MOVIES
My favorite type of
movies these days seem to be thrillers with a touch of mystery and suspense. I
don’t really need a big amount of action and all that, a well-thought storyline
and some interesting, unexpected plot twists will do to keep me gripped.
The best movie I saw
last year in this specific category was definitely 'Gone Girl', although the fact
that our viewing of this movie was also our first visit to the awesome Cinema
Paradiso (Wanaka) might have helped a little bit…their couches are só comfy,
and the homemade cookies (warm out of the oven during the break!) só delicious, it
would even make watching bad movies still a good experience.
In Gone Girl, Nick
Dunne’s wife goes missing on their wedding anniversary. Amy Dunne (quite
excellently played by Rossamund Pike, who manages to give her character
something very unsettling and mysterious) seems like the perfect wife at first
sight, but as the story unfolds, some dirty little secrets are uncovered about
both Amy as well as Nick, who ends up being suspected of murdering his wife.
You’ll be put on the
wrong track multiple times while watching this movie, until you start doubting
even your own judgment. I think this is exactly what made it so enjoyable for
me. I believe the way the movie ends evoked quite some online discussions, but
that fact alone probably speaks for itself: it’s undoubtedly interesting.
One thing I’ve been
wondering about: would reading the book still be any good, now I’ve already
seen its movie adaptation? Usually I like it the other way around (first the book,
then the movie), but since I liked Gone Girl so much, it might be worth giving
a try? Let me know if you have read it: recommended, or not?
Oh, two other noteworthy movies of the same category I saw in 2014 were 'Prisoners (2013)' and 'The Keeper of Lost Causes (2013)'. If you happen to know any
similar titles not yet mentioned, I hereby command you to leave a comment ;)
'La Migliore Offerta' (or ‘The Best Offer’) was probably the movie with the most original storyline I
saw in 2014. I guess it could fall into the category ‘drama’, ‘romance’ and
‘mystery’…but even Mark (who deeply hates romantic drama’s) really enjoyed this
one. It’s just…different. It stuck with me afterwards for quite a while
actually! It’s just one of those stories that are told very subtly and
elegantly, with an ending that leaves you a bit speechless, and an after-effect
that’s unusually strong.
La Migliore Offerta tells the story of Virgil Oldman, an intelligent, quite eccentric and successful art auctioneer. He is contacted by a woman named Claire, the heiress of an impressive art collection that she wants auctioned. Virgil quickly finds out that Claire is not quite like his usual clients: she suffers from extreme agoraphobia and doesn’t even want to be seen by Virgil. They communicate by telephone, and through the door of the chamber she locks herself in, in the stunningly beautiful old manor she inherited as well. This all makes Virgil’s job quite complicated, but he can’t help but find himself slowly becoming more intrigued by this mysterious young woman, as well as in the curious parts of some kind of ‘automata’ he keeps finding throughout her house.
I’m not gonna give away any more of the story, you should just go watch for yourself how this psychological drama unfolds. Enjoy the beautiful cinematography, all the works of art and the excellent capturing of a very suspenseful atmosphere. Very original and highly recommended!
Les Femmes du 6e Étage (2010)
This is the only movie on this list that I didn’t watch together with Mark. He might have actually found it okay…but I guess it will be the most ‘women-aimed’ movie of the list (which doesn’t mean you should skip it if you’re a man, it’s just a heartwarming little movie without much action or stuff like that going on).
In ‘Les Femmes du
6ème Étage’ (or 'The Women on the 6th Floor’), stockbroker Jean
Louis Joubert leads a successful, but kinda boring existence in the early
French 1960’s. He’s married to the snobby, stiff Suzanne, and together they got
2 (quite spoilt and annoying) sons, who are at boarding school. In the period
this story takes place in, it became more and more common for French upper
class families to employ Spanish housemaids, who immigrated to France in search of a better life.
The Joubert family
forms no exception on this new habit, and we see the Spanish Maria arriving as
their latest help. Maria is quite something…wearing her heart on her sleeves,
not letting anyone run over her even though she’s just a ‘maid’, and - of course
- being a real Spanish beauty. It doesn’t take long before the bored Jean Louis
becomes intrigued by this passionate woman, and they develop some kind of
friendship.
The house Jean Louis
lives in forms one floor of a large building he owns. Another one of its floors is completely
occupied by all the housemaids of the neighborhood - a lively community of vivid Spanish women, supporting each other in trying to survive a foreign culture and its not always easy conditions for immigrant maids. Maria introduces Jean Louis to this new world, one he previously was
completely unaware of. He is astounded by some of the circumstances the women
have to live under, but also by the passion with which they tackle their
problems and approach life in general.
The friendship
between Maria and Jean Louis slowly expands itself to the other housemaids as
well, until ‘Monsieur Joubert’ becomes a kind of hero among them…resulting in
some quite hilarious situations (I mean, really? An upper class French
stockbroker and a bunch of passionate, giggling senoritas?!). You’re probably
already guessing the direction the story will take, but it never becomes too
sugary sweet. I also really like the historic impression it gives of that
specific period, in that specific place, with two different cultures becoming
entangled. Quite interesting! I’d recommend this lovely little movie as the
perfect watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon…maybe when the boyfriend or hubby has
other stuff to do ;)
Indie Game: The Movie (2012)
In the category of documentaries, 'Indie Game' stands out as my definite favorite of 2014. I love watching documentaries with Mark, we're both interested in a broad range of topics. Docu's are not for evenings though, we usually end up watching them in the morning, after having a sleep-in on Saturday or Sunday. I truly love these lazy mornings, spent in bed with many cups of coffee and something interesting to watch :)
In 'Indie Game', a couple of independent game developers are followed during their process of developing a new game. In contrast to big gaming companies, where a whole team - supported by a huge budget - works on a game, indie developers usually work on their own or sometimes with just one partner, dedicating (literally!) all their time and often sparse funds on a project they heartily believe in.
The games are very personal pieces of work (they definitely deserve to be called a form of art), often carrying some kind of emotional message; an idea or story the developer wants to convey. In some cases, you could even regard it as an attempt to communicate...something the average indie game developer (at least the ones portrayed in this documentary) doesn't seem to be very good at in the 'real' world. And that's exactly what makes this movie so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. You will find yourself cheering these guys on almost aloud, nearing the release date of their brainchild, barely able to handle all the pressure that comes with it. And then the tears will fill your eyes when they achieved huge success, but aren't able to enjoy it because the audience likes the game for the wrong reasons, they didn't grasp the underlying idea, and communication failed...once again.
Even if you're not into games, this documentary portrays such a fascinating and insightful picture of a very talented (but also very vulnerable) group of people, you're bound to finish watching it with a smile and a tear :)
I have this strong
feeling that all the movies of The Hunger Games series will end up appearing in
my annual favorite lists. The third one's no exception in any case!
I understand that the decision to split the third
book's ('Mockingjay') screen adaptation up in two movies received quite some
critique, but I certainly didn't find the first part of it boring or slow. I
love how close it stays to the book, and that there's a bit more space now for
the characters and different layers to be worked out (as opposed to one movie
filled with action and highlights following each other up in great speed). What
I also found especially interesting about Mockingjay part 1, is how it shows
the behind-the-scene propaganda during war; it gives an impression of how
a fascist system could possibly work.
I love Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, I just thinks she does a great
job as Katniss. I recently saw her in another movie ('Silver Linings Playbook' (2012), nice one by the way!),
and was very impressed by how she managed to play a more mature (and kinda
disturbed) personality, she pulled it off effortlessly! Lots have been said and
written about the Hunger Games series already, it’s not like my little review
will add much…so I’ll keep this one short. The cliffhanger at the ending keeps
me anxiously waiting for the grand finale; the second half of the last book was my favorite part of the whole series! (Anyone else who thinks that the apocalyptic surroundings of Katniss' (and her team's) final mission in the Capitol form a fantastic opportunity for some kind of video game?)
Alright, that's 5 movies! Now I have a problem...because I kinda want to mention 2 more movies that I found really good, too good not to tell you about them. But the plan was to make up a list of 15 items: 5 books, 5 movies and 5 series! Oh well... I will probably never be able to write short blog posts anyway, so here we go ;)
Alright, that's 5 movies! Now I have a problem...because I kinda want to mention 2 more movies that I found really good, too good not to tell you about them. But the plan was to make up a list of 15 items: 5 books, 5 movies and 5 series! Oh well... I will probably never be able to write short blog posts anyway, so here we go ;)
I don’t think Wes Anderson's movies will ever be criticized of having standard plots (although, what can I say…I only watched this one and Moonrise Kingdom, so pardon me if I make a big generalization here!). Don’t pick one of his productions if you’re in the mood for a good ol’ action thriller or something like that….however, if you’re up for something very unique and eye-pleasing: give it a go!
So, a not-so-standard plot, what does that mean? The storyline, following the curious adventures of Gustav H. (concierge of the legendary Grand Budapest Hotel), and his friend and protégé Zero (the Lobby Boy) is at times quite bizarre, to put it mildly. Full of strange moments, dark humor, brilliantly weird conversations and completely unexpected plot twists, this story might leave you behind a bit flabbergasted. In a good way though!
Take the setting of the story, for example: the (imaginary) former East European 'Republic of Zubrowka'. A setting that Anderson manages to bring to life with his magical cinematographic touch. All his trademark elements are present: bright colors, a magnificent eye for detail and perfection (literally every little detail in the dreamy world Anderson created here is perfect, you have to watch it multiple times to fully appreciate it!), the peculiar use of symmetry, quirky one-liners and oh, the nostalgia... This is the very definition of eye-candy!
When one of the regular female guests of the Hotel (whom Gustav serves in évery need...) dies and Zero and Gustav are invited for the reading of her will, they find out that she left Gustav a very valuable painting: 'Boy with Apple'. The woman's son is not particularly happy with this arrangement, leaving Gustav and his friend no choice but to steal the painting, setting off a series of events that will take the viewer on a visual rollercoaster only Anderson can present you with. A work of art, in the truest sense of the word, really!
Housebound (2014)
I couldn't resist putting this one on the list as well, because, well...it's a New Zealand production! And let me tell you, the resourceful Kiwi's seem to be knowing a thing or two about making a good movie. Just because it's not a Hollywood production and therefore probably got a lot less attention, doesn't mean that this über cool horror-comedy isn't worth watching.
Yes, horror-comedy. That sounds like a weird combination, doesn't it? I for one wasn't too sure about what to expect...it seemed impossible to pull off such kind of thing without giving in something on the horror part, or (or worse: ánd!) the comedy part. And then when both elements don't really succeed, the movie would just be sloppy, you know? But, I have to admit: 'Housebound' is really a creepily scary ánd funny movie! I would like to add 'heartwarming' to that as well :)
In 'Housebound' we see Kylie Bucknell returning to her childhood home, where she's put on home detention by the court. Kylie is not exactly delighted about having to live again together with her mom, a sweet but superstitious blabbermouth who believes the house is haunted. Her daughter dismisses this as complete crap and behaves like a grumpy teenager, until she starts experiencing some weird things herself. Is her bored mind just playing tricks on her, or is there really some truth in her mom's convictions?
One thing I love about good horror movies are those 'jump-one-meter-into-the-air' moments. 'Housebound' has them - Mark always has a good laugh at me on those moments. One thing I hate about horror movies though is unrealistic crap, which often seems to take all the scariness out of it (the more realistic it is, the more creepy it is, right?!). Oh, and I hate predictability as well...you know, those movies in which you already know in the first scene who's going to die and who will survive? Aargh... I'm not gonna spoil too much here, but let me just tell you that you don't have to worry about these things with 'Housebound'. You wíll jump up in the air at least one meter (or maybe just on the inside, if you're one of those cool, chilled-out guys...but admit it, you wére scared!!), and you will laugh as well. Maybe not so much rolling-on-the-floor laughing, the laughs this movie will evoke are probably a bit more of the smiling-kind. You will be fascinated by the interesting plot, and the quite unexpected ending, leaving you behind with a whole lot more appreciation for the Kiwi film industry. A true little gem!
(On my to-watch list is also 'What we do in the shadows' (2014), another New Zealand production (and another horror-comedy!) I now have high expectations of!)
So, a not-so-standard plot, what does that mean? The storyline, following the curious adventures of Gustav H. (concierge of the legendary Grand Budapest Hotel), and his friend and protégé Zero (the Lobby Boy) is at times quite bizarre, to put it mildly. Full of strange moments, dark humor, brilliantly weird conversations and completely unexpected plot twists, this story might leave you behind a bit flabbergasted. In a good way though!
Take the setting of the story, for example: the (imaginary) former East European 'Republic of Zubrowka'. A setting that Anderson manages to bring to life with his magical cinematographic touch. All his trademark elements are present: bright colors, a magnificent eye for detail and perfection (literally every little detail in the dreamy world Anderson created here is perfect, you have to watch it multiple times to fully appreciate it!), the peculiar use of symmetry, quirky one-liners and oh, the nostalgia... This is the very definition of eye-candy!
When one of the regular female guests of the Hotel (whom Gustav serves in évery need...) dies and Zero and Gustav are invited for the reading of her will, they find out that she left Gustav a very valuable painting: 'Boy with Apple'. The woman's son is not particularly happy with this arrangement, leaving Gustav and his friend no choice but to steal the painting, setting off a series of events that will take the viewer on a visual rollercoaster only Anderson can present you with. A work of art, in the truest sense of the word, really!
Housebound (2014)
I couldn't resist putting this one on the list as well, because, well...it's a New Zealand production! And let me tell you, the resourceful Kiwi's seem to be knowing a thing or two about making a good movie. Just because it's not a Hollywood production and therefore probably got a lot less attention, doesn't mean that this über cool horror-comedy isn't worth watching.
Yes, horror-comedy. That sounds like a weird combination, doesn't it? I for one wasn't too sure about what to expect...it seemed impossible to pull off such kind of thing without giving in something on the horror part, or (or worse: ánd!) the comedy part. And then when both elements don't really succeed, the movie would just be sloppy, you know? But, I have to admit: 'Housebound' is really a creepily scary ánd funny movie! I would like to add 'heartwarming' to that as well :)
In 'Housebound' we see Kylie Bucknell returning to her childhood home, where she's put on home detention by the court. Kylie is not exactly delighted about having to live again together with her mom, a sweet but superstitious blabbermouth who believes the house is haunted. Her daughter dismisses this as complete crap and behaves like a grumpy teenager, until she starts experiencing some weird things herself. Is her bored mind just playing tricks on her, or is there really some truth in her mom's convictions?
One thing I love about good horror movies are those 'jump-one-meter-into-the-air' moments. 'Housebound' has them - Mark always has a good laugh at me on those moments. One thing I hate about horror movies though is unrealistic crap, which often seems to take all the scariness out of it (the more realistic it is, the more creepy it is, right?!). Oh, and I hate predictability as well...you know, those movies in which you already know in the first scene who's going to die and who will survive? Aargh... I'm not gonna spoil too much here, but let me just tell you that you don't have to worry about these things with 'Housebound'. You wíll jump up in the air at least one meter (or maybe just on the inside, if you're one of those cool, chilled-out guys...but admit it, you wére scared!!), and you will laugh as well. Maybe not so much rolling-on-the-floor laughing, the laughs this movie will evoke are probably a bit more of the smiling-kind. You will be fascinated by the interesting plot, and the quite unexpected ending, leaving you behind with a whole lot more appreciation for the Kiwi film industry. A true little gem!
(On my to-watch list is also 'What we do in the shadows' (2014), another New Zealand production (and another horror-comedy!) I now have high expectations of!)
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