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The Gushing Cinephile: August 26, 2013
It’s been a while since I’ve posted in The Gushing Cinephile so I won’t waste time with an introduction. I’ve got too much to tell you with too little time. So let’s get right to it.
DC Adds Two Big Pieces and a Release Date:
You know, it’s rather funny. This past Thursday I was at the theatre watching You’re Next and I put my phone away as every good cinephile does when the lights go down. Now, usually I get big movie news instantly, whether it be from Twitter, Facebook, fellow bloggers, etc…essentially what I’m getting at is that my phone is a big player in me receiving news, new posts, comments, likes, followers, again etc…but it was a mere two hours spent without looking at it, “what’s the worst that can happen?” I thought to myself. So, after the movie, which was terrific by the way, I begin scrolling through twitter until something caught my eye. Lo and behold, Ben Affleck had been officially cast as Batman and apparently I was the last to know. I may start thinking twice about putting the device away during screenings from now on…but I digress.
Officially, the next film DC is set to release with Affleck under the cowl is the untitled “Batman vs Superman” flick which is scheduled to begin shooting in Toronto sometime in February. However, it now appears that Affleck has signed on to play Batman in multiple upcoming releases, much to the dismay of fanboys and critics everywhere. When news broke regarding Batfleck, the negative backlash and harsh criticism was abundant and chaotic. Yet, if you recall, fans everywhere were adamant when Heath Ledger was cast to play the Joker in “The Dark Knight” and similar outage followed Anne Hathaway when she officially became Catwoman…look how those castings turned out. Everyone just needs to relax and give Ben a chance, he is an outstanding filmmaker and has the potential to create a formidable caped crusader. Listen to Val Kilmer and Joss Whedon who both tweeted their support of Ben.
Not long after the announcement that shook the world, rumours began to swirl regarding Bryan Cranston stepping in as Superman’s nemeses, Lex Luthor. And what began as hearsay seems to have been all but officially announced. Cranston has been very vocal in his desire to play the role and appears to be well on his way to getting his wish. News is floating around that his casting isn’t merely a one film deal but a package that could include up to ten appearances. “Batman vs Superman” is scheduled to hit theatres July 17, 2015, whether you like it or not.
“Man of Steel” Home Video Release:
Speaking of Superman, “Man of Steel” will be hitting home video November 12th across all platforms, including a special collectors edition that’ll feature a metal “S” casing. Check out all the images and all the special features here.
If this happens to be your sort of thing, it’ll run you $59.99. I…honestly…whatever, just shut up and take my money.
First Look at Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar”
Below you’ll find just a brief video recorded on what appears to be a cell phone of Christopher Nolan shooting Matthew McConaughey in Alberta for his upcoming film “Interstellar.” The flick also stars Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Casey Affleck, John Lithgow, and Michael Caine.
Magnolia to Distribute “Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa”
For us Partridge fans in North America, it’s been difficult to see the release of “Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa” go over so well in the UK, but fear not. Magnolia has picked up the film and is going to distribute the film in North America with a release date set for early 2014. You can check out a few clips below to hold you over.
New Trailers:
I’ve got a few new trailers for you all. Click on the title for all you need to know about the film.
“All the Boys Love Mandy Lane“
New Posters:
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
A Single Shot
Kirsten Dunst Joins Jeff Nichols “Midnight Special”
With Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton already confirmed, Nichols follow up to “Mud” adds Kirsten Dunst. Not much is known about the film other than the fact it has a sci-fi edge and is about a father and boy, who has special powers, on the run.
Cotillard is Fassbender’s Lady Macbeth:
Natalie Portman was originally slated for the role but bowed out for reasons unknown. Not to be mean but I’d prefer Marion Cotillard for this role any how. Cotillard will star alongside Michael Fassbender in this Justin Kurzel directed pic. If you recall, Kurzel directed the incredibly unsettling but overly outstanding flick, “Snowtown.”
Ridley Scott’s “Exodus” Adds Some Big Names:
Reports are trickling in that Christian Bale will portray Moses in Scott’s biblical epic “Exodus.” Starring opposite Bale is Joel Edgerton as Ramses.
“Her” Set for Winter Release:
Spike Jonze “Her” will open in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles on December 18, 2013 and then get a wider release on January 10, 2014.
That’ll do it for this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile, everyone have a great week!
Snowtown (2011)
For those who can stomach its bleak content for a brisk two hours. Snowtown is an emotionally rewarding thriller that challenges its viewers both mentally and physically. Make no mistake, Snowtown should be viewed with the utmost caution and preparation. It is a bold story based on actual events and proves to be a challenging ordeal for any viewer, horror enthusiast or not. Finding it extremely difficult to stick it out till the end, Snowtown is ripe with scenes that are excessively churning to watch. Consider it an achievement if you can watch it in its entirety without looking away once. Without a doubt one of the most arduous films to digest. Snowtown requires a strenuous effort, discipline, and diligence to get through. Surprisingly rooted by brilliant direction and haunting performances from its entire cast. Snowtown is equally as remarkable as it is disturbing.
In poor Salisbury North, a suburb of Adelaide, Jamie (Pittaway) lives with his mother and brothers, one of whom is Troy who sexual abuses Jamie. One afternoon, Jamie’s mother’s boyfriend takes indecent photographs of the brothers. When the police are informed, they are slow to intervene. Jamie’s mother is then contacted by a man who introduces her to John (Henshall). John despises pedophiles and homosexuals and harasses the photographer until he is forced to leave. John assumes Jamie’s father figure role and Jamie is drawn in by John’s violent and radical thinking. As John continues to brainwash the neighbourhood and Jamie, what follows is a series of extremely violent and unspeakable acts.
Perhaps the most brilliant facet of Snowtown is its ability to part ways with gore, for the most part anyway, and still leave your skin crawling and eyes cringed. By and large, if I remember correctly, I count one, maybe two murders actually occur on screen…needless to say, for a film about serial murderers, Snowtown is subtle filmmaking at its finest. While it is extremely difficult to understand or give reason to any psychopathic tendency, Snowtown is a good place to start concluding. Focusing more on the why than the how, director Justin Kurzel gives us unmatched insight into the minds that strike fear into humanity. Luring the viewer in with charismatic and hypnotic leads. Kurzel’s Snowtown proposes an unsettling contrast that compromises the viewers morals and loyalty.
Unlike most films that are difficult to watch, Snowtown has earned merit and has social-political value. I believe this is in direct correlation with Kurzel’s direction. It is truly phenomenal to witness Kurzel’s direction in Snowtown. It is completely honest, instinctive, and paced with inevitably violence. Kurzel uses the outstanding beauty of Australia for the backdrop to a helplessly ugly, and polarizing topic. If you can’t handle the vicious content, at least turn back to the screen to gaze at Kurzel’s masterful work behind the camera.
Supposedly picking up various locals to act alongside Daniel Henshall, Kurzel takes homegrown to a new level with Snowtown. Besides Henshall, the only other lead is Lucas Pittaway. Don’t think for a second that this ensembles lack of experience will undoubtedly result in poor, uninspired performances, actually, it’s quite the contrary. Each supporting role is invested and acted infallibly, truly believable. Yet, predictably, it’s the two leads who soak up all the limelight. Henshall and Pittaway have undeniable chemistry that they use decidedly to full advantage. Even though what they are set to accomplish together is unspeakably brutal, gutless, and purely evil. Their portrayals are stunningly accurate, heartbreaking, and mind boggling. The only aspect of the casts performances that rival those of Henshall and Pittaway’s is the hopeless, reluctant acceptance of their victims.
If you can stomach it, Snowtown is a rewarding experience that is sure to knock you off your feet.
Snowtown: 7.5 out of 10.
