DVDOF THE MONTH
always found his films to be a little indulgent, a little forced, and while I’m as interested in the neuroses of intellectual New York Jews as anyone, I’ve never completely bought into his shtick. Suffice to say, I wasn’t looking forward to this particular BJ. Well, I am an idiot. Anyone that can make a film this damn good at this stage of their career deserves every accolade they ever garnered. I honestly can’t find any fault with it at all. Te bittersweet story of Cate Blanchett’s wealthy socialite falling on hard times and coming to rely on the kindness of her “lower-class” sibling is brilliantly, and
BLUE JASMINE innovatively told. Much of it is recounted in flashback, but the non- linearity is never jarring or unnatural. Te story and characters unfold and deepen with every scene and it all seems effortless. Of course, this is not just down to the expert scripting and editing, but the flawless cast. Supporting performances from Alec Baldwin, Bobby Cannavale, Louis CK (to my mind, Woody’s spiritual successor) and our own Sally Hawkins are a joy to watch, but this is Blanchett’s house. If her beautifully balanced tragicomic performance doesn’t win the best actress Oscar at next month’s ceremony I’ll eat a big bag of dicks. Probably. With Blue Jasmine, Woody Allen has made the best Woody Allen film I’ve seen. I’m a fan. I might even give Annie Hall another look. Jay Freeman
Woody Allen, eh? I must confess that I’m not exactly a connoisseur of his work. I’ve
FEBRUARYFILM RELEASES
07 FebTe Dallas Byers ClubMatthew McConaughey has gone from zero to hero film- wise in the last 3-4 years, and this turn as a hustler who is diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 Dallas has already won him the Golden Globe for best actor and made him the talk of tinsel town pre-Oscars. See. Tis. Movie.
14 Feb HerTe latest movie from Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich) stars Joaquin Phoenix as a lonely man going through a divorce who finds solace and ultimately, love again. Often melancholy, occasionally hilarious, worryingly close to science-fact, this film is definitely unique.
22 Feb Nymphomaniac, Vol 1 & 2When I put Lars Von Trier and Charlotte Gainsbourg together in my head, I want to run and hide the scissors. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, this probably isn’t for you. For fans of Trier, the crafty bugger’s brought out 2 movies on the same day. Or is it one? Damn it - he’s playing with my mind again.
26 FebTe Book TiefAdaptation of the bestselling novel starring Emily Watson, Sophie Nelisse and Geoffrey Rush, this tells the story of a young girl in WWII Germany whilst at the same time telling the story of WWII Germany, through a young girl. An interesting perspective reminiscent of Te Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Yes, you will cry. Smiley
FEBRUARYDVD ROUNDUP
03 Feb Prisoners Jake Gyllenhaal and Huge Hackman are extremely impressive in this tense and brooding hunt-for-missing-family-members-against-the-clock sort of thing. Prisoners will be released on the 3rd, which is kinda funny, when you think about it.
10 FebCaptain Phillips Intelligent action maestro Paul Greengrass (of Bourne franchise fame) directs an on-form Tom Hanks as he tries to rid his massive boat of Khat- battered Somalis. It’s made over 100 million dollars already and is established as an awards season favourite, so piracy isn’t harming the film industry one bit, it seems.
17 FebGame of Trones: Season 3Machiavellian power plays, rutting dwarves, sibling on sibling action and hot prozzies. It’s like Led Zeppelin’s 1977 tour of America, but with fewer references to Tolkien. Essential stuff, but you knew that already, right?
24 Feb Tor: Te Dark World Big hairy men, hammers of Gods and ancient rivalries. It’s like Led Zeppelin’s 1977 tour of …never mind. Tis is the thirty-seventh film, I think, to feature Chris Hemsworth’s burly demigod, so it’s probably not the best place to start on the ‘Avengers’ franchise. Jay Freeman
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