Review: Oscar 2008 Films

[One-Way]

Since I've been so busy with school, I've been putting a bunch of films on hold. Classes end on Wednesday, December 17, so I'll be watching these films from then on. These films are the top contendors for the Academy Awards as well. Instead of making a separate thread for each, I'll be putting each review in here.

Doubt
Slumdog Millionaire
Frost/Nixon
The Wrestler
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
The Reader

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Review: November/December Films

Ive seen a lot of previews for the "Milk" lately I'll probably go check it out.

[One-Way]

Re: Review: November/December Films

I have tickets to a private screening for Revolutionary Road on December 18. Unfortunently, my family is having a business dinner party that same night. I am so disappointed because I would kill to see this film a week before it's released!

In other news, I have DVD screeners for both Frost/Nixon and Milk. I'm still debating whether I should watch them or just see the films in theatres.

[One-Way]

Re: Review: November/December Films

THE WRESTLER
Directed By Darren Aronofsky

I just got back from watching The Wrestler at Arclight Hollywood, one of four theatres playing the film. The theatre is truly amazing, you get to pick where you sit while purchasing the tickets. The ushers also introduce themselves and the film which gives it a nice touch. They also had the original costumes Mickey Rourke wore in the film on display on the lobby. I was fascinated and couldn't help but stare for minutes on end.

As soon as the film was about to begin, I paced myself. I have been waiting nearly two years for another Aronofsky film. I've seen all three of his films and they've each been an extraordinary piece of work. I've been wondering how Aronofsky would tackle this type of project, considering he wasn't writing the screenplay.

The Wrestler is truly an emotional journey through the wrestling career of Randy "The Ram" Robinson. A popular wrestler from the 80s, the film is set in present day as Randy is already aging. His story runs parallel with Cassidy, a stripper he has built a friendship with.

Maryse Alberti, the cinematographer, and Aronosfky shot this film with an Arri 416 Super 16mm camera. The camerawork allowed us to feel the real human nature of these individuals. Randy's relationship with his daughter is heartfelt throughout the film as they struggle to make senese of their role in each other's lives. The gritty nature of the cinematography allows us to actually feel their emotions. If the acting and camerawork is not enough, Clint Mansell's beautiful score hypnotizes you and lures you into their world.

Like all of his work, Aronofsky provides us with a true gem. Aronofsky has described this as a "small, little film" with hopes not to overhype it. That's what it ultimately is; an emotional experience with wonderful performances. The use of editing his superb and like his others films, helps shape the story in its own way. The ending will keep you guessing and leaves me personally hoping I don't have to wait another two years.

[One-Way]

Re: Review: November/December Films

At Arclight Hollywood, they also had on display the original costumes from Doubt and Revolutionary Road. I couldn't help but stare and take pictures of the suit Leonardo DiCaprio and dress Kate Winslet wore.

[TomServo]

Re: Review: November/December Films

How expensive are tickets?

I've only seen one Aronofsky film (Requiem for a Dream) and didn't really like it, but this one has been getting almost unanimous praise.

I have so many movies to see. I haven't even seen Changeling!

[One-Way]

Re: Review: November/December Films

How expensive are tickets?

I've only seen one Aronofsky film (Requiem for a Dream) and didn't really like it, but this one has been getting almost unanimous praise.

I have so many movies to see. I haven't even seen Changeling!

You didn't like it? I've never heard of anyone not liking it and if you truly didn't, I highly doubt you'll like The Wrestler. Requiem was one of the finest films ever, so maybe you should rewatch it.

Tickets were pretty pricey, $14.50. I don't know if that's because we saw it at midnight but it seems to be the price for all showings.

Aronofsky definitely isn't for you though. Save the criticism.

[One-Way]

Re: Review: November/December Films

Since Revolutionary Road is in limited theatres on December 26, I'm pretty sure it's only going to be playing at Arclight Hollywood again. I just purchased tickets for a 12:01am showing on December 25. I chose the same seats as last night, too.

Hopefully, sometime during the evening, my family and I can go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Good way to knock down two of the post powerful films.

[LadySilver]

Re: Review: November/December Films

I'll be watching The Reader on the 24th. Hopefully, it's as good as the book.

[One-Way]

Re: Review: November/December Films

MILK
Directed By Gus Van Sant

Milk is the story of Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official from San Francisco. It features one of the greatest ensamble casts since The Dark Knight, along with Sean Penn, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin and Diego Luna.

It is how it sounds; we step into the life of Harvey Milk and his journey to election for supervisor of San Francisco. Through the riots and protests until he finally reaches office, we see how much they had to truly endure to get equal rights. If Brokeback Mountain wasn't your thing, this won't be either. There's a lot of, maybe a little too much, kissing in the film. I bring this up because normally I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, in the first thirty minutes of the film, I felt like they were putting it right in front of our faces a tad too much. It dies down after that so it only makes me wonder.

Overall, it's a powerful film and very well-directed. The film's cinematography is done by Harris Savides who has worked on American Gangster, Martin Scorsese's short feature The Key to Reserva, and Woody Allen's upcoming film Whatever Works. The cinematography is exceptional because it helps recreate the 1970s. For most of the film, you feel transported to that specific period of time. Especially when we see establishing footage of actual protests that Milk participated in and when we get up close and see Sean Penn, not once do you feel out of place.

The performances were great, all around, and pretty much what I expected. When Penn and Brolin share screen time, their chemistry turns into magic. Sean Penn's mannerisms and body movement are excellent as he portrays Harvey. Towards the end of the film, it gets scary good, and you wonder if Sean Penn is acting anymore. In a sense, Penn becomes Milk as he gives a powerful speech in front of thousands.

It's an interesting film to see considering I didn't know about Harvey Milk. The film is pieced together perfect, almost making it seem like a documentary, which I find to be amazing considering how well they adapted to the 70s. The film's ending is quite unbelievable, even though we are told what's going to happen in the first two minutes of the film. Milk is a very powerful and at times emotional film which will probably receive some well-deserved Oscar nominations.