dazworthy

Based on the premise of a black and white movie about an aging man traveling with his son from Montana to Nebraska, I admit it sounds like a cure for insomnia. But when you consider it was also nominated for six Academy Awards, it becomes evident that there is so much more to this film. Woody (Bruce Dern) is an elderly alcoholic who receives a sweepstakes letter in the mail claiming he has "won" a million dollars. Woody decides he is going to travel from his home in Montana to Nebraska to claim the prize, despite the fact that he does not drive nor have the means to get there. After first attempting to walk there, his long-suffering son David (Will Forte) agrees to take him, against the wishes of his acidic mother Kate (June Squibb). David knows the sweepstakes prize is just a scam, but it seems to mean so much to his father that he can't resist. On the ensuing road trip we gradually find out more about the family history, about Woody himself, and his relationship with his son. Nebraska is a film about family, past mistakes, regrets and broken dreams. But its also a film about the decline of rural America. There is many long distance shots and sparse settings which emphasizes the expanse of the landscape, but also the loneliness and predicament of the characters. The performances are all first class. Woody is a man of few words but Bruce Dern delivers them all to perfection. Woody is the source of both the humor and the poignancy. He is one of the most memorable characters I have seen in a film for some time. Will Forte is also great as Woody's son, and their father-son relationship just seems so believable. Nebraska was never really a serious Oscar contender. There's no flashiness or big stars or special effects to garner attention, but in some ways that's the point. It is simply a film about real people and real lives that is expertly made and acted.

Hollywood has a history of creating misleading trailers for movies. It seems that when a film is a little left-of-centre, or deals with difficult subjects, they will attempt to "mainstream" the movie by making it seem more run-of-the-mill than it actually is. Often this does the film itself a disservice.

A few months ago I saw an early trailer for Stoker and was underwhelmed. The trailer made it seem as if it was going to be another teenage drama with supernatural undertones. This could not be further from the truth. The film itself is a gorgeous, brutal and eerie thriller, filled with brilliant direction, cinematography and performances.

The film opens with Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) mourning the loss of her husband in a car accident, along with her daughter India (Mia Wasikowska). India takes it particularly hard as she was close to her father, whilst being distant from the rest of her family and peers. The death also introduces an estranged uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) whom India has not met or even knew of. It soon seems that Charlie's presence constitutes more than simply a mourning brother.

Stoker is directed by Chan-wook Park (Old Boy) and is his first English language film. Park's direction is simply brilliant. His mastery of light and sound are something to behold. He also has the ability to combine the minute and the grand, the beautiful and the violent, all in one scene. It is with these vehicles that he creates an eerie foreboding atmosphere that permeates the whole movie.

The performances are also first class, particularly Mia Wasikowska. I'm not a huge fan of Nicole Kidman, but her performance is subtle and convincing. And combined with Jackie Weaver, there are some great scenes between the three that show just how important Australian actresses are to Hollywood.

Stoker is the most arresting film I've seen for some time. It's a unique, clever and sometimes confronting thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. And despite it's dark content it is also a film of great beauty.

Director Gus Van Sant is renowned for films that explore the lives of lost or outcast characters, and reveal their strength and beauty. And his latest film Restless is no exception.

The film tells the story of two free-spirited teenagers - Annabel (Mia Wasikowska) and Enoch (Henry Hopper). Annabel is suffering a terminal illness, whilst Enoch splits his time between attending stranger's funerals and talking to the ghost of a kamikaze pilot named Hiroshi (Ryo Kase). As they fall for each other, it becomes clear that they are exactly what each other needs, and their lives revolve around making the most of each moment together.

Based on this summary you could be excused for thinking that Restless might be too melancholy. But I think it is more a celebration of life. Don't get me wrong, the film certainly does tug at the heart-strings, but there is an appreciation and acceptance of the fleeting nature of life that overwhelms the sadness.

Van Sant has created a beautiful film with vivid images and masterful direction. It's also quite quirky due to its interesting characters, script and film score. The performances are very good (especially from Wasikowska) which I think add to the strong emotions elicited in the audience. Annabel's zest for life is especially inspirational.

In this sense Restless is so much more than a love story. It certainly makes you appreciate life and loved ones, and this is what I really liked about the film.