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American Beauty (1999)
A movie that teaches you to never judge a book by it's cover
American Beauty is an exceptionally well crafted piece of art, a piece of art that teaches us to never judge a book by it's cover. Sam Mendes, director, and Conrad Hall, cinematographer, link up for this first time in this movie and create an absolute masterpiece. The whole aesthetic of the movie just works. From the atmospheric lighting to the camera angles you really see something special about the Mendes-Hall dynamic. This dynamic comes into play again in the 2002 'Road to Perdition'. These two are truly skilled at their respective professions and there's no question that Mendes deserved an Academy Award and Golden Globe. From the outset it's clear that, aside from the cinematography and directing, the acting is one of the most prime attractions of the film. Kevin Spacey plays a man who is almost tormented by his lust for his teenage daughters friend. However, don't be fooled. This movie does not center around an adult who persistently craves the attention and love of a minor, despite IMDb's almost-misleading one liner. The movie focuses on Kevin Spacey's character, Lester, who is surviving a broken marriage, a terrible relationship with his daughter and a deplorable relationship with his work peers. Spacey's acting is excellent and throughout the entire narrative you'll never see him leave character, with Kevin's character always appearing to be tormented and misguided. Another prominent acting performance comes from Mena Suvari, who plays Lester's daughters friend. Her acting is so well executed because, believe it or not, she plays the frigid and innocent choir girl in American Pie. She plays a promiscuous teen who attracts Lester. After watching this movie you'll really notice just how skilled both Spacey and Suvari are in this movie. One issue I have is I feel the film should've gone for longer. I wanted more from the characters, more from the story, and more from Sam Mendes. I didn't feel 100% satisfied. Nevertheless, an incredible piece of work.
Zodiac (2007)
What a cast. What a story, What a film.
When a movie casts Jake Gylenhaal alongside Robert Downey Jr and Mark Ruffalo you expect something great, and this movie delivered. What I loved about this thrilling tale of the Zodiac killer was the narrative point of view. It was astoundingly interesting to learn the tale of the Zodaic killer from the viewpoint of the media and the police, as opposed to the film following the killer. David Fincher does an incredible job directing this movie and the most prominent element of his contribution to the film, for me, was the mise en scene. Everything from the lighting to the props and costumes makes everything so believable and really compelled me to think this movie was filmed in the late 60's. Fincher will always be an incredible director and I'd largely consider this movie to be one of his finest. If you're looking for an action packed thriller, this movie isn't for you. But if you're looking for a compelling and enticing thriller, then this is hands down worth watching.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Atypical
Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling AND Emma Stone all in one movie together?! First and foremost this movie has a fantastic cast. Ryan Gosling plays womaniser 'Jacob Palmer' who lives a lavish lifestyle picking up girls at bars night after night, and one night in particular he meets Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) who has just found out his wife has cheated on him. Long story short, Jacob teaches Cal almost how to be a true man if he wants any chance at getting his wife back. After sleeping with several women, whilst also being on the fence with rekindling his love with his wife, Cal and Jacob form a light sort of 'bromance'. One issue I have with this movie is that some parts of the plot are all kinds of messed up. I mean, a 17 year old girl giving a 13 year old boy nude pictures of herself?! The first half of the narrative seems very slow and almost depressing but of course, being a romantic comedy, the movie has an almost 'uplifting' and happy-ever-after ending. Nevertheless, this movie is hands down entertaining and really sets itself apart from your traditional rom-com. Worth a watch.