September 30, 2011
Cate Blanchett for Interview Magazine
Interviewed by JACK WHITE
I know this is a complete and utter copy-paste-shame. But with Law School as a near full-time occupation, it's hard to post regularly. Therefore, I will sometimes share with FILMflare readers articles, photos, and such things that I find on the web and enjoy. So here's the beginning of an interview with one of my favorite actresses, Cate Blanchett, conducted by Jack White. It pretty much sums up why I love her work: she can play anything, and be stellar at it through undeniable talent and creativity. She was photographed by Mikael Jansson, an artist I adore more and more every day - you can see that I've posted his work before, with Marion Cotillard and Michelle Williams, also for Interview Magazine.
"Everybody knows that Cate Blanchett is a good actress. In fact, she's one of the best. She can play queens. She can play spies. She can play emotionally confused schoolteachers who have affairs with their students. She can play Spock-eared nymphs. She can play Bob Dylan. And she can do it all on stage, on film, on television, and probably on YouTube, if the circumstances demand it. She's gotten awards, yes, and recognition from all corners. In fact, just telling someone that Cate Blanchett is in a movie often inspires the response, Oh, Cate Blanchett, which has become international shorthand for, "Oh, Cate Blanchett agreed to act in this film, so it must be of some quality. Even if I wind up not liking it or not even understanding it, there must be something to it, or else Cate Blanchett would not have done it." So, Cate Blanchett: good actress.
"Everybody knows that Cate Blanchett is a good actress. In fact, she's one of the best. She can play queens. She can play spies. She can play emotionally confused schoolteachers who have affairs with their students. She can play Spock-eared nymphs. She can play Bob Dylan. And she can do it all on stage, on film, on television, and probably on YouTube, if the circumstances demand it. She's gotten awards, yes, and recognition from all corners. In fact, just telling someone that Cate Blanchett is in a movie often inspires the response, Oh, Cate Blanchett, which has become international shorthand for, "Oh, Cate Blanchett agreed to act in this film, so it must be of some quality. Even if I wind up not liking it or not even understanding it, there must be something to it, or else Cate Blanchett would not have done it." So, Cate Blanchett: good actress.
But there's something about what Blanchett does, how she thinks about things and goes about her business, that has less to do with being one of the best actresses, ever, of all time, and more to do with being an artist, which is the overarching theme of this issue. Of course, there are bits of Blanchett in all the women (and men) that she plays-there's the porcelain skin, for one thing, and the betraying eyes that very often speak before her characters do. But that's where the similarities usually end. And just as there is a difference between someone who paints and someone who makes paintings, or a pile of quarters on the floor and an installation, there is a difference between being a movie star who appears in films and being an actor who creates characters. Sometimes it's a difficult difference to decipher, and the most interesting art often challenges the boundaries of what art can be. But watching Blanchett do what she does, the difference somehow seems more evident."
-- JACK WHITE
-- JACK WHITE
September 23, 2011
Killers (2010)
★
Directed by ROBERT LUKETIC
Starring KATHERINE HEIGL, ASHTON KUTCHER and TOM SELLECK
Killers doesn't have much to offer. Some would argue that it has nothing to offer, but at least we know the actors, and that they're not that weak. So perhaps the appearance of it all is what might get you through it. Still, it's been a long time since I've seen such a dull romantic comedy - and I've seen it twice now, just to be sure. He (Ashton Kutcher) is a former spy, and everyone is trying to kill him, a premise we've seen countless times. The fact that the neighbors are the ones trying to kill him adds some possibility of fun, which at this point, is all we ask for. And yet, not even that they've managed: it has no rhythm whatsoever, no solid structure, no climax. Just a bunch of standard scenes, thrown together with no regards for transition or reason. Predictability extends to nearly every line, and some are so often used that it goes beyond cliché, and become painfully irritating. We've all seen these actors in better circumstances, so it pains me to say that it's a waste of money and time - ours and theirs.
September 20, 2011
News from Home: Estoril Film Festival '11
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| loving this year's design, they used the same font I used for the header! |
Despite being a very recent film festival (started in 2007), it already had the honor of receiving some fine people like Pedro Almodóvar, David Lynch, David Cronenberg and John Malkovich (I can't believe I missed them), and Francis Ford Coppola and Juliette Binoche (I can't believe I didn't miss them). Though they haven't announced anyone I know for this year, the films that will premier are some of the ones I've been dying to see since they started being screened in festivals all over the world.
The Estoril Film Festival '11 (now called Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival), will open with Clooney's The Ides of March and Gus Van Sant's Restless, and close with Almodóvar's La Piel que Habito. Other premiers that I highly anticipate include:
Carnage, Roman Polanski
Melancholia, Lars Von Trier
Faust, Aleksandr Sokurov
A Dangerous Method, David Cronenberg
Mildred Pierce, Todd Haynes
Needless to say I have to see all of them. There will be plenty of exhibits, masterclasses, meetings, and other events and screenings, though schedules haven't been released yet. This year's jury is composed by Paul Auster, J.M. Coetzee, Don DeLillo, Luca Guadagnino, Peter Handke, Siri Hustvedt, Gidon Kremer and José Barrias. I'm glad to see this festival grow a little bit every year. It starts on the 4th of November. I cannot wait.
September 19, 2011
Report: 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards
As you may recall, the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards started with an hilarious sketch where host Jimmy Fallon was dancing and singing along with some of the major stars of last year's series. For this year's ceremony they decided to do exactly the same thing, but if you're going to do it again, you have to make it better. You can watch it yourself, but I think you'll agree that they didn't. Last night's hostess was Jane Lynch (Sue, from Glee), who has as much respect from me as I can have for someone I know nearly nothing about, and so I can respectfully say that it was no good. The only clever part of the sketch was when she announced the near-death of advertising to the cast of Mad Men. Throughout the rest of award show, some jokes worked wonderfully - like the little stab on Ricky Gervais's sarcasm, and the reason why she's a lesbian - but overall it was somewhat forgettable. I found the Lonely Island musical performance with Michael Bolton insanely hilarious, though it was getting late. The Emmy Tones were definitely a bad move.
The first categories went to Modern Family: this undoubtedly creative and unique show went home with two wins for outstanding supporting actors, Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell, as well as writing, directing, and outstanding comedy series. So far, no objections - my issues with the 63rd winners started next: as you can see from my previous post, my favorite for lead actress in a comedy series was Amy Poehler. Tina Fey is an absolute queen, but this was Poehler's year - or so I thought: Melissa McCarthy got the Emmy instead. To be fair, I've never watched Mike and Molly, and know her work solely from her part as Sookie in Gilmore Girls, which I adore. Either way, the nominees for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series delivered one of the finest moments of night: as soon as Amy Poehler heard her name as an official nominee, she got on that stage. And then the other ladies followed, as their names were announced. While all of them were standing there, waiting to know who won, they were presented with a standing ovation for the whole audience. Besides a nice laugh, it made the whole room smile. Then it was time for the leading gentlemen - no surprises with the nominees, but the same problem arises: though I adore Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), it was rather sad to see Steve Carell walk out with nothing. Parsons won last year, and he is great, but this was the last year for Carell as Michael Scott (The Office), one of the funniest and most beloved characters on television. He's been a nominee in this category since 2006, and never won. Unbelievable.
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| some of last night's winners: Jim Parsons, Melissa McCarthy, Peter Dinklage, Martin Scorsese, Guy Pearce, Kyle Chandler, Kate Winslet and Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen |
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| Modern Family (Outstanding Comedy Series) Mad Men (Outstanding Drama Series) |
But moving on: Oustanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series. I would be more than glad if either Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Colbert Report or The Daily Show won. It was the first nomination for Late Night w/JF, and they deserved it without a doubt, for I consider it to be the best Late Night currently airing. Conan was news at first, with his controversial comeback and grown beard, but it has become repetitive, whereas Fallon's team keeps innovating every night. As for best friends Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, I watch their shows every night and truly think their the funniest, sharpest shows on TV. Their comedy styles are completely different, but both outstanding. I suppose it was no surprise that The Daily Show won - like they said, we know Jon Stewart is going to win. But here's the thing: it won for the ninth consecutive year, and this may be the most ridiculous argument ever, but I think it's time to give others a chance. And by others, I mean Colbert. And I don't mean a pity award, just the deserved recognition.
By now it was about 3AM, and I was a little annoyed, with final hopes that the drama categories would do some justice. Supporting Actress and Actor went respectively to Margo Martindale (Justified) and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) - everyone says it was right, I was rooting for Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire), but again, never seen Justified. Now the real issues begin: outstanding lead actress went to Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), she was nominated last year, but lost to Kyra Sedgwick. My pick was Elizabeth Moss. It was her third nomination for her role as Peggy in Mad Men, and like her co-star Jon Hamm, never won. Both of them delivered their best performances this year, as Peggy and Don - which had decisive moments in the fourth season - to note the brilliant episode The Suitcase. As for the leading men, again, was supporting both Jon Hamm, for the reasons I just stated, and Steve Buscemi, who is tremendous as Nucky Thompson, in Boardwalk Empire. I would also be glad if Hugh Laurie won, because like Don Draper, I think House went through major changes this year, most of them for the best. And yet, Kyle Chandler won. Again, and with all due respect, I don't see what the big deal with Friday Night Lights is. And if this was some kind of pity award for the being the last season, then Carrell should've got one too - but you already know how I feel about that.
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| Mad Men cast: Elizabeth Moss, Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and Cara Buono Boardwalk Empire: Steve Buscemi, Jo Andres and Martin Scorsese |
Martin Scorsese won best directing for the pilot of Boardwalk Empire, haters say it was because of his name, I say it was because that episode was flawless. Finally, the thing that irritated me the most: writing for a drama series. Obviously, all my fingers were crossed for The Suitcase, by Matthew Weiner - I can't say enough good things about it, but I guess just the fact that I remember every minute of that episode it's something to think about (as I remember the previous winners as well, Shut the Door. Have a Seat, and Meditations in an Emergency). But guess who took that Emmy home: Friday Night Lights. I'm gonna try and watch that show again, because clearly I must have missed something. And lastly, outstanding drama series went to Mad Men, for the fourth consecutive time - one for each of its seasons. Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire were fine candidates: Mad Men had, as I said, its best season so far, and Boardwalk Empire had a triumphant first one. So in conclusion: Apart from this last award, the Emmys started with *slight* bang and then slowly turned into a disaster.
For the complete list of winners, visit the Primetime Emmy Awards official website. And now, the usual lady moment: my favorites from the red carpet, and some extras.
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| Lea Michele, Naya Rivera, Nina Dobrev and Evan Rachel Wood. Also of note: Heidi Klum, Jon Hamm, Rob Lowe, John Slattery. |
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| Lead actresses in a comedy series The Lonely Island with Michael Bolton Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel True Blood cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Sam Trammell Elizabeth Moss, Jon Hamm and Matthew Weiner Jon Stewart (pointing at) Jon Hamm |
September 17, 2011
Flare's Favorites: 2011 Emmy Awards
Tomorrow is the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, and you can bet I'll be watching the ceremony, as I do every year. But this year is rather special, for FILMflare will have its first Emmys Report. It's fairly exciting for I'll finally have something to do with all my joys and laments about the nominees and winners.
First of all, let me say that I know almost every single one of the nominated series, however these are a lot of series, so the ones I haven't watched will be followed by an '?'. And if a category is filled with nominees that I don't know, I won't mention it. So this lack of absolute knowledge about all the nominees is one of the reasons why I don't make predictions, but favorites. Also, I'm a disaster at making predictions.
In short, this year I kept the usual special adoration for Mad Men, The Office, Modern Family and Parks and Recreation; new additions include Boardwalk Empire, Mildred Pierce (which I just started watching) and The Kennedys. As for talk shows, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live still keep me up until late at night. I really liked Conan in the beginning, but now I fear it's becoming a bit repetitive. There will be more details in the report.
For the complete list of the nominees, visit the Emmy Awards official website, for the complete list of my favorites, keep reading. And don't forget to watch the Emmys tomorrow!
Meanwhile, in Heaven: Hugh Grant is Back
Loathe him, if you will, but this is great news for your FILMflare author. As you may have noticed, Hugh Grant vanished a couple of years of ago, which for the one year memory span of the average person feels like a lifetime. For a cinephile, however, it is much worse: the year of the disappearance was 2009, and the film was Did You Hear About the Morgans - can you see where this is going? Though Grant has technically been working, one could argue that he pretty much stopped after About a Boy. That was back in 2002. Since then: Two Weeks Notice (2002), nothing of great consequence; Love, Actually (2003), with bothers me a bit for its portrayal of the portuguese people, but oh, well those were some fine dance moves; the not so great sequel to Bridget Jones (2004); a mysterious french film (2005); something that goes beyond my understanding (2006); Music & Lyrics (2008), that looking back seems quite average, but it would require another viewing; and we're back to Jessica Parker.
Question: where is the charming and somewhat peculiar british actor we know from Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mickey Blue Eyes, Bitter Moon? Small Time Crooks, that's Woody Allen, really! Perhaps we could ask where are those films, as well.
But mourn no longer, for Hugh Grant is back. And he is not alone: you can see him in Cloud Atlas, starring with the also rather vanished Tom Hanks. In 2012. October, to be more precise. It's a sci-fi film, not sure what it is about yet, but it's directed by Tom Tykwer (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) and the Wachowski brothers, who directed The Matrix trilogy. So it should be awkward enough.
September 14, 2011
MacGruber (2010)
It's easier to sit through a bad drama than through a bad comedy. While one can laugh at a fake cry, the only response to a bad joke is indifference. MacGruber provides some fair laughs, but overall it's just not funny. Now, I am Saturday Night Live fan, so some laughs came mostly from the reminiscence of Kristen Wiig's characters through her genius body language, and obviously, the MacGruber sketches. In case you are not aware, they are a parody of the popular series, MacGyver. Will Forte plays MacGyver, and Wiig and Rudolph are in the SNL sketches as well. Their quite funny, but I suppose you have to know the 80's series to find it truly entertaining - for now you should just know that he could do ridiculous things with only a few random objects.
So nothing wrong with the acting, they actually did plenty with such a poor script - something I really don't get because the writers are the same ones that write the SNL sketches. Well, I suppose that's precisely the point, after all, a sketch is not a film. But anyway, in MacGruber they had plenty of opportunities to do a classic MacGyver parody - like when he distracted the guards with a bunch of apparently useless objects - and yet as the scene unfolds, it's utterly disappointing. In fact this is the main feeling one gets throughout most of the film, sadly.
September 13, 2011
List of Shame #9 | The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Starring JODIE FOSTER and ANTHONY HOPKINS
Psychological thrillers are still one of my favorite genres, and The Silence of the Lambs went right to the top of my favorite films. It was nothing like I expected though. I thought that they would still be trying to catch Hannibal, and not using him to better comprehend another killer, one of his patients. But seeing him already in prison doesn't diminish in any way the frightening aspect of it all. In fact, it provides the opportunity to enhance it - and they didn't miss it, in the so skillfully written and performed conversations between Hannibal and Clarice. With each interaction between the two characters, Hannibal's twisted mind is gradually unveiled, and what is truly disturbing is not his madness, or perversity, but his state of utter calm, and most of all, his intelligence - for that is the highest element of danger.
It's a genius game: Clarice turns to him, trying to get the information for another case; and Hannibal, being a former psychiatrist and undoubtedly clever, traces her psychological profile, through subtile manipulations. As he presents himself unsettlingly balanced and educated, and gets closer to her, through his machinations, the most peculiar relationship is formed when affection arises. A very tricky subject that requires the utmost care. And this is where Jodie Foster steps in. I doubt that I have ever seen a more splendidly nuanced performance by a woman - she plays the tough/insecure paradox with such mastery, it's unbelievable. And together with Anthony Hopkins, they make the absolute best of those scenes. Anyone who has seen Hopkins portray Hannibal can never look at him without being taken back to this performance. His wavering speech rhythm, the accentuated pronunciation of the s sounds, that hiss, are so haunting that when you hear it again ten years later in the sequel (or in my case, the prequel), you immediately identify it.
True Blood: Season Four
It's not uncommon to think that the latest season is always the best, in every way. If the plot didn't improve, you sure can bet on everyone involved getting more attractive. True Blood had a explosive start and kept raising the bar higher with each episode. In every way. Each season has its own issues for the characters to solve. Season four was marked by evil fairies and confused witches, a brain damaged Eric (as Bill so affectionately said), Sam's lost younger brother Tommy, Jason's new true love Jessica, Alcide's wolfpack, and just too many other things to count. It's unbelievable what True Blood can do with just twelve episodes per season. Sure, they have nearly an hour each, but few other series on current television have such a complex, yet perfectly comprehensible storyline. The characters are many, and every single one of them has its own sub-plot, ever evolving. It skillfully blends genres whilst maintaining a quality standard, both visual and intellectual. You may not appreciate the theme, you may even think that it is too violent, too graphic, too rude - but you can't deny its excellence.
If anything, season four was the one that better embodied the true meaning of suspense. Each episode started with the feeling of expectation left by the previous one, and evolved in a web of thrills that seemed to solve the matter at hand, until the last minute, when another issue rises and leaves you with the biggest cliffhanger imaginable. Problem is, that also happened in the final episode - and season five won't premier until June 2012.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN
Russel Edgington is walking amongst the living again. I knew they should've killed him
Reverend Newlin, who is now a vampire, and appears to have added revenge to his craziness, is also back.
Things between Jessica and Jason will get complicated.
WHAT MAY HAPPEN
Something weird and awkward between Sookie and Alcide, that may evolve into something sweet, but doomed for sure. Also, I bet she blowing-up Debbie's face won't help.
Tara won't die, she just can't. Let me believe it was just a huge scratch.
Terry may go insane, just like Rene's ghost said. He's one of my favorites, so it should be interesting.
Bill and Eric... can it last? Meh. As for the love triangle, Sookie said it best: what a mess. I really have no idea how that can be solved. Unless one of them dies. But then it's boring, so no.
And at last, Andy may finally rest.
The following is a video with one of the final scenes - you can see with what notion of vampire True Blood deals with, and also get a glimpse at the amazing visuals and attention to detail. If you're interested in seeing some amazing screencaps and touching moments, keep reading. I barely made any enhancements. To note the last one, and Bill's face in the third - if you're aware of the context, you may agree it is precious.
September 11, 2011
Report: 68th Venice Film Festival
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| Aronofsky, Ahtila, Martone, Téchiné, Rohrwacher, Byrne and Haynes - the jury |
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| Aleksander Sokurov and Michael Fassbender |
This is may be a little bit copy-paste-shame. But I'll make up for you with large, gorgeous pics of dashing human beings.
It's rather hard to keep-up with film festivals, in the sense that most of the movies involved haven't premiered yet, much less released on dvd, even when the winners are announced. So unless one attended the festival, like I gladly do when they're in Portugal, there's really not much to say. Therefore, all that lies ahead is solely based on what I could gather from the scarce trailers, interviews, and articles available, which combined leave a vague opinion that resembles more expectations rather then arguments. Before I proceed, allow me to confess that I don't know most of the filmmakers and actors that entered this competition. Some of the films at hand were largely advertised everywhere, like Tomas Alfredson's TINKER, TAYLOR, SOLDIER, SPY, George Clooney's THE IDES OF MARCH, David Cronenberg's A DANGEROUS METHOD, and Polanski's CARNAGE. All of them with stellar casts, respectively Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy and John Hurt; Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood; Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassel and Keira Knightley; Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly - something you probably already knew.
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| the cast of: A Dangerous Method, Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy and The Ides of March |
These are the ones I'll run to the theatre for, as soon as they premier. Any of the others, I don't have much hope that they will ever premier, so I'll wait for alternative methods of viewing. The others being: WUTHERING HEIGHTS (won best cinematography), directed by Andrea Arnolds, someone I'm keeping an eye on, happily and with reasons for it, as you can gather from my review of Fish Tank; TEXAS KILLING FIELDS, that has a fairly promising trailer and cast, particularly (and the reason why I want to watch it) Jessica Chastain, who as you may recall was uniquely alluring at he hands of Malick, in The Tree of Life. UN ÊTE BRÛLANT, directed by Philippe Garrel, said to resonate Godard (we'll see), and starring Monica Bellucci; SHAME, perhaps also well-known, again with Michael Fassbender (who won best actor), this time directed by Steve McQueen - you may know him, like I do, from his impressive directing debut, Hunger (also with Fassbender, I know, he's everywhere) - and starring Carey Mulligan as well; and of course the russian FAUST, winner of the Golden Lion. According to the director, Aleksander Sokurov, it is the final installment of a cinematic tetralogy on the nature of power, so it may be worth watching Molokh (1999), Telec (2000), and Solnzte (2005), before Faust, if you haven't already, to better comprehend this director. It's a shame that I can't find the trailers for many of the other films, for consequently I can't speak about them.
Also worth mentioning are the only films in the Orizzonti category that I've heard of: SAL, directed by James Franco, about the last hours of the actor Sal Mineo; and two portuguese films, PALÁCIOS DE PENA, directed by Gabriel Abrantes and Daniel Schmidt, about a culturally inherited fear in Portugal, linked to political and social oppression during the Inquisition and Fascism; and CISNE, directed by Teresa Villaverde. As for the non-competitors, it looks like it's worth checking out: MILDRED PIERCE, yet another HBO mini-series that seems promissing, directed by Todd Haynes (I'm Not There) and starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood and Melissa Leo; Madonna's W.E., just to check if what some say it's true - and try not to be prejudiced about it; EVA, by Kyke Maillo, and with the promising Daniel Brühl; WILDE SALOME, directed by Al Pacino (who won the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmaker Award), starring himself and Jessica Chastain; and the vastly advertised CONTAGION, directed by Steven Soderbergh, and starring Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne.
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| Evan Rachel Wood, Guy Pearce and Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain, Wilde Salome |
Concerning the winners, I must say only that I'm glad, as always, to see such an eclectic list, that according to most was pretty fair. Tip of my modest hat for Al Pacino, Andrea Arnold, Steve McQueen and Michael Fassbender - who, allow me this, has an impressive career so far, being involved - with a few exceptions - in successively great films, and delivering fine performances.
For the complete list of winners in all the categories visit the Biennale di Venezia official website.
Now let me have a lady moment, with the following aesthetic appreciation of style:
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| Keira Knightley, George Clooney and Evan Rachel Wood |
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| Monica Bellucci and Keira Knightley |
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| James Franco and Michael Fassbender |
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| Christoph Waltz and Viggo Mortensen |
September 4, 2011
Unscripted: Late Summer Neurosis
A few weeks ago I wrote on the sidebar that I wouldn't be posting much until late September. This is because summer isn't over for me until then. Being the first year of college, we need to wait until admission results are out, then enroll, then have the welcome to college week, etc etc - meaning classes only start in October. Ridiculous, I know. Anyway, I'm enjoying summertime, and writing this post so that you know I haven't given up on FILMflare, far from it. In fact that brings me to the next topic at hand. As you may be aware, I started this blog some months ago, in the midst of a college frenzy. Since then, it has been a kind of canvas for me. For as you may also be aware, I like to play around on photoshop. Add that to and ever-changing and perfectionist mind, and you got a pretty volatile cocktail, borderline neurosis. Thankfully, it only happens until I find my way, and I believe I'm getting close, haha! Either way, by the time classes start, it will all be done. Design and content, organized and oriented. So for now, of the few of you, I only ask for understanding, if you're bothered by this sort of thing. (update: I think I got it!)
But even though it's summertime, I've been watching a lot of films lately ( because it's been raining a lot, in August, imagine that) including one that some of you have reviewed recently, The Tree of Life. I watched it about a month ago, and still can't write a word about it. I loved it, that's not the problem. Cliché ahead: watching it in the theater was truly a unique visual experience, and it just let me speechless, in the most literal sense of the word. So I'll watch it again, and see if I can say something about it, besides saying that I don't know what to say.
In conclusion, I'm still here, I hope all is well, and see you in October in a few weeks!