with abuse and violence- the hate that comes from his fellow men will eventually lead to his murder! Although despicable, Waters makes from a memorable nemesis and through one memorable monologue, his past demons are reveal and for one moment we actually feel a sliver of empathy.
• Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger- Platoon): Not afraid to bend the rules of war, the battle scarred Barnes is one soldier that you do not mess with, full stop! Murder, intimidation and lying, nothing us too low to stay ahead for this man and in the field he lives and breathes war and this makes him the very definition of evil in Oliver Stone’s legendary film. In the land of the lawless Barnes is very much the demented ruler!

Let’s Go To War: Review of Full Metal Jacket

Classic from the Vault

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

By Alex Watson

 

The 12 films of Stanley Kubrick’s career were all works of art in their own way because never did the man make the same film twice and rarely did he work with the same actors. But perhaps the most profound thing about each of his movies was that each one had images that stuck in our mind whether it was Dave Bowman going into the unknown in 2001: A Space Odyssey or watching Jack Nicholson descending into madness in The Shining.  But perhaps his most accomplished effort was his 1987 Vietnam War flick Full Metal Jacket which not only stands as one of the most quotable movies ever made but one of the most powerful war movies ever made!

Drafted for services, soldiers Private Joker (Matthew Modine), Cowboy (Arliss Howard) and the simple minded Private Pyle (Vincent D’Onofrio) are assigned to Ellis Island training core in preparation for Vietnam. Here they are placed under the guidance of bullying superior Gunnery Sgt Hartman (R Lee Emery) whose one goal is to turn them into dangerous killing machines. But after intense training ends in tragedy, Joker finds himself working as a war correspondent at the height of the Tet Offensive and here he will witness the true horrors of war.

Full Metal Jacket is an effort that might seem a harsh and brutal affair upon your first viewing, but this is exactly Kubrick intention and at no point is he interested in glamorising war in any way and he wants us to see its full effect, no matter how gory it may seem! This film is a movie of two halves, the first taking place in boot camp whereas the second takes place on the front lines of ‘The Nam’. The beginning sequence is by the far most memorable of the movie as the young recruits learn through rigorous and brutal drilling to gradually shed their humanity and become the bloody thirsty animals that their army wants them to be. The opening scene sees them having their head shaved and their identities as civilians being wiped away!

From the very moment Hartman is introduced, he makes our hair stand up as we see this man is no ordinary trainer and his hard noses attitude could make any man cry like a child! Through a expletive and shouting introduction he asserts his authority upon his recruits by using such lines as “I bet you could suck a golf ball through a garden hose!” and soon he firmly implants the ideology they will need to survive which is kill or be killed. But while Joker and the other recruits excel, Private Pyle as the weaker of the recruits is pushed to breaking point by the cruel Hartman and his unforgiving teams. One scene sees him tied to a bed and hit repeatedly with bars of soap in pillowcases!

But the more abuse he receives, the more Pyle’s mind beings to loosen and soon he will become exactly what Hartman requires, Joker privately fears what will come of this and events will come a heartbreaking climax as Joker finds his fellow recruit loading his rifle in the toilet! What follows next, be assured will not be him and Hartman skipping down the lane together!

Full Metal Jacket’s latter half set in Vietnam has a whole different tone all together as Joker finally sees the war he has been dying to get involved with, only to go away with a very conflicting set of values as he observes both the harsh and funny side of war. His experiences in the field are real mixture of laugh out loud and pure shock as he meets individuals like a crazy gunner who quips “Any Gook who moves is a VC, any Gook who doesn’t move… is a well disciplined VC!” Although not quite as remarkable as the opening sequences, it does pose some interesting questions about the war and the reasons for fighting it. The finale (amazingly filmed in an old British gasworks) makes for a heart racing ending, as Joker and friends hunt out a sniper- but as the shooters identity is revealed mouths will open in surprise!

The largely unknown cast members aid this movie and their performances give the film a realistic feel. Matthew Modine leads the way with a charismatic performance as Joker, a man desperate to see combat, but recoils the moment he sees it true colours. Vincent D’Onofrio makes a big impression as child like soldier Pyle and he still remains the sole character who holds our sympathies as he is routinely harassed into submission by all around him.

But the movie belongs to R Lee Emery as the tough as nails Sergeant Hartman. A real life drill instructor, Emery uses every bit of his knowledge to ring in a commanding and hell raising performance and after this viewing this film, it will be his face you remember most and his lines that will be spoken for a long time to spoken to come!

Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket will stand as one of those movies that is never forgotten once viewed- it may not have the scare factor of The Shining or the dazzling effects of 2001, but it is a dominant example of innocence loss during war time!

Day of Reckoning: Review of World War Z

World War Z

Director: Mark Forster

By Alex Watson

When a zombie movie rolls into view we always expect the usual things to be included and those things are plenty of suspense, buckets of gore as the people fight back against the living dead and most importantly a touch of humour that did film such as Shaun of the Dead so well. This week American director Marc Forster brings us Brad Pitt trying in vain to save the world from another deadly infestation in his adaptation of Max Brook’s novel, World War Z.

Retired UN Investigator Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) is looking forward to a nice holiday with his wife Karin (Mireille Enos) and two kids. But when they are stuck in traffic, a sudden zombie epidemic breaks out forcing them to run for their lives! Soon the devastation becomes worldwide and the existence of the human race is under threat. Gerry heads to Asia in search of a cure but he remains nervous about the results he will find and most of all is there any cure to this spreading disease?

While it has its splendid moments of shock and provides great entertainment, World War Z is a film that doesn’t quite hit the mark that we expected. It begins smartly and rather than follow tradition with an overly long build up, Forster chooses to jump straight into the action with the Zombies attacking on a normal day and families run for dear life along the streets of Philadelphia! This presents us with a thrilling opening sequence where the tension is pushed to maximum as Gerry and family play hide and seek through a darkened corridor as the moans the Z-men echo creepily in the background!

But while it has many immense moments that make squirm in our seats (such as when Gerry forgets to turn his phone off while trying to sneak through a zombie filled zone) and our hearts are bound to stop numerous times, the story doesn’t quite have enough to carry the movie and seems a little to concern with Gerry’s investigation and despite a mildly interesting trip to Israel where microphone singing refugees the scenes where he travels to various locations present us with interesting facts but ultimately will leave die hard horror fans a little disappointed with the lack of combat involved or more likely the lack of Zombie related attacks.

Also the ending we are presented with is a little flat on the ground, it starts well enough as Gerry and co face terror on an economy flight and literally becomes the man who fell to earth, and as our group walks yet another corridor looking for the thing that could cure us, it promises something grandstand. But sadly its resolution will leave many wishing aharder tone had been used and its voiceover leaves the door open for a likely sequel.

Brad Pitt is his usual watchable self in this film and he brings a touch of class to World War Z as die-hard family man Gerry, but this isn’t a role that truly stretches his abilities and feels like a walk in the park for talented Pitt. But he holds the screen well and proves once more he can be the best thing about any film he is involved with.

Aside from Brad, there are no other characters that really stick in the mind and Mireille Enos once again gets short changed in the underused wife role which simply requires her to answer a phone from time to time. There are also blink and miss appearances from Matthew Fox, James Badge Dale and criminally David Morse, whose cameo as a strung out CIA man has the potential to be as creepy as the zombies, but tragically he’s gone too soon!

Although World War Z doesn’t quite match the gritty expectations its excellent advertising campaign brought us, it is still a pleasurable couple of hours and will guarantee you to leave your seat more than once! If the proposed sequel ever arrives, we can only hope it will bring us more war scenes than on display here- the world is waiting for you to save us Brad!

Search and Destory: Review of Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

By Alex Watson

So what really happened on 1^st May 2011 when US Navy SEALS finally hunted down and killed Osama Bin Laden? That’s the story that everyone would like to know and ever since the most wanted man on the planet was wiped out rumours have spread like wildfire regarding the circumstances surrounding it and there has been a persistent conflict on the eye witness accounts raised. Will we ever get the true story? Perhaps one day, but for now we turn to Kathryn Bigelow to give us the most recent version of events. After her Oscar winning suspense in The Hurt Locker, will Zero Dark Thirty continue her current rise or will this be a story told too soon?

When the September 11 attacks devastate the world, Osama Bin Laden becomes the most wanted target on every anti- terrorist agencies lists. CIA Officer Maya (Jessica Chastain) has devoted her entire 12 year career to this one target and gone through many dangers to get within striking distance of him, but after one particularly interesting lead regarding a courier she has been chasing- Maya firmly believes that Bin Laden is hiding in Pakistan and she will use all her willpower to bring him down!

Zero Dark Thirty is a thriller that grips us throughout, but very smartly from Bigelow this is a film that sheds any potential patriotism or politics and focuses solely on one person’s mission.  It is also blessed with an intelligent script by Mark Boal (who also joined forces with Bigelow for The Hurt Locker) that keep us thinking throughout and continually speculating as whether any of the leads that are produced will bring the results needed to bring down the man they all seek? But it’s the climax that will hold the main attention for many and as the Navy SEALS in their helicopters descend upon the alleged hideout of Bin Laden we hold our breaths as they search in the dark for their target.

The ride that Maya undertakes is a very difficult one and she to contend with such disasters as The London bombings as well as the 2008 Marriott Hotel Bombing in Islamabad among others, as well as the constant cynicism from her male colleagues regarding her persistence in chasing Bin Laden when all but one have considered this mission dead in the water for many years. But it’s the scraps of information that are continual provided that allow the break through to be reached and the tension bubbles furiously as each lead is played out because there is always a chance events could be fatal!

Maya is a character is a very smartly written but not necessarily one that holds our sympathies; from the moment she arrives we witness her continual haunted and blank expression. But none the less she brings moments of humanity – as she watches an Al Qaeda suspect being waterboarded by fellow agent Dan (Jason Clarke) she squirms in the corner. But her real strength is that she possesses is a brain which is continually ticking and has a vigour that is un-deniable. As a person she may seem like a blank slate but her role is one that drives Zero Dark Thirty.

Jessica Chastain is a revelation in Zero Dark Thirty and confirms that she is one of the most exciting talents on the planet presently! Her portrayal of Maya gives the film a more human soul and through her suppressed emotion she is quietly brilliant. Even though there are great supporting turns from Jennifer Ehle and Jason Clarke- this is very much Chastain’s show!

Kathryn Bigelow has confirmed her new status as A-List director and no one can say she has earned her shot. Together with Boal and Chastain she has crafted one of the bravest and most enthralling pieces of film this year. Zero Dark Thirty is a film which subject will be long debated, but its brilliance definitely won’t be and I can safely assume this will be high on my end of year list! Best not to have a hot drink with you though- because you may just spill it when you jump!

Leader of the Pack: Review of The Master

The Master

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

By Alex Watson

Paul Thomas Anderson makes a return to our screens after a 4 year hiatus this week. His previous effort There Will Be Blood (reviewed previously in January) boasted one of the great performances of years gone by in Daniel Day Lewis and some very lush cinematography. Ever since then film fans and critics alike have been counting the minutes until his new effort, The Master. But it’s not just the great director who is on the comeback trail, Joaquin Phoenix also make a re-appearance in cinema after his fake retirement into music business. But together will this be a match made in heaven, or the pair becoming un-stuck?

Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is having trouble adjusting to civilian life due Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after being discharged from naval service in World War Two. The man is constantly in an angry and drunken haze and seems continually to be fighting people. One night, he stumbles onto the boat of Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a leader of a radical religious ensemble known as ‘The Cause’. During their time together Dodd takes a shine to Freddie and happily accepts him into their group. But soon Freddie comes to doubt whether the ideals that Dodd preaches about are really true?

P.T Anderson’s film is one of the most stunning of 2012 and has a power to it that grips us all the way through. We have a picture of a very different America post WW2, a place where men like Freddie are struggling to find their way and often are looking into the wrong places. The cinematography by Mihai Malaimare Jr is like a picture postcard and because of this there are many images that will stick with us forever, such as stunning motorbike ride through a desert.

In true Anderson fashion, The Master is perhaps longer than actually needs to be and Anderson takes his time in letting the bizarre story play itself out. But it is a story that is worth the wait because those see this will be rewarded with a gripping tale that leaves us truly bewildered as we leave the cinema and will have us asking questions for days after.

Ever since its announcement, people have been long debating whether or not The Master is basically a film that revolves around Scientology and its ideals? Whether it is or not this is the case is irrelevant because the portrayal of ‘The Cause’ alone keeps us hooked throughout and we wonder just how true the ideals its sells actually are.

The big question comes from its smooth talking and charismatic leader Lancaster Dodd, a man who claims to be a prophet who can read past lives. But is this man really nothing but a glorified con man with a silver tongue? The case seems solid because when challenged on his ideals, he demonstrates a truly nasty streak and seems to intimidate people into thinking differently. This element of mystery provides the movie’s edge.

Together Freddie and Lancaster provide the real attention for the movie; it is unclear exactly what Lancaster sees in Freddie, whether it is that he is a lost soul in need of guidance? Or maybe a warped mind for Lancaster to mould into his own image. Their moments on screen are some of the most powerful of this year, particularly when Lancaster submits Freddie to a gruelling Q & A session where he hits upon some hard home truths. This moment alone keeps our eyes glued to the screen, and afterwards they never leave them.

It is wonderful to see Joaquin Phoenix back on screen and he doesn’t disappoint with a truly remarkable performance as sex addicted Freddie. Through Freddie’s twitchy and restless behaviour, Phoenix holds the screen with force and gives a strong impression of a man on the brink of things. But who has perhaps fallen into the wrong hands. Phoenix has been a great actor for some years and we can only hope there are no more hiatuses on the horizon for him.

He is joined by the ever brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman who rings in an equally strong performance as Lancaster. Through Hoffman’s magnetism he brings the softening touch to Freddie’s angry outbursts and superbly holds his own against Phoenix. The pair are odds on for Oscar nominations this year, and perhaps Amy Adams will also be considered for her excellent support as Lancaster’s suspicious wife Peggy, a woman who wonders if Freddie is truly worthy of being in ‘The Cause’?

The Master probably will not to be everyone’s taste and could require repeated DVD viewing to truly understand it’s meaning, but it is worth seeing to witness two of the truly great performances of 2012 and another example of just why P.T Anderson is one of the great working directors today. But more than anything- good to see you again Joaquin, come again soon!

Front Line Defense: Zulu Review

Classic from the Vault

Zulu (1964)

Director: Cy Endfield

By Alex Watson

War is a never a pretty spectacle to film nor indeed is it to watch, but through these films there are often some of the most iconic moments ever filmed. Take for example the notorious shot of Sgt Elias being gunned down in Platoon, or seeing Steven Spielberg’s vision of D Day and the bullet flying like fireflies as the American storm Omagh Beach in Saving Private Ryan or finally seeing the Attack Helicopter reign down a fiery massacre upon a Vietnam village in Apocalypse Now. But none were more iconic than in American director Cy Endfield’s depiction of 100 British soldiers making a bold stand against mighty warriors in British Classic, Zulu.

Lt. John Chard (Stanley Baker) has come to Rorke’s Drift in the Natal region of South Africa to build a bridge with the Royal Engineers.  Whilst there he comes across aristocratic officer Lt Gonville Bromhead (Michael Caine) who is in command of the 24 Welsh Regiment of Foot who are stationed at the farm of Swedish missionary Otto Witt (Jack Hawkins). But soon news filters through about the heavy defeat of British forces at the hands of the Zulu’s at Isandhlwana, meaning that over 4000 Zulu warriors are heading their way! With only a 100 men, Bromhead and Chard must join forces and fight a brave battle- the result will push many beyond their limits!

From the very moment that we hear the sound of the 4000 Zulu warriors echo round the valley like an express train approaching from the distance, we know that a powerful force is edging closer and this measly party of 100 will have their hands more than full! Zulu is a blood pumping experience and the thrill levels are set constantly at maximum. Director Endfield stylishly handles the stunning battle sequences and as the Zulu swarm the base we hold our breath throughout!

The underdog status of British Soldiers gives the movie its main strength, from the very outset they are given no chance, particularly by Witt who in a drunken rage screams at the “YOU’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!” But despite their disadvantages in numbers, the soldier possess a never say die attitude and they will defend both their bases and their lives unless death takes them first! Throughout the film a brotherhood is born and even though leaders Chard and Bromhead hate each other initially, all dislike is put aside and together they make a solid command unit and the men rally with them.

But one of the great aspects of Zulu is that the warriors the British soldiers face are no ordinary enemy. During their first assault the Zulu’s seem to simply stand there and take the British bullets, perplexed by this Bromhead asks Boer officer Adendorff (Gert Van Den Bergh) why they don’t fight? To which he coolly replies “They’re counting your guns”, in this very moment our blood runs cold because we then realize that these are not just savages with spears- but the most cunning and tactically astute fighters on the planet! The Zulu’s realize that bullets only have a certain number and they will use this to their advantage.

Stanley Baker gives an impressive performance as the headstrong Chard, although he has no prior combat experience, the man learns quickly in the face of adversity and through Baker’s strength of character he stands out in the heat of battle. Michael Caine’s is also impressive in an early role, although he plays much against type as posh, upper class officer Bromhead, Caine’s cocky humour suits the character perfectly but he also gives him a more human feel during the final battles stages as Bromhead learns the art of battle.

The film also contains a narration by the great Welsh actor, Richard Burton. As he read off a list of the 11 brave soldiers that were awarded the Victoria Cross (still a record today) we feel moved to tears as Burton’s powerful voice sums the heroics that our troops have been through.

Although Hollywood makes the big budget war films, this tale of British gallantry has lost none of its effect since it was first released. Zulu contains some of the most exciting battle scenes ever filmed and throughout the excitement level rarely dips. It is a shame Cy Endfield’s career never prospered after this, but he has brought us one picture that will forever be loved. Though do expect to see a very different Michael Caine!

Caught in the Crossfire: Review of The Flowers of War

The Flowers of War

Director: Zhang Yimou

By Alex Watson

Chinese director Zhang Yimou has delivered us some of the most beautifully shot cinema of the past decade, film such as the lush and colourful Hero which contains some of the most astounding imagery ever capture on celluloid and the equally impressive House of Flying Daggers which featured the well known ‘Echo Game’ scene which proved truly heart stopping! Already well established to western audiences, Yimou this week bring us his own vision of the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China in his new film, The Flowers of War.

John Miller (Christian Bale) is an American mortician who has arrived in Nanking, China but as he does he quickly realizes the Japanese have begun an invasion. At first a drunken opportunist who has come to make money of burying an old priest, Miller is soon forced to take refuge inside a Catholic Cathedral. Very soon he is forced to become a protector of the young girls who preside within the compounds and to do this he pretends to the Japanese that he is the residing priest! As he bonds with the students, Miller is also faced with some difficult choices ahead!

The Flowers of War is very unlike many Zhang Yimou films before it, there are many memorable images in this film of course, but there are also many which show just how savage ‘The Rape of Nanking’ was by the Japanese. The battle sequences are rousing and Yimou films them expertly. Particular when the lone soldier left in Nanking, Major Li (Tong Dawei) takes on a group of Japanese soldiers single handed. The vain efforts of the Chinese justify the horrific situation they are faced with, and when the last line disappears we realise that Miller is truly on his own here!

Redemption is a big theme surrounding Yimou’s film, when we first John Miller the man is frankly- a jerk! He is in this hellish place solely for monetary gain and openly confesses that he drinks at any opportunity. But as he sobers up, his eyes are opened to the true horrors surrounding him! It is in this sequence where Miller realizes that he can make a difference and through this a deep bond is formed with the girls who begin to refer to him as ‘Father John’ and his former shadowy self begins to be redeemed!

Another vital subplot involves the arrival of fourteen flamboyant prostitutes who take shelter inside the cathedral. The initially involvement is an annoyance to the young girls, but it gives the story a massive strength! The hookers with the hearts of gold are a notion that has been well covered in cinema previously, but it’s the presence of their de-facto leader Yu Mo (Ni Ni) that makes it different. Yu Mo provides the stability and strong female presence that is needed for the group and her blossoming romance with Miller is one of the movie’s most touching elements.

In many ways it is a shame that The Flowers of War has received such a limited release in the United Kingdom because it is one of the most heart wrenching films we are likely to find this year. Zhang Yimou’s film has an entire spectrum of emotion to it and this is the movies principle strength because we never know what are going to feel next. And as we leave the cinema this feeling stays with us and we just sense that this film will hang on our minds for days to come.

The ever present man of cinema this year, Christian Bale rings in another brilliant central turn as Miller. Some might sneer at his characters change of persona and call it a clique. But it really doesn’t matter as Bale is truly magnificent and gives us one of the emotionally driven performances of the year! His Miller may be unlikable at first, but war can change people in ways we can’t imagine!

But its debutant Ni Ni that makes the strongest impression as Yu Mo; and her beauty is only matched by her charm. But she isn’t just all looks; Ni Ni also brings gentleness to her role that makes her essential to the story.  This is one career we shall watch with interest and it appears Yimou has found his next Gong Li!

This is another giant step towards a western production by Zhang Yimou, and I truly hope this comes to fruition because he is possibly the most stunning visual director in Asian cinema today. The Flowers of War is a very brutal yet extremely beautiful film that will leave a lasting impression for a long time! Shame on you Oscar for ignoring this and next time Yimou comes around you better pay closer attention!