giraffeversusunicorn Blog

Under discussion:

Rachel Getting Married  (2008)

Cross-Posted from Giraffe Versus Unicorn.

Rachel Getting Married takes a family wedding and turns it on it's head with the arrival of Kym, the titular character's younger sibling, who comes equipped with a luggage-load of problems.

Oscar nominated Anne Hathaway revels in the role of Kym, who begins the movie by ending a nine month stint in rehab for drug addiction, an addiction which has left her with a traumatic secret. During the beginning act of the film, she comes across as a vaguely unpleasant character, one who is quick to throw out quips and one-liners, at times to disguise her true feelings. If Juno were less pregnant and more of an asshole, this could possibly be the result.

However, it speaks volumes of Hathaway's acting ability that she takes this seemingly unlikeable, narcissistic and attention-seeking character and begs and pleads the audience for every last scrap of sympathy. And it works. As more of Kym's backstory comes to light, set in scenes around the wedding's buildup, we see the reasons for why she acts the way she does, and although it doesn't allow us to feel forgivness for her harrowing secret, we can still feel sympathetic.

The movie carries a very 'indy' feel throughout, with 'live music' (being played around the family home by the wedding musicians) providing the score for certain scenes. Although, if I'm nitpicking, the final act of the wedding goes a little too overboard with its attempt at musical and cultural eclecticism as mishmashes are thrown at us for what seems like an age.

Brilliant Altman-esque camerawork throughout the movie's familial clashes and togetherness really captures the smallest looks and moments of emotion, which when added with Demme's refusal to resort to clichés and standards, really makes for a great film.

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Under discussion:

Lost in Translation  (2003)

Cross-Posted from Giraffe Versus Unicorn.

In Sofia Coppola's second outing as a feature film director, Lost In Translation has her overseeing Scarlet Johansson and Bill Murray in a film which plays to both's strengths wonderfully. Murray plays Bob Harris, a former movie star who is in Tokyo to shoot a series of whiskey advertisements, while Johansson takes on the role of Charlotte, who has traveled to Tokyo with her husband John, a photographer who is on a work assignment in the city.

Murray turns in an understated performance, possibly the finest of his career, whether it be during the comedic moments such as his sheer bewilderment during the shooting of a whiskey commercial or when his character is falling for the charms of the genuine and giggly Charlotte.

Questions of fidelity are asked strongly throughout, as the disillusionment of both the main characters is portrayed expertly on screen. Charlotte is at a turning point in her life, having not long graduated, she has no idea what she wants to do or be and is questioning her marriage.

After exchanging glances in a lift, the two characters are united in a hotel bar and their friendship begins. The two fill different roles in each other's lives, Charlotte needs the attention that Bob provides, while Charlotte seemingly reminds Bob of how much he adores his wife and children. The title of the film hearkens to the obvious aspects of being in a foreign country, but also the stages in life that both characters have drifted into.

Weaved in and out of Bob and Charlotte's relationship are gorgeous shots of the city of Tokyo which do more to show the beauty of the place than any travel brochure ever could. This is an at times, mesmerizing movie which floats along at a dream-like pace and can truly call itself a modern day classic.

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