Released 2013.
Direcected by Sofia Coppola.
Written by ofia Coppola and Jo Sales (from Vanity Fair "The Suspect Wore Louboutins".
With
Katie Chang,
Israel Broussard,
Emma Watson, Claire Julien, Taissa Farmiga,
Georgia Rock
I saw this film to take my daughters to see it. I wanted them to see the wickedness of their ways.When my daughter asked why are you taking us - she didn't want to go - I told her she had to see it because it is the film of her generation. My daughter is obsessed with celebrities, and texting and photographing herself constantly. I guess I wanted her to know what she looks like from the outside. Of course there is more to her than this obsession and she is a kind gentle spirit, but it does worry me that she gets so wrapped up in this celebrity culture. I think she was a little peeved.
That said, it was better than I thought it would be, though I went in with low expectations. It was kind of funny.
It's based on a true story of a bunch of some L.A. kids who decided to steal from some of the celebrities they obsess over. The director does sort of metaphorically wag her finger at these kids, while at the same time admiring these kids. In one very minor scene, the girls are in the car singing along to a rap song, swear words and all. They are really trying hard to be cool. And what's not to like about these kids? They are young, beautiful, fashionable and full of vibrant energy. In some ways, this film is a celebration of youth, as well as a cautionary tale.
Some critics say the film makers were not critical enough. I think the results of their deeds is lesson enough... in part. It chastises the kids for the the felonies they committed but erhaps there should have been more criticism of the shallow, values that these kids extolled.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
neighboring Sounds 2.5/4
Seen on DVD. Released 2012.
Directed and written by Kleber Mendonça Filho,
With Irma Brown, Sebastião Formiga, Gustavo Jahn, Maeve Jinkings, Dida Maia, Irandhir Santos, W.J. Solha
Okay , so I was excited when I saw that this was available on Netflix. It was on the top of many critics' best of 2012 lists. From the title and the use of the word "sounds' I thought it might be edgy and slightly experimental. In fact, I was worried that it would be too experimental. (I'm not a big fan of straight out experimental films - I like to have some sort of narrative and character development). Well it wasn't TOO experimental. In fact, with the exceptions of a few interesting sonic offerings, it was kind of a normal film.
Briefly, the film takes place in a rich part of Brazil where most people have servants.Most of the neighborhood is own by "The Grandfather" and a couple of his grand children are living in the neighborhood. One has a new girlfriend and the other is always in trouble with law even though he is from a rich family. This latter character, does bring some edginess to the film. The town decides to hire a security firm because they are worried about the outside (poor, thieving folk from the favelas) getting into their nice neighborhood. There is also a woman who is obsessed with the dog barking next door who tries to think of ways to silence the dog. The movie starts with this character, so maybe that is where the title comes from, because otherwise, I don't see where the word "Sounds" comes from thematically in the film.
For those who like sequential narratives, it might be a difficult film, but basically the narrative is episodic and it is an ensemble piece. I enjoyed it - yes. There were some interesting characters and I got to see a side of Brazil that I haven't seen before (I'm accustomed to seeing the favelas when I ever I watch a Brazilian film).
It might sound like I hate it, but I didn't. I like it a lot. I just don't think it was one of the best 3 films of 2012. It just isn't special enough.
Directed and written by Kleber Mendonça Filho,
With Irma Brown, Sebastião Formiga, Gustavo Jahn, Maeve Jinkings, Dida Maia, Irandhir Santos, W.J. Solha
Okay , so I was excited when I saw that this was available on Netflix. It was on the top of many critics' best of 2012 lists. From the title and the use of the word "sounds' I thought it might be edgy and slightly experimental. In fact, I was worried that it would be too experimental. (I'm not a big fan of straight out experimental films - I like to have some sort of narrative and character development). Well it wasn't TOO experimental. In fact, with the exceptions of a few interesting sonic offerings, it was kind of a normal film.
Briefly, the film takes place in a rich part of Brazil where most people have servants.Most of the neighborhood is own by "The Grandfather" and a couple of his grand children are living in the neighborhood. One has a new girlfriend and the other is always in trouble with law even though he is from a rich family. This latter character, does bring some edginess to the film. The town decides to hire a security firm because they are worried about the outside (poor, thieving folk from the favelas) getting into their nice neighborhood. There is also a woman who is obsessed with the dog barking next door who tries to think of ways to silence the dog. The movie starts with this character, so maybe that is where the title comes from, because otherwise, I don't see where the word "Sounds" comes from thematically in the film.
For those who like sequential narratives, it might be a difficult film, but basically the narrative is episodic and it is an ensemble piece. I enjoyed it - yes. There were some interesting characters and I got to see a side of Brazil that I haven't seen before (I'm accustomed to seeing the favelas when I ever I watch a Brazilian film).
It might sound like I hate it, but I didn't. I like it a lot. I just don't think it was one of the best 3 films of 2012. It just isn't special enough.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
A Highjacking 3/4
Seen in Theater. Released in 2013
Written and directed by Tobias Lindholm.
With Pilou Asbæk, Søren Malling, Dar Salim, Roland Møller, Gary Skjoldmose Porter,
Abdihakin Asgar, Amalie Ihle Alstrup
A Danish ship is hijacked by Somali pirates. This is mostly the story of how the crew deals with being hostages and the negotiations that happen between the pirates and the company that owns the ship. The film has two basic settings; that of the claustrophobic and increasingly shabby ship and the clean, sparse cool office of the Danish company. It is a nice contrast in relation to the fact that the people are negotiating over the lives of real people. And that is the crux of the film.
Recommended if you can find it.
Written and directed by Tobias Lindholm.
With Pilou Asbæk, Søren Malling, Dar Salim, Roland Møller, Gary Skjoldmose Porter,
Abdihakin Asgar, Amalie Ihle Alstrup
A Danish ship is hijacked by Somali pirates. This is mostly the story of how the crew deals with being hostages and the negotiations that happen between the pirates and the company that owns the ship. The film has two basic settings; that of the claustrophobic and increasingly shabby ship and the clean, sparse cool office of the Danish company. It is a nice contrast in relation to the fact that the people are negotiating over the lives of real people. And that is the crux of the film.
Recommended if you can find it.
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