Category: Reviews

  • Six more pieces of solid cinema from the cinephile circuit

    Six more pieces of solid cinema from the cinephile circuit

    The Melbourne International Film Festival has come to an end, and I’m left with copious notes on films that I’ve yet to fully review. While I attempt to readjust to the horrible glare of sunlight and real life, and before I put together a few long-form reviews of some of the festival’s best offerings, here…

  • The Act of Killing: A tragic demonstration of the banality of evil

    The Act of Killing: A tragic demonstration of the banality of evil

    Historically, the human race has always depended on a reductionist approach to morality – one that helps us to clearly delineate the difference between good and evil. From the Cold War to the Crusades, societies have elected to believe that their enemies represent an absolute evil – an idea often strategically encouraged by the powers…

  • Five films that make the cut: Update from the Melbourne International Film Festival

    Five films that make the cut: Update from the Melbourne International Film Festival

    Time for another report from the Melbourne International Film Festival! It’s quickly becoming apparent that my viewing schedule is ridiculously ambitious, as was my intention to keep the blog entirely up to date throughout. Nevertheless, I’ll keep plugging away and try to keep things as close to real-time as possible. This year, I’ve had the…

  • Patrick Remade: Return of the Catatonic

    Patrick Remade: Return of the Catatonic

    Having just recently posted about my love for Ozploitation cinema, I was more than a little enthusiastic to score tickets to the world premiere of Patrick, a remake of the Australian cult classic of the same name. Even more exciting was the fact that the film was to be directed by none other than Mark…

  • Let’s get started: I’m So Excited, First Cousin Once Removed, Dirty Wars

    Let’s get started: I’m So Excited, First Cousin Once Removed, Dirty Wars

    The Melbourne International Film Festival has now begun, kicking off with the Australian red carpet premiere of Pedro Almodovar’s new film I’m So Excited last night. No doubt there are a few people still struggling to recover from the post-film festivities. Below, I look at I’m So Excited and a couple of other films I’ve…