The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness

Meh.

I found this documentary kind of slow and dull. I suppose it did show some of the drudgery that goes on behind the scenes of a very colourful and exciting medium.

However, I really was expecting Miyazaki to be a little bit more likeable and insightful than he actually is (in this film, at least).

I think it would've been time better spent just watching a Ghibli film instead.  6/10

The One I Love

Yeah, I enjoyed this film.

It wasn't amazing, but the concept was clever, and it managed to keep my attention despite my watching it when my brain felt like mush. Ted Danson was in it for a tiny role, and apparently it was filmed at his house. I kept thinking of his character in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The premise was deeply disturbing. Definitely not a feel good happy couple gooey gooey love each other type of affair.

Maybe watch it by yourself, if you're in a relationship? 7/10

Foxcatcher

This film was crazy.

Apparently the real du Pont was even crazier in real life, and they had to tone it down a bit for the film. Imagine that!

I loved this film. I feel bad because I read a spoiler midway through the film, because I mistakenly took my phone out to try to figure out what the hell this film was about – I regret doing so. Still, it didn't ruin the film completely.

I thought Steve Carrell was amazing in this. I'd never seen him do something so serious and creepy, and now I have a massive amount of respect for him for being able to portray such an intriguingly creepy character. The true story of events is disturbing, and I can't believe how many of these rich kids end up doing horrible things like this. I just don't understand it.

Great film though. 8/10

Goodfellas (Re-watch)

As far back as I can remember I always wanted to review this film.

But how can I write a review that comes even as close to how perfect it is?

I could watch it over and over again. This time I got to watch it at the cinema.

"KAREN?! Why did you do that Karen?!" 10/10

12 Angry Men (Re-watch)

Gosh. What a classic.

I'm not sure how many times I've seen this film, and I'm sure I'll be watching it again at some point. I mainly watched it this time because my viewing partner hadn't seen it, so I sort of insisted we watch it.

The first thing pointed out to me was that there are no women on the jury. And that's a shame really. I suppose it's a product of its time, but it would make for a far more interesting and diverse film if it wasn't just a jury of white men.

That being said, I still think it's an incredible film. I love how there are all these pointless little back stories and dialogues, but how the film always feels fluid and thoroughly character-driven. I've always liked Henry Fonda's character in this film, and I consider him to be the kind of man I want to be: someone not swept away by the crowd. Someone willing to question everything, even the tiniest detail, if it means moving closer to the truth.

I was just reading that (as of 2012) all of the 12 men are dead now. I hope they knew they all achieved something great by starring in this film. 9/10

Picnic at Hanging Rock

This was a very good film. Well shot (beautiful for its time), atmospheric, intriguing. The characters were great – the horrible headteacher, the creepy English dude, the poor orphan girl, the salt-of-the-earth Aussie lad. I really enjoyed the music and the film editing. Great work.

I still can't work out what the hell happened up there on that rock. 8/10