Tag Archives: David Thewlis

Animation, Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

ANOMALISA (2015): For A Unique Experience & The Truth In The Writing/Execution…

2 Comments
Anomalisa (2015), David Thewlis as Michael Stone
Anomalisa (2015), David Thewlis as Michael Stone

Written/directed by Charlie Kaufman, who also gave us Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004), what can be expected from Anomalisa is a refreshingly unique experience.

Starring the voices of David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tom Noonan, Kaufman’s film is a memorable achievement in storytelling, for reasons including the writing, which feels completely grounded in truth and, therefore, very relatable. The creative execution using stop-motion animation adds to the general uniqueness. Then there’s the dialogue, its delivery with particular reference to the voice and how it is employed.

Anomalisa (2015), Jennifer Jason leigh as Lisa Hesselman
Anomalisa (2015), Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lisa Hesselman

All the characters in Anomalisa appear to be wearing masks, something they do throughout the film. What it all means? I haven’t fully concluded just yet. But what I do know is that I enjoyed trying to figure out all that wasn’t immediately obvious. I also appreciated the humorous moments and particularly the character Lisa, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Near the end of the movie, by which point you’ll have a greater understanding of the main character’s predicament, you may find yourself reflecting on the difference between the life you want and the one you have, as well as how you might want to close the gap between the two points.

Watch it if you’re curious and because it’s good.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Animation, Comedy, Drama

ANOMALISA (2015) New Trailer From Charlie Kaufman, Starring David Thewlis…

Leave a comment
Anomalisa (2015), Charlie Kaufman
Anomalisa (2015), Charlie Kaufman

Read my spoiler-free movie review of  Anomalisa (2015).

Charlie Kaufman, writer of Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004) has a new movie, and it’s an intriguing stop-motion drama/comedy.

This looks rather good. However, the trailer would probably have been more enjoyable if the textual interruptions were grouped together at the end. Unfortunately, what this trailer edit implies to me is that the editor doesn’t believe that a version of the trailer without the interrupting text is quite enough to keep people engaged and watching. So, instead, we are rudely reminded over and over again of what others think of the film, rather than being left to take in what’s actually happening on screen. There’s a reason why credits in movies are kept to the beginning and end of films, no?

Now that my little rant is over, I’m still looking forward to Anomalisa, because of the talent involved and the suggestion of ‘different.’ Do you feel similarly?

Jennifer Jason Leigh, David Thewlis and Tom Noonan star.

Release Date (s): December 30th, 2015 (US / Limited), March 11th, 2016 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Drama, War

MACBETH (2015): New Trailer Starring Michael Fassbender & Marion Cotillard

3 Comments
Macbeth (2015), Marion Cotillard
Macbeth (2015), Marion Cotillard

Having grown up mostly in England, a place where you learn about William Shakespeare and at least one of his great plays, including Macbeth, I wish I could say that I know the story of of the Scottish Duke very well. In reality, I’m more aware of the name Macbeth than the story of Macbeth.

Just as well then that a mighty good looking film, starring two of my favourite acting greats is due for release next month. Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard are the stars of of director Justin Kurzel’s adaptation.

 

I can’t wait to take in all the glorious cinematography. if this trailer is anything to go by, the film is going to be visually stunning.

David Thewlis, Elizabeth Debicki and Paddy Considine also star.

Release Dates: October 2nd (U.S. & U.K.)

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Biography, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (2014): The Things I Liked…

4 Comments
The Theory Of Everything (2014), Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones
The Theory Of Everything (2014), Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones

For those hoping that The Theory of Everything will delve deeply into the science that Professor Stephen Hawking is most famous for, that’s not the emphasis here. Instead, director James Marsh’s film focuses on the love story of Hawking, the acclaimed theoretical physicist plus cosmologist and his wife, Jane.

Starring Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything is great for all the important reasons, including a brilliant script and memorable performances by all, especially Redmayne, whose Best Actor Oscar win for this very role is highly deserved.

Redmayne does a memorable job of embodying Hawking’s physicality, conveying his emotions and his famously mischievous sense of humour through all the stages of his life.

The Theory Of Everything (2014), Eddie Redmayne
The Theory Of Everything (2014), Eddie Redmayne

The Theory of Everything is about many things. For me, the thing that stands out most is what it has to say about the beauty of friendship, love and most of all, what is possible with the human spirit. As Hawking put it himself:

“There should be no boundary to human endeavour. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. While there is life, there is hope’.

If you haven’t already, watch it for all the reasons above.

Happy Film Loving,

G