Tag: cinema
Backwater: A Japanese Pubescent Nightmare
Given the stagnant state of its numerous characters, Shinji Aoyama’s Backwater is certainly appropriately named, although the film is so loaded with references to various forms of effluence that at one point I had to double check that the film wasn’t called ‘Backwash’. That’s not necessarily a criticism, but it is a warning… this is…
School of Babel: A Filmic Appreciation of the Migrant Experience
Watching Julie Bertucelli’s documentary, School of Babel, one is left with the distinct impression that many of the world’s more significant problems would be better left in the hands of children… and it’s probably true. This simple, yet profoundly moving documentary details a year in the lives of a group of young students in a…
Lest We Forget: The Great War and Cinema
This August sees the centenary of the First World War. This tragic conflict destroyed nations, took millions of lives, and changed the map of the world. Many films have been made about this war, and this seems a suitable time to examine some of them. I normally seek out lesser-known films for my posts; but…
Predestination: Temporal Loops and Narrative Hoops
Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the Australian red-carpet premiere of the Spierig brothers’ new science fiction film, Predestination, as part of the opening night celebrations at the Melbourne International Film Festival. Held at the Melbourne Arts Centre, the night commenced with a typically charismatic introduction by MIFF patron, Geoffrey Rush, and ended…
Lucy and Boyhood: The Evolution of Narrative Integration
Tom Gunning has forgotten about the evolution of early cinema than anyone I know. So let’s consult him. Gunning has argued that the earliest form of cinema was one of “attraction.” The audience watched new and interesting pictures in much the same way that carnival crowds would gape at the bearded lady. Had it remained…