The Fall

2006

Director: Tarsem Singh

Distributor: Roadside Attractions

Key Elements: Lines – Message – Concept - Symbolism – Visual

Review:

This movie is visually spellbinding. I rank it with The Fountain and Sunshine in that respect. Salvador Dali could have provided the surreal art design. Seriously, it’s so good, the rest of the movie is almost irrelevant.

But there is a cute story here too.

A little girl and a young man who are both hospitalized develop an unlikely friendship when the man starts to tell the little girl stories. As the movie develops, we realize more of the man’s back-story and begin to understand the motive behind these stories – and how these stories might save him.

I love that the man tells a western, and the girl imagines it all with middle-eastern inspired imagery. Brilliant.

Also, the man and the girl have a really cute chemistry.

[Spoiler:]

I’m going to be honest - I’m still not really sure what the resolution to this story was. But I want to believe that the love of the girl made the storyteller want realize how selfish he was being and want to live.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• Is not gibberish.
• Are you trying to save my soul?
• You always stop at the same part, when it's very beautiful. Interesting.
• I don't want you to see me like this.
• Not the time to sleep, now. Not the time to sleep. Wake up. Wake up, its not the time to sleep now. Wake up. Don't pretend to sleep. Wake up. Laugh-laugh. Not the time to sleep.
• Make them kiss. -No, I don't want to make them kiss.
• That story was just a trick to get you to do something for me.
• I don't like this story!
• Because... everything dies
• You should ask someone else. There's no happy ending with me.
• I still want to hear it.
• It's my story. -Mine, too.
• She loves him.
• I don't want you to die. Roy.
• We're a strange pair, aren't we?

Stills:

Paprika

2006

Director: Satoshi Kon

Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Key Elements: Concept - Visuals

Review:

In this story, based on Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel of the same name, a “DC Mini,” a device that enables people to enter the dreams of others, has been stolen. The main character, Doctor Chiba, teams up with Doctor Tokita, the creator of the DC Mini, to uncover the stolen device. Taking on her dream persona “Paprika,” Chiba inspects the dream world for clues. The action mounts until reality and the dream world collide.

This movie was the first thing I thought of when I saw the "Inception" trailer.  But though they share a premise, the two are very different movies.  I think Inception is better.

But Paprika is still worth watching - If only for the astounding animation.  This is eye candy - completely amazing.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Don't you think dreams and the Internet are similar? They are both areas where the repressed conscious mind vents.

Stills:

Penelope

2006

Director: Mark Palansky

Distributor: Summit Entertainment 

Key Elements: Concept – Music – Message

Review:

This is sort of Beauty and the Beast in reverse - the girl in the fable has a physical affliction that can only be removed by receiving true love.  There's a bit of a twist on where that love comes from though.

The message is simple and pretty obvious - It's inner beauty that counts, so don't waste your time on people who don't see yours.  In our image-obsessed culture, that's an important thing to be reminded of.

But the message is not heavy handed. The film makers seem to be aware that they shouldn't take themselves too seriously, and that makes for a fun, lighthearted show.

Plus... I've had a crush on Christina Ricci for years.

[Spoiler]

If there's one drawback to this story, it's the suggestion that loving ourselves is enough to save us. The Bible - and life in general - make it pretty clear we cannot save ourselves.

But Self-worth is a positive thing. To Jesus we are worth dying for, so we shouldn't let anyone else tell us differently.

Self-esteem, however, ventures beyond self-worth and into the realm of narcissism. And our society has wrongly been stressing self-esteem as something healthy.

Maybe that's semantics, but it's important to distinguish the difference. So let that reality balance your viewing of the film.


Trailer:

Quotes:

• I felt the rush of a thousand heartbreaks.
• I like myself the way I am!
• Y'know you inspired me, doing what you did, going off on your own like that.
• It's not the power of the curse - it's the power you give the curse.

Stills:

The Devil Wears Prada

2006

Director: David Frankel

Distributor: Fox Movies

Key Elements: Lines – Characters – Message

My Review:

I should be more embarrassed by how often I’ve rented this movie, but… I’m not.

Based loosely on the book by Lauren Weisberger, this is the story of a college graduate who accepts a job as an assistant to a Fashion Magazine Editor in Chief. Though the job is coveted by many, Andy just wants to remain unaffected and receive a pay check. But her resolve wanes as she gets better at the job. Soon her friends are noticing a change in her.

The message of the movie is about being authentic and not selling out.

Along the way, we get to enjoy seeing how these characters, equally profound and goofy, interact.

Fun watch.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• A million girls would kill for this job.
• Something funny?
  - No, no, nothing. Y'know, it's just that both those belts look exactly the same to me. Y'know, I'm still learning about all this stuff.
  This... 'stuff'? Oh... ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don't know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise, it's not lapis, it's actually cerulean. You're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar De La Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn't it, who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of 8 different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic casual corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff.
• Do you know why I hired you? I always hire the same girl - stylish, slender, of course... worships the magazine. But so often, they turn out to be - I don't know - disappointing and, um... stupid. So you, with that impressive résumé and the big speech about your so-called work ethic- I, um- I thought you would be different. I said to myself, go ahead. Take a chance. Hire the smart, fat girl. I had hope. My God. I live on it. Anyway, you ended up disappointing me more than, um- more than any of the other silly girls.
• Andy, be serious. You are not trying. You are whining. What is it that you want me to say to you, huh? Do you want me to say, "Poor you. Miranda's picking on you. Poor you. Poor Andy"? Hmm? Wake up, six. She's just doing her job. Don't you know that you are working at the place that published some of the greatest artists of the century? Halston, Lagerfeld, de la Renta. And what they did, what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it. Well, not you, obviously, but some people. You think this is just a magazine, hmm? This is not just a magazine. This is a shining beacon of hope for... oh, I don't know... let's say a young boy growing up in Rhode Island with six brothers pretending to go to soccer practice when he was really going to sewing class and reading Runway under the covers at night with a flashlight. You have no idea how many legends have walked these halls. And what's worse, you don't care. Because this place, where so many people would die to work you only deign to work. And you want to know why she doesn't kiss you on the forehead and give you a gold star on your homework at the end of the day. Wake up, sweetheart.
• Same Andy, better clothes.
  - I like the old clothes.
• You know, in case you were wondering - the person whose calls you always take? That's the relationship you're in. I hope you two are very happy together.
• You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choo's, I saw it.
• I wouldn't care if you were out there pole-dancing all night, as long as you did it with a little integrity!
• You used to make fun of the Runway girls, now you're one of them!
• I called over there for a reference, left word with some snooty girl, next thing you know I got a fax from Miranda Priestly saying that of all the assistants she ever hired, you were by far her biggest disappointment. And if I don't hire you I'm an idiot. You must have done something right.
• You have some very large shoes to fill. I hope you know that

Stills:

The U.S. vs. John Lennon

2006

Director: David Leaf / John Scheinfeld

Distributor: Lionsgate Films

Key Elements: Message - Music

My Review:

Though imperfect, John Lennon is one of my heroes. His use of art and music to call for peace and love in a time of war and hate was incredible. And the fact that he persevered in his message despite huge opposition makes him a hero. This documentary traces that struggle.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Mr. Lennon, do you feel any antagonism toward the people who have attempted to have you deported?
  - Absolutely not. I believe time wounds all heels.
• Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.John was daring to speak out!

Still:

Stranger than Fiction

2006

Director: Marc Forster

Distributor: Columbia Pictures

Key Elements: Story – Concept - Characters – Message

My Review:

This is a fun movie. The comedy is ironic and dry, but very enjoyable. Harold’s life is being narrated – turns out, a novelist is writing his story – and leading him toward his untimely death.
It’s a wake-up call for Harold that forces him to consider what he really wants from life – a good thing for all of us to consider. And it also asks the question – how important is your death to you?

One thing I really love about this movie is the character played by Maggie gyllenhaal. She’s just really cute. My favorite part of the movie is when Harold plays guitar for her.

Clip:



Quotes:

• This is a story about a man named Harold Crick and his wristwatch. Harold Crick was a man of infinite numbers, endless calculations, and remarkably few words. And his wristwatch said even less.
• Little did he know that this simple seemingly innocuous act would result in his imminent death
  - What?
• Get bent, TAXMAN!
• Listen, I'm a big supporter of fixing potholes and erecting swing sets and building shelters. I am *more* than happy to pay those taxes. I'm just not such a big fan of the percentage that the government uses for national defense, corporate bailouts, and campaign discretionary funds. So, I didn't pay those taxes. I think I sent a letter to that effect with my return.
  - Would it be the letter that beings "Dear Imperialist Swine"?
• No, no. It's not schizophrenia. It's just a voice in my head. I mean, the voice isn't telling me to do anything. It's telling me what I've already done... accurately, and with a better vocabulary.
• You were just trying to be nice, and I blew it… This may sound like gibberish to you, but I think I'm in a tragedy.
• I brought you flours. …Miss Pascal, I've been odd. I know I've been odd, and I know that there are many forces at work telling me to bring these down here to you, but I brought these for you because... I want you.
• As Harold took a bite of Bavarian sugar cookie, he finally felt as if everything was going to be ok. Sometimes, when we lose ourselves in fear and despair, in routine and constancy, in hopelessness and tragedy, we can thank God for Bavarian sugar cookies. And, fortunately, when there aren't any cookies, we can still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, and Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occasional piece of fiction. And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties, which we assume only accessorize our days, are effective for a much larger and nobler cause. They are here to save our lives. I know the idea seems strange, but I also know that it just so happens to be true. And, so it was, a wristwatch saved Harold Crick.

Stills:

Peaceful Warrior

2006

Director: Victor Salva

Distributor: Lionsgate

Key Elements: Concept – Message

My Review:

This movie has elements of Taoism in it, but it still has some good things to say.

We are reminded that even though our circumstances can be out of our control, our perspective and behavior are.

We are reminded that we don’t have to understand everything – sometimes we just have to have faith.

And we are reminded of the importance of living in the moment – taking in all the wealth of beauty around us.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• I don't think your leg was the only thing that got broken.
• Death isn't sad. The sad thing is: most people don't live at all.
• There's no greater purpose than service to others.
• This moment is the only thing that matters.
• A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability. He's about absolute vulnerability.
• I want you to stop gathering information from the outside and start gathering it from the inside.
• Life has just three rules?
  - And you already know them...
  Paradox, humour, and change.
  - Paradox...
  Life is a mystery. Don't waste time trying to figure it out.
  - Humour...
  Keep a sense of humour, especially about yourself. It is a strength beyond all measure.
  - Change...
  Know that nothing stays the same.
• People are not their thoughts, they think they are, and it brings them all kinds of sadness.
• Where are you?
  - Here.
  What time is it?
  - Now.
  What are you?
  - This moment.
• The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.
• The ones who are hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most.
• Everything has a purpose, even this, and it's up to you to find it.
• A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does
• I call myself a Peaceful Warrior... because the battles we fight are on the inside.

Stills:

El Laberinto del fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth)

2006

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Distributor: Picturehouse

Key Elements: Visuals - Music

My Review:

The story is about a girl who finds escape from the Spanish Civil War by entering a fairytale world.

Del Toro’s visual effects make this movie- they are at once wonderful and weird. His creepy take on traditional fairytale creatures creates a surreal ride for the eyes.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Hi! Are you a fairy?
• At least we'll make things harder for that bastard.
• Me? I've had so many names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce. I am the mountain, the forest and the earth. I am... I am a faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness.
• My mother told me to be wary of Fauns.
• ...don't you dare touch the girl.
  

Stills:

The Nativity Story

2006

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Distributor: New Line Cinema

Key Elements: Story – Characters – Message

My Review:

Every year we focus on this story – it’s cool to have a movie about it.

The interesting thing the movie does, however, is to focus on the experience of Jesus’ parents as much as it does on Jesus himself. It’s the first time I’d ever really considered what a surreal and bizarre feeling it would be to raise the Son of God.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Elizabeth, why is it me God has asked? I am nothing.
• I have told the truth. Whether you believe it is your choice, not mine.
• There is a will for this child greater than my fear of what they may do.
• Are you afraid?
  - Yes. …Are you?
  Yes.
• He is for all mankind.

Still:

Little Miss Sunshine

2006

Director: Jonathan Dayton / Valerie Faris

Distributor: Fox Searchlight

Key Elements: Characters – Lines – Story

My Review:

Zany characters go on a zany mission and reveal authentic family tenderness.

If there’s anything to take away from this movie it’s that, even though we are all ridiculously imperfect, we can be there for each other. This family, though dysfunctional on the surface supports, encourages, and comforts each other.

When Dwayn realizes he’s colorblind and can’t go to the Air Force Academy, Olive comforts him.

When no one likes Olive’s performance, her family stands up for her and claps along.

When Olive worries she’s not pretty, her grandfather reassures her.

And Dwayne and Frank find consolation in each other as they face failure.

There are, of course, more examples.

Zany enough to be entertaining, and touching enough to be meaningful, the characters, lines and heart of this movie make it a fun one.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• There's two kinds of people in this world, there's winners and there's loosers. Okay, you know what the difference is? Winners don't give up.
• Who is that? Nietzsche? So you stopped talking because of Friedrich Nietzsche? Far out.
• No one gets left behind! No one gets left behind!
• Grandpa, am I pretty?
  - You are the most beautiful girl in the world.
  You're just saying that.
  - No! I'm madly in love with you and it's not because of your brains or your personality.
• Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning, they don't even try.
• Go Hug Mom
• You know what? Fuck beauty contests. Life is one fucking beauty contest after another.
  School, then college, then work... Fuck that. And fuck the Air Force Academy. If I want to fly, I'll find a way to fly. You do what you love, and fuck the rest
• I wish I could just sleep until I was eighteen and skip all this crap - high school and everything - just skip it.
  - You know Marcel Proust?
  He's the guy you teach.
  - Yeah. French writer. Total loser. Never had a real job. Unrequited love affairs. Gay. Spent 20 years writing a book almost no one reads. But he's also probably the greatest writer since Shakespeare. Anyway, he uh... he gets down to the end of his life, and he looks back and decides that all those years he suffered, Those were the best years of his life, 'cause they made him who he was. All those years he was happy? You know, total waste. Didn't learn a thing. So, if you sleep until you're 18... Ah, think of the suffering you're gonna miss. I mean high school? High school-those are your prime suffering years. You don't get better suffering than that
• She's kickin' ass... that's what she's doing.

Stills: