Change Your Image
FreeFallAnnie
Which is a way of saying, they are my opinion and analysis.
Often individuals have their own interpretation of the world - who am I to say what to see?
I hope to offer comments that help enrich ideas of the film and get you thinking. I love reading reviews doing the same.
If that fails, I use IMDB as a way to track my 'Medialogue' (personal dialogue with media) as well as contribute reviews (which are critiques of skills and knowledge I am personally working on). I curate areas I am interested in logging as learning. Maybe others will be interested? Maybe not.
Then again, my brother is always telling me, "it's not that deep."
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againA way of considering complexity is using layers as subspaces (planes - like categories). This list goes through and does so, masterfully in some cases.
The long term project is to have each with a review sharing my thoughts on the form they have taken to share complexity. This will lead to a collection of examples I can use.
If you are interested in taking this viewpoint, when watching any of the following, consider:
- What points are being created?
- How are they connected?
- How does this impact the story?
- What is the effect?
- How does the TV Show/ Movie create multiple layers?
When considering this you could think of...
Time: as the anchor, the manipulation and overlay of time e.g. nonlinear timelines, in the list Class of '09 or One Day
Space: the overlay of space, importance of place e.g. in Everything Everywhere All At once, or the Matrix. Both offered different version of the same space/place.
Energy: I consider this the frameworks evoked, i.e. the structure like documentaries vs horror. An example of a switch in this case is in Disturbia (2007) which I thought was comedic, then thriller-like.
Matter: This includes variations of the content itself. E.g. the Spidey-verse, or Kaleidoscope (an example of order effects).
The collection here are episodes, and movies delving into how to create meaning and story.
Ways these films do this:
- challenges biases
- shows the world from another's point of view
- has the character question their world
- intertwines character stories
- creates a connection between worlds
This often has a way of creating a space of empathy, and understanding for a different way of seeing the world.
My brother had less interest, and as we got older, he found other things to do. Regardless, my dad and I carried on the Friday Night Movie Night ritual.
Netflix introduced choice paralysis. Instead of a selection of three overnights, there became a seemingly endless array of entertainment - all of them available for the foreseeable future.
We stopped watching movies, and started spending the evenings browsing and arguing over which one to watch. Our slight difference of opinion - previously solved by how long the pizza took while we were at the video store - became the evening's genre.
As my dad got sicker, he wasn't able to watch more than one, and our choices stopped being made.
This list is a small collection of the movies my dad wanted to watch with me, but I was always after a better option, "Let's just check *insert streaming service*".
I wish I knew then, what I know now. I would happily sacrifice my movie preferences to hear my dad's thoughts and opinions... on anything. That really was the good part.
The Wonder here is: How can we/ do we connect to technology?
In the list provided I am curious....
- How has the connection between humans and technology been portrayed?
- What systems are in play? How do they work? Are they effective or/and efficient? Why/why not?
- What is the attitude towards systems (the processes in place)? In the cue, what has led to this attitude?
It makes me curious...
How am I connected to technology?
- What do I think about the attitudes, systems, and relationships with technology?
- Why do I think that is?
- What is one thing I do not fully understand that can help you reflect on your own knowledge, skills or experiences?
I hope you enjoy your viewing. These are suggestions to assist in gaining insight from your everyday viewing.
Not a prescription.
These shows play with the idea of certainty and in a world full of accuracy and measurement, question - what is the point? What is the design? The grand plan?
They own the space of suggesting that we don't know.
My conclusion of it all is there is a very "which way is up?" Story shape where the characters develop to accept this as life.
Reviews
Entergalactic (2022)
Smooth Transitions
They say user design done well is when the user doesn't feel disconnected from what they are aiming to do.
With film, I translate this to be - the viewer shouldn't feel disconnected due to the design of the piece.
It's an art form.
And on the whole, unless you're looking for it - there is an invisibility to this kind of artistry.
I felt this way with 'Entergalactic'.
Of particular note, were the transitions. They were insanely well orchestrated and smoothly fit into the flow of this piece - which was designed for flow.
The first two piqued my interest - FedEx and dropping the Fed to title the chapter 'The Ex'. Then there was the next chapter title that became a record title of the vinyl's Jabari was flipping through.
A favourite was when a jumper with words on it dropped off and the words were left on the screen for impression.
The transitions didn't just happen with words. But with music too.
There is a scene where one apartment's lights go out to a beat in the song, then on the next beat the apartment next door's lights go out.
This gave me feels.
Lastly, considering this was almost an anthology, I was looking at the stories within stories.
I recently watched Playing it Cool and it had stories within stories done in a similar form.
Have the character talk with another character, who tells a story which is woven into the story simply by being mentioned.
It's a cool technique that adds complexity simply.
Overall, the form of 'Entergalactic' was beautifully crafted and I enjoyed the details.
Playing It Cool (2014)
Surprisingly Layered
The reviews are focusing on the content, and this makes perfect sense to do. Read those reviews for more information about the content.
I am considering this film for the shape it took and how that impacted me as a viewer.
What I found interesting and watch-worthy was the use of foreshadowing and the interwoven characters set-up from the beginning.
At the beginning of the film, the protagonist/narrator (Chris Evans) gives a spiel about being able to imagine himself in the stories of others.
This is followed by a montage of him in various roles, including an astronaut, a person from the navy, a woman, and other layers of characters.
The structuring set-up for the rest of the movie as each character made an appearance for a short story, often told by the narrator's eclectic friends and family.
This meant different types of genres could be introduced in a way that didn't detract from the main story. Stories within stories! (I think that's cool).
I like this threading, which could be considered to be, inspiring content for his romance screen play, where the characters had multiple personalities.
Another aspect I enjoyed as a viewer, was the voice over. Any movie with internal dialogue gets my interest. I find this layering of information adds to the dynamic impact of the scenes. Creating a multidimensional effect that is tied together for that moment.
For these reasons, I really did enjoy the movie's shape and am considering where else uses these effects well?
The movie 'The Details' comes to mind. Where the protagonist introduces various random objects that are all connected with the story. - Thinking to myself here, I like this for a presentation technique.
King Deo Raendeu (2023)
Gives me a Toothache thinking about it.
I don't write reviews for everything I watch, but I felt with the low ratings, I might offer a perspective.
I haven't seen many Korean romcoms - maybe I don't know any better - but King the Land made for the most delightful viewing experience.
It has things I love (which many dislike):
- cliche - slapstick - the oddest of sound effects - slow motion romance scenes - clean fun - adorableness - ridiculous situations
Also.
What I saw was an incredible role modelling of what it's like to be in customer service and how hard you can work to ensure each customer has a positive experience.
Initially the male character is perplexed by how hard our female lead works to a high level of excellence. This is slowly transformed through seeing how they truly love their work.
A point a review made was for the lack of cultural sensitivity. I can try to understand this view, but I honestly found the character they were referring to, to be lovable. That they are one of the only friends the male lead has, to me, tells me there is respect there (though playing into stereotypes - as they say perpetuating negative concepts - possibly would have been better playing into tropes instead... the character could have been from anywhere).
Then there are the friends and family. Their support and love for one another is a mark of unconditional love and I enjoyed each of their stories. The only character not showing the love the others do is the male character's sister. Who has her own deal going on.
The female lead has an opinion, and while she takes a while to figure out what she wants from life, she does so in her own way - not paying attention to the naysayers - really she was going along doing her own thing and the story happened to her until she took charge. I loved this plot.
I also honestly love the corny nature of the show was sucked into each episode making my hands into a heart shape to place around the characters -
- it was that sweet.
Blue Period (2021)
Not what I wanted; what I needed.
This title had a 64% match rating from the Netflix algorithm. I know some people love how they can tailor their content, but I am curious as to what lays out of my current scope.
I am so glad I ventured.
My interest started slow but gained traction as I began to consider the amount of metacognition involved in the stream of consciousness narration. This alone made it a gem.
To have a character expressing their thoughts and reasoning for actions, to have it modeled how an individual can have their mind made up, then change it - well. It blows me away at how human this anime is.
This truly demonstrates the complexity of humanity. The various characters have depth and are each their own work of art, sculpted by the team who put this together.
This leaves out the incredibly helpful art advice and activities throughout. Honestly, Blue Period doubles as art class for the viewer. If you are paying attention, you can pick up an artist's way of seeing the world, and try it on for yourself, if only through osmosis of the first person narration.
Lastly, I have been working through similar thoughts while writing, and in the very last episode, at the very end, was struck by an epiphany - inspiring me - which is why I sit here now writing this review.
The Netflix algorithm was accurate. This show wasn't what I usually desire. It's not a show that would have me binge it in one sitting. It's so much more. It made me want to get up. To digest the episodes in smaller bites. To connect with the content.
It's a show I didn't know I needed.
I hope you enjoy this treasure.
Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto (2023)
Good Vibes
Akira is an incredibly and ridiculously positive energy vibe giving character. After being drained of life at an exploitive company facing a zombie outbreak is a gift; and he treats it as such.
The surprisingly upbeat violent anime uses splatters of colourful paint as blood.
I have mixed feelings.
In one moment characters are being torn to shreds, in another Akira is writing a bucket list with items such as a big screen tv.
His positivity is challenged by a character he meets early on who finds him frivolous, but perhaps it is his nature helping him to survive the outbreak.
Personally, I'm watching it as a way to cultivate wholesome feelings and good vibes. It's working.
Good Chemistry: The Story of Elemental (2023)
Into the Hidden Layers of Elemental
Peter Sohn shares how his story has been woven into Elemental.
These hidden layers share how his life as the son of immigrants influenced the storyline and characters (a Pixar love story about a fire character, Ember, and water character, Wade, who fall in love).
Peter shares his story of growing up, his parents owned a grocery store, eventually moving on to owning an art store. They didn't approve of his choice of loving art (though they came around to it when his father in owning the art store, met artists who made a living from the profession). Peter follows his passion and comes to work at Pixar, where he progressively takes on bigger projects, up to Elemental.
Sputtered throughout is how Peter came to understand xenophobia as a child, the pressure of the family business, the barrier of language, love, and connection to community.
These are all reflected in Elemental.
Which is true to Pixar films.
A beautiful documentary!
I, Robot (2004)
Comment on the Relationship between Humans & Tech
There are many reviews looking at the plot. This one here will consider, what are a few relationships between humans and technology in i, Robot?
Three connections in particular got me.
1. Del Spooner's persistent claim that robots are NOT better than humans.
2. The conundrum of logic or emotion?
3. And - instructions matter.
Throughout the film Will Smiths character makes comments about robots replacing humanity.
For example, bringing up the advertisement for the company making the robots. A carpenter can make a beautiful chair, but the robot does it faster. How this takes away from the 'little guys'.
At another moment, expressing his anger - "What makes them...robots... so goddamn much better then human beings?"
His emotion is balanced by the company's staff member who "makes the robots seem more human."
Which is funny, because she is the logical counter to Spooner's emotions.
The beauty comes from Sonny though, who is sentient - using both logic and having learned emotion.
"Do you not see the logic of my plan?"
Sonny replies - "I do, but it seems... heartless."
The characters really flip to become more emotional... which I believe the film is portraying as the 'human' element.
Backed up by the statement - we were "a slave to logic."
Lastly, because it's pertinent to the release of the ChatGPT - instructions matter.
Consistently we see the implications of constraints that are put in, misinterpreted, do not give the required information because the instruction was not clear, or logic wins out.
For example the hologram left by the doctor repeats.
"I'm sorry, my responses are limited. You must ask the right question."
Wasn't that just a precursor to ChatGPT? :P
Overall, I think it points out the flaws with trusting a system blindly, without considering the programming that goes into it.
While, overly logical is as extreme as overly emotional - there can be a balance.
I recommend as a good place for reflection on technology, humans, what each mean.
Not to mention the action scenes are pretty awesome....
For further reflection:
Check out Wall. E - for a child friendly cue for how dependent we could become on on technology;
Or Chappie for a mature audience version of raising a robot child as a gangster and the ethical implications.
Wonder Wheel (2017)
A Treasure Hunt for Playful Symbolism
TL; DR
When watching - assign Ginny the colour red, and Carolina the colour blue.
Okay so.
Many other reviews will let you know the plot, acting, director, etc. I suggest reading at least one of those before this review.
I wish to delve into how the movie is wholly a playful construction of Mickey's imaginings and offer a theory of what it could be about.
Because of how rich this film is, I will point out a main key to unlock a, perhaps, new perspective - hopefully, this is of interest to you. I found it fascinating.
Onward.
Mickey, the narrator and love interest of Ginny and Carolina, tells us within the first 10 minutes he dreams of being a playwright, and how he loves symbolism.
This immediately tweaked my attention. I watched the film back-to-back, enjoying the first viewing, but knowing there was more under the surface. The second time, I was free to observe, to seek out the symbolism I knew was there - because the narrator told us it was.
And what did I find?
I had this inkling about the names of the women, Ginny, and Carolina.
In only one scene is Ginny called by her full title, Virginia.
Huh.
Based on the premise - this film is purposefully constructed - this is done intentionally. As, again, Mickey told us he loves his symbolism.
I recognised both names were places, I searched them up.
This I found to be a key for WonderWheel unlocking a treasure trove, for me.
The flags of Carolina and Virginia match the cinematography choices.
Better yet, on Wikipedia Carolina vs Virginia is known as the 'South's Oldest Rivalry'.
Then, my favourite, showing this is indeed, by now, what I consider to be purposefully playful - Ginny wears purple twice. At the start, the purple is vibrant - at the end, pale.
In one of the end scenes she begs another character to stab her - referencing "like in a Greek tragedy".
You only have to look at the Virginia flag to see the significance.
This review leaves out the music choices, the foreshadowing including the pizza joint next to the undertaker, the references of the oyster and the clam.
When you assign Ginny the colour red, and Virginia blue - there is a whole other layer.
Honestly, I find the film incredibly rich... 'cause I love this kind of stuff.
Which brings me to my theory
- it's about a man who is trying to decide which university to go to and is weighing up the 'logical' choice with his 'dream'.
So, yeah. I enjoyed it.
Disliked the painted villainy of the older female, and innocence of the younger woman placed on the pedestal. I question whether it is morally right to watch Woody Allen films.
But, yeah, it was a playful romp to me.
Gekijouban Violet Evergarden (2020)
A Testament to the Power of Words
Violet Evergarden was used as a 'tool' for destruction during the war but learns love, empathy, and humanity through transcribing the stories of people who are unable to communicate them themselves.
She does this for a company as - what is called - a Doll.
In the series you see her evolve and learn from those around her, with the haunting of her past and an important person in her life who uttered words she spends the series striving to understand.
It opened my eyes to the gift of stories, of having the language to express yourself and how connection to life (and people) around you is what gives meaning... to the words written.
This movie can be treated as individual piece, and is what got me to the series. But I recommend the investment in the other pieces too.
Overall, together, they are beautiful, delightful, and, for me, insightful.
Lucy (2014)
Measure of Sight, Not of Things
In a meeting today I mentioned spacetime diagrams and my word vomit had a meeting member suggest Lucy.
I had seen Lucy a few years prior, I enjoy science fiction and the idea that, as humans we have the capacity to mould our own minds, deeply entertained my thought space.
Also, this week I listened to a podcast on curiosity through the lens of complexity. They use a scale which I believe is applicable here.
For accuracy to occur there needs to be a high level of cognition. While inaccuracy aids lower cognitive tasks.
In the podcast, Dani and Perry mention that people strive to strike a balance between the two ends of the scale, yet there is often a sacrifice for one to the other.
Lucy aims to strike a balance where we are able to understand the deeper concepts being presented - such as the time continuum, scale, data, really - quantum thinking.
The sacrifice of accuracy allows for an enjoyable watch with themes that had a 'light' way of having me question the purpose of life, knowledge, and time.
"If you're asking what to do with all this knowledge you've accumulated I'd say, pass it on, just like any simple cell going through time."
Professor Norman played by Morgan Freeman.
Had me like - woah - let me write that down.
Not to mention that the script took 9 years to complete. As someone who creates things and stuff, it's nice to have this information included. I appreciate this vision was pushed and brought to life.
Overall, watching the second time around served as a reminder to share what you observe, to be able to connect to the timeline in the physical world.