The Hoax

The Hoax, which is Lasse Hallstrom's latest film, is about writer Clifford Irving's attempt to publish his fake book about Howard Hughes. Hallstrom did a fine job of directing this film and William Wheeler's screenplay is sharp and witty.

Irving (Richard Gere) is fed up with getting his material rejected by publishers. So he comes up with an idea to write a phony "authorized" biography of the wacky tycoon. And he will go to any lengths to make it look authentic. Joining him on his mission is his friend and researcher Richard Susskind (Alfred Molina), who also happens to be a writer. Irving is a pathological liar and he is so good at it that he has the people at McGraw Hill - including Andrea Tate (Hope Davis) and Shelton Fisher (Stanley Tucci) over a barrel regarding the book. Sure they have some doubts about how true the facts are but they are very anxious to publish it because they think it will be a great success (ah, the greed factor). As good a liar as Irving is he is not very successful with his wife Edith (Marcia Gay Harden) when he tries to convince her that his affair with Nina Van Pallandt (Julie Delpy) is over.

Although I knew how things ended I still found the film quite suspenseful. That is where the good writing and directing comes in. And the film also blends in some political news of the day.
The pre-Watergate Nixon administration is shown in all of its corruption. And there is even mention of Senator George Bush the first. I really liked that touch because it brings the past and the present together in one full swoop.

Gere has never been better. I am happy that he finally found this role in which he can use his talents. And Molina is just terrific as his buddy. The rest of the cast (including Eli Wallach in a small role) is also right on target. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film and found myself laughing a lot of the time. But I was also fascinated by Irving. I wanted to know what made him tick. I understand that the book version of The Hoax will be reissued in conjunction with the film (maybe it is already out) and I intend to read it. If you want to have a good time at the movies but you also want something that is smart then do yourself a favor and check out The Hoax.

Black Book

I was lucky enough to see Paul Verhoeven's powerful new film at a preview. Black Book is inspired by true events even though not everything happened exactly as portrayed in the film. And I don't know if I would call Black Book a Holocaust film. There aren't any scenes of concentration camps or anything like that. I would say that it is a story about the Dutch Resistance Movement. However, the protagonist in the film is a Jewish woman.

Rachel/Ellis (Carice van Houten) has a chance to escape from Nazi occupied Holland into Belgium. However, circumstances prevent this from happening and she eventually joins the Dutch Resistance Movement. She changes her appearance and also her name - from Rachel to Ellis - in order to hide her Jewish identity. Her assignment is to get to (intimately) know a Nazi officer by the name of Ludwigh Muntze (Sebastian Koch). And get to know him she does - perhaps a little too well because fellow Resistance member Hans Akkermans (Thom Hoffman) seems to be a bit jealous. But all of this is for a purpose. The Resistance has great plans for fighting the Nazis but there seems to be a traitor in their midst. Alas, who can it be? Well, you will have to see the film to find out.

Black Book is very well directed and the script, written by Verhoeven and Gerard Soeteman realistically portrays what the Resistance Movement went through in their struggle against the Nazis. Ms. van Houten is amazing as Ellis. She is smart, brave, sexy and vulnerable all at the same time. And both Koch (who was in The Lives of Others and is very handsome) and Hoffman are terrific in their roles.

Black Book has some very intense scenes of violence and there were a number of times when I had to close my eyes. It is very graphic to say the least. But that is how things were (and still are) in the real world. And there is full frontal nudity - both male and female. This doesn't bother me one iota. It is natural that people take their clothes off. But it might bother some people - especially Americans - who have a problem with sex and nudity.

There are some things that are a bit peculiar about the film. One thing that was puzzling was that Ellis had on perfect makeup at all times. That is quite strange, especially when she was with the members of the Resistance. But this can be overlooked because of the high quality of the film.

The film uses gray areas to tackle one of its main themes instead of stating things in black and white. No human being is completely good or completely bad. And we can see this in several of the film's characters. You just might feel sympathy for someone you thought that you would hate. And will be surprised as to how nasty someone you admired really is. This gray tone may not sit well with some people but I think that it is the best way to view human beings.

All in all, Black Book is a very fine film and I highly recommend it. And, by the way, there really was a Black Book. If you want to know what it was all about then just go and see the film. You won't be sorry that you did.

DVD Review - Machuca

This wonderful little gem of a film comes by way of Chile. Director Andres Wood depicts the time right before Augustin Pinochet and his henchmen toppled the shaky but democratically elected government of Salvador Allende (and it does help to know what was going in Chile at that time - it helps you understand what was going on in the film).

The film takes place in 1973. And Wood captures the restless mood very well. But the film is also very much about the unlikely friendship between two boys. Gonzalo Infante (Matias Quer) lives in a nice house in a good neighborhood. He is very well take care of. But he is not happy. His mother is having a long time affair with an Argentinean businessman. His mother and father are always fighting. And his life in general seems empty.

But things begin to change when Father McEnroe (Ernesto Malbran) takes some underprivileged children into St. Patrick's School. The well to do kids are resentful and start fights. One of the poor students is Pedro Machuca (Ariel Mateluna). He lives in shanty town and has a drunk for a father.

After a rough start he and Gonzalo develop a bond. They visit each other's houses and can't believe how the other one lives (sadly, Pedro's home is pretty revolting). Also figuring into the story is Pedro's free spirited cousin Sylvana (Manuela Martelli). She introduces both boys to the fine art of kissing.

Woods does a terrific job of showing a country filled with unrest and the differences in social class (American films rarely do that although there is a class system here - something that the most of the politicians try to deny). All of the acting is terrific with the two boys being particularly outstanding.

Will the boys' friendship survive all of these changes? That is something you will have to find out for yourself. But Machuca once again reminds me of another reason for being upset with this country - the coupe was orchestrated by the United States. In any case I urge you to rent this sad and important film.

Zodiac

David Fincher's Zodiac is just plain overrated. While it is certainly a good film it is far from a great one. After seeing it I just can't understand how people are going gaga over it.

The film is adapted by James Vanderbilt from Robert Graysmith's book. Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) was a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle. But as the paper continued to print articles about the killer Graysmith got more and more involved until it became an obsession. He is joined on his quest by Chronicle writer Paul Avery (Robert Downey, Jr.) who is also very interested in the case.

Meanwhile, the police are trying their best to capture the Zodiac. The main team assigned to the case, Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and Inspector William Armstrong (Anthony Edwards), who are beyond frustrated.

The film is partly about police procedural and partly about how the press influences a criminal case. This is at times interesting and at times dull. That is because Fincher dragged things out. The film is two hours and forty minutes long and really needed to be cut. Then you would have a tighter and more interesting film. The murder sequences are well done and very chilling. This is where Fincher's work really shines. Although there is some suspense I wanted more and the film just didn't come through on that level.

Gyllenhaal is okay as Graysmith but he isn't always believable in the role. Downey, Jr. is terrific as the washed out, drunken Avery. Ruffalo is solid and Edwards is his typical bland self. Brian Cox is wonderful in his small role as attorney Melvin Belli. And John Carroll Lynch has a good turn as the number one suspect Arthur Lee Allen.

For a number of reasons I couldn't get to see this film until it was playing for a few weeks. Now that I've seen it I feel that it could have waited for DVD. If you have limited time and want to see a good thriller then check out Breach, which boasts an outstanding performance by Chris Cooper. And wait to rent Zodiac because when things get a little slow you can pause it, take a break and fix yourself a nice snack before you go back to watching it.

DVD Review - Mauvais Sang

I was so impressed with Leos Carax's Lovers on the Bridge that I wanted to see every film that he made. But that was not an easy task. First of all, he hasn't made many films. And second of all, his previous films were hard to find. I managed to see Pola X at the NY Film Festival and was treated to an interview with Carax. Time passed and I never got to see his earlier works. However, I recently decided to check out the two films that came before Lovers.

I just finished watching Mauvais Sang (Bad Blood) which came before Lovers. I thought that it was a wonderful film (although not as good as Lovers). The story is about two thieves, Marc (Michel Piccoli) and Hans (Hans Meyer). They owe quite a bit of money to an American woman (Carroll Brooke) and they are really getting nervous because their friend Jean just died. Although the death was listed as a suicide Marc thinks that the woman and her gang were behind it. They have two weeks to pay off their debt and the only way that can be done is by stealing a serum that is supposed to cure a sexually transmitted disease that is gotten by having sex without being in love (this film was made in 1986 before many people knew much about AIDS). They enlist the help of Jean's estranged son Alex (Denis Lavant). At first Alex is reluctant to get involved. But he eventually comes around leaving his heartbroken girlfriend Lise (Julie Delpy) in the lurch. Alex has hopes of getting a new start but things get complicated when he falls hard for Marc's lover Anna (Juliette Binoche).

The film is wonderfully bizarre and Carax does some amazing things with the camera. Some of my favorite scenes are the parachuting scene and the scene involving the shaving cream. The final scene in the film is breathtaking. Lavant is terrific and Binoche is luminous. And then there is Piccoli - what can one say except that this veteran French actor is brilliant. And the film is so romantic. Now that I've see it I want to see Carax's first film, Boy Meets Girl, in the not too distant future.

Carax has not made a film since Pola X. But I think that there is something in the works. Let's hope that we get a new piece of cinema from him soon.

DVD Review - Marie Antoinette

Before Marie Antoinette was shown at last year's Cannes Film Festival some people were predicting that it would be a masterpiece (before even seeing it). But when it was shown at Cannes it was booed. The truth is, the film is neither great nor terrible. But it could have been better than it is.

Based on Lady Antonia Fraser's book, the film follows young Marie on her journey from Austria to France - where she eventually becomes the Queen. The shows us how from the beginning she felt a sense of loneliness and not belonging. I must say that I really felt sorry for her. And in one of the special features on the DVD we find out that much of what was said about her was not true. The film feels shallow because it focuses on the shallowness of most of the people in the story.

The film is beautiful to look at. You feel like you are walking in Candyland (remember the game of the same name?). Most of the acting is quite good. Kirsten Dunst is fine as Marie. And there are wonderful actors in smaller roles - Danny Houston, Steve Coogan, Judy Davis, Marianne Faithful and (especially) Rip Torn. The only weak link is Jason Schwartzman as Marie's husband Louis XVI. He is a very bland actor and this role just makes that fact more definite.

Sofia Coppola does a nice job of directing the film and giving us a sense that this is not just a period piece - it is a contemporary story as well. But the main problem with the film (and this is a big problem) is that the script is weak. Certain things in the plot were never clear and I felt that she should have done a better job of clarifying certain details and spending more time on Marie's downfall.

While I am sure that this film looked great on the big screen I have no regrets about seeing it on DVD. It is not my idea of a really good film but I did enjoy it for what it was.

HBO Movie - Longford

Longford was shown a few weeks ago on HBO. As I don't have that channel I was very fortunate that someone taped it for me.

Longford is an intelligent film about the controversial Lord Frank Longford (Jim Broadbent). Longford is a religious Catholic who is into prisoner's rights and very much opposed to pornography. He doesn't just get involved - he gets obsessed. For many years he has championed the cause of prisoners. He believes that everyone should be forgiven. But when he becomes a champion for the notorious child killer Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton) he faces
hostility from his peers.

Longford believes that Hindley was lead astray by her lover and co-killer Ian Brady (Andy Serkis). But even Longford's fiercely loyal wife Lady Elizabeth (Lindsay Duncan) can't get behind him on this one.

The film is brilliantly directed by Tim Hooper (Elizabeth I) and skillfully written by Peter Morgan (The Queen & The Last King of Scotland). All of the acting is superb. Serkis is very scary as the maniacal Brady. Morton creates a character that arouses sympathy in us despite the awful deeds that she has done. And Duncan is terrific as the put upon Lady Elizabeth. But the film belongs to Broadbent. He is a revelation as Longford. Broadbent became Longford. And, yes, you really admired this man despite some of his quirks (his anti-pornography obsession).

Longford (along with Elizabeth I and Bleak House) shows us just how good television can be. I am sure that it will garner many Emmy nominations. But it also brings into question something that we all must think about - especially those who are following a spiritual or religious path. Can we forgive someone who has done something so evil that it hurts just to think about? Now that is a question for all of us to ponder (religious or not). But while you are pondering make sure that you see this film. And if you don't have HBO (or know someone who does) rent it when it comes out on DVD.

Guest Review - 300

Every so often I will post a review of a movie that I did not see (and have no interest in seeing). That is the case with 300. Although it is very popular and has gotten some good reviews it just isn't my cup of tea. But my nephew Scott saw it and really liked it. Here is what he has to say about it:

Not often does a movie adapted from a comic book get it right, but 300 did.

300 is a film based on the comic book mini-series/graphic novel by master writer and artist Frank Miller, known for his dark series Sin City (also adapted into one of the best movies of 2005, and rather accurately) and his dark adaptation of Batman, The Dark Knight Returns. Director Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead 2004) takes the comic book's story based off the real life account of 300 Spartans fending off a Persian army of up to a million soldiers and brings it to a cinematic level I never thought it could reach. Miller's fantastical view of the historical event, considered the first war to be documented, seems a simple story.

King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) is warned of Xerxes' (Rodrigo Santoro), ruler of the Persian Empire, eventual conquest of Greece. Leonidas demands to go to war, but the Oracle forbids it, as it is time for celebration and tribute to the gods, and war is forbidden. Even so, Leonidas takes 300 Spartan warriors, all with sons to carry on their name, and set off to defend his homeland, Sparta, and the freedom it offers. The following battles are composed with such beauty it is beyond belief. The ending may be obvious (especially to those who know the true story or read the comics) but the trip to it is absolutely brilliant.

Obviously, this is a violent film, filled with blood, death, and a surprising amount of graphic beheadings. But the violence does not get old while watching it, especially if you focus on the strategies displayed by the Spartans throughout the film.

Beyond the violence and story is the beauty that is the graphics. This film utilizes "bullet time" slow motion in a very unique manner. Instead of picking a pretty or dynamic moment to focus on, most violent death dealing strikes would be slowed down. Now, some might find the bothersome and overbearing, but I found it to be equal to watching a living comic book, panel for panel on screen. Each time the scene slowed, the feel on screen was that of a snapshot you would see in a comic book panel; it had a very graphic novel way of story telling.

One last focus. The blood. This is important to me, because of my background as and artist. Some have said it looks comical and cartoonish. I have to disagree. The blood reminds me of the technique Klaus Janson uses when inking. He takes the tip of a brush, and use the bristles to splatter ink onto the paper. I have done this myself, and the effect can be similar to splattering blood, and every time I saw the blood in the film, especially from stabbings, that was what I felt inspired that.

Not often do comic book based movies stay true to the source material, but this truly is one of the rare comics to make the adaptation accurately and successfully. This is one of the better films I have seen in my life, and will have trouble seeing any movie surpass 300 this year.

Don't hesitate to look at my art: http://nexusdx.deviantart.com/

The Namesake

Mira Nair's warm and wonderful new film is base on based on Jhumpa Lahiri's popular novel of the same name. The story starts off in Calcutta with Ashoka Ganguli (Irfan Khan) riding on a train. He is reading a book by his favorite author, Nikolai Gogol. A short time later the train crashes. A few scenes later we see Ashoka and his family meeting the family of his future wife Ashima (Tabu). Both families are hoping this arranged match will work into a marriage. It does but Ashoka has been living in New York for the last few years (where he has been studying engineering) and that is where he takes his new bride.

It isn't easy for Ashima to adjust but in time she does. And when things get better for them financially they move to the suburbs where they live with near Bengali families. Ashoka and Ashima have two children, Gogol (played as an adult by Kal Penn) and Sonia (played as an adult by Suhira Nair). Both Gogol and Sonia rebel against what they consider their parents' old fashioned ways. In fact, Gogol decides to change his name back to his other name, which is Nick. And he has an American girlfriend named Maxine (Jacinda Barrett). Gogol would much rather spend time with Maxine's parents than his own. But something happens to make him see things differently. We find out more about why he is named Gogol. We also see what happens later on when he hooks up with a Bengali woman Moushumi (Zuleikha Robinson). Let's just say that cultural similarities are not always the key to a good relationship.

The Namesake is a very moving portrait of generational family conflict. Although I consider myself very modern I found many of the values that Ashoka and Ashima held dear to be similar to my own. In many ways this was a very spiritual film. The film is wonderful to look at and Nair feels very comfortable directing it (unlike Vanity Fair). Penn gives a solid performance as Gogol and proves that he is growing as an actor. And both Khan and Tabu are terrific as his parents.

The Namesake may be about a Bengali family but it is really about all of our families (make sure to catch Nair's dedication at the end of the film). We have all been in similar situations at some time in our life. The setting is just a bit different. So if you want a film that will leave you emotionally satisfied and with tears in your eyes then do yourself a favor and see The Namesake (and I must say that I now want to read the book and also some of the works by Gogol).

DVD Review - Casino Royale

I am not the biggest James Bond fan in the world. In fact, I haven't seen a Bond film in a long, long time. But although I missed the new version of Casino Royale when it played in the theaters(too many other films to see) I knew that I had to see it on DVD because it got such rave reviews. After seeing it I have to say that I think that the film was overpraised.

I found the first hour rather slow. Daniel Craig is a wonderful actor and he does a great job as Bond. But the pacing of the story and the writing just didn't measure up in the first part of the film. Things pick up when Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) comes onto the scene. She is supposed to help Bond capture a corrupt casino owner (Mads Mikkelsen) who has ties with terrorists. Craig and Green have wonderful chemistry. At this point the pace picks up and the action is non stop. Craig has some meaty scenes in the film that prove what a terrific actor he is. But this still does not add up to a great film - at least not for me. Jeffrey Wright is totally wasted in a throw away role. He is such a fine actor that surely they could have written him into a few more scenes. And I also would have liked to see more of Giancarlo Giannini in the film. Judi Dench was good (as always) as Bond's no nonsense boss M.

All in all, this is a very well made action film and for that we have director Martin Campbell to thank. He takes us all over the world and makes us feel like we are actually there. And then there is Daniel Craig. But the film is too long and should have been cut by a bit. And while I found it entertaining I certainly can't say that it is an outstanding achievement. But if you are looking for high adventure then definitely check it out.

DVD Review - Cronos

Cronos was Guillermo del Toro's first feature film and even at this early stage we can see what a genius this man is. And we can also see that he has a taste for things that are very different.

Back in the 1500s an alchemist invents a device that brings him eternal life. It works for him until 1997. He called the device Cronos. An aging antiques dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) somehow winds up with the device and starts to play around with it. He doesn't have a clue as to the danger that he is putting himself in by using this device. Once the contraption digs its claws into you, you become a strange type of vampire requiring regular feedings of blood. A dying tycoon, Dieter de La Guardia (Claudio Brook) also wants the device so that he may prolong his life. He sends his ghoulish nephew Angel (Ron Perlman) on a mission to get Cronos at any cost. Also in the mix are Jesus's wife Mercedes (Margarita Isabel), who doesn't have a clue as to what is going on and his granddaughter Aurora (Tamara Shanath) who is totally devoted to her grandfather and wise beyond her years.

Cronos explores the theme of what people will do to live forever. The film certainly doesn't make a case for it. Rather is tries to find out why someone would want to do so. Mr. del Toro's work is marvelous and on par with many more experienced filmmakers. The cinematography by Guillermo Navarro is just splendid as he captures every creepy detail. The whole cast is good but Luppi is truly outstanding. It amazes me that he is not more well known in the US.

Cronos is my type of horror film - intelligent and suspenseful (so many of them are just plain old silly). I highly recommend this film not only to anyone who likes this genre but to those of you who want to see an early work by the great Mr. del Toro.

DVD Review - The Notorious Bettie Page

Mary Harron has directed a most interesting movie with The Notorious Bettie Page. She and her co-writer Guinevere Turner haven created a screenplay which has made Bettie a real flesh and blood character that we have great sympathy for. And Gretchen Mol wonderfully brings her to life. The film is shot mostly in black and white and really captures the era. Once in a while the film goes to color but it is done very smoothly without a blip.

Bettie grew up in Tennessee in a very conservative religious family. But circumstances make her leave for New York where she is going to make a new start. Bettie studies acting and works a switchboard. She takes her acting classes very seriously. But she finds that people like to take her picture and pay her for it. She starts dressing up in odd outfits and eventually gets involved with bondage films and pictures. Yet, through it all Bettie remains a great believer in Jesus.

She hooks up with a brother and sister team - Irving (Chris Bauer) and Paula (Lili Taylor) Klaw. They eventually get into trouble and find themselves the target of a US Senate investigation. Although Bettie never felt that she did anything wrong - she only thought that she was dressing up and acting for fun - she gets very religious and devotes the rest of her life to God.

This is a perfect movie to watch on DVD. While it is far from a masterwork it is totally enjoyable. And as mentioned before, Mol is terrific. Oh - and one of the bonus features is a short film with the real Bettie Page. Check this one out when you get the chance.

DVD Review - Requiem

This gripping German film, based on a true story, was expertly directed by Hans-Christian Schmid and written by Bernd Lange.

21 year old Michaela Klingler (Sandra Huller) is plagued by epilepsy. Michaela is a devout Catholic and most of her troubles seem to come from the fact that she can no longer pray. Every time she tries to she has a seizure. This leads her to believe that she is possessed by evil spirits.

Despite their reluctance and worry Michaela's mother (Imogen Kogge) and father (Burghat Klubner) allow her to attend an out of town college. There she renews her friendship with an old classmate Hanna (Anna Bloomier). She also forms a romantic relationship with fellow student Stefan (Nicholas Reinke). But before long things start to crumble for Michaela.

The film is very realistic. It questions both the validity of both science and religion. After all, the doctors don't seem to be able to help Michaela and religion made things even worse.

However, the highlight of the film is Huller's outstanding performance. She was nothing short of sensational. Never for one moment did you feel that she was acting. She felt like a real flesh and blood person who was suffering greatly. I can't wait to see what she does in the future.

Requiem had a small release in 2006 and it got very favorable reviews. But it didn't play very long in the theaters. I guess many people do not want to see this type of film. But for those of you who want to see a great example of international cinema I highly recommend that you rent Requiem. You won't be sorry that you did.

Avenue Montaigne

Avenue Montaigne is a warm and charming film that is well directed by Daniele Thompson. Ms. Thompson and her son Christopher wrote the lovely screenplay.

Jessica (Cecile De France) is very devoted to her grandmother. Her granny constantly tells the story of how she loved luxury but could never attain it. So she had to settle for working in luxurious surroundings and this made her very happy. Jessica decides to test things out and goes to Paris in search of a job. She finds one in a restaurant on the upscale Avenue Montaigne. The restaurant is attached to a theater. And through this job she meets several people, most of whom are not satisfied with their lives.

There is the actress Catherine Versen (well played by Valerie Lemercier). Catherine makes tons of money as a soap opera actress but is very unhappy with her career. That is why she is doing a play. During the film she meets a well known American director, Brian Sobinski (Sydney Pollack), who she would love to work with.

Another unhappy character is Jean-Francois Lefont (Albert Dupontel). Lefont is a world famous concert pianist but he longs for a simpler life where he would play for sick people and live by a lake. His wife Valentine (Laura Morante), who also happens to be his manager, doesn't like the idea (to say the least) and this causes conflict.

And then there is Jacques Grumberg, a well off man who is auctioneering off all of the treasures that he and his late wife had accumulated throughout the years. He and his son Frederic (screenwriter Thompson) don't see eye to eye on a number of things, especially the fact that the older Grumberg is dating a young golddigger.

All the while Jessica keeps her spirits high even when the chips are down. And there is also the advice from Claudie (Dani) who has taken care of the theater and it surrounding housing. She is about to retire and she tells people the secret of her happiness. She said that she knew that she didn't have any talent in the arts but she made sure that she surrounded herself with those type of people and that has lead to her having a wonderful life (much like Jessica's granny).

I feel that this film shows us that sometimes we have to come to terms with our limitations and then go on from there and make the best life that we possibly can. Because for all we know those who are rich and famous may actually not be happy even though they seem to have it all.

I hope that people get to see this wonderful little film and like it just as much as I did.