Les Misérables (2012)

So last night I finally got round to seeing Les Mis at the cinema (I know it’s terrible it took me that long) and I only just feel I have recovered my emotional stability enough to write this blog post. I shall warn you early on in this post, this film is not for the faint hearted. It will emotionally drain you to an extent you have never experienced before. Well, that is if you’re a sap like me, if you’re cold hearted (or normal) you will probably be able to keep yourself together. All I can say is, I have never cried so much or so ardently in a public place before.

If, like me, you are already a great lover of the storyline and the musical productions, I am pleased to say you will not be disappointed. I admit, at points the singing does leave something to be desired. Russell Crowe, as expected, has probably the weakest voice in the cast, but he fulfils his role as Javert very well with his deep tones. Now, as much as I love Hugh Jackman and his voice,  I have to say he is no Alfie Boe. Then again, it seems slightly unfair to compare him to someone as great as that. Otherwise, he plays his role as Jean Valjean perfectly. I really do feel sorry for him having had to endure 36 hours of dehydration to look the part for the first few scenes of the film. Another cast member who went to extreme lengths to do their part justice is Anne Hathaway. Not that she needed to do much after her incredible rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, but she allowed her luscious, brown locks to be hacked off on camera! So when you see that, you should realise, they’re probably real tears.

It is amazing the amount of raw singing talent in this film, especially from those it isn’t expected from. After Mamma Mia, it isn’t surprising that Amanda Seyfried was cast as Cosette, and a fantastic job she did as well. But Eddie Redmayne was surprisingly good! He played the love struck student very well, not particularly surprising though considering his previous roles including Angel in ‘Tess of the D’Ubervilles’ and young Colin in ‘My Week with Marilyn’. Something I was very pleased with was that Samantha Barks was cast as Eponine which, considering she was so amazing in the stage production, was the right choice. In her final scene, I wept like a child. 

But don’t worry, this film isn’t all about doom and gloom and dumbfounding musical performances. There is some light relief in the form of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the nibble fingered landlords of a tavern. Both of their performances are brilliant with Carter adopting the cocky accent as seen in ‘Sweeney Todd’ and Cohen being his usual hilarious self. 

Even if you don’t like musicals or don’t think you can sit through 2 and a half hours in the cinema, go and see it. It is part cinematic history that is necessary to your cultural education. Trust me. 

Picture from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707386/

Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

So as I said before, I have watched the film version of Choderlos de Laclos’ Les Liaison Dangereuses after reading the novel. The first viewing of the casting for certain characters is always interesting, and I was especially excited to see who would be cast for the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil! I think that John Malkovich and Glenn Close were perfect choices. Close was the perfect age during shooting to help her achieve, as well as through her acting ability, the social butterfly with the dark secret that is Merteuil. Also, John Malkovich is both charming and diabolical.

However, what was interesting to see was the director/producer’s take on the relationship between these two character. Laclos’ ambiguous style as a writer makes it difficult to make out in the novel so we are merely presented with a variety of options. Interestingly, this adaptation takes on the idea that the Marquise is still in love with the Vicomte after their affair and throughout his later exploits. Also, the leave no possibility of ambiguity as the Vicomte states his love for Madame de Tourvel as true. Although I like that they decided on one possibility and went with it, I would have rather they left a little more to the imagination as they made it seem like the Marquise was the villain in this case whereas the Vicomte made great personal progress which I do not agree with. I did not get this image of them at all when I read the book as they seemed to me equally confused as to their feelings and what path they must take. 

Also, there wasn’t enough investigation into the rest of French society at the time as the book explored exploits of other people of the likes of these 2 characters. However, this is only a slight negative and apart from that I enjoyed the film though it may be of an acquired taste and seem more understandable if you have read the book yourself. 

Life of Pi

I have been long awaiting this film and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed. We arrived at the cinema and realised I had accidentally gotten the time for the 3D version rather than the normal 2D. I am so glad I made that mistake. This film is one of the most visually breathtaking I have seen. It focuses on the details and delicacies of nature, specifically the Pacific ocean. If you are going to see this film it should definitely be for the visual as that is where you will find the most pleasure.

As for the storyline, it was a good idea. I had read about 80 pages of the book before going to see the film and had liked it up to that point. This merely encompassed the first 30 minutes which establishes ‘Piscine Molitor Patel’s’ childhood and background for the story. This is portrayed magnificently as it is done with intense colour and vibrate sounds. The setting of India will always lend to a delightful visual experience.

The whole film works well together, however, the storyline does begin to drag as it reaches its middle. With the setting of the Pacific ocean and the only speaking character being Pi in his teens, accompanied by a Bengal Tiger, it is easy to see why. However, if you use this time to appreciate the visualness of the film and stick with it then you will come to appreciate it more.

Also, another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the colourful way religion is portrayed and Pi’s innocent willingness to accept every religion he can get his hands on. This is a fresh view on religion that I think everyone should appreciate, especially if you read the book as his arguments and descriptions around his chosen religions (Christianity, Hinduism and Islam) are invigorating.

The only thing that upset me about this film was the ending. Though do not let this harm your opinion of the film as it is merely me being a bit childish and wanting everything to have a fairytale, Disney ending. Although the facts of the ending seem to give you a finite answer, it doesn’t actually say it is so. Therefore, keep your childish imagination running free and you will be able to believe the happier ending! Get your eyes ready for this visual extravaganza.

Picture from: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=762

Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys

I decided to go back to my dark, depressing emo ways of all those years ago once more and look into what my favourite band of the time, My Chemical Romance, are now up to. Turns out they’ve had a new album for 2 years now so I thought I’d check it out. I appreciate I’m behind the times here but bear with.

And my god … I love it. It’s not for everyone I must admit but then again, that’s MCR’s nature as a band. I was pleased to see they followed on the theatricality of The Black Parade with a new theme and storyline that went throughout the album (Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys). Instead of the ominous memory of a parade from when they were young, this time they take the comic book theme on and are all ‘superheroes’ which even went to the point of them all having new names and personas. These are seen in the music videos for ‘Na na na’ and ‘Sing’ which was even directed by front man Gerard Way – I also have to say these two are probably some of my favourite songs from the album though I’m sure this will change when I get to the stage of knowing every song word for word.

I must admit though, at the moment I am still a die hard Black Parade fan but it’s good to see that they have moved on to a slightly altered style of music which is fresh and interesting. Give it a week of having the album on my iPod and I will have changed my mind on which MCR album I like best. And for those of you who thought they would not even listen to MCR if your life depended on it because they’re so depressing, no fear! The new album is still about rebellion and individuality, but with the solution of standing up for what you believe in with a fun twist … rather than just slitting your wrists about it. 

Picture from: http://www.mychemicalromance.com/media/photos

Dangerous Liaisons

One of my course texts for next semester is the scandalous ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ by Choderlos De Laclos. Though I must admit the collection of letters that this novel is made up of is slightly lengthy and at times monotonously repetitive and ‘wordy’, this was a necessary ploy by Laclos to gain the desired effect. However, these negatives become insignificant because of the larger effect they are part of, which is the ironic misunderstanding and misinterpretations of situations that take place within this overtly prudish, 18th-century French society.

Laclos’ relentlessly crude and unashamed use of irony throughout further reinforces how ridiculous he found the society he is depicting. This is especially shocking for the reader as I’m sure most of use have little historical knowledge of this period, and most of this will be of a refined and innocent society of chaperoned love and reputation through family name. However, Laclos does not completely ignore this idea as characters such as Madame de Volanges and her young daughter (before she is misled by the predatory Madame de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont) are completely oblivious and innocent to the idea of a ‘vulgar’ underbelly to their polished and refined society. 

I don’t know if I’d recommend this as a worthwhile read for everyone as the letter effect leaves a lack of description and concentration of dialogue that some readers might find irritating. However, the letters do describe scenes etc so that the reader isn’t left wondering as to what is actually going on. 

Now that I’ve read the book, I think it is time to watch the film version and see how well it portrays these juicy and sensual affairs and how it interprets the delicious ambiguity of Laclos’ writing. 

Why life sucks.

So I’m home alone and annoyed so here is the perfect place to vent.

Change is never a comfortable experience. Though it seems that the people who deal with change the best are the people it is happening to. Inevitably change in your own life will affect many people around you. Unfortunately the way some people deal with change is by retreating. It’s a natural human response and to be expected but, when said people don’t emerge from this social hibernation, it gets kind of old. 

So what do we do? Do we merely distance ourselves further in the hope that they will come back to you? Or do we confront them with the added risk of it escalating into an unnecessary argument? Or option number 3, do we write a ranting blog post in the hope that it will get noticed? 

When you’re constantly around people, it is hard to hide the truth or avoid hurting people’s feelings. However, when distance is put between you (either literal or metaphorical) these two things become a lot easier. You are given the time to decide what the best way of approaching certain circumstances are, this can even involve lying. This is all well and go, until the person you’re supposedly trying to protect finds out. Then it gets messy. 

So here is my advice to all you people out there stuck in this sort of situation. It may come as a surprise to you all but the golden nugget I have for you is … 

*drum roll*

Talk to the person about the problem! Even if they react badly to it at first, they will come round to it a lot easier than if they find out through other means. 

Hope this helps y’all. 

New year and all that …

So I have unforgivably neglected my blog for a whole year. I’ll fill you in on what I’ve been up to. I’ve completed my A-levels and have now moved onto a new and exciting life at university. Now I am settled again, I am going to try to dedicate myself to this once more as it seems a healthy way to spend my time. However, I am going to take a new direction with it. I will be rambling more about myself as I admit university has made me more egotistical (if that was even possible) and about my general views and ramblings on life. So that you are not completely bored out of your minds by my incoherent thoughts, I will try to become abreast of important news and think of actually interesting debates to discuss.
Hopefully you will hear from me again soon!

I also realise my page needs a bit of a presentation overhaul. It’s a bit crap.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

If, like me, you’re having one of those depressing days were you feel like your life is going to be long, monotonous and terribly disappointing then the remedy is to see Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. It is sickeningly heartfelt and profound but hey, I’m a sucker for Ewan McGregor! It far exceeds its poor excuse for a film title, however, I guess having a rubbish film title makes you not expect much from a film and be pleasantly surprised.

The cast is simply the best of British with the amazing Ewan McGregor and extremely underrated Emily Blunt. However, my favourite has to be Kristin Scott Thomas as her sarcasm and disregard for anybody else’s thoughts is exactly what I aspire too. The dry humour that she encapsulated with run throughout the film in a truly British way as no one else would possibly find it funny. Ewan McGregor was a far cry from his usual eloquent roles as he plays the verging on Aspergers fish enthusiast with a mundane routine lifestyle, although by the end he had (pretty much) flourished into his usual self. Emily Blunt is incredibly stylish as usual with matching spirit which McGregor’s character cannot quite grasp but together they struggle through and understand each other. I know, I want to be sick too. But trust me on this one – it is worth it!

The use of taboo and controversial topics involving the war in Afghanistan and Anglo-Arab relations it is bound to bring a tear to your eye in someway. I nearly cried multiple times, but then again I am a complete wuss and cry at pretty much anything. As I don’t want to give too much of the plot away I will leave you with this – it was tremendously juicy and I would watch it again right now. The best of British truly shone through but it was missing one thing … a big juicy kiss! I guess we can’t have it all can we.

Picture from: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1827714560/tt1441952

The Hunger Games

I had anxiously awaited the release of this film as I had consumed the book in a day it was that good! This was then followed by the second instalment the next day. I could not put them down. Though this made me excited it also left the film a lot to live up to. However, when I saw the cast I was sure it was going to live up to my expectations. Jennifer Lawrence has not had a lot of acting experience but from what I’ve seen in X-men First Class I thought she was the right choice and she is exactly how I imagined Katniss to be. Just how Josh Hutcherson was just how I imagined Peeta to be. He pulled the baker’s son look off perfectly. Though I have loved Liam Hemsworth ever since seeing The Last Song, I’m afraid he didn’t quite pull Gale off for me. This may be hindered by the fact that I prefer Peeta in the book anyway. As always Stanley Tucci was amazing with his crazy hair and massive teeth! Overall, the casting was pretty amazing and made the film work well, especially casting for those in the Capitol.

Though some parts were different to how they were in the book, it didn’t take anything away from the film or the plot in general. Everything was done with flare and wasn’t brought down to attract the younger audience. The choice of setting and clothing for the districts and the Capitol were brilliant as it showed the true divide between them and the choice of camera angles and sound gave it the rough and confused sense that was needed. Though it was quite long I think it was needed to add all the necessary detail and you didn’t notice the length at all because it was so enjoyable.

I cannot wait for the next instalment which I hope won’t take too long to arrive as the books have left me wanting more. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of the books and people who don’t even know the story at all! It is gripping and trust me, this isn’t another twilight. This one is absolutely juicy.

Picture from: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2868031744/tt1392170

Project X

I wasn’t expecting much from this film and didn’t really have much time to think about it as I was planning to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. However, it was sold out so I went into the Project X screening – which contained one other person! This doesn’t say much for my expectations of the film. 

The beginning of the film didn’t do much to raise my hopes either. It’s slow and doesn’t remotely grab your attention with the dodgy ‘Chronicle-like’ hand held camera effect. The generic ‘parents going away and leaving the nerdy boy with minimal friends home alone for the weekend’ set up was no surprise and was a little bit annoying. The random introduction of camera owner, Dax, into the friend group seemed a tad desperate and Costa … don’t even get me going on how annoying his character is. 

However, once the party night arrived I became a bit more enthralled by the idea. As expected by 9.20pm no one had arrived and they were looking to stay the losers they were before. But then, miraculously, about 100 people all arrive at once (yes, I know very likely). This included all the popular people who never knew who he was. The next half hour was fun, funny and involved the arrival of a lot more people but the party seemed surprisingly controlled. That was until people got into the house – yet it was still fun. 

Then the ecstasy arrived. 

Things began to get less funny and a little more sinister, leaving me with an increasingly uncomfortable feeling. A window was broken, then people skate boarded off the roof, a dwarf was put in the oven, the birthday boy,Thomas, jumped off a roof, followed by chubby JB followed consequently breaking his fingers,  the car was driven into the pool and a man with a flamethrower arrived.

So overall I enjoyed the film but it became a bit confused about what it was trying to achieve and left me feeling a bit uncomfortable which is unfortunate as it could have been so much more. I wouldn’t go out my way to watch it but if you get the chance to you might as well. This film was not quite ripe.

Picture from: http://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-latest/project-x/5038774.article