Ah, the eve of the day that would make it a full month since my last post (august 7th according to blogger) Guess i should post something then.......
Well, i've been a bit of a procrastinator compared to last semester. I still get things done, not last minute of course, but normally i would've started and consequently completed something way earlier than i have been.
I have this lazy bug, i blame the weather... WINTER!!! haha... makes you wanna curl in your bed and watch movies all day. That isn't exactly what i've been doing of course. I don't curl, i sit on my chair in front of my computer or my lazy chair in front of the tv and watch stuff... from tv series to movies... I've recently given myself a rule so i actually CAN relax instead of trying to relax but at the back of my mind are things like readings that i haven't read through, upcoming assignments and juggling/organizing my time for work, schoolwork, uni and "me" time. "Me" time=quality time=relaxation in the form of music, movies, hanging out with friends (which nowadays seems to mostly be Kannan, and occasionally Alan and Amber), exercising.
Yeah, but anyway, back to my policy: A movie a day keeps the pressure away... Haha... lame, i know i know.... But that's a rule i go by. It's something to look forward to after a long day of researching bloody essays or working at subway, which i'm completely getting sick of... It's been two weeks since i've worked (cos i had 4 assignments due within those 2 weeks), working on Monday.
I've got a film genres presentation next wednesday, got a 1000 word film genres essay due on friday, then the following friday the 2nd part of the 1000 word essay specifically on two genre films... My presentation's on the horror genre, so i've decided to do Shaun of the Dead. It'll be awesome. For my essay, however, i've decided to do musicals... cos i like musicals more than film noir, gangster or horror (those were the other choices).
Anyway, some films i've seen lately:
Pursuit of HappYness- watch it if you wanna feel depressed for the first 110 minutes of the film. The last 5 minutes makes you cry... and of course other parts in the film. It's a good film, just really sad. But i got annoyed by the fact that they made it seem like 'money makes the world go round'. That part sucked... that's something i'm trying not to believe. Call it denial if you want... whatever...
Children of Men- beautifully filmed, awesome gore, great story, great ending. I heard mixed reviews of this prior to watching it, but was pleasantly surprised AND surprised why some people (some friends) didn't like it.
Night of the Living Dead- although it's in black & white and it's 39 years old... haha... it's a horror classic with classic (laughable) lines, simple but great plot and a surprising (some would say abnormal) ending. Slow paced but I loved it.
Sublime- Hmm... Could've done better. I appreciate the story but it wasn't strong enough. Never engaged me even though it's supposed to be a psychological thriller. Some interesting transitions and great make-up effects, but in general a bit weak.
Psycho (1960)- I'd only seen remakes of this so it was great when we finally watched it in class. Even though i knew what was going to happen, it's a good film to watch and learn from. The original is always better than the remake(s).
Basic Instinct- Great script, cinematography was pretty good, nice open-ended ending.
American Beauty- It's no wonder in almost all of my subjects this semester and last, they've at least talked about it and shown bits of it in class as examples. When i finally watched it in Resource Management class (lecturer Jennine was supposed to just show 15 mins of it, but she got carried away, we love her for it though. haha...), I was blown away. Great characters, great script, great plot, terrific cinematography, beautiful lighting, great (film) soundtrack. I highly recommend it. It will be considered a classic if it hasn't already (and i think it has).
West Side Story- A classic musical, vivid colours, good choreography. Won 10 oscars, but i'm surprised it did.
Singin' in the Rain- I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! It's so funny!!! Thinking about it makes me smile and it has a great soundtrack, talented dancers/actors. I want to work with Debbie Reynolds if she's still around by the time i get the chance to.
Next- The Nicholas Cage film... It started off really great, had me intrigued, but it eventually became another generic, Hollywoodized film. Argh... ruined it.
Fracture- Anthony Hopkins got type casted. Hahaha... But good story.
Night at the Museum- Not as funny as i expected, so i was let down. The only part that made me laugh out loud was when Sacajawea looked at the snow and said stuff about the car tracks and what happened to the car (to Ben Stiller's amazement, he asks: wow you're amazing, how'd you know that?) and then she points to the car (that crashed into a wall or something) not too far away. HAHAHAHA... the rest of the movie was predictable and took the form of the typical Hollywood/children's/inspirational film structure.
The Black Dahlia- Stupid stupid stupid stupid movie. Mia Kirshner was type casted, so typical of Hollywood to do so. So was Scarlett Johansson, but that's her fault, cos she can't act. Hahaha... And WHAT THE HELL was the casting department thinking when they decided to cast the ALL AMERICAN Hilary Swank as an ENGLISH WOMAN. When i heard her say her lines in this British accent, i couldn't help myself... I couldn't stop laughing. She's a great actress, but they really should've cast a REAL English person. Gosh... it's like for the sake of BIG names (which most of the cast are), they just cast every BIG name possible. But after watching the film, i know why... haha... It's cos they can only rely on those BIG names to reel in an audience. The story was kinda crappy (very noir like), but crappy nonetheless, even though it was inspired by a true story. They tried tooooooooo hard to make it like the classic noir, but failed.
Requiem for a Dream- Great performances from Ellen Burstyn (another actor i'd love to work with if possible in the future) and Jared Leto. Based on a book which i haven't read, but i think Darren Aronofsky did a great job adapting and directing it. He has his own unique style of shooting things. The movie is depressing, but has too many good qualities to be called anything remotely near to bad. Aronofsky also directed The Fountain, my favourite film by him, should check it out if you have the chance.
The Beach- After reading the book (great book), i had certain expectations. I guess i can't expect the book to be adapted word for word. So i've decided to look at the book and the film as two separate pieces. I loved the book, and in some ways i enjoyed the movie. The story was changed (in my opinion) into something that they thought audiences (especially those who didn't read the book) would want. Can't blame them. It's got good cinematography and Leo's great acting, so it was enjoyable even though it's different. I've made peace with the "different" part. Can't have everything.
A Scanner Darkly- I watched it for its rotoscoping technique which i've never seen done before and for the story of course, which was good. It has some really interesting concepts and thematically addresses (i think) morality within governing institutions, common, but definitely an interesting take and way of expressing it.
I'm sure my parents are shaking their heads after that list of films, haha... Don't worry, i've been doing work, handed assignments in on time and stuff. Anyway, gotta get back to work :P
That's all for now. The rest of my life's pretty normal UNI life. We shot our practice group film last weekend, i was the lighting person. It was fun and different to work with a new group or at least half a new group. But i must say, last semester's group was better to work with and more "together" with things. The people in-charge in this group are a bit disorganized. It's not that the shoot went badly, it's just some people you work better with and some you don't. Last semester's group had team spirit, this lacks that. Hope that for our major project we'll work better together.
Oh, F.Y.I or anyone interested in knowing, i'll be back on the 27th of November 2007. No surprises this time. How boring. Maybe i should change my ticket and surprise my parents again. Hahaha. Muahahaha.... Ha... Ha...ha.
Thanks for reading and thanks for caring!
I have this lazy bug, i blame the weather... WINTER!!! haha... makes you wanna curl in your bed and watch movies all day. That isn't exactly what i've been doing of course. I don't curl, i sit on my chair in front of my computer or my lazy chair in front of the tv and watch stuff... from tv series to movies... I've recently given myself a rule so i actually CAN relax instead of trying to relax but at the back of my mind are things like readings that i haven't read through, upcoming assignments and juggling/organizing my time for work, schoolwork, uni and "me" time. "Me" time=quality time=relaxation in the form of music, movies, hanging out with friends (which nowadays seems to mostly be Kannan, and occasionally Alan and Amber), exercising.
Yeah, but anyway, back to my policy: A movie a day keeps the pressure away... Haha... lame, i know i know.... But that's a rule i go by. It's something to look forward to after a long day of researching bloody essays or working at subway, which i'm completely getting sick of... It's been two weeks since i've worked (cos i had 4 assignments due within those 2 weeks), working on Monday.
I've got a film genres presentation next wednesday, got a 1000 word film genres essay due on friday, then the following friday the 2nd part of the 1000 word essay specifically on two genre films... My presentation's on the horror genre, so i've decided to do Shaun of the Dead. It'll be awesome. For my essay, however, i've decided to do musicals... cos i like musicals more than film noir, gangster or horror (those were the other choices).
Anyway, some films i've seen lately:
Pursuit of HappYness- watch it if you wanna feel depressed for the first 110 minutes of the film. The last 5 minutes makes you cry... and of course other parts in the film. It's a good film, just really sad. But i got annoyed by the fact that they made it seem like 'money makes the world go round'. That part sucked... that's something i'm trying not to believe. Call it denial if you want... whatever...
Children of Men- beautifully filmed, awesome gore, great story, great ending. I heard mixed reviews of this prior to watching it, but was pleasantly surprised AND surprised why some people (some friends) didn't like it.
Night of the Living Dead- although it's in black & white and it's 39 years old... haha... it's a horror classic with classic (laughable) lines, simple but great plot and a surprising (some would say abnormal) ending. Slow paced but I loved it.
Sublime- Hmm... Could've done better. I appreciate the story but it wasn't strong enough. Never engaged me even though it's supposed to be a psychological thriller. Some interesting transitions and great make-up effects, but in general a bit weak.
Psycho (1960)- I'd only seen remakes of this so it was great when we finally watched it in class. Even though i knew what was going to happen, it's a good film to watch and learn from. The original is always better than the remake(s).
Basic Instinct- Great script, cinematography was pretty good, nice open-ended ending.
American Beauty- It's no wonder in almost all of my subjects this semester and last, they've at least talked about it and shown bits of it in class as examples. When i finally watched it in Resource Management class (lecturer Jennine was supposed to just show 15 mins of it, but she got carried away, we love her for it though. haha...), I was blown away. Great characters, great script, great plot, terrific cinematography, beautiful lighting, great (film) soundtrack. I highly recommend it. It will be considered a classic if it hasn't already (and i think it has).
West Side Story- A classic musical, vivid colours, good choreography. Won 10 oscars, but i'm surprised it did.
Singin' in the Rain- I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! It's so funny!!! Thinking about it makes me smile and it has a great soundtrack, talented dancers/actors. I want to work with Debbie Reynolds if she's still around by the time i get the chance to.
Next- The Nicholas Cage film... It started off really great, had me intrigued, but it eventually became another generic, Hollywoodized film. Argh... ruined it.
Fracture- Anthony Hopkins got type casted. Hahaha... But good story.
Night at the Museum- Not as funny as i expected, so i was let down. The only part that made me laugh out loud was when Sacajawea looked at the snow and said stuff about the car tracks and what happened to the car (to Ben Stiller's amazement, he asks: wow you're amazing, how'd you know that?) and then she points to the car (that crashed into a wall or something) not too far away. HAHAHAHA... the rest of the movie was predictable and took the form of the typical Hollywood/children's/inspirational film structure.
The Black Dahlia- Stupid stupid stupid stupid movie. Mia Kirshner was type casted, so typical of Hollywood to do so. So was Scarlett Johansson, but that's her fault, cos she can't act. Hahaha... And WHAT THE HELL was the casting department thinking when they decided to cast the ALL AMERICAN Hilary Swank as an ENGLISH WOMAN. When i heard her say her lines in this British accent, i couldn't help myself... I couldn't stop laughing. She's a great actress, but they really should've cast a REAL English person. Gosh... it's like for the sake of BIG names (which most of the cast are), they just cast every BIG name possible. But after watching the film, i know why... haha... It's cos they can only rely on those BIG names to reel in an audience. The story was kinda crappy (very noir like), but crappy nonetheless, even though it was inspired by a true story. They tried tooooooooo hard to make it like the classic noir, but failed.
Requiem for a Dream- Great performances from Ellen Burstyn (another actor i'd love to work with if possible in the future) and Jared Leto. Based on a book which i haven't read, but i think Darren Aronofsky did a great job adapting and directing it. He has his own unique style of shooting things. The movie is depressing, but has too many good qualities to be called anything remotely near to bad. Aronofsky also directed The Fountain, my favourite film by him, should check it out if you have the chance.
The Beach- After reading the book (great book), i had certain expectations. I guess i can't expect the book to be adapted word for word. So i've decided to look at the book and the film as two separate pieces. I loved the book, and in some ways i enjoyed the movie. The story was changed (in my opinion) into something that they thought audiences (especially those who didn't read the book) would want. Can't blame them. It's got good cinematography and Leo's great acting, so it was enjoyable even though it's different. I've made peace with the "different" part. Can't have everything.
A Scanner Darkly- I watched it for its rotoscoping technique which i've never seen done before and for the story of course, which was good. It has some really interesting concepts and thematically addresses (i think) morality within governing institutions, common, but definitely an interesting take and way of expressing it.
I'm sure my parents are shaking their heads after that list of films, haha... Don't worry, i've been doing work, handed assignments in on time and stuff. Anyway, gotta get back to work :P
That's all for now. The rest of my life's pretty normal UNI life. We shot our practice group film last weekend, i was the lighting person. It was fun and different to work with a new group or at least half a new group. But i must say, last semester's group was better to work with and more "together" with things. The people in-charge in this group are a bit disorganized. It's not that the shoot went badly, it's just some people you work better with and some you don't. Last semester's group had team spirit, this lacks that. Hope that for our major project we'll work better together.
Oh, F.Y.I or anyone interested in knowing, i'll be back on the 27th of November 2007. No surprises this time. How boring. Maybe i should change my ticket and surprise my parents again. Hahaha. Muahahaha.... Ha... Ha...ha.
Thanks for reading and thanks for caring!
posted by My life in Brisbane, if you care... at 9/06/2007 11:35:00 PM
5 Comments:
to think of it again, shawn of the dead was awesome. I wanna watch it again.. if thats possible.
how i wished my homework was watching movies.
Don't we always love the poeple in the past. =)
Oi... bila mau pergi minum teh oh. selalu sibuk.. :P
hahaa
You should watch Crash, Identity, Inside Man, Four Brothers, Rent, The Producers...Blah blah blah..
that's early mate...27/11..i'll be back sometime a month later than that...hahaha...take care...catch ya later
I've seen Crash, seen Identity, seen Inside Man, seen Four Brothers, saw those last year actually, but haven't seen Rent or The Producers though.
I want to watch Rent when i get back.
Not so much The Producers (that's the Uma Thurman one right?) It's supposed to be a musical? I'll give it a go though. Not liking Uma Thurman is not reason enough for me to not watch a film. Haha.
Haha yeah! He appeared as a zombie and later in the film was on tv for zombAid. Haha... funny. There were many cameos of popular British acts. Quite a few inside jokes related to "spaced", the tv series also written by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, directed by Edgar Wright too.
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