Based on William Pittenger’s novel The Great Locomotive Chase, The General is the story of a Confederate train driver who steals a Union train during the American Civil War. Directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman and screenplay by Keaton, Bruckman, Al Boasberg, Paul Girard Smith, and Charles Henry Smith. The film is a comedy that explores a man’s desire to help the Confederate as well as gain the admiration of his fiancee. Starring Buster Keaton and Marion Mack. The General is a spectacular and adventurous film from Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman.
Set in the early years of the American Civil War, the film revolves around a train engineer who wants to enlist in the Confederacy to gain the favor of his girlfriend only to be rejected until he sees his beloved train being captured by Union spies prompting him to be involved. It’s a film with a simple premise but one that manages to play into a sense of adventure as well as what is at stake for the protagonist Johnnie Gray (Buster Keaton). It is clear that he wants to help out in the war but he is seen by some as too valuable for the railroad service as it’s key to the survival of the South. Once the element of suspense emerges where his train known as the General is taken with his beloved Annabelle (Marion Mack) also captured. Gray does what needs to be done where it is more than just about his train and girlfriend but also his home as the Confederates are outnumbered against the Union.
The film’s direction by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman is quite mesmerizing for not just its inspired use of tracking shots and capturing the scenery of its locations. It’s also in the use of wide shots and capturing the vast look of the locations as it’s shot in a small town in Oregon to play into the look of the American South. Much of it involve crowd scenes as well as shots that require massive set pieces and special effects that involve the scenes in the train. There’s also a chase sequence where it’s Keaton that uses his unique approach to physical comedy to play into the sense of adventure and Gray’s determination to be the hero despite the fact that he’s kind of a screw-up. Yet, that adds to the whimsical tone of the film Keaton and Bruckman allow a character to root for as there’s some very intense scenes in the train where he has to do whatever to stop the Union from unleashing their plans.
All of which would lead to a climax that is very sprawling where it’s use of wide and medium shots as well as tracking shots would play into something that is thrilling and explosive. Especially in the fact that it requires moments of suspense and elements of humor as it plays to Grey being in a situation and how he tries to defuse things with some minor success. Overall, Keaton and Bruckman create a very fun and exciting film about a train engineer doing his part for the Confederacy in the American Civil War.
Cinematographers Bert Haines and Devereaux Jennings do brilliant work with the film‘s black-and-white photography with some unique lighting schemes for a key scene in the climatic battle as well as the use of blue filters for the scenes set at night. Editors Buster Keaton and Sherman Kell do amazing work with the editing as it‘s very straightforward with some rhythmic cuts for some of the film‘s action and comical scenes. Art director Fred Gabourie and set decorator Harry Roselotte do fantastic work with the design of the trains as well as the bridges for some of the film‘s extravagant sequences. The film’s special effects by Jack Little are excellent for some of the intense action sequences as well as a key scene where Grey sees Annabelle at a Union cabin. The film’s music by Carl Davis is superb for its thrilling and bombastic orchestral score with themes that play to period of the times as it’s always adding tone to the film in its humor and suspense.
The film’s phenomenal cast includes some notable small roles from Joe Keaton, Mike Donlin, and Tom Nawn as a trio of Union generals, Frederick Vroom as the Confederate general, Charles Henry Smith as Annabelle’s father, Frank Barnes as Annabelle’s brother, and Jim Farley as the Union general Thatcher who would be part of the scheme to attack the Confederates. Glen Cavender is terrific as the Union spy Captain Anderson who leads the train theft as he would also kidnap Annabelle. Marion Mack is brilliant as Annabelle as a woman who loves Johnnie but sees him as a coward when he doesn’t enlist as she would later prove to be useful in the third act where her character isn’t just a foil but also someone that can get things done. Finally, there’s Buster Keaton in a marvelous performance as Johnnie Gray as this young train engineer who is trying to show his courage by trying to save his train and his girl while doing whatever to save his small town from the Union as it’s one of Keaton’s funniest and most touching performances.
The General is a magnificent film from Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman. The film is truly not just one of Keaton’s most entertaining films but also a film that is filled with ambition and manages to exceed those ambitions with a sense of humor and adventurous moments. It’s also a film that showcases what could be done in comedy as it’s really one of the finest films in the era of silent comedies. In the end, The General is a tremendously sensational film from Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman.
Buster Keaton Films: (The Rough House) - (One Week (1920 short)) - (Convict 13) - (The Scarecrow (1920 short)) - (Neighbors (1920 short)) - (The Haunted House (1921 short)) - (Hard Luck (1921 short)) - (The High Sign) - (The Goat (1921 short)) - (The Playhouse) - (The Boat) - (The Paleface) - (Cops) - (My Wife’s Relations) - (The Blacksmith) - (The Frozen North) - (The Electric House) - (Day Dreams (1922 short)) - (The Balloonatic) - (The Love Nest) - (Three Ages) - (Our Hospitality) - Sherlock Jr. - The Navigator - Seven Chances - (Go West (1925 film)) - (Battling Butler) - (College (1927 film)) - Steamboat Bill Jr. - The Cameraman - (Spite Marriage) - (The Gold Ghost) - (Allez Oop) - (Tars and Stripes) - (Grand Slam Opera) - (One Run Elmer) - (Blue Blazes) - (Mixed Magic) - (Love Nest on Wheels)
© thevoid99 2015
Written and directed by Aki Kaurismaki, Total Balalaika Show is a concert film featuring the Leningrad Cowboys and Alexandrov Ensemble that took place in June of 1993 in Helsinki, Finland. The film is an exploration into Europe’s reunification after the Cold War where Kaurismaki showcases an event at Helsinki’s Senate Square where 70,000 people attended this event. The result is one of the most entertaining concert films ever made.
The film is essentially a concert film where at the Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland on June 12, 1993 as it’s headlined by the Finnish comedy rock band the Leningrad Cowboys as they team up with the Alexandrov Ensemble as the latter consists of a male choir, an orchestra, and dancers from Russia as they’re part of the Red Army in the former Soviet Union. The concert is a mixture Western rock-pop music and traditional Eastern European music all mixed into one as a symbol of Europe’s reunification following the Cold War all through music. Both groups sing various popular rock songs from acts like ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynard, Bob Dylan, and several others as well as traditional European songs.
Through Aki Kaurismaki’s direction, the film captures what goes on in the performance that includes some dance numbers during the songs as the dancers are dressed in traditional folk costumes to a few of the rock songs and some of the traditional songs. Kaurismaki uses some wide shots but also medium shots to present these dances. Even as there’s shots the audience to display how huge the event is as there’s also wide shots of the stage itself. It’s a concert full of exuberance and humor where the Leningrad Cowboys are seen with huge pompadour hairdos and big shoes singing rock songs. The Alexandrov Ensemble are dressed in military uniforms which is a total contrast to who the Cowboys are. However, both groups definitely seem to enjoy themselves as it adds to something that feels special and fun in these performances.
With the help of cinematographer Heikki Ortamo, Kaurismaki definitely gives the film a unique look while the editing of Timo Linnasalo is very straightforward without devolving towards fast-cutting styles so that Kaurismaki can capture a moment and let it happen. The sound work of Jouko Lemme help adds to the sense of exuberance in the music as well as the delight of the audience as it‘s key to the success of the concert.
Total Balalaika Show is a phenomenal film from Aki Kaurismaki. The film isn’t just a concert film that manages to be very entertaining but it’s also filled with great music and performances that showcases a continent reuniting following a dreary period of tension and unrest. In the end, Total Balalaika Show is a dazzling film from Aki Kaurismaki.
Aki Kaurismaki Films: (Crime and Punishment (1983 film)) - (Calamari Union) - Shadows in Paradise - (Hamlet Goes Business) - (Ariel) - (Leningrad Cowboys Go America) - (Dirty Hands) - (The Match Factory Girl) - (I Hired a Contract Killer) - (La Vie de Boheme) - (Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatiana) - (Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses) - (Drifting Clouds) - (Juha) - (The Man Without a Past) - (Lights in the Dusk) - Le Havre
© thevoid99 2015
For every year in film, there are always films that people want to see. Yet, there are those who would fall for some kind of trap where they not only realize they just wasted their money but also their time. It’s something that needs to stop as 2015 is already a big year for the kind of movies that are coming out. Unfortunately, not all of them are going to be winners as there’s going to be some that will just plainly fucking suck. So here it is….
The 25 Films of 2015 You Would Rather Jump Off a Cliff to the Death Than Destroy Yourself with Cinematic Trash
1. The Visit
Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Kathryn Hahn, Ed Oxenbould, Peter McRobbie, Olivia De Jonge, and Benjamin Kanes.
There has been no name in the past decade that has garnered more groans and face palms than M. Night Shyamalan. Once called the next Steven Spielberg, the man has managed to create one shit film after another as people question if his successes were really good to begin with. 2013’s After Earth was not surprisingly another bad film though Shyamalan wouldn’t get the full blame as much of it went to Will Smith and his son Jaden. In the first of two projects, Shyamalan will return to his roots of horror in a comedy of sorts as Shyamalan wants to get people scared once again and have some laughs. Oh boy…
2. Labor of Love
Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Bruce Willis, Ana Villafane, and Ben Winchell.
The second of new films by Shyamalan will have him reunite with Bruce Willis who was instrumental in Shyamalan’s success with such films as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. It’s clear that Shyamalan is desperate to capture the magic of those success while Bruce Willis is in need to stretch his acting chops again after a series of uninspired action films. Yet, their project which will be a mystery-romance film doesn’t seen promising though it is rumored to be a much smaller film than anything Shyamalan has done in the past. Unfortunately, there’s also questions into what tricks he might pull.
3. Fifty Shades of Grey
Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. Screenplay by Kelly Marcel. Based on the novel by E.L. James. Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Eloise Mumford, Luke Grimes, Rita Ora, Victor Rasuk, Max Martini, Jennifer Ehle, and Marcia Gay Harden.
The book for Fifty Shades of Grey was a best-seller since its 2011 release as it explored the world sadomasochism and eroticism to a new generation yet not everyone in the world was up in arms about it. It’s clear that the film version based on its trailer wants to do the same thing but it’s the kind of material that has been told in better stories that were dangerous and far more compelling. It’s a shame that some of the talent that is involved with this project is going to be in something that is surely going to suck ass.
4. Focus
Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. Starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, BD Wong, Gerald McRaney, and Rodrigo Santoro.
Glenn Ficarra and John Requa shouldn’t be in this list since they’re actually good filmmakers who have made some offbeat films. Yet, this is their most mainstream work to date as it revolves around the world of con artists. Yet, it doesn’t seem promising at all as its star Will Smith has definitely been in a decline and this looks like another atypical performance of his. Plus, it looks like the kind of film that wants to be so many things as it’s likely to be a real mess.
5. Pixels
Directed by Chris Columbus. Screenplay by Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling. Screen story by Tim Herlihy. Based on the short film by Patrick Jean. Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage, Ashley Benson, Jane Krakowski, and Brian Cox.
A film about the world of video games is something that should work but in the hands of Chris Columbus. It’s likely it won’t be good as Columbus hasn’t made a good film in years. Adding to the trouble is Adam Sandler whose name is pretty much something most people refuse to see. It’s a film that shouldn’t be in the list because the presence of Sandler and whatever he is going to do is likely to make this a really bad film.
6. The Age of Adaline
Directed by Lee Toland Krieger. Written by J. Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz. Starring Blake Lively, Michael Huisman, Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker, and Ellen Burstyn.
The idea of a woman who doesn’t age through a freak accident is an interesting concept but in the forms of a melodrama. It’s fucking terrible. Based on the film’s awful trailer, it is clear that they’re trying to go for something that is dramatic as it’s clear that Blake Lively isn’t a very good actress. It’s bad enough that Harrison Ford is in this as one of her former lovers but Ellen Burstyn as Lively’s daughter? That is a fucking insult.
7. Entourage
Written for the screen and directed by Doug Ellin. Story by Doug Ellin and Rob Weiss. Based on the TV series by Doug Ellin. Starring Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrera, Perrey Reeves, Emmanuelle Chirqui, Debi Mazar, Rex Lee, Scott Caan, Rhys Coiro, Billy Bob Thorntonand Jeremy Piven.
Entourage was once a great TV show for HBO that explored the world of the Hollywood yet its last season was considered to be a very poor one after a period of inconsistency in its last few seasons. Though its ending did set up ideas for a film, it looks like it will be the same old bullshit that plays into egos and excess. Especially as the Vincent Chase character tries to become his own filmmaker as everything is going wrong. Well, we know what’s going to happen so what’s the fucking point of seeing this?
8. Get Hard
Directed by Etan Cohen. Written by Jay Martel and Ian Roberts. Starring Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie, Edwina Finley, and Craig T. Nelson.
Will Ferrell is a funny guy though his recent output has been uneven as he’s teaming with the new star of comedy in Kevin Hart for a film about a guy who asks his friend to prepare him for prison after being charged with tax evasion. Anyone who knows these two men know what to expect as it’s likely to be very unfunny as Hart is a polarizing individual and Ferrell is often forced to succumb to schticks that has stopped working.
9. The Longest Ride
Directed by George Tilman Jr. Screenplay by Craig Bolotin. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Starring Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin, Melissa Benoist, Lolita Davidovich, and Alan Alda.
Blah-blah meets blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah and blah-blah-blah-blah. It’s a fucking Nicholas Sparks adaptation with the same, lame bullshit. What the fuck do you expect?
10. Point Break
Directed by Ericson Core. Screenplay by Kurt Wimmer. Based on the 1991 film by Kathryn Bigelow. Starring Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Delroy Lindo, and Ray Winstone.
Of all the films that is being remade, they need to do Point Break? It’s one of these films that should never be remade as it’s just Hollywood being lazy and cash in on something in the hopes that it will be good. Besides, will it be more gay than the original or more braah!
11. Mortdecai
Directed by David Koepp. Screenplay by Eric Aronson. Based on the book by Kyril Bonfiglioli. Starring Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jonny Pasvolsky, Paul Bettany, and Jeff Goldblum.
Remember when Johnny Depp used to be interesting and cared about the films he’s making? Well, he’s becoming a parody at this point as he decides to play weird characters with all sorts of makeup in an attempt to be relevant. Yet, it looks stupid as adding to that is Gwyneth Paltrow as his wife as she just adds to the sense of stupidity of this film.
12. The Boy Next Door
Directed by Rob Cohen. Written by Barbara Curry. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Guzman, Kristin Chenoweth, and John Corbett.
J-Lo in a film where she sleeps with a young guy and he later stalks her. Wow…. That is definitely going to be terrible as it’s in the hands of someone as incompetent as Rob Cohen who hasn’t made a lot of good movies. Plus, J-Lo maybe back in the spotlight but it still doesn’t change the fact that she’s a fucking ice queen who has been coasting on her past glories which don’t amount to shit these days.
13. Jem & the Holograms
Directed by Jon M. Chu. Screenplay by Ryan Landels. Based on the cartoon series by Christy Max. Starring Aubrey Peebles, Stefanie Scott, Hayley Kiyoko, Aurora Perrineau, Ryan Guzman, and Molly Ringwald.
The 1980s animated series was very popular due to the fact that it was based on a woman trying to make it on her own terms with her band. Considering how awful today’s pop music scene, it’s likely that this film will feature a lot of dumb pop music or whatever it’s called as it’s the hands of the guy who directed Justin Bieber documentaries. Molly Ringwald’s appearance in the film is likely used for nostalgic reasons as the 80s film icon deserves better.
14. Superfast
Written and directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer.
Two of the most reviled men in the film industry, there’s no duo that caters to the lowest common denominator than Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer as they’re known for making lazy parody films that are never funny. Hell, they’re not even movies since there’s no effort into anything they do. Their next project will have them spoof all movies revolving cars and racing as the most notable franchise their spoofing is The Fast and the Furious franchise. It’s a shame that they’re still allowed to be involved in the film industry as some ask if there’s a special place in hell for these shitheads.
15. Masterminds
Directed by Jared Hess. Written by Chris Bowman, Jody Hill, Danny McBride, Hubbel Palmer, and Emily Spivey. Starring Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Zach Galifianakis, and Jason Sudeikis.
Jared Hess maybe a darling of Sundance for his 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite but not everyone liked that film. 2009’s Gentleman Broncos was without question one of the worst films ever made as he’s now tackling a heist movie based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery in North Carolina. With five writers credited for the script, it seems like it’s going to be a heist comedy that is all over the place.
16. Amityville: The Awakening
Directed by Franck Khalfoun. Written by Franck Khalfoun, Daniel Farrands, and Casey La Scala. Starring Bella Thorne, Cameron Monaghan, Thomas Mann, Kurtwood Smith, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
17. The Duff
Directed by Ari Sandel. Screenplay by Josh A. Cagan. Based on the novel by Kody Keplinger. Starring Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Bianca A. Santos, Ken Jeong, and Allison Janney.
18. Hot Tub Time Machine 2
Directed by Steve Pink. Written by Josh Heald. Starring Rob Corddry, Clark Duke, Craig Robinson, Adam Scott, and Chevy Chase.
19. Skiptrace
Directed by Renny Harlin. Screenplay by Jay Longino, Brian Gatewood, and Alessandro Tanaka. Story by Jackie Chan. Starring Jackie Chan, Fan Bingbing, and Johnny Knoxville.
20. Tracers
Directed by Daniel Benmayer. Written by Kevin Lund, Leslie Bohem, Matt Johnson, Matthew Johnson, and T.J. Scott. Starring Taylor Lautner, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Adam Rayner.
21. The Moon and the Sun
Directed by Sean McNamara. Screenplay by Ronald Bass, Barry Berman, Laura Harrington, Bill Mechanic, and James Schamus. Based on the novel by Vonda N. McIntyre. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scoldelario, Benjamin Walker, Fan Bingbing, and William Hurt.
22. Unfinished Business
Directed by Ken Scott. Written by Steve Conrad. Starring Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, Tom Wilkinson, Sienna Miller, June Diane Raphael, and James Marsden.
23. 12 Hours
Written and directed by Uwe Boll.
24. Jenny’s Wedding
Written and directed Mary Agnes Donoghue. Starring Katherine Heigl, Alexis Bledel, Grace Gummer, Linda Edmond, and Tom Wilkinson.
25. Madea’s Tough Love
Written and directed by Tyler Perry. Starring Tyler Perry.
There’s a lot of bad films coming as hack-extraordinaires in Tyler Perry, Renny Harlin, Sean McNamara, and Uwe Boll will return with new films for those that want to get their brains bashed in. Fading stars in Katherine Heigl and Vince Vaughn will appear in some bad films that will continue to drive people away while Taylor Lautner will try to prove to everyone that he can be an action star no matter what action film fans will think (and they know that he will never be a badass). Teen comedies will return in The Duff while cyber-bullying will enter the realm of horror in Unfriended. Finally, there’s the sequel to Hot Tub Time Machine but without John Cusack who wisely decided not to show up.
Well, that is all for what is ahead in 2015. Let’s just make sure we don’t see these awful crap.
Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Edward Buzzell and written by Irving Brecher, At the Circus is the story of a lawyer and his two buddies who help try to save a circus from bankruptcy as they also deal with some goons. The film is a simple story that involves the Marx Brothers in Groucho, Chico, and Harpo who do whatever to save a circus and cause chaos along the way. Also starring Eve Arden, Margaret Dumont, and Kenny Baker. At the Circus is an exciting and fun film from Edward Buzzell and the Marx Brothers.
The film revolves a young man trying to save the circus that he runs as the money that was supposed to save the circus was stolen prompting a lawyer and his two friends to get it back and deal with the goons. It’s a simple story that is filled with lots of shenanigans as it’s all about saving a circus where the goons are a strongman, a midget, and a circus manager who want the money for devious reasons. The film’s screenplay doesn’t really do anything to make the story compelling other than make it more about the adventures and what is at stake. Especially as this character in the young man named Jeff Wilson (Kenny Baker) needs the money or else he loses everything including the chance to marry a top circus performer.
Edward Buzzell’s direction is quite lively for not just in his compositions and approach to comedy. It also includes some dazzling sequence that include a scene where the lawyer J. Cheever Loophole (Groucho Marx) is trying to flirt with a circus performer as it involve unique compositions as well as how to set up something that would be funny. Another scene involves Loophole and his buddies interrogating a midget (Jerry Maren) where it’s shot in a small set as it has all sorts of gags. The film also features some musical numbers and sequences that are quite lively as it adds elements to the story as well as what Wilson is trying to do as he is in need to make it on his own. Especially as its climax is lavish as well as filled with lots of hilarity and chaos. Overall, Buzzell creates a very thrilling and exhilarating film about a group of guys trying to save a circus.
Cinematographer Leonard M. Smith does excellent work with the film‘s black-and-white photography as it‘s very straightforward with a few key scenes set at night that includes some of its musical numbers. Editor William H. Terhune does nice work with the editing as it‘s straightforward with some rhythmic cuts for the humor and music sequences as well as fade-outs for the transitions. Art director Cedric Gibbons and set decorator Edwin B. Willis do brilliant work with the set pieces from the tent where Loophole tries to flirt with a performer to the scene where he and his buddies try to interrogate the midget. Costume designers Dolly Tree and Valles do superb work with the costumes with Tree creating the clothes for the women and Valles on the clothes the men wear. Sound recordist G.A. Burns does terrific work with the sound to create some moments in the gags as well as in the film‘s climax. The film’s music by Harold Arlen is fantastic for its playful score as well as songs co-written with Yip Hardburg that are just a delight to hear.
The film’s marvelous cast includes some notable small roles from Jerry Maren as the midget, Nate Pendleton as the strongman, Eve Arden as the beautiful circus performer Peerless Pauline, Charles Gemora as the circus gorilla Gibraltar who would witness the theft, and James Burke as the villainous circus manager James Burke. Margaret Dumont is wonderful as Jeff’s estranged aunt Mrs. Susanna Dukeburry who is often the foil for many jokes while Florence Rice is terrific as the circus performer Julie Randall whom Jeff wants to marry. Kenny Baker is excellent as Jeff Wilson as the circus owner who is trying to save the circus as he deals with being robbed and losing the chance to marry Julie. Finally, there’s the Marx Brothers in phenomenal performances with Chico as the helpful Tony who is very loyal to Jeff as he is very funny while Harpo is just hilarious as the silent circus performer Punchy who comes out with some great gags to keep the humor going. Groucho is a riot as J. Cheever Loophole with his witty banter and willingness to cause chaos.
At the Circus is a remarkable film from Edward Buzzell and the Marx Brothers. The film is definitely one of their finest comedies in terms of set pieces and gags as well as the willingness to bring in some anarchy into any kind of situation. In the end, At the Circus is a sensational from Edward Buzzell and the Marx Brothers.
Marx Brothers Films: (Humor Risk) - (I’ll Say She Is) - (The Cocoanuts (1925)) - (Animal Crackers (1928 film)) - (The Cocoanuts (1929 film)) - (Animal Crackers (1930 film)) - (The House That Shadows Built) - (Monkey Business) - Horse Feathers - Duck Soup - A Night at the Opera - A Day at the Races - Room Service - Go West - (The Big Store) - (A Night in Casablanca) - (Love Happy) - (The Story of Mankind)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed, edited, and co-shot by Edwin S. Porter and written by Porter and Scott Marble, The Great Train Robbery is a twelve-minute silent film about a train robbery. Among one of the earliest films to come aboard in the 20th Century, it is also considered one of the very Westerns as it displays everything into what cinema could do. The result is one of the early triumphs in the art form that would become cinema.
The film is a simple story as it revolves around four guys robbing a train and evading the authorities. All of which is told in twelve minutes with no sound nor music as it’s all about image and what it is saying. It’s a film that features some unique compositions as it’s shot by director Edwin S. Porter and co-cinematographer Blair Smith in a grainy style with very little color though it is shown in a sepia-like color due to its preservation. Yet, there is a sense of urgency into the action that happens as Porter definitely showcases something that might’ve happened in those times. Even as he knows where to place the camera though it never moves with the exception of a scene where it’s shot on a train where the camera is shaky.
Though the acting might not seem great as the moments where characters are show are over-dramatic, it does play into the idea that these things did happen during the west. Moments involving gunfire and explosions are presented with bits of color that was painted on the film as well as a few scenes involving characters in dresses. It plays into a sense of what it was like while Porter knows where to place the camera to capture all of the characters in the film. Even as his editing presents early elements of cross-cutting for the scenes in the robbery and the authorities trying to catch the robbers. All of which plays into the thrill of the west as it ends on a major note with this shot that plays into the power of cinema.
The Great Train Robbery is a phenomenal film from Edwin S. Porter that has to be seen for anyone interested in the art of film. Especially as it’s the film where the genre that would become the western comes from in all of its elements. In the end, The Great Train Robbery is a sensational film from Edwin S. Porter.
© thevoid99 2015
The Technical Categories
Best Cinematography
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Emmanuel Lubezki
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Robert Yeoman
Ida – Łukasz Żal & Ryszard Lenczewski
Mr. Turner – Dick Pope
Unbroken – Roger Deakins
Who Will/Should Win: Emmanuel Lubezki-Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
The winner of last year’s cinematography Oscar for Gravity in Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki was something that was considered long overdue as there is no cinematography that is better than Chivo at this moment. For his work in Birdman, Chivo creates something that is filled with dazzling schemes as well as lots of intricate camera movements to capture the energy of the film. It’s once again a mark of innovation from the cinematographer who definitely keeps pushing the ideas of what could be done in the art of photography.
Dark Horse: Lukasz Zal & Ryszard Lenczewski-Ida
The photography that Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski did in Ida definitely recalls a lot of the visual styles that Sven Nykvist did in his collaboration with Ingmar Bergman in the early 1960s. It’s got a sense of beauty in its look as it plays into a certain period in time of a world that is changing as well as displaying a sense of loss. It’s definitely got what it takes to win but it’s going against names that are far more prestigious in the art of photography.
Best Film Editing
American Sniper – Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach
Boyhood – Sandra Adair
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Barney Pilling
The Imitation Game – William Goldenberg
Whiplash – Tom Cross
Who Will Win: Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach-American Sniper
Films about war require certain techniques in the art of editing as Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach do provide something that plays into that air of suspense and the sense of unknowing. While it is a drama about the works of a sniper and life at home, it’s clear that Cox and Roach know how to maintain something that plays into that tension and what a man tries to do in his line of work while not bringing it at home.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Tom Cross-Whiplash
Tom Cross’ editing is among the highlights of the film as it plays like a jazz record in terms of its frenetic energy as well as slowing things down for the dramatic moments. Especially as it plays to the tension and demands of the film as it is quite scary but also enthralling for the way the music is played. It’s the kind of editing that should win but it’s the long shot due to the fact that it’s going against more well-known films.
Best Art Direction
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Adam Stockhausen (Production Design); Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration)
The Imitation Game – Maria Djurkovic (Production Design); Tatiana Macdonald (Set Decoration)
Interstellar – Nathan Crowley (Production Design); Gary Fettis (Set Decoration)
Into the Woods – Dennis Gassner (Production Design); Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration)
Mr. Turner – Suzie Davies (Production Design); Charlotte Watts (Set Decoration)
Who Will/Should Win: Adam Stockhausen & Anna Pinnock-The Grand Budapest Hotel
One of the key elements about Wes Anderson’s films is the art direction and how it looks as the work in The Grand Budapest Hotel is just astonishing. From the way the hotel looks as well as the design of the countries, pastry boxes, and all sorts of things. There is no question that Adam Stockhausen and his team went all out and more as it’s the work that should win.
Dark Horse: Nathan Crowley and Gary Fettis-Interstellar
While the design of the space station and other places in the film are brilliant as does the other aspects in the film. It’s not very likely to win as the Oscars often don’t give award to sci-fi films or its set designs which is a real shame as the work Nathan Crowley and his team do is fantastic.
Best Costume Design
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Milena Canonero
Inherent Vice – Mark Bridges
Into the Woods – Colleen Atwood
Maleficent – Anna B. Sheppard and Jane Clive
Mr. Turner – Jacqueline Durran
Who Will Win: Colleen Atwood-Into the Woods
Musicals tend to be known for lavish designs in costumes as this one was no exception as it plays to all sorts of ideas in fairy tales and what the characters would wear. Colleen Atwood is among one of the finest costume designers as she knows how characters should be dressed as the clothes often display personality as a win for her is very likely.
Who Should Win: Milena Canonero-The Grand Budapest Hotel
Milena Canonero is already a three-time Oscar winner as her work with Wes Anderson in this film definitely shows why she is among one of the best costume designers ever. The attention to detail in the look of the costumes add to the film’s dazzling look as she is a master in the art of costume designs.
Dark Horse: Mark Bridges-Inherent Vice
Mark Bridges work in Inherent Vice is amazing for the way it creates a look that plays into a transition of the 1960s to the 1970s. Yet, films based on those periods of time usually don’t win despite the work that Bridges does which is really good since it adds a lot to the film’s look and its characters.
Best Hair/Makeup
Foxcatcher – Bill Corso and Dennis Liddiard
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Frances Hannon and Mark Coulier
Guardians of the Galaxy – Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White
Who Will/Should Win: Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White-Guardians of the Galaxy
Makeup work in sci-fi blockbusters definitely don’t get a lot of consideration yet the work that Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White did in this film definitely adds something new to the genre. Even in the designs of the many characters in the film in terms of it hair or the kind of makeup they would have to wear to play these aliens. The work is definitely surprising into how much it brings to the film and what the actors could do with that makeup as it’s got more reasons to win.
Dark Horse: Bill Corso and Dennis Liddiard-Foxcatcher
Though there wasn’t much makeup work in the film other than the look of the John duPont character from the look of his nose. It still adds certain layers to the character and how troubled he is as it should be commended. Yet, going up against some very serious competition as it’s a total long-shot.
Best Visual Effects
Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill and Dan Sudick
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett and Erik Winquist
Guardians of the Galaxy – Stephane Ceretti, Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner and Paul Corbould
Interstellar – Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter and Scott Fisher
X-Men: Days of Future Past – Richard Stammers, Lou Pecora, Tim Crosbie and Cameron Waldbauer
Who Will/Should Win: Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, and Erik Winquist-Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
There’s no question that the people who design the look of the apes and their movements have not only gotten better in terms of the look and feel of those characters. It’s also in how much it manages to display something that furthers the art of motion-capture as it brings in a lot of layers to the design of the apes as something much more. It’s the work that is put in the film that should be commended as the visual effects team are just getting better at what they do.
Dark Horse: Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill and Dan Sudick-Captain America: The Winter Soldier
There’s no question that the work in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is solid in terms of action sequences and set pieces. It’s just that it sort of pales in comparison to the other films that is in the running. Especially as the team doesn’t really do anything new though it’s work that manages to get the job done.
Best Sound Editing
American Sniper – Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Martin Hernández and Aaron Glascock
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Brent Burge and Jason Canovas
Interstellar – Richard King
Unbroken – Becky Sullivan and Andrew DeCristofaro
Who Will/Should Win: Richard King-Interstellar
Richard King’s work in the sound editing is amazing for the way it creates combines many sounds to play into the sense of the unknown that is outer space. It is also among the elements in the world of sound that is quite astronomical to play into something where it feels otherworldly. It’s definitely has a lot of ambitions and layers as it is among one of the film’s key highlights
Dark Horse: Becky Sullivan and Andrew DeCirstofaro-Unbroken
The sound editing in Unbroken plays into different time periods of the life of Louis Zamperini from being an Olympian to surviving being a POW in World War II. Much of it has a lot of elements that is expected in bio-pics yet it’s going up against other genre-based films that are known for more daring works in the art of sound editing.
Best Sound Mixing
American Sniper – John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Walt Martin
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño and Thomas Varga
Interstellar – Gary A. Rizzo, Gregg Landaker and Mark Weingarten
Unbroken – Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño and David Lee
Whiplash – Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins and Thomas Curley
Who Will Win: Gary A. Rizzo, Gregg Landaker, & Mark Weingarten-Interstellar
The work in Interstellar in terms of sound design and sound mixing is very exquisite as it maintains that air of mystique in the world that is outer space. Even as it features some unique mixing in the sound effects and how things are inside a space station while there’s no sound in outer space. Even in the machines and such that help play into a futuristic world where there is this idea that there might not be a future.
Who Should Win/Dark Horse: Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins, and Thomas Curley-Whiplash
The sound work in Whiplash is among the many highlights of the film for the way it captures music when it’s being played or how it sounds. Even in the way drums are heard inside or outside of a studio. It is truly some of the finest sound mixing that’s been created yet it’s the long-shot in the category due to the fact that it’s going up against more mainstream films.
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© thevoid99 2014
Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, Whiplash is the story of a young jazz drummer who goes to one of the best music schools in the U.S. as he is being taught by one of the school’s most demanding and fearsome teachers. The film is an exploration into ambition as well as what it takes for someone to wanting to be the best as a young man copes with the demands of his teacher. Starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell, Jayson Blair, and Paul Reiser. Whiplash is a tremendously powerful and chilling film from Damien Chazelle.
What happens when a young student at a music school gets the attention of a renowned teacher who pushes him to the edge? That is what the film is about as it is an exploration into a young man’s ambition to be the best jazz drummer out there. In encountering this jazz orchestra conductor who demands the best out of his students and nothing more, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) hopes to impress this man in the hopes that he can be like Buddy Rich. Yet, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) thinks Andrew might have what it takes as he pushes him emotionally and mentally to the breaking point. Even as he would put in drummers less talented than him to get into Andrew’s head as it would affect his personal life as well as other things.
Damien Chazelle’s screenplay showcases the ugliness of ambition where Andrew aspires to be great but it can do things that can destroy someone. Inspired by a story Fletcher tells everyone about Charlie Parker, Andrew hopes to impress Fletcher as he keeps practicing and practicing where it would take a toll on his hands where he would get blisters on his fingers. Yet, Fletcher’s demands and constant verbal abuse would get to Andrew as he would nearly lose control as it plays into the ugliness of ambition. Fletcher is an interesting character as he is someone that is looking for the next Charlie Parker or the next Buddy Rich. Even if it means destroying them and to see if they can get back up from that sense of humiliation which is his sick, twisted game of the mind.
Chazelle’s direction is very stylish as he creates a film that may look simple in terms of its compositions but it has this sense of energy that does play like a jazz record. It starts off slow but then it goes fast and slow again while maintaining a sense of rhythm that is unpredictable as it plays into the emotional context of the film. Chazelle’s usage of close-ups and extreme close-ups play into the emotion as it displays Andrew’s determination to be the best as there’s blood on the drum kit or in the look of Andrew’s face. The usage of medium and wide shots also play into the sense of energy as well as some of the looming tension that emerges where Chazelle would frame the actors to play into something that could explode. Especially as the sense of drama comes to ahead in the third act as it relates to Andrew coming to terms with everything he’s enduring as well as him questioning into if he really had what it takes to be a great jazz drummer. Overall, Chazelle creates a very captivating and haunting film about a young drummer’s ambition to be the best and the dangers of ambition.
Cinematographer Sharone Meir does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography with its stylish use of lights for the performances on stage as well as in some of the interiors as it helps set a mood into the sense of darkness that Andrew is embarking on. Editor Tom Cross does incredible work with the editing to create some unique cuts that is very stylish that plays like a jazz record that features some of the intensity into Andrew‘s drumming and that sense of determination into living up to Fletcher‘s demands. Production designer Melanie Jones, with set decorator Karuna Karmarkar and art director Hunter Brown, does excellent work with the set pieces from the look of the studio that Fletcher conducts his class to the dorm that Andrew lived in.
Costume designer Lisa Norcia does nice work with the costumes from the clothes that Andrew wears which is casual while the clothes that Fletcher is all black with the exception of one scene. Visual effects supervisors Jamison Scott Gel and Grant Miller do terrific work in a notable sequence that plays into Andrew‘s obsession into trying to prove himself to Fletcher. Sound editors Craig Mann and Ben Wilkins is amazing as it plays to the intensity into how the drums sound as well as the way music is heard in other rooms as it‘s one of the film‘s highlights. The film’s music by Justin Hurwitz is fantastic for some of jazz-based score that plays into the film while music supervisor Andy Ross brings in a lot of frenetic jazz pieces from the likes of Tim Simonec, Stan Getz, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Dana Williams, Nicholas Britell, and Hank Levy.
The casting by Terri Taylor is superb as it features some notable small roles from Chris Mulkey and Suanne Spoke as Andrew’s uncle and aunt, Jayson Blair as the core drummer that Andrew would replace from Fletcher’s class, and Austin Stowell as a classmate of Andrew who would try to replace him. Paul Reiser is excellent as Andrew’s father who is concerned with his son’s well-being as what is son is embarking on. Melissa Benisot is wonderful as Nicole who would date Andrew briefly early in the film as she copes with the demands he’s putting on himself to impress Fletcher. J.K. Simmons is phenomenal as Terence Fletcher as a jazz orchestra conductor who is an absolute tyrant that demands greatness in his players as he has this intimidating presence that is very scary at times. Finally, there’s Miles Teller in a remarkable performance as Andrew Neiman as this young man that aspires to be one of the great jazz drummers as he nearly breaks down in every level as Teller displays a humility and determination to become the best as it’s a very haunting performance.
Whiplash is an astonishingly powerful and exhilarating film from Damien Chazelle. Featuring top-tier performances from Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, it’s a film that explores a young man’s drive to be great as well as the mental and emotional it would take to do so in the hands of taskmaster who will do anything to see if he has what it takes. In the end, Whiplash is a sensational film from Damien Chazelle.
Damien Chazelle Films: Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench - La La Land - First Man - Babylon (2022 film) - (The Auteurs #76: Damien Chazelle)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Michael Winterbottom and written and starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, The Trip is a film version of the TV program of the same name where Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play fictionalized versions of themselves as they take a trip of restaurants in the north of England. There, the two deal with the trip and each other as well as do all sorts of impressions to annoy one another. The result is a very funny and fascinating film from Michael Winterbottom.
The film is a simple story in which Steve Coogan is asked by The Observer to review top restaurants in the Northern England as he would take his friend in actor Rob Brydon along for the trip when his American girlfriend Mischa (Margo Stiley) isn’t available. In the course of the trip, Coogan and Brydon eat at various places and stay at top cottages while looking into the sights of the many locations while doing impressions of famous actors. Especially as Brydon is famous for that while Coogan tries to outdo him as the two also talk about art and text as well as their own personal differences where Brydon is content with having a family. Coogan however, is coping with being single in his 40s as he would sleep around with various women while learning he might have a big job in America. It all plays into two guys going into various places in the North of England as they deal with the richness of its location and the food.
Michael Winterbottom’s direction is very simple as he creates a lot of wide shots to capture the many different locations and landscapes in Northern England while keeping things loose and lively in his approach to the humor. He also maintains an intimacy to the way Coogan and Brydon deal with each other as Winterbottom uses close-ups and medium shots to frame them trying to outdo each other in terms of impressions. Most notably the scene where both men are trying to impersonate Michael Caine as they’re eating all sorts of very fine and rich food. Winterbottom would shoot scenes of all of this food that is being made in the greatest attention to detail as well as how Winterbottom would shoot some of the locations in the various places including the mountains and such to play into the sense of wonderment that Coogan and Brydon encounter. Especially as the former copes with changes in his career while having strange dreams about these changes. Overall, Winterbottom creates a very delightful and witty film about two guys going on a trip to the North of England and do Michael Caine impressions.
Cinematographer Ben Smithard does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography as it captures much of the beauty of the different locations while using some low-key lights for some of the interior scenes at night and in the morning. Editors Mags Arnold and Paul Monaghan does terrific work with the editing as it‘s very straightforward to play into the humor of the film including Coogan‘s dream sequences. Costume designer Celia Yau does nice work with the costumes as it‘s very straightforward for what the men wear. Sound editor Joakim Sundstrom does superb work with the sound as it‘s very low-key to capture the many moments on the film‘s different locations. The film’s music by Michael Nyman is amazing for its plaintive and low-key piano score to play into some of the melancholia that looms over Coogan.
The casting by Shaheen Bag is wonderful as it features some notable small roles from Rebecca Johnson’s as Rob’s wife, Marta Barrio as a photographer Coogan would sleep with, and Margo Stiley as Coogan’s American girlfriend Mischa who was supposed to join him on the trip only to be stuck in America for work. Finally, there’s the duo of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in phenomenal performances as themselves where both of them bring a lot of wit as well as energy to their roles with Coogan trying to be cool and Brydon trying to outdo Coogan. Even as Brydon is the more likeable of the two as he charms Coogan’s parents while Coogan brings more dramatic weight as it relates to his own crisis about the idea of going to America and getting older.
The Trip is a remarkable film from Michael Winterbottom that features fun performances from Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Though it’s an abridged version of the TV show, it is still an enjoyable film to watch just to see two guys going on a road trip and do Michael Caine impressions. In the end, The Trip is an exhilarating film from Michael Winterbottom.
Michael Winterbottom Films: (Rosie the Great) - (Forget About Me) - (Under the Sun) - (Love Lies Bleeding) - (The Family (1993 TV film)) - (Butterfly Kiss) - (Go Now) - (Jude) - Welcome to Sarajevo - I Want You - (With or Without You) - Wonderland - The Claim - 24 Hour Party People - In This World - Code 46 - 9 Songs - Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story - The Road to Guantanamo - A Mighty Heart - Genova - The Shock Doctrine - The Killer Inside Me - (Trishna) - (Everyday) - The Look of Love - (The Trip to Italy) - (The Face of An Angel)
© thevoid99 2015
Based on a play by Allen Boretz and John Murray, Room Service is the story of a Broadway producer trying to get a play produced while evading hotel bills. Directed by William A. Seiter, with additional work from James Anderson, and screenplay by Morrie Ryskind from a screen story by Glenn Tyron and Philip Loeb. The film is a comedy that plays into a man and his goons trying to stage a Broadway play as they create chaos as they’re played the Marx Brothers in Groucho, Chico, and Harpo. Also starring Lucille Ball, Ann Miller, Alexander Arso, and Frank Albertson. Room Service is a witty and entertaining film from William A. Seiter and the Marx Brothers.
The film revolves a Broadway producer and his cronies who are in town to stage a Broadway musical as they try to avoid paying the hotel bills much to the dismay of the hotel manager. It’s a story that is very simple as it plays to elements of chaos as well as a subplot involving a young writer who would be part of these shenanigans. Yet, it’s a story that isn’t originated for the Marx Brothers as the result has some of the humor and wit not feel as natural. Still, there are elements where there’s a lot at stake involving the principle characters and the antagonist involved. Especially as the script plays into these guys trying to get their play going while doing whatever to survive in a hotel.
William A. Seiter’s direction is unique for the fact that much of the film is set in a hotel room with a few scenes in hallways and outside of the hotel. Much of the direction involve some unique framing devices in its approach to wide and medium shots in order to get the actors in the frame as well as the gags that are created. Even as much of the action as Seiter creating scenes where there’s some camera movements to capture a lot of the humor that includes scenes where the three main characters try to fool people in order to not pay the bill. The direction also includes some scenes outside of the hotel that play into that humor that includes the climatic moment where the play is about to open where all of the gags and attempts to elude paying the bills come into play. Overall, Seiter creates a very engaging and lively film about a Broadway producer and his friends trying not to pay the hotel bill.
Cinematographer J. Roy Hunt does excellent work with the film‘s black-and-white photography to play into the action inside of the hotel rooms as well as using some unique lights for the film‘s third act on the night of the play‘s opening. Editor George Crone does nice work with the editing as it‘s straightforward with some unique cuts to play into the humor. Art director Van Nest Polglase does brilliant work with the look of the hotel rooms where much of the film‘s action occurs including some of the small details to play into the personality of the characters. Gown designer Rene does amazing work with the look of the dresses the female characters wear. Sound recorder John L. Cass does terrific work with the sound from some of the sound effects that is captured as well as the gags that come into play. The film’s music by Roy Webb is fantastic as it is filled with some upbeat orchestral music to play into the humor along with songs for the play that adds to the sense of chaos.
The film’s superb cast includes some notable small roles from Charles Halton as a hotel doctor, Alexander Arso as a waiter who wants to be in the play, Clifford Dunstan as the hotel manager who is the producer’s brother-in-law, and Donald MacBride as a hotel troubleshooter who is trying to figure out what is going as he makes demands for the bills to be paid. Ann Miller is wonderful as Hilda Manney as a friend of the producer who falls for the play’s new writer. Frank Albertson is terrific as the writer Leo Davis who copes with the antics of the producer and his friend while trying to find a place to live. Lucille Ball is excellent as the play’s leading actress Christine Marlowe who helps out in some of the gags as she provides some funny moments though being a straight woman of sorts for the men.
Finally, there’s the Marx Brothers in amazing performances with Harpo as the silent yet resourceful Faker Englund who creates chaos while Chico plays the play’s director Harry Binelli who tries to make sure things keep going while doing whatever to fool the troubleshooter. Groucho is brilliant as the producer Gordon Miller who always say something funny while doing whatever to keep things going despite having no money.
Room Service is a stellar and enjoyable film from William A. Seiter and the Marx Brothers. While it’s a film that is very funny though it is flawed, it is still very entertaining for its sense of mayhem that only the Marx Brothers could bring. In the end, Room Service is a fun and exciting film from William A. Seiter and the Marx Brothers.
Marx Brothers Films: (Humor Risk) - (I’ll Say She Is) - (The Cocoanuts (1925)) - (Animal Crackers (1928 film)) - (The Cocoanuts (1929 film)) - (Animal Crackers (1930 film)) - (The House That Shadows Built) - (Monkey Business) - Horse Feathers - Duck Soup - A Night at the Opera - A Day at the Races - At the Circus - Go West - (The Big Store) - (A Night in Casablanca) - (Love Happy) - (The Story of Mankind)
© thevoid99 2015
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