Brothers (Drama)

As another film reviewer said: “If you like having your heart ripped out in the cinema, then this is the film for you”. For those of you that haven’t picked this up already, I LOVE having my heart ripped out at the cinema. That’s exactly why I go to the cinema! In fact if I don’t feel moved, I feel like it’s a waste of my time. And this film definitely moved me.

‘Brothers’ is a film about a troubled young man Tommy (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who steps up to look after his brother’s wife and family after his brother (Tobey Maguire) goes missing while serving in Afghanistan. Captain Sam is presumed dead, along with a fellow Marine, after an unfortunate helicopter accident. As “Uncle Tommy” begins prospering in his new role and is even starts to develop feelings for his brother’s wife Grace, Sam is discovered to have been held prisoner by the Taliban and is returned home.

Don’t let the war tag turn you off too easily, ‘Brothers’ is not a war movie per se – there are no epic battle scenes (thank God because I am over them!) – It’s a movie about the after effects of war. It’s also a film about families, and the ‘roles’ we are sometimes given by our parents at a very young age that have habit of sticking, regardless of the adults we grow up to be. Captain Sam is the perfect son, strong athlete, good grades, a marine and devoted husband and father to his two young daughters. Tommy is his complete opposite, and as the movie begins, has just been released from a stint in jail for armed robbery. Their alcoholic father makes no secret of the fact that Sam is clearly his favourite, which has detrimental effects on all of the family relationships, not least of all Sam and Tommy’s.

‘Brothers’ is an American remake of a Danish film called “Brodre”. Apparently the original film is amazing, as compared to this one which does at times have a little bit of a soap opera look-and-feel. Interestingly, “Brodre” was shot five years ago and was also centred on the Afghan war – a testament to just how long the war in Afghanistan has been going on. Eight pointless years!

Whilst this film was not without its flaws, I did think the performances in ‘Brothers’ were almost all incredible. The main characters, particularly Jake and Tobey, were compelling in their roles but it was the support crew that stole the show for me. Sam and Tommy’s father, an ex marine himself, was convincingly played by Sam Shepard (not the Aussie one – but you will recognise him from a number of Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Black Hawk Down’, and ‘The Notebook’. Mare Winningham, who plays the boy’s step mum, is also very impressive, most recognisable from her many cameos in popular American television series such as CSI, Boston Legal, and Grey’s Anatomy (in which she plays Meredith Grey’s mother for anyone else who’s a fan!). And someone who deserves and extra special shout out is Bailee Madison who plays Sam and Grace’s eldest daughter Isabelle. She is gorgeous and shows amazing capability as she effectively portrays raw and unique emotions that she is way too young to ever have experienced herself.

So, what about the flaws? Firstly, the ending was a little bit Hollywood, everything is tied up in a neat little bow at the end which was a little hard to swallow given the tragedy that Sam experiences during his time in Afghanistan and the devastating effects it has on the whole family. Secondly, during Sam’s absence, I found Tommy’s turnaround into the perfect Uncle to be a little bit far-fetched, particularly coming from someone with such a chequered past and a seriously dysfunctional relationship with his own father. Finally, I thought Natalie Portman was mis-cast as Grace – she was just a little too beautiful and a little too perfect for the role – but I always love watching her on the big screen regardless!

Even so, there were some really engaging themes in ‘Brothers’ that made the movie worthwhile for me. In particular, I loved the examination of family life and sibling relationships and how the “weaker” sibling can become the “stronger” sibling (and vice versa) given a certain set of circumstances. It’s these kind of stories that make you wonder whether labels in families arise because they are so fitting, or simply because it’s easier for us all to make sense of our family relationships if we can say that ‘she’s the lazy one in the family’, or ‘he’s the one that can’t stick to anything’, or ‘she’s the selfish one’, or ‘he’s the smart one’. I’ve seen in my own friends and family that even positive labels can be detrimental, it can make us pursue a certain life simply because we want to live up to the label we’ve been given, a bit like poor Captain Sam. I think it’s these ‘labels’ that often cause so much unnecessary tension between siblings. It’s amazing that sibling relationships can prosper at times given the obstacles thrown at them by parents – even if that obstacle is too much love!

I also thought ‘Brothers’ can provoke you to think about what kind of events might have the power to change you forever as a person. I was intrigued by a conversation towards the end of the film between Grace and Sam when Sam asks: “Who was it that said only the dead have seen the end of war? I have seen the end of war. The question is how do I go on living?” It made me think about the “mini” wars we all no doubt will face in life : the death of a loved one, a serious illness, a betrayal – and which one of these would it take, if any, to significantly change your personality, or to change that thing that is so quintessentially you. And as we see in ‘Brothers’, how do you still love someone, and they you, even if there are parts of you that are no longer recognisable?

So - if you like having your heart ripped out at the cinema, if you’re keen to see what Tobey Maguire is capable of without his Spiderman mask on, and you know what to expect from a Hollywood remake, then I think you’ll find this film moving, enjoyable, and engaging for the duration. On the other hand, if you’re after something a little more light-hearted, or you like a film to leave a lasting impression, or you hate Hollywood endings, then this film probably isn’t for you.

• The entire film is shot in New Mexico
• Jake Gyllenhaal was apparently top of list to step in for Tobey Maguire in Spiderman 2 (2004) due to back injuries. So maybe them being brothers isn’t too much of a stretch.
• Carey Mulligan makes a brief but impressive appearance as the other missing Marine’s wife. During an interview at Sundance she said that her scenes were shot at around 3am and were mostly improvised!
  

Separation City

Straight after I saw this movie I sent my girlfriend a text saying - "You have to see 'Separation City', it'll totally f**k you up!" Her reply: "Um... not quite the lure I look for in a movie". Fair feedback. Her text made me laugh out loud but it also left me with a sense of twisted nostalgia for the days when we were both dark and stormy and she would've understood exactly why she needed to see this film. But fortunately for her, now it's just me who's dark and stormy and she's made like a butterfly and transformed into a happily married earth mother. But enough about us, I want to give you a better reason to see this movie than I gave to her.

And there are plenty of reasons to see this movie...

'Separation City' is a film about marriage in our generation and about the challenge of staying connected throughout the ups and downs of a long term relationship. This film exposes the harsh lesson we all learn when we become old enough to realise that falling in love is the easy part, it's staying in love that's tricky.

The film follows Simon (Joel Edgerton) and his marriage to Pam (played by the talented Danielle Cormack) who both live in a smug house in suburban Wellington with their two children. A few years into the marriage, as Simon begins to feel increasingly 'ordinary', and with their sex life on hold, he begins an infatuation with Pam's friend Katrien who is a cellist by profession (played by British actress Rhona Mitra most well known for her TV roles in 'Boston Legal' and 'Nip and Tuck'). Katrien has just split from her adulterous husband Klaus and with both their egos in need of a little stroking, Pam and Simon began some dangerous flirtation.

So, back to why you should see this film...

Reason number 1: Almost all of the performances are impressive, particularly those of Joel, Danielle, and Rhona. Their performances are genuine, raw, and believable and more than make up for the overacting from Underbelly's Les Hill who plays Simon's best mate, Harry.

Reason number 2: 'Separation City' is a topical movie about our generation and the growing disillusionment with the institution of marriage. And who doesn't wonder how their relationship is going to feel in two/five/ten years time?

I wasn't really expecting to enjoy this movie - partly because I was starting to feel a bit "movied out" since I started writing this blog, and partly because it was a kiwi movie and I always feel like I'm watching a b-grade soap opera when I hear a New Zealand accent up on the big screen (and I can say that because I live with a Kwi!). But I was hooked right from the opening scene at Simon and Pam's wedding (set in a stunning location high on a cliff in New Zealand) when Simon gazes around at the attendees and wonders whether anyone there is actually happy in their relationship. Based on happenings and opinions shared in my own social circle, I am always surprised by the statistics that suggest marriage is coming back into vogue in Australia. And after watching the film so effectively portray the seemingly inevitable decline into the routine and mundane aspects of cohabitation, I am even more perplexed.

Reason number 3: "Separation City" offers some insights into the more challenging aspects of long term relationships that people seem reluctant to discuss. My girlfriends and I call it the 'marriage code of silence' - we share every unflattering and unfair detail about 'the boyfriend' but as soon as he becomes 'the husband', any real conversation about the relationship seems to be suddenly taboo. For example, I'm often curious to ask my married friends about what happens to a relationship after you spend every night together for 5 years? Or what happens to your sex life after 2 kids and sleepless nights and lots of pooey nappies? But I always think better of it for fear of making us both uncomfortable. But what I loved about watching this film is that it allows you to be a voyeur into exactly that scenario...and the result for me was definitely discomfort!

Reason number 4: 'Separation City' cleverly explores the fact that familiarity in relationships breeds both security and insecurity. There's a great line when Simon is watching Katrien from a distance as he watches one of her concerts with his wife and he says to himself: "She was beautiful in a way that only someone you don't know can be". This is the scary paradox that familiarity brings. Through Simon and Katrien, the film explores the temptation of other people and whether a secure marriage can withstand unfaithfulness. It made me think about the fact that when it comes to unfaithfulness, people seem to worry most about the possibility that someone might come into their partner's life that is funnier, more attractive, more interesting than they are. But interestingly, the more likely scenario is that someone could come into your partner's life who simply makes them feel funnier, or feel more attractive, or feel more interesting than you make them feel. And this should give us all some comfort because this is the aspect within our control i.e. you can't control the fact that some random and gorgeous Katrien-like creature might drop into your partner's life, but you can control how self confident and comfortable he feels in his own life choices when this happens.

Reason number 5: This movie highlights the different experiences that two people can have in the same relationship. This point was perfectly illustrated when my boyfriend turned to me at the end of the movie to ask me what I thought and I said through teary eyes " that was so depressing" and he said "oh I thought it was optimistic and uplifting"! But as we talked more about the film over dinner I started to come around to his perspective - and that if going into a relationship - or god forbid a marriage - knowing all that might happen, and still being committed to find a way isn't inspiring then what is? And the power of forgiveness, of acceptance, of understanding someone else's choices even when they are hurtful, and of taking some accountability for the hurtful decisions your partner might make, is all testament to the optimism of the human spirit. Especially when it comes to relationships! And rather than focus on the sad possibility that you might fall out of love, focus on the exciting possibility that you could fall back in love with that same person over and over again.

In short, I loved this movie for all the reasons I highlighted. The drawbacks for me were minor but included some of the "over performances" I referenced, as well as the fact that at times, it felt like the film was trying a little too hard by stuffing too many witty one liners into the one scene. But as writer Tom Scott said during an interview for a NZ talk show - "This is a film for anyone who's ever been in love, ever fallen out of love, or ever been told someone is no longer in love with them" - and I tend to agree. And whilst the film covers the pretty serious and sometimes taboo subject of unhappy marriages, there are plenty of laughs to be had along the way. But be warned, for anyone who has a tendency to over analyse their own relationship - as I warned my girlfriend - this movie could seriously f*** you up!

• Tom Scott (political journalist and one of New Zealand's most loved satirical cartoonists) penned the first draft of the script 20 years ago!
• The producer Paul Middleditch is much more well known for producing big ads rather than big movies. Some of his more well known Australian ads include the 'big beer' ad for Carlton Draught, and the latest ad campaign for ANZ including the 'credit card fraud squad'.
• Apparently stunner Rhona Mitra agreed to be in Separation City after falling in love with New Zealand when filming a previous film in NZ, she has said she got into acting for travel!

A Single Man (Drama)

So I was hoping to write a lighter, more jovial review this week after Dad gave me some feedback - he loves reading my blog but always feels emotionally exhausted afterwards! So for you dad - I had planned to lighten the mood this week but it's hard to do so when the main character is meticulously planning his suicide.

Colin Firth stars as George Falconer, an English Professor who is based at an LA college but is a native Englishman. George is "a little light on his loafers" - as described by a neighbour - and has recently suffered the loss of his partner after 15 years. The film chronicles George's "last day" as he goes ahead with his typical routine and social obligations even though he plans to commit suicide at the end of day. If you haven't already drawn this conclusion yourself - George is a bit of a strange character but he's in good company - all of the characters in this film are strange. His best friend, and once girlfriend, Charley (convincingly played by Julianne Moore) is a complete drama queen and despite their close and long term friendship, is still wrestling with her unresolved feelings for George. Another notable performance is by Nicholas Hoult (who has grown into his looks considerably since he was in 'About a Boy') and plays a curious and strange student called Kenny.

If I had to use one word to describe this film I would choose 'beautiful'. Absolutely beautiful.

Now I'm aware that I might be at risk of sounding a bit 'sophisticated' with that assessment. And I promised I wouldn't comment on the more 'sophisticated' aspects of film making in this blog, such as Director's backgrounds, the artistic nature of the shots, or the musical score. But in discussing 'A Single Man' it would be remiss of me not to comment on all of the above. So bear with me for a second while I deviate from my unsophisicated ramblings to explain why. The film is Tom Ford's directorial debut and his fashion background is evident in every scene. I remember feeling frustrated at first (which I'm sure was largely due to the fact that some inconsiderate woman had decided to bring her crying baby to the cinema) but also due to the lack of conversation during the first half of the film. But before I knew it, Mr Ford had me hooked as he told the story simply through the presence and absence of music, the presence and absence of colour, and the perfectness of each shot. In fact, some of the most memorable scenes for me were those that were simply stunning to look at but during which very little happened for example, when George is at the bank and his neighbour's daughter appears in front of him in a vibrant blue dress and matching shoes. Or when Charley opens the door to George as he arrives for dinner and they meander slowly down a hallway absolutely filled with lights and flowers.

But back to my unsophisticated commentary: In some ways this film was hard for me to connect with given the weighty premise - personally I find it hard to identify with suicide at all - but this is a film about something we can all identify with. The need to connect with someone.

'A Single Man' is a reminder that no matter how down one gets, a connection with a single random person can immediately pep you up, or even completely turn things around. It made me think about how often one day can be the difference between happy and sad, between confusion and clarity, between feeling disconnected or feeling a part of something. And ironically, those days when we're less likely to engage in a conversation with the shop assistant, or to chat to the taxi driver, or to accept that invite from the next door neighbour, are the days when we're probably most in need of a connection. But George is missing one particular connection so badly, that he hardly notices how often throughout the day people try to connect with him, like the Spanish model from Madrid who tries to pick him up in the carpark of the liquor store, or his friendly neighbour, Mrs Strunk (played by Ginnifer Goodwin) who invites George over for diner despite her extremely homophobic husband.

Another part of the storyline that I think people will be able to relate to is George's search for 'clarity'. One of the less constructive characteristics of our generation is our consistent yearning for things to be clearer - Am I on the right track? Am I making the right decisions? Am I where I'm supposed to be for now? - and yet those moments when everything makes perfect sense, when everything is as it should be, are actually few and far between. And rather than feeling unfulfilled because these moments of clarity aren't more frequent, we should be grateful because that's exactly what keeps us going - the idea that tomorrow might make a bit more sense. One of my favourite speeches in the movie is a soliloquy by George as he's pondering on this apparent contradiction: "A few times in my life I've had a moment of absolute clarity....and I can feel rather than think...I have lived my life on these moments. I can never make these moments last. I cling to them but like everything they fade." This speech gave me goosebumps. Listening to George even gave me a moment of clarity. Thank you George.

Some might find 'A Single Man' a little slow, but I was so wrapped up in the music, the colour, and the fashion that I didn't notice the time go by. And while this film is definitely not for everyone, it might be worth seeing for Colin Firth's performance alone. Furthermore, the film is a great reminder that you don't need a clever, loquacious script to make an impactful movie. And whilst I really enjoyed myself while the story was being told, it was one of those movies that felt so much more powerful at the end, rather than on the way through. Which is such a fitting message for George's journey: that along the way, life can be underwhelming, but there are times where everything is so crystal clear it can be almost too beautiful.

• Tom Ford financed the film himself
• The film was shot in just 21 days
• In his acceptance speech for the BAFTA Best Actor award in February, Colin Firth said that he was planning to turn down the part and had an email waiting in his outbox to send to Tom Ford, but then he got distracted when the fridge guy arrived which caused him to rethink his decision. He thanked "the fridge guy" in his speech!