Welcome to the film club! Here are the films I've been loving the past month that I want to share with you...
Inside Out
I may be approaching the big 2-1 but that's no reason to stop watching Pixar and Disney films! Inside Out is for everyone of any age and so, so cleverly made. The film explores the life of Riley, an 11 year old hockey enthusiast. We see how she is controlled by her emotions, who are living characters in her head - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The film explains mental health in a way understandable to the younger generation, and teaches you that without being open about your sadness, you can't have joy - that joy and sadness go hand in hand. A totally inspiring film, so innovative and is a must watch, especially for young pre-teens to teenagers growing up.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn tells the tale of a young girl, Eilis who decides to emigrate to New York as opportunities back home in Ireland are scarce. We follow her through her difficulties coping with homesickness and feeling torn between two places at once. I can completely relate to parts of Eilis's story, as after emigrating to France 5-6 years ago, I felt confused between my old life in the UK but attached to my new life in France, it's an odd feeling, and the homesickness is also relatable as I'm now studying in a different country from my home. It's a beautiful love story and actress Saoirse Ronan plays the role of Eilis fantastically. It's set between a beautiful 50's Brooklyn backdrop and the countryside of Ireland with stunning 50's fashion to boot.
Hail, Caesar!
I've seen both Barton Fink, which I loved, and The Big Lebowski, which I didn't quite 'get', by The Coen Brothers so was intrigued by the trailer of this star studded Hollywood movie and knew I had to see it! Set in the 1950's, it tells the story of Eddie Mannix, a Hollywood fixer who is busy at work solving the problems of all the big egos of filmmakers and actors at Capitol Pictures. The popular actor, Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) is kidnapped and Mannix faces his biggest challenge yet of getting him back to the studios without too much speculation from the press and delay in the making of "Hail, Caesar!". It's entertaining and funny, showing you the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood studios and just how complicated it can get. Expect cameos from Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton!
A Bigger Splash
Set in a glamorous villa on the Italian island of Pantelleria - we are introduced to characters, Marianne, a former rock star, who is now mute due to throat surgery and her recovering alcoholic boyfriend, Paul. They're soon joined by Marianne's former lover, Harry and his recently discovered 'daughter', Penelope. All four are almost happy families to begin with but as the holiday progresses, the personalities clash and things take a much darker turn than expected. Everyone and everything becomes all a little mysterious, secretive and complicated...and we see that everyone is actually all a little effed up in the head. It's entertaining to watch, in particular, Harry's character, played by Ralph Fiennes, who is the most flamboyant and eccentric of the four. If you liked Vicky Christina Barcelona, then you'll probably like this too!
The Revenant
Ok, so it may be a liiiittle obvious to include this film, everyone knows about it and it's scooped up several awards including the highly anticipated Best Actor Oscar Award for Mr. Dicaprio. However, if you haven't seen it yet, and are unsure it'll be your kind of thang, I would highly recommend it, while it might still be in cinemas. Iñárritu's incredible cinematography is made to be seen on a big screen. The Revenant, set in the wilderness in 1823, is about Hugh Glass who faces a brutal bear attack and is left for dead by his fellow hunters. Glass uses his survival skills and desire for revenge to track down John (Tom Hardy) who has betrayed and abandoned him. It is so beautifully shot that you will no doubt enjoy it for the visuals alone - it has you on the edge of your seat and sometimes covering your eyes (not just me surely?!).
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