I am not a big fan of block busters, but my tastes are a strange mixture of foreign language films and 'LGBT' films. I think this is a way I like to explore my sexuality and defining myself. Anyway, each week I hope to do a short recap and review of all the films I have watched. I will do separate reviews for any gay film which I have particular enjoyed.
08 April 2013
Film of the week
Amour - *****
(2012, France, Michael Haneke)
Wow, what a film. The French winner of Best Oscar in a Foreign Language Film is a real must for any world cinema film fans out there. The film focuses on an elderly straight couple's relationship following a mild stroke. This film is drenched in realism and not always the easiest to watch as the stroke deteriorates the women's health. However, the way Jean-Louis Trintignant portrays the loving husband who will do anything for his dying wife was utterly moving and reminds even the most relationship phobic of us the benefits of companionship and love in our lives. The only minor criticism is that they could have used Isabelle Hubbert a lot more - she is one of my favourite actresses!
A gritty film but a worthy Oscar winner.
Other Films
A Royal Affair - *****
(2012, Denmark, Nicolaj Arcel)
Had this been any other week, this could easily be my film of the week. Also short listed for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, A Royal Affair tells the story of a young Queen who marries a vile and abusive King in the eighteenth century. It is then that she develops a relationship with the King's physician who is secretly an 'Enlightenment'. Together they sew the seeds of liberalism that are the roots of modern Denmark. Surprisingly beautiful and engaging and not stuffy as I was expecting. Well worth viewing.
The Killing of Sister George - ****
(1968, UK, Robert Aldrich)
This tells the story of an ageing actress who looses her job and her younger partner. Having read reviews of this ground breaking lesbian film, critics have been united in saying that in modern society, the lesbian shock factor is none existent and therefore this film becomes uninteresting. Yes, the lesbian sex scene is not really shocking by today's standards but the portrayal of an abusive same sex relationship is something that is still not portrayed in film or TV. We are still stuck with stereotypes and victim characters who are being bullied/coming out/are HIV positive. Therefore, I think this film is still pushing the boundaries.
Ben-Hur - ***
(1959, USA, William Wyler)
A regular entrant in any top films of all time lists and it is easy to understand why. The daddy of the block buster and the definition of a historical epic. The film, at almost four hours, does feel like a religious studies lesson and steps into religious propaganda at times. However, it remained engaging for most of the time and an important film to further my cinema education.
Did I enjoy it? A little, yes. Will I watch it again? Probably not.
Fighting - *
(2009, USA, Ditto Montiel)
This film tells the story of Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) who becomes drawn into the underground world of street fighting. I have to admit that the only reason I watched this was because I want to do dirty things with Channing Tatum. Other than the eye candy, this film was dull and formulaic and I would have enjoyed it more if I had watched it listening to the radio and with mute on.
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