livisunfair

[livisunfair]

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan for James Mangold’s ‘A Complete Unknown’

#timothée chalamet #bob dylan #this will be his oscar winning role #behind the scenes #on set #movies #films

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[livisunfair]

i'd love to make a film alike to the kinds of bodies x3, shiva baby, and bottoms like those films just touch on such specificity of our generation yet so relatable and we need more! i just would love to contribute to this cycle of movies in some way. i am so excited to see these types of films in the next few years. like this is OUR reign of This Is The End type of comedy films with the same casts but they are Better and rachel sennott and ayo edebiri are taking charge of it! we are so fortunate to be experiencing this...

#thoughts

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In Defense of Lady Bird Six Years Later; Just Some Thoughts

Last night I watched Lady Bird for the first time since I was fifteen, and what I gleaned from it made me love the film even more and in a whole new way. While the surface-level message of this film is important, it’s what the film doesn’t say that makes it special to me. I think there are two different ways to view it, how they differ is why there are such strong opinions on this film. One, is Lady Bird is an ungrateful, whiny brat who doesn’t deserve anything and who uses growing up as an excuse for her behavior, and is selfish at the expense of others. The second way to watch, is to see how Lady Bird is lost, growing up, and this is a journey of self-discovery. The best way to watch, is a blend of the two. 

Viewing Lady Bird as an echo of yourself, is how we relate to her. We see the similarities between us and her, as at some point, we acted ungrateful toward our parents, even if we didn’t intend to be. We all wanted to go where the 'culture is' and escape the small town we've been pigeon-holed in. In a sense, Lady Bird serves as a dramatized character who represents our biggest flaws and aspirations as teenagers. Gerwig herself said, "nothing in the movie literally happened in my life, but it has a core of truth that resonates with what I know"--this 'core of truth' being that echo. To me, this film marks itself as a love letter to a younger self, yet a bit critical and satirical of how you behaved back then. You can tell it’s written from a mature perspective. It takes itself seriously, but isn’t afraid to poke some fun, as shown through the humor throughout the film. Growing up and being able to laugh at yourself, but still recognizing what you went through was important at the time and taking it seriously for the sake of your past self—this is what I love about Gerwig! The ability to reflect is so crucial to how we change and grow as people.

You can recognize and sympathize with Lady Bird's struggles and mistakes–But you can also grit your teeth at her actions from a grown point of view that Lady Bird is on the journey to understanding herself. This isn’t a film that tells the story of a girl being ungrateful and then regretful of her decisions and redeems herself at the end.–No, rather it tells a larger story. To me, this film focuses on the bigger picture of growth in her life, instead of just what is presented in the film, highlighting the fact that growth nonlinear. Her arc is not in the film, but it ends with the beginning of it. This film is just a snapshot of her life. It can be frustrating to see how Lady Bird’s insecurities make her hang with the wrong crowd, watching her hook up with asshole Kyle and a man at college, being ashamed of her house and status, and betraying Julie– but that’s how human growth is. We fuck up again and again before we realize it and then really try to change. This change manifests itself at the end through her hit to rock bottom. When she wakes up and realizes it’s time to shed her teenage skin become an adult. this can be seen when she starts to go by christine, and call Marion. She got what she physically wanted by going to college, but inside she’s unfulfilled. Nothing is quite how she thought it would be. Thinking she didn’t get ‘punished’ for her behavior and actions because she got everything she wanted, but in reality, her punishment serves itself on a bittersweet plate. She may have been able to go to her dream school, but at what cost to those around her? Her relationships? Herself? but the ending is the start of recognizing her faults. Lady Bird’s character speaks on the twisted irony of life; we’re never happy with what we have. And what’s more relatable than that, to a teenager? 

I love all the different themes this film highlights as well. It’s not just about growing up, but there is another theme at play; how much our parents did for us. It’s impossible to watch this film without understanding where each character’s heart lies. At minimal, Lady Bird is frustrated nobody takes her seriously, Marion is a hardworking mother who feels under appreciated and grapples with an ungrateful daughter, Larry is the mediator and wants what’s best for Lady Bird but is fighting his own battles as well. Larry and Marion are prime examples of perhaps the selflessness we should all strive for, seen when they tirelessly try to support Lady Bird, and when Larry roots for Miguel going for the same job as him. It’s the type of selflessness you can only gain when you become a parent. If finishing this film doesn’t make you feel like you need to hug your mom or reflect on your own interactions growing up, I’m not sure what will. Lady Bird’s relationship with Marion is one every daughter and mother has experienced to some degree. It’s complex, both are flawed, but ultimately love each other, they’re just not sure how to say it or show it in a way each other will understand. They are constantly missing each other. Lady Bird is headstrong, yet unsure of who she is. She behaves unfavorably but still wants her mom to like her–as we all do, or did as teenagers. While Marion has an idea of who Lady Bird should be and is grappling with Lady Bird’s differences, while tirelessly working and making ends meet for her children. But Marion is trying to understand her, an example is seen when she starts to embrace calling her ‘Lady Bird’ instead of criticizing it. At the end of the film when Lady Bird calls Marion, thanking her, we see a glimpse of who she’s starting to become. And we see Marion trying to communicate with her through the letters. It’s a start. Marion and Lady Bird are finally meeting in the middle, instead of passing each other. 

At the same time as all of this, I think this film is an excellent example of an ‘unlikeable’ and ‘difficult’ girl who should be allowed to tell her own story as well. You don’t have to condone a character's actions and behaviors to understand them. And not to sound too modern-white-feminist here, but her 'unlikeableness' comes from real flawed aspects that all women experience, and while we consume stories about unlikeable men all the time, what makes her different? She has a strong personality and it’s an unapologetic story that deserves to be told. And to the people who feel ‘So what, why should I care? What makes her special?’ after watching, that’s fine. I get where the criticism comes from. But it all just clicks for me. You aren’t supposed to walk out of this film necessarily liking Lady Bird, but understanding her. Understanding the thesis of her character; wanting to be not just loved but liked. Teenage girls man, they’re complicated and I am one. Idk I know I’d get made fun of for thinking this movie is so ‘deep’ and whatever but I just love studying the aspects of these films! Every scene exists for a reason, with no filler. Gerwig incorporates the intricacies of girlhood instead of the surface problems–in all her work too. I just had to get this all out somewhere after rewatching it again for so long. Love you forever Greta & Saoirse!

#films #reviews #rating: 5 #spoilers #rewatch #ladybird

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Nov. 7th Watch

Priscilla (2023)

dir. Sofia Coppola

Wow, just got out of the theater watching this a few hours ago and have not stopped thinking or talking about it since. One of my favorite films to come out of this year. I don't even know where to start!

Coppola has always been more about showing rather than telling in her filmmaking, and Priscilla is a perfect example of this talent. This film takes subtext to a whole new level, each scene having its own essential contribution to the bigger picture. The story on the surface is simple to understand, yet the underlying subtle moments Coppola made sure to include, are what stands out to me. They happen quickly, so many 'blink and you'll miss it' details that make this film special, (the casino miscount showing youthful mistakes, the scale showing how little she weighed when pregnant, trying to do high school homework upstairs during a party of 25+ year olds, her returning to her natural hair color after spending time away, etc.) Again, showing things instead of outright saying them. Reading between the lines and seeing what these scenes actually mean. I love love loved it. such great storytelling.

Not only does this film share the essence of Priscilla's feelings, but it locks you in them--it forces you to feel her loneliness through a big empty house, through her lack of friends, through having nobody to talk to, through her isolation from her family. Seeing her forced smiles--understanding that uncomfortableness. Cailee Spaeny couldn't have done a better job. So skilled at showing emotions just through her eyes. One of my favorite performances all year, entierly captivating. Jacob Elordi effortlessly embodied Elvis, portraying him as a normal person instead of a hyped up caricature--unlike other adaptions--making it all the more relatable & sometimes, frightening. It strips away his stardom, for the audience and Priscilla, allowing us to get him off a pedestal and view him in a more objective way.

And of course, the cinematography blew me away-as I expected it to. Creative shots, beautiful coloring, visual storytelling-especially through the immense height difference. One of my favorite parts about watching was the fact that it never shows up on screen what year/month it is, unless it is incorporated in the film, the whirlwind of time wrapping you up and pulling you in-putting you in the shoes of Priscilla. I feel like Priscilla's life with Elvis was like this in a way, the years all rolled together until she started growing into herself without him.

The I Will Always Love You needledrop hit so hard. the soundtrack overall was amazing, and honestly the denial of having Elvis' music in here was for the best-keeps the story on Priscilla and allows the lyrics to match up with the events-another storytelling tool!

So yes, I really enjoyed this film, looking forward to seeing others reactions and hopefully awards in future. I just hope that people aren't going to bastardize it and use it as some "coquette" aesthetic and completely misconstrue this very important and real story!

#films #reviews #spoilers #rating: 4.5 #Priscilla

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Bones and All (2022) dir. Luca Guadagnino

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Nov. 4th rewatch

Hard Candy (2005)

dir. David Slade

I first watched this first when i was 14 and it definitely fucked me up, but i thought it was great nonetheless then, and even more so now.

Starting off with the directing itself, the shots in this movie are more often than not extremely close up, boxing the viewer in and creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. i enjoyed the shift in warm coloring to the stark reds and blues once hayley got to work. the shaky camera during the fast-paced and fight scenes-i mean this is an extremely interactive film even if it did not intend to be! it grabs you in from the very first second out of horror from those text messages. The dialogue in here is terrific; sickening, actually. i found myself wanting to mute the TV just so i wouldn't have to hear jeff talk. the end baffled me when jeff still had the audacity to feel like hayley owed him honesty, i wish she would have just kicked him off the roof. tbh, i think hayley could have tortured him more.

This is such an excellent film on so many accounts, it will always be relevant. elliot page blew me away watching it a second time, as much as he did the first. cannot believe he was 16 while filming this!

"it's just so easy to blame a kid, isn't it! Just because a girl knows how to imitate a woman does not mean she's ready to do what a woman does."

#films #reviews #spoilers #rewatch #rating: 4.5

[livisunfair]

Nov. 4th rewatch

Pearl (2022)

dir. Ti West

another rewatch tonight! pearl is undoubtedly a classic in the eyes of indie horror already. with technicolor appearing looks only just boosting that factor-the coloring in this movie is so crazy stunning. the wise usage of reds throughout does not go unnoticed, obviously! it's so easy to love this movie. mia goth completely embodies every essence of pearl. I get lost in her monologue with each watch-willing to admit i feel connected to her on certain things more than i probably should. at its core, pearl is just about a girl who wants to follow her dreams but ultimately has factors holding her back; one of them being her very self. who can't relate to that? she's a star to me.

5/5

#films #reviews #rating: 5 #rewatch #pearl

[livisunfair]

Nov. 4th rewatch

Talk To Me (2023)

dir. Danny & Michael Philippou

this was a rewatch for me, saw it first in theaters (going in completely cold!), and while the initial shock wasn’t there, i still reacted the same way when watching.

one of the best horror films to release this year. creative in its camera angles, excellent sound design, the foreshadowing and breadcrumbs along the way. those practical effects were insane too! the dead spirits were so grotesque.

when i first watched this one, i couldn’t pinpoint why exactly it hit so hard. was it because of the family dynamics, the sheer scariness of it all? well, both. many modern day horror movies are missing that feeling of hopelessness, talk to me was full of it. the hopelessness puts you in the main character’s shoes like “how the fuck do we even fix this.” there was no simple solution in sight. and it didn’t end good for everyone. to be in mia’s shoes, knowing she was seeing things that weren’t really there-who knows how much of what she was seeing was fabricated? was riley in limbo, or did they say that to manipulate her? we truly don’t know what is real or fake in the film, just like mia. the symbolism with the kangaroo representing her mom, riley, everybody she wished to help but couldn’t. just a very well thought out film, i really enjoyed rewatching and taking in every aspect of it.

first horror movie i've seen in a while that i thought about for a longggg time after. anxiously awaiting the prequel & sophie wilde is a star! joe bird was horrifyingly amazing as well.

4.5/5

#films #reviews #spoilers #rewatch #rating: 4.5

[livisunfair]

Nov. 3rd Watch

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

dir. Yorgos Lanthimos

i wanted a suspenseful film, and wow did i get one.

#films #rating: 4

[livisunfair]

New Hotline TNT out today & it rips

Fav tracks from first listen; Beauty Filter, Maxine, Spot Me 100

#sotd #music

[livisunfair]

My review on the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Strawberry Cheesecake

I bought this earnestly at the store over much deliberation after the fact that they didn't have my favorite angel baby flavor (tonight dough) (i denounce the fallon) and honestly i was dissapointed. 3/10.

First of all, I open up the lid to...crust crumbles on top...which would be fun in theory, however it was a little bombarding. and then i dig in with my spoon that might as well be shovel-having to dig through this dirt crust. and i hit the custard ? or frosting ? whatever it was. looked like a layer of beef fat. anyway it was way too sweet and prevented me from getting a full spoonful of ice cream included. and then i get to the ice cream-which was the only good part of this poorly executed flavor. the vanilla ice cream. that's where the three comes from. and the cheesecake bites were puny and a poor excuse for what they were trying to achieve. little to no flavor.

Solution: there should have been strawberry ribbon throughout the ice cream with chunks of cheesecake, with an either custard core or a crust crumbles core. That way you get an even bite with everything.

#reviews #ben & jerry's #yumblr

[livisunfair]

too expensive to buy a web domain so here i am out here saying everything & nothing