Just saw Baz Luhrmann’s Australia, which I really enjoyed. Visually stunning, more intelligent than it appears from the outside, and of course very entertaining. It’s quite long, but …
I came across this intelligent quote from John Mayer about how he looks at performing, and it got me thinking about filmmaking, and how audience expectations can impact …
The VFX legend died on Sunday. His work was a major influence on me when I was young, I think it really fueled my passion for movies and …
June 11th, 2008 Discussion {0}
Alfonso Cuaron’s Harry Potter film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, is a fascinating study in filmmaking. After repeated viewings, the film’s real magic has become clearer to me; the …
After Pixar’s somewhat disappointing Cars, Ratatouille marks a reassuring return to their inventive, unexpected and frequently subtle filmmaking style. The story is driven by the characters in fresh …
Tonight I watched Ken Loach’s Kes (1969), a beautiful, moving film that has reminded me what cinema and storytelling should be about. It’s striking in both its humour …
August 28th, 2007 Discussion {2}
What could have been an ordinary cut from one location to the next is instead a beautiful interlude that perfectly embodies the tone of the film. As a …
In Gus Van Sant’s Elephant (2003), there’s a pivotal moment where we watch Alex in his room, practicing Beethoven’s Fur Elise and Moonlight Sonata. As we listen to …
June 9th, 2007 Discussion {2}
In the ongoing crush to beat the competition and conquor the box-office, studios are working harder than ever to find ways to get people to see their movies. …
There’s something about the use of Hollywood celebrity, and in particular celebrities’ voices, in animated features that bugs me. A recent Detroit News article by film critic Tom …