Film: Never Let Me Go (2010)

This dystopian science fiction alludes from the beginning to its subtly sinister plot lines, lovingly unfurling the tangled mesh of friendship, love and tragedy through narrator Kathy (Carey Mulligan). The superb acting and truthful portrayal of such complex characters, the main trio Kathy, Tommy and Ruth, who are all completely aware of what they are but have not yet understood who they are. This science fiction delves into the recesses of the human mind and questions humanity and emotion as states of mind and whether we have the ability to learn/develop these things or whether we are born with them.

The film is beautifully shot with much attention to lighting which romantisises certain scenes in contrast to the darkness of the plot. Like the book (by Ishiguro) the film is split into 3 parts which are symbolic and synominous with the stages each character will reach. Surprisingly the understated screenplay manages to capture and convey the ambience to the novel whilst moving it more into the realms of a love story but retaining its hypnotically tragic rhythm.

This is a highly emotional drama (with credit to the novel I was tearful as the film began) is Kathy's thoughts as she tries to unravel how she felt and what happened to her and her closest friends as they grew up. **SPOILER** Although on first glance, 2 women, 1 man, this appears to be a simple love traingle set against a ticking clock - each character must soon become a Donor. Look closer and really listen to what each of them say and you realise that the love story is that of the two friends Kathy and Ruth and how they felt that the external love for another was pulling them apart.

The theme of familial love or love for a friend/s is depicted as the strongest most enduring and the audience comes to see that these three mismatched characters formed themselves a family and it is this love which is juxtaposed with the clinical coldness of the faceless society and sciencentific development they are the victims of. It's a weepy one but definately worth it...

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1334260/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/never_let_me_go_2010/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/feb/10/never-let-me-go-review

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Let_Me_Go

Film: The King's Speech (2010)

This is a heartfelt and incredibly moving recount of the insecurities and battle of the stuttering King George VI (Colin Firth) who finds his voice, literally and metaphorically, to give assurance to a nation ill at ease at one of the great crisis points in history, WW2.
More than anything this narrative is carried by the performance and representation of the bromance between the King, or Bertie as he is often called, and Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) his speech therapist.
Do not be put off by the serious drama archetype or the story's basis in fact, this is an incredibly witty film with fanatastic comedic repore between Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bohnem Carter), King George and Lionel Logue, making this an emotionally stimulating and funny film. The dialogue is well thought out, the acting is brilliant and the final ambience of the film is uplifting and empowering. Loved it.

Related Links:
http://www.kingsspeech.com/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_kings_speech/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jan/06/the-kings-speech-review

Film: True Grit (2010)

I haven't seen the 1969 adaptation of True Grit but I was blown away by the latest reimagining. The three main characters (again the use of a trio to lead the film is a success) Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) and LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) are perfectly matched as rival, allies and verbal sparring partners. Do not be decieved by the Cowboy genre or the serious drama of the plot, True Grit is extremely entertaining and witty which balances the suspence and dark undertones.

In terms of genre this film stands out from the backdrop of serious drama and superhero films filling the cinema yet also stands out as a Western films as well. There are guns, horse riding, bent moral codes, revenge and a love of sorts that stand out as classic props or icons in any western but this narrative is led by a female protagonist of just 14 years old, she hires Cogburn to help her track down her father's killer and bring him to justice. It is Mattie's determination that drives the plot and throughout there is exploration of each character and the discovery of who has the true grit refered to in the title. It is key to note that it is this admirable quality which brings the trio together and defines the actions of each of them.

Cinematically the soundtrack is beautiful, particualarly the final song, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" (written by Elisha A. Hoffman and Anthony J. Showalter) and with a shocking end to the tale this film should be considered not only as a stand alone adaptation but as pure brilliance.

Related Links:

http://www.truegritmovie.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1403865/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmhBUxUDPTA

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065126/

Film: Black Swan (2010)

This is a suspenceful masterpiece of fear and mystery. The interwoven narrative of the tale of Swan lake perfectly mirrors and foreshadows the unravelling of 'perfect' ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman). The dual nature of the role of the Swan Queen ballerina who plays both the 'delicate' white swan and the 'dangerous' black swan implies the light in darkness within us all and therefore also the protagonist who, in her pursuit of perfection - to be both the white and black swan, the audience sees her descent into darkness. The antiquity of this tale gives Nina's breakdown almost poetic in style.

Hallucinations and imagined sequences are effectively used to show Nina becoming more and more unhinged by her paranoia and jealousy. The director has attempted to parallel the competitive strain that ballerina's put on their bodies to the break down of Nina's mental state. The dark lighting on screen and fearful ambience cause the audience to question everything as to whether it is in Nina's head or reality. The psychological horror element of Black Swan is brought through in small glimpses of shocking and flinch-making blood and pain.

There are brilliant plot twist and the narrative although led by Natalie Portman, who is phenominal, is supported by wonderful performances from Mila Kunis (Lily - a rival ballerina), Vincent Cassel (Thomas Leroy- the manipulative choreographer) and Winona Ryder (Beth - an older ballerina who has been pushed out of the company) who only appears briefly but is terrifyingly brilliant in the role.

The interplicing of the reaction shots with the actual ballet and performance are intriguing and brilliantly balanced and the look of the film, almost drained of colour in many places (would have been beautiful and even more terrifying in black and white) give it a classic and stunning image.

The ending is wonderfully done with understated dialogue (a style throughout the film which is both effective, eerie and realistic because ballet is free of speech, meaning is held almost entirely in movement) but predictable if you know the tale of Swan lake.

Related Links:

http://www.blackswanmovie.co.uk/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0947798/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jan/20/black-swan-review

Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

For my first book review I have chosen 'Pride and Prejudice' - how could I not when my blog is names after it. Pride and Prejudice was originally titled First Impressions before publishers changed it after the success of Sense and Sensibility.
Many of you will have seen the film or the TV series' that have been made and will therefore know the story and the delights of Mr Darcy. I was, before reading the novel for GCSE, fully prepared to loath the experience, but to my delight I loved it. If you have not read an Austen book it is quite easy to assume that it is written in the stuffy and proper manner of, for example, Charles Dickens (who although great is not known for writing succinctly).
I was releived but also stunned to find Jane Austen's style very contemporary and fascinating. She is witty and her wide variety of funny and engaging characters makes the story a joy to read.

Related Links:

http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pridprej.html

http://www.austen.com/pride/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/

Film: The Duchess (2008)

Starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes (in a role scarier than even Lord Voldemort), The Duchess is based on the true story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. This film is shot so as to show, not only the richly extravagant sets of period dramas and the glamour of Georgiana's character both in and out of the public eyes, but it also provides an intimate view of her life. The story reveals heartbreak and effortless emotion on the part of Keira Knightley and the story unfolds at a fast but not rushed pace. This film provides a unique strong female lead wrapped in turmoil that is engaging and thought provoking. Highly enjoyable but may not leave the viewer feeling happy.
Warning* There are a few sexual scenes during this film and maybe uncomfortable if viewed with parents!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864761/

http://www.theduchessmovie.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Duchess_(film)