This is my first blog about MIFF 2019. Starting with a complete overview of my ratings, with D indicating documentaries. I'll move on to more detailed critiques of the films over time. Unusually some of these are already on general release. Normally it takes much longer for instance the wonderful documentary The Eulogy is only now being shown … [Read more...] about MIFF 2019 – Overview
Films
Ceylan At Cinematique
Melbourne Cinematique's 2019 programme is full of great films. Membership which is not expensive is great value providing the opportunity to see a couple of films a week, many which you don't have access to any other way. You get to see some incredible films. They generally run them in seasons either based on directors, actors or … [Read more...] about Ceylan At Cinematique
Contemplating The End Of The World
On The Beach, the film of Neville Shute's novel, was shown at ACMI in February this year. Along with the documentary about the making of the film, Fallout. These mini seasons are one of the great things about ACMI. And so I finally read the book as well. The cover of this relatively modern reprint of the novel reflects images from the film. … [Read more...] about Contemplating The End Of The World
Mad Men and Wilder Women: Focus on Billy Wilder
ACMI had a Billy Wilder film festival over January 2019. I saw three films, The Seven Year Itch, Love In The Afternoon and Sunset Boulevard; none of which I'd seen before. I'd seen a third, Double Indemnity last year at Cinematique. A great film maker. According to the article online accompanying the festival, able to see American culture - all … [Read more...] about Mad Men and Wilder Women: Focus on Billy Wilder
Oscar! Oscar!
The day after the Oscars were awarded seems a good time to talk about films. I was really pleased the Olivia Coleman won Best Actress for her performance in The Favourite which I thought was a mesmerising, fast moving and engaging romp. She was terrific as the lonely, sad and ill (gout) Queen Anne. And Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone were great as the … [Read more...] about Oscar! Oscar!
MIFF 2018 – Two Stars / One Stars
I'm often asked whether I walk out of films at MIFF. The answer is; not often. In part because I like to sit in the middle and it's very distracting to others if I stumble out midway through. Though that's not an impediment if something is truly terrible. I have a friend who sits on the edge of a row on the side aisle to allow easy exits and he … [Read more...] about MIFF 2018 – Two Stars / One Stars