Herb-Mitchell-Reviewed
Joined Aug 2015
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Herb-Mitchell-Reviewed's rating
Steve McQueen is undeniably one of today's most gifted filmmakers and there's no two ways about it.
A project of this scale that's self-written is an grand achievement to pull off.
He's taking a stab at a more cinematic style (commercial appeal) - like Widows - but yet not divorced from his unflinching focus of the art house approach. The substance of artistic expression in his choices is still there.
The substance I'm referring to is the character(s) that explore humanity:
First it was 'Hunger' - portraying a defiant struggle between guards and inmates during the Irish hunger strike. Then it was exploring a brother and sisters inner turmoils in 'Shame'. Followed up by '12 Years a Slave' - a man struggling with the concept of freedom. While 'Widows' explored how women grapple with the consequences of their husbands' decisions. Now, in 'Blitz' he focuses on a mother and son whose faith are tested during wartime London.
In my humble opinion, I didn't find the performative aspects to be fantastic but that doesn't matter. It's more about the themes and action of the story that count.
Who knows, had this project been co-written, perhaps McQueens vision would've been elevated and more direct or powerful like 'Shame' was for example. That's the stumbling block based on my feeling. It didn't make me feel the way his past four films made me felt (which were all co-written). McQueen is like Kubrick, collaborating enhances his voice rather than detracts from it.
I really wanted this film to be a 10/10 but it could've been improved with a revision rewrite.
Ultimately, McQueen tells a story that is a beautiful depiction of what love looks like during a moment of crisis. Love of self but more importantly, love of others.
A project of this scale that's self-written is an grand achievement to pull off.
He's taking a stab at a more cinematic style (commercial appeal) - like Widows - but yet not divorced from his unflinching focus of the art house approach. The substance of artistic expression in his choices is still there.
The substance I'm referring to is the character(s) that explore humanity:
First it was 'Hunger' - portraying a defiant struggle between guards and inmates during the Irish hunger strike. Then it was exploring a brother and sisters inner turmoils in 'Shame'. Followed up by '12 Years a Slave' - a man struggling with the concept of freedom. While 'Widows' explored how women grapple with the consequences of their husbands' decisions. Now, in 'Blitz' he focuses on a mother and son whose faith are tested during wartime London.
In my humble opinion, I didn't find the performative aspects to be fantastic but that doesn't matter. It's more about the themes and action of the story that count.
Who knows, had this project been co-written, perhaps McQueens vision would've been elevated and more direct or powerful like 'Shame' was for example. That's the stumbling block based on my feeling. It didn't make me feel the way his past four films made me felt (which were all co-written). McQueen is like Kubrick, collaborating enhances his voice rather than detracts from it.
I really wanted this film to be a 10/10 but it could've been improved with a revision rewrite.
Ultimately, McQueen tells a story that is a beautiful depiction of what love looks like during a moment of crisis. Love of self but more importantly, love of others.
This iconic piece of spiritual cinema establishes Bergman as one of the most introspective film artists of his time, and of any for that matter. It's a penetrating meditation on faith and the corresponding doubt which leads to human frailty.
I've seen this once before but decided to watch it again as an older young man to appreciate the emotions shared.
For starters, I find films depicting religious beliefs very much insightful no matter a persons background. There are truths that are often overlooked and applicable to daily life.
The thing that strikes me as most beautiful and interesting is the Pastor and the self control he has to handle the situations of his congregation and his own doubts. The grace of holy man Ericcson is something you feel Ingmar Bergman is imparting as a gift of understanding onto his audience whom he hopes we identify with - radically and heartfeltly.
The directing or form, is, in my humble observations, the most precise and compelling that I've ever seen, on par with other great filmmakers and films such as a modern director like Steve McQueen (see 'Shame') who explores subjects with unflinching focus. Both directors dare to confront their audiences with the weight of human vulnerability. Each shot chosen is awe-inducing in that to be fed that circumstantial information and then compounded with those feelings (mostly uncomfortable), you feel the scene exploring faith in the beyond, truly.
Based on the last two paragraphs I have written, this film is in my top-ten films of all time list along the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and other resonant films. In my strong opinion, this film edges out his other works and is his magnum opus that will stand the test of time through generations.
It offers no easy answers but relatable profound questions.
Watch this if you adore character-driven films that evoke a sense of dread but also solace in that the characters resolution is something to admire. The struggles the characters face remind us of our shared humanity and the enduring search for meaning.
I've seen this once before but decided to watch it again as an older young man to appreciate the emotions shared.
For starters, I find films depicting religious beliefs very much insightful no matter a persons background. There are truths that are often overlooked and applicable to daily life.
The thing that strikes me as most beautiful and interesting is the Pastor and the self control he has to handle the situations of his congregation and his own doubts. The grace of holy man Ericcson is something you feel Ingmar Bergman is imparting as a gift of understanding onto his audience whom he hopes we identify with - radically and heartfeltly.
The directing or form, is, in my humble observations, the most precise and compelling that I've ever seen, on par with other great filmmakers and films such as a modern director like Steve McQueen (see 'Shame') who explores subjects with unflinching focus. Both directors dare to confront their audiences with the weight of human vulnerability. Each shot chosen is awe-inducing in that to be fed that circumstantial information and then compounded with those feelings (mostly uncomfortable), you feel the scene exploring faith in the beyond, truly.
Based on the last two paragraphs I have written, this film is in my top-ten films of all time list along the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and other resonant films. In my strong opinion, this film edges out his other works and is his magnum opus that will stand the test of time through generations.
It offers no easy answers but relatable profound questions.
Watch this if you adore character-driven films that evoke a sense of dread but also solace in that the characters resolution is something to admire. The struggles the characters face remind us of our shared humanity and the enduring search for meaning.
Genius.
That's what I call someone who has honed their craft and does it effortlessly time and time again without repeating themselves.
When has Chris Rock failed to make you laugh?
I'll give you a second to think... never is the answer!
The structure of his routine was flawless. You can tell he's really honed this material over the past years and it comes out fresh, and delightful to the ears.
His addressing the Will Smith slap debacle was indeed hilarious. Especially since he explained what actually happened leading up to the incident. Every setup was perfect and the punchline was delicious.
This might be peak Chris Rock but then again, he is a genius.
Definitely watch this mirthful special!
That's what I call someone who has honed their craft and does it effortlessly time and time again without repeating themselves.
When has Chris Rock failed to make you laugh?
I'll give you a second to think... never is the answer!
The structure of his routine was flawless. You can tell he's really honed this material over the past years and it comes out fresh, and delightful to the ears.
His addressing the Will Smith slap debacle was indeed hilarious. Especially since he explained what actually happened leading up to the incident. Every setup was perfect and the punchline was delicious.
This might be peak Chris Rock but then again, he is a genius.
Definitely watch this mirthful special!