Tag Archives: David Thewlis

Macbeth (2015)

Macbeth review

written by Souranath Banerjee

A visual extravaganza that makes even a tragedy look ravishing! 

My Ratings: 4.2/5.

What is common between directors like Orson WellesRoman PolanskiAkira KurosawaVishal BhardwajBilly MorrissettePhilip Casson and (recently included) Justin Kurzel?

macbeth-poster2Well, they have all managed to successfully put forward the epic Shakespearian tragedy on screen; a tale so heavy on greed, ambition, deceit and conscience, the story of none other than the King of Scotland – Macbeth.

This latest adaptation by director Justin Kurzel (of The Snowtown Murders fame) is probably the most artistic account of the play till date.

The basic storyline is of course the same.

Macbeth (Michael Fassbender), a brave Scottish general (Thane of Glamis) receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that he will be the macbeth-poster7next King of Scotland! To fulfill his ambition/prophecy and coaxed by his enterprising wife Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard), he slays King
Duncan (David Thewlis) and himself becomes the King. And then he gets rid of all his enemies and anybody who suspects him, except his own conscience.

Other than the brilliant cinematography by Adam Arkapaw the film owes its brilliance entirely to the acting department.

Over the years Michael Fassbender has become one of the best in his profession. In this film, he has taken Macbeth’s desperation, tyranny, loneliness and the deep sense of guilt to such depth, his eyes in the light of the fire, his paranoia, his enslavement to absolute power – all portrayed to perfection.

macbeth-poster6And Marion Cotillard is always a delight to watch, such a powerful actress!

Though the film faithfully follows the original acts of the theatrical version, but director Kurzel’s powerful visual style of storytelling makes full use of all the remarkable cinematic techniques and brings out the emotions to a different level. And also, special credit to the screenwriters Jacob KoskoffMichael Lesslie and Todd Louiso for such a brilliant adaptation of the original Bard’s poetry.

You need not have to be a fan of the works of Shakespeare to relish this 1h 53min drama, but then again if you are, then this Macbeth version is indeed a special treat for you.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com

Anomalisa (2015)

Anomalisa review.

written by Souranath Banerjee

Charlie Kaufman’s first stop-motion animation feature; a highly entertaining melancholic tale of an apparently mundane life!  

My Ratings: 4.4/5

Charlie Kaufman is probably the best creatively complex mind in Hollywood who is responsible for some of the most innovative concepts/scripts for films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindAdaptation. and Being John Malkovich.

anomalisa-poster1And this time, along with talented animation director Duke JohnsonCharlie Kaufman writes and directs a brilliant ‘stop-motion animation’ film called Anomalisa.    

A multilayered film that dares to interpret life.

Sometimes life becomes dull, monotonous, repetitive and one gets bored of everything and everyone. That is exactly what has happened to Michael Stone, an authoritative mentor on ‘customer service’ by profession and is depressed in his life to the core.

Michael (voice by David Thewlis) arrives in Cincinnati, a place supposedly famous for its ‘zoo’ and ‘chili’ and eventually checks in at The Fregoli Hotel. 

And interestingly enough in reality (i am sure that this is not a coincidence), there is this rare medical disorder known as the Fregoli delusion,  a case where the delusional person beliefs that all the people he meets are actually one single person who changes appearance or may be is in disguise!

For Michael, the voice of every person he meets (male or female) sounds the same (voice by Tom Noonan), which is a subtle yet disturbing hint of Michael’s state of mind.

anomalisa-poster3But then, he meets Lisa (voice by Jennifer Jason Leigh), finally a girl with a different voice; and also a hope for Michael to escape from his colorless life. Well, at least a thought to hold onto.

Not only the script and direction are top class but Anomalisa also sets new standards for the unique technique of stop motion animation films. Incredibly realistic animation gives the film a level of seriousness that is essential for it’s concept.

Produced through crowd funding, the film is a dreamy, poetic, some what surrealistic story, simple yet dealing with exceedingly complex emotions.

One of the best films of this year, and also was one of the most sought after films of JIO MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival.

Remember, Anomalisa shouldn’t be missed at any cost.

Poster courtesy: www.filmaffinity.com, www.impawards.com