Canada seems to have something of a fuzzy stature on the world stage in terms of its cinematic identity. It’s not that they don’t make films, because they most certainly do. Part of the problem comes with the assumption that the public makes when faced with films that come from Canada. Given their very general identification as producers of English-language films in North America, most people just assume that these films are American-made. Similarly, when the French-speaking region of Canada produces a film, everyone just assumes that it has come from France. Though the latter is less of a problem, it still causes issue when trying to find something one can look at to see what kind of cinema you can find coming from the Great White North.
by Paul Costello
Canada seems to have something of a fuzzy stature on the world stage in terms of its cinematic identity. It’s not that they don’t make films, because they most certainly do. Part of the problem comes with the assumption that the public makes when faced with films that come from Canada. Given their very general identification as producers of English-language films in North America, most people just assume that these films are American-made. Similarly, when the French-speaking region of Canada produces a film, everyone just assumes that it has come from France. Though the latter is less of a problem, it still causes issue when trying to find something one can look at to see what kind of cinema you can find coming from the Great White North. Eli Wallach, one of his generation’s most prolific character actors, appearing in hundreds of film, plays and TV series over the course of a career spanning more than 60 years, has passed away. He died in his Manhattan home at the age of 98, survived by his wife Anne Jackson, their three children and numerous grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of some excellent work, with easily his most famous film role being that of the outlaw Tuco, the “ugly” of Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. But he was so much more than that. by Paul Costello This may seem like the kind of news we’re getting all too familiar with, where a cherished classic of the 80s has found itself on the current slate for a remake/reboot/re-imagining. In this instance, the classic in question is the 1987 actioner Predator, which studio 20th Century Fox has set to be rebooted for an as yet undetermined date. by Paul Costello To live a life devoted to all that is beautiful and right... to pursue an existence of virtue and grace... to attain a state of Good. And not just any good, but the highest good. This is what "summum bonam" means, a Latin expression that means "the highest good". First introduced into the philosophical lexicon by Cicero as an idea of something all humans should strive to achieve, it's a phrase that has come to have its limits questioned over the years. After all, different people will have different ideas as to what "good" means, be it a more profound connection to God, Nature or one another. Summum Bonam is also the title (and apparently the primary thematic drive) for the new film from relative newcomer Matias Penachino. by Paul Costello The world is often cruel to those who are different. Whether the difference comes from a physical trait, a mental capability or general societal standing (to name but three), there has always been a great difficulty visited on those who cannot easily exist as part of "normal" society. Take the subjects of the film White Shadow: albinos. Due to a physical difference beyond their control, people with albinism can find themselves the regular target of discrimination and abuse by those around them. However, in certain parts of East Africa, the cruelty visited upon the members of the region's albino populace is brutal and horrific. Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's out there! We know that you are probably cracking some bad jokes and generally being awesome. Our sense of humour, strength and courage in our work probably wouldn't be the same if not for your guidance and understanding. So let's celebrate them and their tastes in movies... by Paul Costello Nicole Kidman is an interesting actress. Actually, she’s a very interesting actress. Since first grabbing our attention back in 1989 with the solid Australian thriller Dead Calm, she’s been steadily growing as one of the best and most capable actresses in Hollywood. She is also regarded as one of the most beautiful women ever to walk onto the movie screen. Her talent and beauty have generally combined to give her a certain air, the distinction of being regarded as a true movie star, a status only ever attained by a select few. What makes her so interesting, though, especially given her movie star status, is that she is also one of the most wilfully reckless actresses out there. by Paul Costello Before I continue, I’m going do this: SPOILER WARNING!! GO WATCH THIS FILM BEFORE CONTINUING!! Aaron Sorkin is one of those rarities in the world of screen-writing, in that he is widely recognised as a name in the popular consciousness. Actors are obviously know, directors are often known, but few writers ever really attain the same kind of instant recognition to those who don’t make it their business to know such things. And with good reason. Sorkin has created some of the best and most well known works of film, TV and theatre of the past few decades, as well as some of the most memorable characters (CJ Cregg anyone?), and picking up awards and plaudits along the way. Back in 1989, the world got the first look at Sorkin’s play about a military trial over the murder of one Marine at the hands of two others, and it was only a few years later that the film adaptation was released to great acclaim. In 1992, we saw Rob Reiner’s film version of A Few Good Men. |
FilmWriter of the Month
FeaturesFilm News -
Keep up to speed with the latest news from the world of cinema Must See Movies - A list of independent films we are looking forward too! Movie Monologues - Paul Costello counts down the best speeches in cinematic history every Thursday. Movies In Motion - Jo Johnstone explores the world of stop-motion animation from adverts to features every last Friday of the month. Experiment 626 - Our writers exchanged DVDs and here are the results We'll Fix it in Post - Graham Osborne gives us the run down on how certain movies could be improved. The Horror Vault - The dark side of cinema You May Have Missed - Movies that passed you by. From The Trenches - Matthew Howe delights with stories from the front line! Hidden Heroes - Celebrating those incredible people often in the shadows of cinema Terribrill - So bad they are actually good! Straight On Till Morning - Leah looks at the impact of childhood films Monthly Musical Moment - Taking a look at the best soundtracks and music moments Film FriendsCategories
All
Archives
July 2015
|