The Theory of
Everything
The Theory of Everything is a biopic about the
early years of Stephen Hawking, specifically prior to his illness and the
marriage to his first wife. The first 20mins or so of the movie are like a
magical, romantic movie, except you know what happens next, and there's a
jolting feeling at the back of your mind waiting for things to fall apart.
I guess we all know - or think we know - the
story of Stephen Hawking, and presuming this was all authentic, there was much I
didn't know.
It was a close to perfect film, not a moment
wasted, nor a shot unnecessary, much like the great man's life. The
cinematography was poetic and beautiful but often harsh, it represented what was
happening within the story.
And what a story of resilience, beauty, love,
genius, and devastation. I admit to pretty much crying through the entire film,
but don't let that put you off. It IS emotional, and at times very sad, but it
is such an uplifting story of humanity at it's very best, this film simply MUST
be seen.
The acting is more than superb, Eddie Redmayne
has jumped the field and will, without a shred of a doubt, win Best Actor. He
transforms himself and becomes Hawking, so much so at times it is like watching
a documentary. And Felicity Jones was also outstanding, seeing both of their
transformations on screen is nothing short of amazing. Also Charlie Cloud, as
Jonathan, a family friend, lends another strong piece of acting to this already
outstanding film.
There is a scene towards the end of the film that
is so clever I want to mention it, but it's such a lovely surprise, you just
need to wait for it. This little nod is one of many clever pieces of
cinematography that ensures this film is top class entertainment and Oscar
worthy.
Imitation Game
The Imitation Game is a cracking story of triumph
over evil and it's straight from the history books. Alan Turing is the
forefather of invention, code breaking, and computers. He designed a machine to
crack the Nazi code machine known as Enigma. Without this invention, who knows
what our world would be like. This we all know, how he came about to get in this
position is lesser known and his life after the war ended even more
so.
The Imitation Game superbly shows us this and
more. It had great pace and flows like a thriller, with the viewer on the edge
of their seat hoping that the code can be cracked before Turing is tossed aside.
See the powers that be just didn't believe in the monstrous machine Turing
built. The movie also delves into Turing's personal life, with devastating
effects. Turing was a homosexual and during that time it was illegal to be
so.
Benedict Cumberbatch is outstanding as Turing. He
has made a career out of playing odd geniuses, but this role has so many layers
to it, he knocks it out of the park. Keira Knightley is also rather good as a
female code breaker who is close to Turing. I have never been a fan of
Knightley, but she managed to do a good job on this one, which is unusual. The
supporting case also very good.
This is an excellent biopic/historical film, some
outstanding moments, and very emotional too. The last 20mins were devastating.
It's a must see for the Oscar season.
Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher was a great film, but it was creepy.
The acting, however, was out of this world. If you've seen the trailer, you'll
know what I mean. And it was that trailer and those transformations of the
actors that intrigued and lured me to see the film and I am glad I
did.
Without a doubt the film is highly disturbing and
you feel incredibly unsettled the entire way through.
Foxcatcher is the story of the Schultz brothers,
Gold medal winning Olympic wrestlers. Mark, the younger of the two, played by
Channing Tatum, is down and out but training for the next Olympics. His brother
David (Mark Ruffalo) is doing a bit better, married with a family and coaching.
When John Du Pont (Steve Carell) approaches Mark to assist financially and
manage the Olympic wrestling team, Mark thinks all his dreams come
true.
Mark relocates to Foxcatcher, the sprawling Du
Pont estate and finds John enigmatic, and rather odd. In time David and his
family join him and David is unsure of what he is witnessing. Du Pont is
obsessive and possessive, seemingly trying to impress his harsh, elderly mother
(Vanessa Redgrave) and there are subtle hints his relationship with Mark is more
than just coach and sportsman. And then the
story really gets out of control and you are on the edge of your
seat.
This is a bizarre, but completely true story. I
am unsure how well known it was in America, but I was unsettled by
it.
The acting is quite superb. Every character loses
themselves in their roles in the most remarkable and unrecognisable way. Carell
is chilling and powerful and suitably impressive. I have always been a fan of
his and knew he would make a fine dramatic actor, his impersonations are always
impeccable. But this is no impersonation, he simply becomes Du Pont. Ruffalo is
also unrecognisable as David Schultz. Both are deservedly Oscar nominated. They
won't win, but their time will come. Channing Tatum was robbed of a nomination
as his performance was haunting and devastating.
This is not a film for everyone, but if you like
unusual and intriguing stories and love watching powerhouse acting, you will
delight in Foxcatcher.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment