ell1981 Reviews

Amour (2012)

Haneke Could Film Paint Drying

[10/10 · 22 March 2013]

Haneke if not one of the best living director is undoubtedly the bravest. He continues to defy normal cinema conventions by putting so much trust in the viewer. Key moments that would definitely be portrayed and scrutinised by other filmmakers are not shown in order to magnify it's meaning. At no point does this come across as obtuse as every frame is crafted and exploited to the max. The performances are all in line with the director's meticulous and always precise vision. Due to the incredible commercial success and awards the film received, I wrongly thought that he had finally given in to sentimentality. Not at all! Credit to the general public and indeed the American Academy for supporting and hailing such an exquisite film.

Last Resort (2000)

Very Good

[8/10 · 22 November 2012]

Excellent film that rightly received awards in independent categories. Throughout there was an unpretentious feel to this film that shows the directors craft and subtle methods. Made without a script this simply highlighted the talent of the actors. Considine as ever delivers a simple yet compelling performance and the young Artyom also showed a maturity beyond his years. Again credit must be given to the direction and the subtle use of light that created the feeling of isolation and solace as well as an other wordly dream like paralysis. Really well crafted and paced and beautifully shot. Enjoyable and compelling and worth a watch.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Dreams Of a Golden Age...

[9/10 · 22 November 2012]

You definitely need to be in the right mood for this-luckily I was and enjoyed it throughout and could have watched for longer. Of course the characterisations of the famous historical figures must be taken with a pinch of salt. Yet it felt like a celebration of these figures and also introduced me to the wonders of alternative filmmaker Luis Bunuel which is certainly not a bad thing. As with many of his films if Allen doesn't play the lead role then whoever does seems to be doing an impression of him. Wilson did do this but had enough charisma and ability to shine through. McAdams also does a good job and of course so does the beautiful Paris.

Bombay Beach (2011)

Superb Innovative

[10/10 · 22 November 2012]

Very well made and innovative docu drama. Most important to all films of this genre, the subject is utterly fascinating and contains people with genuine quirkiness and character. The story and the people are captured in a unique and compelling way too which adds to its wonder. Rightly acknowledges and thanks the great Werner Herzog in the credits as his ability to look beyond characters and create drama through them has clearly influenced the feel of this film. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout. I wish it had received more coverage and will hopefully get Oscar acclaim this year if submitted. A real gem and very much worth watching.

Love Liza (2002)

A Cut Above

[10/10 · 22 November 2012]

Excellent film beautifully made holding back on clichés and familiar themes. A classic example of a film that many people would struggle with hence some negative responses. The beauty of this film is that it challenges you and leaves you completely engrossed and wondering what would happen next. Hoffman as expected was very very convincing and so believable. He gives the viewer so much-his expressions and breathing too mean that you get an idea of his character before he even speaks. Of course the theme is horrible but overall this film isn't as depressing as it looks. I can't speak highly enough about this and deserved so much more credit and exposure than it actually got. An absolute gem.

The Big Picture (2010)

Très bon

[8/10 · 22 November 2012]

Really impressive film that was gripping and well acted. It did drift a little and had slight pacing issues but did not detract from a compelling piece with excellent lead performances. Duris has impressed me an awful lot in his previous performances and commands the screen really well becoming one of the best leading men around. I also found the locations in Montenegro absolutely stunning and filmed in a way that really added to the feel and mood of the film. I was particularly impressed with the way it ended refusing to indulge and become predictable. This is such a rare thing these days and deserves much credit and shows bravery in both the direction and concept that was clearly well thought out. Bravo!

Rampart (2011)

Impressive Film

[9/10 · 22 November 2012]

Having watched The Messenger recently I was similarly enthralled with this. No doubt here is a film maker interested in challenging themes and characters. Clearly there is inventive film making here that at times makes you feel light headed. It is obviously not for everybody given the slating it had at the time of release. As well as Harlesson's performance there is a lot of good here with subtlety throughout. The fact that it has divided opinion for me shows that this film does have merit and is far more than just a vehicle for Hareleson. Also contains an excellent cameo from Ben Foster. It's not easy going and nor should it be!!!!

Eden (2006)

Master Chef

[9/10 · 15 November 2012]

A delightful film well shot and paced. It maintained my attention throughout and the tension was subtle reminding me of the feel of The Page Turner. Anyone with a tiny bit of love for food will enjoy and understand the power of well cooked, prepared and thought about meals. All performances were convincing and added to the drama. At all times it's the love of food that keeps the story going and indeed makes the film so worthwhile and unique. It's a shame this film has gone under the radar and really deserved more credit but without a known name was always destined to remain unknown though I would hope had an impact in the home of gourmet food. The two leads had an amazing chemistry-I'm guessing helped by the amount of food they get to eat! Must watch.

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

Oh Yes!

[9/10 · 15 November 2012]

Excellently made film crafted in a meticulous and thoughtful fashion. The style and method of story telling is so impressive adding to the haunting feel. Rarely have I found a film using flashbacks so fluid and worthwhile, adding so much to the feel of the film.

At times it was truly mesmerising combining visual and audio effects brilliantly. The acting apart from Olsen's was very subtle and real to life giving the lead the perfect foil to let rip. She took on a role that may be familiar to others but managed to break free of anything you may have seen before. Truly remarkable. For me the film ends perfectly and allows you the viewer to come to conclusions instead of forcing the story. So many films are let down by their ending-not this one.

Kill List (2011)

Killer Film

[8/10 · 14 November 2012]

For various reasons this film has divided opinion. I can understand why but don't accept reviews saying this is rubbish. It is not! There is so much here that sets it aside from most films. There are scenes that are simple and brilliantly acted and directed. Granted many people may not have watched Mike Leigh, Ken Loach or Shane Meadows. In which case they may struggle with the style here. Of course some people will be far too sensitive to the issues shown and the way it's portrayed but it is clear that a real filmmaker is at work here, refusing to conform to any type of genre. I do accept that the film has flaws but given this is only Wheatley's second feature I think he will go on and make some brilliant films.

Network (1976)

We'll tell you anything you want to hear, we lie like hell

[9/10 · 14 November 2012]

Excellent film with an extraordinary script that is delivered to perfection. Well directed and intensely filmed without ever trying to be too clever.Without doubt this film would have provided the inspiration to so many film and t.v. makers to break out of the mold and produce something that really reflects their vision. The acting is as good as the script and rightly earned awards at every level. Despite the fact it is set in the 70's its themes just couldn't be more relevant today.It really is a must see film that makes you realise the huge importance of indie channels such as HBO that in the last twenty years have succeeded in breaking up the networks.

Incendies (2010)

You And Whose Army?

[9/10 · 14 November 2012]

Any film that begins with the mercurial Radiohead and uses their music throughout is going to do something for me. There is a lot of good here with an excellent performance from Poulin and some stunningly shot landscapes. The film goes back and forth in time but not enough to confuse though may be a little too subtle for some viewers. The plot is disturbing and ultimately shocking but again manages to portray this in a subtle way which is no mean feet given the subject.

A real surprise and thrill to watch that never failed to mesmerize and shock at the same time. It was well paced and never strayed from the powerful message it conveyed. For me one of the best foreign films I have seen and surprisingly did not gain the credit it deserved.

Mr. Nobody (2009)

Every Path Is The Right Path

[9/10 · 14 November 2012]

This isn't the first film of its kind-put simply its an abstract look at the consequences of decisions and how this can affect you and take you along different paths. It constantly fires this theme at you throughout and never relents from switching back and forth in time and settings.

Undeniablely stunning visually with every shot incredibly cinematic and meticulous. It's not just the extraordinary craft here that makes this film great-it is very well written with a huge amount of substance. The actors feel like puppets being strung along in meticulous fashion yet still manage to deliver the message.

Despite having many elements that are not fully explained, unlike lesser films of this ilk it doesn't try to, and herein lies its greatest strength.