'Following'

For my film studies coursework this year, I have been researching the work of my favourite director Christopher Nolan. I am really inspired by his work and the way that he brings realism to all of his films. His films also have a neo-noir structure to them consisting of flashbacks and non linear plot structure. He also uses traditional film noir characters such as the femme fatale.

'Following' is Christopher Nolan's debut film that he made in 1998. I saw this film for the first time yesterday and found that I really enjoyed it. As with many other of his films, the plot was clever and consisted of multiple twists which became revealed over time. It is also rather impressive how the film was made on an estimated budget of $6,000 (roughly £3700).

The film is based around an aspiring writer who has an obsession with people and their lives. He follows around random strangers to learn more about them which is rather odd. This however goes wrong when one man he is following notices.

Christopher Nolan filmed this film with a group of friends from his university in London. The film was shot in the streets of London and various apartments which he and his friends owned. The film is in black and white which adds to the dark and mysterious atmosphere created within the film.

The film isn't particularly long, but manages to keep you captivated throughout.  The film also has a non linear plot structure which all makes sense towards the end of the film.I really enjoyed this film and would definitely recommend it.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

'Skyfall'

The name's Bond...James Bond.

A couple weeks ago I went to see the film 'Skyfall' with the family. Now I'm going to admit the only Bond films I have seen all the way through are Casino Royale and this one. I have seen parts of the others but never actually sat through them.

This first time I ever saw a film with Daniel Craig was when I first saw Lara Croft when I was much younger.   I think that he has done really well to have become Bond despite the fact he looks nothing like the others. Craig adds a kind of cheeky and humorous personality to the role of Bond, delivering fantastic one lines here and there which are brilliant.

Now 'Skyfall', what can I say. This film features all the typical Bond Cliche's like the women, cars, gadgets, guns, villains and tuxedos. However from what I have heard of the previous Bond films, this film adds it's own unique  take, diving into Bond's past before he became a secret agent. And of course everyone is left wondering what 'Skyfall' is right up until the very end of the film.

What I really liked about this film is the locations in which it was filmed. The settings were really stunning and beautiful. Of course all the action was pretty cool too. I must say I was really rather entertained by the Bond Villain 'Silva' played by Javier Bardem. The character was quite quirky and had some particularly gross features (Those who've seen it will know what I'm talking about).

Daniel Craig really played the role well and I was also entertained by the new characters Q (Ben Whishaw) and Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes). Then there was the incredible Dame Judi Dench who re-played her role as M.

If anyone hasn't seen the film yet I suggest you go see it because the film really is incredible. Those who are mega Bond fans won't be disappointed and those who aren't, the film is still really entertaining.

Please feel free to leave comments (Without spoilers if possible) :)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

'The Host'

Okay, so I know that there is always going to be a massive divide between those who love Twilight (Twihards) and those who hate the series, so I'm not going to discuss this. However I would like to discuss the up coming film 'The Host'.

Now before anyone turns their nose up at this I would like to say that it isn't like Stephanie Meyer's twilight series. In fact 'The Host' really is something much more unique and original. I'm personally looking forward to the film after having read the book a fair while back.

The film is currently in production and is due for release on the 29th March next year. I am particularly encouraged by the fact that the film is being directed by Andrew Niccol (Director of 'In time'), so fingers crossed that he puts the novel to justice. I am also looking forward to Saoirse Ronan who will be playing the part of Melanie Styder and I'm guessing Wanderer.

Other actors playing starring roles include Diane Kruger, Max Irons, Jake Abel and Chandler Canterbury. So there is a lot to look forward to for this film. I guess we shall see. In the meantime here is the first initial trailer. Enjoy! Oh and please once again those who have read the novel, no spoilers for others :) Thanks

'In Time'

A few weeks ago I was researching the Irish actor Cillian Murphy on IMDB to find out what other film he's been in apart from Batman and Inception. I think that he is an amazing actor and  plays a really good  evil villian (Particularly with those striking blue eyes). Having seen him as the scarecrow in the Batman trilogy, I was interested in what other sorts of roles he has been cast in, so I started to watch some of the trailers and came across the trailer for 'In Time'.

The film is basically about a world where everyone is designated a certain amount of time (one year) to live once they've hit their 25th birthday. The way to earn more time is to work and/or to steal it from others.  The idea is really that time is money, as they are expected to pay for everything by giving up some of their time e.g. a minute or 2 months. Each person has a green clock on their arm which slowly counts down. Once they've hit 0 they 'time out' and die.

What is brilliant about this film is how the director and writer Andrew Niccol creates this hierarchy where the rich have all the time they need which means they live for years and years and are therefore immortal. The poor people on the other hand are living day by day to survive and are constantly close to 'timing out'.

The lead character (Will Salas) is  played by Justin Timberlake, who  I haven't ever really seen in a film before. I was therefore rather impressed with his acting in this film. The lead female role was performed by the talented  Amanda Seyfried who I have seen in many other films before such as Red Riding Hood and Dear John. This however is perhaps my favourite film that Amanda has been in due to her incredible portrayal of the character Sylvia Weis. And then there was of course the brilliant Cillian Murphy, who was very entertaining as his role as the timekeeper Raymond Leon, a coldhearted man who is pursuing Will and Sylvia.
The film contains a great deal of action and is really gripping throughout. If you like gun fights, car chases and casino type scenarios this film really won't disappoint. The concept is original and intriguing and has you on edge throughout the film. The cast all played their roles brilliantly.

I really would recommend watching this film.

If anyone has seen it please feel free to add your comments. Just please don't give away any spoilers for other readers unless you give a notice.

                  ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Welcome

Welcome!

This is my first official blog. As I am a massive film fanatic I have decided to create this blog where I will be posting reviews of all the film that I watch and also keeping an eye on the latest news and upcoming films. Please feel free to have a look around and add your comments and views. It would be great to find out what sorts of films everyone else is into and what you guys think of recent cinema releases.

At the moment I'm still setting up this blog, but keep an eye out as I will start posting a lot more information.

Thanks for visting.

Emily