Wednesday, December 26, 2007

trilogy of aha!

Day before yesterday, yesterday and today.
I have watched three movies, 3 dramas and all were too good!

I start with Central do Brasil(Central station). Direceted by Walter Salles, this story, movie is what i would want to write, direct or see in its many forms. This is not a review of the movie but lessons that should be learnt from the movie, not lessons of life but lessons of the art of movie making, art of story telling. So lets start:
1. The opening scene is classic. Its humorous, introduces one central character completely and the covers some arbit ideas but does so beautifully.
2. The role of truck driver is ideal. I am sure many who watch this movie would want to be that man. This is what movie telling is all about, you show characters that people want to be. And it seems so correct that he leaves.
3. The idea of taking the road. I got this point from Walter's interview. He says that the road represents the uncertainties of life, you never know whats going to come next, or how you will reach your destination and everytime there is this fear that what if we are stranded on this road....no one passes by. The road represents the insecurity, the lack of control that we have on our lives and this part is beautifully depicted. And as in life, in the road journey, the characters face highs and lows, miracles and disappointments.
4. Test the audience: One character believes that the father will be back and other doesnt. One optimistic and one practical, experienced. This is the premise that if it is there in the movie, its going to be classic. (e.g. Before Sunset). The audience itself is divided, some believe and some dont. And do you know the best part, he doesnt answer the question....the ending as in before sunrise is again open. Thats brilliance. sheer brilliance.
5. Powerful background score.... it is another character in the movie.
6. Change in a character as one can see in Dora. Thats one of the essential things in any script and this film is filled with it.

This film lost to Life is beautiful in oscars but i think they should have given 2 oscars. This movie is also as brilliant.

My second movie was:Atonement.
Directed by Joe Wright
This movie explores another important aspect of story aka the dilemma. She made a mistake, a grave mistake and that led to loss of 2 lives. But she looked for atonement but she didnt found any. Is any mistake that bad? People are confused...they naturally sympathize with the victims but as movie progresses, one empathizes with the sister as well and thats when the movie strikes at its best. You agree in both sides..some questions have no answers. This is the premise...some questions have no answers. Moreover, that scene of war depiction near sea shore, camera going on continuously for 10 mins...thats too good cinematography. Keira Knightley is way very beautiful too!

Third movie: And your mother too. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron.
With this movie, i have seen all the movies made by alfonso and i have loved each one of them. Which one i love most, i cant say but each one has alfonso stamped on it. Firstly this movie is very bold with lots of nudity, sex and dope. But the last 15 mins take the movie to a totally different level. I am yet to fully understand the complete meaning but at the moment i will just say, it strikes you at the end that everything had a significance. Moreover the characters change, mature. Lastly Gael Garcia Bernal, his acting is good but his movie selection is excellent, i have loved all movies which cast him.

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