November 24th
Margrete Queen of the North
The Menu
Bones and All
Splice Here - limited screenings
Japanese FF now in Melbourne 30 Nov - 4 Dec
I hate to say it folks but these are all, once more, highly recommended films this week. From Scandi history, to film history, to gastronomy (of alternate forms), plus the best of Japanese film, it's all here for your delectation this week.
Margrete: Queen of the North
Dir: Charlotte Sieling
Length: 120 mins
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© Palace - a right royal performance
from Dyrholm |
In 1402 Queen Margrete (Trine Dyrholm) has managed an astonishing feat: she has united Norway, Denmark and Sweden into one peaceful union, ruling in concert with her adopted son Erik (Morten Hee Andersen). But plots are afoot, and a monumental one emerges, when her long dead son Olaf (Jakob Oftebro) turns up to claim the throne and create disharmony. Is he really Olaf or an imposter? Even for non-history buffs (like me) this is a terrific period piece, set in an era and place I know little about. In a patriarchal era (aren't they all?) it was significant that there was a woman so powerful, logical, compassionate and unifying in charge. Dyrholm rules the union and the screen in a towering performance that portrays a magnificent balancing act - doing what is right for her country against the instincts of a mother who is not certain that this is not actually her supposedly dead son. Beautifully shot and with such a strong central performance, this is strong Scandi viewing.4 - highly recommended
The Menu
Dir: Mark Mylod
Length: 106 mins
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© Fox Searchlight - fancy dining takes an
unexpected turn for the worse |
Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) heads up Hawthorne, an exclusive restaurant reached only by boat. There, immaculately constructed haute cuisine (think pretentious!) is served, accompanied by a sometimes sinister commentary from Chef. Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) and his date Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) are among a dozen or so cashed-up guests travelling to the island for a night's culinary indulgence. What they get far exceeds expectations. What a hoot of a film this is. Cleverly scripted, it lampoons and simply shreds notions of molecular gastronomy, depicting the culinary art, and those who salivate over it, as proponents of major wankerism! In fact all the guests except one at this particular evening's feast are guilty of something, ranging from adultery, overblown egos, damaging restaurant reviews, fiddling the books and more. Fiennes is a master actor and, as to be expected, excels in this role, with Taylor Joy the perfect foil for him, the one character brave and perceptive enough to see the truth. The plot has certain elements bordering on horror, but it never allows itself to go too far, with moments of humour constantly sneaking in to undercut any nastiness. To me this is entertainment, with a capital E, thrilling, intelligent, funny, handsome, intriguing - a bit like a hamburger with the lot. (You'll have to see the film for that reference!)4 - highly recommended
Bones and All
Dir: Luca Guadagnino
Length: 130 mins
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© Universal/MGM - a taboo subject
handled in a romantic way? |
Maren (Taylor Russell) is a young woman with unusual tastes in dining. When she is forced out from home by a father who can no longer cope, she is first sniffed out by Sully (Mark Rylance), another of her ilk. After ditching him she teams up with Lee (Timothee Chalamet), and the pair embark upon a cross-country road trip in search of Maren's mother. Let's be blunt: the three are in fact cannibals, or "eaters", as the film calls them, living on the fringes of society. Before you reject the film out of hand, you need to know that, despite its confronting content, grappling with one of society's biggest taboos, it is in fact a powerful, moving and absorbing film, that deals with issues of alienation, addiction and, quite simply, the need for love and acceptance. There is a deep romanticism to the young couple, trying to figure out where they belong in the world, and if the urges they were born with makes them unlovable bad people. The two leads are made for each other and Rylance steals the show with his creepy Sully. Cinematography depicting the vastness of America's mid-West, complements a brilliant soundtrack. Be warned, the gore in some parts is seriously confronting, but like all the best movies, there are so many layers to this film, leading it to win the Best Film and Best Director at Venice FF 2022.4 - highly recommended
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey
Dir: Rob Murphy
Length: 117 mins
Limited screenings: 25th Nov - 10th Dec
Find selected venues at:
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| © Potential - a film buff's must-see |
Here's a doco film buffs will absolutely not want to miss. Projectionist and director Rob Murphy takes us on a cinematic ride through the birth, rise, fall and rebirth of film. His passion oozes through every frame, as he explores what has been the biggest change in film history - the shift from photographic nitrate film to digital projection. We discover what makes "real" film so special, and revisit such cinematic glories as Cinemascope and widescreen 70mm. Murphy highlights some of Melbourne's remaining cinemas still capable of screening film. No need to be a technical nerd to marvel at the skill needed by "old-school" projectionists as they master the massive machines in the booth. We also learn about the fascinating history of preserving film in the critically important National Film and Sound Archive. With limited screenings, make sure you suss out one that suits you.4 - highly recommended
Japanese Film Festival - soon in Melbourne
November 30th - December 4th
Venues: ACMI, Palace Kino
Now that the festival comes to Melbourne mid next week, I'm rerunning my reviews, and adding another. This year's JFF features a strong selection of films, from drama to comedy, anime to documentary. There is also a retrospective featuring four films from an unsung master film-maker Mikio Naruse (free screenings). Thematically, these films examine societal change in post-war Japan and will be screened in 35 mm.
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| © JFF: Grief, rage and guilt |
Intolerance: Soeda is a rough and verbally abusive fisherman and Naoto is the manager of a local supermarket. When Soeda's daughter Kanon is caught shoplifting she runs, with Naoto pursuing her down the street. Tragically she is hit and killed by a car then a truck. Refusing to believe his daughter did anything wrong, Soeda takes his rage out on eveyone around him. The media create a frenzy which exacerbates the situation which spirals out of control for all parties concerned. Defined by emotional performances, this is a strong psychological study of grief and guilt, with, fortunately, some redemptive light at the end.
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© JFF: Just the placement is
done with absolute precision |
In Pursuit of Perfection: Anyone who has spent time in Japan will know the way so much of Japanese culture and life is spent making everything "just so" - beautiful, elegant, the best it can be. In this mouth-watering documentary we meet four chefs who are at the peak of their profession and with a dedication to cooking that is unsurpassed, From traditional kaiseki banquets through sushi, and French inspired cuisine we meet these masters of their crafts. Don't go hungry to this one!
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© JFF: A strong thriller and psychological
study of tragedy |
In the Wake: Following the disastrous 2011 earthquake, a group of three survivors befriend each other - a small girl, a taciturn young man and an old lady. Nine years later, in the large city of Sendai two murders take place. Detective Tomashino (Hiroshi Abe), who lost his wife and child in the disaster, is on the case. Soon fate will bring all these characters together. This is an especially strong thriller and a gripping psychological study of the aftermath of tragedy - how different people cope and the ripple effect through time. The film also examines the Japanese welfare system, and its failings. Acting is universally powerful, and the twists and turns in the plot, alternating time frames and unexpected outcomes, make for a most satisfying film.
