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Finding Vivian Maier (2013)
Beauty through a cracked lens
Now and again the hum drum of life is interrupted by something pretty wonderful, thought provoking, desirable and resonant. Having become aware of Miss Maier's work though a BBC documentary some time ago I started to appreciate her work which is really special.
I really enjoyed this DVD and found it very informative, of course she was a very private person so impossible to reveal her whole story that shaped her into to the square peg that she was. She definitely saw life through a cracked lens but that ironically gave her the sensitivity and vision to appreciate and capture very natural, human moments in otherwise unremarkable settings.
I found the film to be well made and totally engaging and I personally could have done with another hour of it. It certainly gave a more rounded view of Miss Maier than the BBc documentary in my opinion.
I look forward to continue to enjoy Vivians images that may even inspire me to pick up a camera.
Northern Soul (2014)
Stubborn Hearted Viewer!
I like films, I particularly like British Films, I especially like British Films about British Culture. I Like and have for many years actively enjoyed Northern Soul.
For the last decade or so I have had to rely on the likes of Shane Meadows to successfully weave story lines out of developed British working class characters against a backdrop of fashion, music, humour and drama. Before that; Quadraphenia had a visceral physical affect on my motivation for style, fashion, music & tribalism. The very next day it changed my behaviour, it was a youth culture catalyst that I have been grateful for ever since, it has subsequently provided me with happy reminisces. I am not sure that could ever happen again for todays Teens, too much to compete with, not to mention homogeneous western culture...hard to break away when 300Million Superdry'ers are all wearing the same labels!
Anyway, Mr Kermode gives 'Northern Soul' the perfect review by comparing it to "Good Vibrations". I love that film, fascinating story, gritty setting, incredibly strong, charismatic and superbly acted central characters. Great film.
Now I'm keen, I'm very keen, I heard enough, I've read enough, even the trailer looks promising. I'm feeling nostalgic and charitable all in one. I may even clap at the appropriate Duke Browner breaks irrespective of potential disapproving glances of my Superdry neighbours...I'll be in the moment!
Well, I didn't clap to Duke Browner, or the Exsavyons. I didn't laugh inwards, or smile outwards. The main characters were recognisably mundane or unrecognisably over the top and the plot unfolded predictably. I will say though it is a very well produced film and it definitely had its 'ring-a-bell' moments. The Casino scenes were particularly authentic, but not enough of them for me.
Should you buy a ticket (or DVD) or should you buy a Superdry jacket? Well, where 'Good Vibrations' would keep you warm for many years to come, do go and see Northern Soul but maybe take a jumper!
Running Scared (2006)
Watchable but not a great film
Overall this is a watchable and entertaining film...but only just! The acting from the main characters wasn't great...even poor, except maybe Chazz Palminteri who does his usual enjoyable trademark bad guy act.
I couldn't have cared if the main character Joey had lived or died.
The story line did just about engage me, but it went off on such unbelievable and unrealistic tangents it was at times bizarre and in the end it took credibility away from the storyline and consequently the film as a whole.
Go and get a proper Tarantino or Scorsese film out instead of this wannabe!
Secrets & Lies (1996)
Brilliantly observed slice of life
This is an a really excellent film, the acting from the main players is superb, especially Spall and Blethyn. The film has many layers of emotion that will ring bells with your own life, albeit in a diluted form....hopefully. Don't watch this film on a hot sunny day after having just won the lottery but maybe when you are feeling a little reflective and allow yourself to be absorbed by the characters. Even the most morale of us live a dishonest life in order to be able to cope, but the time arrives when we have to own up to who and what we are and reveal our vulnerable side to the ones that we really love. Its what ultimately makes us human. Great film.