Broken Embraces (Los Abrazos Rotos) (2009) - Pedro Almodavar
DVD from Port Moody Library
SCR - Pedro Almodavar DP - Rodrigo Prieto ED - Jose Salcedo
CAST - Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Tamar Novas, Blanca Portilla, Jose Louis Gomez, Ruben Ochandiano, Angela Molina, Chus Lampreave, Kiti Manver, Lola Duenas, Rossy Depalma, Alejo Sauras, Mariola Fuentes, Ramon Pons, Carlos Leal, Dani Martin
My first Almodavar, a Port Moody Library borrow. A nice film, a story of love and betrayal with an element of mystery and a slightly cold sense of dread running through it. I liked the way flashback and voiceover are utilized to give us the nuts and bolts of the story, but it is the characters who hold our interest, as it should be. Nicely photographed, and effective use of colour. I like Cruz here as the beautiful Magdalena, and Lluis Homar as Mateo/Harry. The love that we so clearly see coming between them is believable, and there is a nice chemistry. Good acting all around, and nice fluid direction by Almodavar. I even learned a bit about the filmmaking process, and found the film within the film a nice way to approach the material. Definitely want to see more Cruz/Almodavar collaborations.
****
The Myth Of The American Sleepover (2010) - David Robert Mitchell
Netflix
SCR - David Robert Mitchell DP - James Laxton ED - Julio C. Perez IV
CAST - Claire Sloma, Marlon Morton, Amanda Bauer, Brett Jacobsen, Olivia Cote, Nikita Ramsey, Jade Ramsey, Amy Seimetz, Jean Louise O'Sullivan, Narisa Suzuki, Michaela Myers, Alpha Takahashi, Hali Lula Hudson, Melanie Leanne Miller, Cat Navarro, Douglas Diedrich, Jimmy Shin, Louis Yuen, Annette Denoyer, Wyatt McCallum, Monica Klimczak, Stephen M. Francis III
Here is a movie about teenagers that is nostalgic without being sappy. A small, simple film that feels a bit like fantasy. Oh that all teenagers could speak this thoughtfully and honestly. In a sense, the dialogue does not seem realistic, but it really didn't bother me in this film because I think the director has idealized a certain part of youth, as in I wish I knew then what I know now, and I think it works because the young actors are sincere with one another, and I fell like I understand the intention. Tricky because it could be almost insulting if I didn't have some affection for these kids. Not a cell phone or Ipod in sight, which I also believe must have been a conscious choice on the part of the director. No distractions, and it is part of what lends an air of fantasy to the film. I'm not sure teens would find it entirely accurate or convincing, but neither are the endless toilet jokes and crude stupidity of most films about young people. Echoes of American Graffitti and Dazed And Confused run through here, some very specific, some just a feeling. A nice little surprise on a New Years Day.
***1/2
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How The Sex, Drugs, And Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood
(2003) - Kenneth Bowser
Youtube
SCR - Kenneth Bowser DP - Paul Mailman ED - Pascal Akesson
CAST - Martin Scorsese, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Schrader, Margot Kidder, Dennis Hopper, Peter Bogdanovich, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Fonda, Roger Corman, Arthur Penn, Warren Beatty, Ellen Burstyn, John Milius, Laszlo Kovacs, Henry Jaglom
Decent documentary intro to the late 60's revolution in American cinema, based on Peter Biskind's book. A good starting point and some interesting interviews with some of the participants. The subject could certainly be explored in more depth, but a well made, informative film.
****
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