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Don't Look Up (2021)
A Well Crafted Movie
"Don't Look Up" (2021), skilfully directed by Adam McKay, stands out as a brilliantly crafted film. The Impressive performances by Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Mark Rylance, coupled with the engaging narrative, and well made VFX/ motion graphics (that particularly caught my attention) showcase the director's exceptional skill and the talent of the entire crew.
As for its Oscar nomination, it is well-deserved.
In conclusion, The movie offers a gripping narrative, exceptional performances, and stunning visual elements that make it a must-watch.
I really enjoyed it!
Magnolia (1999)
A Noble Attempt at Symbolism
"Magnolia" is a film that attempts to channel the spirit of the legendary director Stanley Kubrick, known for his mastery of symbolism and symbolic cinema. As a fan of Kubrick, Paul Thomas Anderson takes on the challenge of weaving intricate narratives, employing symbolism to convey deeper meanings.
The attempt to emulate Kubrick's symbolic style is ambitious, and while there are moments that reflect this influence, the film doesn't quite reach the same level of mastery.
One of the film's strengths lies in its seamless transition between various storylines. The editing is commendable, creating a fluidity that connects the characters and their diverse narratives. The ensemble cast, for the most part, delivers strong performances, showcasing their acting prowess.
The film, however, falls short of eliciting the emotional impact that one might expect from such a complex narrative. Despite the commendable performances, the characters' stories left me feeling somewhat detached. The emotional depth I anticipated was hindered by the overwhelming complexity of the intertwining plotlines, making it challenging to fully connect with the characters on a profound level.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
There Will Always Be Kubrick
Now i understand why Paul Thomas Anderson once said We're all children of Kubrick, aren't we? Is there anything you can do that he hasn't done?
"There Will Be Blood," is a remarkable cinematic achievement that skillfully channels the spirit of legendary director Stanley Kubrick.
From the very first scene, it becomes apparent that Anderson has drawn inspiration from Kubrick's artistic sensibilities. The power of silence (near 15 minutes in the opening), the use of symmetrical shots, framing, the psyche of its protagonist, the use of music and a relentless attention to detail all echo that Kubrick is the teacher.
Not forgetting to mention the killing with the bowling pin scene, which is a great Stanley Kubrick reference, reminding us of the iconic "2001: A Space Odyssey" scene. That represents the inherent violence in human nature.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
A Cinematic Work of Symbolism
"A Clockwork Orange," directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, stands as a remarkable testament to the power of symbolism in cinema. Kubrick's genius is on full display as he skillfully translates intricate symbolic elements onto the big screen, inviting audiences to delve into a dark and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and societal control.
While "A Clockwork Orange" might not evoke the conventional range of emotions that many films do, it undeniably demands attention and contemplation. It's a film that isn't meant to be simply watched.
Watching "A Clockwork Orange" at least once in a lifetime is an experience that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on anyone willing to brave its intellectual and emotional depths.
Barry Lyndon (1975)
A Cinematic Canvas
As always in Stanley Kubrick's films, "Barry Lyndon" is not a conventional film by any means. Kubrick painted each frame of "Barry Lyndon" as if it were many works of art. The use of natural light, inspired by 18th-century painters, adds an ethereal quality to the film. Many scenes appear as if lifted from classic paintings that require a lot of the viewer's patience to absorb the beauty of the frames. The color harmony, composition, form, texture, and emotional resonance are all meticulously crafted to transport the audience into the artistic world of the film.
"Barry Lyndon" offers-a painting come to life that leaves a lasting imprint on the canvas of cinematic history.
Al Zind: Thi'b Al Assi (2023)
Unraveling Threads
Al Zind started off with a promising narrative but gradually lost its cohesion and storytelling strength. It experienced a decline in its narrative coherence, with elements of randomness and inconsistency becoming more prominent, especially after its first episodes and specifically around the fifth episode.
Certain scenes were introduced with a burst of energy and spectacle, only to fizzle out later without any significant presence in the unfolding dramatic events. The overall characteristic was an erratic transition from place to place and event to event, lacking a clear or convincing transition. It's as if each episode of the series began to resemble a collection of disconnected sketches rather than a cohesive, well-structured narrative as seen in its early episodes. Additionally, there were noticeable technical flaws in the editing and transitions between scenes.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Captivating Discomfort
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is absolutely a cinematic masterpiece that defies the boundaries of time and genre, leaving an indelible mark on both film history and the psyche of its viewers. The experience of watching this film is far from intense or violent, yet it possesses an unparalleled ability to leave a deep and lasting impact on its audience. For me, it was a journey that left me both fascinated and uncomfortable, a testament to the profound craftsmanship of director Stanley Kubrick.
"2001: A Space Odyssey" manages to evoke my sense of unease in a truly unique way. Its deliberate pacing, coupled with visuals, creates an atmosphere that slowly seeps into your consciousness, unsettling you at your core. The film's ability to evoke such a response is a testament to its power and brilliance.
There were moments that genuinely scared me. The average shot lengths and the deliberate pacing and rhythms of the film contribute to an unsettling sensation that can be likened to cosmic horror. Scenes stretch out, allowing the vastness of space and the unknown to loom large, intensifying the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. The long, contemplative shots draw you into an otherworldly realm, evoking a sense of insignificance in the face of the cosmos.
Watching this film, it's almost inconceivable that it was created in the the sixties. The futuristic vision, the crafted space environments, and the innovative use of special effects are nothing short of groundbreaking. The attention to detail in every frame is outstanding, demonstrating Stanley Kubrick's unwavering dedication to his craft. I don't want to delve into the Mise-en-scène of the this film, because it's indeed worthy of a book-length analysis.
Stanley Kubrick's genius shines through in his ability to transform a philosophical narrative into a surrealistic journey. The film's narrative structure is deliberately enigmatic, allowing each viewer to interpret its themes and messages in their own way. The journey of the monoliths, the evolution of mankind, and the enigmatic HAL 9000 computer all contribute to a narrative tapestry that is simultaneously perplexing and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "2001: A Space Odyssey" is a cinematic achievement that transcends time and genre. Its ability to evoke discomfort and fascination in equal measure speaks to its storytelling prowess. Stanley Kubrick's visionary direction and the film's philosophical depth make it a true gem of cinema history. This is not just a movie; it's an experience that will leave you pondering its themes long after the credits roll.
Day of the Fight (1951)
Ahead of Its Time
"Day of the Fight" (1951) is the first old short film I've ever watched, and my curiosity led me to explore the genius of director Stanley Kubrick. From the very beginning, I was captivated by how he skillfully delved into the minds of the characters, conveying their feelings through powerful imagery. What struck me most about this short movie was its remarkably forward-thinking nature, demonstrating Kubrick's artistic brilliance even in his early works.
One of the aspects that impressed me greatly was the top view shot of the boxer's equipment. It felt like a concept taken from contemporary photography, a testament to Kubrick's talent as a visionary artist. Knowing that Kubrick's roots were in photography, it comes as no surprise that he was able to bring such an innovative perspective to film.
The layering in Kubrick's compositions added depth and intrigue to the storytelling. The shot of a boxer on his stool from beneath the stool of his opponent, for instance, was a clever technique that offered a unique visual perspective, heightening the tension between the characters. Moreover, his use of ropes in shots demonstrated a profound understanding of spatial dynamics, resulting in breathtaking compositions that worked both in still images and in motion.
While "Day of the Fight" is a short film, it serves as a glimpse into the vast playbook of this cinematic genius. Despite its brevity, the film encapsulates Kubrick's ability to captivate audiences and weave compelling narratives even in a limited timeframe. It is evident that even in his early career, Kubrick possessed a remarkable talent that would later solidify his place as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema.
Fire on Fire (2023)
A Nice Concept Lost in the Director's Misdirection
I approached the series with great anticipation, eager to explore its source of inspiration, "The Merchant of Venice," translated into the a television series. However, as the story unfolded, the series stumbled at its starting point, and it became apparent that the director bore the brunt of its shortcomings. From the onset, the project failed to maintain its initial promise, and a downward trajectory began to manifest in the subsequent episodes.
The blame lies squarely with the director, who allowed numerous non-essential shots to mar the flow of the plot, devoid of any significant meaning or purpose. The series grappled with a lack of logic, undermining its potential for a compelling narrative and giving the right time and space for the characters development. Though the series boasted a talented ensemble of actors, the director's inadequacies in guiding their performances were evident. While some characters displayed potential for growth, the overall lack of conviction in their development diminished their impact. It became apparent that the director failed to allocate sufficient time and space to explore the intricacies of each character fully.
The series held promise with its underlying narrative, but the dialogue, screenplay, and scenarios appeared tainted by disparate contributions from a group of writers. This struggle in direction hampered the overall cohesion and led to a disconnect between the narrative's potential and its realization on screen.
It is commendable how the writer successfully adapted the idea of "The Merchant of Venice." into an Syrian-Lebanese television series. However, the director's lack of attention to artistic perspective is glaring. Pre-production research and meticulous planning are essential for a logical and artistically enriching execution. The director's hasty approach allowed for a plethora of ideas to be introduced, many of which felt incongruous and nonsensical.
Despite its shortcomings, Fire with Fire managed to salvage some redemption in its final episodes. It was evident that more care and professionalism were invested in the latter part of the series.
Breaking Bones (Kaser Adem) (2022)
Corruption without drama
There is nothing to be praised in this series except for the camera frames, shooting angles and some scenes whose success reason was the acting performance.
The storytelling of the series is very bad and its plot could not be more ridiculous than what I have seen.
I don't want to talk about the sound in the series because it was extremely bad, the sound mixing and the sound editing was the worst part of the whole work and I don't want to talk about the soundtracks that reduced the impact of the scene on the viewer, It was one of the weaknesses of the series.
Qaid Majhol (2021)
A renewed experience
The technical aspects of this work made it distinct from the rest of the Syrian or Arab (drama) series works in general (Directing, Cinematography (camera movement, camera angles, lighting, and framing) with a good soundtrack.
The acting was mostly good with flaws that came from the storytelling, that's why the story or its incompleteness was the gap in this work.