| | Woah. So how does this work again?
I really don't know if people still read this blog, but if you've managed to read this post...hats off to you oh faithful reader!
I'm not sure what caused the big blog drought. Some say it had something to do with global warming, some say it was caused by solar winds...others gesture that it was pure laziness and lack of creative inspiration.
That's not to say I haven't had a "that would be a cool thing to blog" moment since December 2006...it's just that I haven't bothered putting it down on paper so to speak.
The whole idea of blogs divides people. It's all an exercise in the most loathesome type of vanity and verbal diarrhoea...or it's simply an outlet to express and to record one's thoughts (albeit to a potentially worldwide audience) in a timeless and semi-permanent manner. I do see merit in both opinions, but the optimist in me leans towards the latter.
Enough with the drivel though. I think I may have just lost half my audience. So for the one reader that's still left, it's all for you buddy.
Let's bring it back to my original topic of passion: films. I have seen two films quite "recently" which I thought deserved a mention.
First was "Sunshine" by Danny Boyle. Second was "Children of Men" by Alfonso Cuaron.
These were immensely enjoyable and stimulating films from two very talented and interesting directors. One having directed Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, while the other being of Harry Potter and Y Tu Mama Tambien fame. It really doesn't get more eclectic than a list like that!
Sunshine really came out of left field for me. There was no real marketing for it, except a brief trailer I saw which made me go see it. I'm glad I got to see it at the cinemas as it has some of the most spectacular shots which can be truly appreciated on the big screen. Besides being a gorgeous looking film, it did have a very interesting (and surprisingly well-researched) story, this is thanks to the original novel written by Alex Garland (The Beach). The cast was wonderfully varied and understated, which really connected with me as a viewer. Each of the characters brought out a range of emotions; they actually made you care. Unfortunately it really falls apart towards the end, which is a huge shame because it really had a lot going for it. Still, I loved it...and Michelle Yeoh is just fantastic.
Children of Men I would dare say is almost a flawless film. It really is ridiculous to make a comment like that, but I just loved the film THAT MUCH. Every now and then a film really knocks me off my feet and justifies all the crap I unwittingly end up watching. This was one of them. This film reminds me why I love going to the movies. Just why is it so good?
Well for one, the film is shot and directed in such a fresh and engaging way that you almost have to take a step back and think about what you've just watched to realise you've experienced cinematic magic (and genius). There are a handful of scenes which are nothing short of amazing. Secondly, the acting is top-notch. I have the utmost respect for Mr Clive Owen...even though he already has been quality in most of his other films to date. Julianne Moore also makes a brief but glowing appearance. The film does hinge quite a lot on Clive Owen's performance and he definitely comes up trumps. Finally, the film has an intelligent and captivating storyline, not unlike Sunshine. I've always thought that [film] fiction is one thing, but to close the gap between fiction and reality, and actually make it plausible and watchable...that is a whole different ball-game. Sunshine and Children of Men really hit the mark and make for great viewing.
Ok, time for an abrupt ending...it's late and I have work tomorrow. wah wah wah.
Thanks for reading...don't know when I'll be back again...
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| | Posted 5/21/2007 12:51 AM - 6 comments
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