Easy Rider

Over the past few weeks, I've become a bit of a fan of the 70s, especially after watching Bonnie and Clyde and seeing the amount of real influence the time period had on cinema. However, I'm not sure how well Easy Rider has aged. Honestly, I was a little let down by it and I thought for the most of it, it seemed as though it were a continuous music video for 'Born To Be Wild'. I can appreciate the way in which it explores various elements of its time period such as drugs, the hippie movement, free love and the communal lifestyle. The way it explored the communal lifestyle creeped me it out, I thought it was just so strange and uncomfortable for some reason. As far as the story goes, I thought it lacked, for me, any real drive. I think however that this was on purpose and the real character goal was to achieve what it means to be 'free' and liberated, but I felt it wasn't as exciting as other films of its time such as Bonnie and Clyde. It was rather slow and I don't think I'd ever want to watch it again! The ending felt like an anti-climax as they had achieved freedom physically and financially, yet not spiritually as Wyatt says 'We blew it.' Minutes later they die which felt a little pointless, perhaps this was the point, to enhance the way they were killed so effortlessly simply because they were different.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a gorgeous film about the complexities of human relationships and after watching it for the first time, I love it already. The film is based around two best friends, Vicky and Cristina as they spend their summer in Barcelona. Vicky is very traditional in her views of love and life, and plans to marry her very 'safe' fiance and live happily ever after. Cristina, on the other hand, is very fluid and spontaneous in her views of love, becoming a very likeable and interesting character. Here, they meet a very complex and mysterious spanish painter, Juan Antonio. He tells them he is attracted to both of them, invites them to spend the weekend with him and after hearing of his troublesome times with his ex wife, Cristina agrees. Penelope Cruz gives an absolutely fantastic performance of Juan Antonios ex wife, Maria Elena, who is psychotic, full of passion and complexities, a very different role for Cruz. Cristina, Juan and Maria all engage in a relationship together which is an interesting topic to tackle, handled very passionately and exciting. Vicky, having fallen in love with Juan after a weekend of love, gets married to her 'safe' husband against her deepest wishes. The film tackles the complexities of human emotions and the way they can be so fragile and delicate, and being situated in Barcelona only adds to the romantic feel of the movie. The witty voiceover worked very well, the style of the movie was gorgeous. The way in which people seemed so humane in the film was fresh, after Cristina learns of Vickys love for Juan Antonio, she doesn't do your typical 'you bitch' scene, but stresses that if she had known she would have stepped aside which I thought was very understanding. The way in which Vicky was torn between this passionate, romantic spanish artist and her safe but kind husband was such a 'worst nightmare' crossroad situation. The four main characters were fantastic, they were cast brilliantly. The contrast between Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz worked beautifully and their performances were delivered with elegance. Javier Bardem played a great sexy, exciting, 'tortured artist' that worked well with his accent and tall-dark-&-handsome looks. In general, I think the movie was fantastic and I really enjoyed the way in which the girls returned from the chapter of their life in the same place as they started but feeling completely different life in general, making conscious decisions about what they want in life, and more importantly, who.

Producing

Over the past week, we have had our introduction to production with Abigail. This was exciting for me as I have taken a keen interest in producing and I'd like to learn more about it. The classes with Abigail were not as intense as they could have been, I was soaking up everything that is involved in production and really enjoying it.

• I had a vague idea of what exactly the producer does, but I did not expect the amount they actually are in charge of. Actors, budgets, script breakdowns (which was actually really fun, but hey, don't quote me on this if we have to breakdown a feature), dealing with locations, catering, legal issues, absolutely everything you can think of involved in organizing a shoot. This pleases my inner control freak.
  
• The amount of forms that need to be filled out is insane. Poor trees! After only one class on budgeting, I have already nabbed a few budget sheets and have attempted to budget my own life, its a really helpful method. The thing is, I'm good at budgeting and looking after other peoples money, but with my own, well thats another story really.
• After our script breakdown, we were told to make a shooting schedule. I found this really hard because I couldn't seem to keep up and understand all the sheets of paper, I understand how it is done and what is involved but my brain physically could not process it there and then. So I found that quite challenging but I'm sure I'll get it soon.
• Maths. Numbers = A complete problem for me. I just can't seem to understand them, so when told a script is split up in to 1/8's was not exciting. I managed to understand it, but I don't UNDERSTAND why it is 1/8's? Luckily, Abigail said she doesn't really 'get' it either and its just an old conventional way, which is fair enough.

In general, I've really enjoyed the production classes with Abigail and look forward to gaining some more production experience in the future!

Oliver Stone

How many people can say that Oliver Stone came to their uni and they even managed to worm a cheeky photo out of him? That's right, us! Hearing the news that we were getting a visit from Oliver Stone was incredible, we were all so excited. Natural Born Killers is a one of my favorite films like, EVER which is a real achievement. Having never met anyone 'famous' apart from the occasional bump in to Paolo Nutini on a Saturday night, I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. Being such an amazing, award-winning director such as he, you never know what they are going to be like. Lets be honest, it would be pretty hard not to be arrogant. But I found Oliver Stone very down to earth and interesting, he has an interesting way of thinking. I enjoyed some of his opinions on the world that we live in, and in his case, America. I thought it was a real pleasure to have met him, and that picture is going to get printed and framed. Its one of these 'once in a lifetime' opportunities, especially when you are an 18 year old studying film, to have the company of such an inspirational director. Oliver Stone made me want to really live life to the fullest, cheesy I know, but I think thats where the best stories and films come from. I feel myself straying from the normal chick flicks and wanting to make something that says something, something I can be proud of. I loved the way he wasn't talking down his work, and in fact he was bragging about how much he loved Alexander. He was frank about it, hes damn good and he knows it. His attitude toward us was lovely, I thought it was great he came up and spoke to us because he really didn't need to. In general, it was a great experience and I'm sure my auntie will be telling her friends aunties gran for many years to come!

Cathy Come Home

When we sat down to watch Cathy Come Home, for no reason other than a woman's name in the title I'm sure, I expected it to be much the same as I Love Lucy; However, it could not have been further from this. Cathy Come Home was a powerful, very emotional and realistic portrayal of what happened, and still happens, to thousands of people all over the world. The style in which it was done made you almost certain it had to be a documentary, along with the actors realistically moving performances. I feel the dialogue and story structure carried you easily through their tough journey and you really experienced all the hardships with them, the fact that it was purely based on real-life conversations making it all the more dramatic. One of the most upsetting scenes for me was when Cathy takes one of her sons to live with an older woman 'just for a little while', but you know she is never going to come back for him. I cannot imagine what it must have taken for women to leave their children like that, unable to look after themselves let alone a baby. The idea that this was indeed some peoples reality is completely unrecognizable to me, we all have it so lucky and we rarely appreciate it. The fact that Cathy and Reg started off completely happy, well off and heading for a good life together was the heartbreaking reality of it - it really was no ones fault. They weren't in to drugs, gambling, what you might expect if you seen them wandering the streets in their rags. In general, I think Cathy Come Home was although very sad, very inspirational to our generation nowadays who have adopted a very ignorant view of this type of world around us. It is this type of good, honest drama that I would be proud to provoke the public with in the future and it really did 'make me think.'

Bonnie & Clyde

It is safe to say that after watching Bonnie and Clyde in class on Friday, it has become a new favorite of mine. Everything about the movie is brilliant, its glamorous and its uber cool. Everyone knows the story of Bonnie and Clyde (even if only from Beyonce and Jay-z..) however I had never been inclined to watch the movie, so it was a great surprise to watch it. I guess I didn't expect Bonnie and Clyde to be so hot!
Fay Dunaway played an excellent Bonnie Parker and she was oh-so-fashionable, what an icon. Clyde Barrow was lovely, I can see why 'your so vain' was apparently written about him considering he is such a hollywood hunk! They played a gorgeous couple and they are very believable as the historical couple. However, I am a little disgusted to read that there is a 2010 re-make of Bonnie and Clyde featuring Hilary Duff as Bonnie, no less. What an insult to Bonnie! Personally, I don't think little Lizzie Mcguire would do the role justice, however only time will tell.
The editing in the film was brilliant, right before the death sequence at the end where it cuts between their facial expressions is so powerful, you know exactly how they are feeling at that moment. The scene at the end was described as "one of the bloodiest death scenes in cinematic history", for the time period it must have been shocking to the public. However, the film is considered as one of the first films of the New Hollywood era, and broke many of the rules and taboos of film making at the time. The portrayal of sex and violence in the film encouraged film makers to be more forward and upfront in their own films when approaching these subjects.
The character of Blanche Barrow could not have been more annoying, with the real life Blance Barrow slating the performance insisting "That film made me look like a screaming horse's ass!"...Well, at least she knows it! Gene Wilders debut as Eugene Grizzard was hysterical, who knew Willy Wonka made his debut in such a cool movie!
In general, Bonnie and Clyde was a fantastic controversial film portraying the great super-couple Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, challenging the stereotypes and portrayal of films of its time.

Election

First of all, I have to admit, I know absolutely nothing and I mean nothing about politics. I could barely have told you which party Gordon Brown represents, still think Tony Blair lives in 'the white house' and I certainly don't have any clue about who I would want to come in to power. However, even someone as ignorant to politics such as I, can't have avoided the election coverage over the past few weeks. I think with the three main parties getting involved in debates was a little unfair on the other parties who are competing for the vote also, as there has been little knowledge on them whatsoever I feel. Of course we all know the effects and influence TV can have on thousands of people in our society, and evidence shows the polls increasing towards particular parties after the first debate live on TV. I must admit, I actually enjoyed Gordon Browns screw-up when he called someone a 'bigoted' woman, because he was simply being honest. It would be interesting to see whether this will have effected the publics views and therefore their vote, however I personally feel more inclined to vote for him because of it. It was also brought to my attention the awful Tori lady who decided that she could 'cure' homosexuals, which to be honest makes me sick. I think someone needs to get with the times and take her head out of the sand and realize that its not a crime to be homosexual - its a crime to have an attitude like hers. I was completely put off the tori party because of this one woman, and this just shows how easily people can be persuaded, especially people like me who have little information about politics. In general, I feel the coverage for the three main parties has been strong however the smaller parties have had little or no coverage that I have seen. I'll be quite happy when all this election business will be over! Peace.

Stagecoach

As a general overview, when I hear the word 'western' I instantly think of cowboys vs Indians, and how biased it is when the American cowboys always seem to be the 'good guys.' Indiana Jones aside - I don't remember ever watching a western in my life, I'm ashamed to say. Having heard all about Stagecoach, I was pleased to see that it's very different from my preconceived ideas of what a western should be. For instance, John Wayne's character was not your typical goodie, and could actually be described as the opposite having escaped from jail. The mix of the characters in Stagecoach is effective, they would not be the typical group of people expected in a cowboy and indian film, along with the scandalous Dallas and Dr. Boone the drunk for some comic relief. The romance that blossoms between Dallas and Ringo is adds a nice element too it and we discover that Dallas is not as bad as she seems and is in fact a lady. The scene in which Hatfield is going to kill Mrs. Mallory with his last bullet to save her from a more violent death is so sad! What a better time for him to be wounded and help to arrive - a minute later and she would have died for no reason. The ending is satisfying where Ringo is accepting he will be taken back to jail however he is able to 'escape' to start his life with Dallas. In general, I enjoyed Stagecoach a lot more than I anticipated. It wasn't what I thought it was going to be like, in fact, it turned out better.

'I used to be snow white, but I drifted..'

The portrayal of women in the film industry can always be a touchy subject. (Especially in a class full of many girls....) When we were asked to talk about the stereotypical qualities in many female characters, the list was endless. Bunny boiler, constantly having PMS, needy, moany, you name it. Where on earth has this supposed view of women came from? An actress is pretty - she plays the slut. Shes ugly - she plays the geeky tomboy. You see it in all types of movies, and even when you really think a woman is a strong character, such as Ada suggested Angelina Jolie in Wanted - we realize that she is not a 'strong' character, she is simply a glorified, lifelike fantasy of many men around the world.
We had an interesting discussion on the female role models of Hollywood such as Cameron Diaz and Megan Fox. Personally I agree with Flick's point that yes, Cameron Diaz is a very savy business woman. She understands that she may not be the most convincing actress for a more 'serious' role and spares us the whole 'I want to be taken as a serious actress' spiel. She knows what shes good at, sticks to that, and makes a hell of a lot of money doing it. Why do some 'serious' role where you could be slated by the public, when you can do Charlies Angels and have an awesome time in the process? I know what I'd go for!
I think its a little unfair to judge celebrities at all on the way they appear on magazine shoots or on the red carpet, they are not being themselves, they are being the Hollywood version of themselves. Take for instance Megan Fox, when you see her in photographs going to the corner shop or whatever, she is always dressed down in jeans and a T shirt, not (surprise surprise) constantly naked. However, when you see her at public events controlled by the bosses, she's done up to high dough. The Hollywood system is a machine, it takes you, strips you naked (literally) and changes you in to something that people want to see. No one wants to see your fave celeb crush in a bean-stained 3 day old t shirt and jeans with no button. We want to see the glorified version of them, so we can lust over something we will very probably never have (apart from Katie Holmes, lucky b!)
In general I think its awfully unfair to judge these women on the types of roles they take or the clothes they are made to wear because if you were in their shoes, wouldn't you just do it to look a million bucks and get paid a million bucks while your at it?!

Dear John (Weep)

Next, I donned my 3D glasses to go see The Clash Of The Titans. With actors like Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson placed along side greek mythology I was thinking it would be worth a watch. It wasn't. Firstly, even putting it in 3D couldn't excuse the serious-but-cheesy storyline and not to mention the extremely weird casting of Effie and Tony from skins. The moment their faces popped up, donned in serious greek armour and dreds, the film failed for me. It wasn't uncomfortable to watch, I just didn't enjoy the serious tone of the film, compared to Percy Jackson which I thought suited the themes so much more. I have always been really interested in Greek mythology, however I wasn't impressed with the way it was portrayed in the film. The graphics were great, but lets face it, there's only so much graphics alone can achieve.
Moving on, with nothing much left to see, we went for the uber-chick flick Dear John. Having been there got the t shirt of crying over The Notebook many a time, I wasn't too bothered about going to see it, its a pretty mainstream tearjerker. Boy meets girl for around 2 weeks, boy and girl get split up due to some uncontrollable circumstance, boy and girl write to each other, boy and girl split up, years later boy and girl are still in love. Personally I think Nicholas Sparks got it easy by changing a few names and dates from The Notebook, giving the characters the Hollywood treatment et voila, we have a best seller and a movie deal. I'm not saying it wasn't good - I enjoyed it - but it was fairly predictable from the word go. The only thing that could be noted about the casting of Amanda Seyfried is that years and years were meant to have passed and she still looked about 18 rather than approaching 30. But otherwise, her girl-next-door meets Channing Tatum's bad-boy-turned-good persona meshed well together to form a teary updated version of The Notebook for many heartbroken teenage girls and boys (even if they won't admit it.)

Iron Man

After a week back in class, I am oh-so-back in movie mode and celebrated it with a marathon in Cineworld. First, I headed to see the movie of the moment, in the form of Iron Man 2. I'm sure even hillbillies in far away lands have felt the buzz Iron Man has been causing over the past few weeks, and if not, Flick should be having some serious words.. Its no secret that Robert Downey Jr and his whereabouts are one of my top priorities, so I was excited to see him in all his glory portraying Tony Stark in the second installation of Iron Man.

The film, I thought, was excellent. I am not usually a fan of comic books, but for Iron Man I make huge exceptions. Tony Stark as a character is fun, interesting and charismatic, with Rob (Yeah, we're on nickname terms..) portraying this fantastically. He oozes cool and delivers his performance that would make an oscar weep sweet sweet gold. Mickey Rourke also gave a great performance and was such a good bad-ass, he looked so good! Not to forget the awesomely cool gadgets and action scenes, I was loving it. Don't you just want to be Tony Stark?! In general I thought Iron Man 2 was brilliant, the story flowed and the casting was perfect, and last but certainly not least, big love for Robert Downey Jr! Peace.