100-word review: Rewatching Under the Skin in anticipation of The Zone of Interest I'm reminded just how much of a traditional-storytelling-transcending cinematic journey this thought-provoking sci-fi exploration of identity, humanity, and existentialism is. The minimalist approach puts questions about what it means to be human front and center against a (sometimes literal) stark black backdrop. Thanks to sparse dialogue, and a lack of 'flair and flash' to the (nevertheless stunning) photography Glazer's haunting, atmospheric world juxtaposes the Scottish landscape with a sense of unease and foreboding — all of this furthering the aforementioned themes. It's a film that leaves an indelible mark afterwards.
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Dune: Part Two 2024
100-word review: I said it once before, and I'll say it again: Denis Villeneuve's Dune is the most accomplished film series adaptation of a widely beloved epic sci-fi/fantasy novel since The Lord of the Rings. And once again I'm overwhelmingly blown away by the production (the plot and the characters are pretty mid to be honest). Everything from cinematography to sound design, and from costuming to colour grading, looks and sounds fantastic. Just like the books, these films will stand the test of time, and I hope it's a box office success again too so we may get a third instalment.
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Poor Things 2023
100-word review: If Poor Things doesn't win Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, the Oscars once again prove to be a joke, I don't care that Barbie is a thing. That out of the way, I gotta say Poor Things is my favourite of the Best Picture nominees I've seen so far; it's so disturbing, yet beautiful — drenched in death, but full of life. I was afraid it would be too sexual for my liking, but although sexuality is certainly a major theme, Yorgos Lanthimos handles it with a brusque style that keeps pulling me in. Another great production from him.
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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 2013
100-word review: In an era inundated with loud blockbusters clamouring for attention, the Ben Stiller directed, Ben Stiller starring The Secret Life of Walter Mitty emerges as a quiet oasis, inviting viewers on a contemplative journey through the landscapes of imagination. At its core, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a story about the power of dreams, and the courage it takes to pursue them. Through the lens of Walter Mitty's mundane existence, the film prods at the universal longing for something beyond the confines of routine. Ultimately however, this exploration — in my opinion — falls flat due to its disjointed execution.
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The Piano 1993
100-word review: Mute pianist Ada has been married off to New Zealand landowner Alisdair. After Alisdair trades Ada’s piano for a stretch of land with the Maori-friendly Baines, she begins to ‘buy’ it back from Baines through ‘piano lessons’ (intimacy). Almost unimaginable this was directed by a woman, because Ada’s change of faith towards her abuser — icky in how offensively little it was questioned. Don’t think it would’ve been received well if it had a male director, and for…
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The Conformist 1970
Few things are as frustrating as loving all the technical aspects (and even more than just that) of a film, and still not enjoying it. That’s exactly what happened here. The Conformist follows Marcello Clerici, an Italian fascist flunky, as he inadequately tries to assassinate his anti-fascist former professor by order of his employer the Organization for Vigilance and Repression of Anti-Fascism.
In terms of cinematography and its colour palette, The Conformist is an exquisite picture; both elements establish the…