Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Lola montait dans les montagnes.



Lola Montes (1955) 



Lola Montes est un film de beauté. Après avoir retrouvé les couleurs lumineux du film, en 2015, je regarde ce film avec le même choc que les spectateurs ont eu en années 50s quand il est ressorti pour les nouvelles générations des spectateurs. Il fait un étalage scintillant à cause de l’actrice captivante qui joue Lola Montes. Selon moi en utilisant sa beauté et vu qu’elle se mettait l’importance sur sa figure parfait, elle pouvait accéder les positions d’autorités malgré étant une femme. Ce qui est la chose que je l’admire. Bien qu’elle a été élever dans une famille riche, elle ne conforme pas aux idées sur le comportement d’une femme riche, qui est normalement très délicate et doué dans les arts les moins importants. Lola montes est le contraire, elle peut lutter pour sa triomphe. Capitalisant sur sa talents de séduction, elle peut attirer le magicien de la musique du piano de Franz Liszt, elle a la capacité de mettre sous le charme un roi. Tel liberté est utilisée sans retenue cependant il est ironique de regarder Lola Montes assis derrière les barreaux, tandis les hommes payent de l’argent pour la toucher. Il est honteux de le regarde, et comment facile quelqu’un peut tomber d’un position si haut. Pour quelque raison, la violence la suit n’importe où elle va.
 
Néanmoins, nous voyons l’histoire de la femme fatale comme les spectateurs d’un cirque, parmi le fou américaine, qui ont payé pour assister aux événements excitants, en attendant pour quelque chose énorme et magnifique. La manière dans laquelle le chef du cirque parle, encourage, et soutient la tension, mais encore, il n’est pas un accroissement, par contre, il est un horreur de regarder avec aucune pouvoir d’empêcher la destruction (interne et externe) de la vie de Lola montes  En revanche il est très triste qu’on voie l’objectification d’une femme, et la viol de sa vie, encore que on puisse discute la possibilité qu’elle entraine la ruine de soi-même. Sa notoriété était trop progressive pour les vues conservatives d’aristocratie européen. L’action du cirque, avec les théâtres avec des ombres, et les véhicules qui entourent la reine fragile et fatiguée de Lola Montes, les funambules et les trapézistes est une métaphore visuelle pour la vie si amusante et inattendue, or pas oublié, très tragique.

Ayant recherché j’ai trouvé que Lola Montez était une vraie personnage, et tous les histoires se sont passées. Sauf pour la révolution, provoqué par les reformes, qui était à l’origine de Lola Montes durant la romance avec le roi du Bavaria. Il y avait la contradiction avec les lois libéraux et les décisions dictées purement par l’amour ou peut-être la désir. Elle poussait les barreaux entres les arts haut, par éxemple, quand la conservatoire de la danse en Allemande ne l'accepte pas, elle exige l'audience avec le roi pour insérer les danses plus populaire et moins raffinés, (un peu plus séduisant), comme le Bolero, d'Espagne, et elle veut être respecté pour faire quelque chose ce qu'elle crois qu'elle est douée.

Si l'histoire était modernisé, il se peut qu'on puisse le lier aux films comme Gia ou Pretty Woman, mais surtout Gia, où une femme, qui brille dans la lumière rude du monde de la célébrité et la gloire, achève sa vie en mourant d'une dosage excessive des drogues. Comme un spectacle, le monde de la mode s'amusait en regardent et attisant sa décès. Malheureusement, il est une étude fascinante, de faire une enquête dans les histoires des femmes confiante et célébré, et comment, leur propre montée de la gloire, rapidement il devient leur plus gros problème, en les encadrant dans le cadre de la peur et l'insécurité que ils ont fait soi-mêmes

****

Thursday, 2 April 2015

SPIES!!!!

No Way Out (1987)


No Way Out is a stunning film, aurally, visually, as shown by this publicity photograph above, and the plot is quite mesmerising. The film's storyline is loosely based on the 1948s original - The Big Clock,  however the events have been updated to reflect the political climate in American at the time of shooting; a brief ascension in cold war tensions, and also reflects the modernised mode of warfare; the interface of technology.

Sean Young, Blade Runner (Susan Atwell in the film) compliments the films desaturated late 80s/90s glow so beautifully. Her playful attitude is almost sparkly like champagne or jewellery. It is therefore appropriate that both main characters, Tom Farrell, and US Secretary of Defence David Brice value Susan as a stylish and very necessary accessory. Yet, it is Farrell, who meet Susan at an inaugural ball, and falls for her glittering allure. There begins one of the films storylines, a romance which is youthful and free, as the two characters drive in open top cars and sail in expensive yachts. Tom Farrell (Kevin Kostner) is beautifully laid back and happy when he is with Susan, again shown by the photo above, with Kostner - hands in pocket and a coy smile. This is why the mysterious events which follow have so much tension, as they contrast such a blissful start to a film. (Regardless of the ambiguous starting 5 minutes whereby the premise of the movie is set - secret organisations and spies).

The freedom that exists in Farrell's life is suddenly throttled as he moves into a position under the direction of the mysterious duo of David Brice (Gene Hackman) and Scott Pritchard (Will Patton). It is worrying to see the power of the US army, therefore the 'guardians of the free world', sitting and scheming in an expensive cafe, residing like Gods above hallowed diplomatic ground of Washington DC. Yes, as protectors of democracy it is beguiling to see such drama being so insular, with scandals able to be closeted, and bypass regulated organisations such as the FBI. The white suits of the US navy are interesting costumes as they keep the audience reminded that Farrell has seemingly full allegiance to the US. This allegiance is important when weeding out a mole - a Russian spy - who lurks around the Pentagon. There is an indistinction at times whether this 'Yuri' a computer virus, a secret file or is an actual person; a double agent. One of the most terrifying concepts in times of war, a double agent can infiltrate anywhere and the knowledge of a mole raises the claustrophobic atmosphere of mistrust to levels of suffocation. Speaking on computers, one of the other very interesting concepts from the point of view of a 21st century viewer is that the slowness of the computers is almost farsical compared to today, however the fact that most of the investigatory department are so rapt with their ability despite the length and ardous nature of procedure, that the audience becomes equally excited as well.

As a thriller No Way Out is certainly thrilling, yet at times slightly too obvious however this doesn't detract from the other beauties of the film - the visual juxtaposition between the outside American and the insular world of the pentagon. Chases, that compliment the plot, and the searching of the building by witnesses highlight this feeling. The sharp corporate suits and naval uniform glare in the North American daylight. Atmospheres are important as they act as a curtain to cloud the audience in the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing, and consequently being totally unaware of upcoming twists. Hitchcock mastered this and now his technique has shown to be very influential and successful. The music almost sounds Hitchcockian, with uneasy harmonies, and creeping melodies. It would not be anything if it were not composed in the infamous 1980s fashion, using heavy synths and percussion pads.

 

80s beauty


I didn't expect this film to be so good
*****

Monday, 16 December 2013

Ode to Washington

Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

It is one of the first films I have seen which is directly about politics, and it surprised me at the strength of the plot despite many potential difficulties due to it attacking controversial issues. Politics is rarely engaging with the public, specially shown in Britain nowadays when the ruling class are stereotypically from Eton - so haughty and above the common man. Despite this, Mr Smith Goes to Washington doesn't give you much faith in the government either. Instead it reveals the truth about Capitalism and democracy. With corrupt business owners, infiltration of blackmail and injustice is all too easy.

In my dreams I'm a Marxist and I'm sure that many people are like this too (a fair, equal society - what more could you want?), but unfortunately Mr Marx was dreaming too.

James Stewart (probably one of the nicest guys in film) plays naive rookie to the American senate, Chief of the Boy Scouts; Jefferson Smith; a new senator hand picked by the governor in the hope that he is too clueless to realise he is being used.

Already there is scheming, blackmail, puppeteering that allegedly goes on behind the facade of true democracy. America labelled themselves the 'Leaders of the Free World'. Or rather should they be, as described in Mr Smith Goes To Washington, 'Leaders of the crazed Capitalist world dominated by 'fat cat' businessmen who dictate politics for personal profit?'

As a film, it is poignant and beautifully filmed. Strangely it advertises 'old America' when Jeff Smith is drooling like an excited schoolboy at the legendary, monuments standing resolute in the city. Smith escapes to glimpse the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Smithsonian. The influential ex-president towers over mortals like a god on Mount Olympus; sitting, pondering, surveying the America that he has helped shaped.

The entertainment value is high as the film engages with all types of viewers so it is universally understood. There are sweet moments of galavanting boy scouts admirably striving to save their hero Jeff from the political machine of the businessman named Taylor. The characters are well developed and relationships are heartwarming because you know in the end humans do have compassion :).

We all end up loving Jeff Smith - the archetypal American hero (before the days of Top Gun though). We admire his motivation to follow through with his plan defeat the 'Taylors' of today. Plus, his determination to uphold proceedings of the senate just so he could triumph, whilst securing friendship along the way.

It is a film filled with food for thought.

 *****


Saturday, 30 November 2013

Time to Fight!

80s fun is summed up in this concise movie: 3 O'Clock High (1987).

Jerry Mitchell, you're average guy who is one of those eager types who joins school communities, wakes up and has an epiphany: today is going to be one of 'those days'. A frantic rush to school follows, he even drives the car whilst brushing his teeth. Kids, multitasking whilst driving is not advised. 

So it starts off a bad day and gets worse when scenes of Grand Theft and brutal fights with knuckledusters take place at High School, surveyed by the menacing principal. It all started when he patted the back of his soon to be adversary; new kid but also a 'touch freak' Buddy Revell.

oh no he didunt!
No its not as graphic as that, in fact its rather sweet. With basic high school story line and witty humour, 3 O'clock High is one of those rainy day films that's light but engaging. Plus it's like a time capsule, American 80s fashion and style is on full display even if it may be over-exaggerated, but hey maybe people really did wear bright orange scrunchies with a 4 coloured sweatshirts? 

The film deals in stereotypes, which makes it more amusing because its easily understandable where the characters fit and consequences of friendships. The story is mostly conveyed by rumours, the kids all know about the 3 O'clock fight, Buddy Revell is thought to be this demonic boy as the gossip augments the truth.

Also, it has a great typically 80s sounding soundtrack by Tangerine Dream.
 ***

Monday, 30 September 2013

The Great Gatsby that came before...

The Great Gatsby (1974) I believe, cannot be bettered by its remake (directed by Baz Lurhmann 2013). Granted I have not seen it but by viewing the trailer, and reading reviews I have come to the conclusion that the film does not live up to the book. Which is a great shame because the book is quite groundbreaking and considered a 'classic'; on the surface a romance, yet underneath a critique on social life and manners that are current in the higher echelons of 1920s American society. Honestly, there are many twists and points of accelerated tension that it becomes a mixture of romance, mystery, drama and even attempts at being comedic.

This film that I will be reviewing is a more literal adaptation which works better in giving justice to F Scott Fitzgerald's work. The lines are mostly the same and consequently the film, funnily enough is a realisation of the images I had in my head when reading the book. However the camera work is more experimental that I would expect, however the close ups, emphasizing emotion that would be missed without this technique due to the wealthy character's facade, add dynamism to the film. The recurrent flickers of shots of a billboard advertising an oculist T. J Eckleburg highlight Fitzgerald's concept that despite the lawless antics happening in West Egg, there is a omnipresent God like figure that watches ominously over the party-goers, especially Jay Gatsby; his actions and their repercussions. This idea perhaps is made too obvious however as a motif it works effectively.

Regarding the individual characters, Daisy Buchanan, a whimsical 'beautiful fool' acts delightfully airheaded even though her looks are dark and sharp. Her lifeline is money and firmly believes that the $$$ is the centripetal force that keeps her society rotating. You can't pity her or feel sorry for her, as it is difficult for most people to relate. Personally I find Jay Gatsby pathetic, and Robert Redford doesn't have the elusive charm that I envisaged Fitzgerald's fictional Gatsby to have. My favorite character is the under rated and modest narrator Nick, whose accidental, but timely appearance into awkward situations makes him a great omniscient third person narrator.

The visual aspects are beautiful, especially the wardrobe departments' recreation of flashy, swishy, 1920's flapper dresses. Cartier features as the jewellery designers and Ralph Lauren as the brand behind the extravagant garments. The best accessory is Gatsby's yellow car that is driven whilst Gatsby wears a flamboyant pink suit. The clashing colours are harsh on the eyes and you realise that Gatsby clearly can't buy class & style although he can buy diamonds.

This film is interesting, quite unique and tackles a difficult book to make into film.
sorry its a long one

****