3.7.13

Viewing Stoker

Stoker is a suspense/thriller film that centers on the lives of family members who were victims of traumatic experiences. These stressful incidents in their past had immensely affected their personality to the point that they had developed  some kind of psychiatric disorders. Their illness had led them into a chaotic turn of events, interdependently affecting one character with another.

What I love about the film is its awesome cinematography. A lot of dolly movements and panning are involved to add to the thrill and excitement. The storytelling style is also worthy of praise since it has connected the past events adroitly to the present scenarios. Music is also commendable since it drives well with the emotions raised in the film. The actors are also in tune with their characters, making their portrayal effective. I have also observed a lot of symbolisms in the film, creating artistry and wit to the story.

Stoker is directed by South Korean filmmaker Chan-wook Park and stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, and Matthew Goode.

photo credit: clotureclub.com
photo credit: themoviejerk.co.uk



2.7.13

Just In My List of Funny Movies

He's Way More Famous Than You is a superbly funny film that revolves around Halley Feiffer, a promising actress who lost it all because of alcohol addiction and other incidents of work misconduct. After the split-up with his filmmaker/scriptwriter boyfriend, Halley had no idea what to do to keep her career going. She eventually decided to make her own film starring herself and her brother who was hoping much that this would be his big break. Asking his brother's boyfriend to be the director of her film, Halley braved everything, even kidnapping a well-known comedian and replacing her brother with an a-list star just to make her film made.

Directed by Michael Urie, the film could sometimes get corny yet it didn't get into my veins since Feiffer, who also played as her, had delivered her humorous antics pretty well. She was supported by equally entertaining actors who also justified their roles creatively.  Although the funny scenes came out exaggerated at times, the execution was cute, you couldn't help yourself from laughing. The script was ridiculously hilarious just as with the characters in the movie, which in turn solidified the whole story.

This film is just the pill that you need when you want to get those happy hormones up. We can learn here that it does not take to step on others, most especially on your loved ones, just to reach the top.

photo credit: www.moviefactory.org



1.7.13

For the Heaven Listens

I was touched by these colorful flag-lets hanging at St. Clement's Church. They were like rays coming from the big image of the Immaculate Concepcion located just above the church's entrance roof. Written on these triangular flags were petitions of different people asking grace from God such as good health for the family, a successful career and business, and fruitful board exam results. Indeed, faith and prayer give us strength in times we have doubts in our lives.



A Key Grip's Adventurous Life

I'm currently reading this book by Dustin Beall Smith which I cheaply purchased from Book Sale.  It is an interesting memoir of a key grip that will give you a ride to his roller coaster life of family and career drama. Film buffs would surely love to read this for it tackles politics in the film industry based on the author's point of view as well as the traps involved while working within it. Honest and brave, the book does tell us about the writer's struggle to stay in his competitive job as he tries to fight his addictions.