Ran is a film directed by the same person who directed Throne of Blood. Just as Throne of Blood this film is loosely based on another Shakespeare play King Lear. The film revolves around a ruler who seperates his kingdom among his three sons due to the fact the his old age is beginning to creep on him. But the youngest son foretells of the risks in dividing the kingdom amongst them by breaking a bundle of arrows which was meant to symbolize the strength of the 3 together. The family ends up going into all out war for power and the plot further unfolds from there.
This movie is done in vibrant color and bright lighting. A tremendous contrast to THrone of Blood which was filmed in black and white. But nonetheless this film has an excellent use of great landscapes and a wide variety of colors. It really hold syour attention the brightness of the whole production. The most grittiest parts of the movie are the scenes in which all the chaos of warfare and confusion and despair of the great lord reveals itself to the audience. The emotion really relays itself. When the father was going through time sof anguish the whole ambience of teh film seemed to change also. The brightness dissapeared and the scene became dark and very gritty.
The makeup in this movie also really gets the emotions across and are very evocative. The makeup of the great lord when he's experiencing so much pain and confusion is an grey pale look on his face. Also the wrinkles and lines in his face are strengthened with black outline in order to really get all the emotion out of the facial expressions. Every wrinkle in his face seems to go deeper than it would in actual reality.
Furthermore, the camera angles in the scenic views are very beautiful. There's a scene at the beginning of film in which Subaro and Tango are on their horses on a mountainside. And the camera zooms out to get a whole view of the side of themountain with the two on top of it. It's such an amazing view and excellent shot. Thsi film also uses a good bit of whole body shots with two people inthe frame facing each other. So you can really see the gestures and body movements of both characters along with the background which adds real depth to the whole shot.
There is a point in this movie where all audio plays through for what has to be a good 5-7 minutes straight. The scenes are during a battle at the castle and where people are dying left to right. The castle is on fire and it seems like hell. Almost hell on earth. The audio just plays and tells ypu what to feel in other words. It adds the element that causes no need for words jus th epalying of the music.
But now that i think about it the chaos and confusion of teh whole scene sort of reflects what the great lord was experiencing in his mind. The confusion and pain of losing his sons and what he could do to alleviate all the conflict.
The movie is pretty good, sort of long but has a great story line and made pretty well too.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Throne of Blood
Throne of Blood is a film which is supposed to be a japanese remake of MacBeth. It's filmed entirely in black and white which sort of add grittiness to some of the scenes.
There are several scenes in this movie which are made very cleverly according to the thoughts of the characters. For instance, most of the scenes in which Lord Washizu is contemplating about what actions he should take is done in an empty little room. The walls are bare and the room is filled with nothing but emptiness. It really adds a sort of an allure to the mystery of his thinking. The room is also surrounded in shadows which sort of reflects his unsyredness of what to do.
There is also a scene in which Lord Washizu wife goes into a pitch black room in order to receive a "sake" or drink of some sort to give the guards of the Great Lord in order to kil him. Well in the scene the wife goes into the room and slowly becomes engulfed in shadows. It gives a really eerie and dubious feeling to the whole thing. Then she emerges out of the shadows walking ever so slowly. The scene really showcases the evil and dark intentions that are at hand.
The camera angles really usee a lot of close up facial shots to show the anguish or confusion on some of the characters faces. Such as when they are to accept their titles as teh Lord of the North Garison and such. When they see that the prophecy comes to pass the camera angles really facial shots really capture the suspense and reactions of the characters. Other camera angles are ones in which two characters are shown in one scene facing each other. The shots really capture the background of the scene very well but at the same time teh relationship betwen the two characters according to their distance from each other.
Throne of Blood is made and directed well, and to me probably the best on screen version of Macbeth that I have seen.
There are several scenes in this movie which are made very cleverly according to the thoughts of the characters. For instance, most of the scenes in which Lord Washizu is contemplating about what actions he should take is done in an empty little room. The walls are bare and the room is filled with nothing but emptiness. It really adds a sort of an allure to the mystery of his thinking. The room is also surrounded in shadows which sort of reflects his unsyredness of what to do.
There is also a scene in which Lord Washizu wife goes into a pitch black room in order to receive a "sake" or drink of some sort to give the guards of the Great Lord in order to kil him. Well in the scene the wife goes into the room and slowly becomes engulfed in shadows. It gives a really eerie and dubious feeling to the whole thing. Then she emerges out of the shadows walking ever so slowly. The scene really showcases the evil and dark intentions that are at hand.
The camera angles really usee a lot of close up facial shots to show the anguish or confusion on some of the characters faces. Such as when they are to accept their titles as teh Lord of the North Garison and such. When they see that the prophecy comes to pass the camera angles really facial shots really capture the suspense and reactions of the characters. Other camera angles are ones in which two characters are shown in one scene facing each other. The shots really capture the background of the scene very well but at the same time teh relationship betwen the two characters according to their distance from each other.
Throne of Blood is made and directed well, and to me probably the best on screen version of Macbeth that I have seen.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
O brother Where art thou
O Brother Where art thou directed by the Coen brothers is a film which is loosely base on the epic of Odyssey. The film revolves around 3 friends who escape from prison to go get a treasure hidden by one of the main characters in the desert. The movie goes through many different series of adventures or what not through out the course of the movie. This movie all in all is a pretty funny and good movie.
The lighting and shadows in this movie is done very expertly. During an evening scene in the movie more like the middle of the night, there's a scene where the light of the moon shines brillantly in the ground behind them in a backdrop of a row of trees in a horizontal view. This really does the scene justice adding a little more depth to it.
Through wardrobe and dress the characters really get across the point of being non educated criminals to a point.The stripped little jailhouse jumpsuits they begin out with all the way to the point when they finally do change into something more fitting.
The camera angles are done to the effect that everything seems to have lateral or horizontal movement. Also the camera view from the ground up in a scene where he gets pummeled by Big Dan helps to get the perspective on how big he looks from that camera angle.
This movie overall was a comedic one which revolves around an adventurous plot. It also contains very good refernce humor when you compare it to The Odyssey. All in all, a well made movie
The lighting and shadows in this movie is done very expertly. During an evening scene in the movie more like the middle of the night, there's a scene where the light of the moon shines brillantly in the ground behind them in a backdrop of a row of trees in a horizontal view. This really does the scene justice adding a little more depth to it.
Through wardrobe and dress the characters really get across the point of being non educated criminals to a point.The stripped little jailhouse jumpsuits they begin out with all the way to the point when they finally do change into something more fitting.
The camera angles are done to the effect that everything seems to have lateral or horizontal movement. Also the camera view from the ground up in a scene where he gets pummeled by Big Dan helps to get the perspective on how big he looks from that camera angle.
This movie overall was a comedic one which revolves around an adventurous plot. It also contains very good refernce humor when you compare it to The Odyssey. All in all, a well made movie
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Road Home
Road Home has to be one of the most beautifully made movies of all time. The scenes and colors in this movie are vibrant and intricate in detail. This film directed by Zhang Yimou begins with a son journey back to his mother's village carrying his fathers deceased body. The plot of the story really revolves around the courting of the son's parents to each other. The story flashes back to the time when they first met in his moter's village during the construction of a schoolhouse and continues on from there.
The backdrop and setting for this movie is so secnic and appealing to the eye that it catches your attention for the most part of the movie. The lighting for this movie is done with great respect to it also. Theres a certain part in this movie where a bowl that she tries to uses to court the father is placed on a table with many others. In the course of this the bowl outshines almost to blinding proportions all the others. as if to represent her love for him. The lighting in this movie also is also critical in the scene where when she coks inthe house. The lighting really helps showcases her concentration inpreparing the best meal.
The camera shots and angles in this film are just magnificent. There are several shots in this movie in which she is running through the valley or walking whch are absolutely stunning. they give the plot the little time for you to think about their love amongst other things. Its a very wonderful series of shots. Then there is the shot when she's listening to him speak and teach outside of his schoolhouse and she walks past the fence and the way the camera is angled from the side along with the shadows of the fence post contrasting on her face make sa beautiful shot.
But in this film the wardrobe of the mother really adds depth to te film. She goes through the whole film wearing a pink sweater which contasts so great with the green grass background which goes through pratically the entire movie. It gives the movie another element th eb=riches the plot.
Overall this is a beautiful movie. Every scene can be a photo for a calendar or magazine. It really goes into dtail with all teh elements that makes it as beautiful as it is.
The backdrop and setting for this movie is so secnic and appealing to the eye that it catches your attention for the most part of the movie. The lighting for this movie is done with great respect to it also. Theres a certain part in this movie where a bowl that she tries to uses to court the father is placed on a table with many others. In the course of this the bowl outshines almost to blinding proportions all the others. as if to represent her love for him. The lighting in this movie also is also critical in the scene where when she coks inthe house. The lighting really helps showcases her concentration inpreparing the best meal.
The camera shots and angles in this film are just magnificent. There are several shots in this movie in which she is running through the valley or walking whch are absolutely stunning. they give the plot the little time for you to think about their love amongst other things. Its a very wonderful series of shots. Then there is the shot when she's listening to him speak and teach outside of his schoolhouse and she walks past the fence and the way the camera is angled from the side along with the shadows of the fence post contrasting on her face make sa beautiful shot.
But in this film the wardrobe of the mother really adds depth to te film. She goes through the whole film wearing a pink sweater which contasts so great with the green grass background which goes through pratically the entire movie. It gives the movie another element th eb=riches the plot.
Overall this is a beautiful movie. Every scene can be a photo for a calendar or magazine. It really goes into dtail with all teh elements that makes it as beautiful as it is.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Rear Window
Rear Window directed by Alfred Hitchcock is a film that really demands for your attention. The movie captivates you with its use of shadows and a plot that doesn't cease to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Jeff Jefries as he spies on his neighbors from his two story apartment, while recovering from a broken leg. He shares the stories of his neighbors escapades to his home nurse and girlfriend. The plot deepens as he notices that one of his neighbors strange actions over the course of a couple days and the suddn disspearance of the neighbors wife. That's when the true story takes place.
The movie has a beautiful use of shadow and lighting. The apartment of Jeff is shrouded by shadows during teh most suspenseful and nail biting moments in the movie. Such as when his girlfriend gets caught in the neighbors house. This really adds an element of suspense and fear to the audience. Watching his white eyes and their reaction in the midst of darkness. Also when the neighbor confronts him in his house a whole new use of light is put into use where his eyes are clearly zoomed and lighted directly giving a diffferent feel to the scene.
Through the course of the movie many different camera angles are used as in every movie. But due to the fact that he's looking from a second floor window the camera angle is done beautifully. The view from across the building into teh other sets up wonderfully. Which also demonstrates good set direction. When the girlfriend goes into the neighbors house you can see everything that goes on while she's in there. You never lose track of her until the plot allows you too to cause suspense. But the set dirction and camera angles help to get a full view of the events nd add the little something extra that every movie needs. Also at a pont in the movie a flooor shot happens that really helps the whole suspense feel get across. The camera slowly moves up from the floor and it helps devulge the emotin from you. A wonderful job done.
Wardrobe in this movie andmake up were minimal. It just relaly get the point across of what each character really was. Jeff dressed in plain pajama type clothing due to his injury. The home nurse dressed in simple nurse attire and the girlfriend had a regular appearance. The attire of each character jus helped get across the originality of them.
This film overall was a nail biter that kept you wanting to know more. It's recommended to be watched and certainly enjoyed by whomever.
The movie has a beautiful use of shadow and lighting. The apartment of Jeff is shrouded by shadows during teh most suspenseful and nail biting moments in the movie. Such as when his girlfriend gets caught in the neighbors house. This really adds an element of suspense and fear to the audience. Watching his white eyes and their reaction in the midst of darkness. Also when the neighbor confronts him in his house a whole new use of light is put into use where his eyes are clearly zoomed and lighted directly giving a diffferent feel to the scene.
Through the course of the movie many different camera angles are used as in every movie. But due to the fact that he's looking from a second floor window the camera angle is done beautifully. The view from across the building into teh other sets up wonderfully. Which also demonstrates good set direction. When the girlfriend goes into the neighbors house you can see everything that goes on while she's in there. You never lose track of her until the plot allows you too to cause suspense. But the set dirction and camera angles help to get a full view of the events nd add the little something extra that every movie needs. Also at a pont in the movie a flooor shot happens that really helps the whole suspense feel get across. The camera slowly moves up from the floor and it helps devulge the emotin from you. A wonderful job done.
Wardrobe in this movie andmake up were minimal. It just relaly get the point across of what each character really was. Jeff dressed in plain pajama type clothing due to his injury. The home nurse dressed in simple nurse attire and the girlfriend had a regular appearance. The attire of each character jus helped get across the originality of them.
This film overall was a nail biter that kept you wanting to know more. It's recommended to be watched and certainly enjoyed by whomever.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Vertigo
Vertigo is a movie for the ages. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, its understandable why its the subject of high praises. The movie goes through a private investigation by a former detective John Scottie Ferguson. He's sent to follow the wife of a colleague who seems to demonstrate some peculiar behavior. The movie unfolds into a plot deeper than ever expected and if I were to tell you, it would be a great injustice.
Hitchcock like usual did a wonderful job directing this picture. Which also includes the casting, for the acting performed in this film really was the showcase of the movie, even though the storyline comes to a real close second. The background set and location of the scenes were amazing to watch. The staircase of the church especially. Furthermore, the locations of this movie adds a real classic look and feel to it that captivates and excites. Such as the view as the two main characters walk down the sidewalk and see couples on the ground in front of a scenic backdrop having romantic moments. Also, places like the redwood forest and art museum are phenomenally beautiful.
The use of light and shadow in this movie is done beautifully. Scenes such as the the one when he first saves her from San Francisco Bay and the car ride scene to the church, show perfect examples of lighting and shadows used to its full potential. The car ride scene is dark and to an extent eerie and foretells in a way where the movie is headed. The room scene with the shadows help get the confused and secret mood across exquisitely.
The wardrobe of the movie eventually had a significant impact on the plot of the movie. The wardrobe that the female counterpart of John Ferguson later helped reveal the mystery behind her. The same thing applies for the makeup. The makeup artist did a wonderful job f making the same person look like two different people without major elements, masks or anything. During the movie you seriously contemplate if that really is the same woman as before. A great job was done.
The audio didn't really play a significant part to the movie. The plot really brings you in so thre really isn't any need for the dramatic effect to strengthen the movie. But all in all the audio did bring some level of dramatic effect to the movie.
Vertigo is a movie of the ages. It has an appealing plot great actors, and all together a excellent movie. Hitchcock outdid himself and should be praised for all time for bringing such a wonderful work to life.
Hitchcock like usual did a wonderful job directing this picture. Which also includes the casting, for the acting performed in this film really was the showcase of the movie, even though the storyline comes to a real close second. The background set and location of the scenes were amazing to watch. The staircase of the church especially. Furthermore, the locations of this movie adds a real classic look and feel to it that captivates and excites. Such as the view as the two main characters walk down the sidewalk and see couples on the ground in front of a scenic backdrop having romantic moments. Also, places like the redwood forest and art museum are phenomenally beautiful.
The use of light and shadow in this movie is done beautifully. Scenes such as the the one when he first saves her from San Francisco Bay and the car ride scene to the church, show perfect examples of lighting and shadows used to its full potential. The car ride scene is dark and to an extent eerie and foretells in a way where the movie is headed. The room scene with the shadows help get the confused and secret mood across exquisitely.
The wardrobe of the movie eventually had a significant impact on the plot of the movie. The wardrobe that the female counterpart of John Ferguson later helped reveal the mystery behind her. The same thing applies for the makeup. The makeup artist did a wonderful job f making the same person look like two different people without major elements, masks or anything. During the movie you seriously contemplate if that really is the same woman as before. A great job was done.
The audio didn't really play a significant part to the movie. The plot really brings you in so thre really isn't any need for the dramatic effect to strengthen the movie. But all in all the audio did bring some level of dramatic effect to the movie.
Vertigo is a movie of the ages. It has an appealing plot great actors, and all together a excellent movie. Hitchcock outdid himself and should be praised for all time for bringing such a wonderful work to life.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of Arabia directed by David Lean, is based on the true accounts of T.E. Lawrence. Who during World War I allied himself with the Arabs of Arabia and held a influential part of their conquests on Damascus and Aqaba. The film starts out during his assignment in the British Army and continues on through his time spent with the Arabs in the desert and his life while there.
The film is directed in such a way that the characters are introduced in a dramatic and intense way. Such as in the opening scene where the camera focuses directly on Lawrence as he rides on a motorcycle, the camera vibrates up and down as if you're sitting and watching him ride face to face.
Lean also did a wonderfully beautiful job with the lighting and costume design. Lawrence when accepted into the Arab community wears a white robe which in the movie distinguishes he belongs to no tribe. But in lighting effects it clearly distinguishes himself from the other extras and other characters. The lighting makes him look almost white as shining, even in the midst of the night skyline background. This is clearly depicted in the desert scene when conflict arises between opposing Arabian tribes he comes in his white shining robe as if pure of all evil and resolves it. But later on in the scene when he has settled it by killing a man he once saved his brightness seems to dim. This is a great dramatic effect and great use of lighting and costume.
Audio and music in this film was put together extremely well. The symphonic background music really went together well with scenes that they were played in. The music seemed to tell the story itself. If you were just to catch that one scene, without seeing any other part of the movie you would know whats going on. Also, this movie contains and introduction and intermission where a blank screen appears and music showcased and played throughout the movie is played. This adds a real unexpected element to the movie but very refreshing.
Special effects were not really used from what i saw. Everything seemed to be original and very artificial.
Lawrence of Arabia is a great and very interesting film. David Lean and Sam Spiegel did a wonderful job directing and producing this film. I see why that it received such acclaim and praise. Its a film that should be viewed with great focus so that you don't miss out on the little things that help make the plot so interesting. Overall exquisite.
The film is directed in such a way that the characters are introduced in a dramatic and intense way. Such as in the opening scene where the camera focuses directly on Lawrence as he rides on a motorcycle, the camera vibrates up and down as if you're sitting and watching him ride face to face.
Lean also did a wonderfully beautiful job with the lighting and costume design. Lawrence when accepted into the Arab community wears a white robe which in the movie distinguishes he belongs to no tribe. But in lighting effects it clearly distinguishes himself from the other extras and other characters. The lighting makes him look almost white as shining, even in the midst of the night skyline background. This is clearly depicted in the desert scene when conflict arises between opposing Arabian tribes he comes in his white shining robe as if pure of all evil and resolves it. But later on in the scene when he has settled it by killing a man he once saved his brightness seems to dim. This is a great dramatic effect and great use of lighting and costume.
Audio and music in this film was put together extremely well. The symphonic background music really went together well with scenes that they were played in. The music seemed to tell the story itself. If you were just to catch that one scene, without seeing any other part of the movie you would know whats going on. Also, this movie contains and introduction and intermission where a blank screen appears and music showcased and played throughout the movie is played. This adds a real unexpected element to the movie but very refreshing.
Special effects were not really used from what i saw. Everything seemed to be original and very artificial.
Lawrence of Arabia is a great and very interesting film. David Lean and Sam Spiegel did a wonderful job directing and producing this film. I see why that it received such acclaim and praise. Its a film that should be viewed with great focus so that you don't miss out on the little things that help make the plot so interesting. Overall exquisite.
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