Saturday, May 12, 2012
Big news in my cinematic world this week!
I'm now writing an extra film column, this time for the Daily Liberal's weekly publication Mailbox Shopper. The reviews I do will be of films from 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, my Bible of sorts. It's a life quest I intend to complete so this is one step towards that. As such, I'll be posting what I review for Shopper alongside my regular weekly reviews.
Now aren't I just the nicest? :D
Dark Shadows (M)
Johnny Depp’s work over time as
muse to Tim Burton has been nothing short of a rollercoaster as their
friendship repeatedly turns to some freaky business on screen. Their latest
collaboration continues along that path as television series Dark Shadows is transferred onto film in
typical Burton style.
The grand master of wacky presents
the story of Barnabas Collins (Depp), who loses his parents and the love of his
life to cruel witch Angelique ‘Angie’ Bouchard (Eva Green). She loves him too
much to see him with anyone else so turns him into a vampire, and two centuries
later the bickering resumes as they involuntarily reunite in a 1972 that
Barnabas struggles to comprehend.
His descendants are a
dysfunctional bunch, living off what little money is left from his family’s
former seafood empire and miserable. Supposedly they would have to be if a
proper English vampire is the only thing to get them out of a rut.
But the film quickly edges towards
a romance as a love triangle ensues; Barnabas falls for house governess
Victoria, so reminiscent of true love Joset (both played by Aussie Bella
Heathcote), but warring sides emerge from Angie and house psychiatrist Dr Julia
Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter).
It’s this love game that makes the
leading man so incredibly confused and entertaining, only to be ruined by the
fact he kills people to survive. Barnabas is a traditional vampire through and
through, staying well out of the sun (to prevent burns, not sparkling) and
sleeping best in a coffin.
Burton plays this film subtle like
much of his previous work, still getting the quirkiest part of every character
to surface in a way that inspires intrigue. Depp cruises through as Barnabas,
perhaps a little too easily, but remains enjoyable while looking as youthful as
ever.
The supporting cast is an
interesting mix, as Burton’s choices usually are, with the likes of Michelle
Pfeiffer, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller and Chloe Moretz. But it’s Green
as Depp’s downfall that emerges as a standout, suiting the snaky witch to a
tee. She’s a sexy villain, but indecisive on what to do with Barnabas and
letting emotion get in the way.
There’s no end to the torture for
anyone as secrets behind every character are revealed, exposing uncertainties
as they try and restore the family name. But Barnabas’ desire to strengthen
relationships with his descendants and return the Collins’ as a family of
honour is a heavy theme that continues to push on to counter the wackiness.
It’s not Burton’s best, but it’s a fun romp all the same.
Rating: 3/5
*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 12/5/2012
***
This is how I'm getting published for my Shopper reviews. A lot harder to condense my thoughts into a smaller space. Then again, I started with a three-hour film...
Gandhi (1982)
Richard Attenborough’s epic feature on the life of Mohandas
Gandhi, the Great Soul, is an eye-opener for anyone who doesn’t know about the
impact of his actions.
Part one of the 183-minute film focuses on a younger Gandhi
improving his leadership skills to prove most fascinating, while in part two he is much the wiser,
although stubborn right until his death.
This is a beautiful project that took 20 years to be put to
screen. Ben Kingsley is so convincing as a calm man who struggles with the violence
that his calls for peace created.
Gandhi’s growth into a man who wishes only for cooperation
evolves further to make a man of wisdom and strength with simple ideas of
solving his homeland’s problems.
But he wasn’t God, and Attenborough shows his weaknesses
just as effectively as how much he was admired by his countrymen and the media
alike.
The production is excellent; with the extravagant use of
extras a nice reminder that CGI isn’t always the best choice, Gandhi reflects the sheer enormity of
the impact this attorney had on his people, the British Empire and the world.
*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) from Wednesday 9/5/2012
MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of The Five-Year Engagement.
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*I have two photos entered in the current Qatar Reflections competition. Please show your support for me by voting for either photo! Short backstory and links here.
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