schism101 Reviews

Nikos the Impaler (2003)

Terrible but entertaining after a few beers!

[5/10 · 3 January 2009]

NIKOS THE IMPALER is the sort of horror film that doesn't require that much intelligence or thinking or...well its a horror film that just perfect for watching after a few (hundred) beers. Evil Romanian tyrant Nikos, is executed in ye olden days and then through some unlikely coincidences and spilling of blood thanks to a botched robbery in a art gallery he is promptly resurrected in modern day new york and goes on a much needed killing spree, dispatching relative unknown and wooden actors, in various gory set pieces. Simple as that and no intelligence required. Along with the awful soundtrack, and cheesy effects, there's also a great/bad cameo by Lloyd Kaufman for all you troma fans out there other than that the film has enough late night watching value to warrant at least some attention, just drink beforehand!

Snuff killer - La morte in diretta (2003 Video)

8MM, Bruno Mattei style!!

[5/10 · 26 October 2008]

There's no denying there's something remarkably entertaining about watching Bruno Mattei's SNUFF TRAP, and entertaining in all the wrong reasons. Mattei essentially reworks Joel Schumacher's 8MM, though with only a few differences, mainly being its a female character who ventures into the sleazy world of the porn underground looking for her kidnapped daughter who or may not have fallen victim to a snuff film. Though with a decidedly different change in certain scenes and a shorter running time, a lot of the film consists of scenes almost similar and in one case exactly the same as 8MM. Even dialogue from 8MM is used in certain speeches, exact dialogue. Mattei's version is a lot more sleazier and explicit, and comes off as one part lurid thriller, soft porn flick and European travel monologue (I lost count the amount of scene where our heroine is just walking around European city's). It also has a happier and anti climatic ending, which I'm certain features footage lifted from another film. If you want to watch a film that provides cheesy, 'so bad its good entertainment' then Mattei is your man, and this along with his other 'masterpieces' such as RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR, THE OTHER HELL and ZOMBI 3, would make great late night beer and pizza entertainment.

Revenge of the Dead (1983)

An atmospheric take on the undead genre!

[7/10 · 26 October 2008]

Pupi Avati's ZEDER, is a different take on the undead genre, but is not a zombie film outright. Rather than being all out 'dead rising from the graves and feeding on the flesh of the living' the film takes its time to build up tension and atmosphere, that adds a genuine sense of creepiness to the films tone. A young journalist, given a typewriter as a present from his girlfriend discovers some text written on the ink ribbon, and threw this mysterious text he uncovers a past story of a scientist called Paolo Zeder, who discovered areas of terrain that can revive the dead. The journalists investigations lead him to a group of outlaw scientists who are attempting to reconstruct these experiments in the present day. Avati clearly goes for atmosphere over gore, though there are a few scenes where we see the aftermath of some murders, the film doesn't show any bodily mutilation, and instead the films builds up tension and dread through suggestion and use of sound, and characters reactions. It's a clever and excellent choice of direction that makes ZEDER stand out as an intelligent and if slightly obscure and offbeat entry into the living dead cycle.

Caché (2005)

Intense and disturbing masterpiece.

[9/10 · 23 September 2008]

Michael Haneke's HIDDEN is a fantastic and unnerving study of voyeurism, racial tension and past mistakes and skeletons in the closet that can come back to haunt people and affect the present. The film begins with one long static camera shot of what is the front of a house, after the credits end, the picture then rewinds itself backwards, and we hear voice overs of Parisian couple Georges Laurent (Daniel Auteuil) and his wife Anne Laurent (Juliette Binoche), they are watching a video that they have received that morning and they cant make any sense of why they received it. Georges is a TV presenter for a literary review show, and his wife is a book publisher, and they live a comfortable life, though this is disturbed when they receive more videos, and trying to look for reasons for why this is happening, Georges comes to the possible conclusion that the perpetrator, maybe a Muslim man called Majid, who in Georges childhood, his family adopted as a child, and who he believes maybe the one sending the tapes and is taking a revenge on an incident that Georges instigated back in his childhood towards Majid. Without using flashy direction and rather using long static camera shots, a soundtrack composed only of natural sound, no composed soundtrack, and tense unnerving pace, make HIDDEN a thriller, that could have approached its subject in a more flashy direct fashion, though this would have lessened the impact of the film, which remains unnerving and tense throughout. Haneke uses the clever method, of showing the videos on screen, as if are watching them along, with Georges and Anne, and in turn implicating us into the couples harrasement, and at the same time making us voyeurs to the proceedings, crossing our comfortable audience boundaries and invading our sense of what we are seeing. The performances from Auteuil and Binoche are superb. Georges becomes increasingly isolated and fractured throughout, a run in with a black youth is an uncomfortable scene that indicates some of his racial anxiety that comes to light in later scenes. Binoches is excellent in a superb role, that could have ended up being poorly handled, though she brings a depth to the role of Anne, as she becomes increasingly frustrated by her husbands refusal to talk about the past incident which could be the key to whats happening. The film overall is one of Haneke's best works, a superb examination of past incidents, that have fuelled racial tension in France, and still carry on to this day, and the cause and effects of being surveyed and spied on, that becomes ever more prevalent in our lives, in a society dominated by CCTV monitoring, and that states need to focus and watch the individual.

You, the Living (2007)

an interesting yet slow paced film!!

[6/10 · 21 September 2008]

YOU THE LIVING, is a strange film about the human condition, its faults, flaws and triumphs, what little they may be. Rather than a straight forward film, its a series of vignettes, detailing different characters, there situations and problems. Some of these characters meet up, or pass each other, some don't, and we also drift between dream world, fantasy and reality throughout. Funny at times, complicated and intriguing, the film can be frustratingly slow, and annoying, though there are certain scenes that are well made, brilliantly set up and timed, and with a dark streak of humour throughout, that borders on a cross Beckett and the British comedy THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN. One thing I did like about the film is its look, Andersson uses static camera shots throughout, with a subdued and bleak look in the set designs and cinematography, that add to the overall feel of the film, in its look on the drabness and blandness of life. An interesting and simultaneously frustrating film.

Black Devil Doll from Hell (1984 Video)

Terrible, but oddly watchable!!!

[6/10 · 20 September 2008]

BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL, is one of those films that fit into a category of abysmal, but watchable. Watchable for all the wrong reasons that is. When a devoutly religious women, purchases a black doll, with dreadlocks, from a thrift store, a doll which the store owner says always returns to the store under its own powers, the women intrigued takes the doll home, yet isn't prepared for what happens, when the doll comes to life and attacks her, ties her to a bed and rapes her. Rather than being traumatised by the rape, the women ends up liking it and throws her religious convictions out of the window, and since the doll has gone she searches for another man who can fulfil her unwanted sexual desires, though this is unsuccessful and she longs for the 'black devil doll.' Never before have i sat through a film and looked on in amazement, at the shoddy production, wooden, more like very wooden acting and awful keyboard soundtrack, that sounds like someone has just brought a new keyboard and is trying it out for the first time, oh and the keyboard soundtrack also is so loud and interfering that it makes some scenes hard to understand what the characters are saying. Its the lowest end of Blaxploitation and is crudely politically incorrect, yet oddly watchable and in times of political correctness, there's seems something refreshing in seeing something so bad, that it ascends or many ways transcends to a sort of transgressive style of underground trash cinema. In many respects it would work as a great film to watch under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. A funny and abysmal little film, well worth seeking out, if you want to see what a zero budget film, with no money and terrible soundtrack can achieve. Ed Wood would be proud!!

The Chaser (2008)

Well crafted and tense thriller

[7/10 · 20 September 2008]

THE CHASER is a another example of the cutting edge of Asian cinema and its universal influence, especially on western cinema, as this is currently in the process of being set to be remade in Hollywood, by the team who created the INFERNAL AFFAIRS remake, THE DEPARTED. The story follows, Jung Ho, an ex cop who is now a pimp, and who is looking for two of his girls, who have disappeared. Unbeknowst to Jung, the girls have become victim to twisted serial killer, Young min, who Jung suspects to be instead a rival pimp, buying his girls off him, without his knowledge. Through a series of events Jung ho and Young min, clash into each other and eventually a chase and beating ensues with Young min, being taken to the local police station and eventually confessing to nine murders. The police task force behind the murder investigation strongly believe that he is the murderer and have 12 hours to find and gather evidence against him, or he will be set free without charge, and the same time Jung ho, has to look for another one of his girls Min jin who has become captive by the psychopath. Aside from a slow start the film really kicks in once Young min is detained and the police have 12 hours to build a case against him. At the same time, Jung ho's character undergoes a change from being a bit of a bastard to eventually setting out on a desperate effort to find Min jin, especially as he finds out and develops a kind of bond with her daughter. The performances are superb, and the portrayal of psycho Young min, is excellent as he is an instantly dislikeable person, who is playing the police at there own game and leading round in circles. The direction is tight and stylish, with some superb suspense and nail biting scenes, and there's also a strain of humour throughout the film that provide a slight relief from the dark undertone. Overall another strong and impressive entry that highlights the excellence and originality of Asian cinema.

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

"The chickens! The chickens have come back from the dead!!"

[9/10 · 1 June 2008]

If you love troma, then you will no doubt be wanting to see Lloyd Kaufman's latest opus POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD. It is one of the most entertaining films that i've had the pleasure to sit through. You want OTT, then this film brings it, almost outdoing itself, yet still filled with enough ideas, action and humour that can fill a 100 films! The simple plot is, the American chicken bunker fast food chain has built a new restaurant over an ancient Indian burial ground, yet unbeknowist to them, the Indian spirits are restless and seeking revenge, leading to the body's of the dead chickens coming back to life and causing havoc all around, while at the same time our hero, Arbie, has to fend off the mutant chicken zombies, while trying to win back his former girlfriend, Wendy, who has become a 'left wing lipstick lesbian!' Nothing is sacred in tromaville and everything is under attack, from right wing bigots, left wing protesters, jihad obsessed suicide bombers, Indians, the handicapped, the American public in general, corporate culture and political correctness all backed by buckets of bloody over the top gore and musical numbers!! If you have a chance to see this then do so, as you will not regret seeing it, though be warned its troma, so leave your sense of seriousness at the door!!

REC (2007)

Intense and terrifying horror!!

[9/10 · 2 April 2008]

Viewed at Manchester Cornerhouse Viva film festival. REC is one of the most terrifying and thrilling horror films to come out of recent years, that displays some clever inventiveness along with the traditional 'boo' scares expected of the horror genre. Filmed from the point of view of a local Madrid TV crew who are profiling fire fighters as part of a fly on the wall documentary series. Though the night consists at the beginning of nothing much happening at all, things take an unexpected turn when the crew follow a call out to an apartment where they find a crazed old women who attacks and bites a policemen present, infecting him and turning him into a crazed zombie. Its not long before there chance of finding outside help is stopped as the authority's isolate all the apartment block inhabitants and essentially quarantine them, leading the inhabitants and the TV crew to fight against and avoid the ever increasing zombie infection. REC achieves its scares and intensity through the use of close up point of view camera, that has most notably been used in two American films this year CLOVERFIELD and GEORGE ROMERO'S DIARY OF THE DEAD, and also the night vision sequence in THE DESCENT, where the scare comes from, the camera panning to one side and revealing something you don't want to see. This use of p.o.v makes the film more intense and personal, and interestingly enough, the director who was present at the screening, explained in a Q &A after the film that he didn't tell or inform the cast of what was going to happen in the scenes thereby increasing the realism of there horrified reactions. It's this brilliant style and memorable shocks that lend REC as one of the most clever and inventive horror films of recent memory. Go see it at the cinema, as this is the only way that will make you appreciate the intensity of the film, though be prepared to be exhausted, of ever a film had the mantle of shakiest camera in the world, this is it, and also see it before the Hollywood remake QUARANTINE is released later this year.

There Will Be Blood (2007)

Gripping and epic movie making!!

[10/10 · 19 February 2008]

P.T. Anderson's THERE WILL BE BLOOD is a gripping and dominating example of grand movie making bolstered along by a remarkable performance by Daniel Day Lewis. The film begins with dialogue free 15-20 minutes of Daniel Plainview (Lewis) attempting to mine for silver. This first part starts off slow but you are entranced by the actions and the details involved. When we eventually here the first lines of dialogue, we see Plainview trying to get the support of a local town to allow him permission to drill in there area. He doesn't find any support at all for his plans, but from the word of an anonymous tipster, Plainview finds out about a town called Little Boston, that is practically seeping with oil. He goes there and eventually confronts the towns local preacher, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano) a creepy and at times self deluded man, who is 'vessel to god' according to his father, as he appears on the surface, yet below just has the same greedy aspirations and self delusions that are already present in Plainview. Once the drilling has started and Plainview's wealth begins to grow so does his disenchantment and emotional departure from those around him, including his son, whose relationship becomes severely strained. What we have here is a film that looks at the development of three prevailing and powerful strands of American society Oil, Religion and Money. Plainview is the model of ruthless capitalism, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants in the pursuit of wealth and power, in one of the films best scenes he explains his characters motivation's in how he has "a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people." His almost sociapathic contempt for other people drives the man in pursuit of oil, and the wealth that comes with it. Day-Lewis is electrifying in the lead role, almost acting like a man possessed, always commanding the attention when ever on screen. Though particular mention should go towards Paul Dano as Eli, the preacher whose hellfire and brimstone sermons are the only attraction for the town of Little Boston, yet his preacher though flamboyant on stage, is also just as ruthless and greedy as Plainview, though in a less obvious manner. Along with the performances comes some superb direction from P.T. Anderson, that is certain to establish him as one of America's most important filmmakers, and added to that is a superb soundtrack by Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood, an eerie and minimalist composition that is combined with orchestral soundtrack. Overall this has contender for film of the year written all over it, and will be probably stand as a truly classic American film in years to come.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Coen Brother's back on top form.

[10/10 · 19 February 2008]

It's only the 2nd month of the year and already we have a film that can be assured of it's entry into the 'best films of the year' list that many critics will be marking up come the December of this year. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN is a great return to form for the Coen brothers after there recent and disappointing attempts at screwball comedy and remakes, UNTOLERABLE CRUELTY and THE LADYKILLERS respectively, and a superb masterful thriller. When hunter Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon a bunch of corpses and a case of money containing $2m dollars which he subsequently takes, in the middle of the unforgiving Texas heartland, he enters into an unfortunate and harsh set of circumstances that sees him on the run from a shadowy and almost unstoppable hit-man Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). At the same time closely followed on there trail is Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones, a world weary and wise lawmen on the verge of retirement, who is hoping to find Moss before those that want the money find him first. The Coen's steady and smooth direction provide scenes of intensity and scenes carried along by the actions of the characters on-screen, as there are many scenes not featuring any soundtrack at all, only natural sounds. The characters are superbly played, Lee Jones, is excellent in his role as Bell, his face reads of weariness with the world and at a loss to understand the ruthlessness of today's criminals. Brolin is excellent as Moss, the luckless anti-hero, a decent guy who has made the wrong choice and has to go on the run, and finally Bardem is simply the personification of unstoppable evil, as Chigurh, along with the offbeat deliberate Coen influenced bad haircut, he cuts through the American heartland, with his weapon of choice (an airgun used to kill cattle, killing anyone who crosses his path and offering them a chance to avoid fate by calling heads or tales on a coin toss (the scene in the gas station where Chigurh makes the owner call heads or tails, is brilliantly written). Overall its a superb return to form for the Coen brother's and has much in common with there previous films FARGO and BLOOD SIMPLE, and also reminded me of the hard boiled thrillers of the 70's such as THE GETAWAY and CHARLEY VARRICK, which in similar terms to NO COUNTRY...used the desert landscape as a sort of modern day western setting. Also Roger Deakin's excellent cinematography perfectly captures the mood and intensity of the landscape and deserves any awards it receives. Overall an amazing and unmissable film.

The Trap: What Happened to Our Dream of Freedom (2007)

A sensible examination of the ideas of freedom.

[10/10 · 30 December 2007]

Much like his previous work, THE POWER OF NIGHTMARES, Adam Curtis' THE TRAP takes an intriguing and complex idea, the idea of freedom used by western governments, and expands it to three superb and detailed episodes, that looks how this idea has been developed, through cold war strategy, American psychiatry, political ideology and eventually to the Blair government and its use of free market ideas and target strategy's in public services. There is a lot to talk about, but all i would say is that, you need to watch it. If you want to watch a series that questions the state of things in the world and allows an intelligent and sensible argument as to how we have fallen into this false sense of freedom, that has led to the rise of social inequality and the disastrous attempt to establish democracy in Iraq, which has led to a rise in violent factions in the country itself and the rise of the threat of terror attacks in Britain, Europe and America, this series will draw you in as it is both revealing and eye opening, and the sort of intelligent documentary film making that we need more of. Naturally what sounds like a subject that may seem boring to some on paper, is perfectly handled by Curtis, who inter cuts talking head interviews along with a mountain of archive footage that is funny, revealing and disturbing. This is essential viewing.

Rescue Dawn (2006)

Another well made film from Herzog

[8/10 · 7 December 2007]

Herzog had previously focused on the life of Dieter Dengler in his documentary LITTLE DIETER NEEDS TO FLY, and RESCUE DAWN is the screen version of the same story, with Christian Bale, who proves once and again that he remains one of the best actors currently working today, as Dengler. Beginning with a mission briefing aboard a US naval ship, Dieter Dengler gets to undertake his first mission, bombing strategic targets in Laos, South Vietnam. Yet he is shot down on the mission. Rather than stay in one place, he takes himself into the jungle and adapts to its elements to evade his captors for a short while, though he is eventually caught and after being offered the chance to denounce US involvement in Vietnam, which he refuses stating that he maybe German born but his loyalty lies with America, he is subsequently tortured and then sent to a P.O.W camp, where he meets other prisoners, though on immediate arrival, plans his escape. Herzog's film does note contain any anti war message, nor does it attempt to draw comparisons with current political events, rather it focuses on the character of Dieter, and his resourcefulness under extreme situations, and it is also a study of mans insignificance and survival against such extreme elements. Bale is brilliant in his role, and like in THE MACHINIST, he again loses weight to perfectly convey the starved and decrepit state that Dengler was in, though even in his weakened state Dengler still proved a strong and determined individual, determined not to let the guards, the jungle and the elements destroy him.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Haunting and beautifully filmed study of hero worship and the reality behind a legend!

[9/10 · 6 December 2007]

Andrew Dominik's THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD, stands out as one of the best films of this year and one of the most interesting modern westerns to come out in recent years, and one that will certainly be ranked among other classic westerns in the future. Despite using the wild west setting the film is more of a study of the perils of hero worship and the reality of the myth or the truth behind the legend of Jesse James. It focuses on the final few years of Jesse James's life and his relationship with Robert Ford one of the members of his gang of outlaws, who worships the ground Jesse walks on. Yet Jesse's unhinged and erratic behaviour eventually disappoint and confound Ford's image and admiration for the man, eventually leading to resentment and fear of his own life, and to the assassination of the 'outlaw hero' at the hands of Ford. Dominik has crafted a true genuine American classic here that sets out to examine the western legend, who has been romanticised in so many novels and Hollywood films, to the point of being a Robin Hood sort of character, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Yet it's far from the truth, the Jesse James we see here is becoming fearful of everyone around him, increasingly erratic and disturbed and also protective of his outlaw image that he revels in. Pitt is excellent in his role (an best actor nomination surely should be on the table for him), he displays Jesse with many nuances, both funny and interesting though also disturbing and dangerous at the same time. Every time he appears on screen you are unsure of what he is about to do, and Pitt perfectly portrays this charismatic yet disturbed individual. As Robert Ford, Casey Afflek, is excellent perfectly contemplating James' menacing yet alluring charm, with Ford's wide eyed innocence and idol worshipping enthusiasm that soon turns to resentment and fear. On top of the performances the cinematography is beautiful, perfectly done by Roger Deakins (regular cinematographer for the Coen Brothers) that captures the desolate and snowy wastelands and landscape of the American mid-west. If anything the film captures the idea and myths behind the celebrity, James is in love with his image, that masks his insecurity's and Ford, who is more or less a celebrity stalker, worships his hero, yet when meeting him in the flesh soon realises the cold hard truth behind the image of the hero outlaw. Unmissable cinema at its finest.

30 Days of Night (2007)

Enjoyable Take on the vampire film.....

[7/10 · 26 November 2007]

Based in the graphic novel of the same name and co-produced by Sam Rami, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT is an interesting take on the vampire myth. Set in the small Alaskan town of Barrow, it begins on the final day of sunlight for 30 days (hence the title) and townsfolk who cant handle it pack up and leave leaving quite a few to brace the coming month. This leaves a group of vampires, who descend on the small town, a practical all you can eat human- buffet. Those who don't fall victim to the bloodsuckers, have to survive and fight back and avoid becoming victim to the vamps. Despite some plot holes and slight ropey dialogue in parts, 30 DAYS, handles very well as a genre film and contains enough blood and action and suspense to keep fans of the genre happy. The central human characters Josh Hartnett playing the town sheriff who has to protect the remaining townspeople and Melissa George as his recently separated wife, are decently convincing, but most impressive of all is the vampires, led by Danny Huston, who look nasty and are just that. These bloodsuckers carry unusual looking features, rounded out by super strength, razor sharp teeth and a strange foreign accent sounding something like Romanian or Hungarian, make them stand out as a formidable and terrifying assortment of memorable vampires. A decent and overall entertaining horror film.

Lunacy (2005)

the Gothic and the grotesque

[8/10 · 29 July 2007]

Jan Svankmajer is one director to imaginatively combine real life images with the inventive use of stop motion animation that produces grotesque and nightmarish images that unnerve the viewer. LUNACY is further proof of this and its influence of Edgar Allen Poe and Marquis De Sade is perfect for the vision of Svankmajer. Its story concerns an innocent young man, travelling home from his mothers funeral who spends some time with a wealthy man, known only as the Marquis (possibly the Marquis De Sade). The young man bears witness to the Marquis' debauched and blasphemous rituals and after some philosophical discussion over the rights and wrongs of man and religion, the young man under the request of the Marquis goes undercover into an insane asylum and falls under the spell of a women who insists that he helps her release the actual warders and doctors who are locked away, as the inmates are running the asylum. The film is a bizarre yet brilliant look at a world gone insane, where fear, punishment and madness is ruling and no one is in charge and whoever is in charge is corrupted by there own absolute power and twisted morality. The stop motion animation interludes add to the grotesque and surreal nature of the film and even offers it to comparisons with the body horror films of David Cronenberg. Overall its an art house horror that provides the viewer an uneasy yet unforgettable journey into insanity.

Taking Liberties (2007)

Interesting account of the loss of civil liberty's under the Blair leadership.

[7/10 · 29 July 2007]

Chris Atkins Documentary carrys some interesting accounts of the erosion of civil liberty's in great Britain, some of it I've seen before, such as the use of control orders on entirely innocent people and also the banning of protests outside the house of commons, though there is certainly a lot to focus on and even get you angry in certain parts. Taking a Michael Moore esquire approach with the use of archive footage, from silent films and also a cynical yet witty narration (provided by actors David Morrisey and Ashley Jensen), some have described the film as our version of Fahrenheit 9/11, which it is'nt as that film set out to show the incompetence of George W Bush, TAKING LIBERTIES exposes the fundamentally flawed and fear mongering policy of the British government led under Blair, to slowly erode civil liberty's and bring in new laws and change existing laws, that eventually let pensioners on peaceful protests become arrested under the terrorism act, putting them in the same league as Taliban extremists, destroying the right to protest outside of military basis', weapons factory's and the house of commons itself, and causing the police to swoop in vast numbers on anyone even thinking of waving a placard and most disturbingly of all putting control orders on Muslims who have been convicted in a court of law, as innocent and forcing them to remain in a designated area and effectively making them prisoners in there own home. The film approaches this in light hearted at times yet essentially serious manner, and my only criticism of it is that I would have liked to have more views on the other side of the coin, from the politicians who implement these laws, to at least argue there point, though in retrospect, probably no politician would want to appear in front of the camera for this film for fear of embarrassing themselves. Will civil liberty's change under Gordon Brown now that Blair has left, it's hard to tell and if your like me, i'm cynical and think, no, nothing will probably change, if you have a threat of terror, the best way to assure the public is to keep this threat up and then the public will be behind any change in law as long as it stops the extremists from blowing us up (see Adam Curtis' documentary series THE POWER OF NIGHTMARES to get a full picture on the use of terror and fear). Though one thing we can do, and in many respects the one prevailing factor in LIBERTIES is to keep a chin up and laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Zodiac (2007)

excellent study of the obsession of solving a crime

[9/10 · 31 May 2007]

ZODIAC is a return to form for David Fincher, and is a superb and interesting study of the facts and the characters involved in the hunt for the zodiac killer who terroised San Fransisco, from the late 60's into the 70's. Rather than being a straightforward and sensational thriller, this film relies or is rather more focused and interested in the people involved in solving the crime, looking at how the case becomes an obsession to them yet affects there lives both at work and at home. Robert Graysmith (Jake Gylenhaal) whose book is the source material for this film, is a cartoonist for the San Fransisco Chronicle who along with Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr) becomes obsessed with solving zodiac's cryptic coded messages. They come into contact over the course of the film with the officer in charge, Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo), who also becomes increasingly obsessed with solving the case. All three men feel the brunt and effects that this case has on them. Avery becomes increasingly drink and drug addled, Toschi's career slowly goes downhill, and Graysmith, though he comes out with a book published on the case, pushes his marriage and domestic life close to breaking point. Fincher handles the film very well, neither going for flashy or stylish camera-work, as shown in his last two films PANIC ROOM and FIGHT CLUB, yet rather approaching it in a subdued style, with the look and feel of the 70's perfectly re-created along with the look of the newspaper office, where most of the reporters are hard boiled and hard drinking hacks. There are some tense scenes, such as the killing by the lake, which is pretty unnerving and is disturbing in what it doesn't show, and also in another scene where Graysmith goes into the basement of a person who may or may not have some crucial evidence and realises there maybe someone else in the house upstairs and he maybe in the home of the killer. A superb film that reminded me of ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN, in how it focus's on the investigation and carry's the feel of similar films from the seventies period of American cinema. Already one of the best films of the year and one I need to see again.

The Power of Nightmares (2004)

important and engaging documentary!!

[10/10 · 17 April 2007]

I recently watched all three episodes of 'the power of nightmares' and found it to be the most important and eye opening documentary of recent years. Like his recent documentary (the trap), Curtis has produced a series that goes beyond the one way system of daily news reporting to something that strips away what we perceive as a threat to our world and our civilization and to look at its origins and its truthful existence. 'The power...' focuses on two movements, the Islamic movement and the American Neo-conservative movement, there origins, there battles to overthrow and instill there ideology in positions of power and to eventually the confrontation between both movements, set off by the events of 9/11. Curtis inter-cuts the interviews with key figures from both sides and also analysts on the subjects, with archival footage from films and news reports, to show how both movements started off on ideology's that would eventually agree with each other particularly during the Russian Afghanistan war of the 1980's. Yet a small group of extreme Islamist funded by Bin Laden, eventually broke off, with no enemy to fight or revolution to instill, they declared a war on America, eventually leading to the attacks on New York, September 11th 2001. Curtis comes to the conclusion that the threat of Al Quieda, has become a fantasy, enforced by the Neo cons and also taken on board by the British government, to instill a purpose for there selected governments, rather than being leaders who promise a bright future, they become leaders who will lead against the rise and threat of terrorism to there people and to there way of life, even though the threat is non-existent and becomes a phantom enemy. Curtis' series is well written, researched and engaging in showing you the true and stark picture behind the disinformation regularly given in the daily news and television media. Its also good to see the BBC producing documentary's of this quality in an age where TV is slowly becoming a succession of reality TV shows, and celebrity 'dancing on ice competitions.' This documentary treats its audience with intelligence, its demanding viewing, yet is rewarding. Check out Curtis' later documentary 'THE TRAP: WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR DREAMS OF FREEDOM,' again another insightful series. Your are being lied to!

Saw III (2006)

brutal but boring!! (SPOILERS)

[5/10 · 13 March 2007]

Saw 3 takes off from where we left off in saw 2, with Detective matthews trapped, chained to a pipe in that significant and almost tomb like confine of the bathroom from the first film. This then leads into another series of games, orchestrated by jigsaw, now bed ridden with cancer, and his assistant/apprentice Amanda. They kidnap a doctor and force her to perform surgery on jigsaw, to releive some of his suffering, while at the same time, a father grieving for the accidental death of his son, is put through a series of tests which will test his ideas of revenge and forgiveness. While the first Saw film was a brilliant and tense film, and Saw 2, while upping the brutality stakes was a worthy if moderate follow up, Saw 3, lacks some of the twists and tension used so brilliantly in the first two films, and proceeds to bludgeon the viewer with a round and after round of brutal and at times, gratuitous violence. Im not bothered by that and don't mind blood and gore on-screen (and will give credit for the director and writer for pushing the limits and intensity that an American r-rating would allow), yet Saw 3 bored me pretty much. Whereas the tension built up in the first film was through the idea that one of these guys would eventually use the hacksaw to cut through something other than a chain, saw 3 pummels us with, a guy breaking and snapping his own foot of, a women having her ribcage pulled open, a guy pulling rings out of his skin that have been attached there all in the first twenty minutes, followed by brain surgery with non surgical tools and a man having his legs and arms twisted. In fact it came to the point of the brain surgery scene that i almost laughed as i imagined the filmmakers with a list of what gory scenes they need to do, and ticking it off one by one. Plus the characters are not as well written, the grieving, revengeful father geoff, seems like an idiot at times, and doesn't illicit any sympathy through his own idiocy. Saw 4 will be round the corner for this halloween, all i can hope is that they focus on producing a better story with better characters, and keep the gore just don't pummel us to death with it!!

Right at Your Door (2006)

well made and disturbing!!

[7/10 · 9 September 2006]

Chris Gorak's RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR, starts off with the simple set up of a couple getting up in the morning and preparing for the day ahead. Brad (Rory Cochrane) is making coffee for his wife Lexi (Mary McCormack) who is off to work. Once she is gone, Brad starts to hear over the radio, news of a series of bombings in downtown LA. Panic ensues, and Brad trys desperately to call his wife. Once its revealed that the bombs have let off deadly toxins in the air, Brad has no choice but to tape up his house and seal off anyone from getting in and this includes his wife, who turns back up and has been affected by the toxins. The set up is pretty simple though rather than focus on the bombings, Gorak focuses on Brad, lexi and there house. The only glimpses we get of the bombings are from far away skyline shots, created by visual effects, and through the audio soundtrack of the news reports. Gorak's film, made on a low budget, is simple and effective and plays like an extended version of one of those BBC 'IF...' documentaries, where possible and real situations are enacted. RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR, though owes a certain debt to NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, where characters are isolated and have to protect themselves from the mass panic and threat that is outside of there home, and its this simple isolation set up that is effective for this film. The acting and photography are both top notch, and the limitations of the budget do not show. My only problem with the film, was the ending, which was good but does leave a few plot holes to question. Overall an effective and relevant film that plays on our fears of what we would do in a similar situation.

The Protector (2005)

don't mess with tony jaa, or his elephants!!!

[6 August 2006]

Following on the heels of something as spectacular as ONG BAK, was always going to be hard to follow, and the strain and pressures of doing so can be seen in TOM YUM GOONG. Fight scenes are stepped up, to even more intense and spectacular proportions, though in return, the plot seems pretty thin and some scenes don't connect or flow together very well. Though to talk about the plot being thin in this film, is a bit of a contradiction as where here to see Jaa kick ass, and he does so, very well indeed. The fight scenes are superb, in particular the often talked about one long continuous fight up the stairs in a restaurant, which will leave you wondering "how did they do that?" and also a scene were Jaa breaks a never ending assortment of henchman's limbs. Watching these scenes, you are left feeling awe inspired by the beauty and fluidity of the choreography. As said before, the plot is pretty thin, and really only acts as a link to each confrontation/fight scene.ONG BAK was a film that was ground breaking and amazing to watch, TOM YUM GOONG, is a good follow up, though doesn't have the spectacular essence of the first film. Jaa is a great performer and there is no denying that he certainly will be a memorable martial arts action star. Though one thing you will know from watching TOM YUM GOONG, is that never f**k with tony jaa or his elephants!!

Masters of Horror: Imprint (2006) Season 1, Episode 13

very good though seems like a sumnation of miike's work!!!

[8/10 · 1 August 2006]

IMPRINT is Takashi Miike's entry into the cable TV series MASTERS OF HORROR, and the one entry to be banned from transmission (in the US that is). Its certainly an impressive entry. The story follows an American man as he travels to Japan to find the prostitute who he fell in love with and whom he made a promise to, to take back to America and marry. He meets another prostitute who recounts the story of the women he is looking for and what happened to her fate. Told in flashback the story takes a rashomon-like approach as the womens story becomes steadily unreliable, until she reveals the true side to her tale. Cue scenes of torture, abortion and also hints of incest and child abuse and general weirdness, that those familiar to Miike will expect. Its a generally well made, and beautifully filmed tale, though at times it felt like a sumnation of the best bits of Miikes work, mainly the excessive extreme films, such as ICHI, DEAD OR ALIVE and AUDITION. Though Miike is always an interesting director to watch and his entry into this otherwise excellent series, stands out as one of the best. In some ways you can see why it was banned from television!

Hard Candy (2005)

disturbing and brilliantly acted film (POSSIBLE SPOILERS)

[9/10 · 9 July 2006]

HARD CANDY deals with the touchy subject of pedophilia and the internet. The film begins with a close up shot of a computer screen and an internet chat room messenger board, the conversation being between thonggirl and lensman. Lensman is the trying to get thonggirl to meet up with him. Thonggirl eventually does and they meet up in a coffee shop. We learn that thonggirl is hayley (ellen page)a 14 year old intelligent and bright teenager and lensman is jeff (patrick Wilson) a 32 year old photographer. They talk about literature, music and photography, then jeff entices hayley back to his place to let her listen to a bootlegged goldfrapp concert mp3. She goes back to his place and they exchange more talk, and drink alcohol, courtesy of jeff, until hayley shows her true reasons for going back to jeff's house. Hayley drugs and ties him up, with the intention of exposing him as a pedophile. The role reversal of hayley being the hunter and jeff being the hunted is what drives the interesting element of this film. The director, David Slade, and screenwriter, Brian Nelson, handle the subject very well, and treat it with sensitivity and without being sensational or exploitative. The actors, are both brilliant in there roles. Wilson, offers a depth to his character, yes he is a monster, but there might be reasons for his behaviour whether through a lost love, his role as a fashion photographer filming teenage models or through a chidhood incident. Page also deserves credit for bringing an interesting and complex character in Hayley. Again we are unsure whether what she is doing is right or whether she is probably disturbed, these questions keep popping up and leave the audience to decide whether Hayley is an avenging angel out to rid the world of the pedophile menace or if she is someone whose actions may and have crossed the line, and whose actions border on the psychotic. Also another interesting point is that the use of the photos in Jeffs house, of teenage models, could be seen as an attack on the fashion industry's use of teenage almost child like models dressed up to look as sexy young and attractive women, that Jeff's possible actions could have been prompted by the pictures he has all over his house. HARD CANDY is an interesting and complex film that will leave you talking about it after the end credits have rolled, which is obviously the intention of the filmmakers and it also certainly has contention as being one of the best films of the year.

Broken (III) (2006)

brutal, disturbing and haunting

[9/10 · 30 April 2006]

viewed at dead by dawn horror festival, Edinburgh- Simon Boyes and Adam Mason's BROKEN is a dark and unsettling horror film that leaves you feeling like its title once the end credits role. The story concerns a man (eric colvin) who kidnaps Hope (nadja brand) and her daughter, forcing the women into a series of painful and humiliating trials to test her strength. We gather that the man is a survivalist, living out in the barren woods, and that he is looking for a partner who can share his vision, and join him. Hope on the other hand takes on these trials, though in a bid to find out the fate of her daughter, and to escape the clutches of the psychotic survivalist. BROKEN presents a vision of a psychopaths psyche, whose survivalist mentality is contrasted with Hope's secure and comforting suburban reality, though these two worlds collide and they collide in violent fashion. There were scenes of such stark brutality that will test even the strongest of stomachs and nerves, though at the same time this is a horror film that does not want to gain shock value or comfort its audience, it wants to leave you feeling uneasy, and leave the audience with questions not answers. It is horror to test raw nerves and it does so in excellent style. Heres hoping it gets a wider release as it deserves to do so!