I had really enjoyed "Falling" as well, Viggo Mortensen's directorial debut, but this film is a step up. It admittedly does not target as heavy a subject as his previous film, but it is written, directed, and acted (by the whole cast, especially the leading actors) beautifully. The cinematography and music are really thoughtfully put together as well, and do a good job capturing the 19th century look, without coming across as contrived. Glad to see Viggo going from strength to strength. I hope the film is recognized for the great work it is. Fun to get a glimpse of Anduril as well :) Highly recommended.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Supernormal
(2021–2023)
Lighthearted and fun!
26 April 2023
I loved this series. It's fun, modern, and lighthearted. The performances are all well done, and the script is funny. I especially like the actresses that play Marisol and Lali, they are both hilarious, but the entire cast is very talented. Lovely cinematography and views of Madrid as well. Is it a bit unrealistic? Sure, but within the jokes it treats a lot of real issues people, especially women, deal with when balancing career and family.
So overall, it is not Shakespeare but it's a really fun series to watch, and the episodes are short, so it goes by very quickly.
I hope they make a third season!
So overall, it is not Shakespeare but it's a really fun series to watch, and the episodes are short, so it goes by very quickly.
I hope they make a third season!
Falling
(I) (2020)
A directorial debut worth seeing
31 January 2020
Viggo Mortensen has long held my respect as an actor, and has now gained it as a director, writer (and music composer) too. Falling is a tough film to watch, but one worth watching regardless. Lance Henriksen, now in his eighties, is better than ever, and I'm glad Viggo has given him a role worthy of his talent and acting range.
The role of the father is slightly overdone in his harshness, which makes the situation - hopefully - not very relatable, but that aside, Falling is a masterful directorial debut for Viggo Mortensen, and hopefully the first of many.
The role of the father is slightly overdone in his harshness, which makes the situation - hopefully - not very relatable, but that aside, Falling is a masterful directorial debut for Viggo Mortensen, and hopefully the first of many.
What utter non-sense
20 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I honestly feel bad for the actors that had to utter such non sense. You can almost see the disbelief in Peter Dinklage's eyes...
Out of all the possible endings the writers picked the most disappointing. Seeing the council scene was like something out of a children's play.
Also, really Sansa? Is your brother becoming king out of freaking nowhere not enough for you? No, the North must be independent because Northmen died fighting in the war. Evidently the men from all the other regions that died fighting in the war are less-than (less huffing and more asking for the Vale's independence Sweetrobin!).
Congrats also on ruining Jon Snow's character, although I supposed he started as moppy brooder and ended as a moppy brooder. And why did he have to go to the wall protecting the kingdoms from nothing? To appease the Unsullied you say? Well, they just ferried themselves back to Essos so they're out. I guess because Bran and Sansa really wanted to be king and queen (in the North) and Jonno had to be pushed to the side...
Disappointing end to the best TV show. Should the books ever be finished, it would be nice to get a revamped version.
Out of all the possible endings the writers picked the most disappointing. Seeing the council scene was like something out of a children's play.
Also, really Sansa? Is your brother becoming king out of freaking nowhere not enough for you? No, the North must be independent because Northmen died fighting in the war. Evidently the men from all the other regions that died fighting in the war are less-than (less huffing and more asking for the Vale's independence Sweetrobin!).
Congrats also on ruining Jon Snow's character, although I supposed he started as moppy brooder and ended as a moppy brooder. And why did he have to go to the wall protecting the kingdoms from nothing? To appease the Unsullied you say? Well, they just ferried themselves back to Essos so they're out. I guess because Bran and Sansa really wanted to be king and queen (in the North) and Jonno had to be pushed to the side...
Disappointing end to the best TV show. Should the books ever be finished, it would be nice to get a revamped version.
Captain Fantastic
(2016)
A gem hidden in the forests of the Pacific Northwest
27 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this in Sundance earlier in the year, and was captivated by the storytelling, acting and cinematography.
The story follows Ben (Viggo Mortensen), a father of six, living deep in the forests of the pacific northwest, far from modern life. All six children, from seventeen year old Bodevan to seven year old Nai are fluent in philosophy, history and quantum theory (!), and can hunt and fend for themselves in the wilderness. At least that is until the suicide of their mother forces the family to clash with modern society, and then Ben realizes that he has in fact not prepared his children at all for what lies outside their forest. Bodevan, for example, accepted in a swarm of the top colleges and adept enough to kill a deer single-handedly, cannot bring himself to talk to a girl without immediately proposing to her.
The family's ideals further come under stress when his late wife's father (Frank Langella) who hates the life Ben has created for his family comes into the picture, and forbids Ben from attending his wife's funeral, threatening him with arrest. In what could have easily turned into a one-dimensional harsh/rich character, Frank Langella also projects empathy and deep grief over his daughter's death. When Ben and his children visit his sister's much more conventional family, and her smart phone-obsessed children, Ben criticizes their upbringing, only to have his sister bring his own parenting skills into question. Director Matt Ross skillfully presents both sides here without picking favorites.
Acting-wise the film is captivating, with Mortensen fitting the renaissance profile of Ben like a glove. He projects all the arrogance and hardheadedness of Ben together with his warmth, adoration for his children, and respect for his wife's wishes with grace and subtlety in one of the most seemingly effortless performances I have seen. He is also surrounded by an excellent supporting cast, from the children to his in-laws and sister.
In summary, Captain Fantastic is a rare case where family dynamics, with their controversies and dilemmas are not oversimplified to a preaching doctrine in the finale; the film allows the viewer the space to find their own balance on what it means to raise a child.
The story follows Ben (Viggo Mortensen), a father of six, living deep in the forests of the pacific northwest, far from modern life. All six children, from seventeen year old Bodevan to seven year old Nai are fluent in philosophy, history and quantum theory (!), and can hunt and fend for themselves in the wilderness. At least that is until the suicide of their mother forces the family to clash with modern society, and then Ben realizes that he has in fact not prepared his children at all for what lies outside their forest. Bodevan, for example, accepted in a swarm of the top colleges and adept enough to kill a deer single-handedly, cannot bring himself to talk to a girl without immediately proposing to her.
The family's ideals further come under stress when his late wife's father (Frank Langella) who hates the life Ben has created for his family comes into the picture, and forbids Ben from attending his wife's funeral, threatening him with arrest. In what could have easily turned into a one-dimensional harsh/rich character, Frank Langella also projects empathy and deep grief over his daughter's death. When Ben and his children visit his sister's much more conventional family, and her smart phone-obsessed children, Ben criticizes their upbringing, only to have his sister bring his own parenting skills into question. Director Matt Ross skillfully presents both sides here without picking favorites.
Acting-wise the film is captivating, with Mortensen fitting the renaissance profile of Ben like a glove. He projects all the arrogance and hardheadedness of Ben together with his warmth, adoration for his children, and respect for his wife's wishes with grace and subtlety in one of the most seemingly effortless performances I have seen. He is also surrounded by an excellent supporting cast, from the children to his in-laws and sister.
In summary, Captain Fantastic is a rare case where family dynamics, with their controversies and dilemmas are not oversimplified to a preaching doctrine in the finale; the film allows the viewer the space to find their own balance on what it means to raise a child.
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