Due to the power of ill-conceived foresight I have not, as promised in the previous post, uploaded a review of 'Shame'. This has happened for a number of reasons, including YouTube's copyright policy, which doesn't allow me to upload videos with clips from new releases: The people's sharing site my arse! However, enough with my pitiful grumblings.
This weekend upon entering the idyllic cinema establishment of the Cornerhouse I sat down with my customary bag of chocolate and watched the small indie gem known as "Martha Marcy May Marlene". So, for my thoughts on Sean Durkin's debut feature just simply click on the YouTube link above. As per usual, comments and feedback are much appreciated! Enjoy guys!!
Confession: I watched your video yesterday without commenting, and, despite your clear request for comments and feedback, I was somehow lured away from that task by the prospect of cheese. But this morning, when a conversation about Charles Manson's cult led to talks of cult-related PTSD led to a mention of Martha Marcy May Marlene and, for once, I didn't sit there going, "What? Yet another movie I've never heard of?" I decided I really did have to thank you for making this review. Because, really, it isn't often that I'm not *that* person dreadfully confused by references to films made after 1957. I owe you, man. (Really. Name it. It's yours.)
ReplyDeleteNow, as to my actual response. I would be lying if I didn't tell you one of my favourite parts of the review is when your poster hauntingly falls down. Definition 1a of 'uncanny' right there. Follow that by the fact that you go on to discuss how the lead actress is related to the Olsen twins but is (thankfully) nothing like them and you fulfill definition 1b of 'uncanny'. Double uncanniness? Ace. Truly ace.
Love the video format and the swanky swirling action to move between shots of yourself and some well-chosen haunting stills from the film. Also, stellar voice. Your voice is a voice that lends itself perfectly to reviews, because it's not pushy or harsh, not grating or whiny, not over-zealous or monotonous. Your voice is a voice that belongs on audio books. Just sayin'. If you made an audio book, I'd buy it. And I don't even like audio books. (But that's generally because they're made by prison inmates in the States, and yes, I do love that they are helping the blind, but I'd rather have a calmly lilting Welsh voice reading me books than have the voice of a rampaging murderer infiltrating my brain. Maybe that's just me. But I digress.) You convey a strong sense of the paranoia and the plaguing fear in the film, and that, coupled with the fact that you say it leaves much open to the audience, makes me feel compelled to watch it. Also, you claim there's an Olsen who can show a wide range of emotions? I'd go just to be convinced it could happen. That, and malicious underbellies of cults sound most intriguing. Sidebar: did you say 'raw America' or 'rural America'? Part of me wants to know, but part of me kind-of likes not knowing--just one more haunting element to add in...
One last thing: I liked your part about the country music being twisted so you don't listen to it the same way again, because I scene-song associate all the time without even thinking about it and I like this idea of music twisting around in my brain. Great imagery. It's been twisting around in there ever since you said that. Part of me is happy to know it has a country music score because, to be honest, I don't listen to country music all that much. Play 'Tiny Dancer' and I immediately think of 'Almost Famous', play 'Raindrops keep falling on my head' and I immediately think 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'. And while I'm okay with images of rock stars and Paul Newman popping into my head whenever I'm cooking and popping along to some music, I'm not sure that I'd be okay with images of regimented farm cults interfering with my dough kneading. So it's a relief to know that as long as I continue avoiding country music, I can watch this movie and my pizza will be safe. But at the same time, I also like knowing it has a country score because I want to be swayed into liking it. Okay, maybe I'm ambivalent on that matter. Point: for future reference, always mention the music. I like those details.
Anyways, awesome review. Keep 'em coming! (And sorry this comment is so rambling!)
I'm glad you've been able to engage in a cult-related subject with your mates lol. I think this is why I set up this blog in first place: To make people aware of all different types of films. It's sad to see indy films such as this being marginalised in favour of archetypal mainstream fodder in the local multiplexes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comment concerning my voice. Although, I do wish I had a voice similar to Christopher Lee's ha. I would certainly implore you to check the film out solely based on Olsen's performance but there's so much more to the picture than that. I attempted to say rural America but slurred it out instead haha.
It really is a great soundtrack but I'm reminded of some very unsettling images from the film when listening to country now.... Followed by a theatrical "NNoooooo!" emanating from my mouth!
Don't apologise for the rambling, really do appreciate the feedback. Hope you had a nice weekend!
I will admit it was a bit of a weird conversation, yes, but it proves you've definitely done your part in the awareness factor. I used to frequent the Cornerhouse back in the day and usually liked the films there way more than those at Odeon, for example. Indie films are generally my favourite because, unlike so much that Hollywood churns out, you can't predict the ending within the first seven minutes.
ReplyDeleteFor a split second I wondered why on earth you'd want to sound like a Republican Congressman, and then I realized you meant the other Christopher Lee.
For the record, I meant that Olsen's performance would be enough to convince me, and all the other things you mention just doubly and triply convince me. I wouldn't go *just* to see her.
Glad I'm not the only one who visualizes films when listening to music. Tempted tell Rach to play country music while you're sleeping to see if these nightmarish "Nooo"s would occur even in slumber...but will resist the urge.
Hope you had a nice weekend, too! And Happy Valentine's Day! Hope that, if anything, you watch a legitimate romcom and not a depressing one like Submarine. (Kidding, it was good.)