dugong1 Reviews

Rubber (2010)

Best. Opening. Scene. Ever.

[8/10 · 15 November 2010]

I think the title of this review covers it. The most hilariously scripted opening scene of a movie ever.

The film is extremely well shot - kudos to the cinematographer. 'Rubber' uses an inanimate object as its subject. That is difficult enough. I would recommend this film to filmmakers to see how they do it. You start to feel for the poor tyre, waking up and exploring the world. Then you realise that it's a KILLER tyre! There are some pretty awesome gags. For example, have you seen a tyre taking a shower? That said, sometimes the story drags as the killing tyre gag is repeated ... and repeated on a different object ... and repeated ... and repeated.

There is also a storyline that discusses the complicity and voyeurism of the audience. Semetimes that storyline drags, but is interesting all the same.

Great performances from the actors - especially the Sheriff. Again, worth seeing just for the opening scene. And also Mr Oizo did the score! I love that!

Bimboland (1998)

Offensive to Maori

[5/10 · 24 September 2009]

I did enjoy the film. However, Gerard Depardieu's character is an anthropologist whose main focus of study are the Maori of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Being from New Zealand, I have grown up with Maori culture. So it affected my appreciation of the film when the character shows a Maori tattoo which is blue. BLUE?!?! Blue is NOT the colour of a Maori Tattoo! And there is a scene where the character recreates a haka - - but in an extremely incorrect way. A Maori haka is a dance or war; it is meant to show strength, empower your warriors and scare the opposition. One doesn't run from side to side slapping oneself for no reason and throwing ones arms in the air like a monkey. It is offensive. Gah! Who did their research?! Bimboland does tell a good story. But please do some effective research, lest you alienate your international audience.

River Queen (2005)

Samantha Morton

[30 January 2006]

K, I haven't seen the film yet... BUT - SO looking forward to it!

I'd just like to make note of the dramas around the filming of 'River Queen'. Samantha Morton became 'sick', which meant production stopped. Vincent Ward was fired - thankfully Alun Bollinger replaced him, so his artistic vision wouldn't have been altered drastically - until post-production, or until Samantha Morton left the country. Rumours went around about Morton being the reason Ward was fired. Ward evades questions on Morton. In selling the film, various stars comment on the ... ('special-ness, treatment, issues) in working with Morton.

General consensus is that Miss Morton is never going to work in this country again. Hurray Vincent Ward. Long Live Vincent!