Midnight, midday, any day watch Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris

The city of Paris has to it such a romantic and magical feel.  Not only did a movie set in Paris sound great but the cast of Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams along with many other amazing talents sparked my interest further.  Woody Allen, director and writer of the film Midnight in Paris, did not disappoint. 

The premise of the movie is an engaged couple Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams) go to Paris to join Inez’s parents for a mini vacation.  While Gil is enchanted by the city, his fiancé is less than dazzled and instead finds amusement with her arrogant friends Paul (Michael Sheen) and Carol (Nina Arianda). At midnight though, Gil is swept away into the 1920s, engrossed with famous writers, painters, and people of that time. 

The movie captures the audience’s imagination, transporting them from one amazing scenery to another.  Owen Wilson performs wonderfully, making it easy to love his character and sympathize with his hopes and agonies.  While it is so obvious that Gil and Inez are very different people, Owen Wilson develops his character into a kind hearted dreamy guy, one cannot help to love.  Rachel McAdams does not disappoint with her portrayal of Inez.  She effortlessly gives dimension to a character that seems to be all surface in personality. 

The best parts of the movie are based in 1920s, not because of the setting but because of the actor’s ability to breathe life into historical people long gone.  Corey Stoll who plays Ernest Hemingway delightfully surprised with his wonderful truthful act.  Another showstopper was Marion Cotillard’s portrayal of Adriana.  Mysterious and glamorous, she flawlessly delivers an unforgettable performance. 

The movie delivers everything an audience member could expect.  Love, hope, dreams, and even rain in Paris are all present.  This movie is worth the time to watch.  

Return from the Dead

I am sorry for my long absence on my blog.  Do not be fooled, I have still kept up with the film industry.  I have ample movie reviews to cash in but for the mean time I am going to dedicate some time and posts to the movie events that have graced our screen and future ones to come.  Of course I am referencing The Golden Globes, The Critics’ Choice Awards, and the prestigious Academy Awards.  I have plenty of thoughts on the matter: which movies I loved, which actors I am in awe of, and future predictions.  I would like to hear people’s thoughts as well while we approach the annual Oscars.  I will try posting often! 

Anthony Minghella's Cold Mountain is a mountain achievment.

                Cold Mountain is a bold and transforming movie.  Directed by Anthony Minghella and winning multiple awards including Renée Zellweger for Best Actress in a supporting Role, the movie encompasses both passion and anguish, warmth and coldness, hatred and yet love.  The film is developed in a southern town of Cold Mountain, where we see the beginning of the civil war take its toll to the end.  The audience is shown the hardships of the war through a long lost love of a woman and of a man who is sent off to the war.  The most renowned southern war movie I would argue is Gone with the Wind directed by Victor Fleming.  In that production, we feel remorse for the southern states and the plantations in which we see the slaves work on.  In Cold Mountain, I relived some of those same feelings that I were evoked in me while watching Scarlett and Rhett’s tragic love.  I would never say that Cold Mountain was just as well done as Gone with the Wind.  However, stars Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger, and Philip Seymour Hoffman add a depth to the film that takes on a similar yet strangely different turn than Gone with the Wind did.  The film jumps back and forth through time, showing the audience the blooming love between Nicole Kidman and Jude Law and traveling forward to where we see Jude Law deserting the military in hopes of reaching his love; neither know what became of the other due to lost correspondence and lapse in time by three years.  Both go through unmanageable hardships that we see unravel during the film. 

           

     At first, the film did not catch my attention.  If I am being honest, I turned the movie off after ten minutes and decided to watch something else.  However, I gave another shot at the movie, due to the fact that Renée Zellweger was supposedly Oscar worthy of the role she played.  The second time I watched it, I not only loved it, but I thought that Ms. Zellweger made the movie.  All actors were wonderful in the movie and all added something to the film that couldn’t be picked up by another star in the film, but when I watched Renée Zellweger, I didn’t see Brigit Jones or Roxie Hart.  I didn’t even see the quiet girl that I witnessed in Jerry Maguire.  I actually saw the opposite; I saw a strong, independent, witty, “one of the boys” kind of girl.  She was rugged and tough and southern. 

                The movie surprised me to say the least.  A movie I found full of tragedy, darkness, and murder was a contradiction, holding also hope, lightness, and purity.  I gave the movie four stars and would gladly watch it again.  Now, though, I want to watch Gone with the Wind, so maybe after. 

True Story directed by Rupert Goold

In the independent film True Story starring Jonah Hill, James Franco, and Felicity Jones and directed by Rupert Goold, the drama filled thriller was interesting, mysterious, and kept me guessing until the end.  A man is arrested for killing his three children and wife and steals the identity of a journalist Mike Finkel.  Mike, Jonah Hill, is dealing with issues of his own, but when he hears of this unknown killer taking his identity, he is curious to find out why.  In search of the real truth of the accused murderer Christian Longo, James Franco, he is caught in between fact and fiction. 

I was pleased with this movie.  The idea of a sociopath manipulating the mind of a vulnerable writer was a different movie that I had not seen in this way before. I found myself wrestling whether to believe Christian Longo’s story alongside Mike Finkel.  The movie did not provide the action or plot twists as much as I thought necessary to give it my highest esteem in the genre but I was thoroughly enjoyed none the less, maybe due to the new way in which I saw James Franco’s acting ability.  Playing a psychotic man is no easy feat, but James Franco was able to deliver a chilling performance while still finding some way to make the audience feel sympathy for his situation or question the fact if he killed his family completely.  Jonah Hill was easily casted as the intelligent yet gullible writer who falls prey to a murderers words.  True Story may not be on the intellectual level that Inception brought to the screen, but it is a version of that sort that is easier to grasp and follow which is a nice change of be pace.  To actually sit down and be able to take a handful of popcorn without feeling like it might distract you from getting the movie in the end is nice, rather than being afraid to peel your eyes away from the movie like I often found myself in the film Inception but still managed to end up lost at the end my first time around watching it.  I would recommend this movie for family night (with your older children), a date night, or if you are looking for a good movie to watch.  It is a quick movie that allows for you keep up without being out of breath at the end. 

Monkey Business directed by Howard Hawks

We have all heard of the phrase “monkey business” or “hey, no monkey business here”, and in the classic film Monkey Business, it means exactly that.  Directed by Howard Hawks and including a cast made of Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and Hugh Marlowe, the movie is about a scientist looking for a formula for humans to stay younger longer.  When Cary Grant, the scientist, and Ginger Rogers, his wife, experiment and test the potion, they are surprised to find what effects it actually entails.  Through their mischievous trouble and through all their monkey business, they must find what is really important in life, happiness or eternal youth. 

picture from boredanddangerousblog.wordpress.com

 

          The comedy is a fun and light tale of love and goofy that lacks an elaborate plot, but manages to keep the audience engaged by the amazing performance by the actors in the movie.  Ginger Rogers did a marvelous job at performing all the symptoms of the formula.  From manic to serious to childlike to adult again, it seems that there was no challenge too tough for her to tackle.  Her costar Cary Grant was great in his role also, from acting like a college student to taking care of his kooky wife to joining her in youthful games.  Marilyn Monroe does her role of the naïve, young, beautiful blond very well and effortlessly that no man could resist even the scientist Cary Grant.  Even though this film was not my favorite from either Cary Grant or Ginger Rogers, it was a fun film that I could clean my room to or manage other tasks while understanding what was going on and having a laugh or two.  Not a real mind-blowing movie but it was a well enough movie where I would watch it again while tackling other house chores. 

Sabrina directed by Billy Wilder

picture from www.doctormacro.com

 

Sabrina directed by Billy Wilder and starring the ever so classy Audrey Hepburn, forever dapper Humphrey Bogart, and always charming William Holden is the tale of a young daughter of a servant to the wealthy Larrabee household.  Sabrina, played by Audrey Hepburn, is sick in love with the David Larrabee, William Holden, who has a playboy reputation.  Sent away to culinary school in France, Sabrina leaves a discouraged child but she returns as a confident and beautiful young lady.  David takes notice in Sabrina, ready to ignore any family wishes; yet, Linus Larrabee is ready to protect the family in any means necessary even if it means breaking up young love in replace of another. 

          Another idol of min, Audrey Hepburn is never without poise and grace.  Her style alone is enough to grab the attention of the public, but her presence on screen is enchanting.  My favorite of her roles, Sabrina, is one of her best and with the help of her co-stars, all give a mesmerizing performance.  Audrey Hepburn could not have been more perfect for the role in this romantic comedy.  Paired with the older yet very sophisticated Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn was perfection having the audience root for the hopelessly romantic Sabrina to find love in the end; it isn’t until the end that we find out which brother she finds love with.  The energy and liveliness that William Holden brings to the movie makes me swoon and smile every time I see him on the screen.  Humphrey Bogart’s character could not have been more different, but Billy Wilder does a remarkable job presenting him to the audience making it no problem to equally fall in love with him also. Not only do I love the actors, the comedy, and the romance that is so brilliantly done in the film, but I love the props and the costumes, and the scenery that make the movie what it is.  The dress, or more like a gown, that Audrey Hepburn wears to the Larrabee party was beyond eloquent and is alone a reason for my constant replays of the film.  An instant classic then and a remembered classic now, Sabrina takes the cake for grace, humor, and romance.

picture from www.joeslist.com

 

All About Eve directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

 

 

 

found on en.wikipedia.org         

 

 

 

 

            After paying a slight tribute to Joan Crawford’s legacy, it is only fair that I next pay tribute to Bette Davis.  Actually, it isn’t just because I wrote a review pertaining to Bette’s other half in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane, but more importantly because Bette Davis is my idol and one of the most talented women ever to come through Hollywood.  Her presence was enough to evoke strong emotions into her co-stars whether it be anger and disgust by Miriam Hopkins in Old Maid or fear and anxiety felt by Geraldine Fitzgerald in Dark Victory.  In the future, my blog readers may find quite a few film reviews starring the one and only Bette Davis.  For now, I will begin with, some may argue her most iconic role, All About Eve directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.  A renowned theatre actress welcomes a fan of hers into her life and that of her friends.  The aging actress doesn’t realize, though, that new talent is ready to take her place and it is closer than it may seem. 

            The film, much like Bette Davis’s career at the time, is based around the idea of an aging yet acclaimed actress trying to hold on to her profession.  Anne Baxter and Bette Davis stun the audience with a brilliant performance, Bette Davis in her strong, independent role she does so well and Anne Baxter in a more innocent role.  We also see Marilyn Monroe’s debut role in a short scene looking young and gorgeous as ever. Bette Davis plays wonderful stage actress Margo Channing and the part could not have been casted better.  Charming and ever so beautiful, the movie starts off with a confident Margo taking in a die-hard fan as her assistant.  Anne Baxter, Eve Harrington, is quiet and meek only wanting to be Margo’s loving and adoring assistant and friend.  Throughout the film, the audience has a hard time seeing what Margo sees in Eve, not an innocent girl but a conniving and vile creature.  Anne Baxter is wonderful at playing the shy and fragile girl, but her range far out reaches that and in the movie we see how talented the actress is.  Supporting roles George Sanders, Gary Merrill, and Celeste Holm play are crucial to the development and unraveling of this story as well.  This dangerously creative comedy and drama is sure to be a classic for generation after generation.  Fasten your blankets, because tonight we are watching All About Eve. 

Mommie Dearest directed by Frank Perry

Mommie Dearest, directed by Frank Perry and starring Faye Dunaway and Diana Scarwid, is a chilling and disturbing film.  The audience is shown how a much loved and admired actress Joan Crawford was so cruel and horrifying behind the scenes.  First written as a novel by adopted daughter of Joan Crawford, then turned motion picture, the movie Mommie Dearest depicts Joan Crawford in an ugly light, illustrating how the movie star abuses her daughter Christina mentally and physically throughout her life.                                                                                  nydailynews.com

         
           Before seeing this movie, it was easy to see Joan Crawford as a charming and poised actress through her acting.  From the movies I had previously seen of hers like What ever Happened to Baby Jane and Dance, Fools, Dance, I was painted a different picture of the actress then what I was given in Mommie Dearest.  There wasn’t a moment in the moving that I was not surprised at how intense and dysfunctional the home environment was for the children of Joan Crawford.  Intense all the way through, the movie never turned to a peaceful note.  Not once did I find myself feeling sorry for Joan Crawford; instead, I felt a taste of hatred that replaced the feeling of admiration I had once felt. Faye Dunaway delivered an impeccable performance.  Horrid yet believable, Faye Dunaway showed how versatile she can be as an actress from playing in Bonnie and Clyde to Network to this new performance.  Truly mesmerizing, everyone should see a once upon Hollywood queen be seen as the “dearest mommie” ever to be and the scariest mother to be seen since the movie Carrie.    

 
Joancrawfordbest.com

Yves Saint Laurent directed by Jalil Lespert

          While getting older, I have found myself becoming increasingly more in love with fashion.  I have always had my own style, but I mean couture, high fashion looks.  Unfortunately, my wallet does not allow for elaborate spends.  Now and then, though, my wallet and I splurge, that time buying Michael Kors shoes or this time purchasing a Fossil bag and perhaps next time YSL perfume.  My lack of green in the bank does not stop me from enjoying window shopping in the luxurious shops or watching films of the artists behind the name create some of their most memorable work like Yves Saint Laurent.  Watching the 2014 French movie Yves Saint Laurent directed by Jalil Lespert put a face to the images of YSL high fashion clothing I had seen in the bizarre magazines.  The movie starts Yves Saint Laurent’s life as a young man just beginning to expand on his creative eye under the tutelage of Christian Dior.  After Dior’s death, we see the true commencement of the French designer’s long and prosperous career.  However, it isn’t all bells and whistles, with love and self-destruction to the ultimate end the man behind the curtains but by no means the end of his company.                          

          The director takes a closer look at Yves Saint Laurent’s relationship with long time business and romantic partner Pierre Berge more than he goes into the creative process of the man.  Like so many fashion designer movies like that of the French film Coco before Chanel directed by Anne Fontaine, understanding the creative process of an artist, you have to understand the life events and inspirational people and things that were the meaning behind such genius works.  Showing how people and the world’s expectations swayed Yves Saint Laurent into a spiral of drugs and alcohol gave the audience a truer knowledge of the designer rather than the image they see most often, the image of a controlled and elegant man who creates such inventive and beautiful fashion.  Hiding nothing from his audience, director Jalil Lespert dives deep into Yves Saint Laurent’s life that gave me true realization of how his life might have been like.  I am not familiar with the work that actors Pierre Niney, Guillaume Guillienne, or Charlotte Le Bon have done previously, but in this film, they represent their characters great with anger and joy that accompanied the ride of visionary Yves Saint Laurent.  If you want to step out of your English movies and watch a foreign film that will keep you captured the whole time (not only because of the need to read the subtitles), then this biography will not disappoint.