How many films in 3 days?
I don't think that much explanation is needed; I'm just trying to see how many films I can watch in just 3 days. The only thing that I should say is that I'll try to be concise when it comes to my comments on the films as reviewing them isn't the purpose of this post. So, let's see what I watched.
Sunday, April 3
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) directed by Michel Gondry
Clementine (Kate Winslet) erases Joel (Jim Carrey) from her memory after their breakup. When Joel finds that out, he decides to do the same. However, in the middle of the procedure he changes his mind and he desperately tries to save her in his mind.
It is definitely one of the best films I've ever watched. Realistic characters and situations, like falling in love and feeling heartbroken, are depicted, which make it easy for the viewers to identify with the characters as they understand what they are going through.
From the technical side, it was fun to watch. The editing of the scenes where we see memories being deleted are intriguing and disturbing at the same time. Plus, the fact that events aren't presented in chronological order matches perfectly the non-linear arrangement of memories and information in our brains.
2. Notting Hill (1999) directed by Roger Michell
The famous American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is in Notting Hill to promote her new film. There she meets the owner of a travel bookshop William (Hugh Grant). And there is an instant attraction between the two. But Anna's fame creates some major obstacles.
I love romances so I am happy to finally check this one out from my to-watch list. What I liked the most is the reversal of stereotypical gender standards; Anna is sure of herself, she doesn't open up easily and she is more of a logical type in contrast to William who is more emotional and spontaneous.
3. Beauty and the Beast (2017) directed by Bill Condon
It's the classic fairy tale. The cruel prince (Dan Stevens) is turned into a beast and he'll remain one forever unless he finds true love before the last petal of a magic rose falls. Belle (Emma Watson) replaces her father (Kevin Kline) as a prisoner of the beast. Soon the terrifying beast and the beautiful but odd girl will start bonding. But will the time be enough for them to fall in love?
One thing that everyone should know about this film before watching it is that it is a musical. I knew that and I was excited because I enjoy watching musicals, but I was disappointed by this one. The songs lacked emotion and I wish there were more scenes where Belle and the prince bond. I have to admit, however, that with all the servants having been turned into household objects, a great job was done at post-editing.
Monday, April 4
1. Dazed and Confused (1993) directed by Richard Linklater
We follow a bunch of junior and high schoolers during their last day of school before their summer holidays.
I have to be honest and say that probably the reason I didn't enjoy it so much is the fact that I feel so distant from my teenage years. My main concern about it is the relationship between an opinionated and nerdy-like teenage girl with an older, womanizer man who is afraid of commitment. It becomes even weirder when he says that he prefers underage girls. It was really uncomfortable to promote such a toxic relationship after having showed so many red flags concerning the character of one of the potential partners.
I should mention that I liked the message of the whole film which is to do what you feel it's right for you and not obey rules that you don't believe in.
2. Miss Americana (2020) directed by Lana Wilson
This is a documentary about Taylor Swift; her music career, her scandals, her path to self-development and maturity.
This was an extremely interesting documentary as not only did we see a part of the process of song writing and producing but also she opens up about her personal struggles. I would like her to devote more time on her relationship with food, but she touches upon a lot of important, everyday issues, like dealing with cancer or failure. It was very inspiring to see a public figure find her voice and fight for equal rights. And what stuck with me and I think that it is worth repeating is her comment that she wants to be able to wear pink and sparkly clothes and to be heard; we shouldn't dismiss anyone's opinion as stupid based on the way they like to dress.
3. Fifty Shades Darker (2017) directed by James Foley
Anastasia (Dakota Johnson) and Christian (Jamie Dornan) decide to get back together and try out a normal romantic relationship. However, there are some people from Christian's past and Anastasia's present that turn out to be dangerous.
To be honest, I was debating whether to mention this film or not because I don't think that it is worth promoting. Anastasia isn't a person that women should identify with because she accepts expensive gifts and -especially, in the first film- she gets into a relationship that clearly doesn't corresponds to her wants and desires. And Christian isn't a role model for men either, as he acts in a possessive and arrogant way. Plus, he is a stalker and forms relationships with women just because he wants to hurt them. Having said that, I enjoyed the hope that emerges out of the romance between these two. There is this idea that love can save you. When you don't acknowledge your wrongs or you don't see the hurt that you cause to people around you, a person, who inspires you to become the best version of yourself, can show up and help you improve. This is why Anastasia seems to be such a positive influence to Christian; he is willing to change for her, but he recognises that this change is for the/his best. Of course, I am not saying that it is Anastasia's job to save Christian, just the fact that when you are in a relationship with someone you truly care for and love, you want them to be proud of you. This can make you start thinking critically of yourself, thus changing behaviours that you believe to be problematic.
Tuesday, April 5
We follow Fanny (Barbra Streisand) and her journey not only to a successful singing career but also to love. Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif) proves to her, and consequently to the viewers, that finding and keeping love can be trickier than we think that it might be.
Now, this film is an amazing musical. All the songs are powerful and impactful. Whenever I watch it, I cannot not cry at the last song that Barbra Streisand sings, My Man.
It would be hypocritical of me not to mention that Nick's behaviour raises a lot of red flags. He is an incorrigible gambler and he doesn't want commitment. Although Fanny knows all that, she keeps flirting and waiting for him. Again, it is the magnitude of love that Fanny feels for him that makes her do whatever she can in order to help him. One of the messages of the film is the importance of always being yourself and don't let anything or anyone, either a partner or the opinions of others, to distort your identity.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012) directed by David O. Russell
Pat (Bradley Cooper) gets out of a mental clinic and he tries to prove to his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee), that he is a changed man and their marriage can be saved. As a way of contacting her and showing her this change, he agrees to help Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), an acquaintance of his wife, to participate at a dancing competition by becoming her partner. Pat and Tiffany's relationship is a bit rocky since Tiffany is dealing with the death of her husband.
I had a really great time watching this film. It is remarkable that people with a variety of either mental illnesses or personal struggles are represented. What intrigued me the most is the way that the relationship between our two protagonists evolves.
And that was the last film I watched that day. To sum up, I watched 8 films in 3 days. I think that I could have watched one more film on Tuesday, but the whole thing started to feel like a chore.
What is your go-to film?
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