Melancholia
2011. Directed by Lars Von Trier
“The world is evil and no one will miss it.” “We’re alone.” “Life is only on earth, and not for long.” These are just a few cheery quotes from the characters of Lars Von Trier’s latest nihilist undertaking, Melancholia.
The viewer already knows the end as the film begins, and this places a huge layer of dread and dismay over the proceedings. The first half of the film consists of the most awful wedding set to film. Kirsten Dunst is not happy at all and sends her new husband away. The second half consists of the world being destroyed and everyone being very upset about it.
There is some interesting character work going on. Dunst’s character, who initially crumbles to the coming doom, finds some kind of hidden strength as the end nears, whereas her relations, who put on initially brave fronts, don’t make it very far. The meek shall inherit the Earth perhaps? Not very comforting in light of its almost instant demise. The only hope Dunst finds is a kind of Woody Allen-esque hope in magic, magic that is only imagined and holds no real salvation.
In the Godless world of Melancholia no one controls the stars. This not only means that Earth can be eradicated, but it also means life is ultimately tragic, hard and meaningless. This sense of doom and pointlessness drives its selfish protagonists mad, and plunges the viewers into a momentary state of deep depression. The washed-out visuals, shallow focus, shaky cam and intentionally bleak and ugly art design definitely help induce this mood.
If you wish to explore the depths of an Atheist’s sorrow, this film is for you. Otherwise, I only recommend it if you want to feel intensely, irrationally depressed. Also, the special effects are quite impressive.
Once Upon A Time In Mexico
2003. Directed by Robert Rodriguez
I really admire Robert Rodriguez. Some of his films really bother me, (*COUGH* Sin City *COUGH*) but his energy is boundless and I love how he makes films that other people would never dream of making, films that exist solely for flashy cinematography, goofy dialog and funny fight scenes, with stories that are so basic and ludicrous that they actually come off as fresh and original and even slightly poetic.
Once Upon A Time In Mexico is the third film in Rodriguez’s El Mariachi series, and it really ends the trilogy with a bang. The first film, simply titled El Mariachi, was Rodriguez’s freshman effort, and was extremely raw and incredibly good, and though he’s working with a lot more money and talent here, he still manages to capture the insane, skin-of-the-teeth indy feel of the original.
Antonio Banderas returns as the smooth mariachi gunman out for revenge, and as good as his performance is, he’s way outclassed by Johnny Depp’s crazy CIA assassin with a fake arm who goes from evil killer to tragic hero. It’s quite a transformation and really fun to watch.
The film’s plot is a bit dull and flimsy, but the craziness of the action scenes and Depp’s knockout performance make it worth watching.
Night and The City
1950. Directed by Jules Dassin
Crazy story: Jules Dassin gets blacklisted in Hollywood. He’s sent to England to make one more film for Fox. He doesn’t have time to read the book it’s based on, so he just kind of makes it his way, imagining a British underworld that doesn’t really exist. Cue angry Brits and an amazing film noir that superseded all expectations.
Harry Fabian is a guy who’s always one step ahead of his fate. Every time a half-baked business deal fails, he’s already onto the next, borrowing money as fast as he hemorrhages it. His employers hate him. His girlfriend believes in him regardless of his failures, faithfully waiting for his success. In steps a famous Greek wrestler who may be the key to that success, but nothing goes as planned and Fabian’s fate grows ever nearer.
Night and The City is a sympathetic yet realistic look at a world class shyster, and how his selfishness is his undoing. It’s a darkly moral film, with a lovely noir pallet, shot on location is actual British slums and back alleys. The acting is flawless and the cinematography is suitably straightforward. I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good noir. It’s possibly one of the best.
Note: I reviewed one of Dassin’s earlier films here. I think I might have a new favorite director.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
2012. Directed by Eric Darnell and other poor saps
Why did I watch this? Because my brother and I were bored and there was a cheap theater showing it down the street. I haven’t seen Madagascar 1 or 2, so I was a little lost. I got the idea that these famous actors were voicing animals that have extremely two-dimensional characters and go on adventures together that are supposed to be hilarious.
I admit, the first ten minutes, though poorly choreographed, were funny. These animals need to go to Monte Carlo for some reason, and they have this huge SUV and a crazy French lady is following them on a tiny moped and it played out very much like a decent Loony Tunes cartoon, full of ridiculous cartoon violence and creative lunacy involving flying vehicles between skyscrapers. Then the rest of the film hit, with annoying things like characters and plots and Katy Perry musical montages.
Not my kind of film, but I understand why a very young child, who has no concept of what good storytelling or intelligent character development is and just likes colorful flashing lights, would enjoy it.