Call Me By Your Name (2017) Movie Review

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlberg, Amira Casar

Written by: James Ivory

Directed by: Luca Guadagnino

Call Me By Your Name tells the story of a friendship which reflects an unbreakable bond. Elio (played by Timothee Chalamet) is a sensitive teenage boy who is inquisitive about learning the world around him. This curiosity allows him to explore the unknown parts of himself. When he meets the free spirited persuasive Oliver (played by Armie Hammer), Elio becomes intrigued by his approachable mannerisms, as they develop a close dynamic. As they become more invested in each other, the attachment increases, and they soon learn the impact of how their choices affect one another.

Writer James Ivory creates vulnerable characters who are very accepting towards their feelings. This vulnerability allows them to discover what’s uncomfortable causing them to become more inviting towards unexpected situations. Director Luca Gaudagnino creates a calming tone which allows the characters to feel more connected to the space around them. This balance helps them channel a more respectful and open vibe.

StrangerLand (2015) Movie Review

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Joseph Fiennes, Hugo Weaving, Lisa Flanagan, Maddison Brown, Nicholas Hamilton

Written by: Michael Kinirans, Fiona Seres

Directed by: Kim Farrant

StrangerLand tells the story of a disconnected family as they go through a rush of trauma. Matthew (played by Joseph Fiennes) is a tense and weary man who’s protective instincts leave no room for his family to have a sense of freedom. His wife Catherine (played by Nicole Kidman) is a cautious woman who constantly craves attention from Matthew. She begins to feel suspicious towards her daughter Lily (played by Maddison Brown)who’s seductive mannerisms lead her down a dark path. This path begins to unravel through grief and manipulation as the family learns to cope with a harrowing ordeal.

Writers Michael Kinirans and Fiona Seres create tense characters who lack self-control. They often find themselves feeling resentful towards the feelings they wish they could change. Director Kim Farrant creates a frantic atmosphere to show the unnerving nature of the characters. This intimidation reflects the revenge they want to partake on their enemies.

About Alex (2014) Movie Review

Starring: Nate Parker, Jason Ritter, Maggie Grace, Max Greenfield, Aubrey Plaza, Max Minghella, Jane Levy

Written and Directed by: Jesse Zwick

About Alex tells the story of a group of friends coming together in the mist of a crisis. Alex (played by Jason Ritter) is a fearful man whose insecurities get the better of him prompting him to attempt suicide. His best friend Ben (played by Nate Parker) is a agreeable and caring man who goes to visit Alex along with his girlfriend Siri (played by Maggie Grace). When their sarcastic friend Josh (played by Max Greenfield) arrives, he begins to challenge the group through his harsh motives, including shattering his friend Sarah’s (played by Aubrey Plaza) realistic hopes of being in a stable relationship. Through all the manipulations, their level headed friend Isaac (played by Max Minghella) tries to soften the blows, as the group beings the process of learning how to be honest with each other.

Writer and director Jesse Zwick creates appreciative characters who are genuinely concerned for the well-being of others. This concern helps them feel more relatable towards each other. Zwick creates a laid-back tone to deflect the underlying tension of the characters. This deflection allows the character’s insecurities to show in full light.

Clouds Of Sils Maria (2014) Movie Review

Starring: Juliette Binoche, Kirsten Stewart, Chloe Grace Moretz, Lars Eidinger

Written and Directed by: Olivier Assayas

Clouds Of Sils Maria tells the story of a failing star’s rise to reclaiming fame. Maria Enders (played by Juliette Binoche) is a self absorbed actress who is disconnected from others. She becomes jealous very easily of the new rising stars in Hollywood which makes her feel like she isn’t good enough for the part. Her personal assistant Valentine (played by Kirsten Stewart) is it assertive woman who tries her best to keep Maria on track. Her responsibility towards meeting Maria’s needs backfires when they start to test each other. Despite the challenge, the women are able to look for common ground, and strive for excellence.

Writer and director Olivier Assayas creates persuasive characters who are confident in portraying a part to hide their own personal issues. The mask allows them to use their patience to uncover their own vulnerabilities. Assayas creates an insecure tone which reflects the desirable actions of the characters. This desire causes a spiral of reluctance within the scenes.

1,000 Times Goodnight (2013) Movie Review

Starring: Juliette Binoche, Nikolaj Coster Waldou, Lauryn Canny, Adrianna Cramer Curtis

Written by: Erik Poppe, Harold Rosenlow Eeg

Directed by: Erik Poppe

1,000 Times Goodnight tells the story of how a family learns to readjust to home life after an unexpected circumstance. Rebecca (played by Juliette Binoche) is a passionate woman who believes in realism and honesty. Her job allows her to be a photographer caught in the middle of different wars within many countries. Her duties put a continuous strain on her husband Marcus (played by Nikolaj Coster Waldou) who doesn’t trust her to stay with the family long. He becomes protective towards his vivid outspoken daughter Lisa (played by Adrianna Cramer Curtis) and his reserved daughter Steph (played by Lauryn Canny) who are suffering emotionally from their mother being away for so long. As Rebecca tries to make amends with her Concerned family, she realizes the source of her increasing anger, as she finds a way to choose between her family and her beliefs.

Writers Erik Poppe and Harold Rosenlow Eeg create committed characters who value truth. These honest characteristics help them determine their place within their relationships. Director Erik Poppe creates a dangerous tone shattered by the responsibilities of personal life. These responsibilities help them reflect on past mistakes in a realistic manner.

Devil’s Knot (2013) Movie Review

Starting: Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon, Alessandro Nivola, James Hamrick

Written by: Paul Harris Boardman, Scott Derrickson

Directed by: Atom Egoyan

Devil’s Knot tells the true story of a cult circling around a vicious homicide. Pam Hobbs (played by Reese Witherspoon) is a loving and tough mother to her son Stevie. When her son goes missing, Pam’s resolve turns to dread and anguish, as she tries to comprehend her loss. Private investigator Ron Lax (played by Colin Firth) is a quiet man who is committed to solving the case. As he becomes more invested, his sensitivity increases, causing his loyalty to shatter within the accusations being made. As the case turns cold, Pam rebel’s against Ron, as everything starts to spiral into an uncontrollable mess.

Writers Paul Boardman and Scott Derrickson create grief stricken characters who are determined to find answers. This Dedication allows them to feel a great deal of disappointment when their desires aren’t reached. Director Atom Egoyan Creates a vulgar turn to represent the type of warship of these killers possess. This cult gives way for a bloody battle that each character endures within themselves.

The Way Back (2010) Movie Review

Starring: Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Dragos Buaur, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong

Written by: Keith Clark

Directed by: Peter Weir

The Way Back tells the story of a group of man on the run to freedom. Janosz (played by Jim Sturgess) is a good natured man who is considerate of others. After being trapped in the Siberian camps, he is convinced by the arrogant Khabarov (played by Mark Strong) to escape, and become free of the reckless abuse. Along with Valka (played by Colin Farrell) whose dominate characteristics make him out to be selfish, Mr. Smith (played by Ed Harris) whose honesty can be very direct, and Irena (played by Saoirse Ronan) whose confidence strikes a sense of bravery within the men, Janosz realizes the true significance of never backing down when you have a clear ambition to reach. These ambitions help guide the men to a salvation that they never thought possible as they learn how to grow along the way.

Writer Keith Clark creates resilient characters who are straightforward in their pursuit to reach their goals. This honesty helps them become more tolerant and understanding towards one another. Director Peter Weir creates a vast environment to show the cunning behavior of each character’s intention. These motives help the men stay hidden against a ruthless dictatorship.

Changling (2008) Movie Review

Staring: Angelina Jolie, Gattlin Griffith, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan

Written by: Michael Straczynski

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Changling tells the true of a mother’s fight to reclaim her son. Christine Collins (played by Angelina Jolie) is a caring and responsible mother to her son Walter (played by Gattlin Griffith). When her unexpectedly goes missing Christine begins the ongoing fight to bring him home. When Chief James E. Davis (played by Colm Feore) says they found Walter, Christine is grateful, only to be reunited with a boy whose not her son. Christine’s anguish turns into traumatizing disbelief as she tries to comprehend the corruption behind her son’s disappearance only to come to a devastating truth.

Writer Michael Straczynski creates loving characters who are defeated by a sudden weight of despair. This level of distress causes them to push even harder to have their voices be heard as the intimidation increases. Director Clint Eastwood creates a corrupt space where the characters have to use persuasion to get what they want. Through this convincing manner, the characters are finally able to relent to their dismissive behavior.

Taking Lives (2004) Movie Review

Staring: Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawk, Kiefer Sutherland, Gena Rowlands

Written by: Jon Bokenkamp

Directed by: D.J. Caruso

Taking Lives tells the story of a man’s manipulative downfall through murdering others. Ileana (played by Angelina Jolie) is an inquisitive woman whose sharp intuition allows her to solve cases as a member of the FBI. Her vague factual evidence collides with victim James Costa (played by Ethan Hawk) whose desperate approach causes Ileana to re-evaluate her senses. As the framed murderer Hart (played by Kiefer Sutherland) comes into view, his dominating ways allow Costa to take advantage of the case, as Ileana discovers the truth behind Costa’s nervous and agitated behavior.

Writer Jon Bokenkamp creates reserved characters who control through intimacy. This intimacy reflects a tense and distant space between the characters. Director D.J. Caruso creates an atmosphere in disarray to reflect the restless energy of the characters. Through this chaotic space, the characters are able to work around each other, as they operate to defeat the murderer.

The Fever (2004) Movie Review

Staring: Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, Angelina Jolie

Written and Directed by: Carlo Nero

The Fever tells the inquisitive story of a woman’s journey of finding a purpose through war and politics. The woman (played by Vanessa Redgrave) is an insightful lady whose elegance helps her to navigate how she interacts within society. Her insight allows her to feel compassion towards poorer countries who don’t have the proper resources in order to get the support they need. As she visits these countries her eyes are open to the harsh reality of oppression and corruption. With the help of the Revolutionary (played by Angelina Jolie) whose own personal despair guides her to become a voice for others who can’t speak, the woman becomes compelled to make a change, as the sickness of ignorance increases.

Writer and director Carlo Nero creates sensitive characters who are willing to step up and speak the truth. Through this honesty, the characters are able to develop a sense of forgiveness that is not measurable to that of their peers. Nero creates a traumatic  environment to show the impact of how certain choices can negatively affect the world. These negative choices reflect a great deal of distress that each character goes through.