This past weekend, two films opened that allowed views to choose between their amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Those who wanted to react could watch Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and relish the ceaseless action and those who wished to reflect could screen Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and revisit the intrigue of the Cold War. There is nothing wrong with explosions and fisticuffs but I wanted conspiracies and mysteries so I chose the latter. I was happy with my choice but others in the theatre were not, believing that there was not sufficient violence for their liking. Based on the 1974 novel …
The King’s Speech
Over the course of a given year, only a handful of elite films are released. Hollywood has diluted most of the major genres and most works are shallow copies of something that succeeded previously. The King’s Speech is a shining example of the contrary: a film that balances drama and comedy, features a stellar cast that honours their craft with skilled performances, and a plot that is relevant and informative. The topic – the speech impediment of King George VI and how it is threatening his ability to lead the United Kingdom following the abdication of his brother Edward VIII …
A Single Man
A Single Man seeks to capture a sentiment, an essence, a moment. It seems to be a descendent of French films: certain abstract images are central to the thoughts of the protagonist although this effect is insufferable at times. Tom Ford directs the film in a very visual way, showing English professor George Falconer’s attempt to navigate around past demons and through the perilous present Having lost the love of his life in a car accident eight months previously, Falconer begins the day with the intent of killing himself. As he goes about his daily business, individual scenes trigger memories and emotions. …