Finding my Compass

Movie Review - 2012

 I'm late to the table for this film as it ends its 2 week stint at major theatres. But it served its purpose for what was nearly 3 hours of crash bang wallop. However, let me say right away that as a popcorn disaster movie it entertained, and kept my daughter and I from looking at our watches - no mean feat for any film once passed 90 mins. That's not to say that we were riveted to our seats throughout since I suffered an sfx wearisome overload by 120 mins.

The extraordinary luck that keeps our protagonist from a fate worse than... let me pick a few, giant cracks, exploding crashing buildings, a billion tonnes of Yellow Stone Park landing on his head, molten lava fireballs, fuel starvation, drowning etc etc, leads me to ask, do we have to suspend our belief or is it that we must suspend disbelief?

Too often enough there are dramatic special effect developments clearly too ludicrous to believe... earthquakes that open up huge cracks in the road with no apparent effect on the car as it drives furiously through a disintegrating LA, building debris and thick smoke that have no effect on the twin engined aircraft as it flies through toppling skyscrappers. But hey, this isn’t a documentary, we are here to be entertained. 

With some gaud awful one liners 'The world, as we know, will come to an end soon' - spoken by a dreary US President (Danny Glover) - the film danced between those who knew the big secret and those who didn’t know jack sh*t, other than when the moment arrived and the world boiled. You'll recognise the latter bunch as they're the ones falling out of buildings, being crushed by buildings or simply falling into the earth's crust.   

A believable part played out by Chewitel Ejiofor (Love Actually) but with no other outstanding performances - what on earth is Woody Harrelson doing - and by a whisker only, I rate this film 3 out of 5 (IMDb 6.5 / 10)  

Day & Night

Well it's official - my script writing has found some separation. I've settled on writing in the morning & throughout the day leaving me to check, read through and edit at night. Makes sense? I think another week is called for to test this new~ish approach. In any case the formula has it's merits as I tend to be more creative first thing whilst more critical later in the day. Hoping this post makes it as it's via my iPhone and a neat, but feature devoid, Typepad app.

Review - Harry Brown

I’m always interested at how my expectations of a film measure up to the marketing hype. Usually the worst offending films are the sequels that understandably ride off the back of their predecessor – especially if it’s enjoyed any success. With Harry Brown it appeared from under the radar, centre stage, with critics wowing Caine’s outstanding performance and the film’s dark and disturbing tale. It was too compelling to miss - hopes therefore were high. 

In my last review I spoke about timing. The November release with its dark, damp and seemingly oppressive days of winter matched the mood of the film and its despairing reality of a London council estate ruled by armed thugs and drug dealers. Better to stay in than go out.

Seeped in a tide of low esteem, misery and routine Harry, an ex-serviceman, has no stomach for violence, at least no desire to return to a former life which he promised to himself and his wife. Losing his family, although not to any street crime, he is a man unable to do anything, until his friend is murdered on the streets by local youths.

Screenwriter Gary Young has Harry Brown slow burn as a vigilante with an apparent but fatal miss direction of anger. This is not a selfless act for the community but a deep routed sense of loss with frustrations menacingly focused at the estate’s social degradation of decency, law and order. 

A master class from Michael Caine with notable performances from Liam Cunningham and Emily Mortimer.  My rating 4 (out of 5). IMdB 8.5/10 

Damp, cold and dark

Sounds like a description for a spooky room or even an abandoned house? Perhaps even my bank account..!? Actually, I'm quite aptly describing the day today. For those of us who live north of the equator, at 51°N 0°W (or thereabouts!), this has to be the dreariest, nastiest, most foul day of them all.  And of all the days to inflict this weather on us, its Sunday. A time away from the office, to be out enjoying some fresh air. 

When I looked up wet for an appropriate image I realised that even my 'safe' Google setting left little to one's imagination. But here's one for my dog. Always happy to meet a cat..! 

With the morning spent relaxing its time to don my wet gear (no t-shirts though!!) and brace the wind, rain and mud. Then its back to a full house of screaming kids, no doubt unfazed by events outside, for my nephew's birthday party followed by a couple of hours writing (yeah, right!!).  Finally, down to the cinema to watch Michael Cain in Harry Brown or John Cusack in 2012 while my daughter and thousands of hysterical girly teens swoon after Robert Pattinson (aka Edward Cullen in Twilight: New Moon).   

Movie review will follow of course.

A writers best friend (1)

You know when you want to buy a car and you start seeing the same model everywhere. No? Well it always seems to happen to me. Perhaps I should pretend to be in the market for an Aston?

Sorry, I digress. As I approach writing the screenplay I appear to be hearing about lots of writers and their advice, or at least their experiences. I don’t recall being formerly curious of what instrument to use, how to plan your day, what to wear, where to write but I suppose it’s pretty obvious now that I’m treading in their territory.

A mixed bag to be sure, like most things I suppose. Down to personal needs, tastes and goals.

I’ve already touched on the area of discipline and above all else that will matter most for me.  But here’s some advice I can throw into the hodgepodge. When you’re in the writing zone, with ideas and plots flowing majestically onto paper (or into your PC J) and you simply have to take in some nourishment try a bowl of cereal.

Hmmm!? I hear you ponder. Well, here’s why. Firstly it’s quick to make. It has an almost instant satiation affect, whereas chocolate or health bars leave you panging for more. It’s quick to eat and for those who multi task you can type while stuffing it into your mouth! 

Ever wondered?

When I was a young lad joining my mother at Crufts, the dog show, I remember seeing a barman whom I recognised. I couldn't recall his name, then or now, but he was definitely someone I had seen on TV. When I asked him, he confirmed that he was indeed an actor. I was shocked. I thought all tv and movie stars were rich, prosperous and for us mere mortals, illusive characters. But there he was, in the flesh and clearing our table.  Seeing how surprised I was he told me that many actors and actresses are in and out of work and because of that the only work available is pretty menial.  

This was for a young boy one of life's cold and hard lessons... nothing is necessarily quite as it seems. 

I'm no actor, although my children would probably disagree, so whilst pursuing a career in writing and filming I have a new day job. I should add that it is not menial. In fact it is immensely fulfilling and I am lucky being able to work from home.      

How many fine actors, writers and crew are in the same boat I wonder?  

Review - The Men Who Stare At Goats

A funny, in a weird kind of way, film that was entertaining but absurd.  Coming in at a well timed and paced 93 mins this is director Grant Heslov’s fourth outing with Clooney although another is already in the pipeline (The American).

Finding laughs from the shear nonsense of the plot and its whacky association with Jedi’s – yes, the Star Wars masters of the ‘good’ force – this hippy,  punch drunk, drug induced movie with an impressive A-list cast will entertain and have you laughing, but not bent over.  

Now is it me or are we seeing a film role trait in Clooney? Playing whimsical, sometimes moronic, but nearly always the lost idiot?   

And I have another question. Why is it necessary for directors to cast Brits (or here a Scot) to play Americans. And, although not in this film, casting Americans to play Brits? Ewan is one of our finest actors, talented and believable, except when he is required to employ foreign accents. To give him credit though his voice playing Bob Wilton, the mild mannered reporter, didn’t sound forced but his narration was heavily over Americanized (note the ‘z’ – as I now try to appease our American cousins).

So, can I recommend this film? Yes, in an instant. With little to admire in the story and characters you quite frankly don’t care too much about you will enjoy the acting and the outrageous absurdity that was America during the cold war… ‘Sir, as the Ruskies are doing it we can’t let them beat us to it first.’  

Of particular note is Jeff Bridges, an actor who just gets better and better.  

My rating: 3 (out of 5)  Or if you follow IMDB I’d give it a 7/10

Its Wednesday so its film night

My desire to make a film, it has to be said, is driven by my passion for movies. So as its Orange Wednesday, not that this makes a hoot of difference to my going or not, I'm off to see The Men Who Stare At Goats. 

Can someone please tell me what a collection of Hollywood stars is called? And please don't say a 'cast' - hahaha. A gaggle, a bevy, a flock, a herd, a bundle or perhaps an entourage? Anyways (as Americans say), it stars a few of my favourite A-listers; Clooney, Spacey & Bridges. And, our very own McGregor, Ewan McGregor (queue 007 theme - OK, he had my vote until Craig came into view). 

On Sunday my eldest teen daughter and 10 of her closest friends, all called 'best friends', go figure, are off to see the latest vampire instalment, Twilight New Moon. If my youngest wants to join me we'll watch A Christmas Carol, if not, I'll watch the world come to a bitter sweet end in 2012.

Then I'll post reviews from me and my gals.      

A writers environment

Its comforting to know that JK Rowling wrote Harry P, at the least the first book, from a coffee bar. Last night I once again attempted to take advantage of the 3 hour wait whilst my daughter trained (swimming). Not usually one for having difficulty with noise I think the comings and goings of people and the reflection of light from the door took its toll on my ability to concentrate. In the end I only managed 2 pages of dialogue and some notes.       

I'm quickly coming to realise that a writer needs discipline, a routine, perhaps even more rules to follow.

On BBC Radio 2 I heard Lynn Parsons interview the love him or hate him, Jeffrey Archer. Speaking about Kane and Abel he spoke about his writing schedule. I don't think I can match it with my responsibilities but here's what he said:

I hand write every word, I rise at 5.30 in the morning, I start at 6, 
I do 6 o'clock until 8, 10 o'clock until 12, 2 o'clock until 4, 6 o'clock
until 8, so 2 hour sections with 2 hour breaks. Stop at 8, have a
light supper bed at 9.30 or 10, up again at 5.30 (am)

What you cannot deny Archer is his incredible success... so, if it works for him..!? 

The writers resource

Just as there is for everything in this world there are rules to writing a screenplay. 

That statement makes me sound like a seasoned expert or at least ‘seasoned’. But actually, no. I’m learning everything on the fly. So here’s a quick tip for anyone wishing to write a screenplay, who isn’t intent on using software and therefore needs to understand the art (read: format) of screenwriting.

http://www.screenwriting.info/

 

For those who want an education go here 

http://www.scottishscreen.com/images/documents/crashcourseinscreenwriting.pdf

It’s written for the younger novice writer but hey ho I feel young!   

 

I read somewhere that if you intend to produce and direct your own screenplay then quite frankly you can make up your own rules. But I also read that actors can take exception to a writer’s direction. My view is that you can always pull back or indeed remove whole lines, directions, notes etc. Just don’t be precious over scene related or in fact any specific action / reaction. Go with the flow! 

I mention this because I may end up recruiting the services of screenwriting software. A writer’s tool which I am reliable informed makes all this malarkey as easy as 123. When I do I’ll be sure to share my observations.