Tag: benedict cumberbatch

I just wish once there could be an escape from this madness. “Stuart: A Life Backwards” (2007)

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directed by David Attwood
© 2007 BBC. All Rights Reserved.

Firstly, I want to say that I haven’t read the book this film is based on, so my recommendation is purely about the adaptation. However, I really want to read it, because I believe the best about this film is the story, which would make an even bigger impact on me if I imagined everything in my head. What is it about? One day, Alexander Masters (Benedict Cumberbatch), a writer, meets Stuart Shorter (Tom Hardy), a homeless man addicted to alcohol. Somehow those two have a very interesting conversation and the writer becomes quite curious about Stuart. So much he wishes to find out more about his life and write a book about it. The man agrees and proposes to tell everything backwards, so the story was even more mysterious and exciting. And this is exactly what this film presents – Alexander writing a book about Stuart and learning everything about him from the end to the beginning. This book is considered a must-read by several institutions and critics and I absolutely understand why. Even though I haven’t read it, the story I’ve learnt from the adaptation is eye-opening. Unfortunately, I’m afraid the film itself could have been done better, so despite everything presented there, I couldn’t rate it higher. I don’t want to be too judgemental, but I honestly wish for a remake. Although I wouldn’t change the cast, because I believe both Benedict and Tom did an amazing job, especially Tom. He was so natural in such an unusual role that I had chills. So I really recommend you to see this film, because if you’re not planning to read the book, I believe you should still know the story. I guess it can actually change the way you perceive people, even those who, in the general opinion, deserve no respect nor attention. And if I get the book, I promise to edit this post and add my comment about it one day.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger. “1917” (2019)

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directed by Sam Mendes
© 2019 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

This film is officially my favourite production of 2019. Personally, I’m not a fan of war films, but I decided to see this one because of its numerous nominations. And you know what? I think The Academy should just throw all the Oscars at Sam Mendes, the cinematographer Roger Deakins and everyone who worked on this production. I don’t see the point of having the ceremony, because no matter how good last year’s productions were, this is an absolute masterpiece of cinematography. The story is partially based on Mendes’ grandfather’s stories, Alfred Mendes, who was a messenger for the British. The film starts with two young soldiers, Will (George MacKay) and Tom (Dean-Charles Chapman), getting and order to deliver a message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch) from the Second Battalion. It’s an incredibly important message, because according to General Erinmore (Colin Firth), they should call off the attack that is planned for the following day. Apparently, it’s a trap and around 1600 people may die. There’s no other way to communicate with the that second battalion so Will and Tom are the only hope to stop the possible massacre. It’s even more important for Tom, because his brother serves in that battalion and if they don’t manage to inform Colonel MacKenzie, it’s almost sure that his brother will be killed by Germans. The two soldiers begin a very dangerous and long journey across the territory where Germans used to station. It’s said that they are gone, but nobody’s 100% sure. As I said, for me it’s the best film of 2019. Not only the story is interesting, the script is very well-written (no unnecessary scenes), but the camerawork in this one… this should be taught at schools. When it began, I thought “Okay, the guys are walking, but there’s something strange here, I feel it”. Then I realised they’d been walking for quite some time and there hadn’t been a single cut. And the longer it took, the louder that voice in my head was screaming “Come on, this long shot cannot be THAT long”. The whole film is made of several long shots which are so well edited and connected, that we may feel as if the whole story was presented in just one shot. Absolutely magnificent! Sometimes I had chills thinking how they’d done it. The camera could squeeze in a narrow trench, then go through a crowd of soldiers to suddenly fly over water. You may say that now they have an advanced technology for that, but still, I believe it takes a lot of creativity to tell a story in such wonderful way. I’m truly amazed and, despite some other good productions nominated this year, I see no other option – “1917” is the best film of 2019.

My rating: 9.5/10
S.

Let’s kill him properly this time. “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)

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directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
© 2019 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I’ve decided to write about “Avengers: Endgame” today because I guess some of us, after days of eating literally everything we spotted on the table, look just like Thor in this picture. Or at least we feel so. And yes, thinking of myself as a fat Thor today pushed me to write about this year’s Avengers’ film. Firstly I have to say that I’m not a big fan of superhero productions. It’s not that I think they are silly or I’m against films that are more about visual effects than the story itself. Whatever people like, give them that. As far as Avengers make people happy, why shouldn’t they be produced? Still, for me superhero films are very similar to each other and it’s hard for me to be excited about the plot, because I know exactly what will happen next. But I still watch them. Why? I think they are visual masterpieces and I truly admire people working on them. Those people spend months to make your favourite characters fly or kill the bad guys with some pow pow lights coming out of their hands. And that’s why I recommend you to see such productions. About “Endgame”, I think the story itself in this part is really boring. I’ve read somewhere that you can watch the beginning, then go for a break, get back for the climax and you won’t even feel like you’ve missed anything. And honestly, it’s true. Personally, I liked “Infinity War” part more. At least there was some thrill. Here, it’s walking, talking, walking, talking, pow pow, walking, talking, pow pow in a bigger group and the end. I know, all the Marvel fans are getting pissed off right now. I’m sorry, but mind the fact, that a lot of you admire this production because of what you saw before and when you see your beloved characters there’s an enormous nostalgia in your hearts. And I get it, we all have such films/series. And my opinion is also subjective, but as a person who’s not crazy about Avengers, I believe this last part could have been written better. I’ve also seen some opinions that the actors didn’t have a chance to show their best. Indeed, we have a bunch of incredibly talented actors who show up for some seconds, say a line of two and that’s it. Yet, I’m recommending you this film because of two reasons. One – let’s appreciate all the people that are unknown for the majority and thanks to whom we can enjoy quality effects. Two – let’s feel better watching fat Thor. You’re welcome!

My rating: 6.5/10
S.