January 2021

CONTENTS

1. EMA (Drama Music) 

2. SOUL (Animation Family) 

3. DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD (Documentary) 

4. THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY (Romance Drama) 

5. TAKING LIVES (Thriller Mystery) 

JANUARY

1. EMA 

Pablo Larraín 

2019 / Drama Music / 107mins 

Synopsis: A couple deals with the aftermath of an adoption that goes awry as their household falls apart.

Review: Didn't quite know what to expect going in, felt It was going to be more of an abstract film with dance. Although it had moments like that the story was rather engaging yet bizarre. It seems Ema devises a plot to ruin a couples lives in an attempt to steal back her child, but by the end of the film an odd sort of relationship has formed between the old and the new parents of the adopted child Polo. The film was alive with vibrant colour and lavish costumes, as the music thumped along with a heavy beat. All of this, and lots of camera movement, came together to give the film a colourful energetic vibe. Sexual and hypnotic, which brings me nicely to the dancing, I was engrossed with the performers as they strut with confidence and freedom. A uniquely rhythmic film that at times can be disturbing and chaotic.

Rating: 73.

2. SOUL

Pete Docter 

2020 / Animation Family / 107mins

Synopsis: Joe, a failing jazz musician, lives and breathes music, it's his soul purpose in life, suddenly dies. His soul is transferred to another place heading towards a light, which he refuses and attempts to get back to his body.

Review: The animation on display by Pixar is stunning, a warm sepia glow on Earth, an abstract monochrome on the "stairway to heaven," and baby blues and pinks for the cloud like "great before." The premise gives pixar license to explore unique artistic styles and they blend them beautifully. The moment you first see the bright white light surrounded by the blackness is very striking. Another important note in a film about jazz is the music. It must be great and fortunately this is no exception Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have come together again to craft such a wonderful sound. Impromptu jazz sessions, mixed with electronic synth. It all worked perfectly. And finally the story, which was as sweet as ever. Showcasing the best of Pixars familiar storytelling without feel repetitive. A story about enjoying your time on Earth, and if you don't have a purpose then that's OK. Sometimes you just have to experience life and love it for what it is.

Rating: 80

3. DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD

Kirsten Johnson

2020 / Documentary / 90mins

Synopsis: As her father nears the end of his life, filmmaker Kirsten Johnson stages his death in inventive and comical ways to help them both face the inevitable.

Review: Staging Dick's last moments gives his daughter, Kirsten, control over how and when he dies as a way of coping with the realisation his end is inevitable. It feels fitting then, that Kirsten's father is a therapist. The many deaths of Dick are just a fun gimmick to invite us into the world of a kind and wonderfully playful old man, slowly deteriorating from Alzheimers disease. Instead of grief or fear we feel joy and laughter because of the silly nature of it all. Interspersed with the reality is the fantasy world, where all Dick's dreams can come true. Glitter falls in slow motion all around, feet grow toes and the dead are resurrected all while Dick watches in awe. There are moments where the camera lingers on Dick's face, searching for recognition. And you wonder whether he's aware of his current situation. Most notably towards the end during Halloween, despite being a set, the curtain on this staged performance finally drops and we glimpse the fragile nature of age in all its terror. In the end the film is a celebration of a man in his "final years" recreating random death scenarios for his daughters pleasure. Even though the premise is set up from the beginning the final moments trick us one last time... 

Rating: 74.

4. THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY 

Peter Strickland 

2014 / Romance Drama / 104mins 

Synopsis: A drama about the relationship between a pair of female lovers who play games of dominance and subservience. 

Review: The film is based in what appears to be a alternate reality made up of only women that ride bikes and use butterflies as currency, and however bizarre that may sound its all just background to a very personal and honest relationship between two women. The pair are bound by a sexual fetish. Cynthia, the dominatrix, ironically aims to please her younger lover, Evelyn, the submissive, by acting out all her fantasies. Fantasies of being bossed around and made to clean, using a script written by Evelyn. Unfortunately Cynthia fails to understand the perverse desires. She only uses them to keep Evelyn close and the novelty is wearing off. How long can a one sided passion last? I was mesmerised throughout, especially because of the cinematography. The film has a hand painted aesthetic that I love, a beautiful chiaroscuro effect. Using warm soft glows. Peter Strickland has such a unique vision. The score by Cat's Eyes was also fantastic, gentle pleasant melodies, seductive alluring lullabies and a fairytale love theme. Pulls you in and puts you in a trance. Outstandly unique, poignant and fresh look at our innermost desires. 

Rating: 82.

5. TAKING LIVES 

D. J. Caruso

2004 / Thriller Mystery / 102mins 

Synopsis: Montreal police are hot on the heels of a serial killer who impersonates his victims. FBI agent Scott is called onto the case to help track him down. 

Review: Serial killer movies are my biggest guilty pleasures. Films like "seven" or "the girl with the dragon tattoo," easily engross me. Which is something you must understand before I give my verdict as it will be slightly biased. This film had a decent plot, unfortunately it was one that was so predictable. At no point did I not know the killer. Despite that it was enjoyable, in a sort of columbo way, to watch the police find the killer knowing who it was. The ending was impressive also, one twist I didn't see coming. Although should have. The film is very basically shot and very similar to films in the same vein. Cheap and easy. D. J. Caruso doesn't have much of a style of his own, using the commonly seen cinematography and melodrama of low budget Hollywood movies. 

Rating: 51.