manolasj Reviews

Leviathan (I) (2012)

They tried for something different, but went a bit too far.

[6/10 · 30 December 2013]

As the movie progresses, it becomes more and more evident that it's actually an homage to the everyday lives of the fishermen. In fact, before the end credits the film makers dedicate the movie to countless ships lost at sea during their fishing trips.

So the film tries to give us even a slight feeling of the men's struggle, and the truth is it's successful at that. One can only feel uncomfortable seeing how these people get whipped by the cold wind and the rain and the waves, in the night, probably soaked to the bone, amidst thick layers of fish blood. The micro-cameras offer unusual angles and aspects, and a hint of lyricism is conveyed where an analogy of the struggles is attempted (the fish gasp for their last breath, the seagulls lurk for food, the fishermen cope with the hardship so they can earn the daily bread).

But ultimately the camera-dipping gets tiresome, the fishing routine repeats itself, and the lengthy shots result to boredom after the initial awe. The attempt for an alternative documentary (it could easily have been "a day on the ship", with jokes among the men, interviews etc.) is appreciated, but the film misses the mark.

Finding Neverland (2004)

Definitely not Oscar material.

[6/10 · 6 October 2004]

I can't quite put my finger on it why, but this movie feels moderately executed. One of the few things that feel genuine is the representation of the era (costumes, production design). What also draws one's attention is the crafted performance of Johnny Depp and the surprisingly natural performance of Freddie Highmore. Along with the powerful last scene of the film, these are what "Finding Neverland" has to offer in my opinion.

I found the direction somewhat poorly paced, without a sense of rhythm, not at all helped by the not-so-skilled editing. Photography also gave me a bad impression, when the actors' faces were shadowed and obscure in closed sets. As for the rest of the performances, Dustin Hoffman was totally in the background, Julie Christie and Radha Mitchell were (again, in my opinion) bad, and even Kate Winslet didn't seem to have seethed her teeth into her role (especially in comparison with her wonderful work in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind").

Apparently, the film has a message to deliver, about the Neverland in each and every one of us, about growing up and mature but still remaining a kid etc. It's clearly up to the viewer, how much he will yield to that message and subsequently to the magic of the movie. I admit I wasn't all that carried away. The message of "Finding Neverland" is unfortunately contained in a poor package.