A while ago I heard about the movie ***Topsy Turvy|http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0151568/*** and had wanted to see it. Now, four years later, I finally had my chance.
This film is the story of the creation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “The Mikado”. It was a thick, witty and entertaining film. The beginning and the end were kind of (sometimes extreemly) slow, but the great Mikado production numbers and songs in the middle make up for it. All in all it was a fun movie.
Have you seen “Edward Scissorhands” or “Nightmare Before Christmas” ? Both of those films were directed by Tim Burton. He has a reputation for being quirky and odd and creepy, and all of those features are recognizable in many of his movies.
Being fortunate to live in tbe Boston area, we were able to see his newest movie, ***Big Fish|http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/bigfish*** during its select city early release. (it opens on Friday, January 9th for everyone else) This was an unusually eerie, creative, quirky and moving film.
The film follows a grown son’s gradual acceptance of his father, and the stories he tells of his life. The present scenes are frequently, and wonderfully interrupted by flashbacks to the father’s life as he tells it in stories. Through his stories we are introduced to giants, circus-folk, beautiful girls and witches. Every character seems strange and beautiful all at the same time.
I found the “weep level” to be an 8 on a scale of 1-10. The ending had me crying more than most movies do, although I did not find the conclusion of the film to be especially sad. In fact, I tried, with no avail, to discover exactly what drew the tears. Burton must have touched something so deep within me that even I don’t know what it was.
Another evening this week was spent with good friends Naomi and Chris. In keeping with annual tradition the four of us grabbed dinner then headed off to see the final installment of The Lord of the Rings; The Return of the King.
This third movie was long, but not excruciatingly so. The 3 hours and 20 minutes felt like nothing compared to the 13 month journey travelled by our heros in the story. I was captivated by the massive battle scenes at Minas Tirith and humored by the skeleton/pirate/Orlando Bloom similarities to Pirates of the Carribean.
Although the film ventured away from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original story I was easily drawn into the plot and longed for a conclusion. The scenes themselves were beautiful, even in their goriness/despair and the actors managed to pull our hearts right up into our throats. (yes, even the men!)
Two great movies, two late nights. Happy New Year!
I can’t wait! Starting next year, the ***Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy Exhibition|http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/Rings/*** will be going on worldwide tour! And they have chosen Boston’s very own ***Museum of Science|http://www.mos.org/*** for their ***U.S. Premiere|http://www.mos.org/lotr/***!
Starting July 31, 2004, you’ll be able to check out first-hand costumes, weapons and armor, even the One Ring. There will also be movie-magic related exhibits, including a hands-on scaling exhibit, using forced perspective to make museum-goers appear to be Hobbit-sized.
Sweet.
Have you seen “About a Boy” ? We rented it on Saturday and it was pleasantly entertaining. Hugh Grant was good…but I think that the kid (Nicholas somebody) stole the movie. What a cute kid!
Wow, what an experience… Russian Ark was an amazing movie. But far from your typical movie. I would actually compare it more closely to a painting than to a movie. There was no plot to speak of, no characters, no action, sparse dialogue, no conflict, no climax or resolution. Instead, we took a leisurely stroll through St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Our guide was the director of Russian Ark, Alexander Sokurov. He played a modern cinematographer who was transported back in time by some freak accident. We see the Hermitage museum through his first person view. Shortly after arriving at the Museum, the narrator encounters another person who has been transported back in time, an 18th century French Marquis. Together, the two wander through the museum, examining paintings, witnessing events that took place in the halls throughout history. The narrator is completely invisible to everyone except the Marquis, though the Marqius can be seen by everyone.
The movie paints a dazzling portrait of Russian history. It takes the viewer on an emotional and sensual trip through the worlds of Russian art and culture.
There is very little I could say that would accurately describe the movie for you… so you will just have to go see it for yourself!
In my old blog I had written about the upcoming movie, Russian Ark. It is now being released in limited venues around the country. Tonight, Becky and I are going to see it at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge! Our tickets are secured, and I’m psyched. This film got a four-star review from the Boston Globe, as well as countless other raves and accolades. The movie follows the tale of a contemporary cinematographer who is transported 300 years into Russia’s past. He is able to walk around the Hermitage Museum and observe various events in Russian history. What is supposed to be truly amazing about the movie is that it was shot in one single continuous take. The camera simply wanders around the museum, from one setting to another. 2000 actors, 3 live orchestras, several months of rehearsal… promises to be VERY cool.
We’ll let you know how it turns out. 🙂