Hitchcock (2012)

Directed by: Sacha Gervasi
Country: USA

Review: For those who hoped to see Alfred Hitchcock’s whole life depicted here, their expectations will be dashed, since this picture only unveils the period involving the making of “Psycho”, one of his most influential films. The initial idea after reading Robert Bloch’s novel soon became an obsession, with the English filmmaker having to find financing for his own movie while the press and movie industry loaded him with pressure. The movie also emphasizes his vision, leadership, humor and a strange fascination for blonde actresses. As he struggled with his creative side, Hitchcock also went through a marital crisis when his wife Alma started to flirt with Whitfield Cook, an opportunist writer. Anthony Hopkins, despite the great performance, didn’t look like Hitchcock. We can’t say this is a thrilling docudrama, but spreads charm with some tasteful details. Perhaps it would have benefited if shot on black-and-white.

Gangster Squad (2012)

Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Country: USA

Review: "Gangster Squad" assembles a great cast in Ruben Fleischer’s disastrous cinematic experiment on crime. The story is old, consisting in a police squad whose mission is preventing L.A. from being controlled by a criminal named Mickey Cohen. In general the performances were decent and it wasn’t for them that the movie didn’t work out. What made this a bad movie were the unnumbered clichés, prolonged gaudy scenes with machine guns, gratuitous violence and a story that didn’t show anything new when compared with other more enticing alternatives from the past. The assorted members of the squad seemed carefully selected to look like comic superheroes: an obsessive man whose wife is pregnant, other who fell in love with the villain’s woman, an expert with pistols, an expert with knives, an expert with communications and a Mexican. Some good gags and body fights were not enough to make this film a gratifying choice.

A Late Quartet (2012)

Directed by: Yaron Zilberman
Country: USA

Review: After almost 25 years playing together, the Fugue String Quartet starts to rehearsal for the new season, but this time it won’t be as tranquil as before. The problems start when Peter (Christopher Walken) is diagnosed with Parkinson and ponders to leave. Robert (Seymour Hoffman) and Juliette (Catherine Keener) are facing problems in their marriage, while Daniel (Mark Ivanir) is accused of being the group’s manipulator and rigid in his musical processes. To aggravate the situation, he starts a relationship with the daughter of his colleagues. The situations were addressed in a serious way, conveying realism and authenticity, yet some of them have a tendency for melodramatic. If at least Yaron Zilberman had avoided this aspect, the film would become even more inviting. Fortunately, this predisposition for sadness didn’t remove the warmness and human side shown on every relationship and performance.

Celeste And Jesse Forever (2012)

Directed by: Lee Toland Krieger
Country: USA

Review: ‘Separated but good friends for life’ is the premise of “Celeste & Jesse Forever”, the third feature film from Lee Toland Krieger. Celeste and Jesse are married but living separately for quite some time. They are best friends since High School and share a lot of their lives with each other in a daily basis, taking advantage from the fact of being neighbors. This somewhat uncommitted relationship will be put at stake when Jesse announces he will be a dad and wants to divorce. Some funny situations worked well but it was on the dramatic side that Krieger made his higher bet. However, the good performances couldn’t make this story particularly interesting. It tried to convey a natural and unpretentious posture but it wasn’t always successful in its intents. The plot goes round and round in circles, trying to wrap every scene in smoothness while continues to extend the inevitable conclusions. Just for enthusiasts of sweet romantic dramas.

Sonja And The Bull (2012)

Directed by: Vlatka Vorkapic
Country: Croatia

Review: Vlatka Vorkapic wrote and directed “Sonja and The Bull” after two decades on documentaries, shorts and TV series. Sonja is a fierce activist whose interview against bull fighting given to a local TV, upset the inhabitants of a Croatian countryside village. Two of the villagers then decided to make a very strange bet, which required Sonja’s presence to confront a bull. One bettor ordered his son to fetch her and as expected, after the initial problematic contact, a physical attraction starts to grow between them. The villagers' sneer created good impression at first, and even Sonja seemed to be a well build character, but all these expectations vanished in a blink of an eye. After 20 minutes, the story degenerated into dull situations and predictable moves, never to recover again. Goronja, the bull, ended up being the most interesting protagonist in a colorless story that failed to engage.

Wrong (2012)

Directed by: Quentin Dupieux
Country: USA

Review: “Wrong” adopts an anarchic posture and a surreal mood to tell the story of Dolph, an unemployed man who keeps going to work and is looking for his missing dog. The movie spills nonsense situations in such a rhythm that the laughs from the beginning soon are transformed in fatigue and apathy. I am imagining how uncomplicated must be to write a plot like this. One just have to start with a basis story and then drown it in multiple subplots, writing the most absurd things that came to his mind without much concerns. But wait! Perhaps I’m being too harsh here. Some situations really made me laugh, like the phone call to the pizza store or Dolph’s friend who cannot admit he jogs. Watching this film can be compared to eating an overstuffed sandwich. Even if you like the ingredients, you can’t taste them properly. “Wrong” is messy and repetitive in its approach. Rather intriguing but hardly satisfactory.

The Paperboy (2012)

Directed by: Lee Daniels
Country: USA

Review: Three years after the depressive yet consistent “Precious”, Lee Daniels returns with “The Paperboy”, a somewhat disconnected story based on Pete Dexter’s novel. The Jensen brothers will try to release a man from the death row, whom they believe to be innocent. For that, they will count with a friend and a tempting woman who says to be in love with the convict. The plot gets lost in inconsequential details without quite knowing which way to go – homosexuality, racism, jellyfish attacks, all seemed forcibly introduced. Actually, the movie drags all the time, except for the last thrilling minutes. Daniel's direction wasn't solid enough, denoting framing issues, while Nicole Kidman stood out among the performances in a tremendous sexy role. “The Paperboy” was too ambitious and contrived, never reaching a sufficient level of stability.

The Well Digger's Daughter (2011)

Directed by: Daniel Auteuil
Country: France

Review: Daniel Auteuil directs for the first time in his career, in this adaptation of Marcel Pagnol’s novel “The Well Digger’s Daughter”. Opting for a conservative approach, he takes us back on time, to those light French movies that effectively blend romance, drama and comedy. But it is as an actor that Auteuil really shines, pulling out another memorable performance. He plays Pascal, a humble and honest well digger whose greatest pride in life is his delicate daughter Patricia. However, things change when his boss’s son got Patricia pregnant. Through refined dialogs and a few funny moments, we can witness the humbleness of the poor, opposing to the arrogance of the rich. The problem is that the movie embraces a satisfied conduct that makes us anticipate its overjoyed finale. Even the surprises did not work as surprises. Therefore, this is a movie to enjoy and relax, having Auteuil's performance as highlight.

5 Broken Cameras (2011)

Directed by: Emad Burnat / Guy Davidi
Country: Palestine / Israel / others

Review: “5 Broken Cameras” is a gripping documentary that depicts life in Bil’in, a West Bank village in constant turmoil due to Israeli occupations. With a sad voice, Emad starts to explain the different phases of his life; first with the birth of his children and then with the cameras he used to film the pacific demonstrations along five years. Every camera served during a determined period of time, witnessing shootings, beatings, killings and arrests. One aspect that messed with my feelings was to see Emad’s four-year-old son, watching all that violence as if it was a normal thing. "5 Broken Cameras" is a very personal work, covering the daily struggle of the villagers against illicit settlements, frequent abuse of power and sudden changes in law to address Israeli interests. Polemics aside, we must say that Emad made a lot of 'damage' on Israeli side with his little cameras. 

Southwest (2012)

Directed by: Eduardo Nunes
Country: Brazil

Review: “Southwest” was one of the most pleasant surprises I had lately. Eduardo Nune’s debut is a treat for the eyes, with a dazzling black-and-white photography and delightful details in direction. Showing boldness, both in conception and execution, it intertwines life and death in a Brazilian southwest village, to depict Clarice’s whole life in a single day. I know this sounds weird, but you will notice that the time runs differently here, so don’t expect a conventional storytelling. Beyond that, we have traditional parades, amulets, exceptional music and odd sounds, landscapes, everything working together to provide a whirlwind of emotions and sensations within a dreamlike ambience. “Southwest” is pure art-house, which challenges, provokes and disorients until you become prisoner of your senses. Likely to be seen as a reliving of the past or mere hallucinations, my guess is: it will haunt you, no matter what…

The Master (2012)

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Country: USA

Review: “The Master” is one of the biggest cinematographic achievements of 2012. Freddie Quell, a sex-obsessed and alcoholic ex-veteran of war, erratically wanders around without finding a stable path in life. When he meets Lancaster Dodd, a leader from a movement called ‘The Cause’, everything seemed to get better as he felt accepted inside the 'family'. The film intelligently addresses the psychological on both men. From one side, a man who needs followers, a ruler who puts into practice all the power of persuasion. On the other side, a man who suffers, an untamed who lives in anger and needs to find some balance. These men were truly bonded by friendship, so well portrayed in several scenes. Yet, their natures are incompatible. I don’t find enough words to describe the phenomenal performances by Joaquin Phoenix, with his unforgettable laugh, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, in another masterpiece from ‘Master’ Anderson.

Volcano (2011)

Directed by: Rúnar Rúnarsson
Country: Iceland / Denmark

Review: “Volcano” portrays the story of Hannes, who has the soul of a fisherman but worked in a school for 37 years as a janitor. Since the day of his retirement, he experienced anxiety crisis and becomes depressive from then on. Everything seems to get old around him; even his boat won’t float anymore. Being strict by nature, he is nothing more than a sour man at the eyes of their children. His life will turn completely upside down when his wife suffers a stroke and becomes bedridden. The plot is not totally new, especially when Hannes slowly tries to reconnect with his family in times of sorrow. This fact is aggravated with the too much obvious similarities with Michael Hanekes’s “Amour”, which conveys a greater emotional depth on the matter. Nevertheless, in its slow pace, “Volcano” has its moments and is worth watching. The fact is: not having seen “Amour” might increase your chances of being surprised.

Shadow Dancer (2012)

Directed by: James Marsh
Country: Uk / Ireland

Review: James Marsh turns his attention to IRA, after two triumphant documentaries (“Man On Wire”, “Project Nim”) and the second part of “Red Riding” trilogy, where he depicted in an exemplary way the corruption of the Yorkshire police. “Shadow Dancer” tells the story of Colette (Andrea Riseborough), a militant of the IRA caught by the MI5 during an operation in London. However, officer Mac (Clive Owen), offers her a deal: to become an informant for MI5 in exchange of freedom and protection for her son. This is a methodic, slow-burning story of espionage that keeps all revelations and surprises for the end, although preserving the sufficient elements needed to keep us alert throughout the time. Betrayals, interrogations, tortures and sly behaviors make part of this cold story of vengeance. “Shadow Dancer” is not mandatory, but deserves some attention as a solid, competent and adult movie.

Not Fade Away (2012)

Directed by: David Chase
Country: USA

Review: “Not Fade away” was directed by the creator of “Sopranos”, but nothing has to do with the mob business, even with James Gandolfini present. The story, set in New Jersey, follows the endless worries of Douglas after having left his studies to dedicate himself entirely to a rock band. The film was able to seize the mood of the 60’s but never left its fluctuating pace or lukewarm ambience. It still tried to adopt a sort of rebellious attitude without success. Everything here looked so outdated, including the plot. Douglas has troubles with his parents, with his band mates, with his girlfriend, who also has troubles with her parents and has a sister with drug problems…  This is a movie of troubles and a trouble of a movie. Both definitions fit well here. Easily forgettable, “Not Fade Away” would need something less recycled to stimulate the viewer.

Beyond The Hills (2012)

Directed by: Cristian Mungiu
Country: Romania / France / Belgium

Review: Cristian Mungiu’s new feature film is a tale of obsessive love and religious mysticism. Voichita and Alina were best friends but eventually their lives went separate ways. The former sought refuge in an Orthodox convent, while the latter went to Germany to work in a bar. Years later, in Romania, they will realize that their relationship was not as before. Jealousy, faith and exorcism, are hot topics depicted here. “Beyond The Hills” is absorbing, evincing a grey temper that reminded me Bruno Dumont’s approach in “Hors Satan”, yet without being so aggressive. Skillfully framed, Mungiu showed to be consistent with a steady or moving camera, as the case demanded. The absence of music was not surprising, in a movie that doesn’t attain the immediate fascination of  “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days”, yet still shows a powerful determination and credible performances during its 150 minutes.

Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

Directed by: Peter Strickland
Country: UK

Review: “Berberian Sound Studio”, inspired on giallo (an Italian mystery genre), can’t be cataloged as a standard horror movie. I see it as a mere experiment on sound and image, without having much concern about the storyline or message to convey. The visual part was well crafted, with dim lights and different interesting shade plans of the actor Toby Jones, contributing to enhance the mystery of the story. The grotesque sounds worked well, but perhaps with an overuse of screams (there are for everyone’s tastes). The Italian language, often called romantic or sweet, has here a diabolical transformation, turning the atmosphere even more obscure. “Berberian Sound Studio”, despite of its unique conception and all the technical wonders that puts out, lacks emotion, leaving us in a state of suspension. I ended with the sensation that all the tense moments were inconsequent, making this story an inconclusive bad dream.

Back To 1942 (2012)

Directed: Xiaogang Feng
Country: China

Review: On the winter of 1942, when China was being invaded by Japan, a drought hit the province of Henan leading the people to starvation. A sensible question then arises: who should be fed in the first place, the soldiers or the people? The film partially succeeds in its purpose of revealing the drama of the refugees, as well as the impassivity and disregard of the Chiang Kai-shek government. Corruption was a constant, while religion is present in a small dose, with the converting attempts and faith dilemmas becoming the weakest moments of the plot. Adrien Brody plays a small part, hardly memorable, as a journalist from Times Magazine. Photography stood out, in a 145-minute high-budget production that would have gained with some trimming. Even flawed, Feng’s new historical film was far more interesting than “The Flowers of War” or “The Children of Huang Shi”.

Stopped On Track (2011)

Directed by: Andreas Dresen
Country: Germany / France

Review: "Stopped on Track” is painful to watch. The opening scene seemed so real that did hurt, when Frank in the company of his wife, receives the news that he has only a few months to live due to a malign brain tumor. Their children took this fact with a sort of lightness at first. A curious fact, which I believe to be normal considering their age. The actors' commitment to their roles was noteworthy, with the expressions on their faces showing exactly the affliction of their souls.  The movie is not only about how Frank deals with his anger, frustration and fear; it’s also about how his family will change throughout the time. A film about cancer will never be easy to watch, having associated to itself an imminent risk of falling in well-known dramatic scenes. “Stopped On Track” was too honest to fall in that state, being able to depict every moment with a great sense of reality.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Country: UK

Review: Martin McDonagh shows creativity in “Seven Psychopaths”, as he had already done in 2008's “In Bruges”. Colin Farrell joins him once again, playing an alcoholic screenwriter struggling to get fresh ideas for a movie about psychopaths. This film is nothing more than an insolent mockery about old gangster movies with all those flashy explosions and unexpected shootings. A funny absurdity is present in almost every character and situation. Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson and Tom Waits, helped to maintain the spirit of craziness alive by playing compellingly some of the psychos, in a movie whose structure may seem confusing at first, to become better defined as the story progresses. “Seven Psychopaths” is violent and sometimes disorderly in its storytelling, but on the other hand, provides constant surprises and some intelligent jokes. An imaginative action-comedy blend.

West Of Memphis (2012)

Directed by: Amy Berg
Country: USA / New Zealand

Review: "West of Memphis" is the fourth documentary about the 1993 case known as West Memphis Three, on which three teenagers remained more than 18 years in prison, after being convicted for the murder of three 8-year-old kids in Arkansas. The victim's bodies were found in a ditch, exhibiting sexual mutilation and several wounds. The prosecution assumed that the crime was perpetrated as part of a satanic ritual. However, further DNA tests and investigations pointed to another suspect. This case attracted the attention of many people, who claimed for justice, including several celebrities. "West of Memphis" is dense and long, but thoroughly guides you to the fundamental circumstances of this harrowing murder case. Having been produced by Peter Jackson and Damien Echols (one of the wrongly accused), this film also depicts a special love story, involving the latter and Lorri Davis, who he met after his conviction.

Stormland (2011)

Directed by: Marteinn Thorsson
Country: Iceland

Review: “Stormland”, adapted from a novel by Hallgrímur Helgason, opens with a hostage crisis scene, which is suddenly discontinued to step into the kidnapper’s past. Bodvar is a teacher, a writer, a poet and a blogger. Clearly a misfit, nothing seems to go right in his life. Disillusioned with the world, he finds solace in writing for his own blog entitled "Stormland", where he discharges his anger against consumerism, bankers’ power and rotten societies. A slight but incisive humor combines with the soreness of Bodvar’s fate, whereas love, seen as last hope, will be the culmination of his alienation. Darri Ólafsson’s performance was prominent, playing a well-intentioned man that suddenly breaks down when facing simultaneous problems. Then, we realize why Nietzsche’s quote “The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly”, became so meaningful to him.

Keep The Lights On (2012)

Directed by: Ira Sachs
Country: USA

Review: “Keep The Lights On” seemed to bring homosexuality to forefront, yet the prevailing aspect here is substance addiction and the way it slowly ruin happiness. Erik is a filmmaker who has living under pressure for nine years, due to the frequent disappearances of his boyfriend Paul, a lawyer who’s addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex. The movie focuses on Erik’s efforts to have the situation under control, while tries to give the best support to his lover. Occasional betrayals from each one of them were intercalated with the recurrent ruptures and restarts, highlighting the sensations of mistrust and uncertainty. Despite the pouting and tantrums that mark this relationship, Sachs manages to lead the movie in a right way through a simple and practical direction. 

Anna Karenina (2012)

Directed by: Joe Wright
Country: UK

Review: This new cinematographic version of “Anna Karenina”, the 1877’s novel immortalized by Leo Tolstoy, was adapted by Tom Stoppard and directed by Joe Wright. Just as in his former period movies, “Atonement” and “Pride & Prejudice”, Wright picked up Keira Knightley as star. Playing Karenina’s role in a charming way, she was almost alone in a cast that didn’t impress. The movie starts with a comical posture, somewhat frivolous, and soon goes through a theatrical approach that wasn't favorable. Frequently insipid, its most lively moment was a horse race. As for the remaining time, the movie spread melancholy through the waving hand fans and occasional sighs coming from the ballrooms. Notwithstanding the confident attitude and haughty pose adopted, “Anna Karenina” kept a distance and failed to get me out from a state of numbness.

The Sessions (2012)

Directed by: Ben Lewin
Country: USA

Review: “The Sessions” is an independent drama based on Mark O’Brien’s essay “On Seeing a Sex Surrogate”. Mark contracted polio in 1955 and got paralyzed for the rest of his days, a fact that didn't prevent him from graduate and become a poet. The plot is centered in his decision of losing virginity, when he was 38. For that, he will count with a sex therapist, but nothing will be done before consulting his adviser and friend, Father Brendan. This priest, who looked more like a hippie or a veteran rock star, could serve as a good example on showing how to approach such a delicate theme as sex, with wisdom and good sense. At some point, I found myself impatient, hoping that Mark could achieve rapidly his goal. John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and William H.Macy were convincing in “The Sessions”, a gentle, sensitive and humorous film that was able to escape to sentimental excesses by adopting a positive and straightforward attitude.

Lines Of Wellington (2012)

Directed by: Valeria Sarmiento
Country: Portugal / France

Review: “Lines of Wellington” was prepared by Chilean Raul Ruiz to be finished by his widow, Valeria Sarmiento. The movie focuses on the third French invasion of Portugal in 1810, under Napoleon orders. The writing credits belong to Carlos Soboga, who also wrote the screenplay for the charming “Mysteries of Lisbon". In fact, there is no possible comparison between these two movies, except when it comes to cinematography, magnificently handled by Andre Szankowski. “Lines Of Wellington” can’t hide gaps in its narrative, becoming dispersed in its innumerous details and characters. Despite of giving a perception of the period in cause, the absence of a concrete main character, withdrew the possibility to create emotion or giving us some motive to care about. This is a movie of detailed historical facts that needed a greater dose of vitality and focus to stand out. I wonder how it would be if directed by Raul Ruiz.