Tuesday, July 31, 2012

At First Sight



At First Sight is a movie that's different simply because it tells a true story that doesn't fail the surprise you. The movie does tell a different story but it misses to present the story with a certain degree of depth. The dialogues and the depiction is very shallow. The movie could have been better with the kind of story that it has.

The film also drags during the later half and by then you may have lost interest in the story and even the hard hitting scenes might just not hit you.

Conclusion. At First Sight could've been a better a movie.

Also, Val Kilmer is really commendable in his role.

My Rating- 2/5

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Chungking Express




Chungking Express is a Hong Kong film that's neither so impressive nor too disappointing, but somehow manages to create an impact.

The movie makes a couple of bold attempts in terms of camera work. The story as a whole isn't very full proof, but is good in glimpses.

In the end, you do not regret watching the movie which is definitely something different in terms of technicalities of film making.

And you also end up thanking the movie for introducing you to this song that's largely used in the movie in a very beautiful manner.

My Rating- 2/5

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Big Fish

Big Fish is a special movie, as it tells a story that can be easily called a fairy tail. The movie addresses the child in you.

The screenplay tends to fast forward the story progression at time but with an idea like that you cannot think of any other way it can be properly presented.

Big Fish is a bit of a comedy that does make you giggle and smile but what makes this movie special is the story telling, which is so out-of-the-box that you can't help but witness it in awe, thinking about the kind of imagination that thought of things like that.

Another reason that makes this movie special is the kind of plot it depicts, which is emotional in right proportions and not over the top. Big Fish is the kind of movie that leaves you with a smile on your face and leaves you with something to remember, something that explores a whole new level of creativity.

My Rating- 3.75/5

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises





The Dark Knight Rises is a master piece just like any other Nolan movie, and just like any Nolan movie, it cleverly builds up the plot with many sub stories continually progressing towards the conclusion. Nolan’s habit of ending movies in his own special style is like his signature at the end of his movies, movies that stand out and are looked upon as standards that truly exemplify cinematic brilliance.

With TDKR Nolan is again in total control of every aspect of the movie, the direction, the story, and the dialogues. Despite not being a Nolan fan I’ve always respected his style of cinema. Even in this new installment he hasn’t tried to experiment with a different approach but has continued with his signature methodology of film-making that is intelligent and makes an impact by leaving you in contemplation even after the movie has ended.

In my personal opinion, creating a follow up movie to a mammoth of a movie like “The Dark Knight” is definitely not an easy thing to do. But Nolan has perfectly complimented the previous movie and concluded the franchise in a way that you won’t hesitate to regard as “Perfect”.

It’s very disheartening to know that this is the last movie of The Batman franchise. But I’m sure the world will wait with a tad bit of hope, to see the man in the black cape on screen again, cruising his way on the dark streets of Gotham, with a rhythmic sound of a heavy drum echoing in the background.  For this man isn’t merely a superhero who’s an outcome of fantasy, but a character that has been molded to reflect life’s harsh realities.

My rating- 3/5

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Amadeus






It's true that geniuses are born, not made. This conception is very much apt for Mozart. Amadeus largely brings to light the greatness of the musical genius, Mozart. The depictions that justify Mozart's genius are –

1.    At a very young age, Mozart was shown playing in front of the Pope in Rome.

2.    It was said that Mozart had written his first concerto at the age of 4, his first symphony at the age of 7 and his first opera at the age of 12.

3.    Mozart was able to play Antonio Salieri’s “March of Welcome” just by listening it once. He even went about improvising the piece which Salieri had managed to compose with immense labor.

4.    Even on his death bed, Mozart was dictating detailed musical compositions to Salieri.


Despite having talent of the highest degree, Mozart's character did have certain grey shades to it. He was completely aware of the ability he possessed, which made him very arrogant. Mozart was shown very “ruthless” to other composers; something which is clearly evident by how he mocked every composer's musical style in the movie. This proves that the character of Mozart did not regard anyone else’s talent due to the feeling of superiority he possessed. "A little modesty might suit you better" Chamberlain had said to Mozart, an advice that was very apt to his character.

Mozart was highly sensitive about his art. He didn't like the emperor and his men toying with his creations. Mozart dedication towards his talent made him neglect his responsibilities. The dedication with which he focused on his primary interest made him blind to the negligence he had towards his family. Mozart not only placed his talent at an elevated standard, but also wasn't grounded to the reality of his own life. His ego prevented him to have a pupil who's family didn't give his art due respect. Mozart did not understand the value of money in life; he weighed his pride and ego more than it.

Amadeus as a movie definitely leaves you with an insight about the psyches of creative individuals and the superiority with which they start regarding themselves. It can rightly be concluded that with great artistic abilities comes a bloated ego. The movie does not let any melodrama or emotions pose a distraction to the narration. The movie shows glimpses of humor, with Mozart’s high pitched laugh that can be considered as a response to the world that did not understand his art. The story progression tends to slow down in the middle, but does provide a suitable detailing to the entire story.

In the end one comes to realize that the life of a genius is not a walk in the park. Geniuses like Mozart constantly stumble to the worldly shunning, with people exploiting their talent and their enviers targeting their success. It’s sad the tragic end that many geniuses like Mozart have suffered. Maybe truly gifted beings are like sparks that display brilliance as long as they last, but very soon they depart, leaving an entire world mesmerized.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Batman Begins




I remember watching Batman Begins in high school. I actually watched
it like a regular super hero movie. Since the release of The Dark
Knight Rises is nearing, I thought I might just revisit this widely
respected franchise. I also thought of inculcating some admiration for
Nolan, because I am one of those very few (hated) people who do not
appreciate the Godly presence of Nolan.

I discovered a new found respect for Nolan after rewatching this first
installment of the franchise. The way how Nolan has gone ahead and
portrayed Batman is what makes him special. More than being a super
hero, Batman is more about the dark shade of life. How you magnify the
after effects of misfortune and create a super human.

Batman begins progresses irregularly. The story set up is very
different, but what matters is how this legend called Batman is shaped
by Nolan.

It's hard to believe that this is just a beginning. Because a
beginning like this means, that something legendary is in the making,
for cinema to remember till the end of time.

My rating - 3/5