The Big Lebowski Review

The Dude hovers in doubtful underwear, plastic sandals, sipping a White Russian (6 cl Vodka 6 cl coffee liqueur, 4 cl milk), above a bowling lane. The Dude is the nickname of Jeff Lebowski, starring the masterful Jeff Bridges . The Coen brothers' movie has the same premise as The Big Sleep (Howard Hawks, 1946) or as North by Northwest (Alfred Hitchcock, 1959): A guy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught in a story he does not get. Like Cary Grant in North by Northwest, he is mistaken with someone else ! The semi-planing state of the Dude (permanent state!) adds to the absurdity of the situations and causes other completely ludicrous. The quid pro quo lasts while the Dude crosses, as a quiet ship in a storm, the difficulties, frequently accepts without understanding them with a very cool attitude. The film is composed of sequences that have their own unit, whether dramatic or humorous. The plot is ultimately the pretext to develop zany scenes, perfectly written and performed masterfully by Jeff Bridges and the rest of the cast (John Goodman, literally huge!). Need of burlesque, incredible situations or stunts? Here you are served!

Jeff Bridges in this film demonstrates what a great actor he is, by providing such a massive physical and relaxed character. He is assisted by John Goodman, in the role of the veteran of Vietnam friend, military style  that nothing can stop from his madness. The actor pushes his character in all extremes in violence, stupidity, sensitivity, it is excessive and contributes largely to the humor of the film.
The Dude other friend (Steve Buscemi), is the good boy, overwhelmed by the personality of the others, identified by the ultra-cool and madman. He is also the most fragile. Without a doubt, the Coen brothers chose Buscemi for the shift and the physical contrast he creates with his two accomplices. His shrill voice is also opposed to the soft, zen voice of Jeff Bridges and John Goodman. Between them they form an unlikely trio of dude that fail everything, sometimes thinking to do well.

As Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep, The Dude takes everything right in the face, we often wonder what he's doing there, and made numerous meetings: John Torturo in bowler, Juliane Moore as an eccentric painter, or Ben Gazzara who kindly drugs The Dude, sending him through a memorable dream sequence, full of special effects, fanciful framing and cheerleaders. A dream cast for actors who let completely go !

THE BIG LEBOWSKI is one of those UFO film, mixing humor, technical findings and bold points of view, while taking us to an original universe, aspiring and inspiring. A film that we regularly watch again, always with joy and which does not lose its freshness

The Big Lebowski (1998)

117 min  |  Comedy, Crime  | 

Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen 

Writers: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Stars: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore 

Dallas Buyers Club Review

Dallas, 1986. A homophobic cowboy Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey; MUD) is diagnosed HIV positive. All that remains is 30 days to live. Facing the ineffectiveness of AZT, the only antiretroviral drug approved in the United States, he began smuggling "alternative" drugs with the help of a transvestite also HIV positive, Radius (Jared Leto, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM , Mr NOBODY) and their doctor Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner, THE KINGDOM, JUNO). Together, they founded the Dallas Buyers Club, the first of the twelve clubs that allow HIV-positive Americans to obtain supplies of foreign antiretroviral drugs. But it draws the attention of pharmaceutical companies, which then will do anything to stop their activities.

In the short list of films nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture of the Year, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is one of six (out of nine) that are adaptations of existing or based on a true story works. With a production budget four times lower than 12 YEARS A SLAVE eight times lower than AMERICAN BLUFF, but above twenty times lower than the WOLF WALL STREET, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is just as good - if is better. Proof that we can still make great movies without ever sacrificing scenario, distribution or technique.

Based on a true story so DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is a drama like America loves them, but not only. Offering an unstoppable eloquent social dimension, the new film by Jean-Marc Vallée (CRAZY, VICTORIA: YOUNG YEARS OF QUEEN) makes it possible to brew several important issues in the history of the United States. Whether homophobia, HIV status, health system, market logic or simply the American dream, everything happens and in a relevant way. Although initially without interest, the daily routine of Ron Woodroof turns out to be very addictive when it faces its own excesses and is rejected by his family, friends and colleagues, who learned his HIV status. Homophobic , he finds himself placed in the same bag as those he spent so much time to hate, a time when AIDS was considered "the disease of gays".

More than ironic and paradoxical , the destiny of this huge macho man ends up improved by the presence of a transvestite and a woman doctor. Despite the fact that he was given only 30 days to livethe determination of Ron offered him further seven years. Certainly very romantic, the story of the end of life is fascinating because unpredictable. Resourceful, cowboy amazes and forces almost admiration.


By positioning almost entirely from the patients side DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is  reminiscent of PHILADELPHIA by Jonathan Demme in which an HIV-positive lawyer is suing his former partners for unfair dismissal. Slightly Manichean, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB sets HIV positives as victims (of health system) and made the pharmaceutical industry the big bad wolf in this story. Nevertheless, it is a drama as we see little and pushes its narration into empathy and compassion. Indeed, although the fate of the two protagonists (Ron and Ray) is sealed from the beginning of the film, it is hoped all along that an event will save them and will brighten up this story. Because yes, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is a story of death.Beyond that of the protagonists, the film also evokes that of the American dream, the slow awareness related to HIV and AIDS and the loss of hopeful about the disease. Social drama, the film can be read as antisocial as he portrays an America which is not beautiful to see.

Small budget ($ 5.5M) does not mean _ small cast, Jean-Marc Vallée can rely on the amazing Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto. After his comeback in 2011 in THE LINCOLN DEFENSE and the course alteration of his career that followed, Matthew McConaughey excels here in this role homophobic overtaken by death. Lightened of 20 kg, the 44 years old Texan surprises and impresses both when playing cowboy when his body failed him. Yes, no one falls down as Matthew McConaughey! Absolutely perfect here, he certainly gives us one of the best performances of the past year and the current one. Like a certain Jared Leto whose magnetism is stunning. Brilliant as a drug-addict transvestite. Unrecognizable as Rayon, he laughs and moves to the point that we come to wonder, "Who, other than Jared Leto, could have interpreted so well such a role? "Fourteen years after the sublime REQUIEM FOR A DREAM of Darren Aronofsky, Jared Leto plays again a junkie, an addict but that should enable him to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role . Breathtaking, the actor brings some freshness to this macabre drama. Finally, to complete this perfect tandem, Jennifer Garner is used to buffer between HIV positives represented by Ron Woodroof and the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA.

Assisted by an intelligent editing and intradiegetic sounds pushing into a total immersion, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB has a linear scenario. Fast in the evocation of what should only be evoked and slow, long and weighing when it needs to accentuate the imminent arrival of death, Jean-Marc Vallée's film is a beautiful ode to life, conscious enjoyment and relentless pursuit of happiness. At no time moralizing when it comes to sex, the film illustrates perfectly the expression "It does not only happen to others."
By confronting the universe of a highly manly cowboy and the one of a transvestite exceeded by the disease, he staged a predictable but no less touching friendship. Carried by two actors at the top , DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is a great film that makes react and think. And although forbidden to minors at its US release, the film remains the absolute must-see of the season!

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

117 min  |  Biography, Drama 

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée

Writers: Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto

Un Illustre Inconnu Review

Crowned of the success of "Le Prénom", Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre De Patellière could have continued stupidly in the same vein and get other easy successes by mixing comedy and filmed theater. They chose a different path by attacking a under-exploited genre in France: the thriller. The pitch must be sufficiently intriguing to draw in theaters but more difficult, the voltage must be sustained to the end and includes a lot of twists and turns to keep the audience under pressure and does not remove it from the story.
Too many movies have indeed an excellent starting point, supported by an attractive trailer , also manage to install a scary atmosphere, but because of a lack of a worked scenario, based on their argument and their climate and end up going in circles and become beautiful empty shells. This year Enemy of Denis Villeneuve has been a shining example.

The title and theme (identity theft) refer to "Un héros très discret" while icy atmosphere, elegant staging and disillusioned voiceover remind Assassin(s), two works performed (and directed for the second) by Mathieu Kassovitz. He is obviously the main attraction of the film, as his appearances as an actor are too rare and have never suffered from criticism and it was a great opportunity to expand his palette of play. He overcomes the difficulty very easily  is even bluffing as anelderly. During scenes where he plays both an old man and one who he will imitate you really believe seeing two actors giving the reply.

So we could expect a pretty nice  collection of fancy dress  of the main character, an excuse for a good acing performance without we never know his purpose and a story that ends as it began, that is, ie without explanation. So it's a pleasant surprise to see that the scenario was not sloppy and the film takes off from the second disguise, to settle in the hardcore thriller and mechanical manipulation of opinion . If the new director obviously has nothing to do with the master David Fincher and that it will attract the much less crowded theaters, Un Illustre Inconnu can bear comparison with Gone girl, the big year-end thriller at the level of twists in (perhaps) less predictable. We hope that it creates vocations in this country ...

Un illustre inconnu (2014)

118 min  |  Drama, Thriller 

Director:  Matthieu Delaporte

Writers:   Matthieu Delaporte (screenplay), 

               Alexandre de La Patellière (screenplay)

Stars:     Mathieu Kassovitz, Marie-Josée Croze,
              Éric Caravaca

The place beyond the pines Review

The Place Beyond The Pines is a film that seems to build progressively as we advance in the story. The film has the aesthetic of a documentary, but the action scenes are exceptional and are not ruined by this bias. It also built his characters in this sense, Derek Cianfrance wanted to transform Ryan Gosling into a tattooed bad boy, It also built his characters in this sense, Derek Cianfrance wanted to transform into Ryan Gosling tattooed bad boywhile allowing him the taciturn side that is not without reminding us of the character he plays in Nicolas Winding Refn's:Drive.

The film divided into three parts (three lives) perfectly exploits the relationship they hold between them. And when Luke (Ryan Gosling) stuntman now bank robber to support his family is killed (almost) in cold blood by Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper), the latter taking his life but above all his story and his place in the film; such a man from nowhere that overthrows a sovereign, he operates a real "coup d'état".
Spectators are identified Luke, the first character, certainly by compassion. His replacement by Cross is difficult to accept, the transition being made by his murder. And consequently the abandonment of the son of Luke. The key of the film is obvious (perhaps too much), the dark secret around Luke and that fateful day. First for Romina (Eva Mendes) who promised to Luke never to reveal their son who he really was, what Jason learns, perhaps at the cost of his mother. There is also the secret of Luke, Avery Cross will use in his quest for progression in the police hierarchy, making increasingly faced with corruption, easier way to get what he wants.

So here we are facing a new key theme of the film, the figure of rotten cop hangs over each of policemen. The second half of the film is ryhtmée by methods outside-the-law, dirty tricks and corruption.
Avery Cross is constantly under pressure from his unconfessed fault first and then by his colleagues, he will not hesitate to denounce them to satisfy his ambition. A petty game sets in, which is the most evil, the answer is Cross, liar, manipulative and opportunistic at any occasion. Like in many black films, so it is about gangsters against rotten cops and often gangsters who overcome as heroes. The Place Beyond The Pines against all expectations does not break this rule.

The Place Beyond The Pines thus spreads three lives by placing them under the topics of revenge, ambition and succession, recurrent themes of black films. It is certainly Robin Van Der Zee (Ben Mendelsohn) that creates the better failover in the gangster film genre, like the old bank robber who wants to do it again. His plan is original and looks flawless, until he wants to stop and this time Luke does not agree, the vicious circle, greed won.

Therefore the strongest sequence of the film is that of the high speed chase taking all its promises halfway between realism and spectacular. Plans inside the car are reminiscent of pursuits in documentaries, motorcycle stunts join the hothead side of Luke and his troop of traveling show that he left. And that's when Luke seeks refuge in the house, Cross intervenes and shoots the first that the story switches, Luke is literally erased and it is Jason who will perpetuate his memory.

The confrontation between Luke and Avery Cross therefore occurs first by the merger of their respective offspring namely Jason and AJ (Emory Cohen). At first sight, it is also AJ to his father. It represents the stereotype of rebel cop son, who does not accept the intervention in their lives of the son of Luke. Cross could get rid of Jason  soon as possible but it is not a criminal, even if he killed once, he is not able here. On the other side, Jason fills with hate seems to be ready to eliminate anyone, it is the accentuated psychology of his father.

All these characters highlighted by the story should transform the film into a true masterpiece. Nevertheless something is missing, or rather there is something too much; it is the black spot that makes us appreciate not entirely the work that we see. I do not however recommend seeing this film, but I see that at some point he ran out of steam leaving a good thirty minutes too much. And regularly we fall into the clichés, in a film that is far to use them to denounce them to the image in Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers. Thus we can see that the luxury cast comforts and supports the film when it dives into the "clear", "deja vu" in an original story yet.

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

140 min  |  Crime, Drama, Romance  

Director: Derek Cianfrance

Writers: Derek Cianfrance (story), Ben Coccio (story)

Stars: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes 

Mud Review

Matthew McConaughey is accompanied by two young actors. When I say young, it is because they are not even sixteen. One, Tye Sheridan was revealed by Terrence Malick as the son of Brad Pitt in  The Tree Of Life. These two children are the center of the film. It could be suggested they are the essence of the film. Everything starts with these children who make a trip on the Mississippi. The two sources of the film are in these first images: children who go on an adventure, and the Mississippi as a narrative and disruptive thread.
This film is particularly a film about childhood. An initiatory film for children who will learn the taste of life this dream . We know that children dream a lot, they believe in many things. But reality comes quickly and catch this dream . This is Mud. Between love, friendship, family, disappointments, lies, misfortunes, rivalry, ... children of the film will  put one step in reality, and learn that life is not so easy. The first objective of the children in this film, was to believe in love. Whether it's for them, but especially love in the world of adults. Children are the knights of two separated lovers by a story that only adults are able to understand.

The belief is required in this film. And can be found through each level Jeff Nichols offers. There is a strong emphasis on places, especially the iconic: Mississippi. It is a simple and pure film that believes in American values, which believes in its culture. And for all this, the film gradually becomes wider and emotional.
Which is just as beautiful, is that through this love for the pure American story, there is a love for the characters. Jeff Nichols film us an impressive Matthew McConaughey and relatively light as a symbol of freedom. A kind of father to the children in need of family love. In addition, Jeff Nichols is surfing the treatment of Shotgun Stories. No secondary character is left behind, any secondary character has a symbolic presence. And that's how the film becomes emotional.

And all this joined gives us an incredible genesis. Adam is found there (Mud), Eve (Juniper, aka the beautiful and amazing Reese Witherspoon), the snake the ark of Noah (the liberator boat). A large wild ride (wink to the connoisseurs of Terrence Malick), where Jeff Nichols puts all its light and framing on men who are his film. On the shores of the Mississippi, everything is very wide and full of stories which have to be unearthed to finally leaving for paradise.
A paradise that will be difficult to reach because like in Shotgun Stories, Jeff Nichols does not care about great actions. It is a struggle of nerves and the war of the minds with all these lies and delusions. There is only one action scene with guns in the film. It was a good to sow doubt in the viewer mind and the children of the film on the icon created around the character of the impressive Matthew McConaughey. Children are the source, Mud is the symbol of a free America.


Finally, Mud is a film where children discover life: joys, loves, his misfortunes, his lies, his disappointments, his gangsters, etc. Above all, the film revolves around the children who are desperate to find a relationship that works between two adults. An initiatory adventure for children, the source of dreams and beliefs, through a narrative and a staging which release the icons and symbols of American freedom. Pure Film, simple, emotional and lightweight. To discover urgently to cool off.

Mud

130 min  |  Drama 

Director: Jeff Nichols

Writer: Jeff Nichols

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan,
           Jacob Lofland 

Nightcawler review

When the time comes to describe NightCrawler, the simple phrase "Independent journalist investigate  Los Angeles crime world" is sufficient. Both pitch and synopsis, it tells you all you need to know before plunging into the new  completely assumed Dan Gilroy's delirium. The writer of The Fall and The Bourne Legacy (his brother Tony realized). Also screenwriter of NightCrawler, Dan Gilroy makes here an absolutely cynical and enjoyable film. Explanations.


At first, Louis Bloom, the apprentice journalist Jake Gyllenhaal (Enemy , Prisoners) plays brilliantly, is a real plague. A pain in the neck and which any employer would like to get rid of. Especially because his methods are not legal and not so ethical. But then, over the 117 minutes that counts NightCrawler, you realize that, yes what he did was wrong, it was on purpose to achieve his goals.
Louis Bloom makes our day ! He gives us goosebumps, and more, makes us laugh. Because cynicism he shows can be quiet disturbing, it is very effective though. As an improved version of ourselves, devoid of remorse and avoiding regrets at all costs, Louis's actions (which is also called Lou) warm the heart and restore hope. But it is great to see a man who is afraid of nothing, who says what he wants when he wants, who take advantage of the system and knows how to use his skills. He reminds us of Jordan Belfort from The Wolf of Wall Street !

During 1:57, Dan Gilroy _ takes us behind the scenes of the television news of Los Angeles. Between static shots of the valley and the city and hand-held camera when we must follow Lou on the ground and during his chases, the writer and director of 55 years showed a disconcerting logic and control almost perfect . The relationship between Louis and Nina, the manager of a TV channel is very strange and even disturbing. Some scenes are absolutely accurate and shows the unhealthy side of this world.



By showing how information is staging daily in news channels, NightCrawler provides an undisguised portrait of the media world.
By not engage in unsavory explanations NightCrawler speaks to everyone, even the least experts and points the finger on the culture of the snapshot. This requires to have the information first. And especially in our time, the images that go with it. And if they can be shocking or as it is said "graphic", it is even better!

Built as an education novel, the scenario of Dan Gilroy allows to see the evolution of Lou : how he gains confidence, how he reacts to falling, how quickly he learns and in the end how much he is unstoppable. We see discovering the cameraman profession, but also journalism, editor and project manager. Little by little, he joined the big league and wants to stay there.

His arrogance and insolence make him a unique character, both friendly and hateful, who manages stress as he can . Should be noted however the good idea to introduce an assistant to Lou, in the person of Rick (Riz Ahmed). The character is the opposite of Lou, it allows the viewer to identify with someone and understand the "real LA", the one filled with real people, real crimes, real dramas. Far from showbiz and paparazzi.

Highlighting media manipulation and ethics quest of some conscientious journalists and tensions to any editorial board, NightCrawler has to be seen as a hybrid and versatile rosé. Fruity and tasty at first, then dry and shocking.
 With a soundtrack and a unique aesthetic but not always perfect - especially the soundtrack - the movie Dan Gilroy is reminiscent of Drive. Although it is based solely on the huge performance of Jake Gyllenhaal,NightCrawler is a real moment of cinema, electrifying and exciting film that you can recommend.

Nightcrawler (2014) 

117 min | action, drama, thriller

Director: Dan Gilroy

Writer: Dan Gilroy

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton

Whiplash Review

To achieve his second feature film (first presented as a short film in 2013), Damien Chazelle started from his own jazz drummer experience when he was at the conservatory. Here he puts on stage his relationship with his extremely demanding teacher , fear of missing, failing the and all efforts to endure to achieve excellence. With Whiplash, he makes the relationship  master / student a real duel, a battlefield where the student suffered from physical and mental abuse of his teacher, with a vision to achieve perfection through suffering. A film as surprising as extreme.

Andrew (Miles Teller)19 year old dreams of becoming one of the best jazz drummers of his generation . But the competition is tough in Manhattan Conservatory where he trains hard. He aims to integrate the flagship orchestra led by Terence Fletcher (JK Simmons), fierce and intractable professor. When he finally notices the young drummer, Andrew starts under his leadership in the pursuit of excellence.


First plan: the camera moves in a dark hallway. Basically, over-regulated by the outlines of the door, a boy plays drums. The camera continues to progress towards the drummer such a hunter and its prey. This is Terence Fletcher, one of the teachers of the Manhattan Conservatory. His appearance interrupts Andrew, the young drummer, in his impetus.
Since a confrontation between the two main protagonists of the film is taking place. Andrew, under the requests and the look of Terence, which already manipulates him, resumes playing. Mounting rhythm, alternating plans, Focusing on the two characters' faces, speed and dynamism that creates a particular shot /reverse shot.

The music stops abruptly, Terence Fletcher has just left the room. It does not take long to Whiplash to carry the viewer into a powerful and ferocious wave. In just a few masterful minutes, foundations are set up.


Damien Chazelle for his film treats with staging perfectly suited to his subject. Whiplash therefore follows the journey of Andrew and his dream to become the best jazz drummer of his generation . The director uses simple methods such as a slight low-angle shot on Terence, which emphasizes the dominance of the latter on Andrew. He remains in a high-angle shot , sitting on his drum seat and subjected to custodial situations. 
Despite what might suggest the introductory scene Andrew starts at the lowest level. He officiates as a substitute drummer, often limited to having to turn the pages of the holder of the first year orchestra. When Terence Fletcher notices him and invites him to join his orchestra, Andrew is far from winning his place. Whiplash develops a surprising speech, where only the hard work allows us to go beyond excellence. Numerous times the example of famous saxophonist Charlie Parker is quoted: after a humiliation he worked hard to become one of the greatest saxophonists in jazz history.


The humiliation seems to be an adequate motivation tool. In any case that is what Terence Fletcher chose to apply among his students. JK Simmons, who brilliantly interprets him,reveals a tyrannical, vicious and insulting professor. Fletcher pushes his students to end, until exhaustion or worse. And that's what is really fascinating in the film. Because no student wants to give up. They have themselves a share of madness (responsibility?) because they are willing to endure the worst atrocities of their teacher. The latter takes advantage of the situations and adopts two different behaviours. Sometimes friendly and attentive, he only manipulates to use the weaknesses of Andrew, always with the aim of having him to transcend himself. The atmosphere is heavy. An effect produced by the particular map scale (amount of close-ups), the global scenery (much of the film takes place during rehearsals in a school's studios), and dark colors and (black, brown, pale yellow).

In front of JK Simmons there is Miles Teller also amazing and metamorphosed. The young actor is changing its character through his body. Often curved, he contains and folds on himself. Physical and mental pain is visible on his face that bears scars. Obviously we have to wait the last scene to see the final duel between the two protagonists. One last unleashed sequence that leaves you speechless. It is an echo of the first scene. While Andrew is playing, Terrence officiate the orchestra. Now the shot / reverse-angled shot is not punctuated by cuts. The assembly is connected by a panoramic camera movement passing from one character to another. The tension is at its peak we wonder if one of them will eventually crack. Whiplash is transformed into an action film. The last part of the film is final battle with a lot of twists and surprises. Everything is accompanied by rhythmic and catchy music and virtuoso jazz compositions.

Whiplash is clearly emerging as one of the best films made on music. Damien Chazelle manages to take us on a land far from the most affordable. Jazz is not the most popular musical style. It makes it perfectly accessible with titles like Whiplash of Hank Levy, composer especially for the big bands of Stan Kenton and Don Ellis, and Caravan  composed by Juan Tizol  made famous thanks to various interpretations by Duke Ellington's Orchestra. The director is going to make us vibrate on this his devilish perfectly controlled sound.
Obviously Whiplash evokes Full Metal Jacket (Stanley Kubrick, 1987). Fletcher reminds in its attitude and staging of the instructor Sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey), and the humiliation he inflicted on a section of Marines during the Vietnam War. As in the masterpiece of Kubrick there is indignation over the attitude of those in power. But by agreeing to submit to him, the students do not get our compassion. 

Whiplash (2014)

 107 min  |  Drama, Music

Director: Damien Chazelle

Writer:    Damien Chazelle

Stars: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist