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The Gushing Cinephile: June 3, 2013

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Here we are yet again, another week of The Gushing Cinephile. I would like to clarify exactly what this segment consists of, other than my sheer excitement for cinema, obviously. I know that many of you are very busy from day to day and might miss something significant. So, with this weekly post, I compile what I feel to be relevant to the cinematic community and display it for all to see, well, whoever chooses to read it. I know that this week has been relatively slow for the film industry, as I assume other weeks will also be, but I will also do my best. So, let’s just get started.

We are now mere days away from the release of one of the most anticipated films in recent memory, Man of Steel. There is this slowly building, ascending excitement or anxiousness in my gut that gets stronger with each passing moment we get closer and closer to its release. My pre-purchased tickets are starting to burn a hole in my pocket! Well, at least the soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, is set for release in a week. I am eagerly looking forward to that. Here is something to tide us over another 10 days or so. It is possibly the greatest thing I have ever seen.

Speaking of Hans Zimmer. He has officially signed on to score Christopher Nolan’s upcoming picture “Interstellar.”  Having previously worked together on countless films and combining to create revolutionary and addictive cinematic combinations, I am eagerly looking forward to this collaboration as well.

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Speaking of Christopher Nolan, the rumours have died down regarding his possibly direction of Bond 24. It seemed earlier in the week that big name directors such as Ang Lee (Life of Pi) and Nicholas Winding Refn (Drive), amongst others, were being contacted about signing on to helm the next James Bond picture. However, now it seems that Sam Mendes is returning after his successful go-around “SkyFall.” Who would you like to see direct the new Bond film? Regardless, at least we can take solace in the fact that Skyfall scribe John Logan is returning and has already started working on the new script.

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Sticking with Christopher Nolan a bit, check out this video inside Heath Ledger’s Joker diary, found recently. It is a really haunting, eerie look into the immense investment Ledger put into the character.

In other news, Dan Harmon is finally making his return to Community. This is a huge turn around for the show considering it was losing momentum and one its lead characters in Chevy Chase. Now, it seems more likely it will make its quota of “6 seasons and a movie.”

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Finally, we may not know much about Lars Von Trier’s upcoming picture “Nymphomaniac,” but we do know the title of its chapters which were released earlier this past week. Check them out below.

Chapter 1: The Complete Angler, Chapter Two: Jerome, Chapter 3: Mrs. H, Chapter 4: Delirium, Chapter 5: The Little Organ School, Chapter 6: The Eastern & Western Church (The Silent Duck), Chapter 7: The Mirror, Chapter 8: The Gun.

That concludes The Gushing Cinephile for this week. Please comment below on the content because I am, oh, so lonely…haha…kidding…have a great week!

I Saw the Devil (2010)

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A word of warning before viewing I Saw the Devil. The film contains graphic content, gore, and nudity, so let’s keep the kids away from this one. Jee-woon Kim’s I Saw the Devil continues his descent into family, loss, and the distance one is willing to go for loved ones as he did in his mind bending mystery, A Tale of Two Sisters. I Saw the Devil is lead by Byung-hun Lee (The Good, the Bad, the Weird), Min-sik Choi (Oldboy) and the man behind the camera is the previously mentioned Jee-woon Kim.

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Jang Kyung-chul (Min-sik Choi) is a notorious serial killer and psychopath who’s victims are for the majority young woman and children. When Jang Kyung-chul murders a young woman, he has no idea what he has gotten himself into this time. The young woman turns out to be the daughter of a police chief and is the wife to be of secret agent Kim Soo-hyeon (Byung-hun Lee). Kim Soo-hyeon decides to track down Jang Kyung-chul in a personal mission of vengeance and terror. Kim Soo-hyeon succumbs to the inhumane, malicious traits of the murderous in order to torture and manipulate Jang Kyung-chul so that he may feel the same pain that poisons him.

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For the record, I Saw the Devil has one of the best choreographed murder scenes to date. The scene has the payoff, a fast paced, blood spraying knife fight, but it is the tension built before hand that is the real cause of a cinematic heart attack. I cannot think of anyone better to play a serial killer other than Min-sik Choi (I mean that in the best possible way). Choi’s no remorse, no compassion approach sums up what everyone fears about humanity. Choi’s justification of his characters madness, lust, and indifference is impeccably displayed by slight facial expressions and his serene, isolated calmness. Choi injects the character with the need to not fear terror because he is the terror everyone fears. Byung-hun Lee infuses a fresh take on vengeance and raises questions about love and the extent it could possibly drive everyday people to with his performance. The contempt and empty love Lee displays is abundantly present in his performance as he deploys a “no regrets” lifestyle. Jee-woon Kim captures the disgusting, brutal effect of death and the eternal anguish it causes on loved ones. Kim’s direction of murder is on point with the insane and passionless act it appears to be for those driven to it or the ones who cannot control themselves.

I Saw the Devil: 8 out of 10.

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