Lets have a little (friendly) competition as we approach The Oscars (Sunday 26th February).
http://oscar.go.com/
Follow the link, have a read about the films and then decide (and post!) who you think will win the following categories:
Best Picture: - nominations are: The Artist, The Descendants, The Help, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, The Tree of Life, Moneyball, War Horse.
Best Actor: - nominations are: Demian Birchir, George Clooney, Jean Dujardin, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt.
Best Actress: - nominations are: Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams.
Supporting Actor: - nominations are: Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hill, Nick Nolte, Christopher Plummer, Max Von Sydow.
Supporting Actress: - nominations are: Berenice Bejo, Jessica Chastain, Melissa McCarthy, Janet McTeer, Octavia Spencer.
Cinematography: - The Artist, The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, Hugo, The Tree of Life, War House.
Prize to whoever is the most accurate in their predictions!! You have five days!
Monday, 20 February 2012
Hi
Remember when you review your films to think about how you could use them for the exam - questions you could ask yourself (and then post your thoughts about) are: if it is a British film is it distinctive or aimed at profit? It is one of the genres Britain as a film industry does well? Is it typical of its genre?
Remember when you review your films to think about how you could use them for the exam - questions you could ask yourself (and then post your thoughts about) are: if it is a British film is it distinctive or aimed at profit? It is one of the genres Britain as a film industry does well? Is it typical of its genre?
Friday, 10 February 2012
Carry on screaming
1966
Director; Gerald Thomas
Stars; Harry Corbett, Keneth Williams, Jim Dale, Petter Butterworth and Fenella Fielding
Plot;
Carry on screaming follows the life of DS Sidney Bung (Harry Corbett) and his DC Slobotham (Petter Butterworth) as they investigate the disappearance of Albert Potter's (Jim Dale) girlfriend. They soon come across a house that contains the undead beings of Doctor Orlando Watt (Keneth Williams) and his sister Valeria Watt (Fenella Fielding) who secrectly steal girls from the forest using their 'pet' Oddbod. When they have the girls they turn them into wax dolls to send to local clothes shops.
Response;
This film contains typical British humour as it mentions certain inn'your'endos that many Americans wouldn't get. I think that this film would be appropriate for any age but whether they get the humour is a different matter. The film contains many different aspects form other movies such as the concoction from Dr Jekyl's Mr Hyde and the electrical charges from Dr Frankenstien's monster. Overall this film will be suitable for any age as it is alot funnier than it is scary.
Director; Gerald Thomas
Stars; Harry Corbett, Keneth Williams, Jim Dale, Petter Butterworth and Fenella Fielding
Plot;
Carry on screaming follows the life of DS Sidney Bung (Harry Corbett) and his DC Slobotham (Petter Butterworth) as they investigate the disappearance of Albert Potter's (Jim Dale) girlfriend. They soon come across a house that contains the undead beings of Doctor Orlando Watt (Keneth Williams) and his sister Valeria Watt (Fenella Fielding) who secrectly steal girls from the forest using their 'pet' Oddbod. When they have the girls they turn them into wax dolls to send to local clothes shops.
Response;
This film contains typical British humour as it mentions certain inn'your'endos that many Americans wouldn't get. I think that this film would be appropriate for any age but whether they get the humour is a different matter. The film contains many different aspects form other movies such as the concoction from Dr Jekyl's Mr Hyde and the electrical charges from Dr Frankenstien's monster. Overall this film will be suitable for any age as it is alot funnier than it is scary.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Gypo (2006)
Director:- Jan Dunn
'Stars' :- Pauline McLynn (Helen) and Chloe Sirene (Tasha).
Synopsis:-
The film follows the lives of a family living in a near-poverty stricken lifestyle and on the verge on breaking up , when a Czechoslovakian refugee named Tasha enters their lives via their teenage daughter. She struggles for acceptance and to gain a British passport , so she can begin her new life free from oppression and past experiences.
Production Companies and Other Aspects:-
Medb Films , British Broadcasting Company (BBC) , Distant Eyes Films , Molinare Studio, Spotty Dog Films , VMI.
The film won , and was nominated for multiple awards such as 2005 British Independent Film Award (Won), 2005 Best First Feature (Won) , 2006 Special Mention to Cast and Crew (Won).
Response:-
I initially watched the film because the name suggested it would either be a comedy , or a foreign version of Snatch , then i read the information on the back of the cover. Though it wasn't what i expected it still sounded interesting and unique and I thought the film was relatively good and powerful as it showed the reality of the lower class families living in Britain and how they have to overcome everyday challenges. Then when Tasha comes into play it shows how her lifestyle , which in itself is even worse , effects their bonds and their attempt at freedom. It was one of the better British films i have seen as it related to both Foreign and British inhabiters of the UK.
Director:- Jan Dunn
'Stars' :- Pauline McLynn (Helen) and Chloe Sirene (Tasha).
Synopsis:-
The film follows the lives of a family living in a near-poverty stricken lifestyle and on the verge on breaking up , when a Czechoslovakian refugee named Tasha enters their lives via their teenage daughter. She struggles for acceptance and to gain a British passport , so she can begin her new life free from oppression and past experiences.
Production Companies and Other Aspects:-
Medb Films , British Broadcasting Company (BBC) , Distant Eyes Films , Molinare Studio, Spotty Dog Films , VMI.
The film won , and was nominated for multiple awards such as 2005 British Independent Film Award (Won), 2005 Best First Feature (Won) , 2006 Special Mention to Cast and Crew (Won).
Response:-
I initially watched the film because the name suggested it would either be a comedy , or a foreign version of Snatch , then i read the information on the back of the cover. Though it wasn't what i expected it still sounded interesting and unique and I thought the film was relatively good and powerful as it showed the reality of the lower class families living in Britain and how they have to overcome everyday challenges. Then when Tasha comes into play it shows how her lifestyle , which in itself is even worse , effects their bonds and their attempt at freedom. It was one of the better British films i have seen as it related to both Foreign and British inhabiters of the UK.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Withnail and I
Director: Bruce Robinson
Main stars: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths , Ralph Brown and Michael Elphick
Date of Release: 1987
Date viewed: 4/2/12
Brief Summary:
Sick of their grotty Camden Hovel, two unemployed actors embark on an ’idyllic’ holiday in the countryside with disastrous results. Nonstop rain, a decrepit cottage, no fuel, and empty store cupboards, force Marwood and Withnail to rely on their own survival skills and the threatening locals; both of which leave much to be desired. Problems only heighten with the appearance of Uncle Monty who, although solving the dilemma of malnutrition, brings a new and unwanted agenda to the equation.
My Response:
With little plot, the film revolves around the wit, intellect and personality of each character, created by the wonderful dialogue which is executed flawlessly.
It’s interesting, that the film wasn’t an immediate success when it first came out, but was thought to be too ‘Individual’ and ‘art house’ because it is now considered one of the best, funniest and indeed most iconic British comedies ever made.
The idyllic, yet comedic setting of the wet countryside and bad weather is very stereotypically British, but in no way mirrors the normal conformities of popular British film, rather highlighting the dreary aspects of English culture and our famous inability to stop complaining no matter what the situation.
If one thing did irritate me about the film, it was the main characters’ inabilities to stop squandering their money on alcohol. The minute either Withnail or Marwood came into any kind of money, they bought spirits, which although intended as a comedic element, did frustrate me a little.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Director: Jim Sharman
Date of Release: 1975
Date Viewed: 7th February 2012
Summary:
Date of Release: 1975
Date Viewed: 7th February 2012
Summary:
A newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, are driving
home when their car breaks down. Looking for a solution the couple end up at
the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite. He offers the couple to stay but a serious of
weird and colourful events take place including the Time Warp dance. Brad and Janet
have come on the night of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s party for his experiment with creating
a man. His creation comes to life and is called….Rocky Horror. After the guests
discover Frank-N-Furter is an alien he returns home to planet Transylvania,
leaving Riff Raff the butler and Magenta
the maid to declare that they have plans of their own.
Response:
I really
enjoyed this film despite the weirdness of it. It is full of energetic songs
which will get stuck in your head for a day! The characters are very memorable
which is down to a small yet great cast. As a cult film I didn’t quite know what
to expect, I had heard the songs but never watched the film and am glad to say
it was a good watch. After looking up about the film I read that people go and
watch the show dressed up as the characters….seems like fun…. But they through
things on the stage which does confuse me but I suppose that’s what the fans
like to do. I would definitely recommend this film but be prepared to be
singing the time warp over in your head again and again!
Name: The Boat That Rocked
Director: Richard Curtis
Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy & Nick Frost
Year of Production: 2009
Date Viewed: 23rd January 2012
Summary: Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to the pirate radio ship when he his mother decides it is time for him to sort himself out. However, it soon turns out the ship is the wrong place to sort yourself out. Battling against the government to keep the radio station going, Carl meets weird and wonderful people that change his life. Amongst the best days of his life, his fellow DJs help him uncover the mystery of his dad whilst also giving him the opportunity of love.
Response: I absoloutely love this film! The casting is brilliant and the soundtrack is classic. The narrative is light hearted and easy to watch. The film has an open narrative ending and therefore leaves opportunity for a sequel, which I hope they decide against for fear of ruining the first...
Exam: The Boat that Rocked is a successful co-production. It's production companies being
Universal Pictures, Studio Canal, Working Title Films, Medienproduktion Prometheus Filmgesellschaft, Portobello Studios & Tightrope Pictures
Director: Richard Curtis
Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy & Nick Frost
Year of Production: 2009
Date Viewed: 23rd January 2012
Summary: Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to the pirate radio ship when he his mother decides it is time for him to sort himself out. However, it soon turns out the ship is the wrong place to sort yourself out. Battling against the government to keep the radio station going, Carl meets weird and wonderful people that change his life. Amongst the best days of his life, his fellow DJs help him uncover the mystery of his dad whilst also giving him the opportunity of love.
Response: I absoloutely love this film! The casting is brilliant and the soundtrack is classic. The narrative is light hearted and easy to watch. The film has an open narrative ending and therefore leaves opportunity for a sequel, which I hope they decide against for fear of ruining the first...
Exam: The Boat that Rocked is a successful co-production. It's production companies being
Universal Pictures, Studio Canal, Working Title Films, Medienproduktion Prometheus Filmgesellschaft, Portobello Studios & Tightrope Pictures
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