Cinema Signal: 
|
Another epic, historically set legend with a good dose of the supernatural is
also a 3-D animation directed by Robert Zemeckis in the same faulty style of
his "The Polar Express."
By design, the proportions of the grandeur would seek out the same audience
that "300" drew in collosal numbers but it does itself no favors to go again
with a medium that is so disconcerting. In this style of animation,
expressions and body movements are no less awkward than in the original, and
one is constantly adjusting to it as the people "float" and the eyes register
as wandering.
It is drawn from the legend described in a 9th century Old English poem that
tells of the mortal hero's victories over the monster Grendel and his
all-powerful mother. From a time when kingdoms at stake and rescue by a
great and powerful warrior was the proper subject of epic poetry, it
translates intriguingly for modern audiences attracted by grand themes, perfect
bodies and fine CG stunt choreography by the VFX experts from Sony Pictures
Imageworks. Ray Winstone valiantly serves as the title character, with
Angelina Jolie as the snaky evil power that won't allow the castle of King
Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) and Queen Wealthow (Robin Wright Penn) to rest on
its foundations nor forget its betrayals. Question is, is Beowulf a match
for her magic? -- no small part of which is her guile and beguiling
figure.
While Beowulf's mission to enrapture teenage boys (and other fans of grand
adventure) is accomplished, I'd have to suggest to Mr. Zemeckis that it may
be time to abandon this form of animation.
DVD Features:
* Deleted scenes * A Hero's Journey: The Making of "Beowulf" * Beasts of
Burden--designing the creatures * Creating the Ultimate "Beowulf" * The
Art of "Beowulf."
Cinema Signal: 
|
The Band's Visit
Writer-director Eran Kolirin, in a feature film debut, uses droll, laid-back
humor to depict the unusual event of an Egyptian police band visiting Israel
to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center. Their arrival in
the wrong town, with no reception, no one to receive and direct them, is
mined for rich, good humor and earned the film an Academy nod for Best
Foreign Language Film for 2007.
Also finding humor in the outlandish appearance of eight stiff blue-uniformed
foreigners is a group of local Israelis clustered in the small restaurant run
by a somewhat world weary Dina (Ronit Elkabetz) who thought she's seen it
all. Once the initial impression wears off, and the band's leader Tewfiq, a
man ruled by propriety, offers of hospitality and shelter are accepted,
leading to a few surprising developments.
Resonating through the script is the subtext of irony and a lesson in human-
to-human detente in a sea of hostility. There's nothing subtle about this,
either, and its obviousness to a cynic makes it less appealing than the
softies go for with no questions asked. In the end, however, it's a very
nice try, if a bit overrated.
|
Cinema Signal:
|
La Vie en Rose
A superior biopic about the incomparable lady of song, Edith Piaf. While not
everyone's musical cup of tea, her throaty, warbling cool captured millions
across the globe and came to represent the icon of cosmopolitan style and taste.
In a performance that justifiably proved its superior worth in the category
of lead actress, which in 2007 offered no real competition for the glory of
the Oscar, Marian Cottilard grabbed it with her rendition of the chanteause,
her rise, her weaknesses, her physical deterioration at the end.
Cottilard embodied her subject with what appears to be the definitive version
of Piaf.
|
Cinema Signal:
|
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
The true story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) who
suffers a stroke that turns him from a high-achiving, energetic man at the
top of the fashion world into a survivor who must learn to communicate
despite total paralysis.
The only part of him that he can control is his left eye and, when his nurses
notice his reactions to their attentions, a difficult code is developed to
understand his needs and thoughts. The dedication of these nurses, who go
through such devotion, is a credit to the profession, especially as Bauby is
no easy case. At times petulant, demanding and emotionally stressed, the
effect of his condition weighs heavily against the life-loving man he once
was, which is used in flashbacks to contrast against his diminished state.
Emmanuelle Seigner and Marie-Josee Croze do honor to their real-life nurse
and physical therapist Celine Desmoulins and Henriette Durand. Max von
Sydow's brief appearance as Papinou Bauby, the invalid's father, is
impressive, creating a buzz about a possible Best Actor nod from the Academy.
The highly personal character study was well directed by Julian Schnabel, a
man given to art and the off-beat ("Basquiat"). Writer Ronald Harwood ("Love in the Time of Cholera,"
"Oliver Twist") handled the
screenplay, adapting it from the subject's novel. Amalric's performance is
selfless and accomplished. With this performance under his belt one might
well expect we'll be seeing more of him.
DVD Features:
* Submerged: The Making Of * A Cinematic vision" * Audio Commentary with
Director Julian Schnabel * Charlie Rose interviews Julian Schnabel.
Ratatouille