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Reviews
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%! (2023)
Shallow self-development doco without the bite
Manson tries to convey to us practical wisdom from his life and the modern era that is controversial and confusing.
His narrative is one of first world drama where he discovers himself. It's okay, but not very well thought out or scientifically backed. I think one would do much better watching an Alain de Botton TED Talk.
True some ideas are better placed in a motion picture narrative. Here the Director has used a mixture of 1980s BBC clips and B-grade acting scenes. It just hasn't cut the mustard for this critical reviewer.
For a better experience I'd suggest 'Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness' (2020)
Resurrection (2022)
Insightful exploration of PTSD and Stockholm Syndrome
A film that takes you on a journey through the world of PTSD and Stockholm Syndrome, exploring the dimensions of illness in this enjoyable drama/thriller.
The storyline is a relatively simple base to take us on this journey. The acting is largely unremarkable, save some very impressive solos from Rebecca Hall.
The film is a little drawn out, and the unusual ending was likely attempting to appeal to those arthouse among us who enjoy a curveball.
There was also a little more that could have been done to weave in character development and devise sub-plots that together with the above made this film fail to reach success.
Still a good watch.
Archive (2020)
Another pleasant exploration on the AI/Human theme
Archive is a pleasant, if a little sedated and slow, exploration of the human experience, AI, and the fabric of emotion.
It's forlorn theme is vaguely similar to Her (2013), though without the prowess of Joaquin Phoenix, nor as unique a storyline.
The cinematography was again enjoyable, and the acting reasonable, if a little modest. Certainly I felt the writing could have used a little pick me up in tempo once or twice.
For those who enjoy this theme, I have many better ones to recommend: Black Mirror: San Junipero (2016) is the happy place, Ex Machina (2014) is the dark place , and for those who like the sad place, AI: Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Bicentennial Man (1999).
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)
Drama-doco similar to Detachment
The film explores how a young woman deals with adversity in poor circumstances.
While it offers some hope and catharsis from the depression the film conjures, it still leaves you with some darkness.
The doco-drama style is vividly mundane. I felt transported into the life of the lower class suburban ether. Forgotten but still very much there.
I recommend this film as a means to check the moral compass, contemplate one's place in society and, of course, question the perennial pro-life or pro-choice divide.
For a very similar film, see Detachment. Like this one, 'never rarely' for the faint hearted.
Equals (2015)
Another rendition of a society without emotion: Gattaca's sequel
One of the great paradoxes of the human condition is our emotion, and exploring what life would be like without this intrigues.
Equals provides another interesting take on this, from what food one might eat, fashion, through to social dynamics, morality and what the future in such a world might look like. It does this through a subdued storyline of secret romance.
It is refreshing to watch in its own right, and particularly insightful when considered together with Gattaca.
Rating description: my 10 review denotes a piece that I want to watch again, would recommend to others as a priority, and usually involves some deeper learning about human conduct.
Chernobyl (2019)
The Shawshank Redemption of TV Series
It is hard to pin down any one element that distinguishes the series as A-class, but it has that somewhat indescribable character of screenplay, acting and theme that mix together to leave me with a sense of intrigue and wonder.
Think Shawshank Redemption. You cannot say that the cinematography, the acting or the moral call to action is overwhelmingly a standout. And yet, when you watch Shawshank, you know you're watching a masterpiece.
Rating description: my 10 review denotes a piece that I could watch again, would recommend to others as an immediate priority, and usually involves some deeper learning about human conduct.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Suspenseful. Novel. Uncut.
This film makes high tempo and suspense an art form. It will take you on an emotional journey, take you up and down. You'll want it to end, but when it's over, you'll just want to be back in the moment.
Jezebel (2019)
Strong cinematography, mediocre storyline
Impressive, arthouse cinematography. Slow paced cuts, and the occasional intimate screenplay which captures nurturing, the struggling family, and youthful innocence.
No detection of a broader message underpinning. The viewer was required to extract a higher calling, if there was any, and not a lot was provided for this.
Worth a watch, but nothing to write home about.