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Reviews
Paul McCartney Really Is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison (2010)
A film that invites you to laugh at it
Firstly, parts of this film contain quite offensive suggestions about The Beatles. However, these can be defended as part of the overall tone of the film and it invites you not take them seriously.
This is clearly meant to be a joke, and it is a very funny one if you are watching the film correctly. The film showcases genuine conspiracy "evidence" at its core, but alters the story about The Beatles to make this evidence fit. What you are left with is how the Faul conspiracy theorists must then see the last four years of the band, and it is a laughable view.
I found myself laughing out loud at the jumps in logic, especially the vicious attacks aimed at Paul after '66 (and poor Ringo as usual) - especially his use of drugs as if he was the only one who ever did any. I won't give any specifics but you will be shocked at the blatant disregard for facts, and that is exactly what the film is trying to get you to do.
I can't award it any higher than 8 because it's not technically that well made. I don't think the tape idea was very good because rather than use excerpts with narration they have George basically narrating the whole thing as if he could see the film in his head when he recorded it. Saying that, it does add to the ridiculous nature of the film because the accent is AMAZINGLY BAD. I found myself laughing at the way the narrator said certain words and it must have been done badly on purpose. One of my personal highlights is the way he says Frank Sinatra. It also jumps from vague Liverpudlian, to cockney all the way to South African.
In summary: You shouldn't watch this if you believe any of the conspiracy nonsense, you should watch it if you find yourself seeking out conspiracy theories in order to make yourself laugh. That's the audience for this thing and in my view it does it well.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
An amazing adaptation
I had not read the novel before going to see the film (which means I'm going to hell) but I knew roughly what it was about. I had no idea of the plot twists or the way in which Dick had constructed the truth based novel. I was totally dependant on Linklater's direction and inclusion. The first thing that struck me was of course the completely unique look it has. Keanu Reeves had been stuck in Photoshop and re-vamped in a slick looking cartoon. The whole world had been Photoshopped. I wish this was reality sometimes, whenever I see a public bad choice of font or a stupidly angled piece of litter. The graphic really does add something to this film; you leave the cinema unsure whether it was a cartoon.
Another thing that struck me was the realism of it. It felt like a documentary or a reality show. It was perfect. Well, actually imperfect! As imperfect as real life is, you'd expect a cartoon look to give a sense of cartoon but no. The look of the film actually added to its realism. Rotoscoping usually does the opposite. Or so I've found. I'm unsure as to how some of it would be done in live action without some ridiculously attention taking CGI effect.
The emotions in the film are real, therefore the plot seems real. This has been Linklater's greatest achievement in his vision of this story. I've decided not to give the plot away, since I want you all to go and see it or read the book. If you're looking for some psychology and conspiracy in your average film then this is perfect for you. A lot of reviewers have also overlooked its comedy value. The script is hilarious in a lot of places, and I found myself turning to my friend in the cinema in total merriment and disbelief. This was also due to the amazing performances by the actors involved, Keanu Reeves being especially good. I can sense you're rolling your eyes here, stop reading what Joe Everyman says about Keanu. "Bill and Ted", "Point Break", "The Matrix", "Thumbsuckers" and even "Speed" are damn good films.
I feel this film will become a cult classic much sooner than cult classics are supposed to be formed. Such is the way with the internet. All those Photoshopping competitions will start up to make people into characters. People will start using words from the film to make conversation. I do hope so. Linklater has won my heart with this film; he's one of the best of his generation.