Phil on Films: 2014

Tuesday, 3 June 2014

Back in February I did a review of the Coen Brothers' latest film, Inside Llewyn Davis. With the recent release of the movie on DVD and Blu-ray I went back and, like I do with many films, revisited it to see if my opinion would be altered after a second viewing. While I held the film in high regard upon it's theatrical run, re-watching it gave me the opportunity to enjoy and understand the picture on a completely different level. Please note that this feature contains major spoilers about the film.

Music plays an integral part to the entire story and since watching the film initially, I've had chance to listen to the beautiful soundtrack on a number of occasions. Connecting with the score undoubtedly allows the viewer to connect with the film, something that may be tricky to do upon watching this at first. It is interesting to note how each musical number links to other areas of the film. The lyrics strike powerful and emotional chords and picking up on the subtlety behind them makes for a rewarding experience. It's especially present in the song 'Five Hundred Miles'. Performed by Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulliagan and Stark Sands, the song is delivered by characters that Llewyn Davis has precious little time for. He resents their popularity and dismisses this performance while others around him rise to their feet with applause. The lyrics in this song, however, end up linking to the journey Llewyn takes later in the film as he covers vast distances in the pursuit of a musical career. Many other songs within the film have links to the narrative too, and these subtle moments are worth searching for. Each track has been recorded live especially for the film and this makes for intense realism. Whether it is gut wrenching and solemn or upbeat and happy, every song oozes the correct tone and draws so much emotion from the audience.

Many people find the hardest barrier to overcome in liking this film is actually being able to root for the lead character of Llewyn. It has been noted in numerous reviews that the character is completely unlikable and therefore connecting with the film is nigh on impossible. The stark reality here though, is that the Coen Brothers have been using vile characters to headline their films ever since they began directing. It's no secret that they like to challenge their audience to find what little there is to connect with in their central characters. I see this film as slightly different though. Llewyn may be a freeloader that is as dismissive as he is stubborn, but I feel that his character is in fact morally driven as well as having a large amount of determination. He's clearly a talented performer and it shows that he believes this to be the case. Throughout the film he searches for his big break that will allow him to become a successful folk singer, but invariably gets shot down at every turn. While there are scenes where we see him ready to give up, he always manages to muster up one more audition or one more show, all to try and find the key to his dreams.

Connecting with Llewyn, however, is all a matter of how you perceive his motives. Is he just content to move from sofa to sofa so long as he can continue to busk in local bars and not work a permanent job? Or does he actually believe his journey and talents will lead him somewhere? I like to think the latter is true and, while his methods may be somewhat brash, he is seemingly willing to give up everything for the music he loves. As shown by his boisterous outburst to a performer near the end of the film, folk music isn't just his way of life but also his love and passion. Llewyn is without doubt dismissive, naive and stubborn. However, he has clearly got a sense of ambition and his morals, which may not always be easy to find, are consistently rooted deep within his decisions.

No discussion about this film would be complete without mentioning the cinematography and camera work. The colours on screen are desaturated throughout, making for a gorgeous canvas on which the Coen's tell their story. It's a slight effect that really takes the film and sets it perfectly into the right period. There is a constant chill in the air alongside consistently accurate props that allow the movie to settle into it's surroundings without it feeling forced. From the opening credits, there is no doubt to the quality and craftsmanship of both the camera work and production design.

Inside Llewyn Davis is a film which has a terrific amount to offer. There is no doubting the quality of every cog in this churning machine. It runs seamlessly and without problems to leave us with a true Coen Brothers classic that's as unique as it is brilliant.

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Saturday, 24 May 2014

Filmmakers love to drop a snowy scene or two into their movies. Whether it's to add a magical feeling, promote the idea of isolation or just add an extra form of atmosphere, snowy blockbusters are everywhere. Because of this, I thought I would compile a list of what I believe are the best snow themed movies. This list is in no particular order, it was just too difficult to choose! Enjoy.