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London Film Festival 2020: The Human Voice

One of the projects I was really excited to watch was this half an hour short film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar based on a play of the same name by Jean Cocteau. Premiering at this year’s Venice Film Festival, I was so excited to see that it was included in the London Film Festival line-up and knew I had to watch it. Starring the incredible Tilda Swinton as a nameless Woman whose mental health diminishes as her partner goes missing for three days. With the exception of a scene near the beginning in which Swinton’s character buys an axe from a hardware store, she is the only character onscreen. Primarily set in her luxurious apartment filled with glamorous clothes and modern art placed everywhere, it would seem that the character has a life worth dreaming but we soon learn that this is a mask for something much darker.

In true Almodóvar style, there is a heavy focus on the setting and a strong visual aesthetic that usually is more telling than the dialogue. The attic apartment the woman lives in is clearly a set within a warehouse. This highlights that like all the luxurious goods she owns that the materials are all fake. What Almodóvar does brilliantly is an analytical breakdown of a character that is shown little by little like a puzzle piece. Even when presenting a short film, it is filled with so much story and character analysis that a lot of features miss out. The script is action based in the first act before becoming dominated by what could be described as a monologue as the Woman talks to her estranged partner but we only hear her side. The way the camera follows the Woman from above and completely exposes the set is a fantastic artistic choice as well. It really plays into that feeling of the Woman being trapped inside a doll’s house and being stuck in her own little world.

Tilde Swinton is always a tour de force in whatever she does and this film is definitely a collaboration between her and Almodóvar. It makes perfect sense that they would work together. Her performance is, as expected, executed to perfection. Her magnetism draws you and you want to understand the character and get to know her. When she receives a call from her estranged partner, she plugs in her wireless earphones to talk to him. We don’t hear anything he says only her response. It is during this increasingly intense conversation that the mask begins to slip and cracks start to show. We understand her actions and why she has bought the axe and attacked the bed with it. The apartment clearly acts like a bird cage that the Woman cannot seem to escape from even though she knows that her relationship has come to an end. As she progresses in her conversation, she finds herself unwilling to dominate control over her partner and finds herself constantly apologising and submitting to his every whim. It is when he appears to hang up at a tender moment that breaks her and she is able to break away from his and regain her control. Although it may seem simple to be in a film by yourself, it is actually the opposite and Swinton knocks out a performance that I would argue is among her best.

The music composed by Alberto Iglesias is breathtaking and elevates the film to that dramatic and cinematic level. As the Woman lingers around the house and ventures to the hardware store, the score is what provides that ambience. The music allows the unspoken words to come through and is ever increasing in tension as the build up to the phone conversation takes place. It really assisted in heightening the drama and expressing the loneliness and mental fragility that the Woman feels.

Despite only being thirty minutes, this has proven to be one of the highlights of the festival for me. Almodóvar can always be relied on to deliver a project that is captivating and thrilling with a hint of horror without actually showing gore. His control as a filmmaker is superb and not everyone could pull off such a complex project in a way that feels so cinematic and artistic. The Human Voice is a reflection not only of what one can do with limited resources but that great cinema can be created with the pandemic restrictions.

The Human Voice is showing at BFI London Film Festival on the 17th October and will be released in the United Kingdom on the 6th November.

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Top 5 Jim Carrey Performances

Jim Carrey is an actor who time and time again demonstrates the range that he has, despite his solidified reputation as a brilliant comedian. He has been playing leading roles since his meteoric rise to fame in the 90s that have become classics such as Ace Ventura and The Mask. There is a reason why he was Hollywood’s highest paid actor at one point, he has such charisma that his films are incredibly fun to watch. It is unbelievable to think that he has never been nominated for an Academy Award despite winning two Golden Globes and showing that he is capable of pulling off performances that are memorable and impactful.

Carrey was one of my favourite actors growing up. I loved watching his films thanks to his larger than life characters and his hilarious physical comedy, particularly his dramatic expressions. What has been wonderful about Carrey’s career is seeing him evolve and taking part in a variety of differing roles from his mid-90s expressive comedy to his more serious roles in the late 90s and early 2000s. Like marmite, people tend to either love or hate Carrey’s work and I am definitely in the former.

Here are my top 5 Jim Carrey performances in chronological order:

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)

One of those rare instances where I enjoy the sequel much more than the original, Carrey reprises his role as the titular pet detective which sees Ventura recruited for a mission to retrieve a rare white bat that belongs to the native Wachati tribe. The film is an explosion of signature Carrey jokes and the film is my personal highlight of the mid-90s period where Carrey was all the rage. His unpredictability still remains the main point of attention for audiences as we watch him knock out a man and wear him on his shoulders to make a point on the fur trade as well as numerous musical moments including a hilarious rendition of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. My personal highlight, however, is the seen in which he encounters the bats for the first time bringing us great lines such as “take that, you winged spawn of Satan” and “die, devil bird”. His filmography at thie point in his career wasn’t for everyone as it is so over the top but personally, I love it and it’s interesting watching this film back and watching it from an animal rights point of view.

The Truman Show (1998)

The film that showed an entirely different side to Carrey’s range, The Truman Show sees Carrey play Truman, a man who believes he is living a regular suburban life when in fact it is a reality show filled with actors that is broadcast to the world. Truman begins to suspect that something isn’t quite right and tries to escape the edge of his town where he hasn’t been before. It’s a poignant film about identity and finding that sense of belonging. Truman’s life has always unknowingly been synonomous with a global audience who share his journey. Truman has always been controlled by the show’s creator, Christoph (Ed Harris) who acts like the puppet master. He adds in drama and conflict if Truman’s life is going swimmingly. Carrey’s performance is a true tour de force thanks to his naive and subtle approach to the role. He is able to detract from the typecast view that he has created in his filmography thus far. It is because of his ability to switch between ranges so well that won him a Golden Globe for his troubles.

Man on the Moon (1999)

Following on from his critical and commercial success as Truman in The Truman Show, Carrey knocks it out of the park again in this biopic that seems him play Andy Kaufman, a man who redefined comedy in the 1970s. This film sees Carrey join forces with the brillint director Milos Forman and gives him the chance to show that The Truman Show performance wasn’t a stroke of luck. His portrayal of Kaufman is fantastic as we follow his rise in comedy and his stints on Saturday Night Live as well as the TV show Taxi which he starred in. The film overall isn’t the best but usually biopics allow for the actor portraying the subject to really standout as Carrey does here. He is the major draw and highlight but this isn’t a bad thing because he has such command on the role. Also hearing how he stayed in character offset shows his commitment and dedication to getting his performance right shows that he does take his roles seriously. His impersonation strikes the right tone, it is never over the top in classic Jim Carrey style and eventually the audience forgets that we are watching an actor rather than Kaufman himself.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

My favourite Jim Carrey performance comes in the form of this career-defining film following Joel (Carrey), a man unhappy with his life who finds out that his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has had her memory wiped off him by the mysterious Lacuna Incorporated and shows him undergoing the same treatment to get rid of his memories of Clementine. Charlie Kaufman’s script is fantastic and won him a well-deserved Oscar that has redefined original screenplay writing in the 21st century. The concept is so bizarre and yet the humour is subdued within a darker context making way for the film to focus on the drama within Joel and Clementine’s relationship. Carrey’s performance should have garnered him an Academy Award nomination but sadly it wasn’t to be. His portrayal of Joel is tinged with sadness throughout. The idea of not being with Clementine initially to the realisation that he will lose all memories of her while he is being forced to relive the memories during his procedure. It’s a heartbreaking film about the breakdown of a relationship and is made real by the strength of Carrey and WInslet’s performance.

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

2004 was a resounding success for Carrey who made an unforgettable appearance in this popular adaptation of the best-selling series of the same name. Playing the villainous Count Olaf, Carrey channels his signature overtly expressive humour as his figuratively and literally towers over the three bauldelaire orphans who are subject to his care after the tragic death of their parents. The film is littered with stars including Joan Cusack, Timothy Spall and Meryl Streep but it is Carrey who shines the most. His performance was exactly how I envisioned Count Olaf would be when reading the books. The film overall strikes a completely different tone but Carrey’s performance is overly dramatic, unapologetically obnoxious and loud but most importantly, he has charisma which is crucial for the role. The film does have its flaws but Carrey’s performance is definitely not one. He is clearly having fun being in such a menacing role and it makes the film enjoyable to watch.

There are so many performances that could have been included in this list such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and Bruce Almighty (2003) but I think that the films I have listed above really demonstrate Carrey at his best. Although he hasn’t done many major roles in recent years, i hope he does make a comeback because it’ll be interesting to see what kinds of roles he would take on.

Do you agree with the films I have picked? Which Jim Carrey performance and/or film is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 5 Emma Stone Performances

Emma Stone is one of the most exciting young actresses working today. She worked her way up in the ranks of quirky teenage comedies proving her ability to perform in an array of roles in various genres along the way. In such a short career, we have seen her portray a young writer in a segregated community in the 1960s Deep South, the drug-addicted daughter of a washed-up actor and a conniving maid working her way up to win the favour of the Queen of England. Naturally, she has made some mishaps in her career (most notably, her controversial turn in Aloha as a quarter-Chinese, half-Hawaiian woman which she openly regrets) but for the most part, she has grown and matured as a performer. Even her turn in the darkly comedic picture, The Favourite shows a huge improvement from her turns in Superbad and Easy A.

Nominated for 3 Oscars with a win in 2016 for La La Land, Stone’s star shows no sign of dimming any time soon and with her upcoming Cruella de Vil origin story set to hit the screens in 2021, it’s exciting to see what else she will do. She is a star who doesn’t divulge hugely in the celebrity lifestyle and clearly has an ingrained passion for her craft which is refreshing to see. Easy A proved to be her breakthrough into leading roles and what she has achieved within a decade, most people would spend their whole careers dreaming of. What better way to celebrate Stone’s illustrious career than discussing the highlights.

Here are my top 5 Emma Stone performances in chronological order:

Easy A (2010)

Stone’s first leading performance just so happens to be one of the 21st century defining teen comedies. Stone plays Olive Penderghast, a bright and overlooked student who is quick with her wit and yet underwhelmed with her current social standing. During a party, she pretends to have sex with a friend to stop rumours that he is gay and word quickly spreads about “slutty” Olive as she pretends to have sex with guys in her school in exchange for gifts. We see Olive thrust into the spotlight reluctantly and judged by her peers and the teachers at her school. The script is fantastic and the scenes where Olive and hardcore Christian Marianne Bryant (Amanda Bynes) face off are incredible. Olive is a brilliant character because she is so self-aware of the mistakes that she makes and the web of lies that she is trapped within. It is the sincerity that Stone portrays Olive with that really brings that emotion to the surface as she records her side of the situation on the webcam. She doesn’t try to justify what she has done but she uses it to explain why she decided to do what she did. There is also an amazing supporting cast including Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as Olive’s parents and a welcome cameo from Malcolm McDowell as Principal Gibbons. Even though it is a film aimed for a teenage audience, there is plenty there for an adult audience to enjoy.

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The Help (2011)

This film sees Stone cast against type and venturing into more dramatic roles. The Help is a film mired in controversy due its white saviour narrative disguised in a well-meaning intentions. I do believe that director, Tate Taylor, didn’t realise this when making the film and I do think that the cast do a brilliant job with the script that they’re given. Stone portrays the lead, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, an aspiring journalist who looks to chronicle the treatment of black maids in Jackson in 1960s Mississippi. Skeeter fits the typical white saviour tropes as her character has been created with hindsight. She is made to be an outsider as she doesn’t fit in with the ideals that are expected from the white community as she yearns to have a career in a “man’s world”. Because she doesn’t fit in with the white community, she finds that this is something she has in common with the black community, specifically the maids who work for her friends and Constantine (Cicely Tyson), the Phelan family’s maid from Skeeter’s childhood. These are definite flaws that are present throughout the film and have been justifiably addressed since the film’s release. I have included Stone’s performance in this list, however, because I think that this performance shows a different side and her ability to lead a large starry cast. The Help was made with a big budget and did extremely well in the box office and critically, receiving nominations in awards season and wins for Octavia Spencer who plays the brilliant Minnie. Stone plays Skeeter interestingly as she is a character who observes and listens to the stories. She steps back and watches the action unfold. A lot of her acting in this film is through expression rather than words which Stone brings in abundance and although the concept of the film is flawed, I think the sincerity that Stone brings to the character shouldn’t be entirely overlooked.

Birdman: or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (2014)

Anyone who claims that Stone has just struck lucky and isn’t a good actress needs only to watch her performance in Best Picture winner Birdman. The film follows Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), an actor known for his previous outings as superhero Birdman and his attempt to break into serious acting by directing and starring in an adaptation of Ray Carver’s short story “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” work on Broadway. Stone plays Sam, Riggan’s daughter who has recently come out of rehab and is learning to adjust without drugs. It’s a small role and yet Stone shines bright among the starry cast. The scene in which she has a breakdown after Riggan finds her weed is astonishing and well-deserving of the Oscar nomination that Stone received. This is a role in which see a darker side of Stone where the character of Sam is emotionally exhausted which comes across in Stone’s physicality. Her character drifts and becomes ghostlike such as the dressing room scene in which she fades into the background as Lesley (Naomi Watts) storms in and starts ranting about her to Mike (Edward Norton). In a film that relies on such quick pacing and non-stop movement by its cast and crew as the camera winds its way down the corridors of the theatre, it is Sam that brings it to a halt in her scenes. Her easiness and contemplative nature are reflected in the way the film is structured and her scenes see her fixated in one room rather than moving.

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La La Land (2015)

La La Land showed Stone’s already shining star skyrocket to a global phenomenon as she swept awards season for her role as Mia in Damien Chazelle’s homage to the classical musical. The film follows aspiring starlet Mia who works in a café at a film studio and her chance encounter with aspiring jazz musician, Sebastien (Ryan Gosling) and their subsequent romance. The film is clearly inspired by films such as Les Parapluies des Cherbourg (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg) and Casablanca which Chazelle has listed among his favourite films. It’s a beautiful film filled with nostalgia while giving it a 21st twist and innovative direction. Stone is impeccable in her role as an actress playing an actress who is yet to have a big break in Hollywood. We see her fail in auditions initially mainly due to her lack of confidence. Her passion for acting is clear when she talks but she is unable to project that passion for the casting directors. Through the film and the romance with Sebastien, she becomes unguarded and unafraid to be herself. The character is refreshing and begins to experience a new perspective on life. This results in the iconic audition scene, with the song “Audition”, in which Mia sings about an aunt whose freedom inspires her.

The Favourite (2018)

Probably my favourite Emma Stone performance, The Favourite is a brilliant insight into British history from the weird mind of Yorgos Lanthimos. Stone plays Abigail, a young maid whose father gambled her off in a whist. She arrives at Queen Anne’s (Olivia Colman) palace seeking employment and works in the kitchens as a scullery maid until the ruthless and watchful eye of her aristocratic cousin, Sarah, the Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz). It’s a fantastic love triangle as Sarah and Abigail fight for the Queen’s favour. The film undoubtedly belongs to Colman, who won an Oscar for her troubles but Stone is utterly captivating. She bounces off perfectly to both Colman and Weisz, allowing her cruel nature to bubble beneath the surface. Sarah is known for her loyalty to the crown and her firmness but Abigail keeps her motivations hidden and brings a sweet and innocent exterior. It’s extraordinary seeing Stone play such an evil character with so much charm and charisma that her award nominations were inevitable. This film was my favourite from this year’s awards season and it was such a shame seeing it not receiving the attention that it deserved. It’s so rare seeing three female characters dominating a film with fleshed out personalities that are complex and captivating and that’s exactly what Lanthimos has done. I would love to see another Lanthimos/Stone collaboration on the cards in the future.

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It’s amazing to think that these 5 performances show different sides to Stone and yet there is a 8 year difference between the first and last with three Oscar nominations, including a win in between. I don’t think that Stone is an actress who should be overlooked and I think that she is someone who has even more up her sleeve. I am very excited to see what the future brings for her.

Which Emma Stone performance is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 5 Andrew Garfield Performances

Andrew Garfield is one of the most exciting millennial actors out there with a huge resume under his belt that boasts film, theatre and television. Since his breakout role in David Fincher’s The Social Network, Garfield’s talents have gone from strength to strength and his career has brought him an Academy Award nomination, two BAFTA nominations and a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production of Angels in America. He’s a fearless actor and clearly wants to stretch himself and show off the range he has.

His filmography isn’t as extensive as his television and stage work but this proves the care that he takes in selecting his roles. One his earlier roles that I absolutely adore is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) which in true Terry Gilliam style is utterly bonkers but Garfield is wonderful as troupe member, Anton. The fact that that performance doesn’t even make the top 5 just shows his skill as an actor.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 Andrew Garfield performances in chronological order:

The Social Network (2010)

The one that gave him his big breakout into the mainstream, Garfield plays Harvard student, Eduardo Saverin a seed investor for Thefacebook, a website created by fellow student and friend, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg). In this biopic following the founding of the world’s biggest social media platform, we see Garfield in a significant supporting role in which sees him as a crucial part of Facebook’s inception and then ultimately his ownership is reduced and his profit is minimal. Bolstered by a stellar script by Aaron Sorkin and brilliant direction by Fincher, the part of Saverin is already a meaty role but Garfield goes the extra mile and makes the most of his limited screen time. Even when he is not on the screen, his impact is felt throughout the film. It shows that even at the early stages of his film career, Garfield is looking for risky roles. Not to mention the perfect delivery of the line: Sorry! My Prada’s at the cleaners! Along with my hoodie and my ‘fuck you’ flip-flops, you pretentious douchebag!

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Based on the novel of the same name by Nobel prize winner Kazao Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go is a nostalgic dystopic story about unknowing clones who are raised and brought up to be harvested for their organs. Following the three protagonists Kathy H (Carey Mulligan), Ruth C (Keira Knightley) and Tommy D (Garfield) who are three donors. We watch their journey from their innocent childhood to fully aware adults and the deterioration of their friendships and their lives as they are forced to donate their organs and start dying in the process. Garfield holds his own against this starry cast which also features Charlotte Rampling and Sally Hawkins to name a few. Tommy D is such a complex character as he begins to express his feelings through art in the hope that this will save him and Kathy H. At the start of the film, Tommy is an angry young boy who doesn’t know where to project his frustration but the adult Tommy is more restrained. You can see the tension bubbling to the service with Garfield’s performance and the climactic scene in which he breaks down is heart-breaking to watch. Watching the desperation as Tommy accumulates years and years of art in which his love is expressed and ultimately rejected makes for one of the best performances of the year that was sadly overlooked.

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99 Homes (2014)

Now for my favourite Garfield performance. Fresh off the back from starring as Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man and it’s subsequent sequel, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Garfield would be starring in blockbuster after blockbuster. However, he not only starred but also co-produced his next film 99 Homes, an indie following construction worker, Dennis Nash (Garfield) and his struggle to keep a job which leads to his family being evicted from their home. The eviction is led by the ruthless Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) who Nash starts to work for and begins to be led down a rabbit hole of corruption and deceit. It shows the desperation to survive in a failing climate and what people will do in the pursuit of security. Nash commits awful criminal and moral activities but we don’t judge him for it because we know the background behind this and the intentions. When Dennis is forced to carry out an eviction, his reaction is the complete opposite to Rick’s emotionless demeanor. Whereas Shannon thrives portraying impenetrable characters, Garfield’s characters always wear their heart on their sleeve and none more so than Dennis Nash. Shannon definitely dominates the film as a whole and also provides one of his own career bests but Garfield’s performance should not be overlooked because of this. Seeing him play a young, struggling father who is also tasked with taking care of his mother (Laura Dern) demonstrates his range and versatility.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

The biggest performance of his career so far and one that cemented him as a reliable leading man, Garfield leads this biopic about Desmond Doss, a pacifist soldier who acts as a doctor during the Battle of Okinawa at Hacksaw Ridge. Doss refuses to engage in any violent act and even goes into battle without a weapon to protect himself. He was renowned for savings the lives of countless soldiers on both sides. The film itself was a bit overrated as a whole in my opinion (it felt like an imitation of Full Metal Jacket in the first half and is overall an oddly paced film) but Garfield shines in the lead role. There are some unbelievably brilliant scenes such as the climb up the Ridge when the soldiers realise that the rope ladders is soaked with blood. The film is definitely worth a watch just for Garfield’s performance alone and was well worth the Oscar nomination it received. The film was met with controversy thanks to Mel Gibson’s involvement as director and his subsequent awards attention. In my opinion, however, I find his direction a bit too indulgent in this film and not one of the highlights. This is a film that Garfield alone elevates, telling the story of a peacemaker’s experience in the eye of a bloody war.

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Silence (2016)

2016 was unarguably a brilliant year for Garfield. His second feature of the year sees him working with Martin Scorsese in an adaptation of Silence as Father Sebastião Rodrigues, a Portuguese priest who ventures to Edo era Japan to seek out fellow priest Cristóvão Ferreira (Liam Neeson). The film is set during the Shimabara Rebellion that sees Christianity outlawed and anyone who refuses to denounce Christ tortured or killed. Accompanied by Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver), Sebastião’s faith is tried and tested throughout as this 3 hour epic follows the trials and tribulations of a suppressed community in a land where they are outsiders. The film is a slow burner but it is a deeply layered film with rewardingly textured performances. Both 2016 films see Garfield play devout Christians in war-torn Japan at different eras but the performances couldn’t be further apart. The psychological effects of torture that Sebastião is forced to endure is shown perfectly by Garfield. We feel Sebastião’s inner turmoil as his reluctance to denounce Christ harms not only himself but others around him.

It’s exciting to see an actor unafraid to showcase a diverse range in a multitude of mediums. He has achieved a lot in a relatively short amount of time and it’s exciting to see what projects he takes on next.

Which Andrew Garfield performance is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 5 Viola Davis Performances

A reigning Queen of the Silver Screen, Viola Davis is a titan of acting who shows us time and time again that she really is among the best of the best. She is also the first black actress to receive the Triple Crown of Acting. She is renowned for her grace and poise, she fights for what she believes in and only takes on roles that she wants. She is an icon in a number of different ways but for me, it is her passion for acting and determination to get to the heart of her characters that really stands out for me. You can tell that she truly loves what she does and that she puts herself into the characters whether it be an FBI agent in Suicide Squad, the mother of a missing child in Prisoners or a woman broken by a society that cripples her family because of the colour of their skin in Fences. I can’t even begin to say how much I love VIola Davis as an actress and activist

As ever, these posts delve into film performances so even though her inputs in projects such as the TV series How to Get Away With Murder are incredible, they won’t be added in the list. This also makes it a bit easier when picking the performances for my list.

Here are my top 5 performances in chronological order:

Doubt (2008)

The breakthrough performance that cemented Davis’ career onscreen, Doubt is a star-studded film that features iconic stars Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman, who all received Oscar nominations for their performances. Following Sister Aloysius (Streep) and Sister James (Adams) as they plot to bring down Father Flynn (Hoffman) who is suspected of molesting the school’s first black student. What was the most heartwrenching scene to come from this film was the performance from Viola Davis, an actress who had made her name on TV and the stage but had not broken into the film industry just yet. Her performance as Mrs. Miller, the mother of the abused child, is small but captivating as she struggles with the truth and her faith. It’s a pained performance that holds its ground against three of the best actors in modern times. Davis’ character admits that she would overlook the abuse if it meant that her son could still attend the school and escape from the socioeconomic background that he would be subjected to were he not attending. In one scene she becomes a parent torn by the abuse of secular and religious authorities. She knows that it is a world where they cannot win without suffering and the heartbreak of that realisation sits with you for the duration of the film.

The Help (2011)

Now for the film that solidified Davis as a leading star and should have won her an Academy Award (let’s not even get into that one). I am aware that The Help is a controversial film to put in here and it is completely understandable. The film sadly follows white saviour tropes as Emma Stone’s character, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, helps to expose the abuse that the black maids in Jackson have received. The maids that she initially speak to are Aibileen Clark (Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) who both provide brilliant performances. I know that sadly these kinds of roles feed into prejudice perceptions of non-white actors who are often delegated to subservient characters. I remember watching this film for the first time and absolutely loving the characters and how much they fight back. The film definitely has its flaws but both Davis and Spencer shine and earn their acclaim. Both characters are brilliantly developed and the scenes with the two of them in are fantastic. Davis has such a presence and says so much with a facial expression. Her performance as Aibileen is a masterclass of acting and only serves as a small step in a huge career.

Prisoners (2013)

This may be an unexpected inclusion into the list but I enjoyed this film a lot. Serving as Denis Villeneuve’s English-language debut, I went into thinking it would be a typical action drama but it was so much more than that. Davis plays Nancy Birch, a woman who’s daughter is kidnapped with her best friend. It’s a film that plays out every parent’s worst nightmare and the lengths one will go to to bring back their child. Davis is maternal, fierce and conflicted when Kevin Dover (Hugh Jackman) who’s daughter also went missing finds a suspect, locks him up and begins to beat him. Nancy is a character who refuses to play by others’ rules and does what feels right to her. Although this is a supporting role, Davis still maintains that strong presence onscreen and brings her A-game in a cast that includes Jackman, Terrence Howard and Jake Gyllenhaal to name a few. Much like the conflict Davis brought in Doubt, it’s hard not to feel affected by her performance. Whereas Jackman and Gyllenhaal fit a traditional “masculine” trope, Davis is the maternal heart but brings a strength that is not often given to women in thrillers. Her involvement shows her desire to work with respected directors and actors and also shows her perseverance to choose roles that help progress to women’s roles in films.

Fences (2016)

The one that brought her all the gongs, Fences is an adaptation of August Wilson’s 1985 play of the same name and directed by her co-star, Denzel Washington, who also brings a career best. Washington refused to divert from WIlson’s script meaning that Wilson is credited as screenwriter and received a posthumous Oscar nomination. Admittedly, Washington’s reluctance to divert from the script does make the film feel a bit too stage-like at times but there is no doubt that this is Davis’ film. I honestly think that they should have gone for the Best Leading Actress awards and she would have won it but the Supporting seemed a “safe” category. She plays Rose Lee Maxson, a woman whose life revolves around satisfying the desires of her husband and their son whose goal is to play baseball. Living in a rundown neighbourhood in a deeply racist society where the odds are stacked against them, Rose does not give up and fights while her husband Troy Maxson delves deeper into madness in his failure to succeed in his American Dream. It’s a highly emotionally charged film that sees Davis go into a different league of acting that is rarely seen. She refuses to be put down by the men she takes care of despite their physical intimidation. Rose is another strong woman that Viola can add to her extensive repertoire.

Widows (2018)

The last blockbuster that Viola starred in saw her take the lead as Veronica Rawlings in Steve McQueen’s fourth feature, Widows which follows four women who plot to carry out a heist after three of their husbands died in a botched job. Veronica is the group leader who draws together the plan using a notebook that her late husband, Harry (Liam Neeson) left in a safety deposit box. The other three women played by Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Enviro and the four together have great characterisation and rapport. It’s a film built on the strength on its performers and Davis leads with ease. It’s refreshing to see such a strong action-based role which would traditionally be taken by a white male instead being portrayed by a black woman. The film is fearless and knows its strength. Veronica is one of the best female characters in recent years. She’s deeply complex as a grieving widow, a mother who’s son was wrongly murdered due to racism in authority and a woman who knows what she has to do to survive. She shields her fragility and fuels the operation with her persistence.

I am so excited to see where Viola’s career will go next. Even in films like Suicide Squad, she was a shining star to me. She’s an actress who is consistent, likeable and bankable. She is one of the key figures to pushing for more strong female characters in film and constantly talks about the importance of women in film.

What Viola Davis film is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 5 Daniel Day-Lewis Performances

When it comes to listing the greatest actors in history, it would be pretty arrogant to not throw Daniel Day-Lewis’ name into the mix. The man puts the method in method acting and is renowned for his ability to truly become his characters. His refusal to break character offscreen or follow the typical hollywood lifestyle brings a sense of mystique to this genius who clearly has a passion for acting. Famously selective about his roles from early on in his career, he may not have the most extensive filmography but what is there is only the best and is full of brilliant collaborations with the best actors and directors.

He is the only actor to have won the Best Leading Actor Oscar three times and remains a titan in acting, even if he has retired (he has “retired” before and returned so who knows if this retirement will stick). Day-Lewis is in a league of his own when it comes to actors working today (the closest would probably be Joaquin Phoenix or Gary Oldman).

It’s been hard to pick top 5 but I have managed to do so. Here is my list of top 5 performances in chronological:

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

This early entry in Day-Lewis’ filmography is perhaps one of his most controversial. Made in 1985, Day-Lewis portrays Johnny Burfoot, a white Londoner who embarks on a romantic relationship with Omar Ali (Gordon Warnecke) who is struggling with his identity as a British-born gay man of Pakistani descent in volatile, racist Britain. The eeriness of this film comes in how relevant it feels today 35 years on. Stephen Frears refusing to bow to stereotype in this film, creating characters that are rounded and break the mould. In a general landscape that isolated homosexuals, My Beautiful Laundrette shows a relationship filled with adventure and excitement. The chemistry between the two leads is magnetic and it’s great to see a film about a gay couple that has a happy ending, something that is notoriously refused in the majority of mainstream LGBT+ cinema.

My Left Foot (1989)

The one that propelled Day-Lewis to stardom. Portraying disabled artist Christy Brown, Day-Lewis went full method for the role and refused to break character offscreen to channel the struggle of Brown’s experience with cerebral palsy. It brought Day-Lewis a global audience and his first Academy Award nomination and win. Christy is mischievous and hilarious, aiming to live his life to the fullest. A supporting cast led by Fiona Shaw who plaus Dr. EIleen Cole, Christy’s carer and Brenda Fricker as Bridget Fagan brown, Christy’s mother (who also won a Supporting ACtress Oscar for her performance) brings an authneticity to this low-budget Irish production. The film relies on the performance of its actors and refuses to use any Hollywood flares or special effects. This is a great introduction into the career of Daniel Day-Lewis and shows how capable and fearless he was from early in his career as well as providing an insight into what will become a flourishing and groundbreaking filmography.

Gangs of New York (2002)

The film that paired Day-Lewis up with Martin Scorsese for an epic that explores the conflict between Irish and Italian Americans. Based on a true story, it’s a film that explores what it takes to be a “true” American. In this nativist vs. immigrant plot, Day-Lewis plays William “Bill the Butcher” Cutting, a cruel leader of the nativist gang who refuse to allow the Irish settlers ownership on American land. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Amstardam whose father Vallon (Liam Neeson) dies at the hands of Bill in the opening scene and seeks his revenge years later under his new alias. The film itself falls short of its potential due to its odd pacing and the overall scope of the film feeling too big for its three hour running time but Day-Lewis’ performance elevates it and makes it worth the watch. Bill is maniacal and devious with no redeeming quality but he is also extremely charismatic. It’s flamboyant and subtle at the same time. Only Day-Lewis could pull the performance off in this way.

There Will Be Blood (2007)

The role to end all roles. The character of Daniel Plainview is nothing short of iconic. Day-Lewis is on fire in this role as a greedy prospector who soughts to purchase land that sits on oil. The film deservedly won him his second Best Actor Academy Award and for good reason. It’s a brilliant performance that shows the true greed of mankind and how much they are willing to destroy in order to gain more power. This film marks his first collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson and serves as a definite high point for both of their careers. They are a duo who click together so well with Anderson’s penchant for brilliant character development and Day-Lewis’ commitment to character is unlike any other. It’s the movie that gave us “I drink your milkshake” in what can only be described as one of the best film endings. Add Paul Dano to the supporting cast and you have one of the best combinations of a director/writer and cast seen in 21st century film.

Phantom Thread (2017)

Day-Lewis’ “final” role sees him reunite with Paul Thomas Anderson as a renowned couturier, Reynolds Woodcock, inspired by a culimation of designers including Charles James. He’s a man with an inpenetrable exterior that is soon challenged by a chance encounter with waitress, Alma (Vicky Krieps) who becomes his muse when his creativity wanes. They spark a professional and romantic relationship and his business starts booming again as Reynolds finds his inspiration to design. Always watched over by his eagle-eyed sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville), we see the highs and lows of Reynolds’ career and the challenges he faces when the sparks begin to fade. The character contrasts greatly with the previous Anderson outing. Reynolds is a more subdued character who can say just as much with a simple grimace or flourish of the hand in the same way that Daniel Plainview used his persuasive chat to manipulate. Day-Lewis was deservedly nominated for the major awards in what is a beautiful swansong to a brilliant career.

As you can see, there are many brilliant performances that didn’t make the list, in particular In The Name of the Father (1993) and Lincoln (2012), the latter of which won him his third Best Actor gong. It’s always difficult choosing my favourite performances but how do you do it when pretty much every performance is perfect? There really is no wrong answer when it comes to Daniel Day-Lewis as it is likely that you will feel impacted by his performances.

Which film is your favourite from Daniel Day-Lewis? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 5 Joaquin Phoenix Performances

Undoubtedly the man of the moment in the film that has the festival circuit buzzing, Joaquin Phoenix is the frontrunner for awards for his titular performance in Todd Phillips’ origin story Joker. During a film climate that seems dominated by superhero films, Joker seems like it is doing something entirely different by twisting the tone and idea of the superhero movie. It feels that after years of playing the underdog in Indie features and his reluctance to entertain the spotlight, the mainstream media has finally caught up. It feels only right that I compile a list of my top 5 performances although it’s very tricky to do so.

Here’s my top 5 in chronological order:

Gladiator (2000)

I never thought Gladiator would be in a top anything list. Truth be told, I find the film overwhelming overall but the one element of it I absolutely love is Joaquin Phoenix’s brilliant performance as the evil Commodus, the power hungry son of Marcus Aurelius who gives power to Maximus (Russell Crowe) until a new empire is formed. His lust for power knows no bounds as he murders his own father and has Maximus arrested. It’s Phoenix’s performance that brings the real depth to this film. He could have easily played this role as a cartoonish villain but instead brings a snakelike presence to the character. His strength comes from the power that others give him rather than strength that he has by himself which comes to fruition in the final fight scene with Maximus.

The Master (2012)

Undoubtedly my favourite Joaquin Phoenix performance, The Master follows ex-marine Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) as he becomes involved with a cult called The Cause, led by Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his wife, Peggy (Amy Adams). I won’t dwell too much on this film, mainly because I have written an extensive review for this film (which you can read here). Phoenix brings his A game to his performance and it truly is a career best. The scene where he initially undergoes “Processing” with Lancaster in which his darkest secrets and even darker past are revealed. It’s a brilliantly shot scene that brings together to titans of acting and should have won both Phoenix and Hoffman Academy Awards.

Her (2013)

Spike Jonze’s romantic Her shows a tender side to Phoenix in the role of Theodore Twombly, a depressed soon-to-be divorcé whose job is writing intimate letters for people who are too afraid to do so. He is so emotionally intense and yet detached at the same time as he begins a sexual relationship with his OS (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Featuring a stellar cast that is rounded off by Amy Adams and Rooney Mara, this was one of the best films of 2013 and brought Spike Jonze a much-deserved Oscar for his screenplay. It’s a saddening portrayal of love and heartbreak in the 21st century. This is a film that easily could have fallen into ridiculous due to its eccentric plot but the sincerity that Phoenix brings to the role allows the audience to become truly invested in the plot.

Inherent Vice (2014)

Phoenix’s second collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson brings renowned author Thomas Pynchon to the big screen in what is the only adaptation to date. Based on the drug-infused novel, Inherent Vice, we follow Doc Sportello, an alcoholic, drug-loving cop in 1969 as he tries to bring down a drug lord. It’s a hallucinogenic mesh of colour, music and Joanna Newsom who stars as a narrator only Doc can see. The film itself is hugely underrated, possibly due to the fact that it is too bizarre for a lot of people. Being a big fan of Pynchon, I was so excited to see how it would work adapting one of his books into film and it works perfectly. Phoenix is perfect casting and carries off Doc’s happy-go-lucky attitude with ease. He heads up a star-studded cast fantastically and commands the screen whenever he is on it. He brings the perfect amount of slapstick while also keeping the character’s dignity intact. It’s truly a brilliant film that I think is wrongly overlooked.

You Were Never Really Here (2017)

Lynne Ramsay’s gritty New York City based nightmare follows Phoenix as hitman, Joe, who lives and breathes violence and killing all while living with his elderly mother in his childhood home. He specialises in rescuing trafficked girls. He’s a character who’s backstory is stained with violence and abuse and there isn’t much else that he is capable of doing. He is quiet and alone but happy in his loneliness. When tasked with retrieving a Senator’s daughter from traffickers, Joe embarks on his hardest mission yet. The film is bloody and holds no punches. It’s brutal from beginning to end with devastating results. The direction and writing is super tight and brought both Phoenix and Ramsay prizes at Cannes Film Festival in a rare double win.

With the release of Joker, it seems that Phoenix is going to break into the mainstream and he’s the frontrunner come award season. It seems that these awards are long overdue. If it were up to me, he’d have a couple of oscars in his cabinet already but sadly that hasn’t been the case. I’d hope that those who are introduced to phoenix’s talents as the Joker watch him in other films and see his talents beyond that superhero universe.

I’ll be posting a review for Joker as soon as its released and I’m looking forward to seeing whether it would break into my top 5.

What do you think of my list? Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 5 Leonardo DiCaprio Performances

Leonardo DiCaprio is a rare sort of actor nowadays. He is the most profitable outside of those who have worked in superhero franchises and manages to still pull in an audience of all kinds. Beloved since his career-making turn as an autistic teenager in 1993’s What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? DiCaprio has evolved from child star to young heartthrob, playboy to a mature rounded actor who can seemingly master any role he plays. This year saw his second collaboration with renowned director, Quentin Tarantino and it hs propelled him into the race for the Best Actor gongs this awards season.

During a time where his star someone seems to still be on a rise despite being at the top of his game, I thought I’d compile a list of my top 5 performances from DiCaprio. This proved difficult and it’s not to say that anything excluded means that it’s bad, I just didn’t have the space.

Here’s my top 5 in chronological order:

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993)

The film that brought DiCaprio to worldwide attention and melted the hearts of a global audience, DiCaprio plays Arnie Grape, the younger brother of the titular character (played by Johnny Depp), who acts as his carer. Playing a role such as Arnie is deeply complex and requires much maturity that a lot of actors don’t possess, but DiCaprio shows his dedication to the craft beautifully. Arnie is a hopeful individual who Gilbert thinks the world of. DiCaprio’s performance is tender and layered as we see the character’s frustration rise throughout the film until it explodes. It earned DiCaprio a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor (many people even think he should have won). A role such as this would be a good enough highlight for any actor’s resume, but for DiCaprio, this is only the beginning of a blossoming career.

Titanic (1997)

I would be lying if I said this wasn’t my favourite DiCaprio performance. The iconic love story that defines the Hollywood blockbuster and tells the fictional story of two star-crossed lovers on the doomed 1912 liner that sank to the sea after hitting an iceberg. DiCaprio plays Jack Dawson, an artist with a hard-working attitude who wins tickets for the Titanic at a game of poker. He stays in a third-class cabin with his friend Fabrizio (Danny Nucci) and fate hands him a meeting with the beautiful first-class passenger, Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet). If What’s Eating GIlbert Grape? was a stroke of luck then Titanic cemented his superstar status. He lost out on a much-deserved Oscar-nomination but he was instantly recognised by fans everywhere. Jack and Rose’s story immediately became synonamous with classic Hollywood and the film is still loved around the world. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love this film. It must be among my most watched films of all time and partly because of the sincerity and heart in DiCaprio’s performance.

The Aviator (2004)

DiCaprio’s first collaboration with Martin Scorsese showed that DiCaprio is more than capable of leading a dramatic feature at top billing. He does so perfectly in this Howard Hughes biopic in his turn as the legendary producer through the high times of his career. DiCaprio won a Golden Globe for his performance and lost out on an Academy Award. The Aviator is an interesting insight into the Golden Age of Hollywood and what people will do to hold onto the power and fame that they have. Even against a strong supporting cast, particularly Cate blanchett in an Oscar-winning turn as Hughes’ love interest, Katharine Hepburn, DiCaprio holds himself with ease. I was torn between this and his more recent Scorsese collaboration, The Wolf of Wall Street but I think that this film bridges the gap between his heartthrob days and his breaking into “serious” acting as he isn’t afraid of allowing him to become immersed in the role.

Django Unchained (2012)

After scheduling conflicts got in the way of him playing Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds (2009), Quentin Tarantino cast DiCaprio as the evil plantation owner, Calvin Candie who is introduced into the 3 hour film halfway through but manages to make such an impact that it influences the entire film. The film follows former slave, Django (Jamie Foxx) as he and bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) seek to track down and free Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) who has been sold to Candie and works at his Candieland plantation. It’s a film that was mired in controversy from the beginning due to its excessive use of racial slur and extreme violence. The hard-hitting parts of the film come from Candie’s treatment of the slaves such as forcing them to partake in “Mandingo fighting” where two black men are forced to fight to the death for their owners’ entertainment. The scene is brutal and hard to watch as Django looks on helplessly as Candie cheers as his man wins. What makes this role so different for DiCaprio is that this role is the first where his character is not lovable in any way. Candie’s evil nature is clear when he has a slave ripped to shreds by dogs in front of Django to show his power as a white man.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

In his second collaboration with Tarantino, DiCaprio is promoted to the leading role as fading actor, Rick Dalton. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is witty and shows DiCaprio in top form. I have written a full review which you can read here. I wouldn’t be surprised to see DiCaprio’s name filling up nomination spots come awards season as this is a role that he pulls off fantastically as the self-pitying, alcoholic actor.

As I come to the end of this list, I want to give a really special shoutout to his mega turn as Jordan Belfort in martin Scorsese’s 2013 hit, The Wolf of Wall Street. Admittedly, this is the top 5 that my gut went with and it breaks my heart not to include this or his Oscar-winning turn in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s The Revenant but as I said in my introduction, there are so many performances to choose from and they are the five that made the biggest impact on me.

What do you think? What’s your favourite Leonardo DiCaprio performance? Let me know in the comments below!

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Fleabag (Live Screening, 2019)

“He’s so bony… it’s like fucking a protractor”

Over the past few years, live viewings of National Theatre productions have increased in popularity with sold out screens all over the globe. Admittedly, I have never attended (mainly due to the price) but when I saw that Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s brilliant one-woman show Fleabag was going to be screened live from the Wyndham’s Theatre, I knew I had to go. As an avid fan of the show and Waller-Bridge, I have been counting down the days to see this and I was wasn’t disappointed. Fleabag follows a young woman as she navigates a life filled with heartbreak, relationships and a lot of sex. She is the sole owner of a guinea-pig themed café after her best friend, Boo, accidentally-on-purpose commits suicide. This run of performances marks Waller-Bridge’s last venture as her iconic creation and all tickets sold out within minutes making it one of the most anticipated theatre trips of the year. Sadly, I was unable to get tickets but I took this opportunity to see it immediately as I knew I would regret it instantly.

Fleabag herself is gritty to the extreme. She’s unfiltered, unapologetic and always thinking and talking about sex but she’s also complex, smart and relatable. I think this is why the character is universally loved. The character is a brilliantly rounded portrayal of the 21st century woman. A true modern feminist hero (even if in one hilarious slip, she admits that she would trade 5 years of her life for the “so-called perfect body”). She’s brutally honest, hilarious and riddled with bad habits such as excessive drinking, smoking and masturbating while her partner sleeps beside her. It’s as if Fleabag breaks every rule in the book and is a walking taboo.

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Waller-Bridge’s script and Vicky Jones’ direction are impeccable. Every move and expression is calculated and enhancing the dialogue. It’s compact and tight with every segment executed perfectly. The setting is minimalist to the extreme, Fleabag and a chair in centre stage but the performance Waller-Bridge brings is anything but. Dressed in a red jumper and jeans, Waller-Bridge transports us to various locations around London, acting out different characters such as her sister, a job interviewer and regular café customer, Joe. I was interested to see if I would be as invested when watching it on a screen rather than in the theatre itself and I found myself transfixed. The camera work was brilliant and the sound was impeccable.

Compared to the BBC series, the stage production is grittier and sadder than its counterpart. The first episode covers the show with the revelation of the first season finale so a lot is added into the TV series. Fleabag seems even more unfiltered and unhinged in the stage production which I didn’t think was possible and it was great to see some familiar moments that I recognised from the show.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect but it was a brilliant experience and I hope to go to many more National Theatre productions. The atmosphere was great and everyone in the theatre audience and cinema audience were completely invested in her story. I expected to laugh which I did in abundance but I wasn’t expecting to cry as much as I did. A heartbreaking segment with Fleabag and Hilary, the café’s mascot guinea pig, is horrific to watch and brought an array of gasps and tears from both sets of audiences. There’s an encore screening in October and I recommend that you book tickets as soon as possible. It’s a brilliant and refreshing piece of theatre that shows how a simple production can create a complex experience.