Archive for the 'Poll' Category
Friday, March 5th, 2010
POLL: The Mist
(contains bloody great big spoilers for the film adaptation of THE MIST and Stephen King’s novella)
Having second-thoughts about the opening scene for my own horror screenplay, I asked on facebook last week what people’s favourite opening scenes for a horror movie was. Amid the usual suspects of Jaws, Scream, Hellraiser and Candyman (my suggestion – love that film!) the subject of The Mist raised its head – specifically, its ending. I don’t want to single my friend on facebook out (Hi Beth! 
) as I’ve had myriad film conversations where hatred for The Mist’s harsh ending has suddenly dominated and been fiercely argued. I’ve yet to meet someone who is clinging to the fence.
Personally, I love it. Not because innocent characters die needlessly but I think it’s a perfect resolution to everything that has come before. To me, the whole film is about being overprotective. The metaphor for the erosion of civil liberties is pretty crass in places earlier in the film and I think it’s easy to see where Frank Darabont’s allegiances lie but, after all the zealotry on display throughout the film, the notion that it’s better we kill each other now to prevent a potential horror down the line is very powerful. But nuts to political allegory, I was moved by the tragedy of our main character trying to do the right thing - but in vain. Heart-breaking.
The original novella ends differently. David and co drive away from the supermarket as in the film but find nothing but death and monsters. Through the crackle of static on the radio, they make out the single word ‘Hartford’. Unsure, with this brief glimmer of hope, they set off for Hartford – not knowing whether safety or danger awaits them. Not bad at all but, in cinematic terms, would this have led to an even bigger no-no…the AMBIGUOUS ENDING!! (something I often get told off for)
So I don’t get the hatred. Especially hatred for the ending like it’s some separate entity from the rest of the film. How would you have ended it differently? Should the story not have been told at all? If you do like the film, do you like it for similar reasons to me?
Soooo…The Mist. Discuss 
Loading ...Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
POLL: Batman Begins vs. The Dark Knight
An important topic, I know. The Dark Knight made more than twice as much as Batman Begins at the box office and TDK received 100% approval from top critics on Rotten Tomatoes where BB received a ‘mere’ 83%. But, while in several aspects, The Dark Knight was superior, re-watching Batman Begins last week made me think that maybe the first film was actually the more complete, solid story.
Sequels generally gain bigger audiences as more people find themselves drawn to the bandwagon. Equally, the more popular something becomes the more alluring the backlash bandwagon becomes as well. When a film is not actually the best thing in the world ever, as some critics seemed to claim, then it’s easy to feel let down - even if it’s because a film turns out to be a four-star film rather than a five-star film.
From a nerdy writer point of view, I think Batman Begins had a more cohesive story but with clunkier moments of dialogue whereas The Dark Knight had a much livelier, funnier and more emotive script but with a story that struggled to do too much. But let’s get down to brass tacks…
I’m sure a number of people reading this will argue that surely Heath Ledger steals the show in The Dark Knight. I agree - however, you could also argue that this is to the detriment of the film. Batman Begins villains Ra’s a’ Ghul and the Scarecrow might be lesser known to non-comic fans but I think their use in the film really served the story - story that was very much Bruce Wayne/Batman’s.
So fresh, scary and eye-catching was Nolan/Ledger’s take on the Joker, that he couldn’t help but dominate the film - but beyond what was needed from the role. Would Harvey Dent’s evolution into Two-Face have had more of an impact if a slightly less iconic villain had been the catalyst and saved the Joker as sole villain for film three?
Nolan is not the greatest action director but I look forward to his evolution. Having said that, comparing the Batmobile chase of the first film (a masterful sequence in terms of plot, visuals, sound and editing in my opinion) is far more impressive than the Batpod truck chase in the sequel. While it was impressive to hear that they really did flip that massive truck in real life, it didn’t feel that impressive when I saw it on the big screen.
But this is intended as a debate rather than me telling you why one film is better than the other. I really like them both. But my general thought is that Batman Begins is better than the sum of its parts whereas The Dark Knight’s core concept buckles under lofty intentions and amazing moments.
So please vote below. In the event of a tie, I am willing to concede that Maggie Gyllenhaal replacing Katie Holmes as the character of Rachel might be a deciding factor
Loading ...Friday, August 28th, 2009
POLL: How do you like your Coens?
After a bit of a crappy day, I treated myself to watching Burn After Reading which I never saw at the cinema as I’d not heard great things. True to form, I really enjoyed it. I do like a spot of dark comedy, mind you but I thought they had a really light touch with its classy contrivances and mean spirit.
But I can see how it’s not everyone - and that’s pretty much an ethos for the Coens in general, isn’t it?
I sure as hell get annoyed when film buffs automatically adore a new Coen movie before its even out but I also think there are a lot of audiences who won’t even give them a go. I’m possibly a different Coen Bros. fan in that my favourites aren’t most peoples’.
(but do bear in mind that ‘favourite’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘best’ before people start yelling at me 
)
But what do you think? Do you get tired of people banging on about the brothers odd? Or is the gap between Coen Brothers films a time when you rarely head to the cinema? Or somewhere in between?
Loading ...I’d love to know which your favourites are too. There’s probably also a rule somewhere that you HAVE to like a film that stars John Goodman. If there isn’t there should be! Happy friday, y’all.
