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benbhunter
Reviews
Last Flamingo of the Red Summer Sunset (2024)
A 19th century parable 'painted' to life by the actors conviction
Was very blessed to see this at the mallard cinema last week. Beautifully crafted film. Me ans my partner try and support independent cinema when we can. For me I had doubts going in. I come from the island it is shot and i am of the perspective that if you are shooting a film about America you should shoot it in America. After all, how can we complain that the Guernsey Potatoe Pie wasn't filmed in Guernsey if we steal other stories. But then I learnt that it wasn't just filmed here but it was written by a local talent also. This is a local story and by God did it exemplify the breadth of opportunity in showcasing a fantastical pallette of the wild west with the greys of vintage film to the hazy oranges of the west itself. It was splendid. Whilst it occurs largely in one room this setting enables a true theatrical feast. Dean hollingsworth becomes a face that can only do wonders on the screen. A subtle yet convincing portrayal of class and Persuasion. Hislop brings a world to our imaginations, a world i want more of, a character so rich I need to experience more of. His cogent description of a dreamy yet horrific land is magically done. His voice pierces and in its melodic use of the poetic script it sings to us in the most transformative manner. Ashplant gives a masterclass. His character appears obscured in mystery, but this peels away through the Christian and tribal Imagery, until we are left with nothing short of a maniac. It is the story of becoming a villain with notes of Daniel Day Lewis in 'there will be blood'. And he delivers tremedously- what a devil, and what a voice, straight from the era. The music is masterful and a true ode to the genre. By Peter Wood I see, a name I've seen now more than once. Also just as transportative is the creative selection of shots by local wizard Matthew stockreiter, who I was once pleased to have met. His work is astounding.
This could be done again. I'm theatre or on a bigger screen, but it carves out a distinctive space in the western genre as it is. One that truly earns the name of contemplative cinema, and I might argue that it is in this unique style that it flourishes. Any adaptation might loose the thing that makes it so unique. An alluring piece of cinema.
Marooned Awakening (2022)
Unique story with overly convincing performances
Unsure what I just watched, and yet it's perfect. It's not like any other film. There was only about 8 of us in the cinema but we all came out with our own version of the story. It's cleverly layered and perfect for a second watch.
Murray mcarthur is fantastic as a washed up father, and shows the complexities of a father-son relationship in a refreshing way. He shows how anger and disagreement can be centred in love and a fractious past. I haven't seen my dad since my mums funeral, we call, but the lacking mention of the mum between the two in the film is heartbreakingly relatable. Films like this and aftersun are starting to feel more real than real life in their presentations. Cameron ashplant is wonderfull in this. We go on the journey with him and it is hard to believe he's not genuinely thinking what he is saying, there is an honest conviction in every word and subtle expression. He definitely has a strong future as a front man in British dramas. Beautifully done. Tilly Keeper also gives a very strong performance central to giving Alex a purpose. The pair capture the real awkwardness of departure, how it feels in real life, not in movies. They have a real chemistry on screen. Keeper has shown a different character to her in eastenders and that she can do the bigger serious roles. What a journey the whole film is. Visually stunning, with thought provoking dialogue and a great score by Peter Wood. And again like afterun, the use of memory and thought is great. One to watch and revisit again. I did feel the ending was sudden. Maybe revisiting what we had already seen could have given us a bolder close, wrapping up the clever nuances. But just something small with the editing and direction there. It is a beautifully unique film.