Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Review

“Sex, Murder, Mystery. Welcome to the party”
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Shane Black, 2005) is really all you want to see in a movie. The Movie title originated from a poster in Italy, these four words are perhaps the most basic elements that attract up to a movie; are love for them. Its a shame more movies aren’t made like this. Fast, furious and politically incorrect Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, holds you and never lets go.

Based in part on a novel by Brett Halliday, the film begins with Harry Lockhardt (Robert Downey Jr) who has just arrived at a Hollywood party and feels a little out of place. In flashback we see that Harry was a petty thief in New York City and one night whilst escaping from the cops he runs into a room where actors are auditioning. The film also encorperates pulp fiction elements, conveyed via the theme of Jonny Grossman novels: “two seemingly different storylines which eventually come together at the end”, the film works on this basis and doesn’t disappoint. The story line which becomes increasing more tangled as the film progressives eventually clears and settles towards the end of the film.

The film is pure fusion, a mash up of film genre, rounded by the conventions of film Noir; pumping up of moral ambiguity and sexual motivation mixed with Hollywood Crime drama, a perfect scene to emphasize this would be the torture scene featuring Harry “the magnificent” Loackhart (Robert Downey Jr), and Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), while Harry is having a delicate part of his anatomy meeting some electricity, Perry tries to convince the guy holding the two captive he’s gay, in a fast paced scene featuring hilarious dialogue and acting it showcases the style of the film.
The movie is narrated by Harry, in a very similar fashion to Sunset Boluevard (Billy Wilder 1950) that is: it allows the main character to express his feelings and also being American it allows for a recap of what’s happening in the film, and also allows for Shane Black to squeeze in some extra comedy. It is also similar to Sunset Blvd, in the opening of the film, featuring the man character (however not dead this time), featured in a shot looking up from the bottom of a pool.

In conclusion Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a damn fine film.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a film that is based on coincidences, fate and the consequences of being in places at certain times. It follows the story of Harry, who at the beginning of the film is at a Hollywood party and questions how did I get here? Then the explanation begins. He starts off as a robber in New York, as he is getting away from the police he stumbles into an audition and because of his sheer emotion at his fellow robber being killed he gets flown out to LA for the part that he accidentally auditioned for. He gets caught up in his own lies, murder and his incredible attraction for his childhood sweetheart Harmony. The story is funny and fresh, and as Harry narrates the story himself he manages to have a pop at Hollywood in his own light-hearted jokey way. The script is incredibly clever and very well-written. Sometimes the film becomes so absurd but in a way that it is brilliant as it has been written so well.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is not unlike Sunset Boulevard in many ways, both films are narrated by the stranger to Hollywood and both male characters happen to be where they are by pure coincidence (Joe drawing up in the drive of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard and Harry stumbling into the audition accidentally in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). In both films the ending is at the beginning and the story is told from that and both of the main male characters are from small insignificant towns in middle America.

Overall it's an excellent film that you can't help but get sucked into. It's chatty, funny and the whole vibe of the film makes you feel as though you are there and that you are a part of it which makes the whole viewing experience even more enjoyable.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - Chris Ramsden

Written and directed by Shane Black of Lethal Weapon fame, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) is rather hard to define in terms of genre. K.K.B.B mixes some nicely put together action sequences, romance, a little gunplay and some Tarantino style black humour to create a surprisingly enjoyable, darkly funny murder mystery, which amongst all the sequels and remakes Hollywood has been joylessly churning out lately, feels oddly refreshing.

The film sees Robert Downey Jr. as a small time crook by the name of Harry Lockhart, Harry is mistaken for an actor after her evades the police by running straight into an audition. The story basically gets more sinister and confusing from here onwards. Harry is then brought to Hollywood where he meets "Gay" Perry, a private eye who is rather unsurprisingly, a homosexual. As well as Perry, Harry also bumps into old childhood friend Harmony, Harmony and Harry's love hate relationship serves well as fuel for the comedy fire and gives the film a feeling of innocence.

The film also features elements of Hollywood satire, most notably in party scenes but also subtly conveyed through characters and their attitudes. One particular thing I liked was the creation of fictitious brands such as Protocop and Genaros Beer (the beer Harmony appears in an advert for) as they mirror the tacky commercialism of Hollywood perfectly.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is similar to Sunset Boulevard in parts, but major elements like the story are poles apart. Still, there are some recognisable references and similarities between the two films. The opening shot not only references Sunset Boulevard but almost mirrors it, with the only major difference between the two shots being that one features a dead man and the other doesn't. From this shared shot both films work backwards with the purpose of answering how the protagonists got to where they are now.



Despite the film's awkward plot, it's undeniable enjoyable simply due to it's fresh style and humour which can easily be enjoyed without paying too much attention to the story. Although you don't need to pay too much attention the story to enjoy the film, I would recommend that you do, as it's clever and rather rewarding once you've worked it all out. Overall, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is pretty damn good and the fact that I've had such a hard job putting it into words is a testament to it's originality and style.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Kiss Kiss bang bang was a film directed By Shane Black in 2005, The film includes stars such as Robert Downey JR, Val Kilmer and Michelle monaghan.
Robert Downey plays a theif who is mistaken for a Actor, he agrees to play along with the role but by doing this hes taken to Hollywood and becomes involved with some of the biggest parties around full of other movie stars and "Wannabe Actors".
This party is where Robert Downey juniors character Harry Lockhart meets Val Kilmers character Gay perry, From this moment on both the characters get into a twisting mystery/crime plot.
Michelle Monaghan plays Robert downey Jr's old school crush who is trying to make it into the world of acting. This is how the two characters find each other becuase Michelles character attends the Hollywood party.
The plott is incredibly confusing however if you try to focus too much on the plott you will miss the amazing performances from the characters within the film.

This film has similar ideas to that of the older film "Sunset Boulavard" directed by Wilder 1950.
This film is also about actors and "Has been actors" who are now out of the picture of Hollywood, Who are trying to make it back into the world of acting.
Both these films contain plotts in which the main characters get shot at, and in some cases for Sunset Boulavard the main character dies.
Another element that both the films have in common is that they are both narrated and told by the main characters point of view.

All About My Mother review

In the early 90s, Pedro Almodóvar subverted popular culture, flamboyant aesthetic and dark humour to create dramatic, stylish cult Spanish films. However, All About My Mother (Todo sobre mi madre) is arguably where Almodóvar really comes into his own.

Not to say that he loses any of those qualities which keep his films unique and strong, yet he hones in on the Hollywood melodrama of Douglas Sirk and the theatrical power of Tenneasee Williams (a point heavily reference through the Streetcar Named Desire subplot throughout the film). Here, he focuses on mother Manuela, who loses her son in a fatal car accident. In her greiving and despair, she travels to Barcelona to find the father of her dead son, to tell him all that has happened. What ensues is a series of encounters with transvestite hookers, lesbian actresses and pregnant nuns.

What is evident about the film is its clear unique touch, unmistakable Almodóvar. The emotion poured into the film is that of a strong, confrontational nature, yet he dodges sickly sweet gushing through way of Agrado, the transvestite hooker who provides much of the film's comic relief. However, there is a definite meaning behind the film, one of a slight existential nature, capped off by Agrado who states, in front of a few hundred theatre-goers, that "The more you become like what you have dreamed for yourself, the more authentic you are"

Not to say that All About My Mother does not have its flaws. Towards the end, with the long-overdue introduction of Lola, Manuela's ex-husband, it begins to seem as if Almodóvar isn't making narrative choices as a writer, leaving the viewer feeling as if there was something missing. Still, this only gives incentive for repeated viewings. A strong emotional drama.

Memento review

Christopher Nolan's memento has blown critics away, been nominated for Oscars and left all audiences scratching their heads and ready to watch it again. what makes Memento so unique and different is its backward plot structure. starting form the end of the film and switching in and out out of sequence it gives the the audience of being in the main character's point of view.
The basic plot to this very complicated and confusing story is based upon Leonard Shelby, and insurance investor who looses his short-time memory due to a brain trauma He is unable to create new memories, and only relies on the memories he had before the accident. His wife was killed by a robber, and despite his state he wants to track down the murderer and kill him. He uses photographs and tattoos on his body to make himself remember the important facts.
now imagine that plot, but all in the wrong order, surprises thrown in, character's made to confuse the storyline and Guy Pearce topless 89% of the film. And you have Memento.
It's repeated editing help you understand and keep up with the storyline and the characters. It's one of those films you can defiantly watch again and again, and like Richard Kelly's Donnie Darko, you will end up with a different conclusion every time. If you are fond of films like Brick or Donnie Darko than memento is definitely for you. An outstanding, entertaining and gripping thriller, A must see.

*****

Memento

From director Christopher Nolan, a unique and intriguing thriller that begins with the ultimate act of revenge and back tracks through time to reveal the shocking and provocative reason behind it.

Very good film but very complex. It's a film that you have to watch more than once to understand it all. I recommend it to people that like watching films that don't reveal too much, you have to figure it out for yourself.

Brick

Ryan Johnson's film Brick is as contemporary low-budget Neo Noir film that shows a group of high school students got mixed up in drugs. The high school scene is rare in a Neo Noir film which is set in LA, USA. because Neo Noir tends to be focused on the adult life.
This film captivates you from the start. The film starts with a flashback of a girl laying in a sewer tunnel, and then cuts to normal day life, with out an explanation. This film is similar to The Big Sleep, because both main characters act as the detectives. One by occupation, one by choice. Both the films easily confuses the audience, but yet we seem to understand them in a way that we are not meant to. These films differ with their endings because in The Big Sleep we still don't know who killed the Chauffeur, and in Brick we know the whole story. and Dan Case is a homosexual.

'Brick' film review

'The Brick' (Johnson 2006) is a contemporary neo noir film set in an American high school. Many aspects of the film, mirror film noir characteristics; such as the periods of dark lighting to emphasise the main features of importance to the scene, for example when the pin is talking only a small proportion of his face is lit up. Another example is the presumption needed from the audience, to interpret the events of the film; illustrated when Dode is shot when we only see his sillouete.
Throughout the film the audience is left unaware as to where events are leading, and are left guessing to what will unfold. We particularly liked the fast pace of the film and the way the film noir aspect of witty, poetic dilalogue is used, however we feel the plot was rather confusing and never fully explained.

when comparing the two films, The Big Sleep and Brick, you will see similarities between the main characters. Marlow (The Big Sleep) an older, private detective is very similar to Brandon (Brick), a young high school student. both come across as witty, clever and straight talking, they each take on their case in a completely independent way. When they are talking, their dialogue is perfect and they always know what they are going to say next. They also both decide to continue investigating the crimes, even though they are no longer their problem.

Furthermore, both female figures in each film try to gain the main characters trust to throw them off the scent.

Cigarettes are used majorly in each film, but for very different reasons. In Brick, it is the small arrow at the butt, which helps Brandon discover the real truth

'Brick' film review

Brick (Johnson 2006). This american film does not conform to the stereotypical high school movie, it uses all the typical settings and language but the genre could be associated with film noir due to the very dramatic storyline which is hard to follow as it has some unanswered plot lines.
The lighting is very stylistic

the big sleep is a film noir about a detective attempting to solve a black mailing case. Brick is a neo noir with a student attempting to find out what has happened to an ex-girlfriend of his. Both of the films are similar in many aspects but they are also different in many ways

The Big Sleep and Brick both of the main characters attempt to hide bodies from the police so that they can investigate by themselves with out being hindered by the police. Both of the films contain witty dialogue and people that are very quick thinking and good at getting out of a hard situation.

Even though there are so many similarities there are also a few differences, the main difference is the fact that brick is in colour unlike the big sleep. Also the fact that the big sleep left you at the end wondering many parts of the film and left you still guessing at the end as to what had happened at parts whereas brick tied up all of the loose ends so you would walk away knowing what had happened to all of the different characters.

'The Big Sleep' and 'Brick'

'The Big Sleep' (Hawks 1946) comparing with 'Brick' (Johnson 2006)

Both of these films are a murder mystery's and have complicated plot lines that can be hard to follow at times, with detailed dialogue that can cause a problem for knowing what is going on in the films. In The Big Sleep there are a lot of contrasts of light and dark, but also in Brick when there is a dark scene they have only added in a small amount of light which gives a Noir feel to the film.

In Brick the main character has a few flash backs that show us where the dead female character was, like in The Big Sleep people that have been killed are known by the main characters, but unlike The big sleep in Brick you find out who had killed the young girl, and you never find out in The Big Sleep who killed the chauffeur.

In The Big Sleep the detective has his happy ending with ending up with the main women in the film, where as in Brick the main character doesn't end up with anyone and so there isn't a happy ending. Both of the films are quite abstract in the way that they have been filmed and how people have been located in the shot, there are many different angles that are shown in Brick.

Hello, this is Ram & Rachel writing our review comparing and contrasting "The Big Sleep" & "Brick."
Personally we both loved Brick, and The Big Sleep was pretty good too.

Both films were very similar, as they had similar storylines but were portrayed in different ways.

Sound: The music was very alike in both movies, as it was dramatic and melodic. It also often rose to a crescendo to create tension in certain parts of the film.

Camerawork: In Brick the camerawork is very disorientating and confusing. Such as the scene where Brandon is in the dark room after passing out, the camera shot is a low angle and switches from a point of view shot to a normal one. The Big Sleep wasn't very experimental with their shots, as its a lot older and filmmakers then would play it safe.

Editing: In Brick the editing was a lot more sophisticated as its more modern than The Big Sleep. Often in Brick, the sense of the protagonist passing out was portrayed well, by the screen turning completely black.

Characters: Both protagonists in each film are very similar, as they're sarcastic, quick witted and dedicated to finding out the truth. In the Big Sleep Marlow's job role is a detective, which means he has to do it to live, whereas Brandon is doing it for his ex girlfriend, and for himself so he can move on and know who killed her.

A Review Comparing & Contrasting The Big Sleep (Hawks 1946) + Brick (Johnson 2006)

Both films compared together show they have similar features about their story lines for example both main characters from both films are trying to discover the killers who killed the victim.
This results in uncovering the rest of the story in both films but we can tell that both main characters Brandon (Brick) and Marlow (The Big Sleep) are both smart and witty, straight talking fearless heroes.
Both protagonists are motivated by the source of knowledge and trying to understand what happened

In both films contain the femme fatal character, a sexy girl who cannot be trusted.
Laura (Brick) and Vivian (The Big Sleep), both these characters are dangerous and try to manipulated our heroes.
A feature that definitely makes Brick a film noir is the complicated narrative and sometimes impenetrable dialog.

Differences between the two films are the fact that Brick is obviously in colour and the main character doesn't wear a trench coat or sweet hat. However The Pin does wear a cape reminiscent to villains in the original film noir period of the 40's

Similarities are the implied sexual encounters. Both films used the subtle nuances of the smoking of a cigarette symbolising the main character is getting some poontang.

the edukators is a film that follows the lives of a close group of friends with strong political beliefs against the wealthy of the country and crusade for the underprivildged. breaking into peoples houses with an exess of money and the two main characters yan peter move the funiture around and leave a message hoping to unsettle the the wealthy people giving them a sense of broken security within there house hold.the key themes where to punish people who had a bearing on society and would not get involved and help,or put there riches to good use suchas the wealthy german hardenberg who crassed into jules car claiming compensation off her when she had no way of paying

Edukators

Edukators (2004) is a german film about two people trying to start a popular socialist revolution by intimadating the rich and scaring them to change their ways. But soon they take things too far and are forced to kidnap a wealthy man to stop him telling the police and also protect the girl who seemed to lead the two men astray....

This film has a strong political theme and as a result tackles key issues in modern Germany today for example, The divide of the poor and the rich and how there is a clear conflict between them. It has a slow pace but has a stronger narrative structure than the french new wave cinema it seems to take insperation from. It has a clear and even a relatable theme. However the message is obviously put across and does not change or even gradualy progress into a deeper felling.

The director (Weingarten) seemed to tap into an anger surrounding class and politics in todays media and using techniques that were trademarks for older films seems to enchance this... the cast all deliver convincing performances.

The Edukators

The Edukators, (Weingartner 2004) was made to show the political injustice that lies within the world today. The fact that people can afford to spend their 'change' on £100,000 cars while others struggle to feed themselves, and to find shelter for a place to live. This in-balance is apparent in every country all over the world, with rich and poor areas. The Edukators focuses on one particular German city in which three youths live. These youths recognise the wrong doing and do their part to alter the way wealthy people live their lives.

There is no doubt that it shares similarities with French New Wave films. The use of handheld cameras and jump cuts is a reflection of the New Wave techniques.

The cinematography represents the confliction and heights the action of the film. The use of handheld cameras makes the audience feel more involved with the film. being able to understand what the Educators were trying to achieve. It created a good effect on the style helping the narrative progress with brilliant frame shots. I believe that the surveillance interference (the opening shots) could represent the disturbance caused to the upper class by the Edukators.

The music represented the youth of today. However wise these three kids appear to be, they are still portrayed as youths. This specifically relates to the young audience making them feel connected and similar to the Edukators. With the outside message that anyone can make a difference no matter how young.

Overall i think that the message is placed across wit the re-occurring feeling of 'Your days of plenty are numbered' effectively. After watching this film i believe it has expanded my cinema experience with world cinema understanding. I can use the knowledge i have learned and place it on other film the i watch in future.

The Edukators

Weingorter creates a cool and refreshing insight into the political views and lives of the youth today. weingorter successfully produces an alternative film with his use of distinctive cinematic tecniques. The use of handheld camera's throughout the film help to distinguish an alternative documentary style to the film, this allows the audience to be immersed within the film. The Edukators raise many worldwide issues focusing mainly on the issue of money and power, and questioning whether or not is it right elevate material goods over human relationships.
Personally i found the opening scene very relevant to its political context. The CCTV camera shots of a large house with grounds, initially are showing off the wealth of the family. however i feel that the opening shots are reflecting the films issue of societies need for constant surveillance. The Edukators is fused with stylistic elements from the French New Wave such as, Jump cuts in the opening scene, which help discontinue in technique, but not in solid. although i really enjoyed the film, i did find certain aspects of it difficult to relate to, for example the strength of the political views.

The Edukators (2005)

A good film at best. Although the sound is good and the plot is plausible and understandable, I would give this film a 67% rating because of the length of some shots. It is good because it reflects the conflict between capitalism and other forms of the financial systems, shown by how Jan, Jule and Peter take Hardenberg hostage in Jule's uncle's remote cabin, making this a very powerful political film. The fact that the Edukators leave anonymous notes behind shows traits that they have in common in terrorists, but we feel more sympathetic with the Edukators as they have a reason for leaving notes and moving things in houses, where as terrorists just want to spread terror and implant fear in people's minds. The fact that Berlin is the setting and that it would have been deep in East Germany during the Cold War, is strengthening the audience's support the communist goals of the Edukators.

The Edukators Review

The Edukators (2004) Hans Weingartner

The Edukators is a story of a 3 people tied together by friendship and political views. The 3 of them form an extremist socialist group called "The Edukators", seemly untouchable with their own beliefs and rigid rules they break into rich peoples homes and rearrange the furniture. All their security and rules inevitably get broken As Jan and Jule fall in love with each other creating a rift between the close three.

Although their friendship is scarred their political ideals remain strong throughout the film.

Obviously influenced by French New Wave The Edukators is a strong film that keeps its own throughout. The hand held camera may frustrate a few as it is overly chaotic in unnecessary places. Ultimately a stylistic choice it will either annoy you or not bother you.

It is also laced with jump cuts which aren't particularly noticeable but seem to follow in the trend of New Wave.

The Edukators is designed to question your own lifestyle and your own political views. Although the message the Edukators conveys is an interesting one, the way Weingartner conveys it relentlessly is tiresome. The Edukators lacks subtlety. The message is drilled into you, nearly every scene.

Well made. But ultimately tiresome with the same message droning on throughout.

'The Edukators' Review by Ash

The film is based around politics and crime, with the 3 main characters (The Edukators) participating in extreme socialist views. The political aspect takes a very central intake into the story line itself, with the 'Edukators' attempting to use 'scare tactics' to intimidate and spread fear among the successful capitalist bourgeoisie.

The film follows the 'Edukators' through their acts of terror, their friendships and affairs with one another. The story unfolds when an 'Education' goes wrong, with the newly and accidently appointed Edukator leaving her mobile phone behind at the break in. Hardenberg, the house owner, returns unexpectedly to find the house not only with a disrupted interior, but with some unexpected visitors.

The film successfully gives hard twists throughout, with unpredictable and duel-interpreting endings that wrench the works of the audiences understanding of the characters, especially that of Hardenberg; does he have a heart, or is he just the ruthless businessman the film attempts to stereotype?

Weingartner has captured the political views that majority of the youth of today follow, with the ever growing need for equality and the dismissal of social class. These views being processed within the film, ensures younger audiences can relate, and thus enjoy the film with the content in which is deserves. Even those with little political interest can enjoy the film also, with each character's personality being unwoven slowly throughout the film, followed by the expected love affair, this film can accompany audiences of any genre preference because of the uptakes upon love, thrill and anticipation throughout.

The film seemed to have two distinct halves. One half was The Edukators (Jan Jule & Peter)Edukating the bourgeoisie of Berlin, Germany by successfully rearranging there furniture in an attempt to show that there possessions were meaningless. A clear swipe at consumerism and capitalism.

There is also a love triangle within the edukators, at first Jule and Peter are together. However when Peter goes to Barcelona Jan and Jule end up getting close and falling for each other.

The second half focused around a business man who Jule owed a debt of 1,000euros. In an attempt to get back at him Jule goes to edukate him Jan being slightly more cautious. This edukation goes tits up and they end up kidnapping Hardenburg (the business man) in an attempt to remain out of jail.

Overall I found this film is enjoyable. However it does help if you believe and understand there political views, it would kinda be hell if you had to sit through this film and you were an affluent business man who reads the daily mail and supports UKIP. The love triangle works as a kinda relief from the relentless political message which seems to be driven constantly throughout the film, this is certainly needed as if you had no political knowledge or interest the film would seem a bit dull and boring.

The Edukators

Director Hans Weingartner launches a stinging attack on Germany's bourgeois in his 2004 film, The Edukators. The story focuses on the lives of three young people struggling with life in Berlin. Jan and Perter are two best friends and flatmates who are frequently accompanied by the latter's debt-ridden girlfriend, Jule. All three share a large amount of contempt for the affluent middle classes whom they feel are taking money away from the people who need it most, i.e. themselves. Intent on starting a revolution, Jan and Peter set about making a difference.

Their plan is to break into a wealthy families house while they are away on holiday and rearrange the entire house. This includes piling chairs right up to the ceiling and forcing expensive, decorative pieces down the toilet.
However, when Jule begs Jan to settle a personal score while Peter is in Barcelona, things go not according to plan. A risky hostage plot ensues as well as a test of their own friendship when faced with dangerous circumstances.

The Edukators is a very tense and exciting film which particularly appeals to the younger, rebellious generation. The contrasts between the hectic, city life of berlin and the picturesque German countryside are particularly fascinating.

The Edukators - Review

A story of a young German trio trying to make a difference in Capitalist Germany. They cleverly raid affluent businessman's houses, re-arrange their furniture and leave messages to show that they are not safe in their huge mansions. Alongside the socialist theme to the film, their is a complicated love triangle between the three, very much like you would see in a 1950s french new wave film.

It also borrows certain stylistic elements of the french movement such as jump cuts and use of available light. At first these techniques seem challenging and a general nuisance, but upon viewing it a second time you can see how Hans Weingartner uses these to give the scenes a deeper meaning.

Overall, this fantastic European film perfectly captures the personalities of the lower class perfectly and is an all round thrill to watch.

The Edukators-Review

I think this film directed by weingartner in 2004 was an interesting film on 3 german youths who moved furniture around in well off peoples homes, an opposite world from where they come from. i havn't seen a film with a stortyline like the idea behind this and so this makes it individual in my eyes. i liked the way that when they captured the man instead of torturing him in the way you might expect they just took him away with them which i much preferred. This may have been because they had a woman as part of there 'team' and so this may have allowed for less violence as it was something the 2 male characters, Jan and peter, didn't want the female character,jule, to see.

we learn from the two male characters that they both have feelings for jule. she begins the film dating peter but then cheats on him with jan. This also adds a kind of a love triangle to the film, which peter doesn't even notice until the man the have captured points it out. This lov triangle adds another twist to the plot.

In a way i much preferred this to the french new wave films i have been studyingas i think it has a more interesting and faster paced storyline. I think the fact that it is slightly more moderen and in colour also helps

I have seen the english and the german versions of the two different endings of the film. I prefer the german ending of the film as i like the fact that they sail off on a boat and your sort of left wondering what they are going to do next.

The Edukators is a a story following a group of three young political revolutionists (The Edukators) who educate the rich capitalists in society by leaving messages and rearranging items in their large houses. The exciting plot follows a kidnapping, betrayal and the typical young love story. It is these central themes that the film is based around, with the idea of socialism over capitalism. Although the rich citizens they punish are not responsible for the society they live in, such as Hardenberg, the three youths seem to make little influence on society to what is right and wrong, following the ending where the business tells the police about his kidnap are promising not to.
Best friends Peter and Jan fight over the love of Jule, showing fights within the group as well as with the rich. Their naivety youth is showed through their love of rock music and changing opinions of people. However, their political view is a strong one which almost convinces the capitalist Hardenburg. Therefore, the film is very much propaganda towards socialist globalization and away from the typical capitalist society.
The cinematography consists of many tracking shots, jumps cuts and use of hand held camera.
As a whole, the film is exciting with plenty of in depth storyline to get involved with.

The Phantom of Liberty review

The Phantom of Liberty Review

“The Phantom of Liberty”, also known as “Le Fantome de la Liberte” in it's native France, was released in 1974 and was directed by Luis Bunuel, a well known surrealist film maker. The Phantom of Liberty was one of Bunuel's favourite films of his career and was the penultimate film he made before his death of cancer of the liver in 1983. Like Bunuel's other well known film, “Un Chien Andalou” (made in 1928 and co-written with Salvador Dali), it is a surrealist film which attacks many institutions and bourgeoisie values.

Bunuel himself says that “The Phantom of Liberty” explores several themes, these being:
 “The search for truth and the need to abandon the truth as soon as you have found it”
 “The implacable nature of social rituals”
“The importance of coincidence and personal morality”
 “The essential mystery of all things”
The film is split up into 12 vignettes and are linked by chance encounters with other characters that appear throughout the film in the vignettes. The film attacks the church, the police, the army and discusses transgressive themes such as necrophilia, paedophilia and sado-masochism. Some of these attacks on institution are sometimes subtle, (the closing scene of the film in the zoo is a good example of this as it shows animals in a zoo while sounds of the Napoleonic war from the beginning of the film can be heard, which also acts as a sort of bookend to the film), while at other times can be very explicit such as the police classroom scene and fox-hunting in tanks are blatantly obvious in what they are implying and to what sect of society.

The characters themselves are all middle class and act as a form of blank canvas in order to represent a certain part of society such as doctors, teachers or the police. By doing this, Bunuel can easily mock and attack the “offending” institution he feels he needs to. One such instance being the Roman catholic church. During the scene at the hotel, a group of monks are seen drinking and smoking as well as gambling. The monks also use various holy items such as rosaries to place bets on their game. The film's characters do not question it and carry on their lives as if this happens on a day-to-day basis. The blank canvases allow comments, like the afore mentioned one, to be made easily and somewhat quickly. The blank canvas of characters subsequently have no personality seeing as they are used in order to convey a message, if they had personalities then it would be very difficult to do this.

An exploration of transgressive themes also make the film for uncomfortable viewing. One such scene I found slightly uncomfortable to watch was that of the incestuous nephew and his aunt. I was not prepared for the scene that eventually unfolded in which the aunt is seen fully nude and the implication that they both sex. Seeing as we live in a day and age in which incest is seen as wrong and disgusting, watching it made me feel uncomfortable but Bunuel should be praised for tackling the subject to a certain degree as it is very taboo subject. Another transgressive theme, paedophilia, is also discussed. This is done by building the audiences expectations of an abduction or that the photo's are indecent. However, the audiences expectations are knocked down when no abduction takes place and that the photo's are of buildings. This is very clever and completely unexpected, but works and displays surrealism at work.

The film itself is surrealism at it's maximum potential, much like “Un Chien Andalou”. Scene's such as the little girl's supposed disappearance and the toilet dinner party sequence, this film is surrealism without any limits. The fact that none of the vignettes are linked in any sort of way other than by showing a background character who turns into a lead character, there is no real clear sense of structure of narrative. I feel that the film benefits from this as it makes the film much more surreal and disjointed. Due to no clear structure, the film could be seen as more of a collection of short “drama stories”. However, it could be argued that the film does follow some form of narrative being that it is a stream of consciousness and that the film progresses through chance occurrences.

It is worth noting that some of the scenes in the film were taken from Bunuel's own personal experience such as when the doctor avoids telling his patient that he has cancer of the liver, which was based on Bunuel learning he had a cyst on his liver. With this in mind, the film could be seen as semi-autobiographical but nonetheless is still a surrealist film.

I personally found the film intriguing simply due to the fact that it is such a strange film. As I am not used to watching surrealist films, I was not quite sure what to expect from it (at one point I was expecting rampaging elephants to be fired from the sniper's rifle but I was very wrong, thankfully). Instead, it was a surprisingly entertaining film, even if boring in a few places due to a lack of music and uneventful sequences like the police commissioner and his sister, but it would not be my first choice of film to watch for fun but it did vary wildly to my first expectations of the film. The mix of black comedy and irony with a serious message works surprisingly well seeing as it is a surrealist film. I feel that if I were to watch it again, I might enjoy it more seeing as I would know what would happen and not expect such strange things from the film as I would have already have seen it. On second viewing, I would probably gain more from it, possibly understand more of it's deeper meaning and explorations of the themes it presents to the audience.

I like legends

sexy Beasts Jackies Character

Jackie or ‘Jackie big tits’, is Aches girlfriend and has moved to Spain with her boyfriend and friends, Gal and Dee. Jackie plays an important role in the film as she fuels Dons rage when he visits, because they slept together a few years back. Jackie is in a few very important scenes, one for example is the scene where Dee Kills Don Logan. At the end of the scene Jackie kicks Don. The camera in the scene is set at a low angle, this gives us a point of view shot from Dons perspective, In turn this makes Jackie look bigger that Don, Representing that she has finally got rid of the past that haunts her. Mise en Scene plays a relatively big part in this sequence. For example, Jackie is wearing smart/casual evening wear, ready to go out. Jackie is a typical type of character in a British crime film because she is the stereotypical gangster wife, being an ex porn star. Also she can be classed as beautiful, whereas her husband is not good looking. This is quite common in British Gangster Films. Jackie is also more attracted to power rather than looks.

Brighton Rock - Dallow

Dallow, henchman
Dallow is the character the undergoes the biggest change in the film, his morality wins over his criminal instincts
The main way Dallow furthers the narrative is to turn from Pinky’s gang to save Rose.
The scene on the pier is the one in which Dallow plays the most important role, he wears a checkered jacket. In the scene he displays a huge change in character. This is important to the story of the film because it comes to the climax and prevents the tragic ending the audience expected and results in the dead of Pinky. The light compliments the mood of the scene well and creates an atmosphere of tension. As well as soundtrack, the lightning is an example of pathetic fallacy by mimicking the frightening mood.
He’s typical to the classic gangster films. He is the false villain.

Fred Hale - Brighton Rock

An unfortunate journalist that finds himself caught up with Pinkie Brown due to a story he published that went against Pinkie's cronies.

Because of his story, Fred instigates the narrative by publishing the story, however carried by Pinkies psychotic person it ultimately ends in his death. The scene in which Fred is being chased by Pinkie and his mob around Brighton is a crucial scene (and Fred's last) as they chase him onto an amusement attraction, where he ends up being pushed into the sea by Pinkie. The camera throughout the scene stays close to Fred, the chase ending in the ghost ride, features several moving close ups of scary faces, the camera jumps into different angles creating an air of panic and anxiety. The sound throughout the scene features ghost noises, and screams (especially when Fred is pushed from his seat to his death). Fred's character is typical of the well-meaning good guy in a Crime film, as he means no harm but ends up caught up with bad people. His character is similar to Jeff in the Long Good Friday, in the sense that he without wanting to, ends up in trouble because of a mistake he had made. Notably, both die.

Ida Arnold - Brighton Rock

Ida Arnold is a very inquisitive person; she works as a clown and has a loud voice/laugh. Her role in the film is to play detective to find out what happened to her friend. An important scene in the film is where Ida goes to the pub where Pinky and Rose are, to save Rose. The camera shots are close ups to see the characters faces especially Pinky’s when he sees Ida come through the door. Her character is typical in british crime films as the person who goes around trying to find out the truth.

Don logan- Sexy Beast

Don logan is a character with many different sides to him for example he seems a force full character then the next minute hes talking to himself in the minute which raises questions about his insanity.
Dons character within the film sexy beast brings a dramatic yet comical side to the narrative.
Towards the end of the film, don creates hassle by reappearing at Gail's spanish villa which causes a violent scene between the main characters such as Gail, Don and Dee.
This is shown by a violent fight which ends with Dee shooting Don and Gail has been severely by a blow to the head from Don.

Teddy Bass - sexy beast

Teddy is a determined ruthless and cold hearted criminal who will thinks that anything worth stealing can be stolen.

Teddy places the biggest part of the story line in this film, as he starts the idea of stealing from the 'unbeatable safe' and he requests the team to make this criminal act.

When Teddy and gal go to Harry's house Teddy shows how ruthless he can be by killing Harry in front of gale after they have just stolen from his safe. The fact that they show up late at night after the hit wearing smart uniforms at Harry's door show just how confident Teddy's character is on him not being caught. There are several close ups on there expressions as the evens in the house happen as Teddy seems to go into the house and help himself to Harry's drinks. This shows how Teddy is intimidating Gal knowing what gal had done to try and scare it out of him.

This character is very typical in British crime films as there is always the higher ups in he crime industry who think of a task to complete and think of the people who are good for the job. In Brighton Rock the person who is most like Teddy is Pinky as Pinky seems to control his Group and plan what will happen next.

Sexy Beast - Aitch

Aitch is a retired gangster who is in an extended holiday in the Costa Del Sol with his fellow ex mobster Gal. He is an instigator of Don Logan's rage because Jackie is with Aitch and not him.

Character Task - Spicer, Brighton Rock

Spicer is an ageing smalltime gangster, henchman to Pinkys gang.

Spicers function in the plot is experience to the gang he plays a vital part in the outcome of the movie. He is involved in the major turning point in the film. He is seen as the weak link in the gang which isn't worthy of being there. This leads to his death at the hands of Pinky.

The scene in which the character plays a key part is when Pinky pushes him through the banister because this shows Spicers fear of Pinky and this is when he realises in his eyes Pinky has control over him. When Pinky is talking to Spicer just before he pushes him you can sense worry in his voice indicating he is no longer cut out for the role of gangster.

The Long Good Friday- Razors

Razors is a character that is loyal to Harold Shand and is an asset to Shand's business. He is one of Harold Shand's henchmen and his function in the narrative is basically to back Shand up and to help uncover and sort out the chaos and the confusion that goes on in the narrative. One scene where Razors is important is where he is driving Harold in the car and Harold starts to question who would do such a thing to his business. In this scene he is wearing a suit so he is smartly dressed and he is in a nice car that is kept clean and tidy. The camera is shot at an angle so that you can see the whole of Razors face and watch him drive the car, so you can see his facial expressions and therefore assume the opinion he is holding of the whole situation. There is a lot of light in this scene as it is meant to be set during the day and because it's important that you see everything clearly in the scene. There is no sound in this scene apart from the dialogue which is the most important aspect of the scene. I think that Razors is quite a typical character to a British crime film as usually the main gangster has a 'best friend' or a partner, that is not as equal with him but someone that he trusts greatly. He is slightly like Aitch in Sexy Beast, who is someone that is very close to Gal Dove and you can tell that they care for each other in a professional and a friendly way.

'THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY' - 'Jeff'

'Jeff', played by Derek Thompson, plays sidekick to prosperous English gangster 'Harold Shand', played by a young Bob Hoskins in the 1980s British Crime film 'The Long Good Friday'. Within the film, Jeff helps his boss Harold Shand attempt to become a legitimate businessman, planning on redeveloping the London Docks, with financial support from the American Mafia. This is a typical character in British crime films, as all 'evil masterminds' need sidekick to help with their plans of 'domination' or victory, and is effective in creating a parallel narrative within a film.

Sexy Beast - Don Logan

Don Logan is a mentally disturbed gangster from London. Don's function in the narrative is an important one. He destroys the normality of Gal's paradise home in Spain, by pressuring him into doing a job he doesn't want to do. Without Don, the film would simply be about Gal's life on the Costa Del Sol.
One scene in which Don is most important is when he returns to the villa after being thrown off the plane. Everything in the scene is focused on his presence. The camera is constantly on him, even when he's not directly in the shot, you can see him in a reflection. The music changes from happy pop when he wasn't there, to a dark silence when he comes back to the villa. There is not much editing in this scene - there are only a few cuts in the action, which increases the tension that Don is causing. Finally, there is a low lighting element to the Mise en Scene that creates a feeling of tension.
This character is rather typical in the British Crime Film genre. He is typical in the sense of his authority, which is shown in his costume and his dialogue towards the beginning of the film. However, it is not often that you see a character with such mental issues as his. Although this is rare, when Harold in The Long Good Friday loses his temper and kills Jeff, the two characters are very similar.


 

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