Week 5

The 57th BFI London Film Festival:

The BFI Film Festival will run from October 9th to the 20th of October. Paul Greegrass a British director, producer and writer opened the London Film Festival this year with 'Captain Phillips', staring Tom Hanks.'Captain Phillips' is the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama; the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.'Captain Phillips' debuted on September 27th at the New York Film Festival.  Weirdly enough the festival will close with another Tom Hanks film called 'Saving Mr Banks'. 

Here is a video of Paul Greengrass talking about the honour of having his film open the festival (and also a reel of many other clips with other directors starring at the festival) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcnqLbvBPOk&list=PL_EsfcA2-X35VP8i_CJxdLAPcKOulcua9


Festival venues:

BFI Southbank  BFI IMAX  Ciné Lumière  Cineworld Haymarket  Curzon Chelsea  Curzon Mayfair  Everyman Screen on the Green  Hackney Picturehouse  ICA  Odeon Leicester Square  Odeon West End  Renoir Cinema  Rich Mix  Ritzy Picturehouse  Vue West End I would love to go to the festival but i live no where near it and don't have the cash to go at the weekend or the time. I hopefully will be going in 2016/17 as my dad wants to go and then i hopefully will be free of collage :). I know its ages away, well its something to look forward to i guess.   ~ There are too many films to list them all and no one would bother reading them anyway so I am just going to give you the categories  with a brief explanation I found from the official BFI LFF website: - Galas (Join us on the red carpet for our Gala screenings) - Official Competition (The Best Film Award recognises inspiring, inventive and distinctive film making) - First Feature Competition (The Sutherland Award recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut) - Documentary Competition (The Gierson Award recognises films with interrogatory, originality, and social or cultural significance) - Love (Sweet, passionate, tough - love is a complex and many splendored thing) - Debate (Riveting films that amplify, scrutinise, argue and surprise) - Dare (In-your-face, up-front and arresting: films that takes you out of your comfort zone. - Laugh (From laugh-out-loud through romantic comedy to dry and understated - humour in all its forms) - thrill (Nerve-shredders that'll get your adrenalin pumping and keep you on the edge of your seat) - Cult (From the mind-altering and unclassifiable to fantasy, sci-fi and horror) - Journey (Whether its the journey or the destination, films to transport you and shift you perspective) - Sonic (Music-inspired films and event that will leaving you dancing in the aisles) - Family (Films for all ages) - Treasures (Revived and restored from the worlds archive) - Experimenta (Experimental cinema and artist' film and video) Personally I think Cult, Galas and Journey sound the most interesting and they would be the categories would most likely consider. In the Gala category there are three films I would like to defiantly watch they are, 'Don Jon', ' Gravity' and '12 Years A Slave'. In the cult category there are again three i really want to watch they are,'Only Lovers Left Alive', 'The Zero Theorem' and 'Freaks 'n' Geeks'. In the journey category there are five films that I am really interested in they are, 'Four Ways To Die In My Hometown', 'My Class', 'My Daughter Haewon', 'So Much Water' and 'The Rocket' What is the BFI? ~ The BFI was founded in 1933, they are a charity governed by a Royal Charter. They combine cultural, creative and industrial roles, bringing together the BFI National Archive and BFI Reuben Library  film distribution  exhibition and education at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX  publishing and festivals. They award Lottery funding to film production, distribution, education, audience development and market intelligence and research. Oh also if you didn't know it stands for 'British Film Institute'. :)

Week 4

Mr Nobody: What is going on with that?

what is the film about?

A young boy named Nemo stands on a station platform. The train is about to leave. Should he go with his mother or stay with his father? An infinity of possibilities rise from this decision  As long as he doesn't choose, anything is possible. Every life deserves to be lived.

Release of Mr Nobody:

Theatrical run

The studio held the film's world premier at the 66th Venice International Film Festival on the 12th of September 2009. Six days later Mr Nobody screened as a special presentation during the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Additionally the film was screened at the Stockholm International Film Festival and at the Sitges Film Festival before its theatrical release  Mr nobody had its American premier on 25th of June 2011 at the Los Angeles Film Festival, nearly two years after its original debut. 

Mr Nobody initially opened in 36 theaters in Belgium and in its opening week grossed $227,917. Grossing nearly $1 million it became one of the ten highest-grossing 2010 films in Belgium  The film was released in France on the 13th of January 2010, opening in 150 theaters  The film will be released by Magnolia Pictures in the US on demand and on iTunes, on the 26th of September 2013 and in select theaters on the 1st of November 2013.

Home Media

Mr Nobody was released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in France on the 21st of July,2010, through Pathe. In Holland it was release trough Warner Home Video and on the 11th of January,2011, it was released in Canada through Entertainment One. Optimum Home Entertainment released Mr Nobody to Britain on the 12th of September 2011 with few special features including a making-of with Leto and a trailer of the film.

Critical Response
upon its premier at the 66th Venice FF, Mr Nobody was positively received with a ten-minute standing ovation from the audience. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 71% of critics have given the film a positive review, with an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. Jennie Punter of 'The Globe' and 'Mail' praised the film stating "Van Dormae holds this fracture fairy tale together by giving it an emotional core and delivers two hours of time travel with a playful spirit and at a mostly hyper-kinetic pace, sprinkling it with amusing side journeys and sometimes letting a scene unfold at a more natural tempo". Bruce Kirkland of jam! gave the film four stars out of five and wrote, "Expect the unexpected. Try to answer the unanswerable question that write-director van Dormael poses. It is a worthwhile exercise". He also described Leto's acting as "Marvelously full-blooded, brain-spinning, tour-de-force performance". Fred Topel, writing for Screen junkies, praised the films artistry, saying "All  of Nemo's lives are painful. No matter what he chooses, he experiences heartbreak death of loved ones, his own death, and clinical depression. Mt future seems brighter, but the film makes the strong point that every experience is worthwhile. The goal isn't to choose the easiest path. It is to live".

What do I think of the film?

Well, 'Mr Nobody' is my favorite film of all time so I would give it a 5 out of 5 straight away. I have many reasons for loving this film and i shall tell you. Firstly, each and every persona of Nemo (you might not get what I'm saying if you have not watched it) is thoroughly well developed and you believe everything that persona stands for and believes, at some points its quite hard to think that he is only one boy/man. Secondly, the film includes many religious and scientific theories throughout which overlap; making you think both science and religion could work together. This is because the whole idea of Nemo is related to religion and heaven etc, but then everything that happens on earth in Nemo's life is explained as science, mixing the two together creates an amazing product (in my opinion). Also, the film has a lot of emotional and relatable scenes, I believe that not one person could watch this film without relating or taking something from this film in some way. I cannot stress how good this film is seriously watch it. Also the cast is incredible and all the actors preform incredibly making the very unimaginable seem possible


The film trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAP8q_iPOw

Week 3

Actor's who to my surprise have not yet won an Oscar:

 

Will Smith

''The Fresh Prince of Bel Air' has dominated both music charts and the big screen. While his song of the 90’s, “Parent’s Just Don’t Understand” was on everyone’s CD player; maybe “The Academy Just Don’t Understand” would have been more appropriate. Will Smith has been nominated for both "Ali" and "Pursuit of Happiness", but still seems to be in the pursuit of an Academy Award.'

I personally think that Will Smith has made some amazing performances; however not quiet up to the gold man standard.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was nominated twice in 1989 and 1997 for his performances in "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Jerry Maguire". But the third time’s the charm right? Well, unfortunately not for Cruise, whose nomination for "Magnolia" still didn't lead to an Academy Award. When the time does come for Cruise to win his Oscar, someone should probably warn his couch before he comes home--we all remember what happened to Oprah's.

I am very torn with Tom Cruise as i loath him normally but i absolutely love him in 'Interview With The Vampire' as I think his portrayal of 'Lestat' was magnificent  he created a vampire that we love to hate and hate to love he has all the aspects of a rebellious,  evil vampire without being too sinister so we can still connect to him. So I think based on his performance in this film alone he deserves an Oscar.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is an actor who is known for taking on diverse and challenging roles. His performances in films like "Inception" and "Titanic" have many categorizing DiCaprio as one of the best actors in his generation. Although he has received Oscar nods for his roles in "The Aviator", "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Blood Diamond", he still has never received an Academy Award.I personally believe that poor Leonardo DiCaprio kind of needs an Oscar  He has starred in too many amazing films, from 'Titanic' to 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Inception' I think he just damn well needs one.

Johnny Depp

While being an A-list celebrity can lead to your own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it doesn't always lead to an Oscar. Surprisingly, Johnny Depp is among the list of actors who have yet to take home the gold man. The last decade has been filled with Oscar nods for Depp as his roles in "Sweeney Todd", "Finding Never land" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" have lead to three nominations. His films brought millions into the box offices but while money can buy most things—you can’t put a price on an Oscar.

Well what can I say? I am shocked, stunned and just plain curious as to how this man has not earned a Oscar in his long-lived career so far. He is one of my favorite actors and I just don't see how he has yet to have a little gold man. He has starred in,  and brought to life 'Edward Scissor hands', 'Sweeney Todd', 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' ( all four of them ), 'Charlie And The Chocolate factory', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' and of course the incredible 'Legend Of The Sleepy Hollow'. Can you feel my frustration; I hope so.

Brad Pit

We can’t finish the list without mentioning Brad Pitt, another actor who has been snubbed by the golden statue. Pitt might be a heartthrob that has attracted ladies of all generations, but Oscar seems to be the only one not giving him a second look. As for nominations, Pitt has reeled in three for his roles in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "Twelve Monkeys" and "Moneyball" but, as you guessed, still no Academy Award. Brad Pitt probably does deserve a Oscar, however I just don't see it personally. Apart from his excellent role in 'Interview With The Vampire' and 'World War Z' which I enjoy I just don't get the fuss about his appearance and talent  On the other hand it would be nice to see him achieve one of the best rewards an actor can hope to get.

What makes 'Interview with the Vampire' such a great film?

Personally I think that the story line of the film is just genius, so I decided to look online about it; turns out that the film was based off of a book series, which one intrigued me and two made a lot of sense. In my opinions films based off of books tend to have a great well thought out story line as long as the script writers don't ruin it. Here we see a flawless story made more enticing by the nature of the characters. First of all I don't think that Neil Jordan (director) could have selected a better cast. With Tom Cruise as 'Lestat' and Brad Pitt as 'Louis' and don't forget Kristen Dunst and 'Claudia' how could it have gone wrong; put simply it didn't. This film is full of family, friends, relationship, history, romance and evil, plus they chucked in some vampires so it possibly couldn't be better. Even the ending of the film was incredible as it creates enigmas as what happens to 'Louis', how the hell ‘Lestat’ survived (spoiler I guess, sorry) and what was going to happen to 'Daniel' (interviewer). Well i certainly enjoyed it and give if a 5/5 stars on all levels. Would i recommend it? Absolutely. 

Here's the trailer, enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDH7P0qvSMU

A review of 'Interview With The Vampire' by Siskel and Ebert:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrVq6uLbQgs

I agree with everything that they have to say as like I said before it is such an amazing film it is hard to criticize. I'm glad that everyone seems to like it just as much as I did. I urge you to watch it if you haven't yet managed too; you wont regret it.

'In the shadow of the Vampire':

This is behind the scenes and interviews with the cast and crew. I really enjoyed watching these videos as they gave a great insight to what went on through the film making process and how the cast and crew felt about the film and the way it turned out.

part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OThCfvIJ5eg

Part 3 (as part 2 has been deleted): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meiegyD_qWg&list=PL1143535F85C53D97

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvpu3fIC-3A&list=PL1143535F85C53D97

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz-CNLOEztQ&list=PL1143535F85C53D97

Week 2

Top 15 most anticipated movies of winter and autumn 2013: 

#1 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

#2 The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

#3 Thor: The Dark World

#4 Frozen

#5 Diana

#6 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

#7 Ender's Game

#8 Saving Mr.Banks

#9 Winnie Mandela

#10 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2

#11 Carrie

#12 Captain Phillips 

#13 The Book Thief 

#14 Black Nativity 

#15 Walking With Dinosaurs 

what I found from this list: 

A lot of these films are sequels which shows that the first films were very successful so the producers have made the film knowing they have a predetermined audience.  Also some of these films like ' Carrie' and 'The Book Thief' were books first so they too will have an anticipated audience as the fans of the book will be interested as to how the film adaptation as been created and will want to go see the film on screen. Another big theme within this list is family orientated films, for example ' cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2'  and ' Walking With Dinosaurs' which will make parents want to go see them as they know the children will like them, giving the family something that they will all enjoy. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keT5CRhhy84

Many people who went to see the first film will automatically want to see this one; this ensures that there is going to be a pre-conceived audience, me being one of them. I love the books and the first film and I cant wait to see the next installment. 

The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnaojlfdUbs

This is the second installment in the trilogy, Lots of people who like the first one, the book or the lord of the rings trilogy will want to go and see this film. It is not surprising that this is in the last as there is such a wide range audience that would want to see this film.I personally cannot wait for this film as I love anything that centers around 'Middle Earth'.

Thor: The Dark World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npvJ9FTgZbM

This film again is a sequel so again many people will want to watch it who like the first one. However, there will be a lot of hype around this film due to the franchise of 'Thor' and the fact that it is a new 'Marvel' film, this alone brings a huge audience. Also there is the fact that Chris Helmsworth will be once again staring as 'Thor' bringing any fans of his work to the screen; me included. 

Out of all of the films above I am most excited for 'Thor: The Dark World' as Thor is my favourite Marvel film. My favourite 'Thor' character is Loki as he is just amazing :), he reminds me of myself, taking away the fact that he brought a alien invasion upon the world. I know this is not really to do with film but you must watch this and all the amazement that is Loki!

seriously watch this because I cannot even explain my love for Tom Hiddleston aka Loki and how incredible he is: I won't even tell you what it is just watch! If you don't really like Loki or Marvel it may be useless to you; just saying... 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toPstPIcGnI

Week 1

'The Lone Ranger'

Here is a review of the film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s92U9IjMHc

In the video Chris talks about how the story line of the film doesn't really fit together and how certain parts in the film are unnecessary and elongated. He also states that a lot of the film isn't explainable and too unrealistic to make sense. For example, the film is set out as 'old Tonto' telling a story to a young child, however there are many scenes in which 'Tonto' is not in so how could he possibly know what happened word for word?. Chris also conveys his feelings on the movies length stating that it is 30 minutes too long and has too many set-pieces.

An interview with Johnny Depp:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z23rrxKD5r4

Here Johnny Depp talks about why he chose to play 'Tonto' and not the 'Lone Ranger' and how he wanted to give back some honour to the Native Americans for their courage and strength. He also talks about how they aesthetic look of 'Tonto' came to be and how each character he plays is looked away in little boxes and throughout his life they pop up unexpectedly. This shows us how much Johnny Depp gets into character as he can bring back to life any of the persona's and incredibly quickly. He also talks about his mind frame of here and now and how his future is impossible to see. I think here we start to realise what the process for building a character is like and how they never truly disappear.


The trailer of 'The Lone Ranger':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjFsNSoDZK8

Interview of most of the cast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOMhk867NRc