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Reviews
The Work of Director Michel Gondry (2003)
An excellent source for any budding filmmakers or fans of Michel Gondry
Michel Gondry, the French mastermind behind the hugely popular 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', brings us back to his roots in this DVD showcasing the video clips that initiated his career in film-making.
'The Work of Director Michel Gondry' includes video clips by The White Stripes, Foo Fighters and Kylie Minogue among others. By seeing these video clips the viewer is able to see where Gondry gets his unique style of film-making from. The incredible directing that is prominent in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' is evident here. His creativity is extraordinary and anybody thinking of venturing into the business of film-making should really see this DVD to gain an insight into the mind of a genius.
It's not just business either. Through this DVD we are able to see the humorous side to Michel Gondry.
Overall, it's an interesting DVD that allows the viewer to step into the mind of Michel Gondry.
North by Northwest (1959)
Quite possible Alfred Hitchcock's finest masterpiece
Masterpiece. Excellent. Brilliant. Film-making at its finest.
None of these statements do 'North by Northwest' justice. It truly is indescribable. If anyone has ever doubted Alfred Hitchcock's ability then this is the film that should surely overshadow any of those opinions.
Cary Grant plays the average man. But when he is mistaken for a spy his life spirals into an adventure that leads him to Mount Rushmore, crop fields and a beautiful woman (played ever so greatly by Eva Marie Saint).
The story is captivating, exciting and is everything a great film should be. It has scenes and lines that have become classics in the world of film and the combination of Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock is unmissable.
Ernest Lehmann has done an excellent job in writing the screenplay and this is by far one of his greatest achievements.
Overall, this film is a must see for everyone. Even if thrillers are not your favourite, it still provides great entertainment for all. It is by no means overrated and it hasn't been surpassed by any films since it's release.
Election (1999)
Entertaining, well written and acted: Superb over all
This film has everything a good film should have. Humour, wit, story, great acting and directing, and that indescribable zing that makes you love it more and more with each viewing.
Alexander Payne has done a wonderful job in writing this movie about a teenage girl who campaigns to become the Student Representative for her school with one of her teachers campaigning desperately to make sure that she doesn't get the position. It's funny, witty and the script is what every screenwriter should aim for- dialogue that keeps you listening throughout the film without any chance for your brain to break off into other thought.
Now the acting!! Matthew Broderick is excellent as the average teacher with a dark side. He is funny, believable and brings across the character perfectly. I couldn't imagine any other actor playing his role and being more perfect than he is. Reese Witherspoon, who soon became a personal favourite of mine after seeing this movie, is perfect to say the least. This is by far her greatest achievement in acting and she really deserved the Golden Globe that she was nominated for. The voice, the face, the actions all combine together to make her a perfect Tracy Flick. The other actors involved (including Chris Klein and Jessica Campbell) are brilliant as well and don't deserve to go unmentioned.
After seeing this film I knew that Alexander Payne would go on to be a well respected and recognised director and screenwriter and it is great to see that he has. Even though he is probably best known for his excellent comedy 'Sideways' and has achieved the awards for that film, Election is a masterpiece that shouldn't go unrecognised. Hilarious entertainment at it's best.
Garden State (2004)
Alright for a debut, but lacking a lot.
This movie has a lot of hype surrounding it and has fast become a favourite amongst the young adults. I can see why this is. Zach Braff has used popular music from indie bands and has written a story that is very appealing to young audiences.
But when it comes to actually looking at the film in terms of directing, acting, script- writing and whatever other ingredients are needed to make a good movie- the film just manages to make it over the line.
Firstly, the directing is extremely mediocre, but that is understandable considering Braff's experience and this being his first film. There are some scenes (in particular one in which Braff is sitting on a couch as the night passes by him) which seem like they are only there to make it look like he can direct, as if to say "this is a creative way of filming a scene, look at my talent!!" Secondly, the acting is as great as it is made out to be. But as least Zach Braff can admit that about himself. When it comes to Natalie Portman she does not give her best performance. Her voice is whiny and she over acts a lot. Ian Holm is ordinary and his talent could be used in finer movies. Peter Sarsgaard is pretty good, bringing about a lively spirit to the film.
Then comes the story and the script. The story basically follows the life of Andrew Largeman (Braff) as he goes back to his hometown for a funeral and he sees how his friends have changed and how the town has changed.. boy meets girl.. you know the rest. Personally, I didn't find the story that riveting, it was alright but the fact that I didn't really like the characters much brought down the film a lot. The script isn't all that wonderful either. Characters come into the film and you never see them again. Even though that is breaking the boundaries of usual script writing (which I like) it is annoying when you are introduced to someone and you never see them again.
Overall, the movie is something that you see once and forget. It's not as brilliant as it's made out to be (and really does not deserve the 8 star rating it has on IMDb!). It's an average movie that might be worth seeing if you are a fan of indie bands, the actors involved, or just something to fill time.