MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL (1975) revisited

August 5, 2014

monty python Greetings again from the darkness. Consistently landing in the Top 10 whenever a film publication posts an all-time Best Comedy Movie list, this Monty Python classic should be a rite of passage for all teenagers. It is loaded, start to finish, with sight gags, one-liners, outright jokes, satire and overall outlandish behavior. It’s also a reminder that comedy need not be filled with profanity, and that once upon a time, a certain level of grossness was considered tongue-in-cheek.

In 1975, the Monty Python troupe was in between seasons 3 and 4 of their BBC comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus“.  While on break, they came up with the movie’s theme of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail, though mostly it’s just one related sketch after another.  The six members of Monty Python are each cast in numerous roles, and one of the fun games to play while watching is identifying each new character.  As a hint, Michael Palin plays the most characters (12) and four of Terry Gilliam’s characters die on-screen.  You might also note that the witch is played by Connie Booth, the wife (at the time) of John Cleese.

Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam co-directed, while all members received writing credits. The endless stream of classic sketches include: The Black Knight (“it’s just a flesh wound“), Song and Dance at Camelot (it inspired the Spamalot play), the ridiculing French guard, Trojan Rabbit, the on-camera modern day historian, the Knights who say “Ni”, the 3-headed giant, Castle Anthrax, Swamp Castle, Rabbit of Caerbannog, the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch (spoofing Sovereign Orb), the Bridge of Death (3 questions), the abrupt ending with organ music. Other classic moments include “bring out your dead“, the recurring “run away” strategy, an (over) abundance of details on swallows, difficulties in counting to 3, and the best film uses ever of shrubbery and coconut shells. LOADED, I tell ya’!

While it would take multiple viewings to catch everything thrown into this one, it clearly jabs (all in good nature) such targets as Royalty, politics and politicians, Religion, and of course, the French. The animated God in the sky is actually a photo of 19th century cricket legend W.G. Grace, and the barbs directed at the French military are downright hilarious.

Graham Chapman (King Arthur, et al) passed away in 1989 due to complications from cancer, but he was one of the first celebrities to publicly come out as gay.  He spent much of his life as a gay activist.  John Cleese has had much success as an actor, appearing in A Fish Called Wanda, as well as two “James Bond” movies, two “Harry Potter” movies, and voicing the king in three Shrek movies. Cleese was also the creative force (with his wife) behind “Fawlty Towers“.  Terry Gilliam has had most of his success as a film director.  His films include Brazil, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, The Fisher King, and 12 Monkeys.  He was also the main animator for most of Monty Python’s work. Eric Idle is very familiar to audiences after decades of movie and TV acting.  He was also a member of The Rutles (look it up!) and was the musical director and co-creator of the Tony Award winning play SpamalotTerry Jones was the sole director of Monty Python’s next and final two films, Life of Brian and The Meaning of LifeMichael Palin also appeared in A Fish Called Wanda, but these days is renowned for his work as a Travel writer and Travel documentarian.

The five surviving members recently (July 2014) reunited for a live performance that was simulcast to many theatres around the world. They stated this was to be their final appearance as Monty Python, and that this was the best way to say goodbye.  Making people laugh for almost 40 years is quite a legacy, and few have done it better than this comedy troupe and this classic comedy movie.   And just remember, when life gets tough, rather than “run away”, simply tell yourself “it’s only a flesh wound“.

Here is a re-cut trailer that presents the movie as a dramatic action film, rather than uproarious comedy. If you’ve seen the movie, you will “get” this.  If you haven’t seen the movie … it’s high time!

 


BELLE DE JOUR (1967, France)

August 3, 2014

belle de jour Greetings again from the darkness. Nearly 50 years have passed since director Luis Bunuel brought the 1928 novel of Joseph Kessel to the big screen. It became an instant film classic. The story of erotic fantasies is told with Bunuel’s unique surrealistic style. Not the same style as his earlier films, but still, it’s the unmistakable eye of a master.  The film also presents a young Catherine Deneuve at her most striking.

Ms. Deneuve’s Severine plays bored housewife to her doctor husband (Jean Sorrel).  He is extremely patient and understanding of her coldness in the bedroom, and it’s clear that she loves him, despite the lack of physical attraction. Soon enough we are provided a startling glimpse of Severine’s masochistic fantasies. It’s not until later that we begin to understand what drives her imagination.

Severine deflects the advances of an older family friend (Michael Piccoli), who is so attracted by her purity, and he unknowingly leads her into a world that might satisfy her in ways that her gentleman husband hasn’t. When Severine meets Madam Anais (Genevieve Page), she begins playing out her fantasies through the afternoon shift at the brothel … all while keeping up the necessary appearances for society.

Bunuel provides us teases of the sources through flashbacks and sound effects … a carriage harness bell and the periodic meows of a cat.  It’s never Bunuel’s intent to answer all questions, and he certainly makes no moral judgments towards Severine.  Instead we get an exploration in the variances of love, sex and fantasy.

In the end, we aren’t absolutely certain that we can distinguish between Severine’s reality and her fantasy, but we do understand the importance of her fantasies within the structure of her day to day life. If watching Ms. Deneuve perform in this gem inspires you to see more of her work, I recommend Roman Polanski’s Repulsion.  Also, it should be noted that she continues to act to this day.

watch the original trailer:

 

 


CALVARY (2014)

August 3, 2014

calvary Greetings again from the darkness. Writer/director John Michael McDonagh and actor Brendon Gleeson re-team (The Guard, 2011) in what can be viewed as one giant leap for both filmmaker and actor. Mr. McDonagh is immensely talented and seems to be a natural at keeping his viewers unsure of what’s coming, and Mr. Gleeson gives his best yet performance of a quite impressive career.

Set and filmed in a western Irish coastal town, the film has a most unusual first scene, including an acknowledgment of such as the priest (Gleeson) says “Certainly a startling opening line“. This occurs in the confessional, with an extreme close-up, as the unseen (by us) parishioner then says “I’m going to kill you Father“. With Sunday week as the promised deadline, the movie follows the Priest with a placard for each day, as he makes his way through consulting the maze of local town characters. He also receives a visit from his daughter (Kelly Reilly), fresh off a suicide attempt (he was married prior to joining the priesthood).

The film bounces from very dark humor to extreme philosophical and theological discussions (faith and mortality) between the town folks and the priest. We quickly learn what a good man (with an imperfect past) he is, and struggle to understand why the locals flash such vitriol his way. The Catholic Church, and all that implies these days, certainly plays a key role, but more than that, this is about the make-up and character of people.

An impressive and talented supporing cast includes Aidan Gillen as the atheist doctor with a dark side, Chris O’Dowd as the local butcher, Orla O’Rourke as his unfaitful wife about town, Isaach DeBankola as one of her chums, Dylan Moran as the conflicted local rich boy, Killian Scott as the frustrated virginal local, Domhnall Gleeson (Brendan’s son) as an incarcerated serial killer, and the always great M Emmet Walsh – back on screen as the local old timer who spins yarns and enjoys attention.

This is not the place to go into detail about the story, as the film is best unwrapped and interpreted by each viewer. Rather than a whodunnit, it has a rare who-is-going-to-do-it element that hovers over each scene. What can be said is that this is exceptional filmmaking: it’s well directed, beautifully photographed (landscapes and aerials), superbly acted, has a terrific script (incredible dialogue), and encourages much discussion.

watch the trailer:

 


BELLE (2013, UK)

July 12, 2014

belle Greetings again from the darkness. Always a bit partial to films based on a true story, I would have to label this as a fictionalized historical period piece, and a step above most costume dramas (though the costumes here are quite stunning). While it’s a very attractive movie to look at, I was a bit frustrated at the multi-directional approach that just skimmed many topics.

The movie could have focused on the relationship between cousins Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Lady Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Gadon). Or it could have zeroed in on the unusual complexities raised by the illegitimate mixed race Belle being raised in British Aristocracy. Still another option would have been digging into the historical impact of Zong massacre and the subsequent arguments, court trials and appeals. Instead, we get a splash of each … which leaves the viewer wanting more detail on all three.

The cast is very strong and features Tom Wilkinson as Lord Mansfield, Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Court … he raises Belle at the request of his nephew (her father). Lord Mansfield’s wife is played well by the always excellent Emily Watson.  Also featured are Miranda Richardson, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton (always entertaining), James Norton, Sam Reid, and Tom Felton – who creates yet another despicable character to go with his Draco from the “Harry Potter” series.

Maybe the best term for this is historical melodrama, as the courtroom decision comes across as anti-climatic, with more third act attention paid to Belle’s love interest (Mr. Reid). Very little is known of the actual Dido Elizabeth Belle, but it seems clear that her role in the Zong trial was dramatically enhanced for the purposes of the film. In fact, more drama may have played out for the film’s writing credit between the director Amma Asante and the WGA. Though the director lost the writing credit, she can be proud enough of the final product.  The two cousins are featured in the famous 1779 painting (see below) that inspired the story.

1779 painting

 

 


SNOWPIERCER (2014)

July 5, 2014

snowpiercer Greetings again from the darkness. It’s easy to understand how frequent movie goers develop an affinity for certain directors, however, it’s important to not blindly praise based on a name. Korean auteur director Joon-ho Bong has previously delivered a couple of artistic and interesting genre movies with The Host and Mother. His first (mostly) English language film is a sci-fi, politically-oriented action thriller that is based on a French graphic novel, and utilizes well known actors from the U.S. and U.K. This is definitely “world cinema”.

The basic premise is that a man-made experiment to “fix” severe global warming change goes bad, leaving the earth as an uninhabitable frozen tundra … even worse than Green Bay. The only survivors are those aboard a perpetual motion train that circles the earth year after year. Onboard is a class-segregation system (ala The Hunger Games) with the richest 1% at the front (first class) of the train and the 99% lower class bringing up the rear (steerage). This case of haves vs have-nots leads to the expected rebellion by the oppressed lower class.

As the rebels make their way towards the front of the train, each car brings new obstacles … in fact, each car plays like a new level in a video game – each different and more challenging than the previous. In between are a wide variety of creative fight scenes that allow the director to show off his visual acumen in close-quarter battles – some quite violent.

Comic relief is provided by a near clown-like Tilda Swinton. Her appearance and delivery are hilarious and seem better fit for a Wes Anderson movie … well, if not for the fact that I found the entire movie works better as a comedy than the political commentary it’s meant to be. Each of the main characters provide a bit of interest on their own: Chris Evans as the main rabble-rouser, Jamie Bell as his right-hand man, John Hurt as the old-timer and Octavia Spencer as the wronged-mother. Actually the best story line involves Nam and Yono (Song Kang-ho and Ko Ah-sung respectively) as a father-daughter team with skills integral to the rebellion, as well as their own agenda.

While the fight scenes were well-staged, I couldn’t help but think of beer commercials every time the camera provided an exterior shot of the train. Luckily these shots and the abundance of posturing and lame dialogue kept me chuckling enough that it overshadowed the high number of ridiculous sequences … not the least of which is the final introduction to the Wizard of Oz-like train engineer in the front car.

Director Joon-ho Bong continues his technical advancements in visual and action effects, but he will need to deliver much tighter stories to capture a large U.S. audience. In fact, more drama was delivered by his real-life “final cut” battles with Harvey Weinstein than the on screen uprising.

***NOTE: I think having Ed Harris wear his beret from The Truman Show would have been a nice effect.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you want to see a true “world cinema” production featuring talent from Korea, France, the United States and the United Kingdom.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you believe class warfare (even with a stop off at a sushi bar) is a topic best suited for real life

watch the trailer:

 


IDA (2014, Poland)

June 29, 2014

Ida Greetings again from the darkness. Writer/director Pawel Pawlikowski (My Summer of Love, 2004) films in his homeland of Poland (set in 1962) and presents a familiar topic from a most unusual perspective. This film has been very well received on the festival circuit and it’s easy to see why: it’s beautifully photographed, very well acted, includes terrific music and presents an emotional story for thoughtful viewers.

We first meet Anna as a novitiate nun on the verge of taking her vows. Her Mother Superior has one requirement: Anna must visit her lone surviving relative. Her Aunt Wanda is everything Anna is not: worldly, cynical, direct. In the first few minutes of their visit, Wanda (Agata Kulesza) informs Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska) that though she is a nun-to-be, she was born Jewish with the name Ida, and she was sent to a Catholic orphanage when her parents were killed.

After this bombshell, the two set out on a journey to discover the truth and trace their family roots. It’s a journey of discovery not just for Ida, but also for Wanda, who carries her own burden. Questioning one’s faith and one’s true identity is nothing new, but this makes for quite an unusual buddy road trip. Wanda is rarely without a drink in hand and Ida has had no previous exposure to the real world outside the convent.

This is the debut of Agata Trzebuchowska and her porcelain look and big eyes convey a quality with which we find ourselves comfortable with, while Ms. Kulesza evokes empathy from the viewer despite her harsh edge and beaten down outlook on life and people. Hers is a standout performance.

Two exceptional pieces of music are used to perfection: Coltraine’s “Naima” and Mozart’s “Jupiter” symphony. The storytelling and look of the film might be austere (stunning black and white photography) but this music hits us hard in two separate scenes. For those who appreciate dramatic art films, this is one to see .

**NOTE: there is an appearance from real life singer Joanna Kulig

watch the trailer:

 

 

 


THE LUNCHBOX (Dabba, India, 2013)

April 26, 2014

lunchbox Greetings again from the darkness. What a terrific first feature film from writer/director Ritesh Batra. Don’t mistake this for the typical Bollywood release in the U.S. There are no song and dance numbers here. Instead it’s a very intimate portrait of how two people awaken to their own situations by connecting with each other through notes in a lunchbox.

“Lunchbox” takes on a life of it’s own when referring to the dabbawallahs – the infamous lunch delivery men in Mumbai. The opening credits provide us a ride-along with the key lunchbox as it takes multiple forms of transportation prior to arriving at its destination. Only this time, a rare mistake occurs. The lunchbox from Ila lands on the busy desk of Saajan, rather than her husband. See, Ila is trying to re-capture the attention of her distracted husband. Instead, she finds a soul mate in Saajan via note exchange and tasty dishes.

While Ila is a desperate and frustrated housewife, Saajan is a melancholy widower who is headed to retirement in hopes that it helps him forget all that he now tries to cover up through his cigarette habit and retreat from society. The real magic here stems from the slow process of self-realization that occurs for the two characters. There is humor and emotion aplenty, yet both performances of Irrfan Khan (Saajan) and Nimrat Kaur (Ila, and her extremely expressive eyes) are remarkably understated and believable and touching. We immediately care for both.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui offers support as the very interesting and entertaining Shaikh … a character that could easily support his own film. We also see Lillete Dubey as Ila’s mother. Ms. Dubey also appeared in the terrific Monsoon Wedding (2001). Equally impressive is the city view of Mumbai. The overcrowded streets, trains and buses leave us understanding how difficult daily life is for these folks.

Not since Lost in Translation has a platonic relationship been so effectively told on screen. This story and these characters remind us just how important human connection is … letting someone share your dreams is a rewarding step.

watch the trailer:


THE CONGRESS (Le Congres, France, 2014)

April 13, 2014

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (2014)

congress Greetings again from the darkness. As a fan of director Ari Folman’s Oscar nominated Waiting for Bashir (2008), I was excited to see this one on the line-up at Dallas International Film Festival. While some will find The Congress a bit messy and difficult to follow, it certainly reinforces Folman’s innovative and creative approach to story telling and filmmaking.

The first half of the movie is live action and the second half is animated. The best description I can offer is as a social commentary, not just on Hollywood, but society as a whole. While Her makes the case for virtual relationships, this movie makes the case for virtual everything else! Robin Wright plays Robin Wright, an aging movie star who is offered a chance to stay young and be popular forever. Just sign this contract, and Miramount Studios owns your complete public image. No more acting, just kick back and enjoy your money … and watch what we do with your image and career.

The cast is very strong, but the movie has a feeling of having been rushed through production … at least from the live action side. In addition to Ms. Wright, Danny Huston chews some scenery as a cut throat studio head. His blunt description of Ms. Wright’s “bad choices” since The Princess Bride speak to not only many actors, but for many in the audience as well. Harvey Keitel plays the agent, Jon Hamm appears through voice only in the animated sequence, Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In, The Road) plays Wright’s son and central plot figure, and Sami Gayle plays his sister. Paul Giamatti appears in both live action and animated form as the family doctor.

Some will be reminded of A Scanner Darkly, and others of Cool World. The best this movie has to offer is not in its (creative) presentation, but rather in its ability to provoke thought about the look of future society and the impact of technology … as well as the whole issue of identity and what makes us who we are. It’s a brain-scrambler if you stick with it.

watch the trailer:

 

 


OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: Documentary (2013)

February 24, 2014

lady in 6 Thanks to the historic Texas Theatre, what is normally a gap in my annual movie-going experience has been filled.  The documentary shorts category is especially difficult to program for both theatres and cable channels.  Run times are typically around 40 minutes, and the subject matter is not always the most uplifting in nature. The Oscar nominated group this year includes the world’s oldest Holocaust survivor, Yemen’s uprising, a violent hate crime, a terminally ill prisoner, and a cantankerous artist who avoids most interaction with people.  Not exactly a festive day at the theatre!

Despite the subject matter, documentary shorts are an exceptionally interesting genre because they must quickly capture our interest with a person or topic, and then provide enough depth that we feel the need to discuss or think about it long after the short run time has finished.  Oh, and the filmmaker is usually working with a miniscule budget, often handling the camera and editing, and most any other detail with very little help.  It’s truly a genre of passion not profit.

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

These are not my Oscar predictions (coming in a couple of days), but rather a brief recap of each in the order of my preference – starting with my favorite.

LADY IN NUMBER 6

Filmmaker Malcolm Clarke wonderfully captures the spirit of the oldest Holocaust survivor, Alice Herz-Sommer. She was 109 during filming and she happily passes on the joy she finds in every day life, despite a most cruel and unusual past. Alice’s parents were friends with Franz Kafka in Prague, and as a little girl, she would listen to the stories he told. Her remarkable prowess on the piano led her to a remarkable career as a performer, but more importantly saved her life at Theresienstadt concentration camp. Alice Herz-Sommer passed away the day after her story so inspired me.  She was 110.

KARAMA HAS NO WALLS (Czech)

The 2011 uprising/revolution in Yemen is seen up close through the lens of two cameramen (and director Sara Ishaq) right in the middle of the peaceful demonstration-turned-violent attack. When the soldiers, snipers and thugs begin attacking the civilians, we see people die in the streets. We see their friends carry bodies away. The attack resulted in 53 deaths and numerous injuries. It’s incredibly discomforting to watch, especially on the heels of the Oscar nominated feature documentary The Square, which details the similar uprising in Egypt.  Kamara (Dignity) indeed.

PRISON TERMINAL: THE LAST DAYS OF PRIVATE JACK HALL

This is a very unique story that takes place within the walls of Iowa State Penitentiary, one of the countries maximum security prison. It’s not unusual for “lifers” to die in prison, but what is unusual is a hospice wing funded by private donations and staffed by many volunteer prisoners.  We see this in action by following war hero turned convicted murderer Jack Hall.  The film gives an overview of how prison hospice can provide a dignified death, and we see this through an extremely close and personal  vigil of Mr. Hall through the lens of director Edgar Barens.

FACING FEAR

What may be the most incredible story and coincidence (destiny??) of any of the nominees, this film tells how the lives of Tim Zaal and Matthew Boger collided not once, but twice. A very young Mr. Boger was kicked out of his house by his mother. She refused to have a gay son living under her roof.  A few years later, Mr. Zaal and his band of neo-Nazi skin-heads chased down a random gay man (Mr. Boger) on the streets of L.A. simply to beat him to death.  By pure coincidence (or was it?), the two cross paths again in the museum where Mr. Boger works. As a reformed hate crime zealot, Mr. Zaal is the scheduled speaker of the day.  Director Jason Cohen captures this story of reformation, redemption, forgiveness and too many other emotions to name.

CAVEDIGGER

Ra Paulette is not a particularly likeable guy.  But he cares little what you think. His artistry lies in his unusual ability to dig caves into the hills and mountains, creating spectacular living spaces.  In an all too familiar story line, this artist is one of the worst businessmen you have ever seen. Since he can’t estimate his work or take direction from his clients, his jobs often get cut short and left unfinished. In his constant search for his Magnum Opus, he leaves friends and a wife in the piles of rubble he pulls out of the earth.  Despite his best efforts, director Jeffrey Karoff can’t make us like Mr. Paulette, no matter how much we marvel at his talent.

**NOTE: If you are interested in learning a bit more about the life of Alice Herz-Sommer, then please go to this link and read NPR’s article.  The link also takes you to the trailer for The Lady in Number 6,  http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/24/281965889/oldest-known-holocaust-survivor-dies-pianist-was-110

 

 

 

 


CUTIE AND THE BOXER (2013, doc, UK)

February 23, 2014

cutie Greetings again from the darkness. This finishes off my viewing of the five Oscar nominated documentary features. Filmmaker Zachary Heinzerling starts us with the 80th birthday of Ushio Shinohara. His wife Noriko has provided individual serving cakes and his has a number 3 candle on it. The candle has no significance other than they “don’t have 80 candles“. The rest of the movie is about what this couple does and does not have.

Ushio has had quite a career as an artist, starting with his Neo-Dadaism movement in Japan and carrying over to his popularity in New York City (he moved there in 1969) with his sculptures made from discarded items and his “boxing” paintings, of which we get to see the in-action video. It’s no secret that Ushio and Noriko are struggling financially … they discuss past due rent and utilities. We then learn that Ushio had once been quite popular and influential in the art world. His work has been displayed at many of the most famous museums and galleries, and Andy Warhol’s pop art was inspired by Ushio’s work.

But this story is about much more than the roller coaster ride of an artist. It’s even more about a 40 year marriage/relationship/partnership and the accompanying frustrations of one artist living in the shadow of another. We often sense the resentment coming from Noriko as she fills us in on her perspective, and we witness firsthand the challenges of living with Ushio. Neither of these people are especially likable, but afterall, they are artists! Home movies take us back to the early years (the 1970’s) and the destructive force of Ushio’s alcoholism and ego. When Noriko offered her assistance to the older (by 22 years) artist and then soon became pregnant, her passion for art was shelved. All these years later, her frustrations come pouring out through a mostly autobiographical story book illustration of Cutie (Noriko) and Bullie (Ushio).

We only get brief glimpses of their son Alex, but enough to see that he is also a struggling artist, and regrettably, also an alcoholic. Maybe the single biggest moment occurs when Ushio utters “the average one should support the genius“. In other words, Noriko is correct when she accuses him of viewing her as a “free assistant” and a “free chef“. So while Ushio says “art is messy“, it’s also obvious that life is every bit as messy, and that art and life offer no separation for this couple.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXS6Aby5AUg