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Reviews
Shadows (2013)
A short film with a long list of exploits....
They say a thriller is as good as its ending. This little one endorses such belief. Moreover, being a psychological thriller, it throws you into a emotional roller coaster and you emerge asking for more!
This short film is the story of Helena, who seems to be torn between her desire and responsibilities but at the end you realize nothing is what it seems. Daniella, in the role of Helena has done a very good job in portraying the right emotion through her bright, beautiful eyes. The rest of the cast have also given given her the required support. Kira Kaple,as Sophie demands a special mention here. She looks like a doll, I must say.
A.R. Madabushi's editing is crisp, fresh. The lovemaking scenes have been shot aesthetically and gives the film an European feel. Kudos to the first-time director Sreemoyee Bhattacharya and the cinematographer. Avik Mitra's background score at the end is also worth mentioning.
The film is not devoid of any shortcomings though! Mrs. Braganza's make-up looks a tad over-the-top. The rationale behind the story is also a bit fuzzy and probably the director has purposely kept it that way. However, that might not appeal to a section of the audience, who looks for an easy watch.
Lastly, I must say I have hardly seen such a competent and intelligent short film in recent times. No wonder it was selected at the Cannes short film corner last year. Will look forward to Sreemoyee's upcoming projects!
Blue Jasmine (2013)
A compelling watch but not without loopholes..
Woody Allen is one of my favorite directors. I just loved his Match-Point, Vicky,Christina and Barcelona and Midnight in Paris. Blue Jasmine is about Jasmine, her fortune and misfortune and also about the stark difference between New York and San Francisco. It is undoubtedly one of the better movies of recent times and has an interesting and engaging storyline. Cate Blanchett has done a good job and the supporting cast were competitive enough.
However,it seems quite different from his other movies in terms of cinematic tone. It is loud at times though I am not sure whether this was intentional to draw a parallel with A Streetcar Named Desire. The serious It also seems a bit convenient/manipulative when Jasmine attracts suitors at the drop of a hat even when she looks tired and depressed! Also, sorry for being harsh but I did not quite understand which century it belongs to where both the girls Ginger and Jasmine only worry about getting the right life partner and live like parasites. Yes, Jasmine tries to learn computers to be an interior decorator and forgets everything when she gets to charm a wealthy diplomat. So, in the end Jasmine seems to be a vacuous character. It was still easier to sympathize/empathize with Ginger, on the contrary.
I am not trying to over-criticize but probably I expected more insightful stuff from this veteran filmmaker. Thus I will wait for his next movie in line..