William Arnott"To sink your teeth into"
March 29th 2009 01:12
It's been a little while, but I'm back with an entry.
Firstly I must make a report on the Swedish vampire film "Let the Right One In". After a recent output of American/Hollywood produced vampire films aimed at the youth of today, this Swedish production comes along not only as a breath of fresh air as if to show how it should be done, but it moves and chills the viewer who gets to enjoy its threatening charm. In brief, it basically tells a story (adapted from a best-selling Swedish novel by the writer himself) of a 12-year-old boy who is a loner and is bullied at school but befriends a mysterious girl the same age living next door. This film is made memorable for its atmosphere, emotional resonance, and quite striking scenes and shots. The performances in particular by the two pre-pubescent leads are also impressive.
4 out of 5.
Also seen was "Duplicity", starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts (opposite each other again after 2004's "Closer"), and written-directed by "Michael Clayton"s Tony Gilroy. The film, though, is something of a let-down. Twisty and incoherent to a I suppose less attentive viewer, this film is hard work and perhaps trying to be too clever for its own good. The two leads, who are playing ex-spies who combine to take on their old bosses in a game of con, are quite underwhelming going at it with each other and they are not really beleivable. The film has a funny tone as well which is quite jarring. Recently I also saw Clive Owen in "The International", which was not too bad, but he definitely needs to do something more interesting next time round to boost his register.
Anyway, "Duplicity" gets 2 and a half out of 5.
Firstly I must make a report on the Swedish vampire film "Let the Right One In". After a recent output of American/Hollywood produced vampire films aimed at the youth of today, this Swedish production comes along not only as a breath of fresh air as if to show how it should be done, but it moves and chills the viewer who gets to enjoy its threatening charm. In brief, it basically tells a story (adapted from a best-selling Swedish novel by the writer himself) of a 12-year-old boy who is a loner and is bullied at school but befriends a mysterious girl the same age living next door. This film is made memorable for its atmosphere, emotional resonance, and quite striking scenes and shots. The performances in particular by the two pre-pubescent leads are also impressive.
Also seen was "Duplicity", starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts (opposite each other again after 2004's "Closer"), and written-directed by "Michael Clayton"s Tony Gilroy. The film, though, is something of a let-down. Twisty and incoherent to a I suppose less attentive viewer, this film is hard work and perhaps trying to be too clever for its own good. The two leads, who are playing ex-spies who combine to take on their old bosses in a game of con, are quite underwhelming going at it with each other and they are not really beleivable. The film has a funny tone as well which is quite jarring. Recently I also saw Clive Owen in "The International", which was not too bad, but he definitely needs to do something more interesting next time round to boost his register.
Anyway, "Duplicity" gets 2 and a half out of 5.
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