Martin Scorsese’s labour of love is an expansive – and frequently monotonous – portrait of faith in the face of persecution and torture. It’s sprawling and contemplative, more or less focused on one priest’s internal conflict as he searches for his mentor (Liam Neeson), who’s rumoured to have apostatised. Andrew Garfield, as capable as he is, never quite seems like the right fit in the lead role, perhaps because he’s outshone early on by Adam Driver. Continue reading “Review: Silence (2017)”
Shawn Levy takes a break from his usual comedy-heavy fare to direct the spare family drama This Is Where I Leave You. After catching his wife in bed with his boss, Judd (Jason Bateman) sinks into a deep depression, worsened by the news of his father’s death. Upon venturing back to his childhood home, Judd attempts to reconnect with his mother (Jane Fonda) and his three siblings (Tina Fey, Corey Stoll and Adam Driver), each of whom is harbouring their own problems. Continue reading “Review: This Is Where I Leave You (2014)”
Gorgeously shot, with a pronounced performance from Mia Wasikowska at its core, Tracks is a beautiful retelling of Robyn Davidson’s National Geographic article. In 1977, Davidson decided to abandon the real world and trek from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, a 1,700-mile expedition through the treacherous Australian desert. Tracks is worth a watch for its visuals alone. Continue reading “Review: Tracks (2013)”
Noah Baumbach and rising indie star Greta Gerwig combine their talented forces once more after the well-received Greenberg for Frances Ha, a thoughtful, witty and nostalgic portrait of twenty-something discontent. Filmed in black and white at the directors discretion and blending the old with the new, Frances Ha emerges as a true winner and Baumbach’s best in years. Continue reading “EIFF 2013 Review: Frances Ha (2012)”
Empty Screens 