October 8th
McCurry: The Pursuit of Colour
Undercover
Amsterdam
The Stranger
More excellent releases this week. Two top-shelf docos along with two fine feature films give you plenty of options to choose from. I've gone all-in and given every one a high score. There are few low recommendations from me, as I choose not to watch films I suspect may be a waste of two hours of my life!!
McCurry: The Pursuit of Colour
Dir: Denis Delestrac
Length: 90 mins
Exclusive to Cinema Nova
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© Dogwoof - you know the photo
- now meet the photographer
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Steve McCurry is the man behind the famed "Afghan Girl" photograph. Now this in-depth documentary examines the life and world-view of the famed photographer. He spent much time in war-zones telling the stories through his lens. McCurry seemed to see something photoworthy in everything he looked at. In keeping with its subject matter, the film is richly rewarding visually, with archival footage of McCurry's life as a war photographer, along with his actual photos and the many and varied locations he took them. Much of his work is so arresting, it's a treat to just stare at it on the big screen. A complex man, McCurry also talks to camera about his troubled childhood, and defining moments in his life, including the Photoshop scandal which accused him of manipulating images digitally. This raises the interesting question of the line between art and realistic photographic reporting. Overall this is a most worthy film about an artist who helps us to see humanity through a new lens.4 - highly recommended
Under Cover
Dir: Sue Thomson
Length: 91 mins
Showing Classic, Cameo, Lido, Nova, Palace Westgarth
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© Backlot Films - the tragedy of
homelessness explored |
One tends to think of homelessness as predominantly a men's problem, but the terrifying statistic is that almost half a million women in Australia are either homeless or imminently at risk of being so. This group, mostly over 50, is the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people in our country. This sad and alarming documentary interviews ten of these women, some from backgrounds of stability and relative wealth, who never dreamed one day this could happen to them. We meet women who have lived out of their cars for years, others in rundown caravan parks, and they all talk openly and frankly of what has led them to this place in their lives (one has actually chosen this life style, but her up-market van is more of a home). Gender paygaps, unexpected life issues, family violence . . . the reasons all point to a major problem in our society. Narrated by Margot Robbie, this timely and very moving film may hopefully prompt some much-needed societal change and action by the government.4 - highly recommended
Amsterdam
Dir: David O Russell
Length: 134 mins
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© Searchlight Pictures - a fun friendship caper
with real-life political overtones |
Where to begin with this one? A sweeping plot, both time-wise and thematically, Amsterdam is the story of three friends who meet during World War One. Burt (Christian Bale) and Harold (John David Washington) are wounded soldiers being treated in a French hospital by Valerie (Margot Robbie). After the men's recovery, for a time the three are unseparable, living a blissful life in Amsterdam. Fast forward to USA, 1933: an audacious plot (it actually existed) to overthrow the government of Roosevelt and install a dictator is being hatched, bankrolled by some wealthy businessmen. When an old army pal and his daughter are murdered, the blame is pinned onto Burt and Harold. But they fortuitously reconnect with Valerie and the race is on to clear their names and find the truth, aided by revered army general, Gil Dillenbeck (Robert de Niro). The film is earnest in its desire to show a positive, anti-fascist spin to life, and to champion the more noble values that the friends represent. At the same time, Russell presents the story as a bit of a "caper", with plenty of play-to-the-camera antics by Bale, sporting nasty scars and a glass eye. The film looks and sounds marvellous and has a stellar cast, including Rami Malek, Anya Joy Taylor, Alessandro Nivola, Matthias Schoenarts, Mike Myers, Zoe Saldana, Chris Rock, Michael Shannon, Taylor Swift and Andrea Riseborough. Whatever negativity some critics have spouted, if it's rollicking entertainment, with a good message (maybe a tad heavy-handed) you're after, this one is well worth a look.4 - highly recommended
The Stranger
Dir: Thomas M Wright
Length: 117 mins
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© Transmission - powerful performances in
a dark and gritty film |
Recently garnering a prestigious nomination at the Cannes FF, this intense and brooding film is loosely based upon a police sting some years ago, to catch the murderer of a young boy. Two strangers meet on a bus: Paul (Steve Mouzakis) tells world-weary drifter Henry (Sean Morris) that some work could be had. And so Henry is lured into a group of guys who he believes are part of a shady underworld. There he befriends Mark (Joel Edgerton), in actuality an undercover cop who is part of an undercover sting to entrap Henry. The less said of the plot the better; what really stands out is the radically different style of making a police thriller. There is little of the usual police procedure, but more of the strategies employed to get Henry to trust Mark and to open up, and of the dire psychological damage Mark must endure in playing the role of friend to a heinous human being. It only gradually becomes clear what is really happening as the film progresses, with our sympathies and understanding constantly shifting. Edgerton is compelling, balancing protective father to a little son with stressed-out cop, while Harris gives the perfect performance as the feral-looking Henry, desperate for a friend. The film shows no actual crimes, and remains understated, the muted colour and minimal settings giving it power and menace. It's a challenging but rewarding film.
4 - highly recommended
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