Sob sob. Saw it again today. How can a film be so beautiful ???
Dappled sunlight just makes me melt.
Shinkai Forever.............
Jun 29, 2007
Jun 27, 2007
Zhest
Guess it was gonna happen sooner or later and it has. Welcome to the first film on this blog which I don't reccomend you watch. It's called Zhest and its a weird Russian film which was suggested to me by an online buddy whose taste in eclectic and off beat films I greatly admire and respect.
Sadly despite the glowing reccomendation of mon ami , this film is just weird. Part horror / Part thriller the film is all weird. A story of a feistly female journalist and her journey into hell on the worst day of her life. Populated by characters who make the hillbillies in "Deliverance" look warm and cuddly, the film is severely hamstrung by the abysmally bad acting and the incomprehensible storyline.
The film does have its good points though. It's been amazingly well shot in an pleasing pictorialistic manner and also boasts some stellar prouction design. Add to that one of the most exhilirating car chase scenes I have seen. Too bad all these elements weren't used in a better film rather than this one.
If you really wanna see contemporary big budget russian cinema or are simply enthralled by slick filmmaking then u could have a dekko. Otherwise just watch "Nightwatch"instead.
Sadly despite the glowing reccomendation of mon ami , this film is just weird. Part horror / Part thriller the film is all weird. A story of a feistly female journalist and her journey into hell on the worst day of her life. Populated by characters who make the hillbillies in "Deliverance" look warm and cuddly, the film is severely hamstrung by the abysmally bad acting and the incomprehensible storyline.
The film does have its good points though. It's been amazingly well shot in an pleasing pictorialistic manner and also boasts some stellar prouction design. Add to that one of the most exhilirating car chase scenes I have seen. Too bad all these elements weren't used in a better film rather than this one.
If you really wanna see contemporary big budget russian cinema or are simply enthralled by slick filmmaking then u could have a dekko. Otherwise just watch "Nightwatch"instead.
Jun 24, 2007
Jun 21, 2007
Rescue Dawn - Werner Herzog
Ok its been a week since my last update. Been swamped with editing my thesis, graduating and getting drunk. I'll try to make up for lost time.
Saw "Rescue Dawn" today at a free preview. Hail the return of Werner Herzog, arugably the most insane director ever. Great film, performances, cinematography and music.
I really dont think its ethical to reveal much about a film which has't been released yet esp an arthouse independent film. Suffice to say Christian Bale rocks and the film is a must see.
I think my new slogan is "Little Mithun needs to fly"
Saw "Rescue Dawn" today at a free preview. Hail the return of Werner Herzog, arugably the most insane director ever. Great film, performances, cinematography and music.
I really dont think its ethical to reveal much about a film which has't been released yet esp an arthouse independent film. Suffice to say Christian Bale rocks and the film is a must see.
I think my new slogan is "Little Mithun needs to fly"
Jun 13, 2007
Voices from a Distant Star - Makoto Shinkai
I have a new hero and his name is Makoto Shinkai. Just finished watching one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful romantic films I have ever seen. And what's really astonishing that it's a 25 min OVA anime film.
Oh my god I was crying like a baby at the end of the film and my eyes are still wet as I write this. To think that Makoto made the entire film all by himself on his Mac with his wife helping him. It just makes me filled with awe. I swear at times I was wondering to myself whether Kieslowski himself didn't make this film.
Im not going to spoil the plot for anyone but its a really simple one. I really love the gender reversals where the girl is the warrior fighting and it's the boy who stayed back.
I really can't praise the film enough. Hauntingly poetic visuals and supercharged emotions bound in this masterpiece. Can't wait to see the rest of Makoto's films. The last scene in space reminds me so much of one of all my time fav climaxes ie "The Big Blue".
Oh man those images of the messages travelling through space gave me goosepimples. As one reviewer said and I wholeheartedly agree "Shinkai could direct traffic and I'd pay to watch".
The fact that I can be so affected is perhaps an indication that despite all my hard bitten ways. I am a old fashioned romantic after all.
Fav Moment - The last scene in space.......... Im still crying.
Oh my god I was crying like a baby at the end of the film and my eyes are still wet as I write this. To think that Makoto made the entire film all by himself on his Mac with his wife helping him. It just makes me filled with awe. I swear at times I was wondering to myself whether Kieslowski himself didn't make this film.
Im not going to spoil the plot for anyone but its a really simple one. I really love the gender reversals where the girl is the warrior fighting and it's the boy who stayed back.
I really can't praise the film enough. Hauntingly poetic visuals and supercharged emotions bound in this masterpiece. Can't wait to see the rest of Makoto's films. The last scene in space reminds me so much of one of all my time fav climaxes ie "The Big Blue".
Oh man those images of the messages travelling through space gave me goosepimples. As one reviewer said and I wholeheartedly agree "Shinkai could direct traffic and I'd pay to watch".
The fact that I can be so affected is perhaps an indication that despite all my hard bitten ways. I am a old fashioned romantic after all.
Fav Moment - The last scene in space.......... Im still crying.
Jun 12, 2007
Photographer - Anne Liebovitz
Ok just managed to watch a documentary today but it was pretty good although it just skimmed the surface. It was about one of my fav photographers ie Annie Liebovitz aka the high priestess of Vanity Fair. Though the docu was quite dated circa 1994 it still had enough tidbits and insight to keep me engrossed during its short 50 min span.
Annie discussed her childhood, influences, techniques and her problem with drugs in a quite candid fashion which is very refreshing. What was an absolute bonus was a totally unexpected cameo by the now deceased legendary and reclusive Hunter S.Thompson of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" fame. Add to that bytes from Mick Jagger and the neo-hippie in me was delirious with excitement.
My problem with the docu was that it was too short, too dated and didnt really illuminate much on her artistic and aesthetic philosophy that much. But maybe Im asking for too much. Still waiting for the definitive film on the life and times of Annie Liebovitz.
Fav Moment- Hunter S. Thompson admitting that his brain is fried from having too many drugs in the 70's and can't remember much of his association with Annie.
Annie discussed her childhood, influences, techniques and her problem with drugs in a quite candid fashion which is very refreshing. What was an absolute bonus was a totally unexpected cameo by the now deceased legendary and reclusive Hunter S.Thompson of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" fame. Add to that bytes from Mick Jagger and the neo-hippie in me was delirious with excitement.
My problem with the docu was that it was too short, too dated and didnt really illuminate much on her artistic and aesthetic philosophy that much. But maybe Im asking for too much. Still waiting for the definitive film on the life and times of Annie Liebovitz.
Fav Moment- Hunter S. Thompson admitting that his brain is fried from having too many drugs in the 70's and can't remember much of his association with Annie.
Jun 11, 2007
Ghost in the Shell : Solid State Society
Was planning to watch "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" but caught Solid State while flipping through TV while looking for South Park. Whopeeee.
I've always been a huge and vocal fan of the "Ghost in the Shell" universe ever since I saw the original film years ago. Used to watch Stand Alone Complesx back in Bombay on Animax.
Boy does this film fucking rock or what. Visually stunning as ever and with enough philosiphical underpinnings to delight any cyberpunk fan, this film is a must see. Add to that the return of the Major to Section 9 and the pulsating electronic / hip hop soundtrack, I was a happily mesmerized otaku for the entire running time.
The Cinematography was gorgeous as is normally the case but the shot selection was truly inspired esp during the action sequences. I think Im gonna put it on my Netflix
Fav Moment - Batou jumping of a huge tower trying to catch a renegade sniper.
I've always been a huge and vocal fan of the "Ghost in the Shell" universe ever since I saw the original film years ago. Used to watch Stand Alone Complesx back in Bombay on Animax.
Boy does this film fucking rock or what. Visually stunning as ever and with enough philosiphical underpinnings to delight any cyberpunk fan, this film is a must see. Add to that the return of the Major to Section 9 and the pulsating electronic / hip hop soundtrack, I was a happily mesmerized otaku for the entire running time.
The Cinematography was gorgeous as is normally the case but the shot selection was truly inspired esp during the action sequences. I think Im gonna put it on my Netflix
Fav Moment - Batou jumping of a huge tower trying to catch a renegade sniper.
The Charter
Ok this is bout my 5th and probably last attempt to blog.
I normally get lazy to blog regularly but this time I will attempt to update daily.
My motive for this blog is simple. For the next 120 days or roughly the time Im gonna be in New York, I shall watch at least one film daily and review it in my own inimitable fashion. Naturally I shall be extremely partisan and vocal in my likes and dislikes.
The reason I want to do this is to analyze my viewing patterns and systematically breakdown the visual design and patterns of the films I see.
So let's see till how long I can keep this up without getting bored.
Allez up !!!!!
I normally get lazy to blog regularly but this time I will attempt to update daily.
My motive for this blog is simple. For the next 120 days or roughly the time Im gonna be in New York, I shall watch at least one film daily and review it in my own inimitable fashion. Naturally I shall be extremely partisan and vocal in my likes and dislikes.
The reason I want to do this is to analyze my viewing patterns and systematically breakdown the visual design and patterns of the films I see.
So let's see till how long I can keep this up without getting bored.
Allez up !!!!!
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