The last King of Scotland (2006) Rating Director: Kevin MacDonald‘The last King of Scotland’ is a film about a Scottish Doctor Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) who travels to Uganda to help aid the poverty stricken locals. At this time Uganda has had a change of power, and is being presented by Milton Obote. When Nicholas first arrives he is in the company of Dr. Merrit (Adam Kontz) and his wife Sarah (Gillian Anderson.) He starts off by working at a small clinic on the outskirts of Uganda. Along his travels Nicholas meets paranoid and forceful Milton Obote. Nicholas, at this stage is oblivious to his aggressive and power hungry nature. Obote, is constantly paranoid of traitors and opposition. However Nicholas gains the trust of the president, Obote recognises positive advice from the young Doctor and takes him on not only as a Doctor, but as a personal adviser. Obote rewards his new found advisor with a Mercedes car and and a house to live in. Garrigan begins to loose his focus and realises that his new life in Uganda is very different to the one that he wanted to pursue. Instead of aiding the country, he finds himself deeply involved with a dangerous man. Garrigan warns Obote of a possible betrayer, and gets it very wrong indeed. Obote kills the man that Garrigan warns him about and all is resulted in terrible consequences. It becomes significantly clearer that Obote is an arrogant and greedy man. He has a number of wives and little regard for either of them. Garrigan finds himself falling for one of them, he has sex with her right under Obote’s nose as his character becomes noticeably cocky. Obote’s wife becomes pregnant and in a desperate attempt to cover up the ordeal she goes to the village to have a messy abortion by inexperienced villagers. The abortion goes terribly wrong and the ambulance is called.Obote becomes aware of the dishonour and betrayal of his wife. In a bloody scene Garrigan discovers her with her limbs decapitated and her face scarred. It becomes clear that Obote has also discovered who his wife had had the affair with.Garrigan, in an old tradition is hung up by hooks to the ceiling and left there to bleed until death. One of Garrigan colleagues from the hospital risks his own life to rescue and free him. Meanwhile, passengers on a aeroplane leaving Uganda is corrupted by terrorists against Obote. The plane is being held up and a hostage situation arises. When the ordeal is sorted Garrigan is this time free and boards the plane along with the other passengers. Meanwhile Obote’s men become aware that Garrigan has gone and they interrogate and eventually kill Garrigan’s colleague whilst Garrigan’s plane flies over the building and he is finally free. Although the film is significantly hard going, its cultural exploration and representation is extremely interesting and intriguing. The film represents the trouble in Uganda and the clashing of cultures.
Starring:Forest WhitakerJames McAvoyKerry WashingtonSimon McBurneyGillian Anderson
Sunday, 18 November 2007
'30 Days Of Night'
‘30 Days Of Night’ (2007)
Genre: Horror
Director: David Slade
The film ‘30 Days of night’ is a horror, originally in a form of a novel named ‘30 days.’ The opening scene of the film brings us to Alaska, where the weather extremities are vast. In the last few hours of daylight mysterious crimes are baffling Sheriff Eben Oleson, played by Josh Harnett. He tries desperately to solve these dilemmas before the daylight disappears and the town is plunged into thirty days of gruelling darkness. All of the residents mobile phones have been stolen and burnt and the towns watch dogs have been slaughtered.
A stranger is sighted in a nearby cafe. The character, played by Ben Foster, is an extremely odd and unnerving character. Meanwhile Eben also has to deal with an agonising break up from his beloved wife Stella who refuses to discuss anything with Ebun. Stella, played by Mellisa George, finds herself missing the last flight out of Alaska before the dark hits and is confined to the town for the next thirty days.
When the dark hits the town so does a hungry pack of blood sucking vampires. They ransack the village and set the town alight. Ebun struggles to get himself and a few other remaining people to safety. They watch from a boarded up house as the vampires try several different tricks to lure them out of their hiding place. Firstly they instruct a terrified towns girl to walk through the village shouting for help. However Sheriff Ebun Oleson discovers that the vampires are setting a trap when he sights them hungry for food, hiding on the rooftops. After making no progress by using the girl as bate, she is subjected to a violent ending as they beat her violently and eventually suck her blood.
The remaining survivors discover that they must move from their hiding place, as they are becoming weaker and running out of supplies. As they do so various characters appoint themselves as becoming the bate, they distract the vampires as the rest of the survivors move on.
As the film develops it is discovered that the characters that have been bitten stay themselves for a while until they eventually turn blood thirsty. The survivors come to the point where there is just one day remaining. However the group is split up and Stella is stranded extremely close to the vampires under a truck. The vampires begin to burn down the whole of the town and it becomes clear to Ebun what he must do. He injects the blood of a dead transformed vampire into his veins. Understanding that he will stay himself for a while he knows that this is Stella’s only chance for survival. Human ability is nothing compared to a vampires so this is Ebun’s only chance for a fair fight.
He fights the vampires as Stella gets away and eventually kills the lead one.
Eventually Ebun is again reunited with Stella, and she realises how much she still loves him. As daylight appears the hold one another until Ebun disappears into thin air. The last remaining villagers have lived to tell the tale. This horror is a successful portrayal of the mythological creatures; vampires. The film is successful in maintaining a frightening atmosphere of suspense and tension.
Genre: Horror
Director: David Slade
The film ‘30 Days of night’ is a horror, originally in a form of a novel named ‘30 days.’ The opening scene of the film brings us to Alaska, where the weather extremities are vast. In the last few hours of daylight mysterious crimes are baffling Sheriff Eben Oleson, played by Josh Harnett. He tries desperately to solve these dilemmas before the daylight disappears and the town is plunged into thirty days of gruelling darkness. All of the residents mobile phones have been stolen and burnt and the towns watch dogs have been slaughtered.
A stranger is sighted in a nearby cafe. The character, played by Ben Foster, is an extremely odd and unnerving character. Meanwhile Eben also has to deal with an agonising break up from his beloved wife Stella who refuses to discuss anything with Ebun. Stella, played by Mellisa George, finds herself missing the last flight out of Alaska before the dark hits and is confined to the town for the next thirty days.
When the dark hits the town so does a hungry pack of blood sucking vampires. They ransack the village and set the town alight. Ebun struggles to get himself and a few other remaining people to safety. They watch from a boarded up house as the vampires try several different tricks to lure them out of their hiding place. Firstly they instruct a terrified towns girl to walk through the village shouting for help. However Sheriff Ebun Oleson discovers that the vampires are setting a trap when he sights them hungry for food, hiding on the rooftops. After making no progress by using the girl as bate, she is subjected to a violent ending as they beat her violently and eventually suck her blood.
The remaining survivors discover that they must move from their hiding place, as they are becoming weaker and running out of supplies. As they do so various characters appoint themselves as becoming the bate, they distract the vampires as the rest of the survivors move on.
As the film develops it is discovered that the characters that have been bitten stay themselves for a while until they eventually turn blood thirsty. The survivors come to the point where there is just one day remaining. However the group is split up and Stella is stranded extremely close to the vampires under a truck. The vampires begin to burn down the whole of the town and it becomes clear to Ebun what he must do. He injects the blood of a dead transformed vampire into his veins. Understanding that he will stay himself for a while he knows that this is Stella’s only chance for survival. Human ability is nothing compared to a vampires so this is Ebun’s only chance for a fair fight.
He fights the vampires as Stella gets away and eventually kills the lead one.
Eventually Ebun is again reunited with Stella, and she realises how much she still loves him. As daylight appears the hold one another until Ebun disappears into thin air. The last remaining villagers have lived to tell the tale. This horror is a successful portrayal of the mythological creatures; vampires. The film is successful in maintaining a frightening atmosphere of suspense and tension.
'Knocked Up'
‘Knocked up’ (2007) 133 mins
Genre: Comedy
Director: Judd Apatow
‘Knocked up’ is a hilarious comedy starring Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl. The comedy’s storyline is a ‘young club goers’ worst nightmare; after a night out celebrating her new promotion in front of the camera Katherine Heigl’s character Alison Scott finds a celebration partner in the form of slightly over weight and ill humoured Ben Stone, played by Seth Rogan.
The film develops as an extremely drunk Ben accompanies not quite so drunk Alison to her apartment, she invites Ben in and their relationship becomes steamy as they take their new found friendship one step further. As they lay together on Alison’s bed, Ben struggles to put on a condom, as he does so Alison complains by telling Ben ‘Just do it already’ in exasperation. Ben in his drunken state misunderstands Alison’s meaning and ‘does it already’ without a condom. Unprotected, Alison discovers a few months later that she is pregnant. After much deliberation Alison decides to share this information with Ben, who she later discovers hasn’t really passed the mental age of childhood himself.
Whilst Ben and Alison get to know each other, Alison’s sister and her husband’s marriage takes a turn for the worst. The two characters struggle to balance parenting and a stable relationship. Meanwhile Ben and Alison observe this on the rocks relationship, and fear for themselves, they don’t want to turn out like them, not trusting one another and needing time apart.
After the news has sunk in Ben decides in an amusing turn of events that he wants to make an effort to support Alison and her child. Firstly he attempts to impress Alison by letting her see his business, which involves revealing at what part of different films a certain celebrity show their intimate body parts. Alison is noticeably put off by Ben's ambitions and the way in which he lives. Eventually Ben sees that this is not enough for his girlfriend and her baby so he moves out of the house that he shares with his other drug – using drop out friends and invests in his own apartment with Alison. The baby is delivered and Ben is confirmed a changed man when he holds the baby and him and Alison decide to bring up the child together. The film is highly amusing throughout and it aimed at a young audience between the age of 16 – 25.
Genre: Comedy
Director: Judd Apatow
‘Knocked up’ is a hilarious comedy starring Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl. The comedy’s storyline is a ‘young club goers’ worst nightmare; after a night out celebrating her new promotion in front of the camera Katherine Heigl’s character Alison Scott finds a celebration partner in the form of slightly over weight and ill humoured Ben Stone, played by Seth Rogan.
The film develops as an extremely drunk Ben accompanies not quite so drunk Alison to her apartment, she invites Ben in and their relationship becomes steamy as they take their new found friendship one step further. As they lay together on Alison’s bed, Ben struggles to put on a condom, as he does so Alison complains by telling Ben ‘Just do it already’ in exasperation. Ben in his drunken state misunderstands Alison’s meaning and ‘does it already’ without a condom. Unprotected, Alison discovers a few months later that she is pregnant. After much deliberation Alison decides to share this information with Ben, who she later discovers hasn’t really passed the mental age of childhood himself.
Whilst Ben and Alison get to know each other, Alison’s sister and her husband’s marriage takes a turn for the worst. The two characters struggle to balance parenting and a stable relationship. Meanwhile Ben and Alison observe this on the rocks relationship, and fear for themselves, they don’t want to turn out like them, not trusting one another and needing time apart.
After the news has sunk in Ben decides in an amusing turn of events that he wants to make an effort to support Alison and her child. Firstly he attempts to impress Alison by letting her see his business, which involves revealing at what part of different films a certain celebrity show their intimate body parts. Alison is noticeably put off by Ben's ambitions and the way in which he lives. Eventually Ben sees that this is not enough for his girlfriend and her baby so he moves out of the house that he shares with his other drug – using drop out friends and invests in his own apartment with Alison. The baby is delivered and Ben is confirmed a changed man when he holds the baby and him and Alison decide to bring up the child together. The film is highly amusing throughout and it aimed at a young audience between the age of 16 – 25.
'Love Actually'
Love Actually (2003) - Rating
Director: Richard Curtis
Genre: Romantic Comedy
‘Love Actually’ released in 2003 was a hit for all romantic comedy fanatics around the world. A star-studded cast including names like ‘Alan Rickman’ and ‘Keira Knightley’ is the reason why ‘Love Actually’ was immensely popular. The film made its debut when released at the cinema at the appropriate season for the films nature – Christmas. The film introduces different types of characters, who have either just lost or found love or who have never spoken of their love. ‘Love Actually is a heart warming film that feels the audiences hearts with a glow of winter cheer when eventually, on Christmas day each characters wishes are fulfilled and they are at peace, which is what Christmas is all about.
There are many stories that run parallel to each other throughout the film. Each story has a certain aspect that the audience could possibly relate to. The main storyline concentrates on the love between the powerful Prime minister, played by Hugh Grant, and his assistant Natalie played by Marteen McClucthen. They meet under amusing circumstances as work partners. Natalie is clearly somewhat weary of the Prime minister and is nervous of her loosing her job. She blurs out the words ‘shit’ and ‘fuck’ on their very first meeting witch ironically attracts the amusing side of the powerful man. They battle with their feelings but eventually see that it is possible to balance their two lives, although they are so different.
Meanwhile a little boy sees the girl of his dreams and falls in love with her. He discusses the emotions that he feels with his father, who had some time ago lost his wife from cancer. The emotional heart warming moments as father and son learn to understand each other is a key part of the film. The father discusses his emotions and even tells his son about his wishes to eventually meet another woman.
Another tale that is included in the love story is one of secrecy and sadness. A man who falls in love with his best friend’s wife, but understands the importance of standing back. He confesses his feelings to Juliet played by Kiera Knightley, as she mistakes his peculiar behaviour as hatred. The loving character who we instantly feel awful for holds up a placard in the middle of the snow and plays romantic music. After he does so he leaves her door and feels he has done his duty, we only hope that the man who will be alone for Christmas can feel contented that he finally got the secret off of his chest.
The next parallel love story, was one of self discovery and hurt. A family that is affected by the confusion of a married man. Karen, played by Emma Thompson discovers that her husband is having an affair just at Christmas time and struggles to put on a brave face for her children. However Harry played by Alan Rickman sees that he has made a dreadful mistake as Karen begins to understand and forgive her unfaithful husband.
The romantic comedy reminds us as an audience what it is that the public truly want to see at Christmas; a cheesy film. The film emphasises many situations and emotions that people across the country feel every day. It also expresses that if love exists within your relationship more often and not things find a way of sorting themselves out. This film shows how important it is to have relationships with others, and that at Christmas time we should express these feelings more so than ever.
Cast:
Bill Nighy
... Billy Mack
Gregor Fisher
... Joe
Rory MacGregor
... Engineer
Colin Firth
... Jamie Bennett
Sienna Guillory
... Jamie's Girlfriend
Liam Neeson
... Daniel
Emma Thompson
... Karen
Lulu Popplewell
... Daisy, her daughter
Kris Marshall
... Colin Frissell
Heike Makatsch
... Mia
Martin Freeman
... John
Joanna Page
... Just Judy
Chiwetel Ejiofor
... Peter
Andrew Lincoln
... Mark
Keira Knightley
... Juliet
Hugh Grant
... The Prime Minister
Director: Richard Curtis
Genre: Romantic Comedy
‘Love Actually’ released in 2003 was a hit for all romantic comedy fanatics around the world. A star-studded cast including names like ‘Alan Rickman’ and ‘Keira Knightley’ is the reason why ‘Love Actually’ was immensely popular. The film made its debut when released at the cinema at the appropriate season for the films nature – Christmas. The film introduces different types of characters, who have either just lost or found love or who have never spoken of their love. ‘Love Actually is a heart warming film that feels the audiences hearts with a glow of winter cheer when eventually, on Christmas day each characters wishes are fulfilled and they are at peace, which is what Christmas is all about.
There are many stories that run parallel to each other throughout the film. Each story has a certain aspect that the audience could possibly relate to. The main storyline concentrates on the love between the powerful Prime minister, played by Hugh Grant, and his assistant Natalie played by Marteen McClucthen. They meet under amusing circumstances as work partners. Natalie is clearly somewhat weary of the Prime minister and is nervous of her loosing her job. She blurs out the words ‘shit’ and ‘fuck’ on their very first meeting witch ironically attracts the amusing side of the powerful man. They battle with their feelings but eventually see that it is possible to balance their two lives, although they are so different.
Meanwhile a little boy sees the girl of his dreams and falls in love with her. He discusses the emotions that he feels with his father, who had some time ago lost his wife from cancer. The emotional heart warming moments as father and son learn to understand each other is a key part of the film. The father discusses his emotions and even tells his son about his wishes to eventually meet another woman.
Another tale that is included in the love story is one of secrecy and sadness. A man who falls in love with his best friend’s wife, but understands the importance of standing back. He confesses his feelings to Juliet played by Kiera Knightley, as she mistakes his peculiar behaviour as hatred. The loving character who we instantly feel awful for holds up a placard in the middle of the snow and plays romantic music. After he does so he leaves her door and feels he has done his duty, we only hope that the man who will be alone for Christmas can feel contented that he finally got the secret off of his chest.
The next parallel love story, was one of self discovery and hurt. A family that is affected by the confusion of a married man. Karen, played by Emma Thompson discovers that her husband is having an affair just at Christmas time and struggles to put on a brave face for her children. However Harry played by Alan Rickman sees that he has made a dreadful mistake as Karen begins to understand and forgive her unfaithful husband.
The romantic comedy reminds us as an audience what it is that the public truly want to see at Christmas; a cheesy film. The film emphasises many situations and emotions that people across the country feel every day. It also expresses that if love exists within your relationship more often and not things find a way of sorting themselves out. This film shows how important it is to have relationships with others, and that at Christmas time we should express these feelings more so than ever.
Cast:
Bill Nighy
... Billy Mack
Gregor Fisher
... Joe
Rory MacGregor
... Engineer
Colin Firth
... Jamie Bennett
Sienna Guillory
... Jamie's Girlfriend
Liam Neeson
... Daniel
Emma Thompson
... Karen
Lulu Popplewell
... Daisy, her daughter
Kris Marshall
... Colin Frissell
Heike Makatsch
... Mia
Martin Freeman
... John
Joanna Page
... Just Judy
Chiwetel Ejiofor
... Peter
Andrew Lincoln
... Mark
Keira Knightley
... Juliet
Hugh Grant
... The Prime Minister
'Shakespeare In Love'
Shakespeare In Love (1998)
Director: John Madden
Genre: Romantic comedy
Producers: Marshall Herskovitz, Marc Norman, David Parfitt, Harvey Weinstein, Edward Zwick
Screenplay: Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard
Cinematography: Richard Greatrex
U.S. Distributor: Miramax Films
‘Shakespeare In Love’ is a romantic comedy starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. The story is based on the play write ‘William Shakespeare’ and makes many presumptions about Shakespeare’s and life and how he succeeded as a play writer. The film highlights the aspect and quality of life in the Elizabethan era. The film is closely compared to Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Like the two star crossed lovers, Paltrow’s character is engaged beyond her control to a wealthy man, and should not be in the company of another man. However the story goes on as Viola disguises herself as a man to perform in ‘Will Shakespeare’s’ play. Her outstanding acting skills catch the eye of Shakespeare but he does not yet discover that the character is in fact a beautiful woman, who he would later fall in love with. It is here that we are shown how women did not have much contact with the theatre, certainly not on the stage. Theatre was seen as no place for a lady, and the actors weren’t particularly recognised as successful, talented people. They were more like entertainment slaves, there simply to entertain the rich. The film consists of passionate scenes, and reveals Shakespeare’s struggle to succeed against the brilliant play write ‘Christopher Marlowe.’ Shakespeare finds himself struggling to start his new play ‘Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter.’ After meeting Viola, she becomes Shakespeare’s inspiration, they battle to keep their love a secret as staying quiet becomes more and more of a challenge.
Cast:
Gwyneth Paltrow
Joseph Fiennes
Geoffrey Rush
Colin Firth
Ben Affleck
Tom Wilkinson
Imelda Stuanton
Judi Dench
Simon Callow
Rupert Everett
Director: John Madden
Genre: Romantic comedy
Producers: Marshall Herskovitz, Marc Norman, David Parfitt, Harvey Weinstein, Edward Zwick
Screenplay: Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard
Cinematography: Richard Greatrex
U.S. Distributor: Miramax Films
‘Shakespeare In Love’ is a romantic comedy starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. The story is based on the play write ‘William Shakespeare’ and makes many presumptions about Shakespeare’s and life and how he succeeded as a play writer. The film highlights the aspect and quality of life in the Elizabethan era. The film is closely compared to Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Like the two star crossed lovers, Paltrow’s character is engaged beyond her control to a wealthy man, and should not be in the company of another man. However the story goes on as Viola disguises herself as a man to perform in ‘Will Shakespeare’s’ play. Her outstanding acting skills catch the eye of Shakespeare but he does not yet discover that the character is in fact a beautiful woman, who he would later fall in love with. It is here that we are shown how women did not have much contact with the theatre, certainly not on the stage. Theatre was seen as no place for a lady, and the actors weren’t particularly recognised as successful, talented people. They were more like entertainment slaves, there simply to entertain the rich. The film consists of passionate scenes, and reveals Shakespeare’s struggle to succeed against the brilliant play write ‘Christopher Marlowe.’ Shakespeare finds himself struggling to start his new play ‘Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter.’ After meeting Viola, she becomes Shakespeare’s inspiration, they battle to keep their love a secret as staying quiet becomes more and more of a challenge.
Cast:
Gwyneth Paltrow
Joseph Fiennes
Geoffrey Rush
Colin Firth
Ben Affleck
Tom Wilkinson
Imelda Stuanton
Judi Dench
Simon Callow
Rupert Everett
'A Clockwork Orange'
A clockwork Orange (1971)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
This week I will be reviewing and sharing my views on the film ‘A Clockwork Orange’ it is one of the most controversial films of all time. The film caused a public outrage the controversial issues and values that were brought to light shocked many who watched the film. Initially, the film was banned because of its violent and sexual content. Some said that the film was ‘sick and the BBFC couldn’t possibly allow the ‘pornography’ that the film revealed. The views on ‘A Clock work Orange’ were so varied that the film received a huge audience when released. Many people were interested in the film after reading the novel, which had two different endings. American director ‘Stanley Kubrick’ had chosen to show the ending that left the audience to reflect, and decide themselves what would happen. The film was immensely criticised by feminists as women were seem to have been portrayed as weak and vulnerable. ‘A Clockwork Orange’ is about a teenage boy Alex (McDowell) who enjoys performing ultra violence. Along with his thuggish friends (The Droogs) Alex performs his acts whilst hearing the sound of Beethoven.
The scenes that caused the most controversy were those that explored the violation of innocent people. There is a scene where a curvaceous naked woman is being raped by a gang of army troops. The defence that is made in this case is that the scene is unrealistic and circus like. For example the music used comes across as light hearted and has an upbeat tone. The woman featured in this scene has extraordinarily large breasts and long hair, almost symbolising a blow up doll. The way in which the victim is pulled to and throw is theatrical and comes across as cheoragraphical. However many women found this scene uncomfortable and embarrassing, the scene even suggests ‘making a mockery’ of rape victims. Another scene that caused concern, was the reason why initially Kubrick himself ended up stopping his own film being shown. The scene shows a ruthless attack on an innocent drunk tramp. The man appears old and frail, and the attack is completely unprovoked. Firstly, the droogs befriend the old man by clapping as his singing and engaging him in conversation. However, eventually they beat the old man to death in a chilling turn of events. Kubrick was forced to withdraw his own film, after a copycat attack took place after previews of the film.
The last scene that was highlighted as a ‘controversial’ scene was the attack of the innocent husband and wife who were tricked into letting The Droogs into their house. The Droogs had previously knocked on the door of a large house owned by a successful writer and his young wife. Alex pleads to the couple to let him in and insists that his friend had just been badly hurt, and asks to use a telephone. After a while the wife opens the door and The Droogs enter and start to ransack the house. They then beat the writer and tie him up. After they begin to rape the writers wife in front of him, as he lays on the floor defenceless. It is this scene that highlights the Droog’s insolence and lack of conscience. Throughout the film we see a series of ultra violence and controversy, the story concludes with Alex being forced to watch his actions which leaves us as an audience to question the famous film; should it be acceptable to take away freewill to cure the violent? The film brings up many factors that are wrong with to days society. It is ironic that the film was released many years ago in 1971 as there are still many occurrences of violence today, although the scenes featured are extreme they are not so much now days as our society is more exposed to the violence that occurs across the UK and the world.
Cast:
Malcolm McDowell - (Alex)
Katya Wyeth - (Girl)
Vivienne Chandler - (Handmaiden)
Lee Fox
James Marcus - (Georgie)
Richard Connaught
Jan Adair
Barrie Cookson
Prudence Drage
Cheryl Grunwald - (Rape Victim)
Craig Hunter - (Dr. Friendly)
Shirley Jaffe
Michael Tarn - (Pete)
Patrick Magee - (Mr. Frank Alexander)
Michael Bates - (Chief Guard)
Adrienne Corri - (Mrs. Alexander)
Warren Clarke - (Dim)
Aubrey Morris - (P.R. Deltoid)
Steven Berkoff - (Constable)
Gaye Brown
Peter Burton
Lindsay Campbell - (Inspector)
John Carney - (C.I.D. Official)
John Clive - (Stage Actor)
Carol Drinkwater - (Nurse Feeley)
Carl Duering - (Dr. Brodsky)
Paul Farrell - (Tramp)
Clive Francis - (Lodger)
Michael Gover - (Prison Governor)
Gillian Hills - (Sonietta)
Miriam Karlin - (Cat Lady)
David Prowse - (Julian)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
This week I will be reviewing and sharing my views on the film ‘A Clockwork Orange’ it is one of the most controversial films of all time. The film caused a public outrage the controversial issues and values that were brought to light shocked many who watched the film. Initially, the film was banned because of its violent and sexual content. Some said that the film was ‘sick and the BBFC couldn’t possibly allow the ‘pornography’ that the film revealed. The views on ‘A Clock work Orange’ were so varied that the film received a huge audience when released. Many people were interested in the film after reading the novel, which had two different endings. American director ‘Stanley Kubrick’ had chosen to show the ending that left the audience to reflect, and decide themselves what would happen. The film was immensely criticised by feminists as women were seem to have been portrayed as weak and vulnerable. ‘A Clockwork Orange’ is about a teenage boy Alex (McDowell) who enjoys performing ultra violence. Along with his thuggish friends (The Droogs) Alex performs his acts whilst hearing the sound of Beethoven.
The scenes that caused the most controversy were those that explored the violation of innocent people. There is a scene where a curvaceous naked woman is being raped by a gang of army troops. The defence that is made in this case is that the scene is unrealistic and circus like. For example the music used comes across as light hearted and has an upbeat tone. The woman featured in this scene has extraordinarily large breasts and long hair, almost symbolising a blow up doll. The way in which the victim is pulled to and throw is theatrical and comes across as cheoragraphical. However many women found this scene uncomfortable and embarrassing, the scene even suggests ‘making a mockery’ of rape victims. Another scene that caused concern, was the reason why initially Kubrick himself ended up stopping his own film being shown. The scene shows a ruthless attack on an innocent drunk tramp. The man appears old and frail, and the attack is completely unprovoked. Firstly, the droogs befriend the old man by clapping as his singing and engaging him in conversation. However, eventually they beat the old man to death in a chilling turn of events. Kubrick was forced to withdraw his own film, after a copycat attack took place after previews of the film.
The last scene that was highlighted as a ‘controversial’ scene was the attack of the innocent husband and wife who were tricked into letting The Droogs into their house. The Droogs had previously knocked on the door of a large house owned by a successful writer and his young wife. Alex pleads to the couple to let him in and insists that his friend had just been badly hurt, and asks to use a telephone. After a while the wife opens the door and The Droogs enter and start to ransack the house. They then beat the writer and tie him up. After they begin to rape the writers wife in front of him, as he lays on the floor defenceless. It is this scene that highlights the Droog’s insolence and lack of conscience. Throughout the film we see a series of ultra violence and controversy, the story concludes with Alex being forced to watch his actions which leaves us as an audience to question the famous film; should it be acceptable to take away freewill to cure the violent? The film brings up many factors that are wrong with to days society. It is ironic that the film was released many years ago in 1971 as there are still many occurrences of violence today, although the scenes featured are extreme they are not so much now days as our society is more exposed to the violence that occurs across the UK and the world.
Cast:
Malcolm McDowell - (Alex)
Katya Wyeth - (Girl)
Vivienne Chandler - (Handmaiden)
Lee Fox
James Marcus - (Georgie)
Richard Connaught
Jan Adair
Barrie Cookson
Prudence Drage
Cheryl Grunwald - (Rape Victim)
Craig Hunter - (Dr. Friendly)
Shirley Jaffe
Michael Tarn - (Pete)
Patrick Magee - (Mr. Frank Alexander)
Michael Bates - (Chief Guard)
Adrienne Corri - (Mrs. Alexander)
Warren Clarke - (Dim)
Aubrey Morris - (P.R. Deltoid)
Steven Berkoff - (Constable)
Gaye Brown
Peter Burton
Lindsay Campbell - (Inspector)
John Carney - (C.I.D. Official)
John Clive - (Stage Actor)
Carol Drinkwater - (Nurse Feeley)
Carl Duering - (Dr. Brodsky)
Paul Farrell - (Tramp)
Clive Francis - (Lodger)
Michael Gover - (Prison Governor)
Gillian Hills - (Sonietta)
Miriam Karlin - (Cat Lady)
David Prowse - (Julian)
'The Enemy of the state'
‘Enemy of the State’ (1998) Rating
Director: Tony Scott
Genre: Action and adventure
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Screenplay: David Marconi
Cinematography: Dan Mindel
Music: Trevor Rabin, Harry Gregson-Williams
U.S. Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
For my second blog I decided to chose to write about an action film so that the genres were varied. I chose ‘Enemy of the State’ because of the use of camera angles and scripting. The film was effective in maintaining suspense and tension which is essential to conforming to the forms and conventions of an action and adventure.The film ‘Enemy of the state’ is an action thriller about an innocent man caught up in a serious murder investigation. Robert Dean, a well known lawyer holds vital information about the murder committed by ‘The National Security Agency.’ Throughout the film, the innocent man is chased in a series of high speed frenzies.
In order to protect themselves they must catch Robert and insure that he will stay silent.
The highlight of the action adventure film is the main chase scene as it emphasises the predicament that Dean is in and highlights the lengths he will go to, to defend himself and run away from the NSA.One of the scenes include a helicopter weaving in and out of the sky, in an attempt to catch Dean. Throughout the film suspense is kept by the effective contrapuntal sound (media jargon for music that does not match the action) and use of special effects. Eventually Robert Dean played by Hollywood star ‘Will Smith’ escapes the grasps of the NSA and is relieved by his success.
Cast:
Will Smith
Gene Hackman
Jon Voight
Regina King
Lisa Bonet
Loren Dean
Ian Hart
Jake Busey
Barry Pepper
Jason Lee
Gabriel Byrne
Tom Sizemore
Director: Tony Scott
Genre: Action and adventure
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Screenplay: David Marconi
Cinematography: Dan Mindel
Music: Trevor Rabin, Harry Gregson-Williams
U.S. Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
For my second blog I decided to chose to write about an action film so that the genres were varied. I chose ‘Enemy of the State’ because of the use of camera angles and scripting. The film was effective in maintaining suspense and tension which is essential to conforming to the forms and conventions of an action and adventure.The film ‘Enemy of the state’ is an action thriller about an innocent man caught up in a serious murder investigation. Robert Dean, a well known lawyer holds vital information about the murder committed by ‘The National Security Agency.’ Throughout the film, the innocent man is chased in a series of high speed frenzies.
In order to protect themselves they must catch Robert and insure that he will stay silent.
The highlight of the action adventure film is the main chase scene as it emphasises the predicament that Dean is in and highlights the lengths he will go to, to defend himself and run away from the NSA.One of the scenes include a helicopter weaving in and out of the sky, in an attempt to catch Dean. Throughout the film suspense is kept by the effective contrapuntal sound (media jargon for music that does not match the action) and use of special effects. Eventually Robert Dean played by Hollywood star ‘Will Smith’ escapes the grasps of the NSA and is relieved by his success.
Cast:
Will Smith
Gene Hackman
Jon Voight
Regina King
Lisa Bonet
Loren Dean
Ian Hart
Jake Busey
Barry Pepper
Jason Lee
Gabriel Byrne
Tom Sizemore
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