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Chloe. CA. Admiring cinematography, and appreciating hard work.

[radfilmstills]

To the Wonder (2012) dir. Terrence Malick

[tarkovskologist]

Krzysztof Kieślowski, 1990s

[thefilmstage]

Watch him discuss the humanity of his films in a feature-length documentary.

[filmap]

À ma soeur! / Fat Girl Catherine Breillat. 2001

Bar Le Port de Bonne-Anse, Boulevard de la Plage, 17570 La Palmyre, France See in map

See in imdb

[totalrecallvintage]

Charlie’s Angels (2000)

[filmsey]

The Big Short

When I think back to my first semester of college, I think about how I spent it knee deep in my economics and statistics courses, so that I would have the tools to decipher just about any article from any major mainstream news source. I would say that my courses have done their job, but not everyone has the opportunity to go through education in this field. That’s why movies like The Big Short and Too Big To Fail are important. Not only are they entertaining, but they are also educational. This movie is definitely on the top 10 list of films this year for many. 

NOTE: The following review contains spoilers ONLY for those completely and totally unaware of the events of the Great Recession.

Based off Michael Lewis’s book of the same name, The Big Short paints a vivid and multidimensional portrait of those involved in the creation of the CDS market. While we may immediately view these people as some sort of hero Robin Hood-type, the film still reminds us of the fact that they still profited off the loss of millions of Americans. One such spectacular scene involves the youngest investors we follow, and Brad Pitt’s character. Each character is developed more deeply than I would have thought, considering how many we were following throughout the film.

The Big Short also built in vocabulary lessons illustrated with metaphors, and instructed by celebrities. I found these scenes particularly funny and easy to follow. The film probably draws an audience that has maybe watched CNBC a few times or so, so although the lessons were quick, they are thorough enough for anyone actually watching and interested in the subject of the Great Recession.

Not only is the movie funny and educational, it is also visually appealing. The restlessness of the camera successfully illustrates the turmoil of the characters, and the anticipation of the housing bubble burst. Unfocused shots, and smooth movements made it feel somewhat dreamlike at times, as if to call attention to how unbelievable the situation was. 

I even didn’t mind when the film so often broke the fourth wall, even when a character straight up told the audience how the scene went differently in reality. Gosling, whose character did this the most, was especially convincing. However, the most notable performances are definitely given by Carell and Bale.

This movie hasn’t got much romance or violence, but it is a powerful piece of work.

[fashion-and-film]

Tangerine (2015)

[incoloure-deactivated20190202]

Jeune et Jolie (2013)

[cinematographiliac-blog]

Endless list of beautiful cinematography Hero (2002) Director of Photography: Christopher Doyle

[thefilmstage]

A new set of posters for Carol.

Watch Todd Haynes analyze a scene and see hours of talks with the cast and crew.

[oldfilmsflicker]

The English Patient, 1996 (dir. Anthony Minghella)

[aronofskie]

My Top 10 Favorite Directors

[televisedwar]

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Sun, why are you shining on this world? I am wanting to catch you in my hands, to squeeze you until you cannot shine no more. That way, everything is always dark and nobody’s ever having to see all the terrible things that are happening here.

[emaribaby]

In The Mood For Love (2000) dir. Wong Kar-wai

[analilyamirpour-deactivated2016]

Possession (1981, Andrzej Zulawski)

[danielkaluuya]

“Cinema is an art form that is designed to go across borders. And as a filmmaker, the only way I can direct a movie is when I feel close to my culture,” - Denis Villeneuve 

[hirxeth]

“Did you know I’m utterly insane?”

American Psycho (2000) dir. Mary Harron

[theanedre]

[hadaes-deactivated20170202]

“Pierrot Le Fou” (1965)