The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 660 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 11 trips to carry that many people.
Very recently I finished reading Kitty Neale’s: A Daughter’s Disgrace. After having not read for a few months, I thought I’d get back into reading. Having not really known much about the author or her previous novels I thought I’d give this book a go. To my sheer surprise I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. In fact so, the book had me in a few tears at the end (to say the least).
Not to give too much of the book away, the story goes as follows: “1950’s Battersea is no place for a shamed woman” (written on the blurb of the book). In Battersea 2 daughters live with their mother, one is considered to be an ‘ugly duckling’, who is looked down by many, even her own family. One encounter changes Alison’s hopes; she begins to see her life changing. This slowly starts to fade very quickly, leaving her distraught. Leaving her with a heavy burden, one that will disgrace her family forever. What choice does Alison have? No one will ever love her will they? Maybe her mother was right, she’ll always be a disappointment.
This book was as much heartbreaking as it was joyful. Neale certainly packs a punch in her latest offering. She delivers her story with such rawness and care. She certainly doesn’t disappoint fans of Katie Flynn and Dilly Court.
Personally if you’re into books with a lot of drama, friendship and love, then this is the book for you! Trust me you won’t be disappointed! What’s more is that her story includes many dark themes, which can sometimes be unsettling upon first read. However what I found was that this engaged me even more, as it left me pining to see the outcome after. This is where Neale succeeds the most as a writer as she delivers on the drama and also on ‘actions having consequences’ too. She really makes you invest in the story with all your heart and soul. For me she does this so naturally, that its even more transcending to read her words coming to life after every full stop.
Read ‘A Daughter’s Disgrace’ and get encapsulated by the drama and the emotion, invest in the characters and let them invest in you! Neal’s story will have you thinking about it in a very intimate way after, that you’ll want to read some of her other novels straight away!
Rating: 9/10
Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip ‘Peanuts’ comes to the big screen in an all new ‘Peanut’s’ feature film titled: ‘Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie’.
Having not really known about comic strips before I wasn’t really expecting much, to my surprise I was thoroughly impressed by the film in all it’s entirety.
The film in short follows the main character ‘Charlie Brown’ falling in love. Right from the start we see Charlie Brown and his trustee sidekick Snoopy go back and forth to impress Brown’s love interest. Through this Charlie learns to be more confident whilst controlling his clumsiness around everyone. Meanwhile his trusty sidekick Snoopy (the dog) keeps writing his story on a typewriter, about falling in love. The film in particular focuses on the themes of love, friendship and confidence. This is further boosted by the classic timing of Snoopy’s ‘moments’, further captured with stop motion add on’s (i.e. beating hearts). For me, this film capturises one’s childhood in an instant. Think about it: childhood loves, general accomplishments, trustee friends and of course finding your own voice and stepping out of the crowd. Another thing, which the film explores, is ‘merit’. Now for a children’s film this is quite a mature theme, but one which certainly fitted in well with this film. In the film Charlie finds his voice and gets recognized for his talents. But he soon realizes he’s not the one who should be awarded someone else should. Thus performs a very admirable act by stepping down from receiving initial praise (which I though was very mature for Charlie to do).
Overall this 3D computer animated film is one, which shouldn’t be missed. With it’s charismatic charm and many laughable antiques from Snoopy the Dog. ‘Peanuts: The Film’ certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Open your mind and let out your confidence, maybe ask the girl of your dreams out. Step out of your comfort zone and fall in love. If you watch one animation film this Christmas make sure it’s ‘Peanuts’ the film, this ones certainly one not to be missed! Also you’ll be surprised how much your parents will love the film too! They may even be secret ‘Charlie Brown and Snoopy’ fans!
Finally Merry Christmas to all my Media Minions out there! Be sure to check this one out!
Rating: *****
See the official trailer below:
References
Cover Photo: http://titanbooks.com/the-art-and-making-of-the-peanuts-movie-7730/ (Cover Art- Titan Books/27th of November 2015/Peanuts & Jerry Schmitz). Image accessed: 25th December 2015
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRjyDKTHRBg Source: Youtube/Movieclips Trailers/November 3rd 2015 (accessed 25th of December 2015)
‘Searching for Sugar Man’ is a docu-film which revolves around two south africans (one being a record shop owner) setting out to find out what happened to the 1970’s singer Rodriguez who was their unlikely (to say the least) musical hero. Directed by Malik Benjelloul this docu-film uses archive footage and Rodriguez’s music videos to set the scene. Further relying on ‘flashbacks’ and also in-depth interviews featuring producers and those influenced by Rodriguez himself to engage it’s audience even more.
What really grabbed my attention was the structure of the film. At first hand I thought it would just include archive footage and interviews. To my complete surprise this docu-film went beyond this. It managed almost to morph me back into the 1970’s through visual imagery and also from those figures who remembered what times were like then. It further encapsulated me by following a loose structure of starting with an interview leading on to another, breaking it only apart by either Rodriguez’s music in the background or one of his official music videos. This for me was what made the film stand out as it didn’t just rely on interviews it relied on much more. As for the type of docu-film I would say it fits into ‘expository’ and also ‘performative’. This is because it not only features a main narrator (as the ‘voice of God’) but also gets in touch with the audiences emotion too. However one thing I would say about the narration is that it could be argued that the film has more than one narrator. As in some ways those who are being interviewed or who are ‘reflecting’ on Rodriguez (i.e the producers of his albums) offer their voice in order to carry the story along (which they certainly do) acting as the ‘higher voice’.
Overall I would say the film is touching as it is heartbreaking. It changes from the start to the end. Considering Rodriguezs story almost ‘evolves’ throughout. From gaining a little background from him to the search for him (during the end). Thus in this way the docu-film changes things up as it features a dual narrative here (in regards to the films structure). The first narrative involves finding out about who Rodriguez was and what his music stood for. Whilst the second narrative explores the hunt for Rodriguez in present time, after his ‘alleged’ suicide. Thus in this way the docu-film certainly doesn’t fail to engage it’s audience as it really is a fine piece of film.
Rating: *****
See the official trailer below:
References
Cover Photo: (Website) http://sugarman.org/ (accessed December 24th 2015)- ‘Sugar Man’: Official Site-Rodriguez- Host: Vanilla Internet Services
Official Trailer: (Youtube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKXewWDh1og (accessed 24th December 2015)- STUDIOCANALUK- Published June 22nd 2012
Director Paul Feig brings us a full on comedy crime caper in ‘Spy’, which stars comedy legend Melissa McCarthy as field agent Susan Cooper. Who’s brought into the field due to unfortunate circumstances, where she finds herself stepping out of her shell and kicking some unexpected ass (even to her own surprise).
Having already watched this movie a few months ago, I couldn’t resist revisiting it. With it’s high comedic value and espionage feel to it I was immediately drawn into it again. I mean who doesn’t want to see Statham trying his hand at comedy (he certainly doesn’t disappoint)?
Right from it’s Bond-esque theme ‘Spy’ really sets the scene for a spy caper-esque spoof. With dark silhouettes entering on screen, with guns and case files being brought up against the back drop of some heavily sultry vocals (almost reminiscent of Adele’s ‘Skyfall’).
Check out the official theme tune for ‘Spy’ below: (what film/opening sequence does it remind you of)?
Another thing which certainly entertained me (without giving too much away) was the antagonist (played by Rosa Bryne). Bryne in particular certainly didn’t hold anything back as she was extremely villainous. Once you see her in ‘Spy’ you’ll want to watch ‘Bad Neighbors’ (Seth Rogen/Zac Efron) to see a different side to her. She really stood out for me here in her character type. This was further elevated by her chemistry with McCarthy as they definitely shared some rib tickling dialogue in a very ‘stand-off’ way. One you’d expect from a hero going against a villain (adding a touch of comedy and bite to the scene of course where needed).
Rating: 8/10
With it’s electrifying chemistry from a stand out cast and some great one liners from McCarthy the film goes beyond your standard ‘spoof’ by adding in more of a bite seen in every frame. It engages the audience at every turn and surprises them on every occasion with it’s high octane energy and action too. Definitely a must watch for crime caper fans and those of the cast too.
References
Youtube Link (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSBYAKdiUno (accessed December 23rd 2015)- Spy (title song: “Who Can You Trust”- Ivy Levan): 20th Century Fox (Published May 28th 2015)
Image: http://www.qatarliving.com/forum/movies-qatar/posts/coming-screen-near-you-june-4 (accessed December 23rd 2015)- Qatar Living/Qatar Movie Forum- Posted by ‘Pirate of the Arabian’- 7 months ago (Google Images)
Recently I watched Asif Kapadia’s ‘Senna’, which sparked an interest in me after I watched Kapadia’s recent docu-film ‘Amy’. Senna centers on the late Aryton Senna who was a Formula One driver, who held various prestige titles to his name. Passing away at only 34 years old (May 1st 1994) due to a tragic formula one accident. Which evidently improved the F1 tracks for the better as far as safety was concerned; as no more tragic accidents have risen to this day since then.
First off, I’d like to touch on the ‘structure’ of the film. For me in particular I believe the docu-film follows a dual narrative. As it focuses on Aryton’s life on and off the racetrack, although predominantly focuses a lot on the race track. As for the latter, the work he did in Brazil comes into play here as he really cherished and supported his home country. Furthermore within the docu-film some of his relationships were briefly introduced. Thus in this way the docu-film presented a ‘dual narrative’ to it’s audience as it focused on different parts of Aryton’s life not just him racing over and over again.
Todorov’s narrative structure can further be brought in here, in the following way. It’s important to know here that only some parts of the docu-film fit into Todorov’s structure considering events change within the film. Thus one example of Todorov coming into play is shown below:
Equilibrium: Footage showcasing Aryton’s passion for racing and humble beginnings.
Disruption: Aryton coming up in stiff competition with a fellow race car driver (Alan Prost) sometimes clouding his judgment. Taking ‘competition’ a little too far.
Recognition: Prost trying to get Aryton out of the competition, taking his title away from him. Seeing to it that Aryton be removed for a little while as he went against ‘the code of conduct’ for F1 drivers.
Repair: Aryton coming back into F1 after his short suspension, securing various titles in his hometown and making everyone proud.
New Equilibrium: Aryton relishing in his glory and continuing his winning streak
On an endnote I’d say Kapadia’s docu-film was extremely engaging and moving. It made me gasp at times when cars when off their tracks, it made me laugh when Senna smirked and it made my admire a young man living out his dream as a race car driver. Senna was kind, compassionate and proud of where he came from. He was well motivated and loved what he did. He helped change F1 for the better (i.e making the tracks safer). Aryton Senna will always be remembered as his legacy lives in not only Brazil but all around the world. May he be remembered, may he be always loved!
References:
Cover Image: http://calibermag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/senna-banner.png (accessed December 22nd 2015)- “10 Documentaries That Won’t Put You to Sleep”(article): By James Ryu (October 23rd 2014)
Reminiscent of Woody Allen’s style of directing, with strong performances and high comedic value ‘D.D.D’ certainly doesn’t disappoint fans of Zoya Akhtar (the director). Having churned out hits like: Luck By Chance (2009), Zindagi Na Milengi Dobara; the latter ending in a ‘Filmfare Award’ for ‘Best Director’ being awarded to Akhtar herself.
The film follows a dysfunctional family going on a cruise ship to celebrate their parent’s 30th anniversary. What follows is mayhem, lies, hidden truths, friendship, love, forgiveness and honesty.
Now, being a fan of Bollywood films I expected the obvious dose of cheese and more cheese. However I was quite surprised that this film wasn’t as cheesy as I thought it would be. Instead it was more dramatic and engaging than most Bollywood comedy films. With its scenic locations (i.e Istanbul), the film certainly relies on aesthetics but doesn’t ignore each characters emotional state. Thus in this way the plot follows a dual narrative as we see the story unfold from more than one character. This intrigued me the most as I really got lost in Mr and Mr’s Mehras situation. With their volatile relationship coming apparent behind close doors and their seemingly ‘close’ façade presented to their friends and so forth, their marriage certainly draws you in as the viewer.
To conclude I’d say watch this film, watch it to entertain you, but also to touch a cord with you too. Get lost in the emotion and in the drama of the film. Feel close with the characters through the choices and situations they are faced with. Take note of the do’s and don’ts of being in a marriage and most of all relate. Relate to heartache, relate to family and relate to loving hard.
Rating: ****
Kabir Khan’s major release this year was ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ starring mega actor Salman Khan. The movie revolves itself around Hindu-Pak relations. The narrative follows a seven year old Pakistani girl who loses her voice after stumbling down a mountain. She then travels with her mum to a hindu temple to pray for her voice. However upon route she gets separated from her mother and gets left behind. Thus doesn’t cross the border into Pakistan. She is alone and unable to address that she has been separated from her mum. After this, a chance encounter with a Hanuman Hindu Devotee, teaches her courage hope and the value of friendship. As she begins to rely on this individual as her voice to guide her home.
This movie was life affirming and deeply transcending. It is a movie, which is not afraid to shed light on two religions, which are depicted sometimes quite negatively together in opposition. It sees past the values and beliefs held individually by both religions and instead focuses on kindness, strength and duty. Thus in this way it was deeply moving and also refreshing. Considering that it showed how it doesn’t matter what religion you are from, caring for someone or getting someone home is about only that and its not about what religion you are. It’s about helping others and looking out for them in their time of need.
Thus it’s for this reason I would deeply recommend watching this film. In particular I would say my main praise has to go towards Haarshali Malhotra who plays Shahida ‘Munni’. Malhotra (who is only seven) . Malhotra doesn’t say a single word in the film as she plays a mute Pakistani girl. However what makes her stand out in particular are her tender facial expressions and her emotion towards Salman’s character and so forth. Her presence is very noticeable but in a very calm and bright way, as she is extremely natural on camera.
Rating: *****
References
Photo: http://gossipticket.com/gtwp159/ Bajrangi Bhaijaan image (accessed December 20th 2015)
At first hand one assumes Treadwell is just ‘enthusiastic’ or fascinated by the bears (almost what David Attenborough is to nature). However there’s much more to it (which is touched upon by Herzog himself later on). However what’s evident straight away is Timothy’s desire to almost live with the bears in peace, to love them and cherish them. He speaks about ‘warriors’ and ‘death’ in a very artistic and profound way. He further goes on to say: “I will love them and protect them but I will not die at their claws and paws; I will fight I will be strong…I will be the master”. Were these words the making of his own death?
What really moved me was the evident struggle that Timothy was facing with himself and humanity. For example in one scene he calls upon the God’s of different faiths to bring rain into the grizzly maze for the bears. In this exact moment we see his sheer desire and need for it. It’s in this moment where we truly see that Timothy’s ‘struggle’ truly lies in himself. This is further apparent when he curses at the ‘park services’ towards the end of the documentary. It’s here that Herzog draws light on this in a very analytical way. He clarifies almost immediately that “we” won’t cross this line that Treadwell has just done. What he’s talking about is how Treadwell straight away starts to attack the park services for their ‘park restrictions’ (who Treadwell worked for, for 13 years).
Treadwell further begins to get very agitated and angry whilst mentioning the park services. Considering that he instigates how they don’t protect the animals and how he’s the only one doing something.
Herzog says here: “It’s clear to see that the park services are not Treadwell’s real enemy, there’s a larger more implacable adversary out there; the peoples world and civilization.” Herzog then mentions ‘madness’ associating it with Treadwell’s behavior. Saying that he’s only seen this behavior from actors on a film set. He then states how Treadwell’s not an actor as he’s a filmmaker, thus in a way he’s fighting civilization itself.
In conclusion it’s clear to see here that Treadwell is more than a bear enthusiast; he’s obsessed by the bears; further infatuated by them. This is what Herzog touches on throughout the film. However he doesn’t deem Treadwell as crazy as many would perceive him to be. Instead he speaks of admiration towards Treadwell as an individual who uses creative expression to get his points across. The main thing that Herzog touches on however is Treadwell’s blindness towards the true animal order. Considering that he finds it shocking when animals kill other animals. It is this, which Herzog deems as wrong as it’s the natural order of things.
Thus in this way Treadwell’s perception of the bears begins to change slightly. As he believes he is their ‘master’ and ‘protector’. When in actual fact he is not as the animals defend themselves and live in their own habitat in a way they deem fit. Thus should not be interrupted by any man who disagrees with their way of living. Maybe it is for this reason that Treadwell came full circle or maybe it’s because an animals ‘eden’ should never be altered with. Further determining Treadwell’s evolving state throughout ‘Grizzly Man’, narrated and shaped by Werner Herzog. Or was Treadwell just completely lost, finding himself in a being, which would never reciprocate love the way he did for them?
References:
Excerpts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8MjDyfcMmU
Source: YouTube/Grizzly Man /Directed by Werner Herzog/2005/ Channel: StuOh/July 2012
Image: https://uk.movieposter.com/poster/MPW-17096/Grizzly_Man.html (‘google images’, accessed 19/12/15)
How does your perception of Timothy Treadwell evolve during the film, and how is that opinion shaped by Herzog’s narration?
In particular, Herzog focuses on Timothy’s character and his thought processes. However upon introducing himself he explains how he finds Timothy’s footage to include: “Human ecstasy and darkest inner turmoil”. This is just another example of the ‘demons’, which were ‘consuming’ Timothy in his daily life. One thing, which stayed put, was his love and devotion to the bears. It is this, which Herzog finds ‘fascinating’ and remarkable in its self, further brought on by Timothy’s exuberant nature and theatrical style in presenting himself to the bears and his camera.
What really moved me was the evident struggle that Timothy was facing with himself and humanity too. For example in one scene he calls upon the God’s of different faiths to bring rain into the grizzly maze for the bears. In this exact moment we see his sheer desire and need for it. It’s in this moment where we truly see that Timothy’s ‘struggle’ truly lies in himself. This is further apparent when he curses at the ‘park services’ towards the end of the documentary. It’s here that Herzog draws light on this in a very analytical way. He clarifies almost immediately that “we” won’t cross this line that Treadwell has just done. What he’s talking about is how Treadwell straight away starts to attack the park services for their ‘park restrictions’, who Treadwell worked for, for 13 years.
Treadwell further begins to get very agitated and angry whilst mentioning the park services. Considering that he instigates how they don’t protect the animals and how he’s the only one doing something, when this is not true. Herzog says here: “It’s clear to see that the park services are not Treadwell’s real enemy, there’s a larger more implacable adversary out there; the peoples world and civilization.” Herzog then mentions ‘madness’ associating it with Treadwell’s behavior. Saying that he’s only seen this behavior from actors on a film set. He then states how Treadwell’s not an actor as he’s a filmmaker, thus in a way he s fighting civilization itself.
In conclusion my opinion of Treadwell is shaped by Herzog, but only ever so slightly. This is because I believe Herzog ‘observes’ Treadwell in a very incandescent and mature way. He believes things opposite to Treadwell, however he doesn’t cut Treadwell off completely as he see’s Treadwell is fighting demons within himself. Thus is ‘understanding’ because of this (to an extent).
One thing, which is completely true, however is Treadwell’s blindness to the ‘animal order’. For example in one instance Treadwell is shocked when his pet fox dies by the hands of a bear. Whilst Herzog isn’t as it’s the natural order of things (however brutal this may be). Thus in this way I fully agree with Herzog as he differs with Treadwell as he outlines that in nature there are predators. He believes the common denominator of the universe not to be harmony but to be chaos and hostility and murder (as mentioned in his narration). Thus Herzog is stating the reality of the ‘animal order’, one that Timothy didn’t want to believe. Thus it’s at the end of the documentary that we come to understand that Treadwell used the bears as an ‘escape’. He wanted to (in some ways) protect and control their ‘land’. However I personally believe there are some borders man should not cross. In this case man should not interrupt an animals ‘land’ as he inexplicably interrupts an animals senses. Giving them initial shock at their first encounter with a human (who is extremely close to them).
References:
Image 1 (Google Images):
Image: https://uk.movieposter.com/poster/MPW-17096/Grizzly_Man.html (accessed 19/12/15)
Excerpts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8MjDyfcMmU
Source: YouTube/Grizzly Man Documentary/ Directed by: Werner Herzog/2005- Channel: StuOh/July 2012/Education
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