The Dead Pool

Directed by Buddy Van Horn and screenplay by Steve Sharon from a story by Sharon, Durk Pearson, and Sandy Shaw, The Dead Pool is the story of a police inspector who learns he’s part of a dead pool in which celebrities are targeted for murder as the man learns he’s also a target. The film is the fifth and final film of the Dirty Harry series that finds Harry Callahan become the target as he tries to protect others that is part of this dead pool as Callahan is once again played by Clint Eastwood. Also starring Patricia Clarkson, Liam Neeson, Jim Carrey, and Evan Kim. The Dead Pool is an exciting and dazzling film from Buddy Van Horn.

The film revolves around a death list created by a horror filmmaker as a joke to see what celebrities would be killed as the pool unfortunately turns real as Harry Callahan’s name is in the list as he’s already being targeted by mobsters for putting a mob boss in prison. It’s a film that has Callahan already being this unlikely public figure who is hounded by the press for an interview which he repeatedly declines though he would befriend a reporter in Samantha Walker (Patricia Clarkson) who would also receive this list as she realizes some of the fallacies of what she does. Steve Sharon’s screenplay starts off with Callahan being commended for his work in putting a mob boss to prison where it seems that he’s adapting to the ways that the San Francisco Police Department wants but trouble often follows him. Especially as there are those who think he’s next in this hit list created by the filmmaker Peter Swan (Liam Neeson) who is seen as a suspect as the murders were done in the same way he has characters killed in his films. Yet, Callahan doesn’t think it is Swan at all though he still doesn’t trust him while Callahan’s new partner Al Quan (Evan Kim) would make a discovery into who it might be.

Buddy Van Horn’s direction is quite simple in its approach to action and suspense while also playing into this growing culture of horror films and music videos as well as the increasing reliance of the news wanting to get exclusives. Shot on location in San Francisco, the film definitely go for something that is straightforward in its visuals as Van Horn would use wide shots for some of the locations but would use close-ups and medium shots for some of the suspense including the killing of a few victims. One sequence that is one of the most exciting involves Callahan and Quan in their car as they find themselves being chased by a remote-controlled car with a bomb as it is fun to watch. Though the film’s climax is predictable and a bit lacking in terms of high-octane action, it does have a payoff as it has Callahan be the badass despite the fact that the reveal of the film’s killer is disappointing. Overall, Van Horn creates a thrilling and fun film about a police inspector targeted as part of a death pool gone horrible wrong.

Cinematographer Jack N. Green does excellent work with the film’s cinematography as it is straightforward for many of the scenes set in the day with some lights for some of the interiors as well as scenes at night. Editors Ron Spang and Joel Cox do terrific work with the editing as it play into the action and suspense with some rhythmic cuts for the chase scenes. Production designer Edward C. Carfargno and set decorator Thomas L. Roysden do fantastic work with the look of the film sets that Swan is creating as well as the police station where Callahan works at. Sound editors Robert G. Henderson and Alan Robert Murray is superb for the sound effects that are created as well as the natural sound such as the gunfire and such that is captured. The film’s music by Lalo Schifrin is wonderful for its jazz-based score that feature some synthesizers and orchestral elements to play into the suspense and drama.

The casting by Phyllis Huffman is great as it feature some notable small roles and appearances from the rock band Guns N’ Roses as themselves, Bill Wattenberg as a victim of the killer who is killed by a bomb, Ronnie Claire Fisher as a local film critic who is on the death pool list, Michael Currie and Michael Goodwin in their respective roles as Callahan’s superiors in Captain Donnelly and Lt. Ackerman who are more concerned with the positive public image of the San Francisco Police Department rather than doing their job, Anthony Charnato as the mob boss Lou Janero that Callahan sends to prison as he is forced to make a vow for Callahan during his prison sentence, David Hunt as a troubled fan of Swan, and Jim Carrey in a terrific small role as a troubled rock star in Johnny Squares that is dealing with his drug addiction.

Evan Kim is fantastic as Al Quan as Callahan’s new partner as a Chinese-American who is a resourceful man that could kick some ass as he becomes the most stable partner that Callahan has while also being someone who knows how to stay alive. Liam Neeson is excellent as filmmaker Peter Swan as this arrogant horror filmmaker who created the list as a joke but suddenly goes wrong as he becomes a suspect as he tries to defuse the problem only to make things worse for himself. Patricia Clarkson is amazing as Samantha Walker as a local news reporter who is trying to do her work and get an exclusive interview with Callahan only to share in his views about the media. Finally, there’s Clint Eastwood in an incredible performance as Harry Callahan as the no-nonsense police inspector whose weapons are his wit and his .44 Magnum pistol as he copes with the sensationalism of the media coverage around him as well as the new and unknown enemy that is trying to kill him as it is Eastwood just playing it cool.

The Dead Pool is a remarkable film from Buddy Van Horn that features a winning performance from Clint Eastwood as Harry Callahan. Along with strong supporting performances from Patricia Clarkson and Liam Neeson as well as some fun action scenes. It’s a film that does what it needs to do in being in a thrilling suspense-action film. In the end, The Dead Pool is a marvelous film from Buddy Van Horn.

Dirty Harry Films: Dirty Harry - Magnum Force - The Enforcer - Sudden Impact

© thevoid99 2017

The Untouchables

Based on the memoir by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley, The Untouchables is the story of a group of police officers and detectives who try to take down Al Capone during the Prohibition era. Directed by Brian de Palma and screenplay by David Mamet, the film is a look into the formation of this group led by Ness as it is set in 1930 Chicago with Kevin Costner playing the role of Ness. Also starring Robert de Niro, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Patricia Clarkson, Billy Drago, and Sean Connery. The Untouchables is a thrilling and mesmerizing film from Brian de Palma.

Set in 1930 Chicago during the era of Prohibition where Al Capone (Robert de Niro) ruled the city and created havoc, the film revolves around Eliot Ness and his team of incorruptible men who are willing to take down Capone by any means while bringing him to justice. It’s a film that is a dramatized take on the events where Ness arrives into the city as an outsider for the treasury department as his early attempts to shut down Capone is met with embarrassment. Upon meeting an Irish beat cop in Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery), Ness learns that he can’t trust the police as he teams up with Malone as well as an academy trainee in George Stone (Andy Garcia) and a bureau accountant in Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith) to stop Capone and get evidence over the unpaid taxes that were never recorded.

The film’s screenplay by David Mamet doesn’t just explore the conflict between Capone and the Untouchables but also what is at stake. Notably as one of the early scenes in the film involves a bombing at a neighborhood where a young girl dies which forces Ness to really do something where he later meets that girl’s mother. Being a family man himself, Ness realizes he must do what he can to protect his wife and children from being killed as he is eventually targeted following a series of successful raids. It’s among the elements that Mamet does which gives some gravitas to the story as well as creating characters that are very engaging where Malone is a man that had seen it all and believes that Ness is the man that is willing to bring order back to the world. Stone is an Italian-American who is a great marksman and is street-smart as he is someone that wants to change the perception of what people think of Italians despite the fact that he changed his name.

Wallace is just a simple accountant who is crucial to the team as he would make some discoveries into Capone’s finances as well as see what businesses he is linked to. Then there’s Capone as he is this loose cannon that barks orders as well as be someone that thrives being in power. Through monologues written by Mamet, it adds a sense of iconography into Capone as a man who has this idea that he owns Chicago and believes he will take over the world. It definitely adds a lot into the conflict where Mamet’s script manages to play up this sort of rise-and-fall scenario on Capone in the hands of Ness and the Untouchables but the third act also reveals exactly what happens when Capone gets pushed into the edge and will do anything to keep his empire afloat.

Brian de Palma’s direction is definitely entrancing in terms of not just the visuals he creates but also in the fact that he goes for a lot of style to play up the world of 1930s Chicago as he would shoot the film on location in the city. From the usage of overhead shots to open the film where Capone is getting a shave, a manicure, and a shoe shine to the intricate usage of crane shots and close-ups. The direction of de Palma is always filled with some sense of technical wizardry in how he would put his actors into a frame such as a church conversation where Ness is in the foreground and Malone is in the background in one shot and then cut to a medium shot of the two with the camera in front of them. The sense of intimacy in de Palma’s usage of close-ups and medium shots add to the camaraderie between Ness, Malone, Stone, and Wallace in their pursuit to bring order.

The direction also has some very unique touches that does pay ode to elements of cinema such a key sequence at the Chicago train station which pays homage to the Odessa steps sequence from Battleship Potemkin. It adds to the sense of drama and what is at stake where it is clear that Ness isn’t just trying to do good for Chicago but also to make sure that the little girl who was killed by a bomb would find peace. Even as it leads to Capone being put on trial where there is still an element of suspense in its climax about the idea on if justice will be served or will Capone buy his way out of the jail sentence. It all plays part into the dangerous world that is 1930s Chicago and the era of Prohibition that has caused so much violence all because people wanted to drink alcohol with Ness needing to uphold the law the best way he can to keep people safe. Overall, de Palma crafts a very lavish yet gripping film about a lawman’s war against Al Capone.

Cinematographer Stephen H. Burum does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography from the lavish usage of lights to play up the high-class lifestyle that Capone lives in to the usage of more naturalistic yet low-key lights for the more simple lifestyle of Ness and the Untouchables live in. Editors Gerald B. Greenberg and Bill Pankow do amazing work with the editing with its stylish usage of jump-cuts and slow-motion cuts that play into the drama and action that occurs in the film along with some very offbeat rhythms for the suspenseful moments. Art director William A. Elliot, with set decorators Patrizia von Brandenstein and Hal Gausman, does fantastic work with the set pieces from the look of the Livingston hotel and the suites that Capone lives in to some of the factories where some of the bootlegging occurs. Costume designer Marilyn Vance does brilliant work with the costumes from street clothes and uniforms some of the cops wear as well as the suits that Capone wears which are designed by Giorgio Armani.

Makeup artist Michael Hancock and hair stylist Bette Iverson do nice work with some of the minimal makeup for the look of Al Capone as well as the hairstyle that women sported during those times. Sound editor Dan Sable does superb work with the sound to create some sound effects for some of the darker moments in the film as well as the elements of suspense. The film’s music by Ennio Morricone is incredible for its mixture of bombastic orchestral textures and offbeat themes to play into some of the humor and drama as it is really among one of the finest scores ever while music supervisor Emile Charlap brings in the music of Duke Ellington and other jazz pieces of the times to play into that period.

The casting by Lyn Stalmaster and Mali Finn is remarkable as it features some notable small roles from Clifton James as a district attorney, Richard Bradford as the police chief Mike Dorsett who reluctantly helps Ness early on as he‘s an old friend of Malone, Jack Kehoe as Capone’s bookkeeper Walter Payne, Brad Sullivan as one of Capone’s associates named George who gets captured by the Untouchables and the Mounties in Canada, Billy Drago as Capone’s key cleaner Frank Nitti, and Patricia Clarkson in a small but wonderful performance as Ness’ wife. Charles Martin Smith is excellent as Oscar Wallace as an accountant for the bureau who helps Ness in uncovering many of Capone’s finance as he becomes part of the Untouchables as someone that isn’t afraid to carry a shotgun. Andy Garcia is fantastic as George Stone as an Italian-American who uses a fake name in order to hide his real name out of fear of prejudice yet proves to be a skilled marksman and be loyal to what Ness wants to do.

Robert de Niro is brilliant as Al Capone where de Niro brings a lot of charm and smarminess to the role as well as being very violent and full of bravado as he definitely makes Capone larger than life. Sean Connery is amazing as Jimmy Malone as this Irish beat cop who had seen a lot as he helps Ness in bringing down Capone while realizing many of the bad things that is happening where he goes to some great extremes to get answers as it’s Connery in one of his best roles ever. Finally, there’s Kevin Costner in a marvelous performance as Eliot Ness as a treasury department agent who is tasked to bring Capone down as well as do what he needs to protect his family and make sure that the people of Chicago will feel safe.

The Untouchables is a phenomenal film from Brian de Palma. Featuring a great cast led by Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert de Niro as well as compelling script by David Mamet, lavish visuals, and Ennio Morricone’s thrilling score. The film isn’t just one of the finest films of the gangster film genre but also a mesmerizing film that plays into the world of law and order vs. crime. In the end, The Untouchables is a sensational film from Brian de Palma.

Brian De Palma Films: (Murder a la Mod) - (Greetings) - (The Wedding Party) - (Dionysus in ‘69) - (Hi, Mom!) - (Get to Know Your Rabbit) - Sisters - Phantom of the Paradise - Obsession - Carrie - The Fury - (Home Movies) - Dressed to Kill - Blow Out - Scarface - Body Double - (Wise Guys) - Casualties of War - The Bonfire of the Vanities - Raising Cain - Carlito’s Way - Mission: Impossible - Snake Eyes - Mission to Mars - Femme Fatale - The Black Dahlia - (Redacted) - Passion (2012 film) - (Domino (2018 film))

© thevoid99 2016

Good Night, and Good Luck.

Directed by George Clooney and written by Clooney and Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck is the story of TV broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow and his conflict to call out Senator Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950s during the period of McCarthyism where people are accused of being affiliated with communism. The film is a historical look into a man who refused to give in to McCarthy’s accusations amidst the pressure of corporate sponsors and such during the early years of television. Starring David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Jeff Daniels, and Frank Langella. Good Night, and Good Luck is a fascinating yet rich film from George Clooney.

In the early 1950s where Senator Joseph McCarthy calls out on American citizens with Communist ties believing they’re working for the Soviet Union. The film revolves around Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) and his team to stand up to McCarthy and his many accusations believing that he is calling out regular people and making them cower to his claims. It’s a film that plays into a period in time during the early years of television where Murrow wants to voice his opinions at great risk from losing corporate sponsors. It is a film where people are scared and have no idea who to turn to during this time where Murrow would be a voice for those who are afraid of McCarthy.

The film’s screenplay by George Clooney and Grant Heslov opens and ends with Murrow at a gala in his honor in 1958 with colleagues there to praise him as he talks about the importance of what television should do rather than just entertain. Even as much of the film takes place from late 1953 to early 1954 where there’s a lot of discussion of the stories that Murrow and his producer Fred W. Friendly (George Clooney) want to talk about as it relates to those who lost their jobs because of McCarthy’s accusations or those who are victimized by McCarthy such as Annie Lee Moss. Though Murrow, Friendly, and some of their staff believe they’re doing something right to call out McCarthy for his actions. They still had to contend with their bosses who are worried about losing their corporate sponsors and the fact that they could be shut down by those sponsors or the powers that be.

Clooney’s direction is very simple yet stylish in not just the way he frames some of the things that goes on inside a television studio. It’s also in how he manages to capture the sense of energy that goes on whenever a story is about to be told through Murrow’s mouth. Using a lot of tracking and steadicam shots to capture some of the movement that goes inside the studios, Clooney would also take great stock in getting close-ups and medium shots to play into the conversations that happens along with very entrancing shots of Murrow talking to the camera. There’s also a few wide shots in the film as Clooney is more focused on maintaining a sense of intimacy of what goes inside a newsroom during the early 1950s in the era of McCarthy. Notably as it also plays into the power of what television could do and how it would affect all sorts of change despite some of the behind-the-scenes politics that goes on which would change everything all because of greed. Overall, Clooney creates a very engaging yet provocative film about a journalist standing up to Joseph McCarthy.

Cinematographer Robert Elswit does incredible work with the film‘s black-and-white photography that is a major highlight of the film with its approach to lighting for many of its interior scenes as well as the scenes set at night. Editor Stephen Mirrone does excellent work with the editing where it is very stylized with some simplistic yet methodical cuts along with some inspired usage of stock footage from the McCarthy hearings. Production designer James D. Bissell, with set decorator Jan Pascale and art director Christa Munro, does amazing work with the set pieces from the look of the offices and the control room as well as the studio where Murrow does his broadcast.

Costume designer Louise Frogley does nice work with the costumes that plays into the period of the times in what the women wore as well as the clothes the men wore. Sound editors Aaron Glascock and Curt Schulkey do fantastic work with the sound to play into the atmosphere of the newsroom as well as some of the audio heard in the news clippings and such. The film’s music by Jim Papoulis is superb for its jazz-based score while music supervisor Alan Sviridoff would play into that period with a lot of jazz music as it’s sung on location or in post-production by Dianne Reeves.

The casting by Ellen Chenoweth is great as it features notable small roles from Rose Abdoo as news editor Mili Lerner, Matt Ross as editor Eddie Scott, Reed Diamond as editor John Aaron, Alex Borstein as the secretary Natalie, Tate Donovan as editor Jesse Zousmer, Thomas McCarthy as editor Palmer Williams, and Grant Heslov as the news director Don Hewitt. Ray Wise is terrific as news journalist Don Hollenbeck as a reporter for CBS who finds himself being targeted by the government as a Communist as he starts to unravel. Robert Downey Jr. and Patricia Clarkson are brilliant in their respective roles as correspondent Joseph Wershba and wife/editor Shirley Wershba as two co-workers trying to keep their marriage a secret as it was forbidden for co-workers to be married in those times.

Jeff Daniels is excellent as CBS news director Sig Mickelson as a man who is trying to warn Friendly and Murrow about what not to say as he is struggling to keep their sponsors as well as reveal what things have to be done in the office. Frank Langella is amazing as CBS chief executive William Paley as the head of the company who knows what Murrow and Friendly are doing but warns them about what they will lose. George Clooney is superb as producer Fred W. Friendly as a friend of Murrow who tries to figure out what to cover and how to help Murrow out with the news as well as see what kind of trouble they would get into. Finally, there’s David Strathairn in a phenomenal performance as Edward R. Murrow as a no-holds barred journalist who decides to spar with Joseph McCarthy over his accusations on people who claim to have ties with Communism in an attempt to do what he feels is right as well as see television as a way to help people instead of other things as it‘s Strathairn in one of his greatest performances ever.

Good Night, and Good Luck is a remarkable film from George Clooney that features a towering performance from David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow. The film isn’t just a look into a period of time when the world of journalism stood up to Joseph McCarthy and his witch hunt. It’s also a film that showcases the world of news on television in its infancy where it was not afraid to speak the truth despite pressures from corporate sponsors. In the end, Good Night, and Good Luck is a spectacular film from George Clooney.

George Clooney Films: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind - (Leatherheads) - The Ides of March - The Monuments Men

© thevoid99 2015

The East (2013 film)

Directed by Zal Batmanglij and written by Batmanglij and Brit Marling, The East is the story about a young woman hired by a private intelligence firm to infiltrate a group of underground eco-terrorists. The film is an exploration into the world of anarchists where a young woman tries to see what they’re about and whether they’re doing something that is very noble. Starring Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page, Toby Kebbell, and Patricia Clarkson. The East is a chilling yet gripping film from Zal Batmanglij.

The film is a suspense-thriller where a young woman who works for this private intelligence firm is hired to infiltrate an underground eco-terrorist group that has been attacking many corporations who have been known for their corruption. Upon infiltrating this group known as the East, Jane (Brit Marling) finds herself drawn to their cause as she realizes that their intention is to hurt these leaders and face the consequences of their actions. For Jane in her Sarah alias, she falls for the leader Benji (Alexander Skarsgard) as she learns more about his background as well as his associates in Izzy (Ellen Page) and Doc (Toby Kebbell). Particularly their motivations into being part of this group as Jane would report everything to her supervisor Sharon (Patricia Clarkson) but find herself in conflict with everything else she’s doing.

The film’s screenplay not only explores the conflicts that Jane/Sarah would deal with but also the sense of danger she is going into as she knows she’s getting too close to targeting Benji and the East. Yet, she realizes that the people they’re after are individuals who are responsible for ecological disasters that have killed or harmed innocent people through chemicals and such. Especially as Benji, Izzy, and Doc have been affected in some way over what has happened by these corporations as Jane becomes confused in helping them or helping Sharon who knows exactly what Jane is going through which adds an ambiguity to her character as she isn’t presented as a typical antagonist.

Zal Batmanglij’s direction is quite entrancing in the way he presents some of the attacks the East does where it’s very underground and secretive though their intention is to never kill anyone but rather hurt them. Much of the direction involve some hand-held shots as well as scenes where it adds to some of the elements of suspense where it’s shot around Shreveport, Louisiana to play into a world that is low-key but also has cities and such where Jane can go back to. Some of the compositions involve close-ups and medium shots where Batmanglij plays into the drama and suspense that includes a chilling moment in the film’s second act which involves Izzy and her motivations as it becomes a key turning point for Jane possibly wanting to help the East more. Overall, Batmanglij creates a very compelling and intoxicating film about an undercover agent who goes into deep into the world of an underground eco-terrorist group.

Cinematographer Roman Vasynov does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography from the usage of low-key lights for some of the scenes at night to some of the more natural setting in some of the forest scenes that is contrast to the lighting in the building that Jane works at. Editors Andrew Weisblum and Bill Pankow do amazing work with the editing with its usage of montages for the film‘s opening sequence to other array of stylish cuts to play into the film‘s suspense and drama. Production designer Alex DiGerlando, with set decorator Cynthia Slagter and art director Nikki Black, does superb work with the set pieces from the ruined house the East lives in to the more polished office and homes that Jane lives in when she‘s not undercover.

Costume designer Jenny Gering does nice work with the costumes from the polished clothes the East wears when they go undercover to the more ragged look when they‘re back at their secret home. Sound editor Andrew DeCristofaro does terrific work with the sound from the atmosphere of some of the antics the gang do to the quietness of the forest locations and where Jane lives. The film’s music by Halli Cauthery, with score themes by Harry Gregson-Williams, is wonderful for its mixture of electronic music and orchestral music to play into the film‘s suspense and drama.

The casting by Ronna Kress includes some notable small roles from Hillary Baack as a deaf-member of the East that Jane/Sarah befriends, Aldis Hodge as an aggressive member of the East, Han Soto as Sharon’s assistant, Jason Ritter as Jane’s husband, and Julia Ormond in a superb performance as a corporate official who deals with the same side effects that she’s been given during an attack by the East. Toby Kebbell is excellent as a doctor named Doc who deals with his illness as well as give reasons into why he became ill and his thirst for vengeance. Shiloh Fernandez is pretty terrible as the East member Luca as he looks like he just got out of a emo concert with too much eyeliner as he sometimes over acts in some intense scenes or looks like he’s about to take a shit.

Patricia Clarkson is amazing as Jane’s boss Sharon who keeps tabs on what Jane does while offering advice about getting to close and such. Ellen Page is fantastic as Izzy as this young woman who is wary about Jane joining the group only to have moment in the second half which reveals her reasons for being in the East. Alexander Skarsgard is brilliant as the leader of the East in Benji as a man who is determined to bring down corporations as there’s more to him than just some ragged, charismatic leader as Skarsgard brings this sense of humility and brooding persona to his role. Finally, there’s Brit Marling in an incredible performance as Jane/Sarah as an undercover agent trying to join the East and see what they’re up to as she becomes conflicted in doing her job as well as helping the East as it’s a role that is very understated yet engaging from Marling.

The East is a fantastic film from Zal Batmanglij that features remarkable performances from Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page, and Patricia Clarkson. While it does have some conventional elements that is expected in a suspense-thriller, the film does offer some key insight into the world of eco-terrorism and their motives while adding some human elements into the story. In the end, The East is an extraordinarily powerful film from Zal Batmanglij.

Zal Batmanglij Films: (The Recordist) - Sound of My Voice

© thevoid99 2014

Lars and the Real Girl

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 6/22/08 w/ Additional Edits.

Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Nancy Oliver, Lars & the Real Girl is the story of a shy man named Lars who is comes out of his introverted personality when he falls for a life-sized doll named Bianca. While his brother and sister-in-law worry about this strange behavior, they play along with him as Lars finds himself attracted to a co-worker as Lars is played by Ryan Gosling. Also starring Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, and Patricia Clarkson. Lars & the Real Girl is a sweet, charming, and quirky comedy-drama from Craig Gillespie.

Living in the garage near his late parents' home, Lars is a young man who keeps to himself. Shy and often very secretive, he rarely has contact with people as he goes to work and on Sundays, go to church. Yet, his sister-in-law Karin (Emily Mortimer) is concerned as she often invites him to dinner at his parents' home where Lars' older brother Gus (Paul Schneider) lives. Lars has caught the attention of a new co-worker named Margo (Kelli Garner) who often asks him if they would like to hang out but Lars politely refuses. Then one day, a co-worker shows Lars some sex dolls that he's looking at where Lars suddenly gets an idea. Six weeks later, a big package arrives for Lars as he walks up to Gus' home and asks if he can come for dinner with his new friend. Karin and Gus are excited until they see that Lars' new friend is a sex doll named Bianca.

Gus is convinced that his brother has lost his mind as Karin is trying to figure out how to deal with it. They all go to meet the town's doctor Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) who suggests to Gus and Karin to play along with what Lars is doing and treat Bianca as if she's real. Karin gives in but Gus is extremely reluctant. Yet with Lars starting to become more communicative, Karin begins to treat Bianca like a real person with Gus still trying to deal with Lars' state of mind. With the town also reluctant to play along, they immediately take a liking to Bianca while Dagmar tries to explore Lars' psyche. Lars takes Bianca to a party as she meets Margo who also takes a liking to Bianca. With Gus now playing along, everyone takes a shine where things seem to go well though Gus and Karin still question whether it will help Lars' state of mind.

When Margo starts to date a co-worker, Lars begins to notice her as his relationship with Bianca starts to crumble due to her activity for the town. Lars gets a little upset as Karin reminds him that Bianca has his own life. When Margo asks Lars if he would like to go out somewhere, he does as he starts to notice her more. Yet, confused over his feelings for both Margo and Bianca, Lars suddenly finds himself in what he's really dealing with.

Thematically, the film is in some ways is about death. Yet, writer Nancy Oliver and director Craig Gillespie chose to cover up that theme a bit by exploring the unique character that is Lars. Essentially the film is a character study about a young man, still haunted over the death of his parents trying desperately not to connect with anyone until he decides to enter the real world through a sex doll. Nancy Oliver's script is filled with wondrous characters who seem to care for Lars while also presenting this unique world of small town Middle America where everyone seems to know everyone and interact with each other as a community. Yet, Oliver's script explores the fragile mind of Lars and how an object like Bianca can make him interact with people while breathing life into a character like Bianca.

Director Craig Gillespie does superb work in the film by creating funny moments in the film with such subtlety in the film's first act when Karin and Gus are introduced to Bianca. The way Gillespie presents their reaction is done with a lot of humor where the actors had to do so little. The second act is also wonderfully told as Gillespie explores the world of small town Middle America with Ontario as the location. For the third act, it does become a bit dramatic but Gillespie's direction and the actors wisely underplay it as Gillespie's restrained, subtle tone works for the film as an entirety. With the way Gillespie presents the scenes and compositions while letting other characters get an idea of what they think. The result is truly a marvelous film thanks to Craig Gillespie's heartfelt direction.

Cinematographer Adam Kimmel does an amazing job with the film's photography where Kimmel captures the wintery look of small town America with dabbles of color as the interior shots are wonderfully lit to capture an intimacy and tone for each scene. Kimmel's work is truly superb as his look is authentic and beautiful as it's one of the film's technical highlights. Editor Tatiana S. Riegel is excellent for its transitional cutting, use of fade-outs and its methodical yet smooth pacing as it carries the film with such ease through Gillespie's sensitive tone.

Production designer Arvinder Grewal and art director Joshu de Cartier do a fine job in the look of the homes of Karin and Gus as well as the place that Lars works and other locations. Costume designers Gerri Gillian and Kirston Leigh Mann do a wonderful job with the film's wintery look from the sweaters and shirts that Lars wear to the colorful clothing that the women including Bianca wears.

Sound editors Barney Carbal and Perry Robertson do a nice job in capturing the atmosphere of the film's interior scenes and outdoor exterior scenes to show the world of the small town that Lars lives in. Music composer David Torn create a wonderfully melodic, bouncy soundtrack for the film's quirky yet heartfelt vibe that features melodic chimes and uplifting string arrangements while the film's third act is more somber as Torn's music wonderfully under plays the film. The soundtrack consists of artists that are mostly unknown with the exception of the Talking Heads and its side project Tom Tom Club.

The casting by Richard Hicks and David Rubin is wonderful for its small but memorable performances from R.D. Reid as the local reverend, Nancy Beatty as Mrs. Gruner, Karen Robinson as Lars' co-worker Cindy, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos as another of Lars' co-worker Kurt who introduces him to the dolls, and Billy Parrott as Margo's boyfriend Erik. Patricia Clarkson is brilliant in her role as Dagmar, a doctor who tries to go into Lars psyche while sharing her own feelings of loneliness as she tries to help Lars cope through establishing a relationship with Bianca.

Kelli Garner is excellent in her role as the sweet, quirky Margo who has a crush on Lars while befriending Bianca as she becomes one of the few people who help Lars interact with the world. Paul Schneider is great as Lars' older brother Gus who is concerned for Lars' mental health while admitting to the guilt that it could be his fault as he tries to cope with his mistakes. Emily Mortimer is superb in her role as Karin, Lars' sister-in-law whose maternal concerns for Lars comes to the test when she deals with Bianca to help Lars overcome his introverted personality.

Then there's Ryan Gosling in an amazing and tender performance as Lars. Gosling's restrained, soft-spoken performance is definitely a testament to his talents where he can delve into a character whether it's someone extroverted or troubled. In the role of Lars, Gosling's subtlety and melancholic approach to the characters makes Lars as unique and likeable despite his own mental state. Yet, it's a great follow-up performance to the one Gosling gave in his Oscar-nominated performance in Half Nelson. The film's most surprising performance goes to the sex-doll named Bianca. The half-Danish, half-Brazilian doll with brunette hair is definitely a character full of life and wonder as she brings out the best in the actors she acts with.

The Region 1 DVD from MGM and 20th Century Fox presents the film in its 1:85:1 widescreen aspect ratio with 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound in English and Dolby Surround Sound in Spanish. Featuring English and Spanish subtitles, the DVD includes three special features. First is a brief, deleted scene where Lars in a bathtub with Bianca where the director, through text, reveals that the scene reveals Lars' struggle over his feelings for both Bianca and Margo. The 10-minute featurette entitled The Real Story of Lars & the Real Girl explores the film and its story featuring interviews with the cast and crew as Patricia Clarkson took the part because Ryan Gosling was going to be in whom she had admired. Gosling talks about his rehearsal approach where he actually spent time with the Bianca doll to understand his character.

The six-minute featurette A Real Leading Lady explores Bianca who is given more make-up than most of the cast as they talk about her while Gosling talks about a Walter Salles film she did only to get into an argument about their interview. It's a funny, sweet featurette that goes behind the character who steals the show including a couple of quotes from Richard Burton and Federico Fellini. Along with the film's theatrical trailer, the DVD also includes trailers for films like Music Within, Bonneville, Frank Oz's Death at a Funeral, Tamara Jenkins' The Savages, and the hit film from Jason Reitman, Juno.

Lars & the Real Girl is a sensitive, touching, and light-hearted film from Craig Gillespie featuring a superb performance from Ryan Gosling. Fans of Gosling will no doubt consider this film as essential featuring great supporting work from Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, Patricia Clarkson, and of course, Bianca. While the idea of a man falling in love with a love-doll might seem crazy, the film's light-hearted tone and themes makes this film into a gem worth watching. In the end, Lars & the Real Girl is a remarkable film from Craig Gillespie.

Craig Gillespie Films: (Mr. Woodcock) - (Fright Night (2011 film)) - (Million Dollar Arm) - (The Finest Hours) - I, Tonya - Cruella

© thevoid99 2014

Whatever Works

Written and directed by Woody Allen, Whatever Works tells the story of a frustrated intellectual who leaves his upper-class New York life to enter its Bohemian section where he meets a young Southern girl and her family as he deals with the drawbacks of his new change in life. The film explores a man who befriends a young Southern girl and her family as he unknowingly changes their views on life. Starring Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Henry Cavill, and Michael McKean. Whatever Works is a pretty delightful comedy from Woody Allen.

The film is about this very brilliant but frustrated individual who chooses to live a much simpler life after a breakdown in his marriage where he later meets this young Southern runaway. Reluctantly taking her in, he becomes fascinated by naiveté as they later marry until her mother finds her as she eventually becomes part of the New York City art world. It’s a film where this man’s rants about the world and humanity suddenly seeps into the mind of a young woman as she eventually starts to become an individual of sorts and later has her mother becoming part of a world that is very different from the conservative world of the American South.

Woody Allen’s screenplay is about people coming into their own in a very new environment yet it is largely told by this man named Boris (Larry David) whose cynical view on the world itself has him baffled when he meets this very charming 21-year old girl named Melody (Evan Rachel Wood). Even as he imposes his own ideas about everything to her as she starts to form her own opinions on things though they aren’t strong as his as it would eventually influence her own mother Marietta (Patricia Clarkson) who unexpectedly arrives in an attempt to bring her own. Instead, she is introduced to a few of Boris’ friends and becomes a very different woman in the course of a year. Allen’s script is uneven at times as it often features a lot of rants from Boris who is always breaking the fourth wall down and talks to the audience to give his ideas on things and such where it gets a little old at times.

Allen’s direction has him returning to New York City after a brief period spending time in Europe. While he doesn’t do anything new in terms of compositions, he does manage to create a sense of looseness in the way he directs his actors. Notably as he creates moments where Boris would rant to his friends about everything as he tells the story about his first suicide attempt and then go into his story about how he met Melody. Allen does manage to take his time and do a bit of satire where he sort of makes fun of the New York art world as Marietta becomes this art photography who specializes in nude photography that would baffle her husband John (Ed Begley Jr.) who had left Marietta for her best friend. Though it loses some steam in the third act and the plotting isn’t as strong as it wanted it to be. Allen still manages to create a very engaging yet fun film about a man whose intellect inspires a Southern family to find their way in the world.

Cinematographer Harris Savides does fantastic work with the film‘s cinematography from the vibrant yet sunny look of its daytime exteriors to some more colorful lighting schemes for the scenes at night including some of its interior scenes. Editor Alisa Lepselter does excellent work with the editing as it features a few montages to play up Melody and Marietta‘s respective growths as well some rhythmic cuts to play out the film‘s humor. Production designer Santo Loquasto, with set decorator Ellen Christiansen and art director Tom Warren, does terrific work with the set pieces from the look of Boris‘ apartment to the art gallery that Marietta would eventually present.

Costume designer Suzy Benzinger does wonderful work with the costumes from the youthful clothes that Melody wears to the more fashionable New York Bohemian clothes that Marietta would wear after her transformation. Sound editor Robert Hein does superb work with the sound as it is often low-key while it would play to some moments that would move the story forward. The film’s music largely consists of classical and jazz music from artists like Ludwig Van Beethoven, Jackie Gleason, Groucho Marx, Heinz Kiessling, Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, and Red Garland.

The casting by Juliet Taylor, Laura Rosenthal, and Ali Farrell is brilliant for the ensemble that is created as it features some memorable appearances from Michael McKean, Adam Brooks, and Lyle Kanouse as friends of Boris whom he frequently talks to, Christopher Evan Welch as a man John meets late in the film, Carolyn McCormick as Boris’ ex-wife in a scene where Boris has a night terror and tries to kill himself, Jessica Hecht as a woman Boris meets late in the film, Conleth Hill as a philosophy professor Marietta meets, and Olek Krupa as an art gallery agent who also meets and falls for Marietta. Ed Begley Jr. is terrific as Marietta’s husband John who unexpectedly arrives to New York City to find out what his daughter and wife are up to as he’s baffled by their changes. Henry Cavill is very good as a young man that Marietta meets as she tries to set him up with Melody in the hopes that Melody can meet someone who isn’t Boris.

Patricia Clarkson is amazing as Melody’s mother Marietta where Clarkson brings a lot of energy as a woman who starts off as this God-fearing woman from the South that is eager to return her daughter back home only for one of Boris’ friend to discover her gifts as a photography that would change her completely. Evan Rachel Wood is remarkable as Melody as this young Southern girl who runs away to New York City from Mississippi as she becomes Boris’ new wife where she learns to be a woman with some intelligence as Wood has this charm and exuberance to her character that is fun to watch. Larry David is excellent as Boris as a man troubled by the world and is convinced is full of idiots until he’s amazed by this young naïve woman and starts to guide her about the ways of the world as it’s a pretty funny performance from David.

Whatever Works is a pretty good film from Woody Allen thanks to the performances of Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, and Patricia Clarkson. While it is flawed as some of David’s rants get a little old while the story is also uneven. It is still a very lively film that explores an intellect meeting those who are beneath him intellectually yet would make an impact on his life and his views on the world. In the end, Whatever Works is a terrific film from Woody Allen.

Woody Allen Films: What's Up Tiger Lily? - Take the Money and Run - Bananas - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) - Sleeper - Love and Death - Annie Hall - Interiors - Manhattan - Stardust Memories - A Midsummer's Night Sex Comedy - Zelig - Broadway Danny Rose - The Purple Rose of Cairo - Hannah & Her Sisters - Radio Days - September - Another Woman - New York Stories: Oedipus Wrecks - Crimes & Misdemeanors - Alice - Shadows and Fog - Husbands and Wives - Manhattan Murder Mystery - Bullets Over Broadway - Don't Drink the Water - Mighty Aphrodite - Everyone Says I Love You - Deconstructing Harry - Celebrity - Sweet and Lowdown - Small Time Crooks - The Curse of the Jade Scorpion - Hollywood Ending - Anything Else - Melinda & Melinda - Match Point - Scoop - Cassandra's Dream - Vicky Cristina Barcelona - You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger - Midnight in Paris - To Rome with Love - Blue Jasmine - Magic in the Moonlight - Irrational Man - (Cafe Society)

The Auteurs #24: Woody Allen Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 - Pt. 4

© thevoid99 2013

One Day (2011 film)

Based on the novel by David Nicholls, One Day is the story about a man and a woman who meet each other in the same day in the span of several years. During this time, the two would encounter many changes in their relationship and the individual lives they take. Directed by Lone Scherfig and written by David Nicholls, the film is a story about these two people and their unique relationship. Starring Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Romola Garai, Jodie Whittaker, Rafe Spall, and Patricia Clarkson. One Day, for all of its take on love, is an episodic and maudlin film from Lone Scherfig.

The film is essentially the story about these two people in Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) who meet on July 15, 1988 on their graduation day as they become friends and eventually, lovers. In the course of more than 20 years, these two people would communicate and be with each other to discuss their lives while they both pursue their individual goals. Emma becomes a teacher and later a children’s novelist while Dexter’s aspirations as a producer has him starting off as annoying TV show host and later becoming a man with a sense of direction. They would also engage into different relationships with other people where they eventually realize how much they really care for each other.

It’s an interesting premise about the lives of these two people in the span of more than 20 years on one particular day being July 15. Yet, it’s a story that doesn’t do a lot to make it much more interesting as it ends up being episodic in its formula where they always do something on the 15th of July. There would a moment where they each have an individual moment in their lives and for a moment, not speak to each other for a few years. A reconciliation would happen as it would eventually lead to them finally being together that is later followed by something in the third act that would change things. While both Emma and Dexter are quite interesting and flawed characters, it’s just that the story isn’t well-executed as it plays too much into convention.

Lone Scherfig’s direction does have a lot of wonderful scenes and images that is playful and romantic. Yet, she doesn’t do enough to make the story more engaging as it does play into a lot of the conventions of being flirty in the first act, frustration in the second, and finally coming together in the third. Some of the moments between Emma and Dexter together are compelling in their conversations with bits of humor and drama. Once the story progresses, it starts to be a bit repetitive at times whenever Dexter is fooling around or Emma is just taking the moments of disappointment in her life. Though things do relax a bit in the third act that is followed by a very shocking moment. Scherfig does manage to find something that is poignant and give it a fine ending. Overall, Scherfig creates a film that is watchable but somewhat unsatisfying in terms of the love story it wanted it to be.

Cinematographer Benoit Delhomme does excellent work with the gorgeous, colorful photography for many of the film‘s locations in Britain and parts of France to complement the changing times the characters go through. Editor Barry Pilling does nice work with the editing to play out the structure and some of the film‘s emotional moments. Production designer Mark Tildesley, along with set decorator Dominic Capon and art director Denis Schnegg, does superb work with the set pieces such as the apartments Dexter and Emma lived in during their lives along with studio sets where Dexter worked at.

Costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux does some fine work with the costumes to complement the looks of Dexter and Emma in the different times they live in . Makeup designer Ivana Primorac does some terrific work with the look of the hair and makeup to make the character age a bit during the course of the film. Sound designer Glenn Freemantle does wonderful work with the sound to capture the energy of the clubs that Dexter frequent to the more intimate places that he and Emma go to. The film’s music by Rachel Portman is very good for its melancholic-driven orchestral score to play out the sense of longing between the two characters. Music supervisor Karen Elliot provides a decent soundtrack that captures the moment of the times with music from James, Tracy Chapman, Fatboy Slim, and Del Amitri.

The casting by Lucy Bevan is brilliant for the ensemble that is created although appearances by Jodie Whittaker as Emma’s friend Tilly and Patricia Clarkson in an excellent performance as Dexter’s mother Alison is kind of a waste as they don’t get enough to do. Ken Stott is very good as Dexter’s stern but caring father while Romola Garai is terrific as Dexter’s wife Sylvie. Rafe Spall is excellent in a standout performance as Emma’s aspiring-comedian boyfriend Ian who tries to make Emma laugh while deal with her relationship with Dexter.

Finally, there’s the duo of Jim Strugess and Anne Hathaway as they both give pretty remarkable performances. Strugess provides a lot of wit and energy to a character who is quite arrogant at times only to have humility as he later becomes a father. While parts of Hathaway’s English accent isn’t perfect, she does manage to create a performance that is full of charm and depth as a woman who just wants to be friends only to realize how much she cares for him. Sturgess and Hathaway do have some chemistry together in the way they interact as they do make a fine pair to watch and be compelled by.

Despite the terrific performances of Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway, One Day is a mediocre film from Lone Scherfig. While it will have something that fans of romantic movies might enjoy, it doesn’t do enough to make it more unique or adventurous for audiences that want more. In the end, One Day is an okay film from Lone Scherfig.

Lone Scherfig: (Dogme 12-Italians for Beginners) - (Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself) - (Just Like Home) - An Education

© thevoid99 2012

Dogville

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 3/21/04 w/ Additional Edits & Revisions.

Written and directed by Lars von Trier, Dogville is about a young woman named Grace in 1930s Great Depression running away from the mob as she hides in a quiet town in the Rocky Mountains where she befriends a man who helps her. Seeking refuge in the town where the locals give her labor work, things start out fine until it escalates where Grace becomes mistreated by the locals. Playing the role of Grace is Nicole Kidman who leads a rich ensemble cast that includes von Trier veterans Sioban Fallon-Hogan, Stellan Skarsgard, Jean-Marc Barr, Udo Kier, and Zeljko Ivanek, as well as film veterans Phillip Baker Hall, James Caan, Lauren Bacall, and Ben Gazzara plus Paul Bettany, Jeremy Davies, Chloe Sevigny, Patricia Clarkson, Blair Brown, and narration by John Hurt. Dogville is a haunting yet provocative film from Lars von Trier.

In the small mining town of Dogville in the Rocky Mountains, a philosopher named Tom Edison (Paul Bettany) hears a gunshots nearby as a woman named Grace arrives into town seeking refuge. With Grace hiding in the mines, Tom learns that Grace is hiding from a mob led by its leader (James Caan) as they want to know about her whereabouts. While Tom told him that she's not here, he is given a card in case she does arrive as they leave. Tom holds a town meeting with the locals to introduce Grace as she is given a two-week trial run to see if she can fit by doing usual labor work. While she manages to befriend the blind Jack McKay (Ben Gazzara) and help out various locals including the grouchy apple farmer Chuck (Stellan Skarsgard) during the trial-run. Grace is accepted where things seem to go fine as she continued to help out and such.

After a 4th of July picnic when a cop posted posters of Grace being wanted for robbery, things become tense as Grace chooses to work for less wages. Yet, Grace finds herself dealing with all sorts of trouble as she gained the ire of the local women led by Chuck's wife Vera whose young son Jason (Miles Purton) was spanked when he was trying to provoke Grace. After Grace claimed that Chuck had raped her during a visit from the cops, Vera refuses to believe by smashing the little figurines Grace had bought some time ago. Grace decides to leave Dogville with the help of Tom and garage worker Ben (Zeljko Ivanek) that doesn't go well at all when Ben returns to Dogville as Grace had been accused of stealing money from Tom's father (Philip Baker Hall).

Grace is forced into doing slave labor while being a sexual tool for the men in the town as Tom feels that things have gone too far. After some truths were unveiled, Tom decides to call up the mob leader where a bigger shock is revealed about Grace's identity in relation to the mob.

The film presentation of Dogville is clearly one of the most original ideas as the entire movie feels like a play with minimal settings, cars driving in and out of the soundstage while doors are being opened by mimic since there's no doors built, and a fake mountain near the edge of the set. In many respects, Lars von Trier has once again made his mark as a groundbreaking filmmaker by just stripping everything down to the essentials. With help from production designer Peter Grant and set decorator Simone Grau, the film's set plays up to Great Depression-era America as well as the costumes by Manon Rasmussen. The film has this strange look where in the day scenes, there's a white background surrounding and a black for night.

Even when there's weather, leaves, snow, and all sorts of things fall down just to give the film a strange, cinematic feel. Even the film's score from the compositions of Antonio Vivaldi plays up to the innocence of the town as well as its suspense and drama as the film's mood changes. One notable musical piece that is set to the film's disturbing final credits of America in ruins is presented with the musical accompaniment of David Bowie's Young Americans.

With a dizzying, video look from cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, the film has this strange, avant-garde tone to the film as von Trier also plays the role of camera operator as the film has not just a hand held feel. Also a TV-like production feels as if a play is being filmed. The real genius of the film is easily von Trier as he brings in a fluent, storytelling direction that is masterful as he doesn't even let the pacing of the film slow things down or make things fast, especially since the film is 3-hours long.

Even the film's screenplay is filled with brilliance as the story and characters starts off innocently and then evolves into something very ugly. Now for those who found the ending to Dancer in the Dark to be quite sadistic will find the ending in Dogville much more disturbing and ugly. At times, the characters can be sympathetic but as the story evolves, it becomes blurry as the actions of the people of Dogville become more sadistic.

What makes Dogville such a compelling film isn’t just how American society is back then but in relation to today's society. What von Trier does is provide all sorts of ambiguities and symbolism, particularly in the little things in the set like the China figurines that Grace cherishes and Ma Ginger's Gooseberry bushes. There's a fine line in the story at what goes on and when it comes to the ending, it comes with this sense of realization at not just what the people in Dogville are but to America as well. In many aspects, von Trier isn't trying to knock down American society but the politically incorrectness and restriction on what this country has become.

If von Trier has had a great cast before in his previous films, he certainly topped them all with everyone in this film. You can never put a better ensemble cast as better as this. While the roles of Cleo King, Harriet Andersson, Shauna Shims, Jean-Marc Barr, and Udo Kier are small, they were all well-performed and fun to watch as Cleo King plays up to the mood of the African-American housemaid while overcoming the stereotype just as the film evolves since she ends up being treated like a equal. The roles of Chuck and Vera's children are well-performed, particularly Miles Purinton as Jason who probably gets his first S&M lesson from Nicole Kidman in one of the film's most hilarious scenes. While Blair Brown and Bill Raymond are well used as the Henson parents as well as Jeremy Davies as the dimwitted Bill is used, Chloe Sevigny stood out the most among the family as she tries to play up as a rival to Kidman's Grace for the affections of Tom Edison.

Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Zeljko Ivanek also does standout performances in their roles as well as the enigmatic Lauren Bacall as the wise Ma Ginger who ends up becoming a real mean lady to Grace. Stellan Skarsgard is excellent as the grouchy Chuck as he plays up in a very vulnerable role in earlier scenes with Grace as he shines in the rape scene where he reveals his huevos grandes. Phillip Baker Hall is also excellent in his role as Tom Sr. while Ben Gazzara is amazing as the blind Jack McKay, who too becomes a dirty old man.

Of the entire supporting cast, no one stood out better than Patricia Clarkson (who replaces the late Breaking the Waves actress Katrin Cartlidge, who the film was dedicated to) as Vera, who starts out very nice but once she gets mean, she is really mean as the current indie queen gives Kidman a lesson in indie meanness. James Caan, of course is brilliant in the film's final act as he meets with great with a surprise revelation as he doesn's come off as the classic mob criminal by just playing the role charismatically and with subtlety that is very surprising from the film legend.

Of the male cast, no one shines more than Paul Bettany. Bettany brings in an anguished, sympathetic performance as Grace's love interest while he comes up with all of these mindless theories. As the film develops, Bettany's Tom Edison might seem to be the most innocent of all characters but as the film ends, he's not what he seems as well. The narration of John Hurt of course is spoken very elegant as if he plays the lost citizen of Dogville as he watches everything through his own words and it's easily one of the best narrations ever heard in cinema. Finally, there's Nicole Kidman in one of her great performances of her career in the role of Grace. Kidman brings a real vulnerability to a woman just wants to do good though there is also something not right about her as the film progresses giving Kidman a bigger edge to her character.

Dogville is a dark yet extraordinary film from Lars von Trier featuring a brilliant performance from Nicole Kidman. The film is one of von Trier's essential projects as well as one of his most daring in terms of presentation and what von Trier had to say about American intolerance. While it's not an easy film to watch due to its theme and a three-hour length. It is still a film that dares to ask big questions while being powerful enough to be provoking. In the end, Dogville is a magnificent film from Lars von Trier.

Lars von Trier Films: The Element of Crime - Epidemic - Medea - Europa - The Kingdom I - Breaking the Waves - The Kingdom II - Dogme #2-Idioterne - Dancer in the Dark - The Five Obstructions - Manderlay - The Boss of It All - Antichrist - Dimension (2010 short) - Melancholia - Nymphomaniac - The House That Jack Built - The Kingdom: Exodus - (Etudes)

Related: The Auteurs #7: Lars von Trier

© thevoid99 2012

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 8/17/08 w/ Additional Edits.

Written and directed by Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona tells the story of two women named Vicky and Cristina as they take a vacation in Barcelona before Vicky is to be married. The two women meet an artist named Juan Antonio as Cristina embarks an affair with him while Vicky also falls for him. Yet, the affair becomes troubling when Juan Antonio's volatile ex-wife Maria Elena shows up as everything becomes complicated. The film is Allen paying tribute to Spain and all of its beauty. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Kevin Dunn, Chris Messina, and Patricia Clarkson. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a witty, sexy, sensational comedy-drama from Woody Allen and company.

Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are on a summer vacation in Barcelona as Vicky is set to be married to a man named Doug (Chris Messina) while finishing her thesis on Catalonia culture. Cristina meanwhile, is interested in having a good time as the two girls live with friends of Vicky's parents in Judy (Patricia Clarkson) and her husband Mark (Kevin Dunn). The two young women explore the city of Barcelona where during an art gallery, they meet Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) as they meet him again at a restaurant where he invites them to a small town called Oviedo for a good time. The free-spirited Cristina is excited though the more conservative Vicky is unsure as she reluctantly joins along to keep Cristina company.

The trio have a good time in Oviedo as during a night of drinking, Juan Antonio wants to sleep with them as Vicky refuses but Cristina wants to be seduced by the artist. Instead, Cristina gets sick as Vicky goes sightseeing with Juan Antonio as an attraction starts leading to the two making love. Vicky chose to keep the affair quiet on their return to Barcelona where Doug makes an announcement that he wants to marry Vicky in Barcelona. Doug arrives to Barcelona from New York as he and Vicky get married while Juan Antonio begins an affair with Cristina. Just as Juan Antonio's affair with Cristina blossoms, he gets news that his volatile ex-wife Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) has attempted suicide as he brought her to his home so she can recover for a few months.

Cristina learns of Maria Elena's volatile behavior that's often melodramatic as Juan Antonio's ex-wife is skeptical about Cristina's intentions for Juan Antonio. While Juan Antonio admits to still be in love with Maria Elena, he also loves Cristina as the trio try to make a threesome where Maria Elena helps Cristina's artistic pursuits in photography. The affair begins to go well while Vicky's marriage life isn't what Vicky had expected to be. Even as she learns that Judy is unhappy in her own marriage to Mark. With the summer coming to an end, Cristina ponders her own role in the affair as well as her own identity while Vicky ponders her own feelings for Juan Antonio. Yet, the old tension between Maria Elena and Juan Antonio starts to rise again with the summer ending.

Changing locations from London to Barcelona, Woody Allen explores the world of sex and Spanish culture in this story of a bizarre yet passionate love affair revolving around two American women and a Spanish couple. What the film is really about is love and all of its anxieties. Vicky is a traditionalist who is not about risk until an affair with Juan Antonio makes her question about her feelings for Juan Antonio and her marriage to Doug. Cristina is a free-spirit who often goes from one phase to another as her threesome with Juan Antonio and Maria Elena makes her question whether she does have limits. Then there's Juan Antonio and Maria Elena, two passionate artists and lovers who are meant and not meant for each other as Juan Antonio is charming and lively while Maria Elena is more chaotic and skeptical.

While Allen creates great situations and characters for the story, he also uses a voice-over narration device by Christopher Evan Welch that does advance the plot but at times, it is very nagging and distracting. It's the one part of the film that works and doesn't work though a better approach for Allen is if he used the narration in Spanish. Allen's direction is very potent with great shots and locations for Barcelona in all of its glory. Notably the structures and artwork of Gaudi as Allen takes a tourist approach of sorts into exploring Barcelona.

A lot of Allen's camera work with close-ups, hand-held shots, and lots of unique compositions is wonderful as despite a few things that don't work. There's also shots and scenes where Allen once again pays tributes to one of his favorite directors. This time, it's Francois Truffaut and his classic 1961 film Jules & Jim in relation to the love-triangle of Cristina, Juan Antonio, and Maria Elena. The result of what Woody Allen does is prove that despite some of his recent misses, he’s still got some magic left in him.

Cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe does an excellent job with the film's cinematography with colorful shots of the Spanish countryside with wonderful exterior shots of Barcelona. The interior shots are wonderfully lit to convey the Spanish look as Aguirresarobe's work is truly wonderful. Longtime editor Alisa Lepselter does excellent work in the editing that is very stylized with jump-cuts and freeze frames to convey Cristina's picture taking, notably of the Maria Elena character. Production designer Alain Bainee and art director Inigo Navarro do great work in the posh look of Judy's home while the more homely, artsy look of Juan Antonio's home is great with paintings and such.

Costume designer Sonia Grande does an excellent job in the costumes to help convey the city's colorful look with slender, contemporary clothing to match with the city's vibrancy. Sound editor Robert Hein does fine work in the sound in capturing the atmosphere of the town and one notable scene that’s very dramatic involving Maria Elena. The music is mostly driven by Spanish guitar ballads and a song about Barcelona for the opening and closing credits.

The casting by Patricia Kerrigan DiCerto and Juliet Taylor is superb for the most part with small yet memorable performances from the likes of Zak Orth and Carrie Preston as friends of Doug, Pablo Schreiber as a classmate of Vicky, and Josep Maria Domenech as Juan Antonio's father, who has some memorable one-liners. Chris Messina is good and funny as Vicky's dull yet snotty husband Doug while noted character actor Kevin Dunn is also good as Judy's husband Mark. Patricia Clarkson is excellent in her small yet memorable role as Judy, a woman dealing with the state of her marriage as she watch Vicky being unhappy in her marriage. Clarkson's performance is one that should be noted as the veteran actress once again stands out among her cast, not matter how small the role is.

Though the character of Cristina is an interesting one, Scarlett Johansson's performance doesn't exactly deliver. While Johansson's sexiness is key to the character, it's one audiences have seen before and the results is very bland. While blame can go to Allen for not really doing anything new with her, Johansson takes most of the fault for the fact that she plays the character one note where she is often being out-acted by her fellow actors. Johansson's co-star from The Prestige in Rebecca Hall is remarkable as Vicky. The British actress is playing the Woody Allen character as a neurotic traditionalist who finds herself falling in love with Juan Antonio as she ponders about the risks she takes. Yet, there's a sadness to Hall's performance as she plays a woman confused about her role and yearning for happiness.

Javier Bardem is great as the seductive charmer Juan Antonio as Bardem's subtle yet mesmerizing performance is one of his finest roles. A complete opposite to his chilling performance as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, Bardem plays a lively romantic who wants to give Vicky and Cristina a good time while dealing with his volatile ex-wife Maria Elena. The film's best and certainly the most unforgettable performance is Penelope Cruz as Maria Elena. Cruz's performance can be described as a firecracker where audiences don’t know what Cruz will do as she delves into melodrama while often having mean looks towards Johansson. Cruz's presence is also great where the camera obviously loves her while her scenes with Bardem are brilliant as the two have amazing chemistry. Though it's no surprise that they've worked together in a couple of films while are rumored to be dating at the moment.

While it doesn't match the heights of recent films like Melinda & Melinda and Match Point, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is still a witty, entertaining film from Woody Allen. With superb work from Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, and Patricia Clarkson along with the beautiful location of Barcelona. While fans, old and new, might enjoy Allen's witty tale of love and all of its anxieties, the film does prove that Woody Allen still has some interesting stories left to tell. At the same time, it should be best that Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson should part ways for good since it's doing neither for them. In the end, for a film with beautiful locations and stellar performances from some of the film's cast. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a film worth seeking proving that Woody Allen still has it.

Woody Allen Films: What's Up, Tiger Lily? - Take the Money & Run - Bananas - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask) - Sleeper - Love & Death - Annie Hall - Interiors - Manhattan - Stardust Memories - A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy - Zelig - Broadway Danny Rose - The Purple Rose of Cairo - Hannah and Her Sisters - Radio Days - September - Another Woman - New York Stories-Oedipus Wrecks - Crimes & Misdemeanors - Alice - Shadows & Fog - Husbands & Wives - Manhattan Murder Mystery - Don't Drink the Water - Bullets Over Broadway - Mighty Aphrodite - Everyone Says I Love You - Deconstructing Harry - Celebrity - Sweet & Lowdown - Small Time Crooks - The Curse of the Jade Scorpion - Hollywood Ending - Anything Else - Melinda & Melinda - Match Point - Scoop - Cassandra's Dream - Whatever Works - You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger - Midnight in Paris - To Rome with Love - Blue Jasmine - Magic in the Moonlight - Irrational Man - (Cafe Society)

The Auteurs #24: Woody Allen: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 - Pt. 4

© thevoid99 2011