Is Birdman the best film of the year? Well, that is always a tricky question. In a certain sense one would have to say yes; it's hard to imagine another film coming out that will be its equal in energy or aesthetic bravado. From its masterfully executed cinematography, to the cache of brilliantly delivered performances,…Read more Film Review: Birdman (2014)
Month: October 2014
Film Review: Obvious Child (2014)
As suggested in this excellent summation of Hollywood's dubious history with abortion, Obvious Child is not the revolutionary harbinger of pro-choice cinema. In fact, it is a movie with relatively modest ambitions, functioning primarily as a vehicle to showcase star Jenny Slate's powerful comedic and emotive gifts. It's legacy however will be how it contextualizes abortion for…Read more Film Review: Obvious Child (2014)
Film Review: Hell Up In Harlem (1973)
Regardless of the medium they work in, it is always important that an artist knows when to stop. Unfortunately, most filmmakers typically take insightful adages (such as less being more) and viciously throw them out the window when they latch onto a viable (and profitable) character or premise. Such is the case with the 1973…Read more Film Review: Hell Up In Harlem (1973)
Film Review: Gone Girl (2014)
David Fincher once said that he has "always been interested in films that scar." It's easy to pick up on this ghoulish preoccupation in the director's own output, with barely a chuckle or ray of sunlight to be found throughout his nine features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3LB0lOJ0o Fincher's latest opus, the supremely accomplished Gone Girl (adapted by novelist turned…Read more Film Review: Gone Girl (2014)
Film Review: Behind the Candelabra (2013)
Director Steven Soderbergh's 2013 HBO film, Behind the Candelabra, chronicles the personal life of iconic performer Liberace, and is one which practices a remarkable level of restraint. While this does seem to strip the film of some psychological depth, it also gradually becomes a boon to the story. Moving throughout the only slightly heightened reality…Read more Film Review: Behind the Candelabra (2013)
Film Review: Kill the Messenger (2014)
Since its inception 40 years ago, the War on Drugs has been controversial, and even today it inspires debate over its efficacy, cost and character. This context partially frames director Michael Cuesta's new film Kill the Messenger, adapted from the 1998 book Dark Alliance by late journalist Gary Webb. In Webb's book – based off…Read more Film Review: Kill the Messenger (2014)
Adam Mohrbacher 