Reviews

Madras Cafe's only winning point is its excellent screenplay. Though the film is based on Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, but if the writers did not have access to too much intelligence information, then they have done an outstanding job conjuring up the script.

What fails for the film, primarily, are Shoojit Sircar's direction and Kamaljeet Negi's cinematography. Sircar's direction is at best - average. He is incapable of extracting good performances from his actors. His storytelling and treatment lack lucidity. The cinematography in the first half of the film is very jerky and 'random'; with excessive use of track trolley in scenes shot inside the bureau.

The film's pace has been kept so fast that it's hard to keep up with the overflow of information. The on screen subtitles and supers seem to be put in as a mere formality. The film also has several anachronisms - most of them being John Abraham's costumes; others in sets and props.

Although the film is a surrogate retelling of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination plot, not once does it mention his name. In fact, that particular character doesn't even have a name in the film. This is a major let down.

Thankfully, the second half has been shot much better and the film ends very organically - again a victory only for the writers. This film is definitely a one-time watch, although for me, it is definitely not a landmark film in Indian cinema.

The movie starts slowly with a murder sequence à la Hollywood. But as it proceeds, the adrenaline just keeps getting pumped up. I watched this movie on cable, so I can imagine how it would look on the big screen. The first 20 minutes of the film are so gripping that you'd wanna hold back even the loudest call of nature.

Rob Schmidt and Alan B. McElroy have done brilliant jobs as Director and Writer, respectively. Considering the fact that it's an Indie film - the production value isn't very high, and you have Eliza Dushku (she is HOT!) hamming like a ham burger, and Desmond Harrington having mainly one expression on his face - Schmidt yet has pulled it off so well, that I could easily say this is one of the finer thrillers/horror flicks made in recent times. The Editor too has contributed so well in maintaining the tempo and 'tightness' of the scenes.

The best test - they say - of a scary film is to watch it without sound; if it is as scary or even a little lesser, then it genuinely is a very good piece of direction. Most horror films or thrillers rely heavily on sound effects for creating that moment of thrill. So I tried out this test - muted the TV and watched the 'scary parts'. And, they WERE scary!

To conclude, I'd say Wrong Turn is a worth watch and Way to Go Schmidt!

Cidade De Deus is an excellent 'Docudrama' on the lives of the victimised and self victimising street children in the City of God – Rio De Janeiro.

The screenplay is unique, despite the rapid shifts between the past and the present, and the stories of so many characters told together; it does not leave you confused to stop and think. Everything falls into place so well, that you can immediately catch up with the 'exceedingly fast pace' of the film.

The script doesn't spend much time establishing facts or characters, although it gives glimpses of each character's life to establish them. Yet, the entire procedure is not at all contrived. It simply flows. But, the pace of the movie is a little fast keeping in mind even today's cinema. "Cidade de Deus is probably five years ahead of its time".

The performances are so naturalistic that nobody is 'acting', despite the profound intensity of so many exacting scenes. Small children have acted so realistically, it makes you believe that you are actually watching a documentary shot on the streets. One scene I wish to highlight is the scene in which Ze shoots a small boy in his foot and the way the boy cries. That was EXCELLENT! Director Fernando Meirelles simply proclaims to the universe his directorial prowess.

The drug use and the shootings' scenes are very realistically executed. The sound department has done a commendable job to embellish the visuals.

The cinematography is exquisitely executed giving a feel of a European location with regards to the light and density of colours. Most of the day scenes have been shot during the Golden Hours to avoid the harshness of midday sunlight. They have very intelligently tried to avoid exposing shadows on the ground wherever possible.

But, some shots are taken with so many camera jerks (for cinematic effect), that it tends to irritate the eye at a point. This is something I want to emphatically mention: Cinematography is the showcase of a film. Bad costumes, bad locations, bad acting can often be cleverly manipulated by using good angles and dramatic lighting. But, such jerky camera work actually creates even more disturbing visuals in an already disturbing subject/movie. It does add to the effect, but it also gets confusing at times; more so, irritating. I do not advocate the use of traditional film making with fixed camera angles and trolley movements, but there has to be some consideration for the viewer, for whom the movie is being made.

All in all, it is almost a modern day classic. The Director, Actors, DP, Sound Department, Editor, all deserve a standing ovation, but it is the Script that Rules!

I happened to watch this movie only recently. Shyamalan's second big movie, and his second with Willis. After The Sixth Sense, people had high hopes from Night, and he tries his best to live up to them.

There's one thing I strongly criticize about this film: the transitions. He's used 'dissolve' so extensively that it actually gets irritating at some point. Although the story is excellent and in fact, more unique than 6th Sense, yet, it is the script that lets it down. But Shyamalan is consummate at maintaining the 'tempo' of a film. Very few great film makers the world over can accomplish this feat.

The ending is a slight let down. Though the way the mystery is unveiled is excellent. But many, rather, most viewers would be left confused. Now that is a blemish on a director's capability as a story teller. May be he is digging too deep into his intellect for new ideas, and though he is coming up with extraordinarily brilliant ones, his communication is suffering.

Bruce Willis: An actor who has all the talent but lacks determination. He is one of those few Hollywood actors who doesn't need to act because he apprehends character so well. A little more fire in this man can burn the world.

Sam Jackson's endeavour is commendable, as usual. Robin Penn has very well delivered a subdued performance.

All in all, I'd say this movie is a worth watch for anyone who loves Sci-Fi or Suspense.