Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Oscar Watch: The Master *mild spoiler alert*

I'm starting a new theme of posts called "Oscar Watch" where I review a film that just came out that I think should be nominated for the Academy Awards or that is expected to be nominated.



Last night I saw Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master and my god was it amazing. It feels like I haven't seen that great of acting...ever. The cinematography was gorgeous and the music was epic and I would've wrote this review last night but it just would have been ALSGJEWLGLANAL. I couldn't even put into words how great it is but now I think I can.

I know a lot of people want to see the film because of the Scientology roots but going into the film I had no clue what is was going to be about. I just saw the first teaser trailer, the one where Freddy (Joaquin Phoenix) is being interviewed. The film actually focused on a philosophy called The Cause which was not specifically Scientology but I understand how people can see similarities.

I haven't really heard of the film until all the people I follow on Tumblr started posting gorgeous stills from the trailer and mentioning 70mm screenings across the US. I really wish I saw the 70mm screening at the American Cinematheque because it would have been gorgeous because FILM.

Many have praised the acting in the film and I agree, the acting was phenomenal. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was great as usual, actually I think he's always great and should always be winning Oscars.

Joaquin Phoenix really made the movie. The scene with him and PSH, when PSH was running questions at him while Joaquin's character was not allowed to blink....that scene was absolutely phenomenal and if I was still an actor* then that would have been my main source of acting inspiration. Actually that should be everybody's source of acting inspiration whether they act or not.

Even though I don't like her on a regular basis, Amy Adam's really stood out as the wife of The Master.  Her character was strong, believable and she stole the show in a few scenes that I won't say here because I want you to watch the movie. Amy's really improving as an actress and this film really shows off her skills.

While all of the actors were amazing I thought the cinematography stole the show. Each shot of the sea was breathtakingly gorgeous. I just went through the trailer and tried to screencap a picture for you all to see but alas there weren't any. Just go watch the film to see for yourself.

Last but not least the music was like the cherry on top of a perfect sundae. The score went along perfectly with the film's time period and it made the audience feel tense or melancholy or whatever the film wanted to make you feel in each certain scene. It was remarkable.

Please everybody go see The Master I think it's still in limited release but take the trip out to the city and go see it.

Hopefully it will be nominated for:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor-Joaquin Phoenix
Best Supporting Actor-PSH
Best Supporting Actress-Amy Adams
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Original Score

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Jabberwocky dir. Jan Svankmajer


Jabberwocky is by far my favorite Jan Svankmajer short so that is why I chose it to be the first film I screencap on my blog. It is a beautiful yet horrifying (doll cannibalism!) surrealistic film that tends to bring up more questions than answer them. I've never seen anything like it.

Also the music is entrancing and beautiful so even if you don't watch it just listen to it the music is great.











I am entranced with the dance of the knife. It is beautiful yet tragic at the same time.

Watch it here

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Criterion Collection Wish List










My New Love: Rosemary's Baby


Can I just talk about how much I love Rosemary's Baby? And how I'm so happy that it's getting a Criterion release? I decided to watch it because of Mia Farrow's pixie cut but I ended up getting much more out of it than just hair inspiration. 

I thought Rosemary's Baby was going to be a flat out horror film, with gore and everything. I was pleasantly surprised when the film turned out to be more suspenseful rather than scary, driving more like a Hitchcock film than anything else. 

Mia Farrow is the star and the driving point of the film. She was quite amazing as the frail yet protective Rosemary Woodhouse. I applaud her performance.

I knew right after watching the film that it would be one of my favorites. I'm excited to get the new Criterion release to watch the masterpiece in full BLU-RAY.
Hello
I just wanted to set up a blog where I can post about my feelings about films and talk about them.