250W: Foxcatcher

Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films...

Foxcatcher (Dir.Bennett Miller/2015)

No music and little dialogue introduce brothers Mark (Tatum) and Dave (Ruffalo) Schultz. The dance of wrestlers, grabbing and holding each other in pin-downs and body-throws, prove their intimate knowledge of each other’s physicality. A combination of Bennett Miller’s considered direction and the actor’s commitment ensure that their relationship is deeply personal and wholly authentic. Foxcatcher is rooted in the world of wrestling, whereby the support of John Du Pont (Steve Carrell) gave security to athletes determined to be the best. But there is unease amongst the Foxcatcher ranch boys. Tension is clear between the hulking-Mark against family-man Dave. The isolation of the misty Pennsylvania-estate could be plucked from a 19^th-century painting. Then ‘coach’ Du Pont arrives - holding a gun. He gazes down his nose and eyes his Olympians. Is it admiration or attraction? It’s uncomfortable – and Miller doesn’t let you off the hook for a second. Du Pont’s “training” as his mother looks on is disturbing, but revealing about this duplicitous man. Alluding to the Du Pont fox-catching family history, we wonder if ‘Eagle’ Du Pont is the mounted rider, belittling the “low-sport” foxes. Or is he the fox, as enormous sportsmen bullishly carry their masculine dominance around his property? A slow-build thriller, Foxcatcher is a stubborn film, whereby no narration or sharp-cut will take you out of the knowing glances and awkward acceptance of this questionable lucky-break. The disturbingly calm atmosphere may be an acquired taste but electrifying performances force you to appreciate the perfection of Foxcatcher.

Rating: 8/10

A-Z #76: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#76 - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 

Why did I buy it?

I remember when this film came out there was a bit of a buzz. Elijah Wood was not playing Frodo, Kirsten Dunst was not Mary Jane... Jim Carrey being taken seriously [again after The Truman Show] and the whole Michel-Gondry-Charlie-Kaufman combo. What would this be like? I think this was, ultimately, the peak of the Kaufman's Surrealist-Film Movement - following Being John Malkovich and Adaptation but preceding Synecdoche, New York. The difference being that, rather than an introspective analysis of the psyche and the process of creativity, this was [almost too much of] a twee Romance. With a capital R. About a break-up.

Why do I still own it?

Because it truly is flawless. Literally nothing is out of place. The idea of erasing-your-memory can very easily be associated with Arnie in Total Recall, but this is no-Total-Recall, this is a Romance. The break down of a relationship is tough for anyone and this film shows that, though sometimes the break-up is inevitable, the memories of the good times will always remain. The fact that this film appeared in many Top Film lists of the decade is not without reason - it has a concept that, if shot badly, would fall flat on its face, but as it stands, it is profound and personal. Relatable. Unforgettable. One of a handful of films I would never want to lose.

Having said that, I showed this to my Mum and Dad and they both thought the film was crap.

A-Z #49: Collateral

You can pick up hundreds of DVD's for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. Its never about quantity, its about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#49 - Collateral 

Why did I buy it?

Michael Mann has always been deemed important. The fact that he brought together Pacino and De Niro, and directed the first scene they shared in Heat, is quite the achievement. But, if I am honest, at the time I had not seen Heat. Or Last of the Mohicans. Or Manhunter. In fact, the biggest pull for me to this film was Tom Cruise as a bad guy. I think that all the promotional material did showcase the style and image of the film - which is primarily down to Michael Mann and his cinematographers Dion Beebe and Paul Cameron. I watched the film at the cinema and I even ordered it for the day of release back in the hey-day of my University life.

Why do I still own it?

Because it is truly a great film. Small-scale story: Two guys in a taxi - one's a killer, one's not. Not only that, but Mark Ruffalo plays the 'hero'-cop who knows what-is-going-on and, in the same way, you watch him intently. Having said how much I love the film, it also plays an important role in my relationship with Sarah - as it was the first film we watched together. I won't get too goo-ey with this, but it replaced what should have been a viewing of Goodfellas at the last moment (because it arrived in the post that very day).

Is Cruise-as-killer a load of bull? Is Foxx-as-everyman ring untrue? I think not, but you may disagree... yay of nay?

TSAJS: 14/11/2010 The Kids Are All Right/All The King's Men

First off, kudo's to Jo for his new logo for the show - Well Done Sir!

This week, we begin at Leicester Square and move to the Curzon Cinema to record. Jo and I finally watch the highly acclaimed The Kid's Are All Right, directed by Llisa Cholodenko whilst Simon goes back to his Best Picture Oscar winners by watching All the King's Men from 1949.

Additionally, we run through lots of news on The Dark Knight Rises, information on the new Steve McQueen/Michael Fassbender project, Carey Mulligan and Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby.

Trailer







Music

All music is from the soundtrack to The Kids are All Right, available on amazon.com amongst other major retailers.

Links

Mike McKenny reminded us about The Leeds International Film Festival which you can check out by clicking here

The LAMBcast this week holds the views Simon has on both Paranormal Activity films - so go and listen to it..

Michel Gondry's solving a Rubik's cube with his nose and his toes ...

Remember - you can always email The Simon and Jo Film Show directly using this email: simonandjoshow@gmail.com

We are also on Twitter (simonandjoshow) and Facebook.