raf batchelor

film student / aspiring writer, director & musician / thoughts on film, TV, comics, music & more

[rafbatchelor]

Bon Iver at AIR Studios (4ADJagjaguwar Session) - Beth/Rest (HD)

Bon Iver at Air Studios. Piano version of the song Beth/Rest. Great performance in outstanding quality.

Time to try and finally reclaim this song... 

[rafbatchelor]

Somewhere (2010, Coppola) | a review

This paired with Lost in Translation shows that Sofia Coppola has an inert skill in representing loneliness on screen. 

Watching this made me realise that I am incredibly drawn to stories about human connection, or a lack thereof. 

The performances were perfect but the most impressive aspect personally was the crafting of the film. It held on shots with confidence, the pale colours were beautiful and the music injected every scene with charisma. 

It showcases that you do not need a likeable lead character. In fact a character with many flaws and issues can force the viewer to relate and for a second judge themselves in regards to the flaws seen on screen. 

A movie that seems to be dealing with depression yet never shouts about it. A story about a father who is not defined by fatherhood. A story about a daughter who is unable to define herself as simply a daughter. A film about the importance of connecting with people, which never fully shows this. 

So many memorable, beautiful and sad scenes. Can’t wait to watch again. 

[rafbatchelor]

Digging for Fire (2015, Swanberg) | a review

My first Swanberg movie. It was addicting to watch these characters live their lives. I could have watched for hours more. I guess that was the point. At times I wanted the film to dig deeper, however there is something lovely about just being a fly on the wall, not getting the opportunity to delve into the minds of the characters, only given the chance to observe. 

[rafbatchelor]

Slow West (2015, Maclean) | a review

A beautifully shot film that skirts between being sweet, sad, funny, tense and exciting. That is not an easy thing to do. Its something I hope I can achieve with my own writing. 

This felt like a lovely palette cleanser after The Revenant.

[rafbatchelor]

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (Jones, 2016) | a review

The original My Big Fat Greek Wedding holds a special place within my family. Was this sequel needed? Possibly not. Did I enjoy it? Tonnes. 

Watching this with my Mother was a treat. It might not delve deeply into many issues raised and retreads many themes/jokes from the first, but this film still made me laugh lots, cry and make me feel proud of my heritage. I guess that means it achieved what it set out to do. 

In many ways this movie was made for people like me. It felt great to feel “in” with the jokes and understand the culture presented. Even more so then the first movie, this film wears its “Greekness” on its sleeve with pride. 

A harmless, feel good sequel. It might not be full of artist expressions or spectacle, but it was full of hope and pride and I respected that. If they make a third, I will be there opening weekend once again. 

[rafbatchelor]

The Guest (Wingard, 2014) | a review

Fun, quotable and stylish. 

The Guest is a surprising action film that hooks you in with Dan Steven’s performance, an 80′s inspired score and bright colours. 

It hits various beats at predicable times yet still subverts a good amount of tropes, skirting the line brilliantly to create a new pleasurable experience. 

“I’m sorry Mrs Peterson.” 

[rafbatchelor]

Creed (2015, Coogler) | a review

Powerful and meticulously shot, Creed had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Some of the best fighting scenes I have witnessed in recent memory. Like The Force Awakens, it has shown a new generation the qualities of the original franchise by homaging and remoulding the classic film text and bringing it into the modern era. Creed was robbed this award season. 

[rafbatchelor]

Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005, July) | a review

You know when you watch a film, or experience art in any form and think to yourself: “I’m going to be talking about this for the rest of my life.”. Well, that is how I felt when this movie ended. So, here I am, talking about this film, not for the first time and definitely not for the last. 

In the recent months, Miranda July has become a huge inspiration to me. Not only due to her work, but for what she has to say about being an artist. I hope to talk more about her on this blog, but for now lets focus on her first feature film. 

A story about loneliness, despair and the oddities of modern life yet always laced with hope. Always underpinned with humour and heart. 

This is the art I want to be making. 

So many memorable scenes, so many memorable moments and lines. A tapestry of characters tangle and weave together to showcase what it means to be human. 

A movie about connection. To other people. To art. To the world around us. And how connection is key to beating isolation and freeing oneself from the depths of your own mind.

Beautiful. 

Miranda July is an amazing writer, this could have been a novel. However, the quirky visual style, perfect cast and incredible score remind us why movies as an art form can create an experience unlike any other. This movie washes over you. 

“All right, repeat after me... I'm gonna be free. - I'm gonna be free. - And I'm gonna be brave... - I'm gonna be brave.”

[rafbatchelor]

Deadpool (2016, Miller) | a review

A barrel of gags and fun. It felt fresh and exciting. Deadpool was on screen. The comic book character, full of sass and turmoil was on the big cinema screen. That feeling, the odd sense of pride when you see a character who was once drawn on a page, living and breathing on screen, is a lovely thing. He was done right. Not only him, but Colossus too. He felt like the Colossus I loved. And those yellow X-Men suits... Gosh, they made me happy.

[rafbatchelor]

Room (2015, Abrahamson) | a review

A beautiful, sad, heart tearing two part tale that reminds you of the human condition. Not much more has to be said. If you haven’t seen it, see it. Simple as. 

Was lucky enough to attend a skype QnA with director Lenny Abrahamson at university. He seemed so genuine, down to earth and lovely. I hope he keeps doing big things. 

P.S Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay seem like the coolest.

[rafbatchelor]

The Hateful Eight (2015, Tarantino) | a review

A new Tarantino movie feels like a cinematic event. Going with a bunch of friends to sit through the obscene running time has always been so enjoyable. A second watch would be necessary to see how I properly feel about this movie, but I can guarantee that I had a lot of fun. And that I have listened to the score SO many times. Morricone, you crazy genius. 

[rafbatchelor]

The Revenant (2016, Iñárritu) | a review

It looked beautiful and the performances were energetic but I came out feeling cold. Also, I fell asleep. I’ll blame myself for that though. Technically impressive in so many ways, but The Revenant to me, had no heart or soul. 

[rafbatchelor]

Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993, Allen) | a review

Quotable and full of gags, one of Allen’s funniest films. It was great seeing him and Keaton on screen harkening back to their earlier performances. A romp that progressed at a speed much quicker than most Allen movies. 

Oh and also, the hyperventilating elevator scene is something I will never forget. The most I have ever laughed at an Allen movie. In fact, one of the funniest scenes I have ever seen. A film less interested in the human condition, instead focusing more on plot and skit like situations. 

[rafbatchelor]

Lady Snowblood (1973, Fujita) | a review

My housemate @jamesmaitre bought this on blu-ray and I’m so glad he did as watching this together was a blast.

Incredible cinematography, score and central performance by Meiko Kaji. The action scenes were great and I was hooked throughout. A thrill ride.

A revenge story executed to perfection. 

[rafbatchelor]

Under the Stars - Kato apo ta Astra (Georgiou, 2001) | a review

Three Cypriot Cinema film reviews in a row? Is a theme emerging?... As mentioned before, my university dissertation revolves around films from Cyprus and in this post I shall talk about Under The Stars. 

My first thought when this film ended was: that was beautiful. And looking back, that is still how I feel. 

Poetic, magical and allegorical, Georgiou creates a narrative that looks backwards into the traumatic past and outwards at how this trauma has affected present day collective memory. Not only has this been achieved, but the film was entertaining, gorgeous to look at and had a score I would love to own and listen to again and again. 

Highly recommended if you are a person interested in viewing a film from a lesser known cinema and learning about a fractured society rarely seen on screen. 

This film showcases what art can achieve. Through mood and tone, this story cuts deep into the Cypriot psyche and reveals the inner flaws and insecurities. A wikipedia post or history book can teach you the facts, but Under the Stars tries to show you how it actually feels to come from Cyprus. Not only this, but is cleverly comments on the past, present and possible futures of the island. 

A must watch. 

[rafbatchelor]

Committed (Kliris, 2014) | a review

I was extremely lucky and honoured to interview Stelana Kliris, the writer and director of Committed for my dissertation. We talked about her vision for this film, the context behind it and what Cypriot Cinema as a concept means. 

Committed is a rare gem in Cypriot Cinema. An absolutely stunning road trip film that shows off the beautiful landscape, all the while underpinned by a fantastic original score. Less interested in dealing with the countries issues or personal problems with identity, this film is more interested in putting its own story first. However this does not mean that it is shallow. 

Charismatic leads with great chemistry propel this tale forwards. The initial premise of “What would you do if you saw a bide on the side of the road alone?” unravels at a slow pace as we are given time to learn about the characters backstories. 

More impressive perhaps than the film itself, is the context in which it was made. The fact that Krilis, her cast and crew could make this so quickly, so cheaply and so efficiently should be celebrated. I cannot wait to see what she makes next and will be sure to support this talented Cypriot artist in her future endeavours.

Overall, a simple roadtrip movie with Cyprus flowing through it’s veins. 

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/committedmovie watch on VoD now.

[rafbatchelor]

Fish n’ Chips (Demetriou, 2011) | a review

My dissertation delves into modern Cypriot Cinema and how it comments on the collective memories of the counties past and discusses present diasporic tensions. This film was one of the first that helped cement what I was trying to say. I will always have a soft spot for this movie because of this. 

An interesting character study on a character confused about their heritage and what this means about their own personal identity. His Mother wants to return to Cyprus, how could he say no? 

I related to this movie greatly, a testament to Demetiou being truthful about his own identity issues. It never seemed possible to me that a movie would be made about how I have felt all my life.

A small touch I love is how whilst in England, Andy has images of Cyprus littered all over his home and body. Once on Cypriot soil however he starts wearing a tacky England cap. This speaks volumes. 

Touching, funny and a great insight into what it means to be from Cyprus in the present day. If you want to experience the intricate details of the Greek-Cypriot/English diaspora rarely seen on screen, then give Fish n’ Chips a watch. 

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fishnchips Rent now on VoD