July 21st 2023
Oppenheimer
Sugar and Stars
The Woman King (streaming on Amazon Prime)
A major new movie, Oppenheimer, is the unforgettable highlight of this week. Plus something sweet and light from France, and, for streamers, a terrific epic with women warriors at the centre.
Dir: Christopher Nolan
Length: 180 mins
 |
© Universal - an unforgettable film, writ large
in every aspect |
A story that changed history, a cast to die for, and a tour de force of filmmaking - this is Nolan's latest film, a biopic on Robert J Oppenheimer, sometimes referred to as the father of the atomic bomb. For those not familiar with that period of history, Oppenheimer was a brilliant theoretical physicist who was tasked with overseeing the Manhattan Project - that scientific achievement which saw the invention of the first nuclear bomb, heralding in a new age for humankind. The film is structurally complex, toggling through various time frames, from Oppenheimer's early life and studies, to his work on the project, leading to the dropping of the bomb on Japan in the hope of ending World War Two. Other large parts of the film are devoted to the years after the war in which the McCarthy witch hunts and other political wranglings tried to discredit Oppenheimer as being a communist because of past affiliations. Color pallettes switch in line with the time frames, from black and white for the political procedings, to color for the earlier times. It's a work of genius how Nolan represents on screen what is going on in the head of the scientist, with vast swirling color and light patterns representing atoms and conceptual ideas. The seminal scene where the first nuclear explosion is tested in the desert is again an example of film-making perfection, and is unforgettably mindblowing. I was lucky to see it on an IMAX screen, so the full force was experienced to the max! What can I say about the performances? Cillian Murphy, masterful in the title role, encapsulates all the complexity of the man, from his strange personal relationships with women, through to his scientific genius, and then his psychological torment after realising what he has created. Robert Downey Jnr is also a stand-out as Lewis Strauss, a conniving wealthy government official who, after the war, clashed heavily with Oppenheimer, on issues of how the nuclear industry should (or should not) be regulated. We can run a roll-call of the brilliant talent in each and every role, from small to large - Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Rami Malek, Casey Affleck and Tom Conti (brilliant as Albert Einstein) to name a few. And then we have the intensely dramatic score by Ludwig Goransson, enhancing the tension and emotion. Interestingly, Nolan chooses not to bring Japan directly into the narrative - the horrific effects of the bomb are represented as nightmarish visions in Oppenheimer's head, while that ghastly reality is countered with scenes of the delight of the American people as they greet their hero, oblivious to what has been unleashed on the world. At a three-hour run time it's a big time investment, but worth every minute.4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended
Dir: Sebastien Tulard
Length: 110 mins
 |
© Rialto - a delightful story of struggle and
following your dreams |
This film featured at this year's French Film Festival. And what's a festival without a foodie film? This one is based upon the true story of a young man Yazid (Riadh Belaiche), born in Epernay France, of Arab/ Muslim parentage. Due to his mother's problems, he was brought up with a foster family, and always wanted to be a pastry chef. This crowd-pleasing, feel-good film traces his journey, from apprentice in a fancy hotel through to aiming to be part of the French team in the World Pastry Championships. (Who knew there was one!) The film follows a very traditional narrative arc, but Belaiche, who is an Algerian influencer, plays Yazid so well, he breathes a lot of life and passion into a story of downtrodden kid makes good. Of course, the food looks fabulous, and with deeper subtle layers to the plot (homelessness, belonging, vindictive competitiveness), there's plenty to ponder on, enjoy and salivate over.3.5 - well recommended
Dir: Gina Prince Bythewood
Length: 135 mins
Streaming on Amazon Prime
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© A stunning performance from Davis,
in a story of kick-ass women |
Who said women can't be triumphant warriors? This epic tale is set in the Kingdom of Dahomey in Africa in the 1800s. The Kingdom is threatened by the Oyo, an aggressive tribe who capture the women and sell them to Portugese slave traders. General Nanisca (Viola Davis) sets up an army of fierce female warriors, known as the Agojie. Among them is Nawi, an orphan girl, who more than proves her mettle. Inspired by true events, this is an engaging, uplifting, inspiring and throroughly enjoyable story, with a central performance from Davis that has earned her much acclaim, and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Settings and costumes are wonderful, and the music is rhythmic and energising. Best of all is the feminist slant, with these woman such a powerful force, able to overcome so male oppression and violence. (Mind you, the women have a pretty violent streak!) I would have loved to have seen it on the big screen, but it's a most worthy watch from the comfort of your sofa. 4 - highly recommended
