Saturday 30 June 2012

filmbore pick of the week - Tell No One

Tell No One (Ne Le Dis À Personne)
 
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Director: Guillaume Canet
Screenplay: Guillaume Canet, Philippe Lefebvre 
Starring: François Cluzet, Marie-Josée Croze, André Dussollier, Kristin Scott-Thomas
Year: 2006
Language: French
UK rental release: October 2007

LoveFilm
Rotten Tomatoes


What would you do if your partner was murdered several years ago, the authorities have suddenly decided that you are a key suspect and you find clues that may contradicate all the facts? Tell No One is here to answer this...

Guillaume Canet has been a major french movie star since the mid-90s (you may recognise him as Ètienne from The Beach), but besides dabbling with a few short films here and there, it wasn't until the 00's that he decided to direct full-length feature films. Tell No One is his second outing behind the camera and, with Philippe Lefebvre, he has crafted a superb adaptation of Harlen Coban's novel of the same name.

Pediatrician Alexandre Beck (François Cluzet, The Intouchables, Little White Lies) has had to deal with the loss of his murdered wife Margot (Marie-Josée Croze) for eight years, but suddenly bodies found at the lake where she was taken from him point evidence to Alexandre as the killer.  Simultaneously, he receives a mysterious email containing a link to surveillance video footage of what appears to be Margot, looking older than her last living day!

http://static.thecia.com.au/reviews/t/tell-no-one-ne-le-dis-a-personne-4.jpg

It sounds a little complicated and hard to stomach, but this is not how this film handles itself. Though it is promoted as complex thriller you'll be pleasantly suprised that Tell No One doesn't play out like this. What's delivered is a competently directed smooth blend of thriller, drama and light-comedy, all neatly sewn together by the partnership of intrigue and love. In fact, it's these last two elements that feed the emotional journey and actions of our leading character.

François Cluzet is perfect casting as the lead for this story, which is vital as it is his character on screen throughout. As each scene unfolds, and new information is presented to him, it's hard to imagine what Alexandre Beck would do in each circumstance. There are sometimes subtle flecks of reaction to some dialogues, where out-of-the-blue he will instinctivly erupt and do whatever's necessary to upend the mystery one step further. But what is evident is that however powerful or minimal his respost, François Cluzet conducts the role with delicate precision.


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However, we must not forget some great performances from the overall supporting cast, especially from André Dussollier (a regular from films by Jean-Pierre Jeunet) as the father-in-law and one of the UK's finest actresses, Kristin Scott-Thomas as the sister's lesbian-lover Hélène, who assists Alexandre in his investigations. Both command their smaller parts with a rawness that could have overpowered the film, but Guillame has managed to lace their parts into the tapestry to give the story strength without overbearing it.

These relationships become vital to uncovering the foundations of what could be a conspiracy against Alexandre, professed to us in fragments as the tale unfolds. In fact, one pivotal, sweet moment of discovery has (in my opinion) one of the best uses of popular music ever in film...even if it is U2!

The gradual swell of disclosures, with a hefty affirmation near the end of the final act, lead to a touching final scene that both binds the story into a whole and teases you to watch it all over again. It's a complete picture, that is worth discovering for anybody that wants a mixture of excitement, conundrums and fine acting, all bundled up in a narrative driven by a man still fuelled by the love he still carries for the woman he has lost.


Friday 22 June 2012

filmbore pick of the week - Kill List


Kill List
http://cdn.theguardian.tv/bc/281851582/281851582_1111282746001_110815KillList-5070649.jpg?pubId=281851582Director: Ben Wheatley 
Screenplay: Ben Wheatley, Amy Jump
Starring: Neil Maskell, Michael Smiley, MyAnna Buring
Year: 2011
Language: English
UK rental release: December 2011


IMDB
LoveFilm
Rotten Tomatoes



British drama is synonymous across the globe as a sterling foundation of grounded acting and straight storytelling, but sometimes a little gem reveals itself amongst our little island's standard crop that challenges this ideal and our own moral fibre. Last year, that film was Ben Wheatley's Kill List - an ever evolving, tour-de-force of a movie, that still splits audiences to this day through the daring thematic spine that its story carries.

Neil Maskell (The Football Factory) plays Jay, a simmering hitman, evidently with some kind of burden yet to be discovered. His home life, though fiery, is as normal as it gets. Nevertheless, his explosive nature can get the better of him, as seen early on in a wonderful, naturally played dinner scene with his wife, Shel (a great performance from MyAnna Buring) and their guests. The man across the table  is Gal (Michael Smiley - fondly remembered as Tyres from the genius brit-com series Spaced) his literal partner-in-crime; a calm, voice of reason that, as their relationship shows, seems to exist purely to temper our lead.

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The morphing chemistry between these two characters, from jovial, through volatile, to brotherly is a fundamental dynamic, creating a template to allow other elements of the tale to breathe comfortably. This includes the relationship between Jay, Shel and their son, Sam (Harry Simpson) which is intermittently tested while he is out at "work".  

It's this tension that both fuels and challenges Jay, assisting in the exposure and breakdown of his emotional barriers and,  throughout the film's main act, we see his layers unfold as the pair are hired to eliminate certain bureaucratic players from their kill list. Each target is segregated into chapters; a beautiful structure that is welcomed when dealing with the more drastic elements of the picture. The "hits" themselves are visceral and gory - a thankful release while you wrestle with each target's taboo habits...

WARNING! This film is not for the faint-hearted. Each reveal of the kill list's victim's motives highlights their depravity, allowing you to feel hatred towards these vile creatures, as you bear witness to their making through our leading pair...

For some it may be an exhausting watch, but this is only cements the outstanding ability of Ben Wheatley as a storyteller. You find yourself enveloped by the film to the extent where you feel like the third hitman that was never there. This sense of involvement is handed to you by some intimate camera work, slowly working around some events like a point-of-view, while never afraid of capturing close-ups through some of the more intense scenes. 

Also well managed are the more mysterious moments, scattered throughout the movie as cult-like activities and comments dressed in riddle. Morsels of twists are presented to you, as the intrigue builds. It's when you embark on the journey provided by these peculiar touch points that you see more in this film than just a family drama...a crime story...a buddy film. There is a throbbing dark core that is gradually rearing it's head to our final kill list chapter, which shocks most of all. The climax will stay with you for some time, as you ponder over your feelings towards the context of the underlying plot. But there is no doubting the bravery of our director, and I for one am glad that he has stuck so sharply to his overall vision. This is a truly unique film that will be loved by some, be disturbing to others, but at the end deserves wider exposure as a genuine article of original storytelling.

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In my opinion, the film wouldn't hold together if it wasn't for a career best performance from Neil Maskell. After years of being in smaller roles, it's satisfying to see him in a strong lead, which he handles with extreme sincerity and honesty. There's a calm wildness to his character, which is vital to the overall story, and it's this performance which gives Kill List it's heart...albeit a dark one!

Friday 15 June 2012

filmbore pick of the week - Tyrannosaur

Tyrannosaur

Director: Paddy Considine
Screenplay: Paddy Considine
Starring: Peter Mullan, Olivia Colman, Eddie Marsan
Year: 2011
Language: English
UK rental release: February 2012

IMDB 

While running rehearsal's on 1999's A Room For Romeo Brass, Shane Meadows called upon the assistance of his old friend, Paddy Considine, to represent a group of youths befriending (then eventually harassing) a couple of young lads, mirrored off past experiences of Shane's own childhood. Through fresh ideas and dialogue brought to the table by Paddy, Shane took a different slant and altered the script to allow the horde of terrors to become the mysterious individual Morell, casting Paddy in the role. This began the career of an acting behemoth, breathing raw realism in front of the lens with an air of gravitas only ever apparent in the naturally talented. Little did Mr Meadows know that he was unleashing, in my opinion, a hero of British cinema, who may only be fully spreading his wings since making the decision to sit on the other side of the camera.

Tyrannosaur, the directorial debut from Paddy Considine, evolved from his short film, Dog Altogether. This gritty reveal of a man in a blitzkrieg of torment is captivating from the start, as Peter Mullan stars as Joseph, the simmering force of nature beholden to his self-perpetuating rage.


Early scenes depict Joseph as a man driven by some deep buried resentment. Mullan's performance is so rich his character is intriguing from the off. These initial moments are just a taster leading to his first encounter with charity shop manager Hannah, played by the captivating Olivia Colman. Not only does she deliver a humbleness to the role, but her forthright consideration to this broken man is both heartfelt and strong. This unlikely match of souls somehow find a link, while what follows is a brewing, tense friendship between two unlikely characters. While Joseph's vulnerability and kindness are tested through his new-found redemption in Hannah, she finds solace in this attempt to reach out, leading to open up to the darkness in her own life.

A few light moments are scattered throughout, but be warned...this is no standard British drama! It's forceful and direct, taking you on a journey of tension. There's great confidence and patience in the delivery of some scenes, giving it a great deal of realism. It doesn't pull punches while the plot unfolds either, as we are rewarded with startling reveals when delving deep into our lead's motives. Overall, even though there is fire in this film's belly, it's a very approachable piece, and I'd imagine that it would strike a chord with anyone who watches it.

This is a truly fantastic film, with stunning performances, honest writing and superb direction. Paddy Considine may "wow" as an actor, but his ability to direct is a welcome surprise. If this is a flavour of his up-and-coming body of work, then this is an exciting time for British cinema!


Thursday 14 June 2012

Going Pro!

http://www.creativesocialblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/evolution-man-computer.gifAs you all know, the site is still evolving , and one element of this is that filmbore now has an official domain name... 

www.filmbore.co.uk

Pass the website to your friends, and lets widen the network for indie films and world cinema!

Friday 8 June 2012

First real content!

Hi everyone,

After filmbore's first week, there seems to be a little bit of attention, which is a great start. And, I'm pleased to announce the first posted content for the site is now available...

filmbore's pick of the week - Cell 211

http://www.ionlywatch18s.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/celda-211-oliver-tosar.jpg 

The first unique film selected for the site is Cell 211. A gritty, prison drama from Spain, and the perfect choice to christen the pages of filmbore.

Go to the filmbore pick of the week page to read the full review.



Prometheus – worth the hype and wait?


http://blog.unl.edu/dixon/files/2012/06/Prometheus_movie_05-e1338830367217.jpg
Following the release of Prometheus, I've seen many sad faces.

Why do we get so excited about the big films coming our way, when more often than not we're let down like a lonely balloon after the wedding party's left?

Come join the WhingeBox & let filmbore know your view on the matter.

Prometheus – worth the hype and wait?


http://blog.unl.edu/dixon/files/2012/06/Prometheus_movie_05-e1338830367217.jpg 
I'll be honest, I'm an Alien fan. A huge fan, in fact. I'm especially fond of the second film in the original canon, Aliens (possibly the most perfectly made commercial film of all time...?). So, I was one of the many hordes of Alien-ites who were suckered in to the anticipation of the prequel-ish Prometheus.
 
So, I booked my tickets for opening night and spent the rest of the week bouncing up-and-down like a kid who’s just found out that he’s going to Alton Towers at the same time as desperately needing a wee! And was it worth being this excited?...frankly, no!

Ridley Scott is still the finest visual director in the business. This film is proof of this, as there’s no doubting how beautifully shot the whole piece is. However, it’s no disguise for a weak story and bad script, which in my opinion has let this film down.

Should I be surprised? Probably not…this is a common occurrence in the Hollywood machine. High-concept films are churned out regularly and survive mainly off their hype, but it doesn’t have to be that way…

http://cdn-static.cnet.co.uk/i/c/blg/cat/hometheatre/avengers-assemble.jpgLook at The Avengers/Avengers Assemble for example. Same build up. Same expectations. But the film delivered on so many other levels. In fact, I think it’s shown the rest of the commercial movie business up, proving that even though a brand is strong enough to carry a film you can still make an entertaining ensemble movie that merits multiple watches.

So, in wake of this disappointment, mirrored off so many other let-downs, how does everyone else feel about the way the industry drives this? Should more thought and consideration be expected of films of this magnitude? Are we quite happy to let the movie big-guns sweep the cinematic realm so we can expect better material in the smaller films we sometimes crave? Was The Avengers just a one-off? Can we expect every huge promotion to deliver a Hulk smash? I’ll leave it to you to comment…

LET THE WHINGING COMMENCE!

filmbore's pick of the week - Cell 211


Cell 211 (Original title “Celda 211”)

Director: Daniel Monzón
Screenplay: Jorge Guerricaechevarría and Daniel Monzón
Starring: Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann
Year: 2009
Language Spanish, Basque
UK rental release: January 2012

IMDB 



Adapted from Francisco Pérez Gandul’s novel of the same name, Cell 211 is a classic “wrong-place-at-wrong-time” story but with a dark backbone. Our protagonist is the only man who knows this, and nearly everyone else thinks he’s in about the best place as he could be for them…

Alberto Ammann stars as Juan; a “newbie” warden who, in order to impress his new boss and peers, arrives at his new place of work (a nearby penitentiary) a day early. As a visitor, he wants to get a feel for the place…and boy does he! Due to an obscure twist of fate he is left inside the prison as the inmates break free and riot. Does he tell them who he is, or does he play along?

Luis Tosar is electric as prison gang leader Malamadre, a character who appears to breathe rebellion as he’s on screen. However, as he unfolds throughout the film small flecks pride and honour are brought to the surface. You get the distinct impression that it is the prison culture (as oppressed as he believes he is by it) that truly defines the man he has become and not just his previous convictions that put him there.


Moving beyond the main characters, what’s really apparent about this film is its immense sense of pace. Even in the quieter “talky” scenes, there is a constant underlying vein of panic in everyone’s voice, keeping the tension alive throughout. In fact, these moments are perfectly balanced against the aggressive, violent action scenes, brutally thrown up on screen without any regard for sensitivity.

The only real reprieve from this persistent wave of drama is during the few, brief delicate scenes between Juan and his pregnant wife Elena (Marta Etura) but these moments only help to infuse the drive of our main character as he has feuds with his internal morals and sense of justice.


Winner of 8 Goya Awards, Cell 211 is the type of film that reminds me why I love world cinema. Here is a well thought out, beautifully written piece of drama, perfectly encapsulated through the medium of film. What Daniel Monzón has so consummately crafted here is a deep, gritty prison movie which brings to question the state of the justice system but at the same time pitches itself as an approachable movie for a wider commercial audience.

In my opinion…its Spanish drama at it’s best!




Wednesday 6 June 2012

Site fixed!

http://comps.canstockphoto.com/can-stock-photo_csp9572366.jpghttp://static5.depositphotos.com/1000404/521/i/950/depositphotos_5213925-Repair-your-computer.-Troubleshooting-with-a-spanner..jpg After a little playing around with the site, threatening my PC, more fiddling, and some bad language I've managed to fix the issue with having seperate continual blogs on each tab. 

So, later this week and onwards, I'll start adding fresh content to the blog for your enjoyment. Keep your eye out for reviews, lists and posts on all things indie cinema!

Sunday 3 June 2012

Things to come...

So, as filmbore prepares itself for it's first inital content, here's a summary of what's to come. Each post will be on its subsequent tab shown above...

filmbore's pick of the week

I take pride in recommending lesser known films to my friends and colleagues. I'd like to use this knowledge to help promote indie and foreign films as much as possible, so each week I'll post a different film here with a bit of a review. These will always be decent movies from the past and present, so please re-post this wherever you can and tell your friends on all your networks. Lets give these films a better platform!


Top 10s with a difference


IMDB's Top 10 movies (as voted by users)
Film buffs like lists. It's a fact…a sad fact, but a true one. I'm a sucker for a good top ten so it makes sense that I post some myself. These won't always be your standard top ten's either. They may be a little alternative from time to time, but I like to keep it interesting. Enjoy, and if you feel I've left any films out of these lists email or tweet me. Or, if you have any ideas for top tens yourself let me know as I may include these on the site in future...and attempt to do them justice!

Pick a country...

Coming soon! A fine tuned catalogue of films from around the world. One country, one film...that's the rule here. Of course, there are numerous films I could recommend from some countries, but I'm trying to pick one that represents each area as opposed to the best film there (well…best in my opinion anyway!). If you have any suggestions for alternatives though, please don't hold back and make sure you comment on the blog. Or, if you have a request for a country that's not here, please let me know and I'll do some digging around!


WhingeBox

Welcome to the WhingeBox.
It's easy sometimes to get bothered about a bit of film news, or how bad a film was adapted, or how wrongly cast somebody was…blah, blah, blah. What's more annoying (and probably more for the recipient) is when no-one cares! Fear not, as the WhingeBox is listening. I'll be posting little concerns now and then for discussion. Please comment if you agree or not and get the debate starting.


filmbore's pick of the week

I take pride in recommending lesser known films to my friends and colleagues. I'd like to use this knowledge to help promote indie and foreign films as much as possible, so each week I'll post a different film here with a bit of a review. These will always be decent movies from the past and present, so please re-post this wherever you can and tell your friends on all your networks.

Lets give these films a better platform!

WhingeBox

Welcome to the WhingeBox.

It's easy sometimes to get bothered about a bit of film news, or how bad a film was adapted, or how wrongly cast somebody was…blah, blah, blah. What's more annoying (and probably more for the recipient) is when no-one cares!

Fear not, as the WhingeBox is listening. I'll be posting little concerns now and then for discussion. Please comment if you agree or not and get the debate starting.


Pick a country...

Coming soon! A fine tuned catalogue of films from around the world.

One country, one film...that's the rule here. Of course, there are numerous films I could recommend from some countries, but I'm trying to pick one that represents each area as opposed to the best film there (well…best in my opinion anyway!). If you have any suggestions for alternatives though, please don't hold back and make sure you comment on the blog. Or, if you have a request for a country that's not here, please let me know and I'll do some digging around!

Top 10s with a difference

Film buffs like lists. It's a fact…a sad fact, but a true one. I'm a sucker for a good top ten so it makes sense that I post some myself.
 
These won't always be your standard top ten's either. They may be a little alternative from time to time, but I like to keep it interesting.

Enjoy, and if you feel I've left any films out of these lists email or tweet me. Or, if you have any ideas for top tens yourself let me know as I may include these on the site in future...and attempt to do them justice!


IMDB's Top 10 movies (as voted by users)

Saturday 2 June 2012

Welcome!

Welcome to filmbore!

I'm a film buff (or as my friends affectionately call me…a film geek!) and I, like many of you, trawl the Internet on a regular basis for juicy gossip and upcoming news on the latest cinema releases. There are some great websites out there, replenishing our cinematic hunger with gen on major movies and the odd independent one.

But as a fan of true British movies (and, I would like to think myself a bit of a connoisseur of world cinema too) there isn't a central place to find out of films of this ilk.

Yes...this is my DVD collection!

So, I've taken it upon myself to start a blog in order to promote independent and foreign movies. Plus, it's a great way to get all my exciting chat on films out of my system without boring all my friends about it!

And here it is...filmbore! Each week, I'll be selecting and reviewing a film that fits this unique criteria. They won't always be recent films either. This is apparent for indie movies as they are never always discovered upon release, so I'll be choosing brand new hot flicks to undiscovered beauties.

Also, for a bit of fun and discussion I'll be posting some  Top 10s (come on movie buffs...we all love a good list!), sometimes with a different flavour to those that you'll find on more common websites.

And, coming soon will be the "Pick A Country" tab, where I will attempt to select one film per country that, in my opinion, best represents their cinematic output...I except a lot of feedback on that page!

Finally, there's the WhingeBox! Every now and then, I'll post a topic open for debate with you all. Either my own thoughts, or elements picked up on movie news elsewhere, I'll start the ball rolling for a good old British whinge...we all like a good film debate. :)

Along with the odd twitter feed that you'll see, I hope you get a little something out of this. Even if you find one new amazing film to watch from this, I feel that I've served my purpose in life.

My contact details are in my profile, so please feel free to contact or tweet me directly.

La lumiere, la camera, l'action!