There Will Be Blood

Darkness. A fiery spark reveals harsh rock, then just as quickly we are left in gloom again. This repeats. Harsh metallo-lithic noises punctuate a background of laboured breathing. Several minutes later we surface to eye-watering daylight. Dust and stones in every monochromatic direction. And one lone figure, black with soot, black with grime, black with - Oil. Welcome to There Will Be Blood.
Already, in the first fifteen dialogue-bare minutes, the filmmakers have told the audience everything they need to know, and have set the pace, tone and style for the entire film. And while it was widely advertised as a story about power, family, religion and greed, I would disagree. True, Blood does deal with these concepts extensively. But they are not what this film is about. They are merely the furnishings surrounding the pulsing heart of this story. The name of that muscular, pounding heart is Obsession. A more powerful plot-driving engine would be hard to find, and it is exploited to its full potential. So much so that it's easy to imagine the director catching his character's disease - the vision we are presented with is fever sharp, magnificently inexorable, and never wavers for a second. Each cinematic element is honed to an almost painfully fine point then fused one with each other, achieving a ruthless singularity of purpose.
There is no point in isolating one discipline for mention; it would be at the exclusion of many others no less worthy. In fact there is very little I can say about this film without detracting from its brutally spare power and passionately crafted workmanship. But perhaps I can say this: if Wit was a dignified queen, There Will Be Blood is a glorious tyrant, an autocrat whose subjects admire him, fear him, and worship him.

Any small imperfections in this piece are overwhelmed by the sheer momentum of its greatness. This really is a masterpiece. 10.

Wit

In this supercharged time of quick cuts, spectacular visual effects and shock twist endings, Wit stands apart like a queen gazing indulgently at a mob of boisterous children. It has only one sympathetic character, a bare bones plot, and an ending which you know is inevitable from the first sentence. It has no desire to impress, no inclination to showcase - it just wants to talk to you. This is a film that does not deign to clutch for your attention - but will inexorably draw you in anyway.
Much of the credit for this audacious feat can safely be attributed to the wonderful Emma Thompson. Co-writer and leading lady, she carries everything on her shoulders. As an esteemed English scholar who is losing her battle with cancer, she precisely manages a balance between cultured stiff upper lip dignity, and raw human helplessness. And as she talks directly into the camera, letting you into her most personal and painful moments, the divide drops away and you are no longer watching a movie. You are sitting on the bed beside her, holding her hand as she pukes uncontrollably into a bucket - as she answers "Fine, thank you" to unthinking How are you's - as she quietly, tragically, comes to grips for the first time with her beloved John Donne's existential poetry.
Another element which further cemented my admiration for this film was the retention of its theatrical roots. It is based on a stageplay, as are numerous fine films, but the difference lies in how they made use of that heritage. Wit held onto some of that creative license that is quite often seen on the stage, but is sadly scarce at the cinema. It took the liberty of sacrificing realism for truth, and did so in such a fashion that you are not removed from the story but instead continue to be captivated by the simple struggle of one individual with, yes cancer, yes death - but most importantly, herself.
This is true drama.

As for a rating - it only misses out on a 10 because it relies almost entirely on acting to make it the film that it is. A brave choice, but nevertheless that knocks it down to 9.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The fantasy genre has fairly exploded over the past 10 years or so, giving us some great films and, inevitably, a load of trash. So it was with moderate expectations that I went to see The Spiderwick Chronicles. Walking out as the lights came back up I was not disappointed - well, maybe just a little. Slightly peeved perhaps that the movie was not better than I expected.
There were some highlights: Freddie Highmore was excellent as usual, playing two of the four main characters. Also refreshing - there were moments when some of the bad guys actually felt dangerous. This is so unfortunately rare in childrens films that it's worth remarking upon - many directors don't seem to realise that it takes more than an evil cackle and a bad squint convey menace. But when a main character recieves a nasty set of puncture wounds to their leg you begin to get the picture. That got me interested. Then when hydrogen peroxide was liberally applied (with realistic results) they had me hooked. I felt the pain.
However. These few bright spots were not enough to hide the looming elephant of mediocrity. The film was shot adequately, the visual effects were adequate, the script was trying to be adequate - but I don't go to the cinema to see adequate films. And as for some of the actors... All of the live action actors, I should say, excluding Highmore. At best they were weak, at worst maudlin.
The real downfall of this film though is the ending. Good defeats evil not by grit or ingenuity or moral superiority - but virtually by accident. And while technically it wasn't a deus ex machina triumph, it was as close to it as makes no difference.
The Spiderwick Chronicles is worth watching if you're 8 to 12 and it's a rainy Sunday afternoon. Otherwise don't bother.

Rating: For those of you who are familiar with my 1-10 movie rankings, this is a new version not to be compared with past ratings.
1 = Blindingly Awful; 5 = Tolerable; 10 = Masterpiece.
Spiderwick, thanks largely to Highmore, manages a 5.

Long Time Away

Wow. I cannot believe how long it's been since I last posted. At this point it would be traditional to remark on how much things have changed - well, in one way they have, in many ways they have not. I'm working now, in the Film and TV industry no less.

Yes, "The Industry", which from the outside seems like the Holy Grail, but once you're in you realise that it's neither holy, nor a grail, but merely a moderately dirty cup that you may get a nice drink from once in a while. Still, it pays well enough, and it's not bad work. Rather be doing this than a great number of other things.

I have to keep reminding myself that I'm only 21, that I have plenty more time to do interesting and meaningful stuff - but it doesn't feel like that. It feels more like a quarter of my life is gone and past, and time is running out. Which is actually the case.

Anyway, this post turning rather depressing, which isn't how I really feel - I've got a great set of friends, good church, and there are libraries and video shops - honestly what else could I ask for?

On another note, I'm thinking about starting to review films on here. Oh, I know it's not like there isn't enough review sites, but everyone has a different slant and I like to express mine. It's possible some people might like to hear it as well I suppose. So I'll probably be updating here a wee bit more often than has been the norm of late.

PS Disclaimer: Just because I review a film, does not mean I am recommending it. Merely that it caught my interest for one reason or another. I recommend movies to people individually, not in general, for obvious reasons. If you'd like a recommendation, feel free to ask in the comments or contact me via email. Cheers.

Post, Strange, & Pirates

Well, time for another random post on relatively insignificant subjects.

In recent news: I have officially been accepted for a Post Production major. Not hugely surprising in all honesty, but still very satisfying. And - I now know my crew for Term 3! Those of you I've spoken to about my past crews will understand that it was with some trepidation that I approached the board to find out who I will be stuck with for 9 or so weeks. And well - it's not too bad of a team. (Phew) Certainly several magnitudes above my past crews. Yes, for once I am not dreading crew projects. So that's cool.

I've finished Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and my word was it ever a good book. I don't think I've read anything so masterful since Till We Have Faces. The author managed to mix Austen's 'comedy of manners' style and Dicken's insight into human nature with a good dollop of the mundanely fantastic. It's a rather enormous volume (over 1000 pages) but has a plot to match, even if it does dabble in Les Miserablesesque exposition (it even has a chapter on Waterloo, though in Strange the battle is significantly more relevant to the story, and is actually able to be read in one sitting). For those of you who have read it: will you ever be able to think of mice the same way again?

The next book on the menu is Tolkien's The Children of Hurin. I know that Tolkien heartily disliked Shakespeare, but my goodness, this book is as close to the Bard as any 20th century novelist got, in my opinion. In terms of the tragedies, that is. It lacks the more plebian qualities that Billy was fond of, but I think I can survive without those. After that I think I'll move on to some lighter fare; I have a friend who owns almost every book Terry Pratchett has ever written, so I don't think I'll be at a loss there...

Seen some amazing films, and some less than amazing ones *coughpiratesthreecough*. Incredible how you can go into some movies with incredibly low expectations and still be disappointed. That doesn't happen very often, but every now and then a very special film will just take the cake. However, I generally have a very good nose for which movies I'll like and which I won't, meaning that most of the films I watch get rated 8 or higher. Watchlist is currently down to 31....

I'm Back . . . (but not really)

Hi everyone - boy I bet you thought you'd never see another post on this blog, eh? Well, had I been left to my own devices that probably would've been the case. However. I have been harassed (by someone I will not name, but would dearly like to) into posting something. I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'll not be returning to my quasi-philosophical mode; any posts I may write in the future are likely to be more down to earth, less deep, and shorter. (I heard that cheer)

So then, what have I been doing? Oh, just sitting around watching a lot of movies (not). Actually film school has been very odd and foreign, schedulewise (and many other wises as well) - we have weeks when we're trying to do 9 things at once and are running around like the proverbial fowl, while other weeks we have snot all to do.
My pet peeve at the moment: producers who don't turn up to production meetings. Cam ops, editors, arties - okay. Even directors now and then, I guess. But producers? Anyway. Enough of that.
It's really interesting to see the pack beginning to thin already - noting people that almost no one chooses to work with, and those who don't deign to turn up to even the compulsory sessions. Standing out won't be quite as difficult as I expected - but being the best will be one heck of a mission.

Just bought Tolkiens latest (and probably last) book - The Children of Hurin. Am looking forward to getting into it, but first I have to finish 'Jurassic Park' and 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell".

That's it from me this time. :-)

A New Year Quiz

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's a quiz I came across recently that didn't have too many dumb questions in it.

 

 

1.How old will you be in five years?
25

 

2. Do you think you will be married by then?
Hmm. I always thought I would be at 25, when I was younger. Now that it's no longer an abstract concept, I'm not so sure . . .

 

3. How tall are you?
Six foot one.

 

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
Starting my year at South Seas! (and getting my own car)

 

5. What's the last movie you saw?
Star Wars: Episode Six. Unimpressed with the movie, but loved the Ewoks!

 

6. Who was the last person you called?
Hah. Robyn. I called to thank her for sending me pots for Christmas. It was an interesting conversation. You can read more about it in my recent post "Offensives".

 

7. Who was the last person to call you?
Luke.

 

8. What was the last text message you received?
An events coordinator, thanking me for my involvement in a community project.

 

9. Do you prefer to call or text?
Depends on who I want to communicate with. If I don't know them that well, I'd rather text.

 

10. Do you have any pets?
Nope. And am unlikely to aquire any in the foreseeable future.

 

11. What were you doing at 12am last night?
Checking bags for alchohol. And saying Happy New Year.

 

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced?
Married.

 

13. When is the last time you saw your mom?
About 11:30 this morning.

 

14. What color are your eyes?
Medium dark brown.

 

15. What time did you wake up today?
10:10

 

16. What are you wearing right now?
A white T-shirt with a New Balance logo on it, tan shorts, no shoes or socks, my watch, my 'endless knot' ring, and my arrowhead pendant.

 

17. What's your favorite Christmas song?
Hmm. Good question. Possibly Carol of the Bells, or O Come O Come Emmanuel (but only if it's done well).

 

18. Where is your favorite place to be?
Either in a dim, green secluded spot in the bush with a small river running close by, or in a pleasantly warm lounge on a comfy couch with friends.

 

19. Where is your least favorite place to be?
In a dentists chair. Or at a party when I don't know anyone.

 

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
The United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Israel. Any of the above.

 

21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?
Yikes. 10 years? Anything could happen. Probably working in some semi-obscure part of the television industry. Optimistically I could be directing films. Or acting. Or I could be six feet under. You never know.

 

22. Do you tan or burn?
I burn very rarely, as a result of my olive skin (courtesy of my Hispanic background).

 

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
A monster in the closet, or lurking in the shadows. Ankle-grabbers underneath the bed.

 

24. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
Really laugh? Looking at our Christmas tree. It looks like a sausage on a stick.

 

25. How many TVs do you have?
Personally? None. There is one in the house, belonging to my parents.

 

26. How big is your bed?
A large twin. Perfect size for me.

 

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer?
Desktop. Through necessity, not choice, but I'm not a huge fan of laptops anyway.

 

28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on?
Good grief. A T-shirt and boxers in summer, and a sweatshirt and longer pants in winter.

 

29. What color are your sheets?
Tan.

 

30. How many pillows do you sleep with?
Two. Any less and my sinuses tend to give me grief.

 

31. What is your favorite season?
Summer.

 

32. What do you like about fall?
The thoughtful, melancholic air that the world takes on. The richness of simultaneous birth and decay.

 

33. What do you like about winter?
The raw power of nature in its most barren state.

 

34. What do you like about the summer?
The luxurious ease of the season, the feel of a warm breeze on my neck, the lazy touch of the sea.

 

35. What do you like about spring?
The sensation that an underdog has arisen to strike down harsh King Winter.

 

36. How many states have you lived in?
Only two. Oregon and California.

 

37. How many cities/towns have you lived in?
Lots, and mostly before I was old enough to remember it. But I know I've lived in Salem, Pleasenton, Los Angeles, and Mount Maunganui.

 

38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?
Bare feet, unless shoes are necessary.

 

39. Are you a social person?
Generally I prefer a few close friends to a crowd.  I'm social in limited doses.

 

40. What was the last thing you ate?
A bread, egg, cheese pie/quiche thingy.

 

41. What is your favorite restaurant?
Anywhere that's quiet and will serve really good ribs.

 

42. What is your favorite ice cream?
Cookies and Cream.

 

43. What is your favorite dessert?
Cheesecake.

 

44. What is your favorite kind of soup?
Ooo. Tough one. Kumara or brocolli.

 

45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
Actually apricot is really nice.

 

47. Do you like coffee?
Yeah, definitely.

 

48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average?
Ack. Average? When I'm being good, about eight. When I'm not being good . . . about two or three.

 

49. What do you drink in the morning?
Water.

 

50. Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
Well. . . it's not really a matter of preferance at the moment. . .

 

51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed?
My bed's not big enough for that. But when I'm not lying on my back, I'll usually face outwards rather than towards the wall.

 

52. Do you know how to play poker?
If I think hard about it. It's been a while since I've played.

 

53. Do you like to cuddle?
Erm. It's not a habit of mine.

 

54. Have you ever been to Canada?
No.

 

55. Do you have an addictive personality?
As in, do others get addicted to my personality? No.... Or is mine a personality that succumbs easily to addiction? Again no.

 

56. Do you eat out or at home more often?
At home.  It's cheaper.

 

WHERE IS 57?
Assassinated, probably. I'm sure there will be a conspiracy theory about it.

 

58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you?
No.

 

59. Do you want kids?
Yes.

 

60. Do you speak any other languages?
Nope.

 

61. Have you ever gotten stitches?
Nope, never.

 

62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
No.

 

63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool?
Ocean, hands down.

 

64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats?
Window.

 

65. Do you know how to drive a stick?
Yes, I know how to, but I'm not extremely confident doing so, as I've had very little practice.

 

66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Nice books.

 

67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7?
Yeah - my ring and my pendant, mentioned above.

 

68. What is your favorite TV show?
I don't follow TV shows much.

 

69. Can you roll your tongue?
Yep.

 

70. Who is the funniest person you know?
Personally? John, the father of a friend.

 

71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Heh.  No.

 

73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little?
Mom has some stored somewhere . . .

 

74. What color are your bedroom walls?
Hmm. I have floral print wallpaper that's been there since forever. Fortunately, I hardly ever notice it anymore.

 

75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth?
Yeah.

 

76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
When I was little I used to make a point of keeping them shut, but now it's just whatever they were at the end of the day.

 

77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?
Do I have a big gun?

 

78. Do you flirt a lot?
Nope.

 

79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Whatever's at hand. Lemon juice, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce . . .

 

80. What is your favorite food?
I can't pick. But I really like a well marinated, rare done steak. I also really like lasagna.

 

81. Can you change the oil on a car?
Sadly, no.  I am less of a man than that.

 

82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Nuh uh.

 

83. Have you ever run out of gas?
No.

 

84. What is your usual bedtime?
Anything between 10:00 and 11:00 is not unusual.

 

86. Do you read the newspaper?
Just certain parts, and only the freebies.

 

87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
National Geographic. I'd subscribe to Time and Investigate if I was rich enough, though.

 

88. Best comedian?
Not sure.... Billy Crystal?

 

89. Do you watch soap operas?
Uh, no.

 

90. Do you dance in the car?
Not as a rule.