Believe me, my eyes are open. “Sand Storm” (“Sufat Chol”, 2016)

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directed by Elite Zexer 
© 2016 Pyramide Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Perhaps I didn’t rate this film high, but I still think it’s worth your time. Well, it’s definitely worth your time. I’m sorry to start with the negative point, but it’ll get better, promise. So, the thing I didn’t like was the form and the narration. At some point I felt frustrated that this film was being too in a bit trivial way, considering the topic. However, the idea and the message are so strong that I’d watch this production again. The main character is Layla (Lamis Ammar), who is a young Bedouin woman. Despite her origins, she’s more open-minded and modern than her family. Her mother Jalila (Ruba Blal) needs to organise a special celebration because her husband Suliman (Hitham Omari) is about to get married for the second time. Even though a man can have more than one wife in their culture, Jalila is deeply hurt about it. Still, she obeys the rules and does what she’s supposed to do. Layla is the opposite, she believes women should be allowed to make choices and be more independent. And at this point we realise we have two main characters, at least according to me. It’s a story of two women from two different generations, who try to live their lives choosing different ways. Jalila wants to feel safe and make sure her family is protected, therefore she agrees to whatever Suliman decides. Layla wants to experience a better life and change her reality. Personally, I agreed and disagreed with both of them, which made me lose my mind a bit watching this film. It’s such a difficult topic, especially since I’m not familiar with their culture. And even if it happened in my culture, I’d struggle to choose the “right” way. Perhaps the form isn’t the most engaging, as I said, but the story really makes you reflect. So today I’m serving you a big bowl of food for thought. Enjoy!

My rating: 6/10
S.

Oh, hi Mark! “The Room” (2003)

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directed by Tommy Wiseau
© 2003 Chloe Productions. All Rights Reserved.

A special film for a special day. This post is officially my 500th post on this blog and I guess it would be unusual for 2020 to let me write about some amazing piece of art. As you know, today is the 13th of May and on the 13th of every month I’m supposed to tell you about one film that, in my opinion, isn’t worth your time. Thank you, dear 2020, dear fate, dear holy spirits and other creatures for giving me this date. Muchas gracias, karma will get you! Anyway, even though I should have criticised a film, I still wanted to write about something special and somehow “celebrate” this day. Therefore, I’m giving you “The Room”. And even though I’m “not recommending it”, I’m still “recommending it”. Those who’ve seen this piece of… artistic expression know what’s happening in my head now. “The Room” is considered to be one of the worst films in the history of cinema, and yet billions have seen it for sure. What if I told you I’ve seen it more than 5 times? And the best part is that… I have absolutely no idea what’s the story. So if you’re waiting for me to tell you about the plot, wrong address. I bet every film critic would agree that this film is a huge mess without any sense. There’s a man, who’s in love with a woman, then there’s his best friend, some friend drama, some love drama, yadda yadda yadda. But it’s definitely one of my favourite guilty pleasures of all time. Each time I need a mind reset, I watch “The Room” with friends and laugh saying all the lines we already know by heart. So, in conclusion, you shouldn’t see this film, but at the same time you have to. In 2017, James Franco directed “The Disaster Artist”, which is about Tommy Wiseau and how he was making “The Room”. You can find the recommendation of it on my blog, but definitely watch “The Room” first, because you may miss a lot of jokes. The co-writer of “The Disaster Artist”, Tom Bissell, was asked about his opinion on “The Room” and he said: “It is like a movie made by an alien who has never seen a movie, but has had movies thoroughly explained to him.” And this is exactly what it is. I can only add a funny fact that “The Room” was originally a play and, before making the film, Tommy Wiseau adapted it into a book. A 500-page book. F-I-V-E-H-U-N-D-R-E-D. I’m so glad he made a film out of it, because at least we can all appreciate his quite unparalleled talent as a director… and a screenwriter… and a producer… and an actor. What time to be alive, huh?

My rating: 1/10 (with a big heart)
S.

I’m professionally good looking. “Zoolander” (2001)

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directed by Ben Stiller
© 2001 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Are you surprised to see this film today? Well, I know that it’s not what you might have expected, but I have to explain myself. Firstly, “Zoolander” is an absolute guilty pleasure. I’ve seen it at least three times and I adore Ben Stiller in this one. Secondly, however, this is my little “thank you” to Ben Stiller’s father, Jerry Stiller, who passed away yesterday. He was a wonderful actor and he appeared in “Zoolander” together with his son, so I’ve decided to write about it today. Hope you understand now. Still, “Zoolander” is quite a controversial film (even banned in some countries) and I’m sure not everyone reading this post might like it. The story goes like this: Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) is a male fashion model, who loses his good reputation. Soon, several colleagues of his die in “accidents”, so, for his own safety, Derek decides to stop modelling and return to his family house. There, he starts working with his father and two brothers in the coal mines. If you think that’s weird, wait a second. At the same time, Jacobim Mugatu (Will Ferrell), who’s an absolute fashion guru, and Maury Ballstein (Jerry Stiller), Derek’s agent, are planning to use Derek for their special mission. The Prime Minister of Malaysia is against child labour, which means that Mugatu might lose the access to cheap clothes production. Therefore, they want to brainwash one model and make him kill the Prime Minister. And, obviously, this model is supposed to be Derek Zoolander. For those who haven’t seen the film, trust me, I know how the description sounds. But there’s something magnificent about this comedy. I’m aware of the fact that it’s controversial, strange or even, let’s face it, horribly stupid. But our world would be boring if we were making only dramas and documentaries, right? Of course it’s not a film that has made any impact on me, but I had a good laugh. And, as I said, Ben Stiller is fabulous in this role. There’s also the second part made in 2016, but it’s quite average comparing to the first film. Feel free to watch both, but don’t expect too much. Anyway, if you’re looking for some evening relax, play “Zoolander” and say goodbye to Jerry Stiller in their Stiller family way.

My rating: 7/10
S.

We can’t behave like people in novels, though, can we? “The Age of Innocence” (1993)

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directed by Martin Scorsese
© 1993 Columbia Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine you’re a man (or if you’re a man, then consider it as a facilitation) and you have to choose between Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder. Oh and I forgot to add that you’re Daniel Day-Lewis. Nice dreams, huh? Unfortunately, I can’t make it happen, but today I’ve got a film that can visualise your dreams. Over 25 years ago, Martin Scorsese made an adaptation of a, now, 100-year-old novel by Edith Wharton “The Age of Innocence”. Even though the film was a box office failure, it’s an important piece of art for Scorsese, because it’s dedicated to his father, Luciano Scorsese, who died just before the release of the adaptation. However, even though it didn’t earn that much money, I’m still recommending it, because it’s not such a typical historical drama. I bet that if someone asked you what you associate Scorsese with, you wouldn’t say historical dramas. And perhaps we needed such a director to make the adaptation of “The Age of Innocence”, because there’s something fresh and extraordinary in its form. For those who haven’t heard of it, let me just say a few words about the plot. We’re in 1870s, where a handsome and highly respected lawyer Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is about to marry May Welland (Winona Ryder). Where’s Michelle Pfeiffer then? Well, Michelle plays May’s cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. She was married to a Polish Count, but the marriage is over and she’s returned to New York. But a beautiful and wealthy woman cannot be lonely for too long. Soon she starts flirting with gentlemen around her, but she’s also getting to know her cousin’s future husband. Even though Newland is in love with May, he’s fascinated by Ellen and her views. And so on and so on. Sounds like a typical romance, but, as I said before, there’s something special about the atmosphere of this film. I’m not a big fan of historical dramas, but this one is very acceptable.

My rating: 7/10
S.

There’s no way you can love an animal that has been genetically engineered to die in six weeks. “Eating Animals” (2017)

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directed by Christopher Dillon Quinn
© 2017 IFC Films. All Rights Reserved.

In 2009, Jonathan Safran Foer published his book called “Eating Animals”. Nine years later, Christopher Dillon Quinn directed the film adaptation. And today, I’m recommending you to take a moment and either read or watch one of those. I’m aware that omnivore readers might feel totally discouraged thinking “Eating Animals” is just another production full of vegans’ rage. I know that both groups can sometimes be quite aggressive and impolite stating their opinions. However, I feel like this film is a perfect mediator between omnivores and vegans. It doesn’t just say “stop eating meat because that’s cruel and unethical”. In this one, we get many reasons why eating meat in our times is not the healthiest option. The producers talk with farmers, who’ve been breeding animals for years and it’s surprising that the people who earn money on producing meat admit that there’s something wrong in our feeding system. The problem is that people have lost the access to naturally bred animals’ meat. Nowadays, it’s become pure business, so farmers need to produce more and more. What do overworked people do to boost their energy? Drugs, simple as that. The same happens on those farms. Or I should rather call them “factories”. Still, if there’s demand, there’s supply. Meat has become a very cheap and convenient option, so it’s clear that people want to earn money providing it. As I said, this film is not about criticising meat eaters, but trying to understand why we eat the way we eat. Personally, I’ve chosen to be on the green side, but if I was a meat eater, I guess I’d like to know what I serve myself and my family. I wish you healthy choices in your life and I hope our feeding system will change one day for a bit better.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Was that Cardi B? “Booksmart” (2019)

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directed by Olivia Wilde
© 2019 United Artists Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

Oh boy, oh boy. I was supposed to skip this film because I honestly thought I wouldn’t like it. Unfortunately, I’m no longer a teenager and what happens with films for young people these days terrifies me. But we all have those days when we just need something to talk to us in the evening while we’re finishing that large pizza or third instant soup. No judgement, please. Anyway, even though I’m not a teen, I had a great time watching “Booksmart” and if you’re thinking the same way as I did, you’re missing a fun movie night. The main characters are Amy and Molly (Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein), who are best friends, both teenagers and both total nerds. But they are not those nerds you may know from other films. They are successful nerds who know what they want in life and they work hard to finish high school with the best grades. When Molly finds out that all the party-animal students also got accepted into prestigious universities, she gets frustrated and comes up with a plan. On the eve of graduation, Molly and Amy will go party hard and get waaaay closer to their crushes. Even though Amy isn’t convinced, she finally agrees and the girls go crazy that night. Or rather… they try because, apparently, it’s not that easy to find a good party place. I’m aware that the description of this film can discourage you from watching but trust me, an adult can have fun watching it. Besides, if Jason Sudeikis plays the high school principal, this must be a good comedy. And don’t think it’s that silly, oh no. The screenwriters managed to combine funny jokes with several lines full of deep messages, specially for young people. Aaaaand if you think it’s just a teen comedy, I’d like to inform you that Beanie Fieldstein was nominated for this role at the Golden Globes Awards this year, which she definitely deserved because this girl is on fire. So you’ve just received a permission to order that large pizza and watch a comedy for teenagers. You’re welcome!
P.S. The joke with Cardi B made me wake up the whole neighbourhood with laughter. Just wait for it.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I am different, not less. “Temple Grandin” (2010)

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directed by Mick Jackson
© 2010 HBO Films. All Rights Reserved.

I’d like to introduce you to a very special person today. Have you heard of Temple Grandin? She’s an American woman, specialising in animal science (she’s got PhD), who’s sacrificed her life to change the way people treat farm animals. It wouldn’t be that surprising if I didn’t tell you that she’s also autistic. Nowadays, autism is still considered to be a taboo topic, but imagine how people were reacting back then, in the 50/60s. Temple (played by Claire Danes – amazing performance, by the way) found it difficult to act like other children and her family were worried that she might not manage in life since she couldn’t even manage at school. However, Temple surprised them all, I guess. Despite any difficulties, she’s found her own passion and goal in life. The film presents her life from the beginning and we can see how many doors she needed to open to finally reach the place she’s in now (you’ll get the allusion with doors when you watch the film). I don’t want to share too much because, personally, I didn’t know anything about her before watching and it was a nice experience to learn scene after scene. Still, there’s one thing I do have to share with you, because it’s absolutely adorable. Since Temple was struggling with her spectrum, she invented and constructed the “hug machine”. It was a machine that was literally hugging her when she needed to calm down. Honestly, when I don’t have any people around me, I’d love to use such machine. Imagine being hugged by it and working at the same time. Wouldn’t it be wonderful? I’d definitely be more productive. However, Temple has changed and now she’s okay with hugging people, so I wish you the same as soon as we finish this social distancing. Or maybe the film will inspire you to build your own hug machine? Who knows?

My rating: 7.5/10
S.

There are no bad spirits here. “La Promesse” (1996)

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directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne
© 1996 ARP Sélection. All Rights Reserved.

You know those films that are so real that it simply frustrates you? Like, you know it’s the reality and you live in it everyday, but when you see it on the screen, it just destroys you inside. “La Promesse” is one of such films and, even though I felt uncomfortable watching it, I can definitely recommend it to you. The main character is Igor (Jérémie Renier), who’s a 15-year-old boy doing his practice to become a mechanic. In his free time, he helps his father Roger (Oliver Gourmet) in bringing illegal migrants to their country. The man organises the transport, accommodation and documents for anyone who wants to come to Belgium. Obviously, it’s against the law, so they all have to be very careful. One day, one of the illegal workers falls from a height. Igor approaches the man, who, before dying, asks the boy to take care of his wife and child. Even though Igor is willing to help and take the worker to the hospital, his father decides to let him die and bury the body without anyone knowing. And that’s the moment when the boy’s world turns upside down. So I guess you know why I was frustrated. I mean, of course I’m aware of economic migrants, of whom most are in their destination countries illegally. And I’m guessing it really looks the same way as it’s presented in the film. But knowing how immoral their employers can be, it just blows my mind. Still, the character of Igor is fascinating, because he’s a boy living in such reality, surrounded by all this, being raised by his greedy father, and yet he’s managed to keep his human morality somewhere there. I know I say it often, but it’s another film I’d love to discuss about with a bigger group of people, preferably of different backgrounds. I guess I need to start some film club or something. Anyway, for now, feel free to watch it yourself and reflect a bit about it all.

My rating: 7/10
S.

What’s the use of saving life when you see what you do with it? “The Fifth Element” (1997)

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directed by Luc Besson
© 1997 Gaumont Buena Vista International. All Rights Reserved.

Should we watch the film if Gary Oldman says he “can’t bear it”? Personally, I have so much respect towards Oldman that I’d probably skip such production. But only if… Oldman himself didn’t play in it. Let’s talk about the film that Gary Oldman can’t bear, but at the same time he played one of his most recognisable roles in. I remember when I watched “The Fifth Element” when I was younger. I was truly amazed by the character of Leeloo and how cool the special effects were. Watching it recently I was less enthusiastic, although I still think it’s a fascinating production. On one hand, I would say it’s horribly cheesy and I wouldn’t expect such director as Luc Besson to direct such a strange sci-fi film. On the other hand, I have to agree it’s a classic when it comes to sci-fi and it was a huge success, even the biggest one in France until the release of “The Intouchables” (2011). So as you already know, Gary Oldman plays in this film and he’s the bad guy, Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg. The only thing, or rather person, who can defeat him is Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), who is the mystical Fifth Element that can win with the evil. And the person who has to help her and becomes responsible for Leeloo is… a flying taxicab driver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis). Okay, okay, he’s also a former major in the special forces, but admit, it did sound funny at first. The story isn’t complicated anyhow, so you shouldn’t get lost knowing my description. And, let’s face it, all those roles are ridiculous, so at some point I wasn’t sure whether Besson has made this film thinking “oh, it’s going to be a sci-fi classic” or “it’s going to make people cringe hard”. It’s said that he was planning this production even in his teens, so perhaps he wished to make it more serious. Or maybe that was the idea from the very beginning. I feel like this film is a mystery, because, even though I think it’s pitiful from time to time, I love it. So I have to agree with Oldman, it can be hard to bear “The Fifth Element”, but that’s a classic you should know.

My rating: 7/10
S.

We humans are terrible animals. “The Salt of the Earth” (2014)

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directed by Wim Wenders & Juliano Ribeiro Salgado
© 2014 Le Pacte. All Rights Reserved.

If someone who doesn’t like documentaries much asked me to recommend them just a few documentaries so they can die knowing what’s best, I’d definitely shout “The Salt of the Earth”. No, I wouldn’t tell them to watch it. I’d literally scream. Because this film is not only well-made, but it’s probably one of the best lessons you may get from just staring at the screen. Before watching it, all I knew was that it’s about a Brazilian photographer. So I thought: “Great, I can relax with a cup of tea, learn about someone interesting and watch most probably stunning photos.” And you know what? I ended up having a strong drink after those two hours. Indeed, it presents the life of Sebastião Salgado, an incredibly talented photographer, but this is way more than just a biographical film. Sebastião was actually an economist, who fell in love with photography thanks to his wife Lélia. She was the one who bought him his first camera. At first, he was photographing things that seemed interesting for him, such as native tribes. He’s truly fascinated by our planet and how we, as humans, coexist with it. And you can see that in his photographs. This man is a real passionate of capturing everything that surrounds him. And up to this point of the story, you’re pleased to learn about such person. However, in the next part we can hear about his trips to Africa. And that’s the point when you might need a stronger drink, because they also present his photos taken in that time. I don’t want to describe anything, because I can’t even find words to do that. You definitely need to see what this man saw and captured with his camera. I’m not an ignorant, I know how life looks like in different parts of the world. But listening to a very sensitive man about his experiences in Africa and seeing those moments in his photos, that was just horrifying. This film is an experience itself, but also a huge slap in our faces. It really hits us with the message “We failed as humans”. Huge respect for Sebastião Salgado for his work, for his effort and for his bravery. And also for sharing the truth about us.

My rating: 9/10
S.