50 Shades Of Grey (2015)

During the summer of 2014, I’d heard about the 50 Shades of Grey novels by E. L. James. I have read my share of romance novels and decided to try this one. I read all three in the series that summer. I couldn't put them down.

It’s a different brand of romance, and a lot of sex. The exploration behind the BDSM (Bondage-Dominant-Submissive-Sadomasochism) acts is what ignites the curiosity of the readers. And if you are a fan of books, as I am, then you will appreciate the film just as much!

The story is about Ana Steele, a college student in Washington who takes the place of her ill roommate to interview the wealthiest entrepreneur, and most eligible bachelor, Christian Grey, for her college newspaper. A young man of 27, he has made an empire for himself by keeping his emotions in check, and business in order. Sparks fly between them, and Christian begins to pursue Ana. She thinks she begins dating Christian but he explains to her that he doesn’t “do romance,” and has very particular taste. He shows her his “playroom.” In the book Ana calls it “the red room of pain.” Christian proposes a BDSM sexual relationship in which he would be the dominant and her the submissive. He even provides a contract to keep it a tidy transaction. Ana attempts to satisfy Christian by attempting this type of sexual relationship, but isn't sure that it’s right for her. In the end she will have to decide if she can make sacrifices to fit into Christian’s reality, or can he make sacrifices to satisfy her desire for a “normal” relationship.

Dakota Johnson plays Ana Steele, and Jamie Dornan plays Christian Grey. These two have great chemistry. They play off of each other well. Ana is supposed to be young, wide-eyed, innocent, and inexperienced sexually. She is also very well-educated which contributes to how she challenges the control freak in Christian. Christian is assertive, formal, routine, and controlling. He seems to always be one step ahead of everyone else, always getting his way. Jamie brings a lot of mystery to Christian, and not to mention a convincing American accent. His natural Irish is hardly detectable, then again I wasn't 100% focused on his accent. You be the judge.

Anyone who has read the books knows there will be intense sexual encounters between Christian and Ana. Most of these scenes were in his playroom. The only way to describe the style of filming of these scenes is strategic. The camera can only show so much to keep an R rating. This film definitely is pushing the limits in American cinema having this specific type of sex on-screen. The sexual encounters were necessary to the film because Ana and Christians relationship is, at first, based on it. It is what moves the story, and helps the characters learn and grow from their time together. Surprisingly Dakota Johnson bared more skin than expected, but this also kept the encounters very honest. I mean, how many times are we going to watch a love scene in which the female keeps her clothes on? It’s not realistic. Jamie Dornan also bared more than expected, but not too much. The love scenes have the ability to make a moviegoer uncomfortable if you don’t know what to expect. However I appreciate that the scenes were honest, tasteful, and passionate. The aggressiveness during their encounters is reminiscent of Fatal Attraction, but less brutal. This film isn't for the immature or squeamish, but it may make some women raise their standards.  

If you have never seen the show The Fall, I highly recommend it. I’d previously seen Jamie Dornan play Sheriff Graham on Once Upon A Time, but it wasn't until I saw The Fall that I felt I'd seen the depth of talent he possesses. In The Fall he plays a serial killer dodging a detectives’ radar. The character he plays is very dark, mysterious, and private. I could easily see the foundations for Christian Grey and knew he'd be a great fit. I’d never watched anything Dakota Johnson was in. However she played Ana very well, and gave her more dimension than the books did. In the books she is all sass and her “inner Goddess” likes to have provocative commentary. In the film she plays Ana more as a shy, slightly awkward, young romantic.

It is annoying that the general formula for the first part of the film resembles Twilight. “I’m not good for you. You should stay away from me.” “I can't stay away from you, you are changing me.” Christian even pulls Ana out of the way of a car, much like Edward saving Bella from the van. Thankfully this story is very different from Twilight, and the romance is completely different. Ana even makes fun of this formula in a drunken phone call to Christian. This film can stand on its own.

50 Shades of Grey is a tough story to film given how much of it is explicit. But the film turned out to be a great adaptation from the books. I know the readers will be pleasantly surprised to see how much from the book they were able to keep and incorporate. Not much to say regarding makeup or lighting, everything came together seamlessly.

There wasn't too much focus on Kate or Jose, Ana's friends. But somehow it didn't seem to matter. In a way, we were in Ana's perspective the entire time. When her focus was on Christian, our focus was also on Christian. The camera only followed her throughout the story. In this way, it is just like the books, which are written to focus only on Ana's perspective. 

The soundtrack to the film is outstanding! Every song is perfectly chosen to fit a film like this. But I have to recommend that Annie Lennox's version of "I Put A Spell On You" is quite bewitching!

Recently I've read many articles from groups stating the film promotes violence against women, or that it objectifies women, etc. The lifestyle Christian Grey enjoys is a REAL lifestyle, a sexual fetish. Appropriately, no one talks about this particular type of fetish publicly. It’s one of the last taboo types of sex to be out in the open. The lifestyle promotes that both/all parties involved consent to the sexual acts. In fact, most dominants are women! Even in the books and the film Christian is respectful and formal about getting written consent from Ana before touching her, and there is no harm done. BDSM sex isn't for everyone, which is why many women will sympathize with Ana’s character. Ana fictionally fulfills the sexual fantasies many real women have about being dominated. And let’s face it, if Jamie Dornan was holding the riding crop, would we pass up the opportunity? 

 

Mockingjay Part 1 - Hunger Games Series (2014)

After Catching Fire came out, I finally read the entire book series. I couldn't wait for the new film to come out knowing the battle was going to start. If you've read the books, then I know you will be pleased when you see how the film honors the original writing.

At the end of Catching Fire, we last see Katniss break the force field around the arena in the 75th Annual Hunger Games. A rescue team pulled Katniss from the arena as it fell apart, and then told her she was to be the face of their rebellion, their Mockingjay. Immediately she asked about Peeta. She learned that the Capitol captured Peeta and a few other tributes while she was being rescued. In the last moments of the film, she is told that District 12 was destroyed.

In Mockingjay Part 1, the film begins with her coming to grips with the circumstances, and recovering in District 13. Katniss is introduced to District 13's President Coin, played by Julianne Moore, and the team that will help spread their message to the other districts, and specific messages to the Capitol: Beetee, Effie, Plutarch, played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Hamich. Katniss is assigned a small crew to film propaganda pieces while they visit the devastation in her home District 12 and the survivors of District 8. Inspired, they film several pieces to give hope to the remaining districts. Interviews between Peeta and Caesar Flickerman air regularly showing a rapid decline in Peeta's well-being. Katniss knows they need to rescue him as soon as possible. President Coin saw the opportunity and sent a small group on a covert mission to get into the Capitol and rescue the imprisoned tributes. As a reader of the books, the only scene that I was eager to see is the reunion between Katniss and Peeta. It doesn't happen in the way we all would expect. The rebellion is in full operation, but now everyone has a role to play. Now we wait for part 2 to see the ending to the series.

I can't say enough good things about this film. It is very well made, great special effects, camera techniques, and with Jennifer Lawrence as the lead it isn't hard to feel her pain. Even if you've read the books, and the story is fresh in your mind, the film is hardly predictable. I was pleased, however, that they used the original speeches from the book. "If we burn, you burn with us!" Among others.

The most shocking was watching Peeta's Capitol appearances and each time looking more emaciated, sick, and destroyed. Only at the end of the film we can see a better view of his overall physical state and it is truly heartbreaking to see. You can almost feel the shock Katniss feels looking at him. Over the past year photos from production have leaked, showing Josh Hutcherson looking very healthy and fit, which concludes that they added special effects to make him look as horrible as he did by the end of the film. Josh played Peeta's emotions brilliantly. After everything Peeta has been through, he looks at familiar people with emptiness in his eyes, as though he's never met them before.

I noticed a few problems with the film, but nothing that would change how the viewer sees the film. Towards the end of the film, President Coin is speaking to her district. There is a close up on her face during the climatic moment and you can see she must've eaten before the speech. There was something between her two front teeth! If they can use special effects to make Peeta look convincingly sick, they can certainly erase the speck on Coin's teeth. Maybe it's just me, but Coin's contact lenses didn't look that great either.

I remember Jennifer Lawrence had cut her hair very short between film roles. Kristen Stewart did the same thing between filming Twilight and The Runaways. Which means in the series films that follow, a wig will be added. One of my biggest filming pet peeves is when the hair looks fake. Jennifer's hair is naturally dark, long, thick and wavy with very specific layers around her face. In this film her hair had an all-too-perfect hair line, the layers weren't there anymore, and it wasn't the same texture as her natural.

It was great seeing Philip Seymour Hoffman again. During the ending credits they added a tribute to him. Since his passing I've read his large part had to be cut down to something smaller. They hadn't been able to finish filming with him before his passing. I don't know if his passing affected this film at all, but I expected to see more of him.

I can't say too much more without giving too much away. You have to see this new film! The Hunger Games is some of the greatest works to entertain us in a time films are beginning to suffer at the box office. From page to screen it's an in-depth adventure into a futuristic world. It's about not being poor slaves, but fighting back! Liberation! And Jennifer Lawrence delivers an excellent performance every time.

When the film was over, I heard different voices around me, "wow!" "Aw geez!" "Oh my Gosh!" "That was crazy!" I'm not making this up! It will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way!

Of Mice And Men, National Theatre Live (2014)

I went to the movie theater to have an experience, and I got more than I expected. I was floored in the first 10 minutes watching the dialogue between George and Lennie, played by James Franco and Chris O'Dowd. The intensity between these two demonstrated a long, rough past they've shared together, and their journey wasn't over yet.

The play is about George and Lennie. Two men who work and travel together in, what looked like, 1930's California. George is hardworking, rough around the edges, and keeps Lennie on a short leash. Lennie is mentally disabled, large, with a very youthful personality. Whenever Lennie "misbehaves"or causes trouble George has to pack up and move the two of them to the next ranch to work and earn money. Lennie likes it when George talks about their plans to have a ranch of their own. Their dreams of their own home with land is what motivates them. Everything comes to a head at the next ranch they work on. George realizes Lennie has become too much of a handful.

The relationship between George and Lennie is very moving to watch. They both look out for each other, protect each other, and though they never say it they also love each other. The theme of the script is companionship, loneliness, and the need for someone to be close to. Leighton Meester plays a rancher's wife who briefly gets close to Lennie. She is the only woman on the ranch with no one to confide in, so she constantly visits the other working men on the ranch hoping to talk to one them.

We can all relate the need to be close to someone else. Companionship and the desire to not be alone is within all of us.

I really liked seeing George and Lennie together. Chris and James had great chemistry. Chris was flawless, vulnerable, honest and sincere as Lennie. Chris stole the show, for me. George was sensitive when it came to Lennie. Lennie is his weakness. James was fantastic as George. James reminded me of James Dean: mysterious, dominant, aggressive, takes care of Lennie before himself. If there is one thing I have learned, James Franco always delivers and his performance in this play far surpassed any expectation I had. Brilliant performances!

The scene transitions were themed to the period. Strategically period props were used to maneuver scene changes, even having a water trough on stage! Very cool!

The stage blood was very well done. During fights you'd start to see blood appear on their faces. It looked as though they had a stash of makeup and blood in various places on stage. While the other men would move around and encourage the fight, shielding the fight slightly, the two fighters would mess up their faces to show the damage. It something you have to see to believe, it was a very creative way to simulate a real time fight.

The only part I'm still trying to understand is the ending. I won't give it away here, but if any of you out there know the ending and understand why it had to end the way it did, please feel free to comment below.

In the last moments of the play, Lennie asks George to repeat what they once talked about at the beginning. George points out over the audience to the mountains in the distance and tells Lennie to imagine the good life they planned. George begins to describe the ranch and the animals they would've had. Lennie looks out, blank expression behind his eye while he tried to "see" what George describes. Then Lennie asks George to talk about them.

"Guys like us, they got no family," George starts.

"But not us George. Not us because I got you and you got me," says Lennie with enthusiasm,
"That's what gives a hoot in hell about us."

The last moment they share together on stage is Lennie looking out over the audience into those mountains, and his eyes light up for a moment with excitement. "I see it George! I can see it."

Patch Adams (1999), A Tribute to Robin Williams

I can't remember the first time I saw Robin Williams. Growing up, I knew him as the funny man in strange movies. When I was young I watched him in The World According To Garp, Toys, Popeye, and later as the voice of the Genie in Aladdin. As I grew up, I developed a deep love and appreciation for the art of performance, in part because of Robin. There is no one else in the world, that can go up on a stage, and deliver great humor and intelligence in the same way Robin does. Hollywood will never know another like him.

I was in San Francisco, on a business trip, when I heard Robin had died. I didn't want to believe it. It was a rough week for me, trying to work while mourning the death of a beloved artist and role model. The father I never had. Though it has taken me some time to write this blog about him, I'm glad I waited. I've had time to reflect, research, and understand more about him, which only helped me to respect him more. I, too, live with depression and anxiety. I understand the battle to maintain balance, and build strength when you feel weak. I know that for some, the battle is much more difficult. Knowing that Robin made a great effort to help himself, gives me a sense of acceptance and peace. He is no longer suffering in this life. Now he can move on to the next.

When Robin made films, he left a lasting impression. He gave his everything to his audiences, friends, and family. Billy Crystal said it best at the Emmy Awards 2014, "It's difficult to think of him in the past, because he was so present."

Patch Adams is a great platform in which to remember such a comedic icon. This film becomes the most relevant to Robin's life and legacy because of the purpose. Hunter "Patch" Adams tried to commit suicide, but was saved after connecting with other ill patients, making them laugh. In the film, there is a conversation Patch has with Carin that speaks volumes. Carin asks him if the rumor about his stay at a mental institution was true.

Patch: "I tried to kill myself. The mental ward was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Carin: "What did the doctor's do to help you?"

Patch: "The doctors didn't help me. The patients helped me. They helped me realize that by helping them I could forget about my own problems. And I did. I really helped some of them. It's an incredible feeling."

This is what Robin Williams did for the world. Humor is a great tool in life. It's a shield against negativity, it's a bind between opposing forces, and it's a contagious healing agent. Making us laugh is what made Robin happy. He gave us 40 years of laughs, and each laugh is timeless. He can still be shared with the generations to come. Share Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Aladdin, Jumanji, and Good Morning Vietnam with your kids. They, too, will experience the laughs Robin left behind.

Patch Adams is a great story about a man who hit bottom, but then discovered a reason to live. After getting into medical school, he challenged the world of medicine with a theory that laughter and positivity can benefit the health of the patients. Patch's mentors believed transference between a physician and patient was a bad thing. Patch believed it was essential to the improvement of their quality of life to connect with patients. And he would be right. The Dean of the medical school tries to find a way to expel Patch for being different, offended by his "excessive happiness." The Dean believed doctors are meant to treat the profession with seriousness, and technicalities. He felt the class clown didn't belong. Patch would fight the system in order to graduate.

This film demonstrates the risks Patch took to make his dream a reality. Based on a true story, and true events, Robin Williams shows depth, sincerity, and honesty in a passionate character's fight to be true to himself, and help others.

A great family film, very funny, very moving, and the imperfect moments of the film make it even better! Robin Williams at his best, playing the comedy and tragedy well! I recommend this film to everyone. I can't think of anything negative to say about it.

My Facebook Post:
"Something to remember about depression: when we don't have confidence in ourselves, we look for ways to cope. Humor is a great tool for breaking the ice, making introductions, being expressive, and touching people around us. Depression is more powerful than others realize. I understand it because I've been living with depression for most of my life. Comedy often becomes our only tool to communicate. We poke fun at ourselves as a way to deal with our insecurities. Comedy gives us hope that we can still fit in with everyone else who is more "complete." I've always had a good sense of humor. Making others smile makes me feel better about myself. Having the support and reliance on others makes me stronger." -Lisa Marie Monette

Two legends in film.

"A preview of coming attractions..."

My facebook tribute, that I made, above. 

This was a paper outside my hotel during my visit in SF. I took this photo with my phone. 

Gone too soon. 

RIP

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

This is one of my favorites movies. Based on true events. And one of Val Kilmer's best performances. Not to mention a beautiful landscape in Africa.

The Ghost and the Darkness are the names given to the lions that attacked. It was 1898 when bridge builder Col. John Patterson joined a team in Tsavo, Africa to build a bridge between Kenya and Uganda. During building, lions were attacking at night, killing hundreds of workers in a matter of weeks. It was making the men too afraid to stay and work. As the killings became more frequent, Patterson requested reinforcements but was quickly denied by his superior in England. One of Patterson's workers called for his own reinforcement, in known huntsman Charles Remington. Patterson and Remington fight off the lions side by side. They learn there are two lions in particular that are hunting together. Lions are independent hunters. "These lions, are not like lions." Together, Patterson and Remington are on a mission to keep their workers safe, and end the terror the lions bring.

The two maneless lions that attacked were shot and killed by John Patterson. It took more than 6 months to build the bridge, than the 4 months originally scheduled. Patterson documents these events in his book The Man-Eaters of Tsavo. Now the lions are on display at The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois. I don't know about you, but I've never seen "maneless" male lions before. In the film they were lions with manes, which I think makes them a little scarier.

I love this film because it's thrilling, suspenseful, with a touch of humor, with some of the greatest actors to portray the legend from 100 years ago.

The real lions

Shrek, The Musical (2013)

It's fortunate for me that live stage shows are now becoming available on netflix. Shrek is a family friendly show. There is something in it for every age! Really fun script similar to the film, with all of our beloved characters. Puss in Boots even makes a cameo!

Shrek The Musical is slightly different from the original film. In the stage version, we get a better understanding of Shrek's background, and even Fiona's time in the tower.

The complex story begins when Shrek's parents think it's time for him to have his own life. In the land of Far Far Away, Shrek finds he doesn't fit in with everyone else, since he is the only ogre among humans and fairy tale creatures. Shrek finds a swamp to call home and lives there, alone. One day all of the fairy tale characters flood Shrek's swamp. Shrek gets upset, finds out that Lord Farquaad has banished them to the forest, and decides to pay Farguaad a visit to get his swamp back. Donkey, becomes Shrek's side kick against Shrek's wishes. Then we learn that Lord Farquaad wants to be King, which means he needs to marry a princess. The other princesses didn't appeal to him, but he set his sights on particular princess, Fiona. She's trapped in a tower, with a dragon guarding her. After meeting Shrek, Lord Farquaad makes a deal with him. Shrek gets his swamp, after rescuing the princess. The journey begins.

Lord Farguaad was portrayed excellently! Sort of a miniature, overly confident Liberace character. He would even address the audience with a more mature sense of humor. Donkey was toned down a little for the younger audience. He becomes an emotional guide for Shrek. Fiona was a more developed character in this portrayal. There is a song she sings in her tower called, "I Know It's Today." It begins when she is a little girl. The little girl sings about her prince arriving today, rescuing her so she can begin her life. The next Fiona is a teenager. Reading fairy tales, still believing her prince will come, today. The next version we see is adult Fiona. She is optimistic yet frustrated. A very funny, charming, and honest young woman in Fiona.

Pinocchio is opinionated and passionate as a sort of leader for the fairy tale characters. The Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood is one of my personal favorites. He makes a really funny cross dressing wolf! The Ginger Bread Man is great to watch, and is as spicy as his original film version. The play also gives a nod to The Cow That Jumped Over The Moon, and Broadway's The Lion King! Very funny!

This play is for youngsters and families. It's for the youthful minded. I enjoyed it, but personally I prefer a more mature, dramatic play. I'm glad I saw Shrek, but once was enough for me.

Capote (2005)

A truly exquisite film. Simple, elegant cinematography, the best actors possible, and a perfectly written screenplay. I can't say enough good things about this film. If you haven't seen it yet, it is definitely worth a look! Young actors might use this Philip Seymour Hoffman performance as a lesson.

Truman Capote was a famous author. He wrote articles, novels, and plays. Among his most famous, Breakfast At Tiffany's and In Cold Blood. The film Capote is a behind the scene's look into Capote's research into the lives of two murderers on death row. After reading an article about a Kansas family that was brutally murdered, Capote arranges interviews with the detectives, police, and even the killers, finding inspiration for his next book. While interviewing the murderers, Capote develops a friendship with one, Perry Smith. In Cold Blood was written as a nonfiction novel documenting Perry Smith's life story, and the murders. This would mark one of the most traumatizing events of Capote's life. This film is a moving depiction of those events.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance is perfection. Because of him, this film will be rendered a classic among American Films.

Capote is filmed with the same simplicity as an Ang Lee film. Neutral color palette, minimal musical score, and an honest screenplay. A masterpiece.

"More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones." - Truman Capote