DAS KINO, MEIN FREUND - A year of film

If I could, I'd go to the cinema everyday. Film is a magical medium with the ability to alter my perspective. I have no genre preferences from docufilms to world cinema. There is no pleasure too guilty. I employ an open door movie policy. Cowboys, aliens, cyborgs, zombies, gangsters, superheroes. All need apply. Here's what I've consumed over the past year.

If About Schmidt was set in Hawaii it would resemble THE DESCENDANTS. That is to say, there are similar themes running throughout. However, instead of Jack Nicholson, George Clooney is the anti-stud in this black comedy/drama. It was refreshing to see him play a real person with real problems. He has an easy chemistry with Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller who excel as his daughters. Alexander Payne (Sideways, Election, About Schmidt) shows the Hawaii that is rarely represented in the media.

The Truman Show meets The Ice Storm. Set in the early 1970s,  CINEMA VERITE explores the birth of reality television. Diane Lane plays a post-feminist housewife and Tim Robbins is her alpha male husband. James Gandolfini is the film-maker documenting the downfall of their all-American family. All three deliver. Combining the cinematic style of the early 1970s with  home cinema shots (very Wonder Years) the film convincingly captures the spirit of the times.

GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. Originally named the man who hated women, I think the original title is more apt. I watched both the English an the Swedish versions of the film and was surprised to find that, for once, the remake was the better movie. It is slicker and more stylish with better cinematography. Truer to the book, the characters have more depth and the plot has greater detail. However as a stand alone movie, I found it predictable and gratuitous in many ways. I was bored to find the objectification of an otherwise strong female lead. Not Craig's most ground breaking role.

MARTHA, MARCY  MAY MARLENE tells the story of a young woman acclimatising to life after a cult. Exploring themes of alienation and paranoia, the film is beautifully shot, using disjointed narrative and a series of flashbacks to convey her experiences. Elizabeth Olsen gives a smart, authentic and subtle portrayal of someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This movie proved an unexpected gem.

Michel Hazanavicius brings back the glamour of the silver screen in THE ARTIST. Silent movie actor, Jean Dujardin, struggles to make the transition to the talkies. As it is a silent movie we really get a chance to engaged with the text. Both actors made this easy for me.  Berenice Bejo is stunningly animated yet natural. Playing a woman ten years her junior, she exudes warmth and mischief.

"Cinema Paradiso."

A playground altercation brings about CARNAGE. Roman Polanski explores civilisation, sexism and racism in western society. Starring Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christopher Waltz and John C Riley. Honest opinion? Worked better as a play. Social satire can be tricky. I got no sense of connection between the characters. Subsequently, it felt like watching four unremarkable monologues.

THE HELP was exactly what I expected. No revelations, no surprises. A series of stereotypes. You'll hate Bryce Dallas Howard. You'll champion Emma Stone. You'll pity Viola Davies and Octavia Spencer. Once again Hollywood discusses race by referring to African Americans as the abject other. It wasn't a bad movie but don't expect any mould-breaking.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN. We do indeed. I loved this film. Director, Lynne Ramsay is a gifted storyteller. An enchanting use of light and colour. Tilda Swinton is very real as a mother trying to bond with her hostile son. Erza Miller and Jasper Newell give outstanding portrayals of Kevin throughout the various stages of his life. I'm expecting big things from both these young actors.

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY boasts a top class line up. Oldman, Firth, Hardy, Cumberbatch. It really did feel like 1970s London with all the synthetic fibres and thick rimmed glasses. One question though. Why save the majority of the plot for the second half of the film? That said, if you are patient, you will be rewarded.

THE SKIN I LIVE IN - Like all Pedro Almodovar movies, they work better if you have no idea what to expect. It is just as outlandish as his other works. It's not as much of a visual feast as La Mala Educacion or Volver but you will not be disappointed.

I've praised Ryan Gosling's DRIVE wardrobe in a previous post. This is in addition to a belting soundtrack, sharp performances, awesome plot and spectacular mise-en-scene. It will go in my modern greats collection alongside Scarface, True Romance and Goodfellas.

Also...Eagerly Anticipated

BREAKING DAWN, PART DEUX. I think we're in for a treat. Bella, less codependent, Edwards, more emotionally available and Jacob, less narcissistic. There's the arrival of the global vamps, with new and interesting ways to annihilate each other. Things get a little X-men. Carlisle being Xavier, Aro is Magneto. Don't even get me started on Bella's new powers or the hybrid daughter. As I said, no pleasure too guilty.