Review: The Hunger Games and Nationality.

The Hunger Games brings to life the best selling book series by Suzanne Collins and creates an intense survival film and arguably one of the best films of 2012.

The Hunger Games follows the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who voluntarily takes part in the 74th annual Hunger Games in which 24 children from the districts of Panem fight to the death for everyone to see. The film is all-consuming and emotional right from the out set and all the elements of this film work perfectly in sync to deliver an overwhelming sensory experience.

One of the things The Hunger Games does perfectly is use contrasting landscapes and places to really bring out the underlining themes of poverty and unrest within and between the 12 districts and the Capitol. Within the opening sequences there is a stark contrast between the initial interview scene with its vivid, almost unnatural colours to the grim, monochromatic state of Katniss' district (district 12).

As well as building detailed and insightful sets The Hunger Games cleverly uses costumes to reinforce these differences. While the Capitol citizens dress extravagantly, and you could argue futuristically, the district citizens look like an army of greys and simplicity which intensifies the differences between these people. Although the districts and the capitol are supposed to be one entire nationality the way the film is shot as well as the costumes and settings, for me, places them as polar opposites and creating split nationalities and identities within the nation of Panem.

By perfecting all these aspects of the film from costume to set design I feel that director Gary Ross has been able to create a beautiful and striking visual that builds several layers to the narrative. The film is a beautiful example of how elements of a film when well done can highlight deeper meanings and themes, and what's great about this film is that it's true to the themes in the original book.

I think The Hunger Games is a thought provoking film and was everything I wanted and expected. The way the film puts a modern interpretation on the theme of national identity is both clever and creative. I love how this modern interpretation of a classic theme is both thought provoking and a key element to constructing the film that can't be ignored. The Hunger Games is a deep and powerful film that has set up strong themes, characters and a fantastic plot that's an unforgettable start to this film trilogy.

What district do you think you would belong to, or would you be a capitol citizen?

Emma 

Film Review: Drive

Hi guys! Long time no see! Sorry about my absence it's safe to say work and university have been keeping me very busy but I'm aiming to get back into a routine! I'm also working on a new exciting film project which I can't wait to share with you so keep your eyes peeled. 

Anywho onto today's review one of my favourite films of last year Drive!

Drive is a powerful, artistic film that presents an exciting future for the film industry. It highlights an intelligent mix of brilliant acting and camera work which blends perfectly with the films amazing soundtrack to deliver a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Drive follows the story of an unnamed mechanic, stunt driver and part time getaway driver who meets beautiful neighbour Irene (Mulligan), his life takes an unexpected turn however when Irene’s husband arrives on the scene. The question is how far is our driver willing to go to protect his world and how far will he have to drive to do so?

Director Nicolas Winding Refn has bought his signature style with him to this film with his clever choice of male lead Ryan Gosling. The entire film is a showcase of fresh talent mixed with a strong artistic vision that just works. Refn manages to achieve a perfect balance between heart thumping action and pure stripped down emotion that allows the characters to shine. To me this film establishes almost fairy-tale like characters and then flips it all on its head with extremely realistic displays of violence.

Refn has once again used a strong male lead just like he did in Bronson and Valhalla Rising to create a heart-pounding narrative you just can’t stop watching. Gosling steps up to the mark and perfectly portrays the mysterious male lead and delivers his best film performance to date, even in the first 5 minutes of the film. While Gosling shines as the lead each actor in this film from Albert Brooks to Carey Mulligan portray Refn’s artistic vision perfectly.

Every element of this film blend perfectly together and tick all the boxes of making a great film and has established himself as of the greatest directors of this film generation. He has drawn upon his previous films and made a film that has not only bought a fresh approach to the industry but and has also made his mark on the industry with his signature style.

To me, Refn’s signature style is an intense storyline that is only heightened by a brilliant choice of cinematography, soundtrack and actors. The way Refn builds all these elements into a powerful crescendo that ends with an adrenaline filled smack in the face that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Refn’s style is a modern interpretation of classic cinema that is very much welcome in popular cinema which I personally can’t get enough of.

I think it’s safe to say that Refn and Gosling have produced a winning combination which is sure to set the trail to another successful duo. Scorsese has DeNiro and now Refn has Gosling and I personally can’t wait to see what these two produce next! 

I can't rave about this film enough, what did you guys think about it? And before we start thinking about the best films this year, what was your favourite film of 2011?

Emma 

Academic Essay: Emotional cinema comparisons

Schindler's List and Christiane F

Firstly one important thing to immediately mention is the fact that both these films are based on true stories intensifying the stories subject matter. The fact that the director has made it clear that what we’re watching is a true story we instantly find the film more relatable and we have an already established emotional attachment. This, I believe this highlights how emotional response is potentially constructed through a films subject matter.

DVD Review: Real Steel

Real Steal promotional poster

If you like robots, if you like Transformers and if you like Rocky you are sure to like this film. With its slick special effects  and punchy action sequences this film has a wide appeal to audiences and all round feel good factor.

The film boasts a great cast with hunk Hugh Jackman being the great male lead that is required for this high impact film. This role is the perfect Hugh Jackman role in which (luckily for all the women out there) he gets to play the sexy male lead with a rebellious streak and interesting, yet somewhat predictable, back story. 

The plot is very simple and very Hollywood. Set in the future where the sport of boxing has become centred around robot combat. The film followers previous boxer turned struggling promoter Charlie Kenton (Jackman) rise to the top of the boxing world with his newly discovered 11 year old son Max (Dakota Goyo) and his new robot Atom.

The film is an adrenaline ride which hooks the audiences right from the start. The cast is great and the storyline, even if predictable, is highly enjoyable. Sometimes you just need a film that you can pop on, relax and enjoy without a lot of thinking which is just what you need after a long stressful day! The film isn't exactly ground-breaking but it doesn't need to be. I would watch this film again and enjoy just as much it has a great feel good factor and a true underdog story that audiences can just lap up!

What did you all think? Let me know in the comments below or through my Twitter (@EmmasReelWorld)!

Emma

DVD rant: pointless packaging

Hey guys just a quick post today, or should I say a quick rant?

Pointless DVD packaging - my newest pet peeve. It seems these days DVD packages have to be more elaborate than ever, but why? Working in a DVD shop I find myself getting increasingly annoyed with cases and cardboard sleeves. Why on the earth does a plastic case need a cardboard sleeve? When I get a new DVD I'm exciting to rip of the plastic wrapping and then I have to pull off a stupid sleeve. It's so annoying.

And box sets? Why they think it's a good idea to put a disc in it's own individual case and then in a box which is in a sleeve is completely beyond me. Are they trying to annoy us or do they just really love plastic? 

I think what the manufacturers need is a new perspective. Aren't we supposed to saving the planet instead of wasting materials where they're not needed? I'd rather have a nicely designed standard DVD case and save on materials. Yes I know some of these sleeves are really lovely but they are a total pain and really unessential.

Is it just me who thinks this? Let me know what you guys think in a comment below or through my twitter (@missemmabuckley)

Emma x