Year: 2017

Films Reviews: Films of Andrei Tarkovsky – SOLARIS/STALKER

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TIFF Cinematheque Presents – The Films of Andrei Tarkovsky

Andrei Arsenyevich Tarkovsky (4 April 1932 – 29 December 1986) was a Soviet filmmaker, writer, film editor, film theorist, theatre and opera director.  He is considered to be one of the greatest filmmakers of all time and much respected by other respected filmmakers notably Ingmar Bergman.

Tarkovsky’s films include Ivan’s Childhood (1962), Andrei Rublev (1966), Solaris (1972), Mirror (1975), and Stalker (1979). He directed the first five of his seven feature films in the Soviet Union; his last two films, Nostalghia (1983) and The Sacrifice (1986), were produced in Italy and Sweden, respectively.   His work is characterized by long takes, unconventional dramatic structure, distinctly authored use of cinematography, and spiritual and metaphysical themes.

TIFF Cinematheque presents for the first time a good retrospective of Tarkovsky films with weeklong engagement of both STALKER and SOLARIS (both films capsule reviewed below).

My favourite Tarkovsky film is SACRIFICE (OFRET) with the single long tie at the film’s end of a burning house with its inhabitants running around outside it.

Full fill program and schedule of screenings, please check the Cinematheque website at:

tiff.net

CAPSULE REVIEWS OF Selected Tarkovsky Films:

SOLARIS (USSR 1972) ****

Directed bh Andrei Tarkovsky

SOLARIS is Soviet science fiction art film adaptation of Polish author Stanisław Lem’s novel Solaris (1961).  Co-written and directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, SOLARIS moves at the low moving pace one has associated Tarkovsky’s films with.  This one runs 2 hours and 42 minutes, so be prepared for a long haul.   A meditative psychological drama occurring mostly aboard a space station orbiting the fictional planet Solaris, the story involves a stalled scientific mission because the skeleton crew of three scientists have fallen into separate emotional crises.   The terror in space is not physical but mental and emotional.  Psychologist Kris Kelvin (Donata VBanionis) travels to the Solaris space station to evaluate the situation only to encounter the same mysterious phenomena as the others.  He meets who could be or could not be his wife, Hari (Natalya Bondarchuk) as she had previously died 10 years back.  He sends her off in a rocket getting himself burnt, but she re-appears.  Great ideas but the please in this film has to be earned.  SOLARIS won the Grand Prix Spécial du Jury, the FIPRESCI prize and was nominated for the Palme d’Or and was remade by Steven Soderbergh in a film with the same title.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tob56MebI8

STALKER (USSR 1979) ****

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky

STALKER refers to the guide to a special place called The Zone in Tarkovski’s boring mini-masterpiece of the same title.  In it three men, THE STALKER, the guide, and two others referred to as the professor and the writer (it be best to remember who is who) enter a place called The Zone.  The Zone is apparently inhabited by aliens and contains the Room, where in it is believed wishes are granted.  The government has declared The Zone a no-go area and have sealed off the area with barbed wire and border guards.  However, this has not stopped people from attempting to enter the Zone.   The writer wants to use the experience as inspiration for his writing and the professor, who wants to research the Zone for scientific purposes.  Things do not turn out as expected.  Neither does this sci-fi film, so beware!  One scene has the trio roaming in a long pipe (tunnel) before one says:  “There is a door.”  They argue not only who should go in first but why bring and point a gun through the door.  “No one waits at the door,” one answer when questioned whether to enter.  This scene is typical of what happens throughout their trip into The Zone.  Nothing happens but a lot of arguments.  The sets like the tunnel dripping with water from the ceiling are stunningly bleak and typical of a dystopian society.  Running at over two and a half hours with nothing much happening for a sci-fi film, STALKER is undeniably boring.  Very, very boring!  But crazy as it might sound, it is still a captivating film that should be seen by all cinephiles.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB7jVTut3-g

Andrei Tarkovsky.jpg

 

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Film Review: PEARL, 2017, USA, Fantasy/Drama

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

Fantastical and filled with whimsy, PEARL is an anachronistic tale with the sweet, sorrowful touching effect of a well-told fairy tale. Director Assia Quinhang Shoa brings this USA film to life with care and detail. Our story follows an aging and lonely puppeteer Sam who finds and rescues a young mermaid. Unable to speak English, Sam names her Pearl and believes at long last he has found a friend. But Pearl belongs in the ocean and no amount of devotion Sam has for her can change that truth.

 

Told with innocence and delight, this simple story warms the heart. It has boasts beautiful and detailed production design and excellent performances by the main characters. It resonates with a meaningful message- young or old, we all want to belong.

 

Sam must make a difficult choice in what is best for Pearl, but that doesn’t mean his impact on her hasn’t been profound. A sweet story with the comfort of a favorite lullaby, PEARL is an excellent short to warm the heart of anyone. A satisfying and compelling piece that is sure to be a delight to all.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

PEARL, 15min, USA, Fantasy/Drama
Directed by Assia Qianhang ShaoIt is a fairy tale about an old lonely puppeteer, Sam, saves a 9-year- old wounded mermaid and helps care for her and love her as a father. However, when her wounds heal he struggles with letting her go back to the ocean.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: D’ARLINE, 2017, USA, Drama/Biography

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

Dive into A’DARLENE and you will relive the brilliant true story of physicist and professor Richard Fenyman and learn about his impact on mathematics and modern history. D’ARLENE is a short drama, coming from the USA and directed by Christina Jobe. D’ARLENE follows the real-life genius through his time at the Manhattan project, working as a physics professor and his research into the Atomic bomb- but intercuts his present with his recent past- the relationship he has with his first wife Arlene, including her tragic and untimely death.

 

D’ARLENE feels like a feature in the way it boasts complex characters, deep relationships, moving storylines and a brilliant rise-and-fall of plot and resolution. Yet this dense story fits neatly and cleanly into twenty-two minutes. Without a single detailed left unattended, the world Jobe creates is tangible, visual and highly emotional. The film is balanced without a single superfluous scene, shot or frame.

 

The production value is excellent and the mise-en-scene thought out and lush to watch.  All artistic details are attended to with the precision of skilled professionals. Beyond the story and composition of the work, the performances by the cast are second-to-none. The climax of the piece, a letter written by the actual Richard Fenyman and delivered by the actor, leaves a powerful resounding effect on the viewer.

 

As a story, as a piece of cinema, as a work of art, D’ARLENE has much to be proud of. Bravo Christina Jobe. Bravo.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

D’ARLINE, 22min, USA, Drama/Biography
Directed by Christina JobePhysicist Richard Feynman struggles to make a scientific break through after experiencing personal trauma and while fighting guilt over his work on the atomic bomb. Based on a true story.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: TWO, 2017, USA, Fashion/Experimental

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

Bright, stunning and boasting exceptional editing, TWO is 60-seconds of a non-stop visual art. Directed by Tamara Hansen out of the USA, TWO depicts the relationship between two women, in an avant-garde cinematic display. Opulent and decadent and seamlessly attentive to detail, this is a film that leaves not a single frame wasted.

 

From the very first second of TWO, the audience is hit with an onslaught of rapid-fire images, each equally riveting, visually interesting and lush. Highly interpretive, this one-minute piece is open to discussion regarding its larger themes. Yet there is no doubt that it has much to say. A shimmering example of exceptional visual work and guided with an excellent editorial hand, TWO is a fantastic vibrant short.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

TWO, 1min, USA, Fashion/Experimental
Directed by Tamara HansenThis short film is about the relationship of two girls, shown in an artsy way.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: THE SCULPTOR, 2017, USA, Documentary

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

This short and timely four-minute documentary coming from the US, directed by Ben Ginsburg, is a fascinating story following a young artist. Creator Malcolm Macdougall is an up-and-coming artistic sculptor that works in metals- crafting sheet metal and scrap metal into huge and masterful artistic works. Often finding inspiration from the natural world, these gentle giants of artistry are remarkable and breathtaking. Yet Malcolm must like the art he creates, is calm, relaxed and thought-provoking. He speaks of his medium as a form of self-expression without any pretensions.

 

His art is simply his hobby, but a powerful and meaningful hobby. Yet this hobby has him working in a huge warehouse, welding and dealing with a medium that requires exceptional skill, labour and patience. A strong and powerful cinematic piece with fascinating works of art to be shown, this short documentary is well worth the watch.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

THE SCULPTOR, 4min, USA, Documentary
Directed by Ben Ginsburg This short documentary examines the work, process, and philosophy of Malcolm Macdougall, an up-and-coming sculptor in the Hudson Valley.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: BRIDGING COLOR, 2017, South Korea, Drama

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

BRIDGING COLOUR comes to us by director Chang Hyun Park, and hails from South Korea. An emotionally driven piece delivered with passion, flawless execution, and dramatic balance, it tells the tale of a highly accomplished and ego-centric Art teacher whose arrogant self-righteousness gets the better of him when he slowly begins to go color blind.

 

A perfect story of poetic justice and the compelling nature of art subjectivity, BRIDGING COLOR is ultimately a metaphor for ableism and inclusion. The rules we rigidly adhere to are able to shut us out as much as they pull us in.

 

There is a seamless flow to BRIDGING COLOUR, one that takes our hero down a perfect hubris-fueled poetic fall. One of the best parts of this film is the exceptional acting of the hero, who is able to have the entire audience feel compassion and sympathy for him- although he never totally breaks his clearly flawed character. Completely with an emotional and touching ending BRIDGING color is a well made and perfectly put together piece of cinema.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

BRIDGING COLOR, 23min, South Korea, Drama
Directed by Chang Hyun ParkAn arrogant, world famous painter becomes colorblind and realize that what he see is not always what it seems.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: TASTE OF LOVE, 2017, Austria, Romance/Experimental

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

A sizzling, tantalizing, nerve-tingling show of physical pleasures- TASTE OF LOVE is a dive into the sensual world of self-discovery. Filled to bursting with tangible physical metaphors and riveting images, TASTE OF LOVE may have you squirming in your seat.

 

Our story follows a young woman on her journey to explore what love tastes like- and in her journey, she finds herself engulfed in a variety of new experiences, bringing her into the world of sweet, salty, bitter and sour.

 

Bright and colorful, with the intensity of a dance-party on a drug trip, this is a film that slams into you and demands not just to be seen, but to be felt. Visual, intense and sinfully vibrant, TASTE OF LOVE is not to miss.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the Short Film:

TASTE OF LOVE, 4min, Austria, Romance/Experimental
Directed by Paul ScheuflerWhat is the taste of love?

Could it be sweet, sour, bitter or even salty? A girl embarks on an aromatic journey of love, stimulating her taste buds to the point of climax. With all senses, she explores the various forms love can take on. “Love is as diverse as our sense of taste”.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: BEAUTIFUL – 2017, Iraq/USA, Drama/War

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

 

A short, sweet story that stretches across time and space to touch your heart, BEAUTIFUL tells the tale of an Iraq refugee girl marred by a burn injury. Despite her mothers’ encouragement, the child’s self-esteem is deeply damaged by her injury.  Yet when an Iraq war vet reminds her she is beautiful, she is able to see past her insecurities. The poignant moment in the movie hinges on the realization that the war-vet is blind (although our young heroine never realizes this).

 

BEAUTIFUL is a film about the aftermath of trauma. That the pain of war claims innocent victims that carry burdens too heavy for any of them to bare alone. It is a film showcases one of the countless stories of sorrow that follow the path of destruction. Yet, it is also a story about how the violence of war will never win. The collective spirit of compassion that resides within humanity as a whole will always triumph. Where good people are- violence can never dwell.

BEAUTIFUL is a simple but strong story about two people who touch each others’ lives for only a moment- and leave a profound impact. They stand on opposite ends of a spectrum in the wake of a war that harmed them both- but they find solace in comforting each other. A message that reminds us all the evils of war will never bring us peace. Well done, director Navid Tayakolina, well done.

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BEAUTIFUL, 4min, Iraq/USA, Drama/War
Directed by Navid TavakolniaAn Iraqi little refugee girl and an American soldier, both being victims of the same war, meet in the safest place on earth USA.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: PROMETHEUS INDUSTRIES – 2017, Germany, Animation/Comedy

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SHORT FILM played at the October 2017 STUDENT FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Review by Kierston Drier

A comical take on humanity and technology, PROMETHEUS INDUSTRIES is a quick and witty 7-minute animated feat coming out of Germany. The super-sleek technology company of the future enlists a hapless Joe-Everyman to try out some new products, but things inevitably go awry.

 

PROMETHEUS INDUSTRIES is a commentary on technology, hubris, and human stupidity, while still delivering laughter. The story has a charming simplicity to it that lends itself well to the comic tone the piece takes.

 

A special note must be made for these creators, as animation can be a laborious task. Yet this film is a strong example of fluid animation. Director Amr Kamel should be proud of this well executed comedic piece.

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Film Review: MUDBOUND (USA 2017) ***

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Mudbound Poster
Trailer

Two men return home from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war.

Director:

Dee Rees

Writers:

Virgil Williams (screenplay by), Dee Rees (screenplay by) |1 more credit »

Stars:

Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke

MUDBOUND, a Netflix original movie, is understandably a difficult film to be made for general audiences dealing with racial tensions, mixed relationships and the Ku Klax Klan.  Despite complaints about Netflix movies not being ‘real’ movies distributed in theatres, in Netflix defence – it is thanks to them that difficult films like these, worthy and gut wrenching get made.  MUDBOUND is a film about class, friendship and the fight against ‘the land’.  The characters are pitted against a landscape of mud, with the elements of nature working against them.  Just as they are about to succeed, the characters are pulled back into the mire.  Hence the film is entitled MUDBOUND, and also perhaps it is a metaphor used too often in the story.

The film is narrated by a few of the story’s characters but mostly by Laura McAllan (Carey Mulligan).  The story follows two families, one white, the McAllans, newly arrived from Memphis to his new farm in the Mississippi Delta.  The other, the Jacksons are coloured folk, sharecroppers who have worked the land for generations, but struggling to make a living.  Laura’s husband is Henry (Jason Clarke), a decent man, though stuck in his racist ways and they have two daughters.  The father-in-law is a racist pig.  The Jacksons are Hap (Rob Morgan), Florence (singer Mary J. Blige) and children.

The film setting is just after World War II.  The end of the war sees the return of Jamie McAllan (Garrett Hedlund) and Ronsel Jackson (Jason Mitchell).  The war allows the race barrier to be broken between the two war heroes but their friendship is not tolerated by the town, especially the father-in-law.  When it is discovered that Ronsel bears a son with a white woman (a German during the war), he is brutalized by the Ku Klax Klan.

Based on the novel by Hillary Jordan, and written for the screen by director Rees and Virgil Williams, the plot follow multiple stories divided between the two families.  Rees’ film flows smoothly with each story transitioning into another without the feeling of Rees acting like a cop directing traffic.

The film’s most unsettling scenes involve Hap Jackson’s infected leg, shown with all the pus and sores and the other the sudden appearance of the Ku Klax Klan.  Ronsel’s beating is also not easy to watch.  Rees gets her point across.  For a film about families working the land, Rees should have included more scenes depicting the hardship of toiling – though a few token ones are included.  The same goes for the war segments with one or two scenes in the tank and in the fighter jets.

The only trouble with MUDBOUND is the lack of one central character.  As the story divides between Laura, her husband, Ronsel, Florence Jackson and Jamie, the film loses its impact.  Still, MUDBOUND has nary a dull moment and gets its message that friendship and tolerance will save the day.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAZWhFI9lLQ