Set just before the most recent financial crisis, director Adam McKay’s latest film features some very reliable Hollywood leading actors.
The brilliant cast includes Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Gosling, and Karen Gillan. Looks like a fun acting masterclass to me. Yes or yes?
The Big Short Release Dates: 2016, full dates to be confirmed.
Happy Film Loving,
G
Written/directed by the Nolan brothers, (Jonathan and Christopher) The Dark Knight is the second movie in a notable three part series that started with Batman Begins (2005).
Christian Bale is back as Batman and this time he must face off with Gotham’s current havoc wreaking menace, the Joker.
Like all films by the Nolan brothers, The Dark Knight is no exception to the rule of storytelling excellence, engaging dialogue, action sequence prowess, a brilliant musical score and truly memorable performances.
As good as Bale is in the role of Batman, because he is very good, the most memorable performance in The Dark Knight is delivered by the unfortunately late but unforgettable Australian actor, Heath Ledger.
Whether he had passed as he did before the film’s release or not, it’s near enough impossible to think of and mention The Dark Knight without also highlighting what Ledger accomplished with this one role. His portrayal of the Joker is simply one of the most mesmerising things I’ve ever seen on screen. So much so that each time the camera wasn’t on him, it felt like the movie was moving noticeably slower.
The entire film is quite the achievement, thanks to a superior filmmaking team that includes, along with the leading cast, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and ‘super composer’, Hans Zimmer.
Most film lovers have already seen The Dark Knight. But to all who haven’t, get ready for a great opening and closing sequence, as well as a memorable plenty more in between.
One of the best moments in the opening sequence has to be the surprise of what William Fichtner’s badass Bank Manager character does when he gets on his feet. If you’ve seen it, you understand.
Happy Film Loving,
G
Directed by David O. Russell crime/drama American Hustle is good, and Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence plus Jeremy Renner are all great in their roles.
However, I did find myself not as hooked as the story unfolded – at least not early on.
It’s not that plenty wasn’t happening – and at a good pace. It’s likely that I just didn’t identify with or get especially attached to any of the characters. Things did improve, particularly at the moment ‘Edith’s veil’ comes down.
Watch it if you’re curious about the story of a con man trying to keep the upper hand and stay alive when forced to work with the FBI in 1970s New Jersey.
Happy Film Loving,
G
If you’ve glanced upon a few of my posts, you may know that I adore the work of Cate Blanchett. But what I’m yet to properly express is my appreciation for the talents of Christian Bale. To talk about that I need another post.
Today however, I sat at my computer as usual, hopeful for some new trailer delights – when Knight of Cups (2015) happened.
First I saw director Terrence Malick’s name, and like a good and loyal canine, up my ears went. Then Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett’s faces appeared. (Yes and yes!) By this point I was sure that my excitement had peaked. But then…
Natalie Portman! I haven’t seen my dear ‘Lady Portman’ in something amazing since Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan (2010). So, right now, happiness is most definitely me.
The idea that I’ll be able to maintain any semblance of calm on the day I go see Knight of Cups is very, very wrong. Until then though, I have this…
It’s not particularly the best/most thrilling trailer I’ve ever seen, but the talent… Oh, the talent!
Happy Film Loving,
G
