Filmmakermom Reviews

Source Code (2011)

Interesting concept, lukewarm result

[6/10 · 4 August 2011]

While I thought the concept of those lingering 8 minutes before your mind dies was very interesting (just like persistence of vision which allows us to enjoy film in the first place!), the resulting story is disappointing. Vera Farmiga's character makes a final decision which is forced into the narrative; she needed more screen time for us to care. The main couple is also lacking moments to build up the chemistry between them.

In short, there is a lack of passion. The credits start rolling when you realized you didn't feel a rush at any point. It's a movie you can watch with your head and be entertained, yes... but it never reaches the heart.

El brindis (2007)

Satisfying visuals, lacking emotional impact

[6/10 · 18 July 2009]

"El Brindis" has chosen one of the most charming locations ever: Valparaiso, Chile. Also, the cinematography is impeccable, though it is sadly very straightforward (there was a great deal of metaphorical potential). But the real downside of this movie is the fact that it shies away from emotion. Every time there is an opportunity for emotions to explode, we are taken away from it, left to assume what the visceral exchange was about and how it played out. When the protagonist learns that the man she is falling for is married, no scene devoted to her reactions. When she finally decide to let herself go, we don't get to see how the couple gets close, how they bridge the gap and finally establish physical contact... instead we cut to the scene in which they're already having sex. The rabbi is supposedly having a huge life crisis, but we always get to see him very comfortable among his community. "El Brindis" had a lot to work with, but it seems it was more important for the director to keep it light-hearted.

The Golden Bowl (2000)

Good adaptation with some editing and acting flaws

[7/10 · 22 January 2008]

The film is very effective in conveying the spirit of the novel. By the end you will have that bittersweet taste in your mind, as it usually happens with Henry James stories... Not a single character can say that their heart is completely content.

Once again, as in other Merchant Ivory productions, the cinematography and art direction is impeccable. Also, the costume design is both classic and risky (Uma Thurman at the ball is exotic and sensual).

Now, the main flaw in terms of editing is pacing. While this type of narrative calls out for a slower pace, at times it just didn't feel right. It is like different hands took over parts of the movie.

As for acting, it is quite good in general. Kate Beckinsale starts out very stiff, but warms up throughout the story. As for handsome Jeremy Northam, his Italian accent seemed contrived and was a bit distracting.

Shattered (2007)

Interesting premise; poor development

[4/10 · 21 January 2008]

The premise "you would do anything for your child" is definitively worth exploring in a film; it seems that this was the original intention of this movie. However, it's translation to the big screen is literal and predictable. Is it really necessary to bang us on the head with they-have-the-perfect-life scenes during the first 15 minutes? The dialogue could not be more obvious: "You have the perfect husband","I am thinking how far we've come", etc. Nothing is suggested in this film, everything is spelled out for the audience. That is simply annoying; this flick underestimates the moviegoers. It is difficult to believe that someone who is having an affair at the workplace would not link this to the vengeful events taking place. It is difficult to believe that a wife would go through all that trouble instead of confronting her husband directly. The story is so poorly developed that not even charming and handsome Butler can save it.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Too many distractions

[7/10 · 8 October 2003]

I enjoyed watching this movie, especially for the stunning art direction and photography (though the editing was too fast and did not allow enough time to enjoy them).

In my opinion, it does have a big problem, though. The story itself is relegated to a secondary role. It seems at times that the producer and director did not really believe in the main plot, so they filled up the screen with other things.

Unfortunately, in the case of Moulin Rouge!, too many layers create more distraction than meaning.

The Pillow Book (1995)

Powerful images combined with poor storytelling

[5/10 · 1 October 2003]

In the Peter Greenaway quotes section there is a statement of his that called my attention: "If you want to tell stories, be a writer, not a filmmaker." To that I would reply: If you just want to make pretty images, be a painter, not a filmmaker.

I thought this movie had very interesting visuals, but it seemed more like a moving collage than a movie. It can be argued that "The Pillow Book" is close to being an experimental film, but in that case, don't get us interested in a story... There were interesting characters who deserved to have their story well told. I often feel this frustration with Greenaway; he seems to have really passionate things to say so... just play it out man!