2011. Dir: George Clooney. Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood. ●●●●○
I've not seen "Farrugut North", Beau Eillimon's play that forms the basis of George Clooney and Grant Heslov's latest venture, so far as I know the play hasn't made it to the UK, however right now I don't feel that I need to. Ides of March hews so closely to a theatrical experience that seeing it live can hardly bring much more to the story. The inherent staginess of the adaptation is hard for this movie to shake off, it's structure and style of moving from room to room with powerfully dressed men with distressed ties underlines how little has been changed. That said, in spite of this limitation, it's themes of loyalty and corruption (mirroring the more successful Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) are presented so thoroughly and realistically that the quality of the screenplay and acting pushes through.
Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) may only be 30 but he's a veteran of political campaigning, something he's very keen to stress to Marisa Tomei's political hack in an early pace setting introduction, and after years of backing the wrong horse he's finally found a Presidential candidate he can believe in, a man whose proto-Liberal values are only matched by his personal integrity, ladies and gentleman I give you the next president of the United States, Senator (and co-writer/director) George Clooney.
Anyone who's ever watched a political film will know that Clooney isn't all he seems to be, and in this modern sex-crazed post Clinton world it's hardly going to his atheism that's going to be his undoing. Not that Meyers guesses it, he goes right on with his hubristically unchallenged behaviour, seducing intern Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood) and getting played by rival strategist Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) until both storylines collide dramatically turning Meyers from wide eyed idolised to deft spin-doctor.
Much has been said about how Ides recalls Political thrillers from the 70's with it's intense paranoia, but to me it most closely resembles Gore Vidal's tight 1964 screenplay for The Best Man, that too was a fraught political fight between two prospective Presidential candidates set in one city during hustings, and like this modern antecedent the drama came from guys whispering poll figures, however where Henry Fonda was a flawed but moralistic politician trying to do the best for his party and desperated avoiding mudslinging, here Clooney is sidelined. Modern politics has taken the candidate, the celebrity, out of the picture, now we're more concerned with the spinners on the sides and everyone accepts the personal is part of the game.
This is an actor's wet dream, with everyone on top form. Evan Rachel Wood as the intern whose sexual precociousness hides an inner turmoil is superb, and watching Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman as two old school campaigners, with their personal vendettas and careful strategies, is a joy. Hoffman has the best scene in the movie, a rip roaring speech on loyalty that somehow seems out of touch with the modern world. All this would be for nothing if Gosling couldn't handle the lead role, bringing the same blank canvas he displayed in Drive the character arc seems both irresistible and inevitable, and the final scene, of Gosling looking to camera about to give the most important interview of his life, will no doubt be one of the most hotly discussed cliffhangers of 2011 cinema.
This movie is also designed to within an inch of it's life, no decoration, no lighting set-up is left to chance, we're in no doubt that this is a movie about politics (even if it's not about Politics) from the stuffed campaign office with it's inspirational posters to the functional hotel rooms and dimly lit bars there is a real sense of place in each of the scenes. Clooney also does a good job as director keeping the tension and unpredictability of the characters even when you can see the direction where the plot is heading.
Overall I would recommend this film, of course I'm the crowd it's playing to, but it's presentation of the modern political game is both damning and compelling and short of the play coming to your town this is the next best thing.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Ides of March
Friday, 23 September 2011
Looking for a real man (Out this week - 23/09/11)
There's a scent of sweat in the air this week, an odour of testosterone floating from the man-packed cinemas, and frankly if you're not into gorgeous guys flexing their muscles or parading naked in the locker room then there may not be a choice for you this week, with even the counter programming choices seeming to accentuate heroism and grit. It's a tough competition for top choice, with a very high average score on the exciteometer (best since February) but in the end I'm plumping for Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton rippling in film of the week Warrior.
Warrior
It's underperformed in the States, I expect partly because of the image of Mixed Martial arts and the marketing not really knowing where to go but everything I hear about Gavin O'Connor's sports movie sounds great and with it's two protagonists on the cusp of becoming major stars this is probably the most exciting opportunity to see them let loose.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●●●○○
Drive
Ryan Gosling movie number 1 - The art-house thriller. Directed by edgy wunderkind Nicolas Winding Refn this is both an archetype and deconstruction of the 80's action pic with Gosling as a nameless driver becoming the hero in his warped story. Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks and (oddly) West Side Story's Russ Tamblyn co-star.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●●●○○
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Ryan Gosling movie number 2 - The touching comedy. The best reviewed Steve Carell movie for years concerns parallels the marital crisis of it's lead with the equally complex love lives of his children. Carell and Gosling are joined by Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei and Emma Stone.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●○○○○
Mademoiselle Chambon
Gallic romance between the homeschool teacher and parent that springs out of a natural closeness and shared hopes for the child in the middle. Showing it's French side is the unshocking revelation that the father's still married. That kids gonna need serious therapy.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Tucker & Dale vs Evil
Hilarious looking Sundance break-out that subverts the murderous hillbilly and innocent students cliches by simply placing the Louisiana heroes close to unspeakably unlucky accidents, each one making them appear more culpable to the partying teens.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Killer Elite
It may have the killer cast of Robert De Niro and Clive Owen but that's not enough to make this confused Jason Statham vehicle look any more bearable. Especially given the critical mauling it received at Toronto.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Soul Surfer
I'm not sure whether there's a market for overtly Christian movies here in the UK, we cinema goers tend to be a secular bunch, but if there is one then this true life story of a teenage surfer (AnnaSophia Robb) who's won't let her arm being bitten off by a shark stop her from becoming a surfing champion, thanks to her family support and faith, deserves to make the grade. Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid co-star.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Yaara O Dildaara
Bollywood picture that will, according to it's ratehr grand tagline, reinstate your faith in true love. In Punjabi.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Mausam
Also looking to pull the same crowd is this Indian-British co-production that heavily features the Royal Air Force in it's publicity and romantic subplots, everyone loves a man in uniform.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●○○○○○○○○
Tapes
There always seems to be one homegrown horror that sneaks into British cinemas, and this week you have the opportunity to witness through found footage (yawn) a suspected swingers party turn out to be hiding a bunch of devil worshippers. Luckily this isn't showing in Manchester.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●○○○○○○○○
Saturday, 19 March 2011
All this will be seen in the future (Out this week - 18/03/11)
I thought about backdating this post by a couple of years so it looks like I was reading the future - but that would be a silly thing to do as no-one would read it (even less than the normal count of people who read the release round-up). Some interesting looking projects out this week, with Richard Ayoade's debut probably picking up the highest praise, but it's Woody who gets my - doubtless unwarranted - support with film of the week going to You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.
You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Woody Allen returns to London for the fourth time with his latest relationship comedy, this time with a heavy dose of fortune telling providing the narrative force. He's persuaded high profile thesps like Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts and Josh Brolin to come along for the ride.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●●●○○
Lincoln Lawyer
Matthew McConaughey in non-romantic comedy shocker! He plays the titular attorney, conducting business out of the back of his car including defending the highly-dodgy looking playboy Ryan Phillippe. I'm guessing all is not as it seems. Marisa Tomei and William H. Macy pop up to provide sound advice.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●○○○○○
Ballast
New Orleans based drama which follows the brother, wife and son of a suicide victim as they struggle to make sense of his actions and begin to piece their lives back together. Very highly praised on the festival circuit.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Route Irish
Ken Loach turns his critical eye towards the invasion of Iraq and the private security firms that appear to run unchecked amongst the criminal underworld of the Middle East. There are actual scenes of waterboarding in the film which the actor involved is suing for compensation right now.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Submarine
Richard Ayoade, Moss from the excellent "IT Crowd", makes his feature directorial debut with this Welsh coming of age story. Based on Joe Dunthorne's novel it focuses on the dilemmas faced by Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) and his precocious thoughts about starring in the movie of his life.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Chalet Girl
It's getting far better notice's than it's trailer seems to warrent, but this British class-bashing romantic comedy, set in the European ski slopes might be a good bet for those wanting to waste a couple of hours. Felicity Jones and Ed Westwick are the forgettable leading couple, Bill's Bailey and Nighy among the faces you'll recognise.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Cinar Agaci
The Turkish releases have been quiet lately (it always surprises me that the industry is so prolific over there) so it's good to see this familial drama, focusing on the relationship between a young boy, his single mother and his widowed grandmother getting a release.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Anuvahood
Uncertain of tone and audience this is a gritty spoof of life on the mean streets of London. Co-directed by and starring Adam Deacon, one of the cast in the far-superior Kidulthood, who frankly should know better.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●○○○○○○○○
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Marisa Tomei
Happy Birthday to
Marisa Tomei
46 today
Marisa keeps on getting better with age. And whilst this could be referring to her fantastic looks and pole dance ready body, I'm also talking about her performances which have really grown over the years. I'm currently really looking forward to seeing how she fits into George Clooney's political picture Ides of March.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Frolicking in the Countryside (Out this week - 10/09/10)
Closely fought campaign for film of the week with two big comedies slugging it out for the top spot. I'm not sure which of them will take the box office crown, or if Milla Jovovich Will steal it away from them. In the end I've plumped for the British option (got to support the local produce) and will be going to see Tamara Drewe
Alamar
Low key Mexican family drama about a five year old getting aquainted with his father whilst learning how to fish. Either mesmerising or twee depending on your tolerance for this sort of thing.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Boss Engira Bhaskaran
Standard Bollywood romantic comedy with the titular hero turning his life around on discovering love. Ahhh.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●○○○○○○○○
Cyrus
Just failing to make the grade this week is the latest film from the Duplass Brothers, and their first departure from their mumblecore background. John C. Reilly plays lonely divorcee falling for Marisa Tomei only to have to compete with her obsessive son Jonah Hill. Catherine Keener also stars.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●○○○○
Going the Distance
It seems to have been previewing for months but the latest Drew Barrymore rom-com finally opens properly this weekend. Still looks saccharine and twee mind.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
My Son, My Son, What have ye Done
Warner Herzog has amassed a knock out cast (including Willem Dafoe, Brad Dourif, Chloe Sevigny and Michael Shannon) for this why dunnit murder mystery set in the quiet suburban driveways of middle America, but there seems to be little thought as to why we should watch.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●○○○○○
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Easily the most annoying trailer of the week, with director Paul WS Anderson and Milla Jovovich re-teaming for the fourth installment of zombie battles based on the superior computer games.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●○○○○○○○○
The Runaways
The all-girl rock band on which this biopic is based had significantly more impact in the States than over hear, and I doubt even the presence of Twilight star Kristen Stewart can generate excitement. Michael Shannon has his second film this week and Tatum O'Neal (remember her?) gets a minor role.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Tamara Drewe
Based on Posy Simmonds comic strip, as reproduced in the Guardian, which was in turn based on Thomas Hardy's Far from the Maddening Crowd, the Stephen Frears comedy should tick all the right boxes for a pleasant night out.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Sunday, 27 December 2009
2009 in Review - Best Supporting Actress
Like most self-obsessed actors I dream of one day being accepted by the industry as one of their own, and eventually being invited to join the Academy. (I know, I know, but I can dream). Part of that dream would mean having my own ballot, my opportunity to give my opinion of the best performances and best films of the year.
Well, until AMPAS notice me I guess the only place I can say what I think is right here. So, starting today (and for the next 5 days) I'll give you my votes. Of course they won't follow the Academy rules - I'm using the films I've seen and not just the ones eligible for this years which means 15 of the actual nominees from last year have the opportnity to appear on my ballot.
Like the voters I don't have to explain myself, however I will give a sentence or two to explain my choice. Feel free to argue in the comments.
1. Marion Cotillard - Nine. Marion has proved in both her films this year that she is a singular talent. She really gets to show off her range both vocally and performance wise in Nine, and the way she responds to the audition tapes is jaw-droppingly real.
2. Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Last years Oscar winner comes a very close second for me. Technically the third (or maybe even the fourth) billed actress she is a force everyone talks about and responds to, so much so that the film wilts without her.
3. Melanie Lynskey - Away We Go. Like most of the characters in Sam Mendes' latest film Lynskey only gets a short time to make an impact, but in her scenes as she gradually gets drunker we see the happy facade seep away to reveal the emptiness inside. Witness the pole dance and tell me you don't know everything about how she feels.
4. Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler. Continuing the theme of pole dancing, Tomei hits her usual high marks as a stripper confronting her own limits. Rourke may have taken most of the applause, but without Tomei backing him up we wouldn't have cared for his character.
5. Blanca Portillo - Broken Embraces. The character drifts between guarded sarcasm and over-zealous confessionals which in lesser hands could have been seen as terribly inconsistent. However Portillo shows the tension inside of her in every scene.
