Film Spotting

As the windy days of rain skip through its usual winter path here on the island,
one of my recent  pleasures is slipping out in the evenings and going to the cinema. 

Life of Pi 

I thought this was a beautiful film, and is a rare example of a film being on par with the book it is based on. It truly does justice to the pages of the book. Spectacular to see on the big screen, many a stunning scene to savour in the drawers of your  memory afterwards. Highly recommended. 

Argo

Not one I was very enthusiastic about beforehand,  and it must be said also that I am not a fan of Ben Affleck so it says a lot that I think both the film and his acting (and directing) were quite good.
 I liked the fact that although it is rather far fetched storyline it is based on a true story. A good film but not necessarily one you need to see on the big screen nor one that stays with you for very long afterwards, at least that was my experience. 

Les Miserable

GO go see this film...it is so worth watching on the big screen. I thought it was very well acted, well cast and the music was fantastic (yes even Russel Crow did a fair job in his role!) ...marvellous. I thought it was a very very good production.
It moved me to tears and I found myself humming the songs days after. 

Amour

I went to see this film last night and it is still sitting with me now, 

I thought it was beautiful and touching, traumatic and very sad but most of all it seems a very real depiction of the last days of a persons life (a person who dies of 'old age' ).  The very last days of life are often  not easy or pretty and you really see this but you also get to see this kind of beauty and depth of love between the couple.  It is a very good film that manages to say a great deal with out using many words. See it but be prepared, it does leave you contemplating the death of our partner, of yourself, of your parents and those near to you. At least that it how I felt afterwards. 

It also made me very appreciative of being so alive and relatively young. 

Next to see is Lincoln which I am so looking forward to!

Film Review

A little behind on the mark, forgive me, but at last I saw this film and I just have to do a wee review.

The verdict: It was not a bad film, a fine film actually, especially in regards to the visuals and the sound track.
I liked the rest of the film too , acting, story line and so on, the idea of three estranged brothers coming together under one bossy eldest brothers expectant sprirtual itinerary.  It's a particular kind of humour, for me it worked.  It is a little slow but while waiting you can  savour the colours and textures of the set and the scenery.
Parting thought upon reaching the end of the film : must find a way to get a room on this train. 

* Would not mind seeing a part two of this film, perhaps that's just me, coming from a big family-  all kinds of family dynamics.

film time

Last weekend I went to see the film Julie and Julia, and loved it. So so enjoyed it. Could be because i am missing the states just a little bit (the Halloween/Thanksgiving season can do that). It may be partly to the fact that I could relate a bit with the blogger story line (bar the fame part)  but probably has more to do with the fact that I have always been a fan f Julia Child and I do think that Meryl Streep did a fantastic job. If you are debating seeing this film- just go- see it, it's good. Good food, good music and a little window on a particularly sweet marriage.

Oddly enough, after not seeing a film in what feels like ages and ages I actually managed to see two last weekend.  The other was our first family film outing, we went  to see UP (popcorn and all) and enjoyed that too...  Really made us smile ( the Mr. and I ) kids all liked it too.  So there you have it - two film recommendations right here from the epicentre of culture and class, miracle alley,  malta!
 BTW That seriously is the name of our street.

Victoria and Albert

Went to a film last night (the Young Victoria) with no expectations and what a delight.. (for the costumes if nothing else)! Course the love story is quite nice too. Worth seeing on the big screen particularly if you appreciate clothing! Am such a fan of the V&A museum in London that seeing this film only makes me more keen to visit again!

cinema

Have been meaning to see the film Slum Dog Millionaire for months now and at long last we did this weekend. Somehow knowing that he probably wins the show and having heard bits of interviews with  Danny Boyle made me hesitate to actually see the film, but am so glad we did. Really a good film, was particularly blown away with the cinematography- genius. 

We watched it on Dvd but I really wish I had seen this film on the big screen. 

When looking up Anthony Dod Mantle (the cinematographer) was really surprised he also did the filming of another  film I absolutely loved - Festen (The celebration in English) and a few other Lars Von Trier films (am a big fan of the Dogma films and The Danish Kingdom series) pretty dark but so good. I so love the way that a good film can bring you somewhere else in such  complete way.... think I may have to see the Antichrist (newest Lars Von Trier film... although it does look Very Dark). Starring one of my fav's William Defoe and hey- Charlotte Gainsbourg ( daughter of Serge Gainsbourg) am a fan of both. Guess it will be out in August(in France). 

Film Review- Once

So after waiting nearly seven months for Once to come through our mail slot (via Love films) it finally arrived and after all the anticipation I must admit I was a little let down. It was good, and I enjoyed the film don't get me wrong. I liked the fact that it was an unsuspecting musical (or to me at least- I knew nothing about the film apart from the fact that it was Irish and good) so sorry to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it- it is a quirky musical,  in a subtle indie folk music kind of way. I enjoyed it  (but A. fell asleep) so not for everyone. If you don't like the sound of Damien Rice then this film may not be for you (thus my husband falling asleep out of slight boredom). Am impressed with what they were able to accomplish  using only a few cameras and little cash. I do think I may just have to go out and buy the sound track, for even though I was little tired of the songs by the end of the film, I must admit waking the next day and wanting to hear them again (particularly the song by the main woman sung while in pajamas walking down the street).  

Musings on The Edge of Love

Admittedly I was largely looking for an evening out (childless) and to 'escape' a bit. 

Am also a Dylan Thomas fan so it all lined up and seemed like a splendid thing to do. WARNING if you like Dylan Thomas at all I would recommend NOT seeing this film. Having seen it,  I now feel like I will not be able to hear his poetry or stories quite in the same way. 

I thought the cinematography was superb but am good and tired of Kiera Knightly (surely there must be some other talented English actresses out there that could have done as good a job). 

Surprisingly I thought Sienna Miller gave a very believable picture of Caitlin, his wife... to be honest I didn't really believe that she could act before this. A little over the top in terms of women 'running around in their knickers' as Adrian put it... all in all I would give it 7 out of 10 stars. The Edge of Love.