LA Confidential: Review of Inherent Vice

Inherent Vice

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

By Alex Watson

The cinema of PT Anderson is always an engaging experience unlike any you will ever see. With his work such as Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood and his most recent effort, The Master there is always a strong sense of realism mixed with an almost ambient aura surrounding it. So far critically he has yet to put a foot wrong and his new effort adapting Thomas Pyncheon's 2009 novel, Inherent Vice might be another fine addition to an increasingly impressive collection.

Larry 'Doc' Sportello is a LA based private eye who is given a surprise when his ex girlfriend Shasta Fay Hepworth (Katherine Waterston) emerges from a long absence needing his help regarding the disappearance of her rich and powerful boyfriend. The resulting case will produce a web so complex Doc will have his work cut out. Also he has managed to run afoul of notorious LAPD Detective Christian 'Bigfoot' Bjornsen (Josh Brolin).

Inherent Vice is an Anderson movie that both excels but at the same time is immensely flawed. My first advice before viewing this film is to go with the flow because the central story line is one that will send your mind in all kinds of directions. In short, the disappearance of a real estate tycoon is the simple part of this whole mystery and there diversions galore to keep our minds ticking. Doc will also have to contend with Neo-Nazi's, saxophone player, Coy (Owen Wilson) who may or may not be a triple agent and an Indo-China cartel called The Golden Fang.

The principle difficulty in the analysis of this picture is that although the movie possesses a sharp and wicked sense of zany humour, it also has a heavy cloud of density hanging over it. All throughout there are red herrings and rumors that drive the plot which make for great and unpredictable viewing. What is the Golden Fang? They could be everything to do with the vanishing or could also be another detour from the path to discovery. However, sadly we are not left with any kind of clear answers. Artistically this could be clever trickery by Anderson and it could well be on multiple viewings that the real answer finally emerges.

Doc Sportello as a man is one who is very much of the pot smoking 70's and underneath his glazed eyes and his straw hat is a man who has become locked into one hell of a puzzle. In an era where the dreams of the 1960's have long since faded, Doc is a man who simply exists and his almost lathergic approach bizarrely endears him. In one scene, we see him write 'Seriously Smoking' on his notebook when interview a potential witness. His constant harassment by the Bigfoot gives the movies its main sense of laughs. The burly copper is fond of his civil rights violations but even more so of tormenting his hippie enemy/helper. Their phone calls (in particular Doc being dressed down by Mrs Bigfoot) make for some uncomfortably hilarious viewing.

Joaquin Phoenix is proving to be the new go to man for Anderson and as Doc he succeeds in bringing a real human quality to the role. Unlike the conflicted and impulsively violent Freddie Qualyle, Doc is like a passive counterpart who is having to up his level of thinking in order to survive. Phoenix also succeeds in bringing some great natural humour- his reaction to Jena Malone's picture is just genius. Among the starry cameos such as Reese Witherspoon, Benicio Del Toro and Owen Wilson, it is Josh Brolin who claims top supporting honours and as the borderline demented Bjornson, he is a thumping and bold presence.

Inherent Vice is a picture will be most likely be considered to wayward and scruffy to appeal for Academy Voters come prize time. But it is still a picture that deserves to be analysed over the coming years if only to unlock the mystery.

2014: A Year in Review

Another big year for film has come and gone, this year we saw 12 Years A Slave secure Oscar triumph, The Lego Movie remind us how 'Everything is Awesome' and the underwhelming effect of Godzilla returning on the big screen. We also lost two of the most loved figures in film in Philip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Williams, a void which will never truly be filled. Closer to the Edge also moved blog sites, but that is another story. 

So live and direct from Toronto, Ontario I give you my review of 2014!

Top 10 Films of 2014

1. Nightcrawler (USA Dir: Dan Gilroy):
   
   
   Dark, dense and utterly pulsating, debut director Dan Gilroy has created 2014 most original and enticing work. With a mesmerising central turn from Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou, a man drawn deeper into the underworld of freelance crime journalism, this proved to be a shocking yet awe inspiring tale. As each step takes him further across the lines of morality, our viewing takes another shocking turn. One of the dark horse contenders for the awards and rightfully my film of 2014! Read Review

2. Whiplash (USA Dir: Damien Chazelle) 
   
   
   After wowing Sundance and taking the Audience Award, the boundaries of the teacher pushed to the limit in Damien Chazelle's riveting drama. Featuring a star making turn from Miles Teller and a frightening career best from J K Simmons, this film was both heart stopping and psychologically testing for all. As Teller's Andrew strives to be one of the great jazz musicians, the prize will come at the ultimate cost. Read Review

3. Birdman (ESP Dir: Alejandro G Iñárritu)
   
   
   The return of Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu provided one of 2014's most off beat dark comedies. Former caped crusader, Michael Keaton proved a surprise success as a former action star Riggan Thompson, who is floundering his way to attempted stage glory. The knives of the Boardway world are fully sharpened throughout and Iñárritu ignites this fine satire piece. Keaton's half naked spirit through Time Square is laugh guaranteed. Read Review.
   
   
4. Foxcatcher (USA Dir: Bennett Miller)
   
   
   The true story of real life brother wrestlers Mark & Dave Schultz was brought to fruition by Bennett Miller in a slow burning but explosive fashion. Steve Carrell was the stand out in a career high role as their unpredictable and schizophrenic coach John Du Pont. With great support from Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo, the tension rises to unbearable levels. What starts as a beautiful opportunity gradually becomes a nightmare! Read Review.
   
   
5. Boyhood (USA Dir: Richard Linklater)
   
   
   Richard Linklater's 12 year project was well worth the long wait and served as the most naturalistic and most moving experience of this year. A revelatory turn from star Eller Coltrane gave the films its beating heart and we was ably supported by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette. Linklater undertook a huge gamble, but the time invested has produced the most refined and seasoned movie of his career. Read Review.
6. Nymphomaniac Volume 1 & 2 (DEN/FRA/DEU/BEL Dir Lars Von Trier) 
    
   When Lars Von Trier is in town, expect things to get shocking, Nymphomaniac Vol 1 & 2 was yet another fine example of his polarizing style. With more flesh on display than you would see in a life time of European cinema, the story of sex addict Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg) was stunning yet nauseating experience. With a bold turn from British actress Stacy Martin, Von Trier has again shown himself to be the master of awkward cinema. Read Review.
   
   
7. Miss Julie (NOR Dir: Liv Ullmann) 
   
   
   Liv Ullmann's first effort behind the camera in 15 years was a sexually charged battle of social classes as Midsummer Eve in 1890 Ireland begins to heat up. Boasting a fascinating central performance from Jessica Chastain as the aforementioned Miss Julie, Ullmann ensured that our hearts were put through the wringer. Big questions of love, desire, status and happiness were firmly asked, but this is one place where reassuring answers are a forgotten dream! Read Review.
   
   
8. Wild (USA/CAN Dir: Jean-Marc Vallée') 
   
   
   The story of Cheryl Strayed's 1100 mile trek of the Pacific Coast Trail was an enthralling tale of redemption by French/Canadian Jean-Marc Vallée'. Reese Witherspoon in a career best role superbly conveys Strayed sense of anguish through the premature loss of her mother (Laura Dern) and her fierce desire to get life back on the rails after falling off due drug addiction and divorce. This was one long walk that had a stiff yet uplifting feel that cannot be beaten. Read Review.
   
   
9. Snowpiercer (KR Dir: Bong Joon-ho) 
   
   
   Boon Jong-ho may have experienced a Harvey Weinstein style nightmare getting his arctic apocalypse drama to the screen, but it was worth the waiting. One of the more unique movies of the year, Joon-ho combines stunning visuals mixed with brutal yet ravishing violence. The gradually building animosity between classes on the big train soon reaches boiling point. When the battle begins, our eyes go wild with shock. Read Review.
   
   
10. Dallas Buyers Club (USA/CAN Dir Jean-Marc Vallée') 
    
    
    The second part of our Vallée' double bill gave us only the resurrection of Matthew McConaughey but one of 2014 most memorable characters. The exploits of AIDS patient Ron Woodroof gave us a real anti-hero who refuses to quit after his life changing diagnosis. His efforts to help people prolong life are ones that bring tears to our eyes. Ron may not be the most pleasant of men, but his heart is in the right place. Read Review.

Best of the Rest

11. The Grand Budapest Hotel 
    
    
    Through some excellent set design and memorable turn from Ralph Fiennes as concierge Gustave M, Wes Anderson brought us one of the most well designed and easy humored pieces of the year. His trademark quirk present as usual, there were also signs of a more mature and refined Anderson breaking through in future. Read Review.
    
    
12. Starred Up (UK Dir: David MacKenzie)
    
    
    Jack O'Connell's hypnotically savage Eric lit up this grim prison drama from director David MacKenzie. One of the best pieces of British cinema this year, MacKenzie succeeds in bringing forth the horrors of British prison life. Watching Eric's hysterically laughter at hurting his first victim is assured to make you squirm. Read Review.
    
    
13. Guardians of the Galaxy (USA Dir: James Gunn) 
    
    
    By far one of Marvel's most fun and original efforts of years gone by, James Gunn helped put the smiles back on fans faces with a fast paced yet hilarious ride. Armed with the best soundtrack of the year and a winning performance by Chris Pratt, the next installment already has us waiting in anticipation. Read Review.
    
    
14. The Wolf of Wall Street (USA Dir: Martin Scorsese) 
    
    
    Few would have predicted that Martin Scorsese could do funny, well his look at the drug fueled life of Wall Street Jordan Belfort proved doubters wrong. It have alienated Academy voters with its overly time and over use of drugs and sex, but with a magnificent performance from old faithful, Leonardo DiCaprio, this ranks as Marty's best 21 century effort!  Read Review.
    
    
15. Blue Ruin (USA: Dir Jeremy Saulnier)
    
    
    Jeremy Saulnier's indie effort may have flown under the radar, but his tale of revenge is an effort destined for cult status. With an impassioned turn from little known actor Macon Blair, Saulnier gave us the perfect everyman to convey his tale. A director to watch in future, this man ensured that anxiety was cranked up the max and the unexpected was forever there. Read Review.

Male Star of the Year: Matthew McConaughey 

Few people would have predicted that Matthew McConaughey would be the main man of 2014! Many have frowned his past romantic comedy efforts and considered him a lost cause. Well an Oscar win later, McConaughey was the one laughing and along with starring in this years best TV in True Detective, he would end the year anchoring Christopher Nolan's heavyweight effort, Interstellar. We are now in the presence of a man who is becoming one of the actors of his generation! Just keep him away from Kate Hudson please.

Female Star of the Year: Julianne Moore 

Through her devastatingly brilliant turns in Maps to the Stars (which won her Best Actress at Cannes) and Still Alice, Julianne Moore has shown how she is one of the most underrated talents today. One more a contender for prizes, Moore has had one of the finest years of her career and still provides an alluring presence on screen (look how she lit up Mockingjay in limited screen time). Fast becoming one of this blogs favourite girl, Julianne is the deserved winner of this category.

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée' Wild/ Dallas Buyers Club) 

Montreal native Vallée' has had his star being on the rise for years since 2005's CRAZY. This year would see his impact on the industry imprinted as he gave us the one/two punch of Wild and Dallas Buyers Club. Sporting a real eye for human emotion, his ability to highlight real people's strives makes for absorbing viewing and we should hopefully see this name on prize lists for years to come. 

Scene of the Year: Jordan Belfort Paralysed on Quaalude's 

Scorsese's ability to do comedy was never better demonstrated than when Jordan Belfort finds out the exact effect of the ancient Quaalude's he has ingested. What starts as a simple phone call quickly descends into something far more shocking and hysterical. Prepare the stitching kit, it will come in handy after seeing this. 

Finally I want to extend a massive thanks to all my readers in over 98 Countries who yearly listen to my rambling about film. Without you guys I am nothing, like Roger Ebert once said "I'll see you at the Movies!" 

Coast to Coast: Review of Wild

TIFF EXCLUSIVE 

Wild

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

By Alex Watson

Numerous times in film we have seen people walking to get somewhere, and there are forever obstacles along the way. Just look at movies such Walkabout, Into The Wild and more recently the Mia Wasikowska starring Tracks. But the individual behind is always seeking a higher purpose and this route they are taking, can often be determining their course in life. French-Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallee has this year brought us a stirring adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's memoir Wild which documents her 1000 mile trek along the Pacific Coast Trail. With Reese Witherspoon on board, this could be a journey of a life time.

After years of reckless behaviour, including a divorce from her husband, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) decides to walk along the 1000 mile trek of the Pacific Coast. Through this she attempts to heal the wounds of her old life and begin to find herself and become the person she had always wanted to be. But she must put up with several difficult obstacles among the desert and mountain terrain before completing her journey.

After his Oscar winning effort, The Dallas Buyers Club, Jean-Marc Vallee scores highly again and Wild proves to be a very prominent and beautiful filmed movie. From the Mojave Desert to the Forests of Oregon, this tale makes use of the immense space that it has to distinguish it from the more recent efforts. Combined with the stunning cinematography of Yves Belanguer, it effortlessly sums up the loneliness and isolation that comes with such a journey and what nerves and suspicions can come from such wide open spaces.

Refreshingly Cheryl isn't a woman who is running away from her problems, she is walking to change them. Vallee and screenwriter Nick Hornby decide against playing out her troubled back story in its entirety and only drip feed us moments of her drug fueled and promiscuous past. These images are presented to us as being like a horrific dream that she is only waking up from. But it's the tragic and premature death of her mother Bobbi (an excellent Laura Dern) that lingers heavily over this movie. Through her anguish and pain, Cheryl lost her way and she is now striving to get back on track to become the woman her mother would have been proud of. This may seem formulaic and awards tailored to some viewers, but Vallee finds a way to make this work and it gives his movie an air of lift towards it, particularly as we view the free spirited yet strong woman that Bobbi once was.

The perils of danger along her journey though are forever hanging on the air, and there are any number of stomach churning encounters such as rattle snakes, snow covered hills, raging rivers and in one frightening sequence, some drunken and frisky hunters in the midst of a large, lonely forest. A slightly nauseating opening sequence sees Cheryl have to remove a septic toe-nail onto top of a high ravine, only to have one of her trusty boots fall helplessly below! Experiencing these problems though only strengthen her resolve and for maybe the first time in life, she begins to come into her own.

Reese Witherspoon, despite being alone for the majority of this film gives a performance that is one of her best in some time. After some missteps following her Oscar win for Walk The Line, Witherspoon demonstrates that she has truly earned her critical praise with a determined yet sensitive turn. She doesn't seek to play Cheryl as an out and out victim of life, more a woman who looking to get back on the rails and begin living again. Whether she will be nominated for the big prizes will remain to be seen, but after this she hasn't certainly earn another shot at glory.

Wild is an adventure movie worth experiencing and gives more light to the talents of both Vallee and his star Witherspoon. This journey, like many before it is not a straight forward one, but it will certainly grab at your heart and refuses to let go.

TIFF Schedule Update

So today it is finally here, the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival is underway!

On this fine day before I tread the boards of the magnificent Scotiabank Theatre, I am pleased to inform everyone that I have secured a place for Friday's Gala Screening of The Judge starring Robert Downey Jr and Robert Duvall at Roy Thomson Hall! This movie has been getting some great press in the last few months including some glowing praise for former Wedding Crashers director, David Dobkin so it could well prove to be one of the hits of the festival. So it appears that the first ever TIFF review on this blog will be coming to your screens sooner than anticipated!

Also on Tuesday 9th, along with seeing A Second Chance by Susanne Bier, I have also been able to attend a screening of Jean-Marc Vallee's highly anticipated film Wild starring Reese Witherspoon at the Visa Elgin Screening Room (where three out my five viewings will take place). Canadian director, Vallee is a talent on the rise so I am very excited about this chance.


Welcome to Ontario Film Lovers- enjoy your stay at the friendly film festival