The aural experience of WW2 by A Man Escaped and The Pianist

Hey everyone,I have just rewatched A Man Escaped yesterday and I cannot pinpoint but to see such similarities to Polanski’s The Pianist in their cinematic methods to creata an aural experience for World War 2. Therefore this would be my discussion for today’s posting

“The eye solicited alone makes the ear impatient, the ear solicited alone makes the eye impatient. Use these impatiences.”-Robert Bresson

Those who are not familar with my case studies,I would give the brief outlines of these films which both are based on true accounts of people who survived the treacherous conditions of World War 2. For Polanski’s The Pianist-it goes about a radio pianist Szpliman (Played wonderfully by Adrien Brody) who have been forced into the darkest period of WW2-The Holocaust,and his trials and tribulations to survive these odds. On the otherhand for A Man Escaped (Un condamné à mort s’est échappé) ,it goes about Nazi resistance fighter Fontatnie,who was thrown into a German POW camp and about to face a death sentence however he have plans to escape the camp. Both films have their main protagonists faced opposition from the Nazi forces,for Szpliman-it was the discrimination of his religion while Fontanie,was the planned coup to bomb the Nazis.

It was interesting to note that the directors both have experienced the WW2,for Bresson himself-he was imprisoned in a labour camp for a year and half and while Polanski have a traumatic experience of the holocaust,where he was separated by his family and only saved by a farming family and later reunited by his father after the war. For the Pianist,the scene where Szpiliman was saved from going to the concentration camp was based on  a similar experience Polanski encountered. While Fontanie’s ropes and hooks are based on Devingy’s hooks he actually made for the escape. Therefore they managed to incorporate their experiences both visually  into their works.

Now I would like to focus on they managed to heighten the mood aurally,both films are lead by a particular classical music piece which shows the character’s journey arc,for The Pianist,it was Chopin. To Szpilman,playing Chopin is basically his life and identity which linked to Chopin whose pieces were considered as the pride of the country himself. We opened the scene with Szpliman being calm and collected while doing a recording of  Nocturne in C# Minor. There we are shocked by the bombings which deafen our ears. It symbolized about his personal world being crashed. Even when he was hiding,he goes by and imagine himself playing his piano and we hear that Chopin motif of Nocturne in C Minor,which shows the escapism from the situations he wen through. However it was that music piece which eventually saved his life from being killed by a German Officer.

We opened the scene reeked with silence,on Szpliman attempting to get the pickle out of a jar and failed. It added to our minds the fear whenever he will be discovered. There it broke up with the question and of course we hear Szpliman speaking again since the hideout. He was fearful yet uncertain. There it was heighten by the walking of the footsteps,where he sits in and played that piece. It was nothings but faces of awe and pure beauty,that even the officer was moved by his playing.

It did paid off where Szpliman,now in better health performed in a live concert with a united Poland where he performed Chopin. Therefore Polanski’s efficient use of Chopin,symbolized the identity of Szpliman from the somber Nocturme to a slighty optimistic Grande Polonaise Brillante Op. 22 that the passion for music actually saved his life and sanity.

While on the other hand,Bresson’s use of Mozart’s Mass in C Minor-Kyrie added an underlying tone on Fonatnie’s emotional fate. Interestingly Kyrie Elesion,in Latin means “Lord Have Mercy” which shows Bresson’s Catholic background and highlights the struggle Fonatnie have on believing he can escape. David Bordwell seen this music motif as “his main means of direct contact with other prisoners.” We seen Fontanie as aloof and skeptical about the faith,especially his scorn to the Pastor,”If God is good,why don’t he help us” which highlights the doubting faith. As the film goes,this music motif,shows his growing trust and faith in others which leads to a young boy Jost which the mass was played. By using this motif,it added that idea of faith being difficult to be wrangled alone but we need others in order to be alive spiritually.

Here both films have the efficient use of silence to create the suspense and aloofness the characters have to face,while Szpliman’s lines are very sparse to show off the Jewish voice being cut-off. We only hear him speak on the first half,to show the growth of Jewish opposition and him playing the piano infront of the general. We are only allowed to follow Szpliman’s journey by his actions and emotions whenever it was his fear in hiding or his little victories. While on the other hand,we got into Fonatnie’s wrold by his voice-over to help us follow the story which Bordwell analyze was either  ”clarify the action“,”receive other vital information through the commentary. Sometimes the narration simply states facts” or “what his thoughts had been “. For instance where he think over how he opened the door or perhaps his fate when he was freed from his death sentence. However it sounds distant as it never pinpoint where it came from “since we never learn whether Fontaine is thinking back over these events or recounting them to someone.” The only times we heard him speak physically was the exchanges between the POWS or Jost,the young boy. There it was sparse as we are more focused on his small actions like chiseling the spoon or writing letters to the wall. It highlights again on Fonatnie’s aloofness with that environment.

Now here is how the sound design of these films come into play to heighten the mood of these films. For A Man Escaped,we are surrounded by the sounds of prison life,and the motif of his freedom was the sound of trains he heard from his prison window. Everytime he gets nearer his goal-the train sounds will heighten. Bresson wrote on efficient sound in film that “the noises must become music”. Even at the pivotal scene where Fontanie and Jost are escaping,we fear for the protagonists’ inability to escape by the loud ringing of the bicycle sounds,the soft gravel sounds and even the footsteps gave us the worry that they would be caught. On the other-hand for The Pianist,where Szpliman was in hiding at a friend’s apartment-we get to hear the “sights” where there is  abrupt noises everywhere and it seems to raise higher as he watched the violence passively. It shows the trapped nature that Szpliman faced,that he is even unable to save his own family.

Therefore in conclusion,both filmmakers managed to create the atmosphere of WW2 by the use of sound. Despite going into different directions,they actually played the sound in order to drive the action. For Fontanie it lifts the idea of faith is not without any driven actions “ in Bresson’s view, to intervene on our behalf. But our own actions, and our determination despite the obstacles in our path, are the most important factors in our survival and in overcoming the evils that life confronts us with.” like how they used the sound of the chiseling spoon to show an aspect of faith. On the other hand,in The Pianist it could be said that the chaos could not shut off a person’s spirit even at times of darkness,like the contrast of deafening silence to the Chopin pieces which symbolized Szpliman’s identity. They used their real-life experiences and translate it to the screens where we journey the characters themselves.

The power of cinema-A reflection from Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro)

Ever since I came off from projects,I have been catching up on my habit of film watching. This afternoon I decided to catch Marcel Camus’ classic- Black Orpheus. It was a coincidence that I ever knew about this film was from a classmate who I know her well. I was doing my work when she whatsapp me on asking what films I want as she was in the library. She suggested  Orpheus,of course I was thinking of Jean Coeteau’s Orpheus as I really wanted to watch it for a while.  She recommended me a title because of a script I wrote was based on Greek Mythology. However she surprised me when I saw this title,Camus’ Black orpheus . Normally I don’t see my film cohort being that keen in art-house or classic films (I am the only one in my batch that watched a varied amount of films). Of course I was delighted that I can see that I make a small impact to my classmates of watching films that is beyond their comfort zone. Pity that it was in Blu-ray,and I have to find the DVD version of it.

Now fast-forward to today,I decided that I would just curl up to this film in my new movie room (small television and DVD player,not the fanciest but it beats nothing to me hogging my parents’ television time for film-watching). Those who are unfamiliar to this film,it was basically a retelling of the Orpheus myth in one of the most important festivals in Brazil-Carnivale,a village girl meets a trolley man. There with my green tea cuppa and some snacks,I started watching this film with no expectations.

After I watched this film,after a long hiatus of bottling my emotions, I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of Orfeu Negro. I became like a child,I cannot put in my adult rational in that film. I could recall a few times where I was overwhelmed by a film and changed my life.

There is Across The Universe,that is where I wanted to create films that “changed the world“. I was a naive dreamer then at 19. Along came David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia,that shook me to the core. There comes Yume by Akira Kurosawa. In my film screening classes I seen Match Factory Girl (I was in tears when I talked to my lecturer about this film),Of Time and The City,Bresson’s Pickpocket and A Man Escaped. This semester I was mind-blown by The Diving Bell and The Butterfly and Antonia’s line. At home,I was overwhelmed by Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon,The Pianist and Amadeus. For some reason I have that tendency to suspend my rational and simply watch it as if it was in the audience’s perspective.

Perhaps Orfeu Negro impacts me even more because I just needed to watch films to get away from the stress of film school and my dilemmas for my future. It was rare for me to become speechless after watching a film. I have seen sights of Brazil in travel documentaries in television where people gleefully said here is the beautiful city and show the typical sights of Brazil. However Marcel Camus transported me into the chaos of the Carnival with such eye-popping visuals of colour. I mean I cannot shake that feeling that I thought I was in the crowd itself.

There came along the bossa nova soundtrack which peeped up otherwise tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurdyrice which I am familiar with. The tunes adds that authenticity of Brazil which is rare to find in your typical travel shows.

For once I feel so many emotions,I laughed at the silly antics,I grew upset when I see Orfeu’s grief and was even angry on Mira’s cruel treatment on Eudryrice. I was surprised that I feel hopeful at the idyllic ending when I see the tragic death of the lovers. It kindled me a memory form watching Jean Renoir’s The River few months ago. For some odd reason both have somewhat philosophical endings,it said hey life goes around whenever the circumstances.It was pure beauty. I somewhat smiled at the ending which was a shock to me.

Somehow Orfeu Negro restored my faith in cinema as I recalled a moment where I cried at Jeff’s doubting in Mr Smith Goes to Washington. I just needed that punch from my cynical self of going through shoot and shoot . As one of my favourite film Tumblr blogs Salesonfilm summarized that feeling “it’s like when you see a fellini for the first time after being raised on the cheap american fanboy simulacrum canon for twenty years and you just feel like crawling into a ball and weeping because you realize you’ve been wasting your life on movies and not cinema and all the possibilities of art assault you with their beauty and you feel ugly because of it.”  It’s like rediscovering what is the connective tissue of cinema as Lord Puttnam talked in a seminar,is unifying people of different continents to see a film that is so relatable. I then need to stop bitching to myself that no one would have that capacity to watch this type of films,because I am the only one who understands it. Orfeu Negro’s beauty is perhaps the purest,it was about unrequited love and jealousy which everyone can relate to,whenever you are an American student or a Chinese clerk. If it could unite a person who is unaware about art cinema,like my classmate who is into action and thriller films then cinema have done its job. It connects people together because they will share the same feelings too with you. That is the beauty of cinema which I learned today from watching this film. No matter what your taste,values or whatever,we are connected by that tissue.

To end off my reflection,here is a quote of another favourite film of mine Cloud Atlas

Our lives are not our own. From womb to tomb, we are bound to others. Past and present. And by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.

Like how we needed others,perhaps cinema bound everyone,no matter what circumstances. A film can change the world and mindsets. To me that is why I am always falling back to the world of cinema

 

The Maltese Falcon (1941)-the queerness of Joel Cairo and the threat of male society.

Hello guys,I am very how silent this blog have been….However I am determined to get in running after all my coursework is done. Now I would be doing a short insight on how film noir classic The Maltese Falcon shows the queerness of 1940′s  society and how it is a threat to the masculine mindset in that era.

Keeping in mind that film is under scrutiny of the Hays' Code which forbids the depiction of sexual acts,violence and even the character's sexual identity as "motion pictures present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind" Therefore homosexuals were depicted as laughing stocks or the antagonists in the film,therefore it is applicable that the Maltese Falcon falls under the negative depiction of homosexuals.

After showing the inciting incident of the murder of Spade (Bogart),and the introduction of the femme Fatale Brigid (Mary Astor). We are introduced to the other male character (aside the police). It was interesting what was Spade’s reaction after looking at the business

 What'll it cost to be on the safe side?

 Maybe it's worth it.

 Okay, go ahead.

 Gardenia.

 Quick, darling, in with him!

Bogie's reaction is seem out of disgust and yet filled with curiosity with this client. Here we get to seeJoel Cario (Peter Lorre),let me point that how contrasting the appearances are. Here we have Bogart's rugged features which he could be easily landed for the poster boy of the film noir genre,which focused on anti-heroes. In contrast,the bug-eyed and curly hair Peter Lorre is the total opposite of Bogart's looks. Even the way he perform seem effeminate, and reminded me of another performance of his,M (1931) by Fritz Lang where he played  a child murderer. Even the way,he stroked his cane while talking to Sam Spade have some phallic symbolism,and hints subtly of his sexual orientation. As Laura Mulvery talked in her essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema"

“Although the fiIm is really being shown, is there to be seen, conditions of screening and narrative conventions give the spectator an illusion of looking in on a private world. Among other things, the position of the spectators in the cinema is blatantIy one of repression of their exhibitionism and projection of the repressed desire on to the performer. ”

Peter Lorre in M (1931)

He shown his maliciousness to Bogart,where he asked him to raise his hand it probably symbolize in 40's society that homosexuals present as a "threat" as discussed in the HBO documentary The Celluiod Closet. However Bogart fought off his homosexual client perhaps symbolized the triumph of a traditional male society to the queer society in the 40's. He even whined in pain how his shirt was dirty,it seems that Huston fluffed up the queer stereotype as being whiny and afraid of that deeds.

In the confrontation scene between Sam Spade and the gang,we seen on heavy implications of the sexual relations,between Cairo and his gang members,by the way the way one of the henchman was called "gunsel" have an implied meaning of homosexuality. Interestingly the way they are positioned have a triangular positions which hinted a strange kind of and yes guns as the phallic symbolism appear in most of that scene.

Like how Sam Spade refused the advances of Brigid,Cairo rejected one of his gang members 'advances and suffered the consequences.Therefore it gives us an idea,that a homosexual must realize his actions and refuse his carnal needs

However as the ending of The Maltese Falcon,as most Classical Hollywood films treated its queer characters.Joel Cairo and his gang members were brought to justice and locked away in their 'closet". It was seem restored to the traditional ways of male society

“I guess I got a lot of healing to do”-Darjeeling Limited and its look to the inner self with Renoir and Ray.

Hello guys! First of all,happy 2013 to all my readers! Now to kick off the new year,I will start talking about one of Wes Anderson’s under-appericated films-The Darjeeling Limited. For those who did not watch this film,it may contain spoilers of the film. I suggest that you should watch this film before reading my comparisons

Wes Anderson filmography ranking.

Hello again,my dear readers…the good news is that I finished the whole filmography of Wes Anderson! Therefore I would be talking about my top Wes Anderson films and my thoughts about it.

O.K if you guys did not hear about Wes Anderson or heard about his films (I suggest you do it now before I stab with you the scissors). I would do a small biography of that man and his aueteur style.

Wes Anderson was perhaps the most upcoming aueters,yes you would either be charmed by his charming style of directing or perhaps find it a ripoff from Jeneut. I am in one of those groups who fall in love with his works. Yes he deliver comedies,but it’s not those haha moments. It was dry but it was enjoyable. It was a mix of dysfunctional families,a unique colour palette and great soundtracks (I am surprised that he have the same taste as me). Recently I found out there was a bingo game dedicated to spotting Wes Anderson’s signatures

Yup,no denial that Wes have its own style

With the recent acclaim of his recent work Moonrise Kingdom,with a nomination of Golden Globes (Congrats Wes!) and a new film The Grand Budpast Hotel,a period piece with a stellar cast (For me I am damn excited to hear that F Murray Abraham is in this film) which homages to Billy Wilder and Ernest Lubistch. I am going to give my two-cents of the Wes Anderson filmography. (In order of my preferences)

1)Rushmore (1998)

Story:An eccentric teenager Max Fischer,faced academic probation while he fall in love with a lonely kindergarten teacher Ms Cross while holding a friendship with Mr Blume.

My views:I could say this film is perhaps the most relatable films for me among Wes’ filmography and my instant favourite. I called it the Graduate in reverse (here another favourite film of mine). It is a little wry,yet it have the most touching moments on growing up and learning to find your purpose in life. I particularly loved the performance of Jason Schwartzman here.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment: I would choose Ooh La La By Faces ending,because it just fit on that moment where Max met his unrequited love Ms Cross and just dance away. Damn it,it was too beautiful and quite a bittersweet ending. I loved the revenge sequence of “A quick one who got away” by The Who,it was quite hilarious as hell and pretty unexpected.

Favourite Wes Anderson quote:  ”Sic transit gloria. Glory fades. I’m Max Fischer.”

2)Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Story: Two outcasts Sam and Suzy ran away while the entire community of New Penzance were looking for those runaway lovers.

My views: Being the first Wes Anderson film I watched,I instantly fall in love with his style with Moonrise Kingdom. I said it was the best cast ever with some surprises like Bruce Wills as the cop,Edward Norton as Scout Master Ward and cameos of Tilda Swinton and Harvery Ketiel are pretty awesome. However it was the two child stars that took the attention for me for adapting Wes’ whimsical style and their chemistry is flawless.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment:No denial,I probably played this tune more than 60 times in my iTunes library,Le Temps D’Amour by Francoise Hardy. I mean that scene of the two kids dancing in the beach and having a damn good time,there it goes to them doing the french kissing is that personification of young love. The chemistry of the actors are just perfection,with that awkwardness that we experience when we fall in love for the first time. Ever since this was my favourite Wes Anderson soundtrack piece. If I have to choose a second,it would be the narrator’s telling with Simple Symphony, Op.4 – 2. Playful Pizzicato. It is just perfect and add this childlike feel for this film.

Favourite Wes Anderson Quote: “I made you some jewelry. Are your ears pierced?”  (Yup that next moment is pure comedy when you hear Suzy scream and there she think it looks pretty.)

3) Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Story:Based on a book by Roald Dahl,Mr Fox,a former chicken thief pulled out the biggest heist in years,which threaten his community.

My Views:Screw it,this book was part of my childhood. Fantastic Mr. Fox was one of these books that I loved to read. I am pleasantly surprised over his adaptation on my favourite childhood book. It just make a good book much better and cause me to want to reread this book again. It have one of my favourite soundtracks of Wes Anderson and of course translating his quirky style to stop-motion animation was incredible. Maybe it is not for the little kids because of its dry humor,but it’s a worthwhile watch.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment: O.K the soundtrack of Fanatstic Mr Fox is super duper amazing,and I often played this. This have won for the best nostalgic award,when they played Love from my childhood film Robin Hood .This one was hard to find,that even my twin sister freaked out when she did not notice that reference..look out for that moment where Krisstoftern dived into the pool,that is where they played that song. For the rest,I do love the use of The Beach Boys here,especially Heroes and Villains,Street Fighting Man by The Rolling Stones for the battle with the rat and Mr Fox. Of course the ending tune-Let Her Dance is the winner for me and keep everyone in a good mood. Scores-wise they did that great job on that ditty on Boggis,Bunce and Bean.

Favourite Wes Anderson quote: Mrs. Fox: [to Ash] We’re all different. [indicates Mr. Fox] Mrs. Fox: Especially him. But there’s something kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there? (I would choose that damn hilarious King John-esque moment where they sang the song on Mr fox’s adventures)

4) The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Story:A dysfunctional families of former geniuses came along,when the absent Patriarch Royal came back to tell his family that he was going to die.

My Views: Perhaps it was a more heartfelt and absolutely funny,yup it did take the attention for an extremely witty script,great soundtrack and of course very great acting. One of my favourite Wes Anderson characters is of course Royal which is played wonderfully by Gene Hackman (Yup he is an asshole but I love that man).  Of course it gave me a new perspective on actors that I consider to be that damn overrated like Ben Stiler and Gwyneth Partrow. Yes I can see that Owen Wilson can actually act pretty well thanks to Wes Anderson’s direction. Perhaps it have the best ensemble chemistry besides Moonrise Kingdom. Of course the set design is pretty gorgeous to look at.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment: This holds for the second,for best use of popular music. I love the medley of She Smiled sweetly/Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones where Margot and Richie met together. I mean the emotions was absolutely perfect there and of course the lyrics of that song Ruby Tuesday just make my heart ache so much.

Favourite Wes Anderson quote:

Royal: Got a minute?
Ethel: [startled] What are you doing here?
Royal: Uh, I need a favour. I want to spend some time with you and the children.
Ethel: Are you crazy?
[she carries on walking]
Royal: Well, wait a minute, dammit!
Ethel: Stop following me!
Royal: Well, I want my family back.
Ethel: Well, you can’t have it! I’m sorry for you, but it’s too late.
Royal: Well, listen… Baby, I’m dying.
[she stops]
Royal: Yeah, I-I’m sick as a dog. I’ll be dead in six weeks. I’m dying.
Ethel: What are you talking about? What’s happening? Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t know…
[starts crying]
Ethel: Well, what’d they say? What is the prognosis?
Royal: [trying to comfort her] Take it easy, Ethel. Now, hold on, baby, hold on. Hold on, OK?
[she starts wailing]
Ethel: Where is the doctor?
Royal: Well, look, just wait a second now. Wait a second. OK, uh, listen, I’m not dying… but I need some time. A month or so. OK? I want us to-to…
[she slaps him hard]
Ethel: WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU? Are you crazy?
[she walks off]
Royal: Ethel, baby… I am dying.
[she comes back to him]
Ethel: Are you or aren’t you?
Royal: What? Dying? Yeah.

yes we did that for directing class,here Gene Hackman and Huston are just flawless together here!

5) Bottle Rocket (1994)

Story: 3 young dreamers Anthony,Digman and Bob planned a big heist mission in order to achieve these dreams.

My Views:Being that debut film of Wes Anderson,this have some of his style. Some parts are little dry and sometimes confusing for me. However it shows me again that Owen Wilson can act pretty well and the cinematography is pretty amazing. Music-wise it’s a little resemblance to his current films.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment: Arrgggghh I can’t remember any music from Bottle Rocket D: It’s not one of my favourite soundtracks here..

Favourite Wes Anderson quote: “What do you think I was doing the whole time you were out there man? I told you Dignan got fired, out on his ass. But you didn’t think about that, did you. In the end it’s easier to think about yourself than it is to think about Dignan.”

6)Hotel Chevailer/The Darjeeling limited (2007)

Story: 3 estranged brothers went through a spiritual journey in India after a year of their father’ s death.

My views:This film is slightly serious as opposed to his previous works where he used the playfulness of Truffaut and Welles. Here Wes Anderson was inspired by Jean Renoir’s The River and Sajitay Ray’s films. While I find the story to be lacking in some parts especially the spiritual aspect of it. However I find this film the strongest for Wes’ visual style in bold splashes of blue and yellow. Music-wise,it was a contrast as he used Ray’s film scores for his soundtrack which was quite bold. However I prefer the use of The Kinks and that little ditty. The acting of Brody,Wilson and Schwartzman are pretty great that I am convinced that they are brothers.

For Hotel Chevalier,I like that short,this is where he is at his strongest in compressing his unique style within 3 minutes and of course it have one of my other favourite Wes Anderson music moments. I suggest that you watched the short before the film,because in the dialogue,one of the brothers wrote his experience depicted in his short.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment: Yes I am in love with that Peter Sarsdelt: Where do you go (My lovely). I called this a perfect F- you song to your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend/ best friend thanks to Darjeeling Limited. Do watch it and you get what I mean. For the rest,it’s not the Ray’s scores,I love Strangers by The Kinks and of course that sneaky Rolling Stones song “Play with Fire”

Favourite Wes Anderson quote: “I wonder if the three of us would’ve been friends in real life. Not as brothers, but as people.”

7)The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Story:Steve Zissou,an oceangrapher goes with is misfit crew to hunt for the mythical jaguar shark.

My Views: Perhaps this film was one of the least favorite Wes Anderson films among critics. I am one of them,while I enjoyed the whimsical animation of the sea creatures and the production design of the ship’s interior. I am not in favor with the story-plot which was pretty messy for my taste and the acting was pretty bad despite having two of his veterans Bill Murray and Anjelica Huston. Soundtrack-wise,it does not fit the film’s atmosphere unfortunately despite Seu Jorge’s great renditions to Bowie classics.

Favourite Wes Anderson music moment: As I am not much of a Bowie fan,I can’t comment much how it fits the film’s context . Seu’s covers are amazing but however I think it does not fit the film. However I do like “Queen Bitch” ending sequence (with a great jam of that song by Seu himself) and Life on Mars by Bowie himself.

Favourite Wes Anderson quote: “Oh, shit! Swamp leeches. Everybody, check for swamp leeches, and pull them off… Nobody else got hit? I’m the only one? What’s the deal?”

So anyway here is my rundown of the Wes Anderson filmography! So do let me know what are you favourite Wes Anderson films by your comments or my tumblr page! Now I am looking forward to his next film

Power of Beethoven in A Clockwork Orange

WARNING THIS POST CONTAIN NSFW IMAGES

An appreciation to The Big Lebowski (1998)

Well I heard about this cult-classic through some cinephile friends and lecturers,there I managed to get this cult classic in conjunction with Jeff Bridges (A.K.A the Dude)’s b’day on 4 December….I decided to watch this classic. I hate to admit it,I am in love with this film. It’s not in a fangirling manner and here are my reasons. Whenever you find it in a wink in your local Tv like this

Or perhaps it is just a quick stumbling like me

The Dude Abides!

For the history of this film,before The Coen brothers made Barton Fink (Another fave of mine). It was a box-office disappointment if you look in a financial producing perspective and of course it came out with mixed reviews if you are in a film critic’s perspective. Well like red wine,it aged well with time during its quirkiness and great dialouge. So here is the story of the Big Lebowski is simply about a slacker Jeff Lebowski A.K.A The Dude who got himself in a mess when he was mistaken for the cold millionaire Jeffery Lebowski and there it snowballed to the kidnap of his wife and of course a friend who wanted the cash. Yup we have the WTH face,a slacker doing something crazy. Of course it wasn’t your cheesy Hollywood thing,when you encounter the Coen Brothers-it became something different.

First of all,what I loved about The Big lebowski-it was seriously quotable. Here is the assortment of the quotes you would say.

Of course we struggle with the writing of dialogue,but the beauty of Lebowski was how natural the dialouge is and I dare you not to say “F***in’ A” or my version Freaking A! after watching the film. I keep on quoting the dude line randomly.

It leads to my second favourite thing from The big Lebowski is the extremely comedic moments. I think every part of the film is hilarous. Here is are my  favourite moments

I am surprised they should add this as one of the moments that used classical music. This never ever grows old for me. I dunno why the use of Mozart’s Requiem in such a serious moment and The Dude going “Ok..yah…” while Mr Lebowski discussed something serious is hilarious. This is how to use classical music for comedic effect

This itself is also pretty too priceless,here a chirpy song played a snowballing effect to find something mysterious.

Of course there are so many honorable mentions for the best moments of that film,anyway man…this film is just hilarious that I could narrow down with these few.

There it lead me why I loved the Big Lebowski,the great performances for so many underrated actors-may I give a shout-out to John Goodman as Walter ? He was a favourite for me ever since Barton Fink,everytime he keep shouting “Donny Shut the Fuck Up” with such comedic timing and of course the “Stranger” is too epic. Of Course we abide the “Dude” Jeff Bridges is awesome as the Dude. We actually symphatize him on his journey and Bridges make him so believable to the point most of the “Dude”clothes were actually his.

I saw this post once and thought I like to share with you because it summarised the film in an interesting light is about the perceptions of masculinity. O.K I was mind-blown that I could take some exercepts from it

“Anyway, like I was saying, the film answers a single, very important philosophical question, a question that is posed at the beginning of the film by The Big Lebowski (the character): “What makes a man?”

The rest of the film is devoted to answering this question. Or, if I were to rephrase this in a way relevant to reality, the film questions the conventional notion of a “man” or masculinity in today’s society.

The film takes all pre-conceived societal notions about masculinity being defined as body image, and turns all of that on its head with Jeff Bridge’s character The Dude. Here we have: an unemployed slacker and stoner, physically unfit, cowardly, poor, etc. etc. As far from society’s (and the audience’s!) notion of what a real manly character should be.

And yet. By the end of the movie, one can certainly make the claim that The Dude is NOT cowardly. Doesn’t he spend the film trying to dive to the bottom of a mystery that he doesn’t even want to be a part of? Despite what he may appear to be on the outside, by the end of the movie The Dude is definitely more courageous and willing to do what’s right than at the beginning.

When I watched in the end-I simply go what the hell,but love the comedy. There after reading this post,it gained my respect for this film. How do we perceive the idea of masculinity,not by appearance but his traits and willingness.  It is quite philosophical especially learning to take things by stride. I actually loved this quote from The Dude to move on life. Even before I watched that film,I actually reblogged a GIF set on this line and it helps me in so many ways

Perhaps that is why it sprouted conventions and revitalize a long-forgotten cocktail.Of course it helps that this film can be seen in different perspectives,when it was a modern take of The Big Sleep or simply a comedy to laugh on. You must attempt this comedy. You should!

Les Enfants review

Les Enfants review

Well,as promised I have my thoughts of that French classic! So enjoy!

Les Enfants du Paradis expérience-the magic of the big screen

The Highlight for me last night

During that gruelling semester,I received a very wonderful surprise in school email inbox. Here I have the saying on this film

It has been brought to my attention that one of the greatest films ever made (yes!) is screening at the National Museum of Singapore in December. It is Marcel Carne’s LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS – made in 1945 during the German occupation of France. I cannot recommend this film highly enough – it is about the theatre – and so much more – and featuring some of France’s finest actors of that time, including the great Jean Louis Barrault. You will never forget seeing this film – it may even change your perspective about acting.  

Of course – you can hire/download this and watch it on a small screen – but this does not do this masterpiece any justice. To experience the full impact of this film you need to see it on the big screen.

Of course I cannot resist that offer (aside from my much needed Singapore film society offer for free tickets). My country do show old films once in a while on the big screen. Plus I know that experience of watching on the big screen is amazing,having watched Bertloucci’s The Last Emperor on the big screen last May. Plus I heard about the restoration of that French classic,so of course I wanted to go there.

Plot-wise,it was a love triangle between a mime Baptiste (Played wonderfully by Jean-Louis Barrault) and Garache,a free-spirited socialite. Yup it sounds like your atypical Korean melodrama or even worse (for my case) Fleming’s Gone with The Wind which I loathe. Luckily it did not go for this route for me. (More will be talked on my tumblr blog)

It was pretty hard for me to stay up all night to watch this beauty,with an uncomfortable seat and an extremely warm air-con (I remember the last time I came,it was freakin’ cold). I feel slightly ashamed to go back and forth to the toilet and secretly binging snacks and water to keep me alert. I am not too happy with the projection though,it was seen as squashed and did not do justice to the restoration of that beautiful film. Yes I am ranting it out on the flaws of the screening,as I seen better screenings than this.

As I went back home,I realize that I could also have that big-screen experience at my own home. I am more comfortable in my slacks,binging on snacks that would add calories and enjoy the coolness. While my country do not have that culture like America that consistently showed films of old. My local library is more than enough to satisfy my cravings for great cinema with its varied amount of DVDS.  I could borrow all the Criterion DVDS I want,sit on my couch and enjoy it. If I am exhausted,there is always a pause button and there I go for my little breaks. In addition,there is no irritating people gossiping on the big-screen.

However it was worth it to see films on the big screen was the audience’s reactions whenever it was foreign expats or the locals (I am surprised there is a decent amount of locals coming along to see this film-my faith in Singaporeans being cinephiles is restored). We laughed at Fredrick’s exaggerated actions,I hear the ohhhhhs on Pierre-François discovering the ill-fated lovers and of course we got hurt by the parting of Baptisite and Garcahane. (I was ugly-sobbing on the inside when I see this ending). Even as I left that hall,that British Lady hold on to my shoulder and recalled on watching that film.It was brief but it made my night. As Lynch commented on why we watched films “You go to films for different reasons: just go, and then there are ones that get down and thrill your soul.” It was definitely the experience that everyone feel is universal.

I say,while it is nice to watch all old movies I want in my DVD player at the comfort of my own home. However it does not replicate that universal emotion the audience have together. I am not saying that you must sit on the big-screen all the time to enjoy it. It might be at your own home. I think enjoying films is everywhere….As I shall conclude with a quote

I didn’t grow up thinking of movies as film, or art, but as movies, something to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Sydney Pollack

No matter where I watch a film,I am enthralled by the magic of film. It’s a way of life. Like the film’s setup,we are just watching a performance of ourselves here.

Predictions of the Oscar Best Animated Feature 2013

I have been following a bit on the oscars news and i am surprsied that 21 films are shortlisted for Best Animated feature for that year… So far it have an interesting mix of film genres that year.

Now here is my thoughts for which films would be nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature

Definitely

Brave

Yes I am a sucker for that movie and Pixar took it up to a notch on dealing with its first female protagonist and of course the landscapes are beautiful. I think it would get that nomination because of the story and the gorgeous animation here

A Liar’s Autobiography – The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman

It came to me as a surprise,I have been a Python fan for quite a while and seeing the trailer for the film. I am pretty impressed by the vast animation styles here. I think they translated the Pythonesque humor so well in their animated styles. I am hoping they would release that film into my country

Frankweenie

The stop-motion animation is too wonderful and I love those winks of horror movies.

Rise of The Guardians

Just watched this with my sister the other day,holy poop……I thought Brave was amazing. ROTG took the cake for its animation. I was entralled by the opening sequence and it gets better in every second. However I think it have a stiff competition with Brave on the technical aspect. However the story in Guardians is a little cliche (But I overlook it in my watching). So it was a difficult decision for me to decide which of these animated features are good because both have different qualities which I liked.

Maybe

From Up on Poppy Hill

It probably get in because it was a Ghibi film (Oscars have been nominating these countries over the years including the winner for 2002 Best Animated feature-Spirited Away which I don’t deny it). I heard it was directed by Goro Miyasaki (Hayao Miyasaki’s son). I watched one of his films and found it damn terrible. I heard lots of good things about this film but I need to see it

So these are my five for now as I did not watch the rest. So what do u think which films would be nominated for Best Animated Feature?