Posts tagged fiu.

With a third feature film and two impressive “Breaking Bad” episodes, “Fly” and “Fifty-One,” under his belt, it’s safe to say Rian Johnson is one of the best and most original filmmakers around. The low budget neo-noir “Brick” was a shocking debut, and “The Brothers Bloom” proved to be a fun take on the caper subgenre, but it is with “Looper” that Johnson takes a huge leap at creating a sci-fi film that is both intelligent and entertaining.

Rian Johnson’s time-travelling “Looper” packs a punch

There is a fine line that many films walk, and just a few mistakes could mean falling into the realm of exploitation. Such situations in films often feel isolated and unrealistic, but “Compliance” presents a reserved yet haunting look at a situation that actually happened.

“Compliance is very unsettling, but well worth watching”

and here’s another one

Marilyn’s first big role after her breakthrough in “Niagara” is alongside Jane Russell in Howard Hawks’ musical comedy, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” which follows two gold-digging dames working their way to Paris on a transatlantic cruise. The duo balance sex appeal and sarcasm delightfully, and while the film’s narrative hasn’t dated particularly well it’s instead known for its dazzling musical numbers.

The opening duet, “Two Little Girls from Little Rock,” features the two dressed in sparkling red as they strut their stuff on stage. Russell’s “Ain’t There Anyone Here for Love” could be considered one of the campiest musical numbers ever, singing as she goes around touching a glorious parade of manflesh. Monroe’s performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is perhaps the most iconic scene and has been copied by dozens of entertainers over the years.

Marilyn Monroe showcase sweeps Miami Beach » FIUSM

“Beasts of the Southern Wild” wastes no time in dropping audiences right into the midst of an isolated and unfamiliar world. Surrounded by nothing but water in “the Bathtub,” an extremely poor community off the coast of Louisiana, a little girl named Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis) lives with her father Wink (Dwight Henry).  As her father’s health declines due to a mysterious illness, and the world around her begins to fall apart, Hushpuppy must learn to survive through these troubled times in order to remain in her beloved home. 

This loose synopsis of the film does no justice to the jumbled story that director Benh Zeitlin co-wrote with Lucy Alibar. The tale they weave does a marvelous job at capturing the culture of this tight-knit community, but its reliance on a child’s narration rather than a cohesive story disappoints.

“Beasts” is a flawed debut with some shining moments » FIUSM

With the success of Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” more white male filmmakers are determined to explore a budding fascination by exotifying Indian men and women through the country and its culture. John Madden’s recent exploration, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” fell flatter than one would have desired, but in comes Michael Winterbottom with “Trishna,” his modernization of Thomas Hardy’s novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles.”

Pinto’s performance breathes life into “Trishna” » FIUSM

There’s something entirely realistic about [Take This Waltz] that allows us to dive into the heart of romance and just how fleeting it can be. Polley’s writing and direction feels intensely personal, giving us a revealing look into love. From the moment that Polley follows Daniel and Margot with a tracking shot down their block, one can sense the connection building between them through simple chit-chat. Her use of a warm color palette, gorgeous shots of Toronto scenery and an impressive soundtrack – featuring artists like Leonard Cohen, Feist, and The Buggles – only serve to add to the film’s captivating mood.

FIUSM » Female filmmakers explore sex and romance