The Towering Inferno

The Expectation:
I have to admit that I watched this film because I read one of the books it was based on almost 10 years ago- The Glass Inferno. Since then, I learned that this movie was adapted from two books that were so similar it would have been silly to make two separate films (and thus two studios could combine their resources to make one giant blockbuster). A fire engulfs the largest skyscraper in the world (in San Fran), wreaking havoc on the many different players still residing within- the builders, businessmen, residents, rescue teams.... Think about a 1970's version of The Lord of the Rings- or something to that effect. Billed as a Disaster Movie!, I got very excited when I saw the cast- Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire, Robert Vaughn, Robert Wagner, OJ Simpson?- and thus, I prepared myself for a fantastically 70's blockbuster extravaganza.

The Result:
Terrible! I was expecting cheesy dialogue, out of date special effects, and blockbuster-esque epics but this film takes it to a whole new level- so much so that I kind of wish that I was alive when it came out so I could objectively weigh the contemporary response to it. Was it embraced like so many of our wonderfully over the top blockbusters today (Transformers, we love you!) or was it shunned into bankruptcy? The problem that I have with so many big films is that they forget about the story. This film almost had no story, unless you can somehow synthesize the many half stories mixed together to make the complete film. The movie focused only on spotlighting its many A+ list actors- and the mini stories that their characters held- without actually developing the creation of the fire, the back story where animosities lay, the consequences, etc. Each actor got their own film-and long drawn out scenes that rarely connected to the whole climactic fire arc. As it should have been, the building was one of the star characters, but the film spent too much time taking in the scenery of it all- as if to impress the audience watching at the time. "Ooh, look at the plush carpets, the sloping lobby, the grand penthouse", etc. I half expected to see some obvious product placement. And at its core, the film pitted the architect (Newman) against the fireman (McQueen) for its final lesson of development versus safety. Where is that border anyway, where profit and greed eclipse human decency and compassion? In some way, this shameless film is a hypocrisy of the film's final scenes- where the fireman chastises the architect for not asking him how to build a safe skyscraper. Alas, I fear we still have not learned thirty years later.

If you see it watch out for:
Don't watch it- your curiosity is not worth the pain.

Flickr Image- Chris Friese

Happy Go Lucky (2008)

The Expectation
This film is exactly my kind of film and so I think my expectations were a bit higher than the average viewer. I am a fan of quirky and unique independent films that are put together well. Everyone has there favorite film and this is mine- the pace, the odd shots, the perfectly timed music, etc. We can say I was very excited about this one.

The Result
I don't know if it was my high expectations or if the film was really not that good, but it fell short for me. Although Poppy is a great character and Sally Hawkins plays the character quite well, the film lost itself in its lack of plot and uninteresting dialogue. Silences that could have creatively been used as white space to heighten the difference in perspective of Poppy and the other characters- the main point of the film's narrative- were trite and boring and made the film seem very long. As a film viewer in this culture, I am used to the cliche narrative and thrilled when it is broken- except for when it is forgotten entirely, and I cannot help but feel as though watching the film was a waste of my time. The main plot point contrasting Poppy's undying happiness with the despair of others merely lingers. Poppy's unnatural joy is not developed, interrogated, or even commented on throughout the film and thus the message about personal perspective creating happiness gets lost in a sea of bright colors and beautiful British accents.

What to look for:
A sea of bright colors- the costumes are excellent
and the beautiful British accents
One great scene between Poppy and the driving instructor, Scott, yelling at each other in the street.

Flickr Image- Lucy Nieto

Angels and Demons (2009)

The Expectation:
So I know that this is one of the major blockbuster films out there this summer. It is hard not to know that, even if you don't like films, and thus my expectations lie in accordance with this knowledge. Blockbusters come with their own formula- lots of action, traditional narratives, big stars, .... You get it. I also read the book. This was the main reason for my journey to see the film. That and I also happen to have a real nasty cold, and thus, I went out to see the big blockbuster for a much needed escape from reality- and free popcorn Tuesdays!

The Result:
This film is exactly what I thought it would be. Although I saw the first one in Amsterdam so a lot of the dialogue was lost on me through Dutch subtitles, I could tell you right away that Tom Hanks is a horrible Robert Langdon. Whoever cast him in that role should be shot. Up close. Robert Langdon is suave and charming, knowledgeable without being pretentious. Tom Hanks makes him into a creepy old dude with a horrible receading hairline. There is no room for sexual tension in this film. The lead female is sad-her role seems contrived and insensitive-if only because the already over packed plot leaves no room for her backstory (and Hanks gives her no reason to be relevant to his character). But there is no shortage of suspense and intrigue. Ron Howard directs the film like it is any other big Hollywood blockbuster- one moves from plot point to plot point rapidly and the suspense builds fast enough that you have no time to realize that you already know what is going to happen and who will end up with the blame at the end. And the tour through Rome leaves me nostalgic and it is the only reason I suddenly want this film to be greater than it is- to reflect the great majestic quality of the city. Instead, the plot is more important than the underlying messages and the great masses of Christian fans come off as pithy and easily deceived. The film hints that preserving the perception of ritual is greater than the ritual's reality. In this way, the film embodies that message- preserving the great Hollywood style (and economic engine) so that it has the hope of remaining sustainable. Please, read the book instead- you learn more about history and you still get that great suspense. Or if you are sick, dive in all the way into the conventions- get popcorn.

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

The Expectation: Phillip Seymour Hoffman is an amazing actor and Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation) is strange. Thus, I was expecting genius and totally prepared for the odd and the unusual, but done in the right way. Otherwise, I don't even think I had seen the preview.

The result: Genius and strange. The film is one of those glorious abstract stories where the plot itself is secondary to the messages. Who cares what really happens in a logical world; the longing that the film creates is unprecedented. Kaufman moves between time and space, through reality into metaphor and does not stop to ask you if it is ok. But the pace of the film constructs an atmosphere that reflects real loneliness, and that can only happen when real time is thrown aside and the character is rich, believable, and endearing. We do not pity him but we get close; and it is in this moment that one can really understand what Kaufman is trying to invoke- for you to relate to Caden grappling with this life. How can we really make sense of it; how can we relate to others who "are all disappointing" eventually. You will like this one but only if you don't focus on the plot too much- like viewing a magic eye poster- make your vision blurry and you will see the hidden image.

Things to pay attention to:
Samantha Morton- I underestimated her until this very moment.
Adele's art- Charlie Kaufman, you are a genius.

The Wrestler

The Wrestler (2008)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky

The Expectation:
This one took me a bit to see because I just seemed to miss it in the small amount of time it was in my town's independent theater. So, after the Oscar hype and watching the trailer a few times, lets just say that my expectations were high. I knew what I was getting into. I expected great acting, a very human story, and fantastic filming. In short, I wanted it to be the great independent drama that I live for in my love for film.

The result:
And it was. Go see this film. Not only is the story good, and the acting great, but the pace is righ on. The pain that these characters embody is real and it is hard to not become heavily invested in their lives- even though you may know where the film is headed. And the filming is very fantastic. There is a very interesting connection between the two lead characters in a way that allows Aronofsky to make a statement about the perception our culture has of the lower class. Strippers and wrestlers are grouped through his unique filming and I found myself moved, by the end of the film, from cringing through the wrestling matches and lap dances, to an empathy I would not have thought myself capable of before watching the film. In a way, their human stories force you to believe in their pain, their fight, and their connection. They make you reconsider your own notions of wrestlers and strippers. Go out and watch this one. This film made me understand wrestling like I had not before- it was my Bagger Vance for wrestling.

Pay attention to:
The cinematography- dark and yet humbling tones.
The sequences where the two leads are filmed- walking shot from behind. Very cool.
Your progression- how does your reaction change throughout the film?
The nature of sacrifice- I had to think about this for a long while...

Priceless- Hors de prix (2006)

The expectation
Starring Audrey Tautou of Amelie and A Very Long Engagement, two beautifully stylized films with great performances by a talented and beautiful French actress, Priceless seemed like a light, romantic flick. My expectations were low, especially in the story itself. This means that the performances by the actors themselves had to hold the film up, forcing a bond between the characters and the audience. Good performances, mediocre story. And of course, I wanted the film to exhibit the stunning look that I have become accustomed to with Tautou's previous films (probably not very fair, but star personas do influence the films they carry).

The result
It is very slow in the beginning. As a character centered world, the film industry works to suture the audience to one or two characters to create a certain bond that makes them want to stay for the whole film. What will happen to the girl, the boy, will they get together? And so forth. Priceless' characters are Irene and Jean. Irene loves all the pleasures of a wealthy lifestyle and Jean loves Irene, but he is a working man. Initially, I despised Irene, for her treatment of Jean early on, but mostly because of her position in exploiting her youth and beauty to gain jewelry, expensive clothes, and accessories. She is devoid of pity, selfish and merciless in consuming. The setup is disgusting. And Jean goes along with it, he allows himself to be used, spending every amount of money he has on her, until he is broke and she walks away. Now he is disgusting. And this gives me enough despair of the two of them so that I do not care what happens next. And then I am disappointed because the game they play throughout the rest of the film is entertaining, but I still do not care. They are shameless together, both on equal footing, competing in the spirit of friendship. The end is cliche, and completely without any realism. Irene just drops her desire for things, even after the whole film forces it down you throat? It makes the whole film seem worthless and now I am angry at its triteness. But I can celebrate my own situation, my understanding of the fickleness of expensive desires. And that is what the film's intention is, to situate excess consumption for its own sake in one of Dante's rings of hell. So many American girls should see this film, but not because it is good.

Pay attention to (if you go)
The leads: both leading actors are beautiful, tanned, and pose well (sometimes that is all I can say).
Their intersection: If you survive the beginning, their intersecting stories as exploiters on equal footing is fun in a very meaningless way.
The scenery: beautiful long shots of resort areas on the French Riviera. The scenery is something to fight for.
The end: what would a sequel be like? Try to have a dialogue with the film's forced suspension of belief (you did it, you wanted them to be happy together at the end).
Materialism vs. Love and Happiness: which one really wins? suckers

Son of Rambow (2008)

The expectation
I saw a few previews of this one and just could not wait to see it. Making homemade videos while struggling against the pressures of everyday life. As a child, this includes school work, family expectations, and other everyday duties. Whether taking out the trash and emptying the dishwasher (my hard childhood), or avoiding television and staying true to his religious duties (the film's main character, Will Proudfoot), this is one story our escapist culture can relate to. Creating the film, Son of Rambow, becomes a journey just as important as all the other duties in a child's life, and makes them all worthwhile. This one had high expectations from me, but in a whimsical, fun way where I already understood the adventure.

The result
Son of Rambow is a delightful film that all movie lovers will appreciate. It is the dream we all had as children (and maybe still do), to pick up a camera and make a movie the old fashioned way. Editing with two VCRs (often off with the timing just a bit so scenes are cut off), striving for the seamlessness that you have already visualized over and over in your head, doing all your own stunts, and making the most of the resources around you. On a deeper level, it is the story of a boy and his journey to grow up, forced to leave his religious community's seclusion, and really interact with the difficult task of interacting with childhood peers. It was fun, creative, and touching yet managed to stay away from exaggerated drama. You can feel for these characters without it being forced on you. And the ending did choke me up a bit, but only because I wanted to be those kids again. Go see this one, it is a tribute to the power of imagination.

Pay attention to
The countryside: oh to live in a pastoral environment, it really informs the rest of the story, as environment always does!;
The Music: invoking The Cure is always a really good idea but they really fit with this film, good choice!;
The power of film: sometimes I talk about this way too much but movies are so culturally powerful in our society that being a part of their construction can attract a large variety of characters (by this I mean personalities). If only they were all really a space for the cultivation of diversity.
And the website: as whimsical and inspired as the film itself, and you can sample the music.