CHE: Part One

I was quite excited to see that film, because I had certain expectations of what will be included. I suppose it's difficult to make a film about a hero like Che Guevara, because everyone interprets the story differently. The film did not disappoint me at all! A great performance by Benicio Del Toro and successfully built image of Fidel Castro. At first I was a bit afraid that the director might present Castro in a negative light as most Americans see him, but thanks god he didn't. I guess the whole point of part one is to enligten the viewers of the hard struggle that constitutes revolution, as well as the passion involved in the rebellions. The theme might possibly be Che's belief in the unity, equality, and national pride of the Latin American nations that are not going to tolerate forever the US government. One of my favourite moments was when Ernesto Che Guevara was giving a speech explaining the motives of the Cuban revolution and some latin american representatives were against him, claiming that they don't need his help at all, simply because they were corrupted by the US. Probably what I would add if I was to make the film, is a New Year's Eve scene, where Batista leaves his own party and the coutry realizing that his regime of oppression and corruption is over.
Anyways, now waiting for part two! Our Argentinian Doctor will go to Africa :(
I was also thinking that the film is aimed at people that are very familiar with the life of Che, otherwise it might be difficult to assimilate and follow.

Coronation Street

I watched the episode from 16.01.2009. I've seen Coronation Street just once before, it was an early episode. However, I didn't recognize any of the characters, I guess they've died or just disappeared. So here is my brief preview of what happens in the current episode. Steve has left his girlfriend for Becky, but Becky doesn't want to be with him anymore. The girlfriend has a son who punched him in the face! I thought it was an amazing shot! LOL Steve, however, got drunk and pathetic. Nothing interesting in the episode whatsoever. I don't really see what people find in that soup opera anymore? All the characters are boring and predictable. I also wish they looked better... like the Latin American ones :) Maybe then, they would attract a bigger audience!
Well, I don't remember anything else from that 22 minute episode.

The Reader

To begin with, I had no clue what the film was about. Probably I thought it was more of a love story than anything else, and when I heard that Kate Winslet got a golden globe for a best supporting role (which is a leading role in her case!), I made up my mind to go and see it. In terms of the story, it's quite good and original. Also a brilliant performance by Kate, I hope she is as good as this in Revolutionary Road. I can't wait to see her reunited on set with Leonardo! Usually I don't enjoy 2nd world war themes because there have been sooooooo many films made about that and it's a bit hard to be original. On top of my head I just remembered the Italian "Life is Beautiful", which explores the spirit of an always cheerful guy and his family in a Nazi Camp. I think it is my favourite one, in terms of World War 2.
Anyways, go and see The Rader! I can't believe how good Kate looks like now. I haven't seen anything with her for a very long time, but she is getting really good in her acting.

The Battleship Potempkin

It's been a long time since I last blog..
However, the sweet vacation is over!

We watched The Battleship Potemkin as part of Andy's class, but I've seen some sequences from it in high school and as part of another course another course. Even my grandmother remembers it. She also remembers how it was banned for it's propaganda against Tsarism, which was quite uncomfortable for the remaining monarchy in Eastern Europe.
The famous Odessa Steps sequence is the most famous one. Actually it didn't happen in reality, but Eisenstein presumably created it for a greater dramatic effect. On a bigger scale, the editing has a huge effect on the viewer's perception of justice and fight for the right cause. Moreover, the scene is full of symbols that reinforce sympathy in the Russians towards the attacked civilians. The lion destroyed in front of the Opera House by the Tsar's soldiers symbolizes an attempt to also smash the strong fighting spirit and the pride of the nation. Another graphic shot that I remember was the one with the second dying mother holding her belt with a swam on it. The close up probably lasted for 5 seconds, but I've seen this swam many times and I think it's important so Eisenstein used it on purpose.
To sum up, The Battleship Potemkin is quite impressive in terms of it's fast editing pace, great cinematography, impact and conveying clear and simple ideas.

Changeling

I finally saw the famous scene that everyone talks about ( The triple repetition of "I want my son back") Brilliant! Initially I expected less from the film, such as totally hysterical Angelina! But she did great and I can not deny her performance. As a whole, the film had some sort of optimistic tone, which was reinforced by the original Clint Eastwood soundtrack. If I have to define the theme, probably I would suggest justice above all, or as a sub theme- hope keeps you alive. I'll go a bit out the main topic and mention some details other viewers have commented on in front of me. For example, they found it annoying that some characters were using accents from the 20's and others did not. Angelina was with her normal accent, one of the cops was trying to do some sort of Irish one, regarding the rest... only John Malcovich had an authentic accent. Excluding this, everything seemed to fit perfectly well in the film. Even the fact that Angelina was wearing the same coat throughout the movie made it more and more plausible, closer to a "true story". Probably she will be nominated for an Oscar.

Girl with a pearl earing

I've heard about this painting by an artist, so she also told me that there is a film based on the story. I finally watched it! (One less from my long list) I assume that the director is Dutch, because the film somehow carries an European ending... it means that it doesn't end with definite circumstances of the characters but only gives us a clue. Furthermore, the casting of Scarlet Johanson is quite successful. She not only looks like the lady from the painting, but also transfers subtle feelings and senses to the viewers. The quiet that pervades the work, the precision of the reflected light on the earing itself all speak to the ballance of Vermeer's canvasses.In my view the film is very carefully directed to transmit the same harmony and perfection that the painting radiates. The result: the film looks visually good. Most importantly, it gave me some insight about the colours, mixing them, "creating" the right ones. I totally love the story.

Show, don't tell !

I haven't watched a Chaplin film for a very long time, and yesterday while watching "The Gold Rush" I also recollected of a few childhood memories! (how irrelevant?) The scene when the house is about to fall off the hill has been repeated in many other movies. It was definitely entertaining to see how the "little fellow" is trying his best to impress his lady. But my favourite one is probably "The Kid" because of Jacky Coogan. This cute little kid is simply amazing! It doesn't really matter what he is doing, his size takes the attention of the viewer and all you think is his sweet little face! I can not believe he was Fester in the Adams Family... kids should never grow up