Reviewed by Alan Pavelin
David Lowery's A Ghost Story is one of the most unusual films I have ever seen. It tells of an unnamed couple (Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, each fairly ubiquitous these days) living in a Texas bungalow.
Early in the film Affleck dies in a car crash, after which he reappears as a ghost, covered completely in a white sheet, with large eyeholes. He spends the rest of the film, unseen by Mara, simply observing her grief and the ensuing events. He even comes across another ghost in a neighbouring house, and they communicate by telepathy (with subtitles).
In one much-commented-on extended scene, Mara consumes a huge chocolate cake as Affleck looks on (one wonders if she had a previous rehearsal, or perhaps another take!) After Mara moves out, replaced by a Spanish-speaking family (without subtitles, implying that the ghost doesn't understand them), the ghost has a flash forward and flashback, showing what will happen, and did happen many years ago, to the location of the house (which we see being demolished).
Unlike his tremendous performance in Manchester by the Sea, Affleck doesn't have much acting to do here; in fact I read that he had a replacement for much of the time. Mara is wonderfully luminous, I could watch her face all day. I love long takes in films, and this has them in spades, creating a sense of real sadness and melancholy.
Two or three reviews I read referred to the influence of Terrence Malick, though I couldn't see that because Malick's films, certainly the recent ones, have little pre-planning, unlike this film. But when, in a late scene, the ghost is actually seen by two children, it suddenly clicked as to the film I was reminded of, namely Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire, about two angels unseen by all except children.
We don't have to believe in ghosts in order to be fully involved in this beautiful film (unusually for me, I didn't check my watch at all during the screening). It's one of those films you either love or hate. I'm very much in the former category.
Friday, November 24, 2017
LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 2017
Reviewed by Alan Pavelin
Each year I pick out several films from the Festival which sound interesting and seem unlikely to get a major theatrical release. This year I selected six (two in the same programme, as they were quite short). Two particularly appealing films which I didn't catch, but which should get early theatrical releases, are Andrei Zvyagintsev's Loveless (I enthused over his previous 4 features) and Lucrecia Martel's Zama (based on a recently-translated and acclaimed Argentinian novel).
First, however, a brief mention of the four films I saw at the 2016 Festival. Two (A Journey through French Cinema, and Zoology) were released nearly a year later. A third, The Secret Scripture, had a brief theatrical release in the spring, to unenthusiastic reviews. The one I really enthused over, The Son of Joseph, had an extremely brief release and has not been issued on DVD, though it can be watched via one of the streaming services.
But now to my 2017 selection.
A BLEMISHED CODE (Anne-Marie Copestake, UK).
A study of the work of hologram artist Margaret Benyon. Well-intentioned and fairly passionate about its somewhat specialist subject, with some emphasis on feminism.
EQUILIBRIUM (Vincenzo Marra, Italy).
In this impressive film a priest (Mimmo Borrelli, on screen throughout) is battling the drug gangs in Naples, while a fellow-priest prefers to keep his head down because, in his view, to do otherwise does more harm than good. The unfussy shooting style, cutting only where necessary and with numerous tracking shots along corridors in hospitals or schools, gives the occasional outbursts of violence particular impact. Some of the actors are non-professionals, which occasionally shows, but this very satisfying film deserves an early theatrical release.
FILMWORKER. (Tony Zierra, USA).
Leon Vitali was already a successful actor when he landed a plum role in Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon. That changed his life, and he devoted the next 25 years to working behind the scenes, in numerous ways, on all Kubrick's remaining films ("Filmworker" is the occupation Vitali chose to give himself on his passport). The young boy Danny in The Shining, for example, was chosen by him. By all accounts Vitali spent every waking hour working for his hero, who in return greatly valued Vitali's assistance. There are several brief clips from Kubrick's films, and contributions from actors and others who worked with him, but most of Filmworker consists of Vitali, now almost 70 (though looking much older), happily reminiscing. This documentary is about Vitali, not Kubrick.
THE MAERSK OPERA (Superflex, Denmark).
Superflex is an avant-garde Danish collective who currently have an installation at London's Tate Modern. This film is an opera about the construction of a controversial opera house in Copenhagen early in this century. Sections of the film show the performers, though it seemed to me they were miming to a pre-arranged recording. Most of the film, however, consists of various kinds of visual metaphor of the building's construction and its opening. Very imaginative visually, though I didn't care for most of the music.
A SORT OF FAMILY (Diego Lerman, Argentina).
The "sort of" family are a professional woman and her husband intent on an illegal adoption. Barbara Lennie, on-screen throughout (much of the time in her car), gives an emotionally high-powered performance as she tries to negotiate the various obstacles in her path, at one point finding herself in prison, though it would probably help the viewer if some explanation of Argentinian adoption laws was available.. The unexpected ending ties the film up nicely.
THE WELFARE OF TOMAS O HALLISSY (Duncan Campbell, Ireland).
1960s Ireland had a huge rise in mental illness, according to an academic study. By showing what appears to be archive film of a remote Kerry village from that period, the filmmaker is attempting to explain that rise. Whether or not he is right is for the viewer to decide.
Each year I pick out several films from the Festival which sound interesting and seem unlikely to get a major theatrical release. This year I selected six (two in the same programme, as they were quite short). Two particularly appealing films which I didn't catch, but which should get early theatrical releases, are Andrei Zvyagintsev's Loveless (I enthused over his previous 4 features) and Lucrecia Martel's Zama (based on a recently-translated and acclaimed Argentinian novel).
First, however, a brief mention of the four films I saw at the 2016 Festival. Two (A Journey through French Cinema, and Zoology) were released nearly a year later. A third, The Secret Scripture, had a brief theatrical release in the spring, to unenthusiastic reviews. The one I really enthused over, The Son of Joseph, had an extremely brief release and has not been issued on DVD, though it can be watched via one of the streaming services.
But now to my 2017 selection.
A BLEMISHED CODE (Anne-Marie Copestake, UK).
A study of the work of hologram artist Margaret Benyon. Well-intentioned and fairly passionate about its somewhat specialist subject, with some emphasis on feminism.
EQUILIBRIUM (Vincenzo Marra, Italy).
In this impressive film a priest (Mimmo Borrelli, on screen throughout) is battling the drug gangs in Naples, while a fellow-priest prefers to keep his head down because, in his view, to do otherwise does more harm than good. The unfussy shooting style, cutting only where necessary and with numerous tracking shots along corridors in hospitals or schools, gives the occasional outbursts of violence particular impact. Some of the actors are non-professionals, which occasionally shows, but this very satisfying film deserves an early theatrical release.
FILMWORKER. (Tony Zierra, USA).
Leon Vitali was already a successful actor when he landed a plum role in Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon. That changed his life, and he devoted the next 25 years to working behind the scenes, in numerous ways, on all Kubrick's remaining films ("Filmworker" is the occupation Vitali chose to give himself on his passport). The young boy Danny in The Shining, for example, was chosen by him. By all accounts Vitali spent every waking hour working for his hero, who in return greatly valued Vitali's assistance. There are several brief clips from Kubrick's films, and contributions from actors and others who worked with him, but most of Filmworker consists of Vitali, now almost 70 (though looking much older), happily reminiscing. This documentary is about Vitali, not Kubrick.
THE MAERSK OPERA (Superflex, Denmark).
Superflex is an avant-garde Danish collective who currently have an installation at London's Tate Modern. This film is an opera about the construction of a controversial opera house in Copenhagen early in this century. Sections of the film show the performers, though it seemed to me they were miming to a pre-arranged recording. Most of the film, however, consists of various kinds of visual metaphor of the building's construction and its opening. Very imaginative visually, though I didn't care for most of the music.
A SORT OF FAMILY (Diego Lerman, Argentina).
The "sort of" family are a professional woman and her husband intent on an illegal adoption. Barbara Lennie, on-screen throughout (much of the time in her car), gives an emotionally high-powered performance as she tries to negotiate the various obstacles in her path, at one point finding herself in prison, though it would probably help the viewer if some explanation of Argentinian adoption laws was available.. The unexpected ending ties the film up nicely.
THE WELFARE OF TOMAS O HALLISSY (Duncan Campbell, Ireland).
1960s Ireland had a huge rise in mental illness, according to an academic study. By showing what appears to be archive film of a remote Kerry village from that period, the filmmaker is attempting to explain that rise. Whether or not he is right is for the viewer to decide.
Thursday, June 01, 2017
Digital launch of Estrella Damm's short film The Little Things
Release Date: Friday, 2nd June.
Starring critically acclaimed French actor Jean Reno (Leon: The Professional) and BAFTA nominated actress Laia Costa (Victoria), The Little Things is a short film by Mediterranean lager brand Estrella Damm, following in the footsteps of their debut short film released last year,Vale, directed by Alejandro Amenabar (The Others), starring Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey; A Bigger Splash).
Set against the Balearic backdrop of Majorca, The Little Things, directed by Albert RodrÃguez, presents its two leading protagonists, a cynical ageing actor, Jean-Pierre Bertrand, and his thirty-something assistant, Laia, with completely opposing philosophies on life as they ride an emotional rollercoaster from the moment they first meet. Outgoing Laia tried to illumintae the way for Jean-Pierre during a surprising turn of events as she invites him to seize the moment; showing him undiscovered areas of the island, introduces him to her friends, encourages him to taste the local culinary dishes and sip the local beer.
Friday, May 19, 2017
Robot & Scarecrow
Directed by Kibwe Tavares and starring Jack O’Connell and
Holliday Grainger Robot & Scarecrow will be released on 31 May on the new social network Vero, as
the first project to emerge from its partnership with DMC Film.
Set amidst the euphoric madness of a summer music festival, the short is a modern fairytale with a forbidden love story at its heart. Captured by pioneering south London director Kibwe Tavares (Jonah, Robots of Brixton) at Secret Garden Party, the film examines the festival experience through the eyes of Scarecrow, played by Jack O’Connell (Unbroken, ’71, Starred Up) and Robot, played by Holliday Grainger (Cinderella, The Riot Club).
The film was produced by Daniel Emmerson of DMC Film - the London-based production company run by Michael Fassbender and his producing partner Conor McCaughan. It was co-commissioned by Vero and The Space and co-produced with Factory Fifteen (Tavares’ studio) and Nexus. Producer Daniel Emmerson of DMC Film said: “Kibwe’s got a totally unique approach, and had an ambitious vision from the outset that involved animating pretty much every frame of the film. We got loads from the location and after that, it was a three year process with a small team of super skilled animators and visual effects artists, who translated the live action performances.”
Speaking about the film, director Kibwe Tavares said: “I feel the story is a weird, but straightforward, love story! The classic tale of two characters unable to be together as one is free and the other completely controlled. It’s also more than that, and is a nod to our youth culture, specifically at festivals. I wanted to create something that celebrated our love of festivals and it was amazing to do the shoot at Secret Garden Party. The characters are spectacularly portrayed by Jack and Holliday, and I hope people will really connect with it.” Robot & Scarecrow is the first film to receive backing from a production fund Vero has established with DMC Film to support emerging directors.
"Supporting the next generation of artists and filmmakers and providing them with new possibilities for people to connect with their work online is a big part of what we’re trying to achieve with Vero. We’re excited to be part of this project and to share this stunning film first on Vero” said Vero co-founder and CEO Ayman Hariri. DMC’s Michael Fassbender commented: “We’re really excited to be in business with Vero, and want to use the short film fund to build on our model of nurturing and developing relationships with emerging filmmakers.”
As a platform designed to make sharing all the things you love easier than ever before, Vero provides filmmakers with the tools to engage their audience in a new and valuable ways. All of the music, people, research and concepts referenced in the film can be explored in greater depth in the app itself – so the platform acts as not only a place to watch the film, but to explore a ‘rabbit hole’ of related content. Speaking about the partnership with Vero, Kibwe Tavares said: “Vero’s hands off approach enabled us stay to true to our creative, providing the freedom we needed to make this film. I’m so excited to share first on Vero - throughout my career I’ve tested everything online, rather than sharing in a more ‘traditional’ way. By sharing online you can directly access an incredible audience who find your work, share it, recommend it; providing evidence that people are intrigued by (and enjoying) your films.” Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Emmerson through DMC are also currently developing Kibwe’s debut feature The Kitchen which was written by and will star Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Sicario). Tavares has worked with Kaluuya previously on Jonah and his voice features in Robot & Scarecrow.
Robot & Scarecrow will be released on Wednesday May 31 and will be followed later in the year by the next two projects on the DMC-Vero slate: Love Pool, which will be directed by Asim Chaudhry (People Who Just Do Nothing) and John Moves In from Sundance-winner Ben Aston.
Watch / embed trailer here:
http://bit.ly/2oM0on5
Set amidst the euphoric madness of a summer music festival, the short is a modern fairytale with a forbidden love story at its heart. Captured by pioneering south London director Kibwe Tavares (Jonah, Robots of Brixton) at Secret Garden Party, the film examines the festival experience through the eyes of Scarecrow, played by Jack O’Connell (Unbroken, ’71, Starred Up) and Robot, played by Holliday Grainger (Cinderella, The Riot Club).
The film was produced by Daniel Emmerson of DMC Film - the London-based production company run by Michael Fassbender and his producing partner Conor McCaughan. It was co-commissioned by Vero and The Space and co-produced with Factory Fifteen (Tavares’ studio) and Nexus. Producer Daniel Emmerson of DMC Film said: “Kibwe’s got a totally unique approach, and had an ambitious vision from the outset that involved animating pretty much every frame of the film. We got loads from the location and after that, it was a three year process with a small team of super skilled animators and visual effects artists, who translated the live action performances.”
Speaking about the film, director Kibwe Tavares said: “I feel the story is a weird, but straightforward, love story! The classic tale of two characters unable to be together as one is free and the other completely controlled. It’s also more than that, and is a nod to our youth culture, specifically at festivals. I wanted to create something that celebrated our love of festivals and it was amazing to do the shoot at Secret Garden Party. The characters are spectacularly portrayed by Jack and Holliday, and I hope people will really connect with it.” Robot & Scarecrow is the first film to receive backing from a production fund Vero has established with DMC Film to support emerging directors.
"Supporting the next generation of artists and filmmakers and providing them with new possibilities for people to connect with their work online is a big part of what we’re trying to achieve with Vero. We’re excited to be part of this project and to share this stunning film first on Vero” said Vero co-founder and CEO Ayman Hariri. DMC’s Michael Fassbender commented: “We’re really excited to be in business with Vero, and want to use the short film fund to build on our model of nurturing and developing relationships with emerging filmmakers.”
As a platform designed to make sharing all the things you love easier than ever before, Vero provides filmmakers with the tools to engage their audience in a new and valuable ways. All of the music, people, research and concepts referenced in the film can be explored in greater depth in the app itself – so the platform acts as not only a place to watch the film, but to explore a ‘rabbit hole’ of related content. Speaking about the partnership with Vero, Kibwe Tavares said: “Vero’s hands off approach enabled us stay to true to our creative, providing the freedom we needed to make this film. I’m so excited to share first on Vero - throughout my career I’ve tested everything online, rather than sharing in a more ‘traditional’ way. By sharing online you can directly access an incredible audience who find your work, share it, recommend it; providing evidence that people are intrigued by (and enjoying) your films.” Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Emmerson through DMC are also currently developing Kibwe’s debut feature The Kitchen which was written by and will star Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Sicario). Tavares has worked with Kaluuya previously on Jonah and his voice features in Robot & Scarecrow.
Robot & Scarecrow will be released on Wednesday May 31 and will be followed later in the year by the next two projects on the DMC-Vero slate: Love Pool, which will be directed by Asim Chaudhry (People Who Just Do Nothing) and John Moves In from Sundance-winner Ben Aston.
Watch / embed trailer here:
http://bit.ly/2oM0on5
Download Vero and follow Kibwe Tavares or DMC Film to watch the full film:
Friday, March 10, 2017
MEET “BADRINATH KI DULHANIA”!
Let the colours of love fill your screens with India’s first love franchise ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’, releasing on 10th March 2017 through Fox Star Studios.
Produced by Karan Johar and Fox Star Studios, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is billed as a romantic comedy drama. The sequel to the vastly popular Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a hardcore “desi romance” which takes fans on a roller coaster ride of emotions from fun, love and laughter to heartbreak, angst and tears.
Starring India’s next-gen superstars Varun Dhawan as Badrinath Bansal and Alia Bhatt as Vaidehi Trivedi, audiences will watch them lock horns and melt hearts in a film that is more than just your average ‘boy meets girl’ love story. It’s the coming together of raw and refined with a touch of ‘desi-pan’ and a ‘hatke’ definition of ‘pyaar’, which is sure to win hearts the world over.
Badrinath Ki Dulhania is written and directed by Shashank Khaitan (Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania, Ishaqzaade), whose directorial ventures have garnered praises from both critics and audiences alike.
The music for the film has been composed by an eclectic mix of directors including Amaal Mallik, Tanishk Bagchi and Akhil Sachdeva. Taking Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt’s crackling chemistry to new heights is a special twenty-first century re-boot of the super-hit 90s track Tamma Tamma Loge.
Synopsis:
Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a story of Badrinath Bansal from Jhansi and Vaidehi Trivedi from Kota and what happens when the two of them meet.
Even though they both belong to small towns, their mind-set about gender roles in society and about life in general are diametrically opposite.
This leads to a clash of ideologies, despite both of them recognizing the goodness in each other.
Will they be able to overcome circumstances to accept their love for each other? Will they be able to surpass the expectations and pressures of their small-town families to be together?
Answers to these and many more such questions make for an interesting journey of love, laughter, emotions and madness called Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
Join Badri in his search for his perfect dulhania in Badrinath ki Dulhania, out in cinemas in 10th March 2017.
Badrinath ki Dulhania is the first festive (HOLI) movie of the year and is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Fox Star Studios.
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