365 Days. 365 Films.

This is a film I bought on DVD upon its release because I was just so excited to see it! ... I've only just seen it...

I love gangster movies and so this seemed like my kind of film, especially when I heard Ridley Scott was involved, the reason it took me five years to watch was because it is so goddamn long! At 157 minutes (and that's the shorter cut of the film!) it took two sittings (I get restless!), but it really was worth it. It's not a stereotypical gangster movie, which I thought would lessen my enthusiasm for it but it didn't. Russell Crowe is brilliant and borderline likable and Denzel Washington is amazing and brings a whole new feel to gangster films.

As for Scott's direction, it's flawless as usual. I initially thought that for him to attempt a gangster film might be a little challenging for him, but it was seamless and slick from start to finish. This is another one I loved and one I didn't want to end - even if it was 157 minutes...

When Clyde's wife and daughter are brutally murdered he is shocked to discover his lawyer making a deal with one of the murderers to send one to death row while the other is set free. Ten years after the case however, he decides to take the law into his own hands by killing all those who were involved with the deal, starting with the murderer on death row he switches the fluids used for the lethal injection for a more painful death before moving on to the one who was set free and the lawyers involved.

This film is a lot more interesting than it sounds as it's not just a revenge film but a very clever thriller.With experience in the secret service, Clyde can commit murder without ever having to be in the same room and, even with him locked away in a top security prison, people are still being killed, making it difficult to prove him guilty.

It's full of gore, it's incredibly clever and interesting to watch and Gerard Butler is amazing in it. This is a very entertaining movie that I would recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers, gore or who can appreciate brilliant direction. I didn't want it to end!

From the director of Let The Right One In comes this thriller about George Smiley (Oldman), a semi-retired spy who is sent on a mission to uncover a Soviet mole within MI6.

Based on the novel of the same name, this spy thriller centres around a mission gone wrong which reveals the presence of a infiltration into the secret service. Gary Oldman stars alongside an award winning cast including John Hurt and Colin Firth.

This is not your typical spy thriller. Instead of car chases, gun fights and one-liners you get a deeply thought out plot and thorough characterisation built into the script and developed beautifully by Alfredson's slick direction. It is a little slow moving and tension is often built to nothing, but it's well worth a watch for the artistic direction, outstanding performances by the cast and plot complexity.

The Artist is a new silent movie about the early days in cinema when ‘talkies’ started to take over the movie business. Jean Dujardin stars as George Valentin, a silent movie star whose career takes a turn for the worse when sound hits the big screen, which isn’t helped by his off screen love affair with the new face of talking cinema.
Everyone has been saying how original this film is, when in fact it isn’t – silent films were the norm before 1927, and even in the 1970s Mel Brooks made Silent Movie. These are the things that were going through my mind as I began to watch this film – How original could it really be? In actual fact, by utilising the primitive aspects of cinema to their advantage, they are able to create a piece of art, not just a movie.

This is a film about film, taking it’s audience back to a time when it was all new, when films were a novelty and when only a few films opened each week. The Artist is a novelty to modern day audiences and it is a very entertaining film containing everything you might hope for in a film these days, but more than the novelty of it, it is a genuinely beautiful piece of cinema that will make you laugh, cry and want to discover more about earlier cinema.

This is one of the most famous and influential French films of all time from one of the most inspiring directors, Truffaut. The story follows a young adolescent whose rebellious attitude gets him into a lot of trouble both at school and at home. It’s a beautiful story about misunderstanding and emotional trauma, told with all the sincerity and anguish that Truffaut reflects in his stunning use of innovative cinematography.

When it comes to Truffaut there is nothing to criticise, especially with this film. He really did revolutionise cinema with his camera angles and movement to tell the story in ways other than what was being used previously. Just like an artistic photographer, Truffaut positions his audience as the observers to inspire sympathy in his characters. There is no distanciation as you would expect of his format, but instead he treats the audience as observers with the power to act on the story. One scene in particular which sums up my opinions of this is when Antoine, the boy, is being interviewed by a psychiatrist; Truffaut acknowledges the camera itself as the psychiatrist and therefore places the audience in a position of first hand observation.

It’s just a stunning piece of cinema and a stunning piece of art that, again, film studies students would have a lot of fun analysing, but I’ll leave it down to you to do that… Watch it!

Pickpocket is Bresson’s fifth feature length film and probably his most famous about a man’s financial struggles and his mother’s illness which lead him to thievery. This 1959 French film has been noted as one of the most influential pieces of art cinema of the fifties with Bresson’s famous use of ascetic style of cinematography.

The direction is impeccable, heightening the drama within the main character and although the story is, on the surface, pretty thin, Bresson’s cinematography and theatrical use of his actors characterises the subject matter to deeper levels. This is a movie that film or art students could have a lot of fun with, but if that isn’t your thing then it might not interest you, but if for nothing else, it’s a stunning work of art and a character driven narrative that you cannot help but engage with.

Overall I would say that this is a hidden treasure is as much as it might not be something you have heard of unless you do study film, and it is a must-see film for all – there is something that everyone can engage with on all sorts of levels.

One night in London, Hannay is asked by a woman to be escorted back to his home where she reveals that she is a spy attempting to stop a gang of agents from letting out a secret about the government. That night he is woken to find her with a knife in her back and, fearing that the same will happen to him, he flees to Scotland where he was informed he could get help.

This is a film I really should have watched years ago – sometimes people feel that because a movie is old and black and white that it will be boring and/or difficult to watch. This does not necessarily make for a bad film but a film layered with creativity, theories and a multitude of talent. The reason I hadn’t watched this film before was because I assumed it would be just that, and therefore a bit of an effort to watch. It wasn’t. Not only was it a brilliant and artistic piece of cinema, but it was easy to watch, lighthearted in places and filled with all the suspense and drama you would hope for a Hitchcock movie.

Hitchcock is really a superb director who managed to squeeze the very best out of the talent involved, adding his own twists and turns to each through magnificent cinematography, editing, mise en scene and a terrific sound editing – all making up a brilliant thriller movie.

Artsy film lovers will absolutely love this romantic drama about Oliver (McGregor), his mixed up family life, his dying father, and his new found love for a French actress named Anna (Laurent). After over 40 years of marriage, Oliver’s mother dies and shortly after, his father tells him that he is gay and always has been. While fighting a losing battle with cancer, Hal (Plummer) finally lives the life he always wanted as a proud homosexual while Oliver tries to be supportive in his father’s final days.

This independent film takes all the best aspects of indie movies and mixes it with a mainstream vibe – the editing and cinematography are very much typical of indie cinema, but the script, dialogue and characters are so relatable as you may find with some Hollywood pictures. Oliver narrates and shows his audience pictures and photographs from time but distanciation is prevented by scenes breaking these moments up, when the director draws you deeper into the emotional web of characters.

It’s comforting, exciting and beautiful – a must-see for anyone who enjoys the more artistic side of cinema, but isn’t quite ready to delve into the niche.

Another fairly recent Disney animation now with Bolt. Bolt is a dog with his own television show about a young girl and her genetically altered super-dog, running away from evil. The only downside is that Bolt has been conditioned as the star of the show to believe that it is real. When Bolt finds himself miles away from his owner and his television studio, he must find his way back while constantly on the run from the bad guys that be believes are after him.
 
The animation, and particularly the cinematography of it are amazing – the first five or ten minutes has been made to look like an action film which is very slick and sucks you into the film immediately, however it is slightly disappointing that the look doesn’t continue throughout.

With the help of a cat and a wannabe superhero hamster, he manages to travel across America and find his way home.
It’s a very funny film that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and although it is not a Pixar film, it is on par with some of their most enjoyable family films.

I am a huge fan of Woody Allen’s films and have been for a number of years, however I recently discovered that I had only really seen five of his films. This film is about a neurotic writer (as many of Allen’s films are) called Allan (Allen) whose wife leaves him. On the hunt for love, and after being set up countless times by his best friend’s wife, Linda (Keaton), Allan finds himself falling for her instead.

Based on the play and adapted for the screen by Allen, this reeks of his genius and comedic talent throughout. This, along with all other Woody Allen films I’ve seen, whether he has written, directed, acted or all of the above, is witty, intelligent and self-deprecating. It’s a feel good film about love and life and although its conventions are unexpected, the humour keeps your spirits up.

Allen is terrific in this film, and I cannot recall a part he has played with any less vigour and wit, however this is a classic example of his brilliance both in the writing and his portrayal of a very complex character, lightened through slapstick, puns and timeless jokes.

Very funny, very endearing and, above all, enjoyable from start to finish.

Dolores Claiborne is a wife, mother and a maid accused of murdering her husband, and the woman she cared and cleaned for. After being caught with a rolling pin in her hands, ready to strike the old woman in front of her, she is arrested as a suspect. Her daughter, Selena, who she hasn’t spoken to in 15 years, comes to bail her out, and as Dolores explains what actually happened with Vera, the old woman she apparently murdered, Selena learns and remembers more about her childhood and her father than she had expected to. Learning to love her mother again after growing up with the belief that she had killed her father, this is a beautiful and dramatic story about family and trust.

I have to set aside a few words to speak about Kathy Bates since she is the reason I watched this film. I had never heard of it until my mother recommended it, using it as an example of why Kathy Bates is her favourite actress. After watching this, it is obvious that this is the best example of Bates’ work; she gets so deep into the character that you can hardly remember who is actually playing the role. And while on the subject of the cast, everyone is brilliant. Jennifer Jason Leigh (Selena) is tremendous in her role as a messed up drunk, the young girl who plays the young Selena is also unbelievably talented, and I was also happy to see a young John C. Reilly who was, again, brilliant.

I have no complaints about this film, but it is a little depressing in parts – still an amazing display of brilliant direction and acting – Oscars all round!

This is a film I know a lot of kids raved about upon it’s release, my cousin being one of them (she was younger then… obviously) but I didn’t expect I would like it as much as I did. The story follows a genetically manufactured alien who escapes his destruction and finds himself on planet Earth on an island in Hawaii. The alien, soon to be named Stitch was built solely to destroy things, but he realises that in order to escape capture and certain death, he must blend in on Earth. Posing as a dog in a shelter, a young girl named Lilo adopts him, and the fun begins!


This truly is a classic Disney film as enjoyable as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King or Aladdin – it’s funny, emotional and so enjoyable to watch. The animation is to perfection and the concept is new and original to what we’re used to seeing from Disney. All in all it’s a modern and quirky masterpiece.

I laughed, I cried and I wanted to watch it again almost immediately. This is one for the whole family to enjoy, and I promise you will!

Rabbit Hole is the story of a married couple who are trying to keep it together after the death of their four year old son. Starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, this is based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s play of the same name.

Firstly I have to point out the genius of Lindsay-Abaire’s words, the dialogue is so natural and beautifully crafted! I was not familiar with the play before watching this film, but his work as a playwright is clear throughout the film – it could so easily be a play you are watching in the theatre for the subtle but affecting melodrama. Secondly I must give the highest praise to the director who manages to suck his audience into the Rabbit Hole, playing out the story with the utmost grace and ease.

The main point I would like to make about the film, which does also relate to Mitchell as a director, is Nicole Kidman’s acting. Now, normally I am not at all a fan of hers, I think she is a hammy, overacting annoyance in the industry, despite loving some of her films. However, in this, she is perfect throughout. She is so natural and every movement, every syllable must have been carefully thought out by her but it doesn’t show. She is just spectacular in this movie and has fully gained my respect as an actress. I do love Natalie Portman, but I don’t know why Kidman didn’t win that Oscar for this…

Overall it’s just a flawless film – it’s touching but not an emotional circle jerk. You will watch in awe at the writing, direction, and Nicole Kidman actually acting for once.

Kenneth Branagh stars as A. O. Neville, the man in charge of taking half-caste Aborigines from their homes and transporting them to a camp where they will be trained as housekeeping staff. Based on a true story, when three young girls are taken away to the camp, they decide to escape and trek the 1500 miles home to their parents.

This is a truly compelling story and although I watched it by accident (I thought it was the film Rabbit Hole) I did really enjoy it. This is a feel good film, although it doesn’t feel like it at first, and it’s a justly intelligent film too. The cinematography is awe-inspiring, which it should be given their platform, and the acting from the three young girls is brilliant too. These two things are what really stood out for me, but what let me down slightly was the fact that it was only 90 minutes long – usually this is the perfect length of a film for me, but I was so intrigued by this true story that I wanted more by the end.

I cannot recommend this film highly enough, it is a fine example of Australian cinema and a fine example of how movies should sound, look and feel too… And how I love Kenneth Branagh!

Writer, director and designer, Adam Elliot, steps up to the mark with his first feature length film, based on a true story, about a young and lonely girl in Australia who decides to pick a random name from a Manhattan phone book in the post office, and write to them. She picks Max, a very lonely and obese forty-something man living in New York City. She sends him a letter, enclosing a chocolate bar, and Max is so happy to receive chocolate that he decides to write her back. Max, who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, and when eight-year-old Mary begins to ask him about love, relationships, and getting bullied at school, it brings back memories of loneliness and hurt for Max, and so he has a nervous breakdown with every letter.

The film is sad but funny, touching yet odd, and the characters are absolutely real. The style, design and general animation is gorgeous and stunning – captivating from the very beginning with its odd sense of humour and quirky characters. This is a five star movie through and through! Thoroughly enjoyable, endlessly watchable for the layers upon layers of comedy and so beautifully moving throughout.
This is an innocent and gentle approach to difficult issues, almost as if it were seen through the eyes of a child. Absolutely amazing!

Free Jimmy is a Norway’s first fully computer generated animation about Roy Arnie (Harrelson) who dreams of being a big shot in the circus industry. With the help of three stoners, Odd (Pegg), Gaz (Daniels) and Flea (Simpson) he attempts to make a name for himself using Jimmy the elephant, but little do the others know, Jimmy is also being used to hide £1 million worth of heroin. Now there are three mobsters, four hunters and a gang of animal rights activists all after Jimmy for their different reasons.

This is an odd film with a slightly unnerving style of animation. The plot is not complex but it is quite a clever movie, subverting all expectations you may have of it from the very beginning, and even at the end, when you think you know how it’s going to play out, it changes direction again.

The voice actors (for the English version) are all brilliant, especially Simon Pegg since I barely recognised his voice and this film really just shows how diverse an actor he can really be. As for the rest of the cast, I can only say the same – they are all fantastic and this is probably the best example of voice acting I have seen (or heard) in a film.

It’s a great film through and through really, entertaining, funny and strangely mesmorising.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel star in this offbeat romantic comedy about a man who believes in true love, and a woman who does not. As the narrator explains from the start, this is not a love story, but it is a story of boy meets girl.

From the beginning it is clear to see the influences on this film are unconventional from its genre. Despite the influences, however, it is beautifully unique, hilarious and moving in equal measure. It is played perfectly by each and every cast member, but Gordon-Levitt is a clear favourite as a hopeless romantic turned bitter and cynical drunk. The comedy is derived from the most unexpected places and it is an unpredictable film in this way, yet it does carry the subtler conventions of the genre with its own original twist.

The direction and editing of this is remarkable considering how little has been done in this genre in the past with regards to technical applications, and I was in awe throughout at the sheer creativity injected into it.
My expectations were low only because I have seen a fair few bad romantic comedies in recent years – I used to think that they stopped making decent romantic comedies in the mid 90s, but clearly I was wrong. This is a new classic of the genre and one that I could watch over and over and over again… And I probably will…

Steven Russell (Carrey) is a family man with a secret – he’s gay – and following a car accident where he almost dies, he decides to confess this to his family. Moving to Florida to live the glamorous life he has always wanted as a homosexual, he realises that he cannot quite afford the high life and so he turns to insurance and identity fraud. Once getting caught and going to prison, he meets Phillip Morris (McGregor) and the two quickly fall in love. Once out of prison Steven reverts to being a conman in order to satisfy Phillip, showering him with gifts, which leads to more and more trouble.
This is a very funny film with a genuine and heartfelt love story at its core. Carrey’s performance is a combination of his best bits as a funny man, and his best bits as a serious actor, and McGregor is unflinching in his role as an effeminate, sensitive homosexual, bringing as much comedy to the role as emotion. The script itself is flawless and the dark style of comedy is never inappropriate as you may expect with such a sensitive narrative that is often parodied or not handled as well.

This is a modern love story that should be enjoyable to anyone with either a sense of humour or a heart. I cannot fault it at all!

Katherine Hepburn stars as a rich and sophisticated woman staying in a boarding house full of aspiring actresses to pursue her dream career in the theatre. After some initial teasing from her house mates she becomes one of them as they share their happiness and sorrow through good times and bad.

This is a moving film with an equally affecting cast. Stage Door is the perfect example of a classic Hollywood film and it even dips into a melodramatic genre every now and then, but is much less hammy than that. The direction of the film is like the Hollywood era: classy, glamorous and always highlighting the best aspects of the actors involved. La Cava particularly focuses on Hepburn’s unique and moving performance as she is outstanding in her role from start to finish and it is clear to see why she was such a star in her day and even now.

Stage Door is a must see for fans of classic Hollywood or anyone looking for an acting career because not only is it about acting, but it holds some of the greatest movie performances to date.

District B13 is a French gangster film that reminded me of a more light hearted La Haine if it were directed by David Fincher. The story is about a ghetto district in France with a crime rate so high, they put walls and security around it to control who goes in and out. When a policeman is given a mission to venture into district B13 to defuse a bomb, there is only one man who can help him – someone recently put in prison for getting involved in B13s gang culture.

David Belle and Cyril Raffaelli star as Lieto and Captain Damien Tomaso in the slickest action film I have seen in quite some time. The cinematography is absolutely mind blowing and the stunts and choreography of the action sequences is like nothing I have ever seen before. When watching this film you really do need the dubbed version because what’s on screen will move so fast that if you were watch it with subtitles, you would miss it.

The acting is genius and love the whole tone of it, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and director, Pierre Morel utilises this to his advantage, as well as the scenery turning the slums into a beautiful landscape as a backdrop to the ass-kicking action and superior stunts. I really cannot recommend this enough – it is the best aspects of Fincher, with a classic French feel and an exciting, full to the brim plot. Amazing!