My second list of favourite features from MIFF2013 are those that were pure entertainment value. That’s not to say that there’s not an underlying message. In fact recalling each of these films a common theme does emerge – be careful who you trust. I enjoyed them all enormously – each gets five stars!
Passion. Corporate and sexual intrigue in an ultra modern office setting – all chrome and glass and polished wood. Brittle. Open plan and wired up for constant surveillance. Transparent you would think but dirty deeds are being planned and executed. Ambitious managers, creative underlings. Doing what it takes to get ahead in a competitive global jobs market. Professional and personal betrayal. All the major characters were women. All done up to the nines. Bright red lipstick, stilettos, glamorous clothes. Sexual fetishes come into play with masks and fantasies. Then there’s a murder. But who’s setting up whom? Emails and office memoranda are weapons in this war. Where’s that manila folder that will prove my innocence? she cries. A dizzying roller coaster at the end. A blur of dreams, hallucinations, psychosis. But is it real? You’re still not sure who’s doing what to whom when the credits roll. Exhilarating.
See the trailer here.
The East. Eco-terrorists are making life difficult for the big corporates they accuse of polluting the world in pursuit of profit. Or worse damaging people with harmful drugs with dangerous side- effects. Great opening scenes of oil being poured into an executives home air conditioning ducts. A private CIA agency is hired to stop them. They’re selecting the agent to infiltrate and expose the group when the film starts. An ambitious young woman gets the gig. All derring-do spy agents stuff to start with. Then she is in and slowly being won over to the cause by the charismatic leader. A lovely performance by Alexander Skarsgard (last seen by me in Melancholia). Raids are planned and executed with precision. Tense and exhilarating by turn our agent is out and de-briefing her employers but is ordered back. Her loyalty is tested in one last flamboyant raid. Just herself and the leader. Will she / won’t she betray him? Will she / won’t she betray her superiors? Perhaps neither. All good fun.
See the trailer here.
Stoker. I love Nicole Kidman. She’s terrific in Birth, Moulin Rouge, Margot At The Wedding. And she’s great in this film. All edgy brittleness. Not quite the grieving widow she should be. Nor quite the loving mother she should be. Rattling around in her lovely house, in her lovely clothes. Mia Wasikowska is great as the sullen daughter. But what’s making her angry? Is it the death of her father or something else? Jacki Weaver also plays a bit part as a concerned Aunt. But this film is essentially a three hander. A gothic feel. Opens with a shooting on the highway but then moves on quickly to the funeral of the loving husband and father of our strange little family. Handsome brother-in-law / uncle observes from a distance, bides his time, inveigles and accepts an invitation to stay. Who is he? Why has he not been before? He is handy to have around. Cooks beautiful meals. Makes a garden path. Is protective of his niece. Dances with mother. All beautifully shot. Flashbacks to father and daughter – him teaching her to hold her fire until the right moment. We keep going back to the same moment. Snarky references from mother about her exclusion from this cosy relationship. It’s clear that something is wrong with this family. But just what that is remains a mystery until close to the end. And then there’s just one more thing. A satisfactory conclusion ties up all the loose ends that have been dangled before us.
See the trailer here.
The Best Offer. This film is a hoot from start to finish. It’s very hard to talk about without spoilers so I won’t. But great performances from everyone especially Geoffrey Rush who is in almost every scene and who carries the film. Stylish sets – in Rome. An auction house – the trade in great artworks. Both the genuine article and the not so genuine. Beautiful artwork on display. Our auctioneer is a valuer providing advice and assistance to those disposing of deceased estates and family heirlooms. He’s an expert. But who can really tell the value of a work of art? Geoffrey thinks he can. But does he know what his heart most desires? Check it out.
See it here.
Blancanieves. If you enjoyed The Artist you’ll enjoy this delightful romp. Another black and white and silent movie. Who knew they could be so rewarding in our high tech, digital, 3D age. A retelling of the story of Snow White with a wonderful twist. Set in Spain, all the main characters are matadors – including the dwarves. It’s wonderful. Fantastic images abound. Beautifully shot. Really worth seeing.
See the trailer here.
Mystery Road is an Australian Western. Aaron Pedersen stars in the John Wayne role and delivers a great performance that carries the film. Ably supported by some of Australia’s best known actors as well as some very fine young newcomers. Local boy made good comes back to town with his detective’s badge. Back to a police station full of standard characters – but all well done. Jaded chief ready for retirement doesn’t want trouble. Cynical loner cop who might be doing deals with the devil. Macho young bloods ready to pounce on upstarts. An edgy working environment. Things are messy on the domestic front too. Angry ex partner living with a dodgy new bloke. Rebellious daughter who just might be involved with the murder he’s trying to solve. Slow and languorous film-making. Driving around dusty streets watched by kids with nothing much to do. Walking slowly into down at heel homes. Talking to down at heel people. Casual racism observed, let slide. Long shots of the town and surrounds. Of the long, lonesome highway. Spare dialogue. I loved the under-statedness. Back stories are left to the audience to fill in. Small plot implausibilities didn’t matter. A satisfactory ending. Highly recommended.
See the trailer here.
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