Tag Archives: miff15

Day seven – things I like about Melbourne

Standard

I saw a film today that has stayed with me and I would recommend it – Being 14, a French drama about the ups and downs of being a teenager. I was disappointed by Margot Nash’s memoir The Silences and you can read my overly long rumination on horror films in my review of the US film The Witch.

I feel like I am getting to know Melbourne again. Most days I have time between films to walk the streets, explore shops and find interesting food. Melbourne has changed. There are a lot more shops – big shopping centre-like places that believe in the Gruen transfer*, overheated, over-privileged. There are a lot more restaurants and cafes, particularly asian ones – hot pot, Pho, dumplings, barbecue, sushi, tea, ramen. I like that. So here are some things I like about Melbourne:
Continue reading →

The Witch (2015)

Standard

I didn’t really like this film but I was with some people who did so it has made me ruminate on horror films and why this one didn’t work for me. I don’t mind a horror film every now and then. I prefer them to be suspenseful, to imply rather than to show, to build tension and have me hiding my head behind a pillow when it gets really scary. There still needs to be a believable story and good characters that you care about. And when the violence comes, ideally it shouldn’t make you laugh. Continue reading →

The Silences (2015)

Standard

Oh, Margot, I so wanted to like this documentary. I like Margot Nash. She’s a Melbourne filmmaker who was a bolshie anarchist feminist in the 70s and has made or written several films, such as Vacant Possession in the 90s, which I remember enjoying. Continue reading →

Phoenix (2014)

Standard

I quite enjoyed this German drama about a woman, Nelly, disfigured in a concentration camp whose facial reconstruction surgery alters her so much her husband fails to recognise her. She has been physically and emotionally shattered by her experiences, all her family have perished but her husband has survived. She is desperate to find him only to discover that he was the reason she was arrested. Sensing her similarity to his wife, who he believes is dead, he persuades her to pretend to be his wife and so he can inherit her fortune. Continue reading →

Sleeping with Other People (2015)

Standard

Tonight’s film was a change of pace for me as it was a very mainstream US romantic comedy. The main actors were all a bit familiar, I think some were from Parks and Recreation, and it revolved around the tried and true When Harry Met Sally storyline about men and women not being able to be friends. Jake and Lainey meet and briefly hook up. Around 15 years later, as she tries to extricate herself from an affair and he refuses to commit to any women, they become friends. I won’t tell you how it ends but it is a mainstream American romcom so you’ve probably already worked it out. Continue reading →

Gayby Baby (2015)

Standard

gayby-baby

5.0_orange_sm

All the way home on the tram I thought about whether to give this outstanding Australian documentary about the children of same-sex parents 4.5 or 5 stars. For me, it was a perfectly crafted documentary, how docos should be made (and I’m talking to you George Gittoes). Engaging subjects who feel safe enough to be real on camera, a story and a message that slowly unfolds, that we observe  and understand without the need for exposition, and no sign of the film maker, we are totally absorbed into the world of the subjects. Continue reading →

Day five – two films and a ukulele

Standard

Okay, I have to admit that I blew off two films today. It was going to be a four film day but then I found out that the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective (MUK) have an open mike night on the first Tuesday of every month in Northcote. How could I resist that? I can hear you all shouting, “Noooo. How will you see 50 films now!” Rest assured, gentle readers, I rescheduled one and have added another. Phew! Continue reading →

Speed Sisters (2015)

Standard

At last a good documentary. And about women. I really enjoyed this Palestinian film. It follows five young, Palestinian women who compete in the male-dominated car racing scene. We meet Marah, Betty, Marsoon, Noor and Mona as they compete in a series of races to be the fastest women champion and also the chance to compete in Jordan. Although all five are competitive, it is Marah and Betty who are the key protagonists. They are the fastest two and winning the championship, we can see, means more than being in a team together. Continue reading →