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Ryessa Seth
Un Chen Andalou 1926
A French short film Directed by Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali. I found the changes of music tones in this entire sequence reflected every emotion and became more tense, louder and high pitched in more dramatic scenes. Although there is no sense in the narrative of this Film I was still drawn to watch it because of the constant twists. This sort of unknown feeling throughout the film is what kept me unsettled but also intrigued. There was constant use of surrealism for example when the door shut on the man's hands and ants were crawling all over. By doing this it made those scenes that much more thrilling and disturbing especially because it was incredibly abnormal. This film will never become dated in that it is such a mad concept. However I thoroughly enjoyed it and found some meaning in the final scene, which felt like an image. This was the actor being buried in the sand which felt as if his situations were being buried in time. For me the ending made the whole short film feel more like a mad dream and that scene was the final point in ending the madness that had just been displayed.
Citizen Kane 1941
A Mystery Film Directed by Orson Welles. Not only was the acting incredible in this film but also the Cinematography. Each shot was taken so carefully which made every scene more interesting and complex. There was a great use of dark and heavy shadows. For example covering the bodies with mysterious silhouettes added to the thriller and mystery of the film. However I thought at times the darkness was unneeded, such as when the actors' faces were covered by the darkness even when they were speaking. It almost made it hard to watch at times because of the lighting. The certain use of cameras would have been new for its time such as the beginning with the fish eye view through broken glass, but even I found it to be such an interesting opening so is still not dated. The sound during this film was also interesting. For example when Kane was writing the review, the surroundings were quiet but there was a small noticeable sound that made that scene feel more tense. Orson Welles acting as Charles Foster was memorable with amazing dialogue and pronunciation throughout. The ending made me feel sympathy towards the titular character, maybe because of how they emphasized his negatives and never focused on his inner person. Nevertheless I found the film a great watch and highly recommend it.
A Matter of Life and Death 1946
A Fantasy and Romance Film Directed by Pressburger and Powel. The story involves the character Niven who must appeal for his case for the right to live on the Jury. The film creates two universes Earth and Heaven. The coloured photography used in this film added more to the emotion but also created confusion for me. Whilst Earth was coloured Heaven remained black and white, by reversing the traditional colour palette the film felt more unique and kept me enticed to see what else was out of the norm. Furthermore the sci-fi element of the afterlife kept me more intrigued in the film as added a surrealness. Ultimately for me the soul of the movie is love which is depicted in its power by the characters Niven and Hunter played by the actors Peter David Carter and June. Because their acting was so raw and heartfelt it created a beautiful love story between the pair. By doing this I so badly wanted them to be put back together throughout the film. It was such an emotional film with a beautiful storyline that was matched with amazing coloured photography and acting. Making this an incredible Romance.
La Belle et la Bete 1946
A French Romantic Film Directed by Jean Cocteau. The moment the scene opens to the Beast's castle a supernatural element is depicted. From the hallway with lit arms , hands coming from the table, and fireplace with faces. This supernatural castle made this film so magical and powerful conveying pure fantasy with a nightmare. The costume work also depicted such fantasy throughout the film from the terrifying beasts face down to the stunning jewels used on the dresses. Its almost as if the world outside the beasts castle was dull and lifeless. For example Belle's clothes became more magical / beautiful when she was in the castle. The attention to detail in this film was spectacular and made every scene feel enchanted, exploring a childlike imagination. It was a beautiful film with amazing acting that makes you feel sorry for the beast.
The Third Man 1949
A British Film Noir Directed by Carol Reed. The Film is set in post war Vienna. The authenticity of the film truly added to the tension with the use of wet streets and all the extras being real people in Vienna not actors, making it feel as if it was filmed in real time. . The use of cinematography was incredible. I found as the story is more revealed the titled frame becomes more twisted. The use of Dutch angles are quirky and cool and left me disorientated at times. The use of a haunting soundtrack matched the theme of the film by reflecting cynical post war Vienna. The power of Orson Wells in this film made me interested and almost rooting for him as a character. The final scenes in the huge sewer system all combine to give a great thrill of excitement. It was overall a great film from all aspects of Cinematography, Sound, Acting and Staging, which created a tense atmosphere throughout the whole film.
The Night of the Hunter 1955
An American Film Noir Directed by Charles Laughton. A serial killer who poses as a preacher charming a widow to get $10,000 left by her dead husband. Both the acting from the children and adults were phenomenal. The acting of Shelly winters was perfect for her character Willa who makes you feel so irritated because of how she was such a weak and thick headed mother. The Serial Killer had love and hate tattooed on his hands adding to this unsettling thriller. The contrast of lighting added to the tension by reversing light with good and dark with evil. Furthermore in tense scenes light would not be on the actor but on the objects and backgrounds creating terrifying silhouettes. The camera work was also fantastic such as when the camera shot lower for the children running to give a childlike perspective of their viewpoint. Overall the film had a powerful haunting effect that made it unforgettable.
The Man with the Golden Arm 1955
An American Drama Film Noir Directed by Otto Preminger. The film portrayed addictions of all kind through the amazing acting from Frank Sinatra. Whilst some may find his acting over the top, I believe it made his character more real, including adding feelings of sympathy towards him. Whilst I found the acting of this film amazing I felt Otto Preminger choice of set was not as sufficient. This was due to the fact Otto went down a artificial route for the set. The use of sound stage interiors and over-lit studios took away from the realness of Sinatra's acting and storyline as a character. Therefore I feel a real Location would have been better suited for this film. Nevertheless it was still a memorable and inspiring film.
Imitation of Life 1959
An American drama film directed by Douglas Sirk addressing two key issues. Firstly, the issues of being a women in a male dominated society. Secondly how women of colour are affected by racism. The film was very emotional but truly heart warming. The classic and beautiful costume designs complimented greatly with the film. The film was a Melodrama to the max, it was this exaggerated acting that made it feel as if I was right there crying or laughing. This storyline matched with the acting of Juanita Moore is what made the film inspiring and special. It truly put me in realisation of how important our mothers are and how we should never take them for granted. A definite must see.
The Naked Civil Servant 1975
The Naked Civil Servant is a British Drama/Comedy Directed by Jack Gold. Through the amazing acting of Jhon Hurt I was able to see a window into what it felt like to be hiding as a person. This was shown through the Story of Quentin Crisp. Watching this I felt the determination, courage and respect for him exhibiting his homosexuality during England between 1930-1940. The film is introduced by Quentin and than moves forward in a documentary style tracing his life through the actor Jhon Hurt. For me it was the character of Quentin that makes this so inspiring to watch. Whilst Quentin was depicted as serious and hidden he had a wit and style to cover the nasty attacks from British society reflecting his real character. The determination in Quentin made this film so expressive and inspiring for any young person no matter time or age.
The Elephant Man 1980
An American biographical Drama Directed by David Lynch. The film was based of Joseph Merrick a terrible deformed man living in London during the late 19th Century. The Cinematography of this film was incredible. By using Black and White it pushed more feelings of segregation and sadness that Merrick was feeling so that me as the audience could share a similar feeling. The beginning was truly memorable with the powerful images of sadness and inner beauty. Furthermore the music is very haunting which is shown in the scene of Merrick being mocked in the hospital. I found it to be a truly heart warming film with unbelievable cinematography, sound and acting from Anthony Hopkins portraying such a sensitive and vulnerable role.
Stand By Me 1986
An American Adventure/Thriller Directed by Rob Reiner based on Stephen King's book. For me this has to be one of my favourite movies, this all being down to the characters, music and meaning of the film. The story is about a group of friends who set out to find a dead body. Throughout the film you learn more about the characters and their story. Each one has their own problems but once they're together they seem to disappear. The simple acting makes the film completely authentic, along with the scenery of the calm sky and woods making it feel so wholesome. The soundtrack to this film added more to this warming feeling making it much more memorable. My favourite moment in the film had to be the train dodge scene where the four friends are running across the train track across the bridge as a full speed train is coming towards them. It was such a tense scene to watch especially as the last two Gordie and Vern had no choice but to jump at the end. At this point I realised how much I loved the characters which was why my emotions were so high at that scene. For me that's what makes a great film. By the end it left me with such important morals surrounding friendship. It was such a simplistic but effective film that I will never forget.
The Lost Boys 1987
An American Comedy/horror film directed by Joel Schuamer. For me this is one of the most unique vampire films in that it carries so many different themes throughout. Firstly the soundtrack is pure 80s punk making it feel so trendy and cool especially in the scenes where the vampires are on their motorbikes. Furthermore the camerawork during the film made it feel as if I was in the scene during certain moments such as when the creatures were attacking the villains and the camera was moving as the creature.The Cinematography made it feel like they were in their own world adding to the fantasy feeling. The fact the film was both a comedy and horror is what makes it so incredible.This is mainly due to the fact it was made in the 80s and therefore the vampire scenes can be a bit exaggerated and not so accurate at times. However with the comedy aspect from the younger boys trying to attack the vampires it makes the whole film work. My favourite part of this film has to be the main antagonist who is played by the famous Kiefer Sutherland who is known for being an amazing villain in many films. Even though there was little dialogue the way he used his eyes and hand gestures made his presence just that more villainous and effective, especially due to the fact he was a vampire and needed to be cold. This film took me into the 80s and was so cool and quirky making it unforgettable.
The Silence of the Lambs 1991
An American Psychological Thriller Directed by Jonathan Demme. This was one of the only Horror films to have moved me in such a unique way because of how raw and authentic the film was. This was firstly depicted in the acting of Anthony Hopkins playing the famous Hannibal Lector. He almost portrays characteristics opposite of a typical antagonist in that he speaks in a calm, soft voice. However it's this that makes his character so chilling and harrowing. The plot throughout the film remains so tense which is matched by sinister sound effects. For me this was best shown in the scene where Hannibal had just murdered two police officers and was then listening to classical music. Not only did this make the scene more terrifying, but also added to the creepiness of his character. Throughout the film the director kept it so real which when it comes down to horrors can be lost many times. However in this there was constant tension and elements of surprise instead of cheap jumpscares. An example would be when the “ injured police officer “ was actually Hannibal. The way that scene was done made us feel the same emotions of shock and horror that the Police felt trying to find him after his escape. It's truly one of the best psychological thrillers.
Schindler's List 1993
An American War/Documentary Directed by Steven Spielberg. This film was a true emotional roller coaster. Firstly the Black and White Cinematography depicts all the sadness and brutality created by the War. From the opening scene we see the girl in the striking red coat contrasting with the Black and White. Incredibly, Spielbierg showed all the innocence left in the country using the girl with the coat. The casting was perfect for this film with Ralph Fiennes as the nasty and ruthless Amon Goeth, who had this constant cold persona that made him feel inhumane, which was further depicted in his treatment towards the Jews. The acting of Liam Neeson as the lead Oskar Shindler was unforgettable. My favourite scene was when Shindler was thinking of more things he could have done to save more Jews and was breaking down. It was a truly emotional scene because of how we saw his true self become more apparent especially from his cold strong nature at the start. It was this journey of his character that made the film so well led and passionate. The film's pacing, though deliberate, keeps the audience engaged, allowing the intensity of violence to unfold. The impact this film had on me is something no other film has ever done, the way they made historical events like this so authentic and to this point completely hit me with realisation and feelings of sadness.
American History X 1998
An American Crime/Thriller Directed by Tony Kaye. This film had such an amazing impact on me and taught me just how crazy life can be. The main actor Derek Vinyard played by Edward Norton showed how there is good in everyone and it's the people that bring us up that can affect us, in his case his dad. This storyline made me feel so much sympathy for him knowing that he has so much good inside and is trying to better himself and his brother. The relationship between him and his brother is like a father and son, fully contrasting with the relationship to their dad.This film serves as a reminder of the disgusting events that happened in the world yet is directed in such a fantastic and natural way that makes anyone watching feel pure emotions. This was especially for me in the final scene where his little brother was sadly shot. The acting of Edward Norton when he found his brother brought me to tears that by the end I was left speechless. This and the way he had transformed as a person from flashbacks to when he was a former Neo Nazi showed how brilliant his acting was. We could hate him at one point but also love him towards the end as he transformed. This development of character was done in a non-linear storyline complimenting the attitudes of the film. Matched with this was the Cinematography using Monochromatic colour grading for Derek's life making the present scenes and flashbacks that much more effective.
The Pursuit of Happiness 2006
An American Drama/Melodrama Directed by Gabrielle Muchino. The Film stars the famous Will Smith playing Chris Gardener and his real son Jaden Smith playing Christopher. This film is full of valuable lessons, the most important being to never give up. The wholesome film brings so much light with feelings of sadness, happiness and laughter throughout. The movie is based on real life experiences however it is the natural talent of these actors that makes it such an unforgettable heart touching film. The background music is constantly complimenting every scene and just adds even more emotion especially during moments when the dad has lost everything and has become so desperate. The bond between him and his son is so heartwarming which fully catches you into the film. My favourite moments of the movie was firstly when Jaiden ( the son ) was telling his dad jokes as they were walking to school. The Cinematography at that moment made it feel as if I was walking with them and hearing the joke just like dad had. Another amazing moment was when Chris Gradner was given the job that would change his and his son's life forever. The Camera was just focused on Chris and all his emotions were shown in his eyes. The acting was so beautifully done that it brought tears to my eyes just because we know throughout the film how much he needed this but also because of how badly we wanted him to have it. To me a great film is when you feel real happiness for a character and are left with real emotions and that's what this was.
Inglourious Basterds 2009
An American War-Comedy Drama film Directed by Quentin Tarantino. Firstly the uniqueness of this film is what immediately grabbed my attention. The storyline is so distinctive with a non linear structure and Chapters that make it almost feel like a book, with each chapter becoming more and more tense. The film presents incredible cinematography with the attention to detail from Tarantino. For example, the moment the Cinema is about to light up, there is a extreme slow motion closeup of the cigarette that builds up the tension so well that I was left hanging from my seat. The Soundtrack features a mix of classical and original compositions. It's this contrast that adds to the uniqueness of the film. The opening scene was so well done by having such quiet and calm dialogue and surroundings to the immediate mass shooting of the jews that were hiding under the floorboards. As the one jew escapes and runs out the music builds up to match with the high tension of this scene. It was from this point that I was hooked in and realised I was watching a true masterpiece. In true Tarantino style the casting was perfect, especially Brad Pitt who is so cool and cunning for someone doing something of such high risk and danger. This matched with his famous line at the end “I think this might be my masterpiece” sums up the talent and effect that Tarantino always leaves the audience with. Making it an unforgettable piece.
The Lovely Bones 2009
An American Thriller/Fantasy Directed by Peter Jackson. The story focuses on the disappearance of Susie Salmon who we know has been murdered by her neighbour Mr Harvey in a secret bunker he built. The Dramatic Irony used definitely gets you more involved as a viewer. The best scene was where Suzie is alone in the Bunker with Mr Harvey, it gave me goosebumps and shivers. The acting of Stanley Tucci as Mr Harvey in this scene was incredible. It's as if you could see the nastiness in his eyes but also the power he had in that bunker as he no longer was the lonely neighbour portrayed in the beginning, it's this switch in him that makes his character that much more terrifying. The beautifully constructed details throughout this film was what made it so incredible to watch. For example When Mr Salmon is in Mr Harvey’s garden and sees the flower bloom as a message from his daughter which creates this magic from the afterlife. The magical cinematography continues throughout as Suzie enters her almost heaven like world, this contrast with the real life builds tension all the time and keeps you hooked in. My favourite scene has to be when Susie's sister finds the book of proof that Mr Harvey had killed Susie as at that moment Mr Harvey enters the house. It's this escape scene that creates such a thrill since from the start we want Mr Harvey to be caught and this is the moment for it to happen. It's all these elements together that made it a great film.
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