Far from Heaven (Todd Haynes, 2002)
Imitation of Sirk. Not a bad one at all. Has the melodrama and settings of the fifties, but the use of color and overall visual style is impressive and perhaps how Sirk would have made it if he could. As so often, Julianne Moore is stellar. The themes are interesting but not very original or never done before, even though I am not sure if Sirk would have dared to adress them in the fifties. Downside: can a black gardener be more stereotypical and one-dimensionally good? 7.5/10
Children of Heaven (Majid Majidi, 1997)
Cinema from Iran can break your heart sometimes. This story is so powerful in its simplicity. A boy loses his sisters shoes and since their family is poor they decide to secretly share a pair of sneakers. A trivial problem in most western countries but the end of the world for our young protagonist. It strongly displays how matters of life and death can elevate your achievements. This film manages to let us understand each motivation of its key players. Nuanced and honest film making as we've seen before from this country. 8/10
Amos & Andrew (E. Max Frye, 1993)
Well, here is another film with Nic Cage that is somewhat ridiculous. Its story, filled with dumb police officers and bystanders can only be saved by being over the top and funny. Unfortunately this film doesn't feel self aware enough and most of the stuff that was probably supposed to be funny isn't. Has its moments, mostly with Cage, but disappoints for a film from the early nineties. 5/10
Imitation of Sirk. Not a bad one at all. Has the melodrama and settings of the fifties, but the use of color and overall visual style is impressive and perhaps how Sirk would have made it if he could. As so often, Julianne Moore is stellar. The themes are interesting but not very original or never done before, even though I am not sure if Sirk would have dared to adress them in the fifties. Downside: can a black gardener be more stereotypical and one-dimensionally good? 7.5/10
Children of Heaven (Majid Majidi, 1997)
Cinema from Iran can break your heart sometimes. This story is so powerful in its simplicity. A boy loses his sisters shoes and since their family is poor they decide to secretly share a pair of sneakers. A trivial problem in most western countries but the end of the world for our young protagonist. It strongly displays how matters of life and death can elevate your achievements. This film manages to let us understand each motivation of its key players. Nuanced and honest film making as we've seen before from this country. 8/10
Amos & Andrew (E. Max Frye, 1993)
Well, here is another film with Nic Cage that is somewhat ridiculous. Its story, filled with dumb police officers and bystanders can only be saved by being over the top and funny. Unfortunately this film doesn't feel self aware enough and most of the stuff that was probably supposed to be funny isn't. Has its moments, mostly with Cage, but disappoints for a film from the early nineties. 5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment