Need to See It: Side by Side (2012)

This past summer I was able to go to three different screenings with my parents at the local movie club. Each week was a viewing of a different movie that was yet to be released, and in addition to the screening there was always a special guest to speak about the movie. Most of the times it is a critic or local cinephile, but once Paul Williams himself was there. (Proceed to Google to have 70s flashbacks). Well, one week we were told that the movie was a digital film, not on 35mm, but rather on a disk that just needed a person to press play. The crowd is older at the club, and I could not help but chuckle along when even the new fangled digital technology had technical issues.

You know that guy that’s up in the projection room above the theater, well, he’s not there just to watch the movie at every screening. He has a lot of responsibility to make sure the film in fed correctly, and not damaged. Originally that film was hand cut when edited, and someone had to develop that film properly. The light had to be perfect while filming, as well as exposures and apertures, even the make-up needed to work with the shot.

Although I have taken film photographs before, I have become more dedicated to digital because it is cheaper and easier for me to work with. And it seems like the film industry feels the same way.

As a media, and often film, student, I can’t help but feel uncomfortable with the entire industry making this shift. This is why I cannot wait to watch this film, hosted by Keanu Reeves, one that questions the industry directly on the new technological developments. The film features directors ranging from Danny Boyle to David Fincher, even Lena Dunham. Each person interviewed has a different take on an industry they deeply care for; some that view digital as the future, the only necessary direction for movies to go, while others can only shake their heads, sickened by what the studios are pushing for.

The film is currently on iTunes (the irony is not lost on me), so watch it while you can. For more information visit the film’s website, here.

Need to See It: Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

So all I understand right now is cub scout meets girl, girl meets cub scout, they might like each other a little bit, and holy cow, what a TALENTED cast.

I am not too too familiar with Wes Anderson’s work (cue all of my friends saying, but Emily you’re a Media Studies major, you love film, etc…etc…etc…), but even if I can’t watch every single film known to man, I can sure wrap my head around anything that stretches the ordinary. This is definitely on my list of must see flicks!

Need to See It: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

I recently read the novel The Perks of Beings a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

In two sittings.

Everyone has been gushing about the book, I knew I needed to give it a try. With a sweet mix of teenage anxiety and an interesting diary-like structure, this novel sucks you in and leaves you practically heartbroken.

Dramatics aside, I cannot wait to watch this film. Too bad I am going to be abroad when it is released!

Do me a solid and let me know if it is truly worth it when it comes out?

Need to See It: Melancholia

Don’t hate me because I keep changing how my blog looks. I’m just trying to feel out what seems me. Ever wake up in the morning, put on an outfit, arrive at work, and just know something is off?

No? This literally happens to me every morning…but I digress.

When I’m in a fancy mood, there is nothing better than a film. Not just any film, but something pretty. Melancholia seems like it would fit the bill. Gorgeous tones, and slightly surrealistic–this Lars von Trier film is next on my list to watch before the summer is up.

Need to See It: Friends with Kids

I know, I know. You’re thinking, I think I remember seeing that movie trailer around and about.

But months ago.

And you’re right, but for me it is never too late or too soon to want to see a movie. I recently saw Jennifer Westfeldt in a play at Vassar College, so it kind of lit the fire under my you know what to watch some more of her work. I think I have a major crush on every single person in this cast. It’s actually ridiculous how many amazing (and hilarious!) actors there are in one shot. That might be the only reason to check out this film, but it is a darn good one.

Need to See It: Rust and Bone (2012)

Life Goals: To never dribble sauce all over myself while eating spaghetti and meatballs, to get to bed before midnight at least a couple times a week, and to attend the Cannes Film Festival.

Ok, fine. We can all dream, right?

Even though I cannot actually attend what seems to be the coolest (and most fashionable) film festival, I can watch the  film that were screened. Rust and Bone was one of the films that competed this year for the coveted Palme d’Or. A French-Beligium film directed by Jacques Audiard, Rust and Bone is about love and pain, humanity and frailty. Featuring Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts, this film is packed with talent and a chillingly intriguing plot. Make sure to take a look at the trailer and watch the entire film, like I will, once I get my hands on a copy.

Need to See It: First Position (2011)

Have you guys been watching So You Think You Can Dance? I’ve been trying to keep up but with work it is a tad bit difficult. No real loss though when I can see professionals for cheap student rush prices. You know what is more impressive than reality dance shows? Documentaries of real dance.

From Director Bess Kargman comes an interesting documentary, First Position, following the lives of several dancers as they prepare to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix. While I was never as serious about dance as these kids are, I understand the pressure and the passion they must have to compete. I don’t have to wait long to see it, I am going to a screening tonight! If the film is playing near you check it out. I hope to learn more about the relatively private world of dance and the dancers that sacrifice everything for, what is for others, just a hobby.

Need to See It: The Great Gatsby (2012)

Breaking all my rules here. I wanted to stick to my blogging schedule, but that proves to be difficult even two weeks into summer. Why fight the itch to post when I want to?

Who doesn’t like the aesthetics of the Roaring 20s? Flapper dresses, champagne, thrilling speakeasies, and whimsy. People knew how to throw a party. I love the aesthetics of the Roaring 20s so much so that I am very excited, like most people, to see the modern reinterpretation of the beloved Great Gatsby. While I prefer a glamorized version of the time period, there is much praise owed to this story that breaks through the facade. So for now, watch the trailer. We will see it soon enough!

Need to See It: Footnote (2011)

My eyes are about to shut for the night but I wanted to whip up a quick post. For the past two weeks I have written and read more pages than ever, packed up and dragged down five flights of stairs boxes from my room at school, and have started what will be a busy, but oh so exciting summer.

With *some* extra time on my hand I hope to watch films that I have no time for during the year. I recently added a plethora of movies to my Netflix Queue, but I really need to see Footnote directed by Joseph Cedar. Not a film about mistaken identity, but rather one about a father and son-competitors in their field of academia. When the wrong person is honored a prestigious national award both learn about their differences but more importantly about each other.

After hearing from several family members about how amazing this film was, I think I should get to it sometime before the fall. With the slowness of the summer months maybe it is time to think, what film have you wanted to see for ages but haven’t gotten to? No excuses.

Need to See It: Citizen Dog (2004)

I just completed a final research paper for my film class which means that class is almost over! This is kind of sad because I feel like there is so much more to learn. I wrote about Czech cinema (see my post on Chytilová’s Daisies!) and realized there is much more to discover that we could not get to in the entire year. So I decided a couple weeks ago that I want to watch all, if not most, of the Oscar winners for best Foreign Language Film this summer. It is going to be fun! With summer plans now cemented, I cannot wait for summer to begin. Get ready to read all about it.

So in honor of my last week of film class here is the opening clip from a film we watched today. Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng (and I thought Salshutz was a mouthful…) this film comes from Thailand. It is playful in both structure and color, about a young man who moves from the rural part of the country to the city to discover life and love. It has a different feel than most films, and is a bit silly, but it is a film that reflects the culture’s filmic style of navigating the tensions between the rural and urban as well as animism. Not the only representation of Thai cinema, but a unique one.