Tag: chadwick boseman

Categories
Uncategorised

The Father (2020)

Florian Zeller’s directorial feature debut The Father was undoubtedly subject to a lot of critical and commercial praise and emerged as a favourite among many critic’s Best Film lists going into the Oscars. Starring Anthony Hopkins as Anthony, a father who is suffering with dementia, the film follows his deterioration into memory loss and despair as other characters begin to change actors and the setting begins to change. It is a deeply harrowing film that weaves feelings of thriller into the dramatic elements of the film. With great performances all round, especially from Hopkins and Olivia Colman who plays his daughter, Anne, The Father was a regular mainstay on the awards circuit this year, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning two with Zeller and Christopher Hampton winning Best Adapted Screenplay and Hopkins receiving the Best Actor gong in a shock win.

Zeller has been a prominent playwright winning many prestigious awards in France. The Father marks his directorial debut and its script is based on his play. What makes the film so effective is how well Zeller’s direction allows the flat to become a character in itself. As we become familiarised with every room and corridor in the flat, we begin to see the changes that Anthony notices to the point where the film plays as a thriller. Although The Father is not a horror in the traditional sense of the genre, there is something deeply horrific and disturbing about watching Anthony’s world and sense of self crumble as everything becomes more distorted and confused. The way that the script is paced and structured allows for this confusion and deterioration to be carried off successfully as scenes appear to overlap and the same dialogue occurs in different flats with different actors playing the same role. The only consistent aspect of the whole film is Hopkins playing Anthony. Everything else from the plot to the characters and the setting is subject to changes to highlight the spiral into confusion.

Hopkins’ win at the Academy Awards this year was one of the most shocking results as it had seemed that the late Chadwick Boseman was the favourite to win for his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. However, the competition in the Best Actor race was incredibly strong and both Hopkins and Boseman gave fantastic performances. Although seeing Boseman win would have been a lovely tribute on what was a life cut tragically short, Hopkins’ achievement in The Father shouldn’t be dismissed or overlooked. There is a reason why Hopkins is often referred to as the best actor working today and it is his ability to truly become the character and his fearless approach. The character of Anthony is extremely confident in himself at the beginning but we see his many layers begin to peel away as his struggles come to light and his concept of time and self begin to dissipate. Hopkins’ ability to shift the mood with the slight change of voice or a minor physical action carries the film and lifts it from being a play performed onscreen to a cinematic experience. It’s testament to Hopkins’ career that his role in The Father is being deemed one of his best considering the calibre of his actor.

In support, we have the extremely lovable Olivia Colman playing Anthony’s daughter, Anne. Colman is always a welcome presence in any film and The Father is no exception. If you’re going to have an actor playing with someone like Anthony Hopkins, you need to make sure they can match his calibre and Colman is one of the best actresses working today and is perfect casting. Coming off her Oscar winning turn in The Favourite, Colman is phenomenal as Anne, the tortured second daughter who lives in the shadow of her deceased sister, Lucy (Imogen Poots) and having to listen to her father talk to people about how Lucy is his favourite daughter. Where Anthony is seemingly happy and content at the start of the film, Anne is the opposite. Having sacrificed the happiness of her life to look after her father, Anne’s partner, Paul receives a job offer in Paris and wants her to join him. This is the perfect opportunity for Anne to begin to live her life and step out of the shadow of her family. Colman received a slew of award nominations including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination which was great to see because she really holds her own and proves to be a stellar screen partner against Hopkins.

Composer Ludovico Einaudi has had a brilliant year as he helped bring life to Chloe Zhao’s beautiful Best Picture winner, Nomadland as well as The Father. It’s incredible how different the scores are and yet are full of Einaudi signatures that help to bring his mark to the film. The score for The Father is gentle and intense at the same time and feels like a perfect mesh between drama and thriller without being over the top or overwhelming the scenes. It’s the subtly that makes the music a perfect undercurrent that propels the scenes forward and brings those confusions to light. The music in the final scene, particularly, is stunning and it is a real shame that Einaudi didn’t receive any nomination for his efforts for either film at the Academy Awards as that would have been well deserved.

What The Father does so well in this cinematic adaptation is its ability to elevate itself from a stage production onscreen thanks to the use of the direction and performances. With a stellar script that bends all of the rules, The Father is not an easy watch by any means but it is by far one of the best films to come out of this awards season. Boasting fantastic performances by Hopkins and Colman, it may not have all of the bells and whistles that come with a lot of big blockbuster films but like Nomadland, The Father thrives in its simplicity and allows the script and characters to help bring the drama to life.

What did you think of The Father? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Uncategorised

Top 5 Films of 2020

2020 has certainly been a whirlwind of a year for many reasons thanks due to global pandemic. Like many others within the film community, I have found solace in films during the difficult times and the closure of cinemas have resulted in the majority of new releases being released onto streaming services. My website has seen huge growth and I feel more confident in my writing now thanks to all of the support. This year also saw me review my first lot of film festivals with London Film Festival and Raindance Film Festival providing unforgettable experiences.

As a lot of people begin to post their Best of 2020, I thought I would do the same. Rather than do a top 10, I thought I would do a top 5 instead (it’ll become clear why when you see my choices). Bear in mind that I am counting films that were released after this year’s awards season so films like Parasite won’t be included (if I had included them, it would have to be a top 30 and I don’t have the time sorry!). I will be writing a mini review for each but my full reviews that be accessed by clicking the links.

Before I commence my top 5, I want to give an honourable mention goes to Pedro Almodóvar’s spectacular short film, The Human Voice. As my list consists of feature length films, I thought I would mention The Human Voice here. Featuring a stellar Tilda Swinton performance (as if she delivers anything less!), it’s a fantastic glimpse into the deterioration of a woman whose life slowly becomes to fall apart as she comes to terms with the end of her relationship. You can read my fuller review for The Human Voice here.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 films of the year:

5) Soul

Kicking off this list is the first of two animation choices. In a year of strong animation output, Pixar’s Soul was the most discussed, especially since their awards attention was going to be pushed onto this film more than Onward which was released just before lockdown. Just when you thought Pixar couldn’t get bigger with their imagination, they got Pixar legend Pete Docter in to direct yet another masterpiece. A film that delves deep into one man’s life and his purpose, Soul is mesmerising in both its animation and narrative. At times abstract and bizarre, it feels artistic at times thanks to the limitless minds at Pixar which is what makes the studio so exciting. Boasting an A list cast and a score to die for (pun intended), Soul kicks off this list with hugely high standard.

4) Small Axe

So my number 4 choice is a tad controversial as I have given it to Steve McQueen’s revolutionary anthology film series Small Axe rather than a specific film from the collection. Hear me out though! I initially had compiled a top 10 and unsurprisingly, it was overwhelmed with the films from Small Axe and so I wanted to acknowledge McQueen’s phenomenal cinematic achievement in one go. Spanning several decades and showing the discrimination faced by the West Indies community in London, Small Axe explores well known stories such as first installment Mangrove and lesser known issues as seen in the concluding installment Education. Each film as good as the last, McQueen is one of the most exciting directors working today (you can read my article on his films here). He is a fearless filmmaker who isn’t afraid to confront the racial issues head on, whether that is through the realistic brutality endured at the hands of the police sworn to protect or the vile discriminatory language used to belittle the community. Small Axe is an anthology series that has flipped the script on how filmmaking can be perceived as well as making that important statement that the issues explored haven’t completely gone away.

3) Da 5 Bloods

It couldn’t be a proper top 5 without the incredible Spike Lee. Following on the flawless Blackkklansman with the equally stellar Da 5 Bloods, Lee takes us through the African-American experience in Vietnam during the war and its aftermath. Following 4 men returning to Vietnam to locate their fellow soldier’s body, Da 5 Bloods is a film that makes it statement, showcasing the struggle of men who fought for a country that treats them unfairly. Mixing in different forms of film to provide a wider historical perspective, Lee is a true master of making his films into political statements that have plenty to say. His films are made to show the disturbance within a system that is sworn to protect its people. The racial discord is clearly one that is still evident today and those connections from the Vietnam War to now is evident in how Da Bloods are treated throughout the film. Disrespected wherever they go, the men can only find true solace in each other because no one else has had their experience both in the literal war and racial war.

2) I’m Thinking of Ending Things

My number 2 pick takes us deep into the wonderful world of writer-director-genius Charlie Kaufman with his adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things. In true Kaufman style, what begins as a straightforward narrative in which an unnamed woman (Jessie Buckley) contemplates ending her relationship with partner, Jake (Jesse Plemons) soon turns into a winding labyrinth into the subconscious where reality and fiction and time and space become completely fluid to the point where nothing really makes sense. Eventually, the woman’s name is changed on a regularly basis and the tone shifts from drama and comedy to thriller and suspense. It’s a film that doesn’t allow you to glance away for a moment. Kaufman really is one of a kind but it is his mind and imagination that has drawn fans in again and again. His films are entirely up to interpretation so one person may take something from the film whereas the person next to them will take another. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a film you will either love or hate but the bottom line is you will feel strongly about it one way or other.

1) Wolfwalkers

Just as we begun the top 5 with an animation, we’ll end it with an animation as well. Easily my top pick for this year is the incredible Wolfwalkers. Cartoon Saloon’s latest offering is beautiful beyond words and becomes even more magical on every rewatch. Available now on Apple TV, not only does it deserve to sweep the animation categories, it fully deserves to be a contender among the Best Picture nominees when the time comes. I go into more detail on my review which you can access by clicking the film title but be assured that Wolfwalkers is a film that will impact you long after viewing it. From the contrasting artistic styles to showcase the conflicts within the film to the spellbinding music, Wolfwalkers is a film that provides escapism while also incorporating important life lessons and folklore in a way that is engaging to audiences of all ages.

While this year has been one full of challenges and sadness, film can always be a portal to escape those troubles for an hour or two. Despite the closure of cinemas, this has been an extremely strong year for film and the upcoming awards season has proved to show huge competition, particularly in the acting, directing and writing categories. A year of diversity across all mediums has shown the desire and importance to create films from cast and crew from varying background. Not only does this give something different to what the usually white mainstream cinema is accustomed to but the differing perspective makes way for revolutionary discussion and helps to break those barriers.

What were your favourite films this year? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Uncategorised

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Continuing my awards season viewing with this fantastic stage to screen adaptation of August Wilson’s play of the same name. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom follows the titular Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), a blues singer and her band as they spend the day recording a new song in a studio in Chicago. Directed by George C. Wolfe and adapted by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a masterclass in acting performance, particularly by Viola Davis as the vivacious Ma and Chadwick Boseman is astonishing as band trumpeter, Levee.

The film is produced by Daniel Washington as part of a 10 film deal and follows 2016’s Fences. Washington directed Fences and decided to keep the original play script by Wilson as the film shooting script. This caused some restrictions as film and stage are naturally so different that the transition between the two is not always seamless. Sometimes the dialogue between characters can carry too much exposition onscreen which can make a film feel clunky. What Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom successful is Santiago-Hudson’s adaptation of the script to lift it from stage to screen. What Santiago-Hudson does is elevate the dialogue so it has more flow and rhythm for the film’s fast pace without compromising the integrity of Wilson’s original script. He also keeps it as restricted as possible in terms of location meaning that it is an extremely loyal adaptation. This is how plays are meant to be adapted from stage to screen.

To say Viola Davis’ performance is transformative would be a huge understatement. She becomes Ma in such a way that you really forget that it is Davis beneath the character. I have written on Davis’ top performances in the past (which you can read here) and her performance as Ma would easily sit among them. From the moment she commands the screen belting out numbers to large crowds, it’s clear that Ma is a force of nature. A character who knows her worth and knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to express this. It’s easy to see what drew Davis to the role and she fits it so perfectly. As a black woman, so many people, particularly her white manager, try to dictate the creative choices and tell her what sells but Ma knows her fans the most and will know what they want.

Also being campaigned for lead is the late Chadwick Boseman as rebellious trumpeter Levee. Sadly losing his fight against cancer earlier this year, Boseman leaves behind a legacy that has resonated with so many fans around the globe. Rounding off his professional career posthumously have been Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods (you can read my review here) and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Whereas the former will likely see him nominated for a Supporting Actor gong, it is this lead performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom that could secure him a well-deserved win. Levee is a dreamer who wants nothing more than to write songs and perform his own way. His strong personality clashes greatly with Ma who constantly puts him down. Like his character, Boseman never misses a beat and remains upbeat and charismatic throughout. Captivating the screen with his strength, this performance is definitely among the best of the year. This performance is definitely one to beat in the Oscars race next year for sure and it’s heartbreaking that Boseman isn’t here to see the legacy that he has left behind. A true icon who was showcasing a huge range.

Overall, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom did not disappoint and will undoubtedly provide a slew of Oscar nominations and hopefully wins, particularly for Boseman. A beautiful swansong to sing out his legacy in a performance that is so captivating and demands to be watched and then watched again to really get under the layers. Where Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom really succeeds is showing the struggle of black women in a society that dictates how they should be. Ma is constantly told how she should act and what she should sing. Not only does this show degradation of her as a character but also the African-American culture as a whole. The final scene in which an all white band perform one of Levee’s songs only supports this.

What did you think of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom? Let me know in the comments below!

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is available to watch now on Netflix.

Categories
Uncategorised

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Admittedly, it has taken me a long time to get around to watching this film but it has been one of my most anticipated for the year. As a huge Spike Lee fan, I am always excited to see what he brings out. After his brilliant 2018 offering Blackkklansman that finally won him a deserved competitive Oscar, the anticipation for Da 5 Bloods has been a repeat of much discussion for the upcoming awards season. The film follows four American veterans known as the “Bloods” who meet up in Vietnam to reflect on their time in the war and to search for their leader and the treasure they buried. Featuring a fantastic cast led by Delroy Lindo with support from the late great Chadwick Boseman.

As we have come to expect from Lee’s films, the direction and writing is top-notch. For Da 5 Bloods, Lee has collaborated with Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo and Kevin Willmott and I think usually four screenwriters can cause a bit of conflict in tone and dialogue but it works here. Da 5 Bloods is a two and a half epic filled with an array of detailed characters. Having multiple screenwriters actually enriches the quality of the writing and paired with Lee’s realist directorial approach, is pulled off brilliantly. Mixing the modern Vietnam with flashbacks as well as frequent clips from the news to draw parallels with the Vietnam War and the modern racial war in America. What makes Lee’s films so unique is his ability to combine multiple film mediums that feels as though you are watching a documentary at some points. Lee is undoubtedly a political filmmaker and this makes some viewers uncomfortable but it is an unapologetic point of view that I think contributes to a fearless and boundary-pushing approach to filmmaking itself.

As American veteran Paul, Delroy Lindo is phenomenal. Paul is clearly damaged from his experiences in the war. The more time he spends in Vietnam, the more aggressive and vulnerable he becomes. All of the men suffer from PTSD but in Paul’s case, this causes him to lash out violently. In one particular scene, a Vietnamese man tries to sell a chicken and this causes Paul to reach a boiling point, almost jumping to beat the man up when accused of killing his parents. The visit to Vietnam allows Paul to face his demons and confront the problems he has had in the subsequent years since Vietnam. His reluctance to talk about his experiences to a professional has resulted in the issues surfacing in such a way that he is unable to deal with his emotions. Netflix are campaigning for Lindo in the Leading categories for the upcoming awards season and I think he presents a very strong competition. It would be great to see such a challenging and developed role rewarded.

Chadwick Boseman’s performance as squad leader, Norman, is flawless. When onscreen, he commands the scene and acts the hell out of his character. It is clear that he is having fun in the role, maintaining the importance and dignity that the character represents. After gaining worldwide acclaim for his performance as the titular Black Panther, it’s brilliant to see Boseman in a film that is entirely different and demanding in a different way. Boseman’s performance is a snippet of what he could have continued to achieve before his untimely death earlier this year. I hope his performance is recognised in the Supporting categories with at least a nomination come award season. This role is a phenomenal addition to his extensive legacy and showcases his ability to adapt to genre pieces.

As with Blackkklansman, another great collaborator who Lee frequently works with is composer Terence Blanchard. Blanchard’s specialty is the trumpet and the strong brass sounds come through in this score, bringing the militia sound as a constant backdrop to the action. In addition, there are many songs fro. The 1970s included as well as classical pieces such as Richard Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” which has become iconic in modern culture thanks to its inclusion in  the film Apocalypse Now, another film that looks at the Vietnam War. What Lee and Blanchard are doing by including such pieces are subverting the typical white-dominated war film and showing it from an African-American perspective.

Overall, Lee has knocked it out the park yet again with his fearless look into the African-American experience during the Vietnam war. Proving that he is still at the top of his game more than ever, Lee has made a film that again shows parallels with the mistreatment of African-Americans today with the mid-20th century. His ability to masterfully mix various mediums such as feature film, news clipping, cultural references in the music and performances that push the actors to their limits combine to make a film that seems as though it transcends the film medium and becomes art. A fantastic achievement for Spike Lee and I hope his efforts are rewarded come awards season.

What did you think of Da 5 Bloods? Let me know in the comments!

Da 5 Bloods is available to watch on Netflix now.