New Releases (22/11/12)

In cinemas this week: the 23rd installment in the James Bond Franchise, Skyfall, Julie Delpy's sequel to 2 Days in Paris, 2 Days in New York, the documentary about the infamous Harper's Bazaar fashion editor, Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel and Electrick Children.

Skyfall - James Bond is back for another adventure in the 23^rd installment of the popular spy franchise. Oscar winning British director, Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition), is the man at the helm for Skyfall, the third feature starring Daniel Craig as 007. A figure from M’s (Dame Judi Dench) past – a rouge agent named Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) – resurfaces and targets MI6. Bond (Craig) with the assistance of his new Quartermaster (Ben Wishaw) traverses the globe in his attempts to take down this dangerous new threat.

2 Days In New York - Hip talk-radio host and journalist Mingus (Chris Rock) and his French photographer girlfriend, Marion (Julie Delpy), live cozily in a New York apartment with their cat and two young children from previous relationships. But when Marion's jolly father (played by Delpy's real-life dad, Albert Delpy), her oversexed sister, and her sister's outrageous boyfriend unceremoniously descend upon them for an overseas visit, it initiates two unforgettable days of family mayhem. The visitors push every button in the couple's relationship, truly putting it to the test. How will the couple fare. . . when the French come to New York?

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel - During Diana Vreeland's fifty year reign as the "Empress of Fashion," she launched Twiggy, advised Jackie Onassis, and established countless trends that have withstood the test of time. She was the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar where she worked for twenty-five years before becoming editor-in-chief of Vogue, followed by a remarkable stint at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, where she helped popularize its historical collections. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel is an intimate portrait and a vibrant celebration of one of the most influential women of the twentieth century, an enduring icon who has had a strong influence on the course of fashion, beauty, publishing and culture. 

Electrick Children - Rachel is a rambunctious teenager from a fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah. On Rachel's 15th birthday, she discovers a forbidden cassette tape with rock music on it. Having never heard anything like it, Rachel has a miraculous experience. Three months later, Rachel turns up pregnant and claims to have had an immaculate conception from listening to the music. Rachel's parents arrange a marriage for Rachel, but Rachel runs away to the closest city, Las Vegas, to search for the man who sings on the cassette tape, thinking he has something to do with her mysterious pregnancy.

Weekly Recommendation: Skyfall is exciting and a lot of fun – the grittier modern take on the franchise is infused with throwbacks – but it’s not completely satisfying. With jaw-dropping action, Mendes’ steady direction, Deakins’ astounding visual spectacle and the return of a memorable villain, there are lots of reasons to check out the return of Bond to the big screen. I haven't seen any of the other films released this week, but as I liked 2 Days in Paris I would be interested in checking out the sequel. 

New Release Review: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (Bill Condon, 2012)

The final chapter of the Twilight Saga arrived in cinemas this week, accompanied by the usual opening weekend mass flock. Bill Condon returns to direct the second half of the screen adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s final novel in the series, Breaking Dawn.

As expected, the events kick off straight after the conclusion of Part 1 with newly transformed vampire, Bella (Kristen Stewart), recovering and trying to adjust to her new set of skills and desires. Her baby, Renesmee, is healthy and growing fast, protected and cared for by Jacob (Taylor Lautner), who “imprinted” her and as a result is bound to her side. Bella and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are living with the Cullens, Edward’s family, who have welcomed Bella and Renesmee into their clan.

Though she ages fast and is the spawn of a vampire and a human, Renesmee was conceived and delivered while Bella was still in human form, and is not the immortal child (an illegal infant created by two vampires) as the ruling Volturi (led by Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning) are led to believe. Fearing the worst the Cullen clan gather allies from around the world who can attest to Renesmee’s human qualities and stop a war.

New Release Review: Skyfall (Sam Mendes, 2012)

James Bond is back for another adventure in the 23^rd installment of the popular spy franchise. Oscar winning British director, Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition), is the man at the helm for Skyfall, the third feature starring Daniel Craig as 007.

A figure from M’s (Dame Judi Dench) past – a rouge agent named Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) – resurfaces and targets MI6. Bond (Craig) with the assistance of his new Quartermaster (Ben Wishaw) traverses the globe in his attempts to take down this dangerous new threat.

Admirably, Mendes and his Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (No Country For Old Men, True Grit) ensure that the film’s locations and epic set pieces look absolutely stunning. The framing and compositions are beautiful and the colours explode off the screen. The steady, controlled action sequences in Skyfall prove that it is possible to create frenetic thrills and still ensure that the audience can see it. Though the action was about the only feature worthy of praise in Quantum of Solace, the Bourne-esque shaky cam and rapid-fire editing was an aesthetic that needed to go.

Continue reading at Graffiti With Punctuation.

Review: Like Someone In Love (Abbas Kiarostami, 2012)

Like Someone In Love screened at the Canberra International Film Festival.

Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, a previous winner of the Palme d’Or for Taste of Cherry (1997), returned to Cannes this year with Like Someone In Love. Though many have been captivated by his latest work, the reception was certainly mixed. After time to reflect on its unconventional storytelling style and unravel its subtleties, it has become a film that I greatly admire and appreciate.

Set in Tokyo, we are immediately immersed into a bustling restaurant/bar. We are privileged to one side of a phone conversation between a young woman named Akiko (Rin Takanashi) and presumably her boyfriend. They are arguing, and it becomes clear that he is jealous and doesn’t trust her. She presumably lies to him, claiming she is out with some friends. Akiko has a secret and discovering who she was with and why results in a case of mistaken identity and a series of fascinating exchanges of escalating tension.

Continue reading at Graffiti With Punctuation

New Release Review: Robot and Frank (Jake Shreier, 2012)

The feature film debut for writer Christopher Ford and director Jake Schreier, Robot and Frank won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. It features Frank Langella in the title role as an aging former jewel thief.

Set in the near future, Frank contently lives alone, reminiscing on his career as a wily cat burglar and estranged and removed from his son Hunter (James Marsden) and daughter Madison (Liv Tyler), who are growing increasingly concerned about his health and wellbeing. He has been experiencing signs of dementia, a mental depreciation not only recognized by his son, who has grown tired of the weekly visits to his father (who seems to have no appreciation for them) but also the local librarian and friend, Jennifer (Susan Sarandon).

Paying a visit to the library is part of Frank’s daily routine – but with the declining interest in print media, the plans for its reformation into a community centre commence, which is part of an enveloping theme of the fading past.

Unable to take care of his father any longer, Hunter purchases a robot companion (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) – a mechanical ‘butler’ programmed to take care of Frank. This involves housekeeping, ensuring he maintains a strict diet and recommends stimulating cognitive exercises such as gardening.

Though he initially rejects his new companion he soon warms to its presence when he realizes that its participation in recreational activities can include being an accomplice in Frank’s capers, the only activity that seems to rejuvenate him and energize his mind. After a few lessons in picking locks and some elaborate scheming the unlikely partners decide to take advantage of the rich new-age yuppies that have moved into the area. 

Review: Smashed (James Ponsoldt, 2012)

I watched 'Smashed' at the Canberra International Film Festival earlier in the month.

Smashed, directed by James Ponsoldt and written by Ponsoldt and Susan Burke, won the U.S Dramatic Special Jury Prize For Excellence in Independent Film Producing at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. This impressively directed indie drama convincingly captures the trials and tribulations of substance abuse and provides a showcase for the talents of Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World).

Kate (Winstead) and Charlie (Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad) are a young married couple who enjoy having a good time together. Their bond is centered on a mutual fondness for music, dancing and drinking…heavily, which places her rewarding primary school teaching position in jeopardy.

Continue reading at Graffiti With Punctuation. 

Korean Short Film Night 2012

A night of celebration will grace the Korean Cultural Office as a selection of award-winning short films screen as part of The Korean Short Film Night 2012, which aims to celebrate cultural diversity. Tales of Korean heritage features films from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States that focus on Korean heritage and stories in a newfound land.

INFO

 November 29th at 6:30pm
Korean Cultural Office, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney

Entry is free but bookings are essential.

Directors Andrew Lee (UTS) and Susan Kim Danta (School of Media Arts, COFA) will be in attendance for a Q + A after the screening.

A mix of drama and documentaries will warm your hearts with their moving storylines and genuine characters. The event will also mark the closing of the New Zealand and Korea Year of Friendship, as the Australian premiere of KOWI screens.

The event is presented by the Korean Cultural Office and run by Cinema On The Park, a free, weekly Korean film night, which boasts a full line-up of the best of Korean cinema from controversial classics to popular Korean blockbusters. Having attended several of these screenings I can recommend coming along, both to this event, and future screenings.

Radiohead: Concert & Personal Best-Of

On Monday night I was lucky enough to score a ticket to see Radiohead live in concert here in Sydney. I went with my girlfriend Sam, and my friends Blake and Patrick. What an unforgettable sensory experience. One of the best things I have ever done, for sure. Blake called it "Bucket List stuff." It's true. They are one of my favourite bands and seeing as this was their first tour of Australia in something like eight years, I may never get the chance to see them again.

We had ridiculously good seats - about a quarter of the way back in the seated section and directly in front of Thom Yorke - and the atmosphere was full of anticipation prior.

The show was phenomenal and demonstrative of the immense talent of the musicians, and how they have continue to evolve their sound over the last 20 years. They will certainly go down in history as one of the greatest bands of all time. It has been 19 years since Pablo Honey. Obviously, I wasn't listening to them then (nor was I when OK Computer came out in 1997, but it has become one of my favourite albums ever) but it is evident that they have remained relevant by evolving their style.

The walls of sound were epic, Yorke was a star, crazily dancing around the stage, and the ever-changing light show was stunning. They played for over two hours, returning for three encores. Insane.

Here is the complete setlist (the highlights in BOLD):

1. Bloom
2. Lucky
3. Morning Mr. Magpie
4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
5. Myxomatosis
6. The Gloaming
7. Seperator
8. Staircase
9. Videotape
10. Nude
11. Ful Stop
12. Lotus Flower
13. There There
14. Planet Telex
15. Feral
16. Bodysnatchers

Encore:
17. Give Up The Ghost
18. Pyramid Song
19. These Are My Twisted Words
20. Reckoner
21. Paranoid Android

Encore 2:
22. 15 Step
23. Everything In Its Right Place

Encore 3:
 24. Idioteque

And...

Here is my personal 'Best Of Radiohead' double album.

Disk 1 (1993-2000)

Talk Show Host
You
Blow Out
High and Dry
Fake Plastic Trees
Just
My Iron Lung
Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Paranoid Android
Exit Music (For A Film)
Let Down
Karma Police
Electioneering
Climbing Up The Walls
No Surprises
Lucky
Everything in its Right Place
The National Anthem
Optimistic
Idioteque

Disk 2 (2001-2012)


Packt Like Sardines In A Crushed Tin Box
Pyramid Song
You and Whose Army?
I Might Be Wrong
Knives Out
2 + 2 = 5
Sit Down. Stand Up.
Where I End And You Begin
There, There
A Punch Up At A Wedding
A Wolf At The Door
15 Step
Bodysnatchers
Nude
Reckoner
Jigsaw Falling Into Place
Videotape
Morning Mr. Magpie
Separator
Lotus Flower