Tag Archives: Greta Gerwig

Oscar Nominations 2018 Best Picture – what’s your call?

Oscar Nominations 2018 Best Picture – what’s your call?

written by Souranath Banerjee

Oscar Nominations 2018 Best Picture: Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel (for the second time), on this March 4th evening we have a date with our beloved movies from 2017 – the nominations for the Oscars – The 90th Academy Awards ceremony traditionally presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

After last year’s La La Land hiccup and Moonlight‘s sudden triumph speculating this year’s Best Picture has certainly become more difficult a task but have to admit the fun remains the same, even more!

In total nine nominations for Best Picture and I have listed them according to my order of liking, in a way keeping my favourite one in the number 1 spot. You all do your own homework, predict, guess and wonder, and let’s see who can hit the bull’s eye!

9. Darkest Hour

A historical biography directed by Joe Wright which in total has six Oscar nominations this year!

The film revolves around the early days of World War II when Churchill was appointed the British Prime Minister and showed immense character that changed history forever.

Gary Oldman is undoubtedly an actor par excellence and his performance as Winston Churchill is awe-inspiring (every chance of winning the Male Leading Role). But I am real doubtful about the movie winning big this year.

8. Dunkirk

Directed by Christopher Nolan and brilliant music by Hans Zimmer (will probably win the for his Original Score).

Another film about World War II portraying the tensed war-front drama when soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France were at the mercy of the German Army.

In total eight nominations, though there are no acting or writing nominations and I think the movie won’t run till the end round of this year’s Oscar race.

7. The Post

The epic battle between the press and the government, a dangerous mission taken up by female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to unmask a massive coverup.

Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks together, that too directed by Steven Spielberg – this movie seems to be the perfect Oscar recipe but yet for me this is not really the Best Picture of last year.

6. Lady Bird

A delightful coming of age story of an artistically inclined seventeen-year-old girl and her chemistry between her friends and relatives – especially the love-hate relationship with her mother.

Directed by Greta Gerwig and brilliantly performed by Saoirse Ronan this is one film I absolutely enjoyed watching but still am not so sure about its Oscar win.

5. Phantom Thread

Paul Thomas Anderson collaborates with none other than Daniel Day-Lewis (supposed to be his last movie as an actor).

Superbly artistic, a visual treat that portrays the early world of fashion through the romance between a renowned dressmaker and his muse – a beautiful and determined young girl.

But then again the movie winning the Oscar – a bit doubtful scenario.

4. Get Out

An African-American guy meets his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend but things are not exactly what it seems to be. There lies some dark dangerous secrets that changes his life forever.

Now a low budget horror thriller gets nominated in the Best picture category – well, that’s a first!

Jordan Peele‘s direction and Daniel Kaluuya acting are spot on; though honestly to me the film apparently doesn’t look like a tough competition as an Oscar contender but you never know, unpredictability is the name of the game!

3. Call Me by Your Name

A summertime gay romance between a 17-year-old boy and a twenty-something man who has visited Italy as the young boy’s father’s research assistant.

(Click for Review)

A beautifully shot film directed by Luca Guadagnino and superb performances by Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet. Though not nominated in the direction, cinematography or editing categories it is a tough aim for the big spot but then if the movie snatches the Oscar I would  say it totally deserved it.

2. The Shape of Water

An incredible love-story between a mute lady-janitor and an amphibious creature that being held captive at a top secret research facility.

With 13 nominations, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and a superb performance by Sally Hawkins this visually stunning movie probably has the highest bets for the award. My favourite too. Fingers crossed!

1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Three billboards asking for justice – a mother’s unique way of challenging the authorities who failed to capture her daughter’s murder.

Directed by Martin McDonagh and a powerhouse of brilliant acting from Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell (sure will get awards for Female Leading Role or/and Supporting Male Role).

With total seven nominations, brilliantly written and shot with great precision – this is my most favourite film of last year and I hope this film gets its due i.e the Oscar of course!

Similar Interest: Best of 2017 you may have missed!

Similar Interest: Best of World Cinema 2017

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best of 2017 you may have missed! (10+1list)

Best of 2017 you may have missed!

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best of 2017 you may have missed: 2017 has been a year of some real good movies and a bliss for Cinema lovers like us!

But there is always a possibility that you may have overlooked a few, missed out the underrated ones which mind you are definitely worth your time.

So here is a list that will ensure that you have covered all the best of 2017. Thank me later!

10. Good Time

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrR-SbCRgCU

A heist gone wrong but that’s not the only thing that doesn’t go according to the plan. In order to save his mentally challenged brother a thug has the misadventure of his lifetime in one night span!

Directed by Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie, a rollercoaster ride of intense drama and Robert Pattinson breaks away from his Twilight zone and gives a super cool performance.

9. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WBV7q_1DgQ

A woman burdened and bored by her life to the point of depression finds new purpose when she is robbed and vows to take revenge on the thugs. Her next-door neighbour becomes her partner in crime!

Written and directed by Macon Blair, with Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood giving their best – mostly a comedy and that too very well made, but I am sure the ending will surprise you!

8. Brawl in Cell Block 99

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfAExhHTMM

Vince Vaughn is back – not in some romcom but with a tough-guy-role in this cool and violent crime drama.

A drug dealer who goes to prison after a sore deal and realises that he has landed in the midst of a battleground!

Directed by S. Craig Zahler, this action drama has extreme violent scenes that can be disturbing for some people.

7. Lucky

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KLLkj84GAo

‘There’s a difference between lonely and being alone.’

A comedy drama centred around a ninety-year-old atheist who is forced to get out of his comfort zone and view life from a different perspective.

Directed by John Carroll Lynch and a performance of a lifetime by Harry Dean Stanton (his last role before he passed away). Also starring David Lynch!

6. Mudbound

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPRj3egUHb8

Adjusting to life after war is always tough and dealing with racism is even tougher. Two young men fresh from war zone had to deal with all this and much more!

Directed by Dee Rees, this is one brilliant movie, highly underrated but awesome acting and storytelling at its best.

Garrett Hedlund‘s performance is definitely an award winning one.

5. Molly’s Game

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu4UPet8Nyc

A former professional skier who ran world’s most exclusive high-stake poker-games in Los Angeles and New York and soon came into the radar of FBI.

A biography made on the life of Molly Bloom, brilliantly played by Jessica Chastain.

Directed by Aaron Sorkin, the story of the ultimate hustler and her mysterious and thrilling life!

4. Lady Bird

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNi_HC839Wo

A coming of age drama of a senior high school girl, a young artistic mind who wants to go to the east coast and live her life to the fullest!

Written and directed by my favourite actor/director Greta Gerwig, the film is so realistic and well told that you instantly feel a connection to it.

Saoirse Ronan is superb in the central character – so natural and vulnerable and yet so perfect.

3. Buster’s Mal Heart

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL4WSUwqhho

Rami Malek (from Mr. Robot fame) has given a great performance as a mentally unstable man who keeps warning others about a certain mysterious upcoming ‘Inversion’!

Written and directed by Sarah Adina Smith, powerful visuals and a bizarre concept that unfortunately is a bit open-ended and often unexplained but surely this psychological thriller manages to hold your attention till the very end.

2. A Ghost Story

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxLHP2IpBXw

A ghost shrouded in a white-sheet with two eyes cut out  – this is the ghost of a recently expired man who returns to his home and tries to connect with his lonely wife.

Directed by David Lowery, this film is not to be taken as a typical horror/ghost movie. It is an arty type, slow, emotional, sad and yet beautifully poetic.

Brilliant performances by Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.

  1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jit3YhGx5pU

In order to challenge the local authorities to find her daughter’s murderers a mother puts up three billboards by the side of the road to provoke and taunt the police!

A black comedy directed by Martin McDonagh, this is a brilliant movie with superb storytelling and awesome performances by top-rated actors like Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Gerald’s Game

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twbGU2CqqQU

At a remote lake house a girl finds herself in a terrifying situation when her husband handcuffs her as part of their sex game but unfortunately have a heart attack and dies leaving her chained!

Superbly directed by Mike Flanagan and Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood gives their best. One of the very rare Stephen King novel adaptations that is probably even better than the book!

Similar Interest: Best of World Cinema 2017

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best Comedy Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Comedy Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Comedy Films of recent times: Overdose of sex and violence. Overdramatic celebrities and never-ending super-hero battles. Best-Comedy-FilmsExcessive use of computer graphics and 3D glasses. At the end of the day it all feels so artificial and commercial and unreal.

Sometimes all you want is a good sensible film with believable characters and a realistic story line, an easy going comedy that simply makes you laugh – but nowadays such movies are pretty hard to find.

Well, you don’t have to look any further!

Here’s a list of the Best Comedy Films of recent times which will simply make your day a happy one! Enjoy.

10. Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6raUs0CiCQ

Best-Comedy-FilmsA cool freshman pitcher who steers his way through various new life experiences, making friends and finding love!

(Film Review)

Directed by Richard Linklater, a classic take on college bonding!

May be considered as a continuation to either Dazed and Confused (1993) or may be even a follow-up of Boyhood (2014).

9. Captain Fantastic (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kH4OMIOMc

Best-Comedy-FilmsResiding inside a forest, a devoted father has a very different idea of parenting (home schooling his children). But his life philosophies are soon challenged by the regular norms of our modern society!

Directed by Matt Ross, a brilliant comedy with such a powerful embedded meaning to it all.

This movie though pretty differently conceptualized still reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine (2006).

8. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zru-1DbbcsA

Best-Comedy-FilmsThe epic story of a legendary concierge and his lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend!

(Film Review)

Memorable performances by Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray AbrahamAdrien BrodyJude LawBill MurrayEdward NortonHarvey KeitelWillem Dafoe and Tilda Swinton among others.

Directed by Wes Anderson, by far the most stylish comedy I have seen!

7. The Lobster (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU29VfayDMw

Best-Comedy-FilmsAn extremely twisted and dark Greek comedy set in a dystopian near future where being single is forbidden by the laws of The City!

(Film Review)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly and Ben Whishaw among others; a gem of a comedy, quirky and entertaining in the best way possible!

6. The Nice Guys (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVd-EuoEf3U

Best-Comedy-FilmsA missing girl and a dead porn star kicks off an investigation lead by a mismatched pair of private detectives none other than Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.

Directed by Shane Black, underrated and yet a superbly subtle and dark, often a bit violent but overall a solid comedy that perfectly sets up the mood for some good laughs. Cool performance by Angourie Rice.

5. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAZEWtyhpes

Best-Comedy-FilmsBowled over by this brilliant vampire comedy where a documentary team follows a group of vampires trying to make a sense of their unique lifestyle!

Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this film from New Zealand has such a unique concept and some of the most funny characters, dialogues and situations that guarantees a continuous flow of laughter!

4. Deadpool (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xithigfg7dA

Best-Comedy-FilmsPersonally not a fan of superhero flicks but this one is special!

Directed by Tim Miller, Ryan Reynolds comes out as the most witty and raunchy superhero ever and that too with a quest for vengeance.

(Film Review)

Hilarious dialogues with perfect comedy timing, complimented by lot of violence and foul language! Eagerly waiting for the sequel Deadpool 2 (2018).

3. Frances Ha (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBn5dgXFMis

Best-Comedy-Films

The combination of director Noah Baumbach and actress Greta Gerwig presents one of the most endearing film of recent times! 

A brilliant black and white comedy drama that tells the tale of an ordinary yet hilarious New York girl named Frances. She is quirky, childlike but superbly entertaining!

Beautifully shot by Sam Levy, the film is as spontaneous and free-spirited as it’s leading lady.

Don’t miss another cool comedy from the same director-actress combo is Mistress America.

2. The Hangover (2009) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcdUhdOlz9M

Best-Comedy-FilmsThe most commercially popular Hollywood comedy of this decade and certainly one of the best laugh riots ever made!

Directed by Todd Phillips, the story of four friends and their memorable bachelor party in Las Vegas of which they don’t seem to remember anything!

Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha – they absolutely rock the show!

Don’t you miss out the two awesome sequels The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013)

  1. The Intouchables (2011) 

Intouchables (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34WIbmXkewU

Best-Comedy-FilmsThis french film is about a young man from a difficult background who takes up a job to look after a rich paralytic aristocrat – and then of course it’s about their eventual bond of friendship.

Directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, and such brilliant performances by François Cluzet and Omar Sy; this film is undoubtedly the best comedy film of this era!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

En duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron (original title) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7pna4laaAk

Best-Comedy-FilmsThis Swedish film is an altogether different kind of comedy (don’t expect any periodical gags or laughs), this is humor so dry and often tragic even!

Directed by acclaimed Roy Andersson, a series of absurdist episodes maintaining a thin line between reality and fantasy, apparently nonsense but then again it’s deeply philosophical, in a way questioning the very essence of our human existence!

Similar Interest: Best horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Bollywood Comedy Dramas of 2015

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Best Coming of Age Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Coming-of-Age Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Coming of Age Films – the stories relating to the mysterious leap of the protagonist from their childhood/youth to the adulthood, Coming-of-Age-Filmsgrowing up not only in height/weight but also in maturity.

The coming of age genre has become pretty popular for some time now. Many acclaimed film directors have taken up the challenge of portraying their lead-characters as confused or ill-tempered juveniles who as the film progresses get rid of their ‘teenage miseries’ and finally opens up to life and owns it!

Most of the films in this list are based on such young rebellious minds who struggle to survive the typical awkwardness and embarrassments of adolescence.

And so, let the young minds bloom!

10. Submarine (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CAntLzsQ74

Coming-of-Age-Films

The story of a young boy and his problems of growing up – teen anxiety, miscommunications and an overall sense of confusion.

A superbly fresh and funny coming of age drama directed by Richard Ayoade, and brilliantly acted by Craig Roberts – beautiful visuals, superb music and great story telling.

A much underrated British comedy not to be missed.

9. Sing Street (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YqJ_aimkM

Coming-of-Age-FilmsDublin,1980s – a young boy starts a band to impress a girl he fancies, but soon the band takes off pretty well but does he finally get the girl?

Directed by John Carney, this is a unique story of artistic awakening, of young love, of bonding, friendship and some unavoidable suffering as well.

A funny musical coming of age film that will make you emotional as well.

8. The Way Way Back (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwNo1i3jkCo

Coming-of-Age-Films

Starting new relations is not so easy especially if you are a shy teenager, but then you realize that making friends is not that difficult after all.

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, starring Sam RockwellSteve CarellToni Collette and Liam James this one is a brilliant story of a young mind – his equations with his mother, his new step dad and his belief in love and friendship. A remarkably smooth, crisp and highly entertaining film to consider.

7. Mistress America (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z8MCW16uZY

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA lonely college freshman goes to meet with her adventurous stepsister-to-be and her world changes in a wink.

(Click for Review)

Directed by one of the most acclaimed comedy director of our times Noah Baumbach, and such amazing performances by Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke. A film of great wit and humor.

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rh7O4IDc0

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA freshman in college gets to bond with a few seniors, they hang out, they enjoy their young lives – but it’s not as simple a plot as it seems.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky, although pleasantly funny, the film deals with some very serious topics like drug, alcohol and sexuality.

Rare but in this case the film is as good as the book written by the director himself. Specially recommended for Emma Watson fans.

5. Dope (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L41xwM8tIRQ

Coming-of-Age-FilmsBeing a geek in a tough neighborhood, life is not easy for young Malcolm. But then everything will change since he (along with his friends) get a chance invitation to a big underground party – an adventure of a lifetime and also the moment for him to prove himself a dope!

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, this is a cool coming of age comedy, believable acting and full of fun.

4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eOI3AamSm8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsWhen two young souls deeply in love decide to explore the world on their own! But then again, the film is also about the reactions of all the other characters surrounding them!

Uniquely stylized as expected from master director Wes Anderson, a classic tale of young love and it’s consequences full of dry comedy and wit. Storytelling at its absolute best!

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmAllbYC8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA film where a character has cancer generally takes a sad route but not this one. It’s the story of a young teenager who is forced to befriend a girl who has leukemia but then they have a super cool time together!

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, this film is amazingly quirky and innovative specially in its execution. It often takes on pretty serious matters but always with enough humor and laughter.

2. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6Gecy6IP8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsLife never really seems fair to a young confused high school junior (Hailee Steinfeld) but then it becomes miserable when her best friend starts dating her ever-impressive older brother!

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this one is an unexpectedly brilliant comedy with great storytelling and superb performances. And then the presence of Woody Harrelson makes it even more special!

1. The Kings of Summer (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoPPhItyA74

Coming-of-Age-Films

A group of teenagers plan to build a house in the midst of the forest and live out there, entirely cut off from the civilization – their idea of complete independence!

But soon their friendship is to be tested in a way they have never imagined.

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a superb story that elegantly binds the characters with each other and with nature as well.

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch).

+1.  Boyhood (2014)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-mbHXyWX4

Coming-of-Age-Films

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was a 7 year old boy when Richard Linklater started filming and 18 when he finally the film was wrapped up.

(Click for review)

Boyhood is an emotional coming of age film, a daring experiment in the history of Cinema!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Mistress America (2015)

Mistress America review.

written by Souranath Banerjee

A refreshingly intelligent comedy that guarantees a smile on your face!

My Ratings: 4/5.

Personally a fan of director Noah Baumbach, who started his career Kicking and Screaming, swam around with The Squid and the Whale for good, then introduced us to the brilliant Frances Hamistress-america-poster2and While We’re Young his latest film Mistress America has finally reached us and it’s simply awesome!

A dry and witty comedy, often hilarious though, which revolves around the unique friendship of two women and their inhibitions.

‘There’s no adultery when you’re eighteen. You should all be touching each other all the time.’

‘You are much more of an asshole than you initially appear.’

‘I don’t give a shit, because I am not a friend of Tennessee Williams.’

That’s Brooke (Greta Gerwig) for you and some of her hilarious dialogues – she being the older woman and a self-proclaimed artist who is always ready with such valuable pieces of advice and comments for mistress-america-poster1her would-be step sister Tracy (Lola Kirke), a young college teen.

In the very beginning of the film Brooke, unconsciously though seduces young Tracy with the promises of the cool and carefree bohemian lifestyle of an artist in New York, but can she live up to her fancy commitments forever?

Mistress America apparently has the fluidity of an easy going comedy but the insecurities and fears, the hopes and yearnings of the characters adds so many layers to the film that it becomes a perfect light-hearted study of human psychology!

A film that hinges on the superb performances of the two lead actors.

Greta Gerwig, (unforgettable earlier performance in and as Frances Ha) in this film joins director Noah Baumbach as a co-writer and also manages to deliver superbly as an internally confused woman who mistress-america-posterdesperately wants to fit in.

And very well complemented by Lola Kirke as the young not-so-confident girl who is ready to be charmed by someone she can look up to but soon finds out how misleading the real world and it’s people can be. 

Great screenplay, crisp dialogues and terrific natural acting that makes the film a delight to watch.

Not too early to profess but Noah Baumbach for me is probably the only director who can keep up the tradition of the classic Woody-Allen-style of smart and witty comedy films in future.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comthefilmstage.com