Life Begins At...

The Retiree Magazine Autumn 2012

Life Begins At.....

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Movie Reviews The Artist Coriolanus STARRING: JEAN DUJARDIN, BERENICE BEJO, JOHN GOODMAN, JAMES CROMWELL, PENELOPE ANN MILLER DIRECTED BY: MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS RATED: PG RUNNING TIME: 100 MINUTES DISTRIBUTOR: ROADSHOW FILMS There was never any demand for a black and white silent movie, but receive one we did in The Artist. Directed by French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist is something of a revelation in its ability to take something old and make it feel new again. Set during the 1920s to 1930s Hollywood golden era, The Artist focuses on silent film star George Valentine (Jean Dujardin). When talking pictures comes into fashion a pride filled Valentine refuses to go along with this new era of cinema, throwing his career away and destroying his personal life. His only lifeline is his love for Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), an extra who builds up her career and takes over Valentine's place as Hollywood's favourite star. Both Dujardin and Bejo are marvellous in their roles. So charismatic is their screen presence, so magnetic their chemistry and so vast their talents that it's hard to think of a better dynamic duo this past year. Yet when on their own they're even better. While it pays homage to classic Hollywood and the forgotten stars of the era, The Artist is not a film the rests of the laurels of its gimmick. Its strength is in its delicacy, with The Artist a film which demands your attention at every moment. We are used to watching movies in a particular way, yet Hazanavicius denies us the spoken word, the clanging of glass, the revving of a car engine, etc. All senses are glued to the screen and Hazanavicius delivers with drama, laughter, romance and stellar performances from its cast. STARRING: RALPH FIENNES, GERARD BUTLER, VANESSA REDGRAVE, JESSICA CHASTAIN, BRIAN COX DIRECTED BY: RALPH FIENNES RATED: MA RUNNING TIME: 122 MINUTES DISTRIBUTOR: ICON FILMS One of the most intense actors of our times, Ralph Fiennes, the two time Oscar nominee steps behind the camera to bring this tale of war and politics to the big screen. Fiennes stars as Calus Martius Corilanus, a soldier of Rome who after defending his country in battle is swayed into politics. It is in the senate where his extreme views are met with hostility and he is banished. Vengeful he joins his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) and vows to destroy Rome. With the Bard's original dialogue intact and hand held camera capturing gritty violent war and even dirtier politics, Fiennes does something few filmmakers have been able to do: He has made Shakespeare relevant for our own tragic times. On the screen Fiennes is just as impressive, selling the rage, contempt and honour which Matius Coriolanus believes with every stinging phrase and intense glance. Surrounding Fiennes is a who's who of fine talent. Vanessa Redgrave is awe inspiring in her ferocity and authority as Matuis' mother, Brian Cox is splendidly good as his only friend navigating the murky waters of the senate, and Gerard Butler is commanding in presence and verse as his sworn enemy. The relevance of its screenplay and setting makes the biggest impression. With the world currently in the throes of wars, economic hardship and protest, Coriolanus works as a chilling "told you so", which Fiennes and screenwriter John Logan no doubt felt was an important reminder to repeat. Actors who turn director vary in result. With Coriolanus Fiennes has firmly found his place in the good end of that barometer. www.theretiree.com.au 131

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