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Reviews
Joan of Arc (1999)
The end of Besson's Career?
I decided to give this movie a two, simply because I can still appreciate good visuals (even when directors and producers believe this substitutes for poor script writing), however, this was a totally bland interpretation of both a controversial and complex historic figure.
I know from his latest movies that Luc Besson enjoys simplistic/childish humor, cliché moments, thin dialog, and two dimensional characters... all coated in pleasant costumes, with decent music and good photography/camera work. However this incredibly flat and superficial interpretation of Joan of Arc's life is completely emancipatory and forgetful at the very best.
His biggest downfall was to choose the story of such a prominent figure in history which required so much more work than just a super-imposed stylistic approach from a director who, in his success, could afford to throw in key ingredients to Cookie cut himself another successful blockbuster... There was so much material that could have been explored from what we know of the life and death of Joan la Pucelle, as well as the period in which this story takes place, and the characters that may have influenced her as well as the many she did influence along the way... the list goes on! I hope another director will be up for the challenge in the future, because this story has real potential for an all out classic movie.
Ways in which this can be achieved: 1- get a better lead actress, no offense to Mila but this role is WAY out of her league! she should stick to what she knows... 2- get a better script writer - one who can focus on what he really wants to write (because this one goes in all directions) and write it with more maturity!! 3- get a director who can explore the story with more depth and understanding, because I don't think Mr Besson really understood the essence of the Character... putting it plainly, even if Joan was a lunatic, she saved France and led an army to victory... would an army follow a screaming adolescent/psychotic child? She was also incredibly intelligent, that we know from the materials that survived her trial, where she defended herself. She was also terrified of being burnt.
very unfortunate this movie was such a fail, I hope the story gets another shot...
The Waiting City (2009)
for all those who loved to be transported...
At first I was dubious about watching this movie, the trailer made it seem worthwhile but there was a lingering fear that the film would be just another add up of clichés as I have often seen in recent Australian films (not to name any specifically).
After the first ten minutes I knew I was going to be transported. I sat back, ready to begin this journey with an open mind.
What ensued was a truly original and profound exploration of human relationships in a foreign land and culture; both the conflicting expectations and quite naturally, the disappointments and disillusionments that follow.
In "The Waiting City", these themes are explored carefully with the depth and maturity they deserve. In the end, there are no answers provided to questions asked on the spiritual, or the morally right. The two main character grow, as does the audience, thanks to the amazing performances of Radha Mitchell and Joel Edgerton.
Radha Mitchell was absolutely captivating as Fiona Simmons, a young lawyer who carries the many flaws of her husband and their suffering relationship upon herself. Joel Edgerton naturally embodies all the warmth and enthusiasm of Ben Simmons, a musician / song writer who is still unsure of what he wants to do with his life, submitting himself to his wife's tendency to control and be the "adult".
As both lose control in a land where nothing seems to work or go according to plan. Ben rises and grasps opportunities to prove himself, Fiona in her turn learns to accept and let go.
Both are waiting to bring their adopted daughter home... both will learn to open their minds and find solace in ways they never expected.
One of the best movies I have seen world wide this year! An absolute must see!
As someone who was raised in different countries my whole life, I must say that this was a truly original and fair perspective from writer director Claire McCarthy on the experience of traveling and being transformed, in turn, by the unpredictability of the many worlds within our world.
I am eagerly waiting to see what's next!