Category: Movie recommendations

Darkest Hour – Set Design, Wardrobe, Camera and Lighting!

A believable back drop to a period piece can make or break an audience’s overall experience. Each frame was a conscious choice for the team behind the feature film Darkest Hour, the best in set design, lighting and wardrobe, were in charge of creating a 1940’s England during a stressful period in time. Most likely you don’t have a clear memory of England in the mid-20th century, but the on screen version speaks a truth, starting with the opening shots of Winston Churchill, at work in bed.

The impression one gets is that the man never slept, work was his world, and everything else came second. A workaholics environment rarely changes, a few locations where deals are crafted then broken, translating into a work week that ends each day well after midnight. Bruno Delbonnel, director of photography, treated each room on set as his canvas; before any words are exchanged the audience is hooked. The colors on screen in a way play as Winston’s subconscious, bright and full of energy while at the same time afraid of a potentially devastating future.

In the end a Politician’s communication skills are the backbone to his success, an inability to clearly articulate ideas that have the potential to alter millions of lives, in this case, can lead to death. Since pressure is a constant theme throughout the film, each character possess the responsibility to find moments where they can smile, even laugh when hope is seemly lost.

Hey reader, you remember the last scene? I’m about to reference it. Are you reading this and still haven’t seen the film?

The last scene…….. The Prime Minister stands in front of Parliament, a ceiling window allows a narrow beam of light to shine through, highlighting Winston as he says the famous words “Our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet would carry on the struggle, until in gods good time, the new world with all its power and might skips forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old!” A stunning reenactment that director Joe Wright, along with cast and crew have cemented in film history.

Blade Runner 2049

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence raises a series of unanswerable questions, the essential one being will the benefits of obtaining superior technology out way the risk? In the film Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denise Villeneuve, the power is indeed difficult to manage. As the opening shots captivate the audience we watch as the character “K” (played by Ryan Gosling) is sent on a thrilling hunt to destroy an older model bio-robotic android referred to as a “replicant”.

I would recommend going to the theater to support the visuals alone. Roger Deakins, the director of photography showcases a mastery of his craft, with each shot displaying beauty in the seemingly hopeless future. Teamed with seasoned crew members, Roger creates a unique world that repeatedly examines the aftermath of replicants that refuse to obey.

The cast is an easy sell, filled with actors at the top of their game; Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas, Lennie James, Sylvia Hoeks, and the list goes on and on. As the story reveals itself the only main drawback with the star-studded cast was the lack of screen time for several A list actors.

Questioning ones existence is an underlying theme that writers Hampton Fancher and Michael Green examine in depth throughout the movie. A relatable idea that consumes the minds of all humans at some point in their life. The twists and turns keep you guessing as the true desire of the main characters comes to the forefront.

The Sci-Fi/Thriller is undoubtedly worth the time spent in the theater, but take note, it is pivotal that you pay close attention during the entirety of the film, each line of dialogue obtains value. In other words, make sure your cell phone is on silent.