CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

US, 2016, 147 minutes, Colour.
Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily Van Camp, Tom Holland, Alfre Woodard, William Hurt, Martin Freeman, Marisa Tomei, John Slattery, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo.
Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo.

Captain America has the title role, Tony Stark as Iron Man Man has almost equal importance. But, basically, this is a reunion of the Avengers (with the notable absence of Thor and of the Hulk). It is also a continuation of the narrative from the previous Avengers film, Avengers: Age of Ultron. The fight and devastation of the previous film is taken up as a theme here, preying on Tony Stark’s conscience when he is confronted by the mother of an American worker killed with the collapse of a building, but also providing the occasion for a new villain, a man who saw his wife and family killed in the attack and who is now bent on revenge.

The underlying theme is that of taking responsibility for actions.

Audiences need to bring their understanding of Captain America (Chris Evans), his history during World War II, his being preserved in ice, his recovery and revival, the previous two films and the emergence of Winter Soldier, his friend from boyhood in Brooklyn. Winter Soldier (Sébastian Stan) also gets more elaborate back story, revived by the Russians in 1991, a code implanted whereby he becomes a killer for the agency controlling him. And he is set up for the murder of an African king and delegates at a United Nations meeting in Vienna.

When the film introduces Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), there is an interesting hologram device of his interaction with his parents, his strict father, and their farewell just before they were killed in a car accident – later revealed to be more. He is still the philanthropist, and involved with the Avengers.

There is an elaborate attack staged in Lagos, involving many of the Avengers, lookouts, communication, fights. It is this that is the occasion for the American government, In the form of Secretary Ross (William Hurt) and the formulation of a document to be signed by The Avengers putting them under the control of the United Nations. Tony Stark agrees. Steve Rogers, Captain America, does not agree, which sets them on a path to conflict (not exactly Civil War).

After the bombing of the United Nation’s building in Vienna, a new Avenger is introduced, the son of the King, Panther (Chadwick Boseman – who is also getting a film of his own).

In the conflict between the two sides of the Avengers, some of the others are brought into the action including Don Cheadle’s War Machine, Paul Rudd as Ant Man, Jeremy Renner is Hawkeye. Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow sides with Tony Stark but also wants to be a mediator.

Tony Stark also goes on a recruiting mission which gives us a longish interlude with the new Spiderman introduced, younger than before, played by British Tom Holland, with a glimpse of Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Peter Parker is happy to be recruited and joins in the conflict – which has people flying around, Captain America with his shield, Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) with her fiery hands, the android Vision (Paul Bettany) also involved – and Ant Man doing a trick or two both reducing his size as well as becoming gigantic!

Daniel Bruel is the new villain, wanting to use Winter Soldier for getting his revenge and building up a conflict between Captain America and Iron Man. The film doesn’t exactly come to a climax except for the battle between Captain America and Iron Man – rather, as with so many of the films, it lays the ground for future sequels which, judging by audience response, will be most welcome.

1. Marvel Comics and their output? The film versions? Avengers? Captain America?

2. Production values, IMAX, 3 D, the setting in Lagos, Berlin, Leipzig, Vienna, Russia in the snow, Washington? Colourful? The musical score?

3. The continuity of this film, Slovokia, the action there, the deaths? Issues of life and death, good versus evil, the law, control? The issue of United Nations control?

4. The title, the focus on Captain America, his three films, presence in the Avengers series? His history, the 1940s, World War II, preserved in the ice, discovered, a 21st-century mission? Confrontation with evil? His clean cut appearance, work with the group? His going to Peggy’s funeral, his grief, memories? Meeting Sharon, the discussions, her help in providing information?

5. Iron Man, Tony Stark and the previous films, his participation in the Avengers series? Introduced giving the lecture, the hologram about his younger self and interactions with his parents, clashes with his father, urging of his mother? Their deaths? His audience, the presentation of the grants, the applause? The mother and confronting him in the corridor about her dead son? This preying on his conscience?

6. The situation in Lagos, the Avengers and their mission, the various lookouts, communication, strategies, the attack, The Falcon, The Black Widow, Wanda, Captain America, all in action, coordinated, the fights, their skills, the number of deaths? The role of the king and his denunciation? His son?

7. Ross, the American government, the gathering of the Avengers, reviewing the situation, the deaths, the need for control, the decisions, the document and its preparation, some agreeing to sign, others not?

8. Vienna, the buildings, the meeting, the King and his son, meeting the Black Widow? The discussions, reconciliation? His speech? The bomb and his death? The grief of his son?

9. The sequence in Russia, 1991, the background of Winter Soldier? Barnes, his resurrection, the codes, his being used by the government, the accident with the car, the revelation that he killed Tony Stark’s parents?

10. His presence in Vienna, the elaborate chase, the cars, bikes? The intervention of Panther? Barnes being taken, imprisoned, interrogated?

11. The interrogator, his mission, his search for Barnes, torture and death after interrogation, the book, the code? His killing the official interviewer? Barnes, the escape, the pursuit, information about his whereabouts, going to Russia?

12. Vision, in himself, invented by Tony Stark? His keeping guard on Wanda? His explanations, android? The call to Hawkeye? His history of collaboration, married with family? His coming at the invitation?

13. The Avengers and the taking sides, Iron Man and his wanting to sign the document, Black Widow and her support, War Machine? Getting the help of Ant Man? Peter Parker? Captain America, The Falcon on his side, Wanda, Hawkeye? In their costumes, their particular abilities, the conflict?

14. The interlude with Peter Parker, meeting his aunt, Tony Stark talking with him, Spiderman and his exploits, visualised, his talent, his web? The offer to him to come to help?

15. The battle sequences, conflict, each of the Avengers using a particular skill? Captain America and his allies being imprisoned, in their cells? The Black Widow letting the Captain go?

16. Ross, his demands on Tony Stark, 36 hours deadline?

17. Captain America, going to Russia, the situation there, the revelation of the other Winter Soldiers, their deaths? The interrogator, his
overcoming Captain America, Barnes? The reversal of roles? Iron Man arriving? The fight, Iron Man discovering the truth about his parents?

18. The capture of the interrogator, in his cell? The American interrogating him? The set up for the further sequel? And for further films, especially Spiderman? The epilogue at the end of the credits?

19. The multiplex audience liking this kind of action adventure?

NORTHANGER ABBEY

UK, 2007, 84 minutes, Colour.
Felicity Jones, Carey Mulligan, J.J.Feild, William Beck, Liam Cunningham.
Directed by Jon Jones.

During the 21st-century period of the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s novels, there were a number of film versions and, especially, television versions in the United Kingdom. This is the television version of Northanger Abbey.

It is very brief, as was the original novel, the last of Jane Austen’s to be published but first written. it has the expected romantic heroine, her family with financial difficulties, going into society, encountering men, shocked at personal betrayals, falling in love…

Catherine is nicely played by Felicity Jones who was to go on to a successful career and an Oscar nomination for The Theory of Everything, Stephen Hawking’s wife. Also in the cast is a young Carey Mulligan, also to move to a substantial career. She is the fickle and flirtatious friend. J.J.Feild is the parson, Tilney, courteous to Catherine and her friends, a parson expected to marry well, especially in the views of his stern father, General Tilney, Liam Cunningham.

The film has attractive presentations of the countryside, of society in Bath, the carriages on the streets, the ballroom, as well as the countryside around the imposing Abbey.

The film also has some satire on the romantic novels of the period, the Gothic touch with sexuality, melting heroines, dominating heroes, especially those of Mrs Radcliffe. Catherine reads passionately, imagines situations, herself in the novels – but, ultimately, making rash judgement about General Tilney and her being ousted from the Abbey, she burns the book.

1. The popularity Jane Austen’s novels? Her plots, characters? 200 years later?

2. The settings, English counties, the countryside, homes? The city of Bath, society? Northanger? Country, the score?

3. The status of Jane Austen’s films, this television film?

4. Jane Austen heroines, young women, interest, strong romantic, proper, their status, financial situation and society, friendships, the variations on these themes?

5. Jane Austen, who views on the contemporary romantic novels? Those of Mrs Radcliffe? Passion, sexuality, the imagination? The visualising of Catherine’s dreams?

6. The romantic novels, affecting Catherine’s behaviour and opinions? The consequences and her suspicions of General Tilney? Her final burning of the book?

7. Jane Austen’s voice-over, the description of Catherine at the beginning and the end? As a child, plain, playing with the other children, relationship with her parents, family life, growing up?

8. The visit of the Allens? Their request, her going to Bath, their wealth, their home, place in society, looking for a seat at the social, Tilney helping, his conversation? Catherine encountering Isabelle, the friendship? Her engagement to James? The presence of Thorpe, his manner, Catherine and the dances?

9. Tilney, his character, parson, relationship with his father, his older brother, Eleanor? His courtesy, the attraction to Catherine, the irony of his expectations for a lucrative marriage?

10. Thorpe, issues of money, his advice to the General? The character of the General, stern, his attitude, inviting Catherine to the Abbey, the story of his wife, her portrait in the room, his not wanting people to enter? His stern manner? His wife’s illness, his treatment of her? Catherine’s response, novelist imagination? Going to the room, being discovered, the clash with Tilney, his anger, her journey home?

11. Isabelle, in Bath society, having no income, flighty, friendship with Catherine, engagement to James? Seeing the older Tilney, military, flirting with him? Her clash with Catherine, going with Tilney, the sexual encounter, being discarded – and the comment that she would recover?

12. The older Tilney, military, character, women, Isabelle, using her, the clash with his younger brother?

13. Catherine, enjoying Bath, proper, shocked at behaviour, the break with Isabelle, going to the Abbey, the walks with Eleanor, enjoying the visit?

14. Tilney and his anger, Catherine leaving, travelling in the coach?

15. Catherine at home, telling the stories to the children, Tilney arriving, his courtesy towards the family, to walk with Catherine, proposal – and a happy ending, Jane Austen style?

SPECIAL TREATMENT/ SANS QUEUE NI TETE

France/Belgium, 2010, 95 minutes, Colour.
Isabelle Hppert, Bouli Lanners, Sabila Moussadek, Mathieu Carriere.
Directed by Jeanne Labrune.

The idea is probably more successful than the execution in Special Treatment (with its original title indicating, cock and bull). Not that it is not an interesting film with some fine performances, but it is more than bit schematic in its structure and the characters are often more enigmatic than real.

That said, the film’s main thesis (and it is a thesis) is that there may not be much difference between the prostitute and the psychotherapist in their dealings with their clients, working with their minds, the subconscious and conscious, taking money for services which allegedly are improving the client. We see something of both, though the film is suggestive of eroticism rather than erotic and suggestive of therapy rather than offering psychological insights.

We are introduced to Alice, making salacious puns in an antiques shop and taunting the owner. We discover that she is a prostitute with her own apartments and discreet contact with clients, some of whom she likes, others not, and adapts her interactions with them to their own fantasies. The poster has her dressed like a schoolgirl, which she does for one of the men.

We are introduced to Xavier, a rather pompous psychiatrist, who bores peoples at parties, talks shop, to the aggravation of his wife who is falling out of love with him. We see him at work, sitting behind his patient (clients of both professions lie down in their sessions), communicating boredom to the audience, with not even an ‘mmm’ to the patient’s stream of consciousness. He is probably thinking of some artwork he can now afford – as does Alice who likes beautiful objects in her flat.

There are several other characters, prostitute friend, clients, other psychiatrists. Since Alice is beginning to self-question, she approaches a mutual friend of herself and Xavier and seeks out the possibility for some therapy. Not everyone wants to take her on. Particularly interesting (and the film comes more alive) is an encounter with a doctor who works at a hospital for the mentally disabled, a good man with his patients. She has an outburst against him, alleging that he is refusing her because of her profession. However, he and some of his patients, serve as a catalyst for calming her down. In the meantime, Xavier has calmed down and reunion with his wife seems more than a possibility.

Bouli Lanners is convincing as the therapist in need of therapy. But, any film with Isabelle Huppert is dominated by her. The same here. She has made many, many films since the mid-1970s but is still one of the world’s most telling actresses. She must be as the film ends with a long close-up of her face – enigmatic and challenging.

1. The title? The slang French title?

2. Paris, the city, the world of the prostitute, her work, affluence, clients? The world with the psychologist, clients, social life? The musical score?

3. The idea of paralleling the two professions, helping capacity, interactions, payment? The world of sex, avoiding explicit material? Alice and Xavier?

4. Alice in the world of prostitution, the performance by Isabelle Huppert, her age, experience, covering her age, the range of clients, her costumes, role-plays, the schoolgirl…? The clashes with the clients? The cold manner, the payment, the contracts? In herself, her life, at the shops, collecting antiques, identifying the clients by the money which she would pay for an antique? Her friendship with Juliette, prostitute, younger, relationship, confiding in her, support?

5. Xavier, age, portly, his work, alienation from his wife, her being also a psychologist, the marriage breaking, socials and his talking about his work?

6. Alice, discussions about going to a psychiatrist, interactions with Pierre?

7. Xavier, recommended to go to Alice, the interactions with her?

8. How affected was Alice by the interactions with Pierre, with Xavier, questioning her life?

9. How affected was Xavier, the interactions, reconsideration of his life, possible reconciliation with his wife?

10. The symbolic sculpture of the angel and its significance?

SOURCE CODE

Canada, 2011, 93 minutes, Colour.
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden, Scott Bakula.
Directed by Duncan Jones.

Fans of intelligent thrillers will like this one.

When Captain Colter Stevens wakes on a train to Chicago and finds that his travelling companion calls him Sean and says he is a teacher, he is more than bewildered because he knows he has been serving as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. After some attempts at grappling with what is happening to him until there is a mighty explosion, he wakes again, this time in a special pod, discovering he is the subject of an experiment in brain control. He has been made to identify with a teacher on the train and go back into the train to discover what caused the explosion, where the bomb was situated and who triggered the device.

So, back he goes, again and again and again. Movie buffs know what the groundhog day repetition is like, everyone else the same on the same day while the protagonist retains what he has learnt from each preceding visit to the past.

While the framework of the plot is science-fiction, science-fantasy, the captain’s many attempts to find out what has gone on are like a detective story. He shows great ingenuity after a number of re-visits, especially since he has a window of eight minutes only each time. This time is based on how much the memory of a dying man retains (like an afterglow when a light has been turned off, so the inventor of this process claims). The procedure is called Source Code.

Jake Gyllenhaal does a good job of creating a puzzled man who rises to the occasion of the challenge (and experiencing the explosion a number of times). Michelle Monaghan is Christina who warms more and more each time she encounters Captain Stevens – especially as he uses his previous knowledge each time. Stevens’ contact on each return is Goodwin (Vera Farmiga), a by the book officer who is also a compassionate listener and concerned about Stevens’ mental and emotional health. The scientist behind the development of Source Code is played by Steven Wright.

Needless to say, the film builds up a serious amount of suspense, the audience wondering whether Stevens will find the bomb, identify the bomber and save the day. This involves encounters with a great number of passengers, many of them ordinary, if sometimes irritable, commuters. The action is tempered with some comic moments as well as some romantic moments.

The challenge of time travel films is the physics – and also the logic. Whatever happens at the end, there is a slight let down when you are wondering what really happened, whether it could have happened and how it could have happened. But, that’s the nature of the genre. So, it’s probably best to put relativity theory, other dimensions, parallel worlds to one side, and just get involved in the action and the psychological demands made on Stevens, his service in Afghanistan, his memories of what he did there. He also has a longing to be reconciled with his father.

The screenplay by Ben Ripley is quite ingenious. The film was directed by Duncan Jones whose first film ventured into something of the same themes though this time in a space travel situation, Moon. They say it is risky to go back to the same material for a second film, but Jones has been very successful with Source Code. (It is completely irrelevant, but many are pleased to know that Duncan Jones is the son of David Bowie.)

1. The title? Science-fiction? Mystery, time travel, psychological identification and travel?

2. The Source Code as a device, Rutledge and his invention, control, controlling Stevens? The ability to relive time, identify with other personalities, into their mind, gathering information?

3. The cast, the director?

4. The initial setting, Colter Stevens on the train, with Christina? The mirror? His identity? Identifying with the teacher? The train exploding? His trying to understand what was going on? In himself?

5. Stevens finding himself in the Cockpit, Captian Colleen Goodwin, telling him he was on mission, the search for the bomb, the threat to Chicago, in the Source Code, his moving into other lives?

6. Reliving the train sequence, going into Chicago, with Christina? The different scenarios, the different times? The reality of his being injured in Afghanistan? On life-support?

7. Finding the killer, the killer faking his own death, Christina’s death? Stevens and his getting the licence and information, communicating this? Several more attempts and different lives?

8. Stevens, the communication with his father, the relationship?

9. Christina, walking through Chicago?

10. The Source Code, Rutledge and control, Captian Goodwin and the issue of which was the real timeline?

11. The finale, Stevens in coma, the solution of the problem – and his being asked to do one more task?

FAST FIVE/ THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS FIVE

US, 2011, 131 minutes, Colour.
Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Joa quim de Almeida, Dwayne Johnson.
Directed by Justin Lim.

Another sequel and the series is certainly vrooming. (And, if you wait during the final credits you will find a short trailer/teaser for Fast Six.)
There are speeding cars doing manoeuvres round a bus on a desert highway with the bus overturning and rolling and rolling. There is a robbery of flash cars from a moving train, a carrier vehicle crashing into the train, Paul Walker hanging on to the edge of the carrier as a narrow bridge is approaching, then he and Vin Diesel and a car do a Butch and Sundance very long leap into a river only to be surrounded by thugs. And that’s only the first twenty minutes!

Fans of the series will know the characters, Vin Diesel’s occasionally smiling taciturn Dom, Paul Walker’s smiling Brian O’Connor?, Jordana Brewster’s romantic side as Dom’s sister and Brian’s wife. In the past, they were in Tokyo and this time they are in Rio. Plenty (plenty) of moving postcards shots of the city and its beauty – and plenty of warning not to go into the barrios unless you are Vin and Paul. Even the crack US agent, Dwayne Johnson doing a tough impersonation of his professional wrestling name, The Rock, and his team find that they have to backtrack in the face of the gangs and their guns.

Joaquin de Alameida is Reyes, the Rio kingpin of drugs and deals who has, it seems, most of the police in his pocket. (I wonder what Brazilian director, Jose Padilo, maker of the two Elite Squad films thinks, about it with his very dim view of the Brazilian law enforcement agents.) Dwayne is after Vin and Paul. Vin and Paul are out to get Reyes. We don’t waste much time in watching the planning. We generally go straight into action. And, there are some twists – nice one at the end.

If Al Jolson had been writing this review, he would at this stage say, ‘You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet’. The last twenty minutes are much more oomphy than the first twenty. How they filmed it, I don’t know, but it looks like a real chase with umpteen cars or more smashing their way through the streets of Rio.

The fans, despite the fact that there have been four fast and furious films already, will certainly not be disappointed. Nor will the producers because it seems there are more than enough fans out there to pay up – and ensure Fast Six.

1. The popularity of the series? Number five? Cars, races, speed, the furious?

2. The cast on their return, the central characters, the supporting team?

3. Action sequences, stunts, special effects? The score?

4. The opening, continuity, Dom in prison, on the bus, Brian and media, their relationship, chasing the bus, getting Dom out of the prison? Their continued chases, breaking barriers, the law, borders, speed? Arriving in Rio?

5. Rio, Brazil, the scenic aspects, the streets, poverty, gangsters?

6. The pressure on the team, in Rio, the decision to rob the gangster chief? Assembling all the team, the variety of characters? Personalities?

7. Brazil, the gangster, wealth, corrupt, the team targeting him?

8. Luke Hobbs, his reputation, tracking people, finding people? Going to Rio, the encounter with the group, the chases and pursuits, the final confrontation?

9. The film’s emphasis on action and thrills rather than the characterisation? Building up to the final confrontation and spectacle? The sequel?

HOODWINKED TOO! THE BATTLE BETWEEN HOOD AND EVIL


US, 2011, 86 minutes, Colour.
Voices: Hayden Panettierre, Glenn Close, David Ogden Stiers, Patrick Warburton, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Martin Short, Joan Cusack, Brad Garrett.
Directed by Mike Disa.

Like the original, this is a hit and miss affair – and many will not be sorry if they miss it.

The idea in the original was to update some fairy tale characters and involve them in a puzzle which they had to solve by brains (well, not all of the characters are blessed in this particular area) or by brawn, with some magic thrown in. Working on the Red Riding Hood Story in Hoodwinked, Red became a heroine with some mean martial arts moves. Granny was a wise old woman who, in the parlance, was not averse to kicking ass.

The setting is a strange mixture of the past and the present, much of the latter part of this sequel taking place downtown in a modern city, streets and skyscrapers.

The screenplay is not particularly witty. The play on words in the sub-title is probably the best joke. The plot is basic, though there is a twist when (spoiler!), the twee little Hansel and Gretel, imprisoned in the gingerbread house by the wicked witch, Verushka, are the target for rescue by Red, Granny and the dumb Big Bad Wolf, under the guidance of Nicky Flippers, a frog in command of a special fairyland rescue squad. Then Hansel and Gretel turn into a neo-Nazi twosome bent on fascist rule and demolition with heavy Cherman accents and all.

The voice cast has many stars who give it their best, especially Glenn Close (as before) as the feisty Granny. Joan Cusack is effective as Verushka. Patrick Warburton is again the Wolf and David Ogden Stiers is Nicky Flippers. There is some amusement from Martin Short’s flamboyant, yodelling Kirk. Hayden Panettierre is functional as Red.

Maybe the kids will respond to some of the action, parents probably not.

5 DAYS IN AUGUST/ 5 DAYS OF WAR

US/ Georgia, 2011, 113 minutes, Colour.
Rupert Friend, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Richard Coyle, Heather Graham, Jonathon Schaech, Rade Serbedzija, Andy Garcia, Val Kilmer, Kenneth Cranham, Dean Cain.
Directed by Renny Harlin.

Which five days of war, in which August? The answer is early August, 2008, when Russia and Georgia were involved in a short war over the region of Southern Ossetia and whether it belonged to Russia or to Georgia. The Russians invaded – and are still in occupation.

The treatment of war is much the same as in many similar films. The interest is in being offered a glimpse of the war, the people, the suffering, the political issues, the response of the Russian leadership of Medvedev and Putin, the decisions of the Georgian leadership. While there are scenes of battle, the focus, in fact, is on foreign journalists and their role in bringing images of atrocities to the world’s attention (even when the networks show no interest and are concentrating on the opening of the Beijing Olympics).

There is no doubt that the film is on the side of Georgia. The Russians are presented as barbaric invaders. Some commentators have felt that the film is propaganda. Others argue that it is not propaganda even though it firmly presents the views of Georgia. There is an underlying desire in the screenplay, despite the war and cruelty, for peace and freedom. And the film opens with the quotation about the first casualty of war being truth. There is also a statistic that in the past decade over 5000 journalists have been killed in war situations.

The film opens in Iraq 2007 where casual chat on the way to an interview is prelude to a deadly ambush. The central character, journalist Tom Anders (Rupert Friend) and his cameraman Sebastian Ganz (Richard Coyle) go to Georgia at the invitation of their journalist friend, Dutchman (Val Kilmer). As the war breaks out and there are uncertainties, they go up country and film a local wedding which, we know, is going to be bombed. What follows is a rescue of the bride, her sister who has been educated in the US, and their South Ossetian father. They are helped, and later rescued, by a Georgian fighter (Jonathan Schaech), but they also have to hide and witness atrocities carried out by a Cossack soldier. They are captured and interrogated to find the memory card with the incriminating footage, especially by a Russian commander (Rade Serbedzija) whose son was killed in Afghanistan and who has a world-weary view of war.

In the meantime, the president (Andy Garcia) and his cabinet are appealing for US help, not forthcoming, and for help from the European Union (eventually).

To a large extent, the material is familiar, characters and situations from other war films: the bawdy journalistic chat and drinking, the heroic rescues, the split second rescues, the rounding up of the innocent, the long marches of people displaced.

Director, Renny Harlin, is better known as a director of action films like Cliffhanger and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Despite these limitations and the fact that the hero is not particularly likeable, we become involved in the crises, perhaps remembering this war vaguely, how it impinged (or did not) on our consciousness, and being reminded of so many similar (and worse) wars in our time.

1. Topical drama? Especially at the time? The discussion about whether the film was propaganda or not?

2. A reflection of conflicts in the, especially with Putin Russia? The situation of Georgia? The title, the focus on the war and the attack? Media response – and the irony of the world concerned about the Beijing Olympics at the time?

3. Russia, Georgia, Ossetia?

4. The opening in Iraq, the setting of the 21st century war and occupation, the mentality? The reporter, her death? The locations, ambush?

5. Georgia, Tblisi, the countryside? The Russian forces, the local forces? The attacks, bombardments, people, migrants?

6. The wedding sequence, bombardment, the rescue?

7. The focus on the journalists, their work, the difficult situations, embedded? Journalists rights?

8. Tom Anders, Sebastien Ganz, journalist and photographer? The contact with the Dutchman? His influence? The transfer?

9. The two travelling the country, the wedding, the bride, the system, the father, the attack, the escape?

10. The local fighter, his encountering the journalists in Iraq?

11. The Cossacks, atrocities?

12. Capture of the journalists, the interrogation, the commander, his son’s story, his weariness with war?

13. Georgia, the president, the meetings, the politicians, wanting help from the United States, from the European Union?

14. The work of the director, his tradition of action films, conventions of fighting, battles, escapes? Rescues? Innocent victims, displaced
people?

15. A film of action, yet significant at its time for the issues?

16. The final testimonials?

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY

UK, 2016, 108 minutes, Colour.
Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Toby Jones, Jeremy Northam, Kevin Mc Nally, Devika Bhise, Anthony Calf, Stephen Fry, Richard Johnson.
Directed by Matt Brown.

Dev Patel made a strong impression as a young man in the Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire in 2008. He has grown older since then and is able to give a fine performance in an adult role, a man from the Madras in 1914 who has a talent for mathematics.

The film is based on actual events and characters, focusing on S. Ramanujan.

The film opens with a tribute to him spoken by Cambridge mathematician, G. H. Hardy, played with his customary seriousness by Jeremy Irons. The film moves in flashback to Madras, to Indian life in the city, a young married man, rather dominated by his mother, looking for a job and finding a sympathetic manager who introduces him to keeping accounts for British Sir Francis (Stephen Fry). But, the young man has notebooks full of mathematical equations – is not able to explain how he came to them. He relies on intuitions or, as he would interpret them, visions and enlightenment from the deity. He has an ambition to go to Cambridge, to meet Hardy and work with him, to publish his material – but caste customs indicate that he cannot travel abroad from India. However, with support from his wife but apprehensiveness from his mother, he sets out and goes to Cambridge.

He meets with Hardy and his associate John Littlewood (Toby Jones). He is exhilarated to be there. They are amazed, almost overwhelmed, by the amount of material in his two books of formulas. However, he is not entirely welcomed as an Indian in this academic world, especially when World War I breaks out and young British soldiers resent him as they go to war – and bash and kick him.

While many audiences will not be privy to the secrets and beauty of mathematics, they will still enjoyed this picture of a young genius, his earnestness, his willingness to collaborate, his eagerness to publish, the challenge by his mentor to provide rational proofs rather than claim intuition, not something he can easily do (and puzzles why this is necessary). It is always not always easy working with Hardy, a reclusive man whose sole world and life is mathematics but who has to learn, even a little, what it is to be human and to have some sympathy for others.

The study of the natural world is physics. Philosophers tell us that we can mentally abstract from the physical world to a plane of mathematics with its own order and beauty, open to Infinity. Beyond that is metaphysics. There is one moment for the uninitiated when 4 is explained: 1+1+1+1, 1+1+2, 1+3, 2+2, 4 – the several realities of a number which gives them a more complex life.


Ramanujan at one stage goes to a maths class, has an intuition which he writes on the board, only to be rebuked arrogantly and with racist tones by the professor who will later oppose Hardy’s nomination for Ramanujan to be a fellow of the College.

In the meantime, his wife is lonely for him in India, his mother proud of his publication but not forwarding her daughter-in-law’s letters which further isolates both husband and wife.

Ultimately, he will return to India after the end of the war, but suffering from tuberculosis.

At one stage, Hardy shows Ramanujan various manuscripts, including some from Isaac Newton, in the Wren Library in Cambridge – and, the audience will feel an emotional sympathy at the end, viewing one of Ramanujan’s manuscripts preserved in a glass case there.

In many ways the film is uplifting, and despite the mathematical themes, feelgood.

1. The title, indication of philosophical reflection, mathematics, academia? Audience interest?

2. The film based on actual events, the tribute to Ramanujan?

3. Audience knowledge of him? Of mathematics?

4. The locations, India, Madras, the city, homes, poverty, workplaces? The contrast with the United Kingdom, Cambridge University? The atmosphere of World War I, the college quadrangle and the tents, medical care for the wounded? The musical score?

5. Ramanujan’s mother, issues of caste, his not being permitted to travel, his menial job, his wife and her love, the manager admiring his mathematics, getting a job, the interview with Sir Francis and his initial reaction, his writing the letter of support? Wanting to go to England, his mother’s reaction, upset, his wife accepting that he should go, the wharf, on the boat?

6. The opening, with Hardy, his indebtedness to Ramanujan? The discussions about mathematics, its beauty, the visuals of the pages of formulae and equations, the categories of mathematical exploration like Partitions? The explanation of the number 4 and the many
combinations to make 4?

7. Ramanujan arriving in Oxford, the encounter with Littlewood, not allowed to walk on the grass, only for the fellows? The introduction to Hardy? Hardy and his previous reaction to getting the letters, thinking that Littlewood was taunting him? The meeting, the volumes, the amazement of the Cambridge dons?

8. An Indian in Cambridge in 1914, the dining room, the fellow Indian student, the problems with food, vegetarian, his buying vegetables in the market, cooking in his own room? The later consequences of the poor food during the war, the rations? Contributing to his illness? An Indian and the experience of superiority of the British, empire, the war and the young military men bashing and kicking?

9. Hardy and Littlewood, the admiration for his work, the two volumes, the working together?

10. Hardy, his personality, rational, wanting proofs? His love for mathematics? Hard personality, dedicated? His continued smoking, the encounters with Ramanujan, his admiration of the equations but his wanting the proofs?

11. Sending Ramanujan to the class, the equation and his demonstration, the lecturer and his arrogance and racism? His later opposing Ramanujan as a fellow?

12. The tensions, the background of World War I, Hardy and his attitude towards the war, Littlewood and his being seconded, expert on ballistics? The transformation of the quad, the tents, the nurses, wounded, the doctors? Ramanujan and his illness, going to the doctor, collapse, tuberculosis, the bad food, the cold?

13. Partitions, the challenge, Hardy and his continued wanting proofs, Ramanujan wanting to be published, having intuitions, not needing proofs? His delight in the publication of the article? Going to visit Mc Mahon, defying and challenging him, Ramanujan demonstrating his ability, the rivalry? His formulating the proofs, proving Partitions, Mc Mahon conceding that he had succeeded, beingn persuaded to support Ramanujan as a fellow?

14. Bertrand Russell, his reputation, role as a philosopher, friendship with Hardy and Littlewood, the academic jealousy, his stances on the war, his being ousted from Cambridge, going to Oxford?

15. The years passing, Hardy and his work, his severity with Ramanujan, Ramanujan being hurt? Hardy nominating, the opposition, letting him know that the application had failed? More proofs, presenting these to the fellows, Hardy and his speech, his going outside, the good news, Ramanujan coming to the room, the academics knocking the table in acclamation?

16. In India, his wife missing him, writing the letters, her being sad not receiving any, his not receiving her letters, the mother hiding them in the draw, her pride when he was published, the final letters, his wife going to the letter writer, finding the draw, the mother and the motivations, his return?

17. His return to India, reunited with his wife, his continued work, the achievement of four years, the experience, publication, proofs? His death?

18. Hardy, the Wren Library, the statues, the manuscripts, the tree in the quad where Isaac Newton experienced gravity?

19. Ramanujan, his manuscripts, the 1976 discovery, the close-up of the manuscript in the library?

20. Hardy and Littlewood continuing years of work together, Ramanujan’s influence, achievement?

21. The film as a fine tribute, admiration for Ramanujan as a genius?

MARGUERITE

France, 2016, 129 minutes, Colour.
Catherine Frot, Andre Marcon, Michel Fau, Christa Theret, Denis Mpunga, Sylvain Dieuaide, Theo Cholbi, Sophia Leboutte.
Directed by Xavier Giannoli.

The opening of this film says that it is based on a true story. In fact, it is a French variation and interpretation of the singing career of the American Florence Foster Jenkins (subject of her own film in Stephen Frears film of the same name, Meryl Streep appearing as the singer). Her story has been transferred to France, to the 1920s, and some imaginative interpretation about Marguerite’s delusions about her singing.

Audiences will enjoy the 1920s settings very much, elaborate costumes and award-winning decor, the picture of wealthy French society, the mores of the time.

However, it is Marguerite and her singing that audiences have come to see and hear. In the opening society concert, we are treated to beautiful renditions of the duet from Lakme and other singing performances. In the meantime, Marguerite is dressing, preparing, with her peacock feather (there are peacocks in her husband’s estate and their raucous cry mimics the sounds that Marguerite will utter). She is introduced, welcomed with applause, and then the audience, and we the audience, have never heard Mozart’s song of the Queen of the Night from The Magic Flute rendered in such a loud and confidently off-key manner. Marguerite screeches. And later she will sing the Marseilleise as well as La Habenera from Carmen with the same extraordinary rendition.

Marguerite is deluded but no one has the confidence or courage to let her know, not even her husband who is urged to do this by his mistress, almost does it, but fails. The extensive staff of the mansion applaud their mistress – and she is supported by the Butler of the house, who serves as something as her protector and guard, Mandelbos, who takes a number of photos of her, groups, Marguerite dressed in opera costumes, drives a car, arranges the floral tributes, wards of unwelcome guests.

The trouble is that her performance goes well, according to Marguerite, and she gets the idea that she should give a public recital. She cannot be persuaded otherwise. She is encouraged by a young man, a newspaper writer who is in love with the genuine young singer whom Marguerite had encouraged. He takes her to a performance of Pagliacci, quite a powerfully rendered, which delights Marguerite and the suggestion is that the singer, actually down on his luck and a frequenter of a gay bar, should be her teacher.

Marguerite undergoes extensive training, breathing exercises, movement, loosening up, all the while singing off key, her teacher shuddering, but forced to continue with his work by Mandelbos’s hold over him because of his relationship with his young assistant, and with a medium, a bearded lady in tow.

What will happen at the recital? While this is the climax of the film, the narrative goes on after the event, Marguerite’s illness, her friends recording her voice and intending to play it so that she can really hear how she sounds. And that is the climax that the film audience will have to wait for.

Catherine Frot is completely persuasive as Marguerite, full of life, enjoying life, longing for the love of her husband, wealthy and able to offer others patronage, yet absolutely tone deaf while music is her lifelong passion, and believing that she has the qualities of a star.

And the question, with the pathos behind it: can no one tell her the truth?

1. The title, the focus on Marguerite, her singing?

2. Or based on the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, comparisons with the film of Florence, this film and extended imagination?

3. The 1920s, costumes and decor, the mansion, interiors and exteriors, the baroque rooms, the grounds? The countryside, roads, the city and streets? Cars? Opera, the gay club, the hospital? Atmosphere?

4. The music, the singing, the arias from Lakme, Pagliacci, the orchestra and chorale?

5. The rendition, off-key, of the Queen of the Night from the Magic Flute, La Marseilleise, La Habanera from Carmen, the Marriage of Figaro, the rehearsal material – and the final performance? The peacocks, her feather, the sound of the peacock echoing Marguerite?

6. The character of Marguerite, age, marriage, her husband and his mistress, no children, her wanting to please him, genteel and aristocratic? Her reliance on Mandelbos? The rest of the staff? Society, friends? Her ambition, unreal, noone telling her the truth or breaking her delusions?

7. The opening concert, Hazel and the young singer, her performance, appreciated, taken to meet Marguerite? Kyril and his mockery? Lucien, ambivalent, his love for Hazel, work for the paper, fawning on Marguerite, financial support?

8. The members of society, the organisation for singing, the wealthy, the introduction to Marguerite, dressing and getting ready, her singing and the reaction? The cinema audience reaction? Everybody praising her, the elaborate photos, the reviews, her being protected from the truth by her husband – and his later failure while he tried to tell her the truth?

9. Her husband, his deliberately being late, stories, the photos of her on his desk, his mistress, her supporting marguerite and wanting her to know the truth, his attempts, Marguerite finding the scarf, seeing it on his mistress, a blow to her and her pride?

10. The idea of a recital, Lucien and his supporting this? The visit to the opera, Pagliacci, her enthusiasm, meeting the singer?

11. The visit to the singer, his presence in singing the role, disputes about the applause, the interview, the proposition that he coach Marguerite, the effect of the interview, the visit to the gay club, the boy, the bearded lady, the tarot cards? His going to the house, hearing Marguerite sing, his reaction? Wanting out?

12. Mandelbos, his omnipresence, his role with Marguerite, serving her, the photo collection, the flowers – and all the flattery with flowers – driving, his devotion, his aim in finishing the album? His blackmailing the opera singer, the compromising photos?

13. Lucien, fickle, love for Hazel, wanting to go to write his novel?

14. The scenes of the rehearsal, the detail, the singer and his crew, the boyfriend and his concern about money, the food, Mandelbos and the relationship with the bearded lady? The singer almost telling Marguerite the truth but unable to?

15. Marguerite and the discovery of the scarf, the hurt when she saw the mistress wearing it? Her husband’s excuses?

16. The visit to the doctor, her throat?

17. The buildup to the performance, in the dressing room, introduced, the angel’s wings, singing, the whole audience collapsing and laughter, the embarrassment for Hazel and Lucien, for her husband?

18. The collapse, the blood, in hospital, the doctor and the treatment? Her being cheery, the recording of her voice?

19. The buildup to the playing of the record, hoping that she would realise the truth? The husband wanting to call it off? Mandelbos, wanting the final photo, his letting it go ahead? The car actually breaking down? Marguerite on the platform, Lucien and Hazel and those
present? Her reaction to hearing her voice, her collapse, her death?

20. Mandelbos and the final photo for the end of the film?

THE NIGHT MANAGER

UK, 2015, 330 minutes, Colour.
Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Nardone, Alistair Petrie, Douglas Hodge, David Harewood, Tobias Menzies, Adeel Akhtar, Neil Morrisey, Jonathan Aris, Natasha Little, Katherine Kelly, Simona Brown, Aure Atika.
Directed by Suzanne Bier.

John le Carre’s novels have been popular for over 50 years, from such film versions as The Spy who came in from the Cold and the Looking Glass War in the 1960s, to the television series of the stories of Smiley, to the film version of Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy in the 21st century and A Most Wanted Man.

This present film, screened as a series on BBC, is a topical story of the 21st century, the focus on international arms dealers, military entrepreneurs, their customers all over the world but especially from the Middle East, the covers as humanitarians, the ruthlessness of their lifestyle as well as its luxury.

The title refers to Jonathan Pine, played effectively by Tom Hiddleston, a man with a war background in Iraq, working as a night manager in a Cairo hotel during the uprising in 2011, getting information about deals and sending it to London. He is recruited by Angela Burr, a fine role for Olivia Colman, who has been pursuing a British arms dealer, Roper, one of the best roles for Hugh Laurie, a supremely smug and self-confident evil man. Pine ingratiates himself into Roper’s world and becomes his trusted associate, meanwhile continuing to send information to London. And, of course, there are traitors in the government offices.

The film looks very good with locations in Egypt, Switzerland, Mallorca, Turkey and the desert.

The film was directed by the Danish director, Oscar-winner Suzanne Bier, quite a different enterprise for her but very effective. And there is a fine cast of supporting actors. As might be expected, there is a romantic subplot involving Roper’s wife played by Australian actress, Elizabeth Debicki.

The film is strong in characterisation, plot, twists of fate as well as a look at 21st century espionage and spies who might have been in the cold but go back into action.

1. The long popularity of novels by John le Carre, the wide audiences over the decades, this 21st century and topical story?

2. The title, the focus on Jonathan Pine, his military background, working in hotels, his relationships, his anger, coming across information and submitting it, recruitment by the foreign office, the consequences?

3. The variety of locations, scenery, landmarks, touches of the exotic: Cairo in 2011, England and the Devon coast, Switzerland and the mountains in the snow, the variety of hotels, Mallorca and its idyllic scenery, Turkey and hotels, the docks, the desert, the military base, London and Whitehall and the foreign office, the political world? The musical score?

4. The strengths of the cast? The director?

5. The screenplay, plot, use of language, sense of mystery, dramatic twists?

6. The topicality of the plot? International arms deals, the double lives of the entrepreneurs, their political connections, ruthlessness, living in luxury, in the mountains, at the sea, the range of hotels and staff, tough environment, the amounts of money changed, loyalties and betrayals, wives and children, wars and massacres, deals, international customers, investigations?

7. The portrait of Jonathan, initially seen in Cairo, his army background, his duties at the hotel, available for people, allowing himself to be imposed on, the attraction of the girl, helping her, the sexual relationship, love, giving the information? His friend at the embassy, sending the information, her death, Jonathan’s anger towards Freddy? Transferring to Switzerland, continuing in the same work? The visit from Angela, discussions, the recruitment, his commitment? Going to England, the new identity, getting the documents? Devon, the girl, attraction, the drug-dealer, Jonathan’s ruthlessness, pressure on him, murder? The building up of his file? In Mallorca, working at the hotel, the abduction of Roper’s son, the rescue, the setup and the violence? Ingratiating himself with Roper, his recovery? The meeting with Jed and the attraction? Sandy and his wife? Corky and his suspicions? The bodyguards and thugs? Becoming part of Roper’s entourage, trusted? Taking the boy out – and his ingenious way of communicating, the episode of buying the ice cream? Contacts and further information? Roper, the invitation, trusting him and making him a partner? Corky and the insinuations against him? The base, going outside the base to communicate with Angela, discovered by Corky, the fight, his death and Roper burying him? His becoming Andrew Birch, the money, scanning of his eyes, exercise, central bank accounts, his studying weapons? Meeting the trust and playing his part? Turkey, unloading the weapons, the trucks, information to London? Going to the base, the experience of the extent of the base, the demonstrations of the weapons? The false information and Roper and his surveillance? The trucks with farm goods? Cairo, Angela and Joel coming, the casino, Freddie and the drugs, drowning him in his pool? Telling the truth to Jed, her getting the pass from the safe, Roper discovering the truth, saving face and Jonathan’s presence at the further meetings? The issue of the transfer of the money, its disappearance? Exploding all the vehicles? The arrests, Angela and Jed, a future?

8. Roper, seeing him on television, humanitarian and saving children? His arms deals, his entourage, Jed and Daniel, the thugs? Trusting Corky, Sandy? In Switzerland, impressed by Jonathan, in Spain, the abduction of Daniel, his interest in Jonathan, liking him, the recuperation, inviting him closer, advice? The death of the Spanish lawyer? Seen as the traitor? Turning Jonathan into Andrew Birch, giving him power? The associates, Turkey, the arms on the wharf, the meetings with the dealers, tensions, agreements, Roper and his pressure? Sandy and his role in the deals? Going to the base, the amount of equipment, the demonstration of arms, the bombing of the village? His relying on Corky, Corky and his friends, ousting them from the Villa? The false information about the trucks, going back to Cairo, safety, the further deals, at the camp, Sandy and the transfer of the money? Discovering Jed had gone to the safe, battering her, her being tortured? The final sales, Jonathan keeping face, the explosions, the arrest, his vanity and being sure of his safety? Into the van, the dealers and their thugs, getting their revenge?

9. Angela, her career, her past, in the Middle East, the shock of destruction, by arms, her pursuit of Roper over the years? Those working for her, in the office, their reliability? The discussions with Rex, his help? Going to Switzerland, her recruiting Jonathan? Setting him up? The information sent by him, information about the politicians and their money deals, the aliases? Her expertise, Jonathan contacting her, the Parliamentary Secretary and taking control of the operation, jealousies? Her being followed, the threats at the door? Her pregnancy, relationship with her husband, his being attacked? The false information the Syrian border? Her relationship with Joel, his coming to England, the collaboration? His return to America? Going to Cairo, putting the document back, the risk, the bodyguards and the search, Joel ringing about the parcel, taking the gun, Jed being brought to the room, shooting the bodyguards leg, success? The range of people whom she worked with – final call to Dromgoole and his not answering Roper’s phone call? Angela and her assistant, the Permanent Secretary?

10. Freddie and his treatment of his girlfriend, death, motivation? The girl and her relationship with Jonathan? Sandy and his wife, his mistress, the pressure of his wife after leaving, being brought back to spy on Jed and the risk of losing her children?

11. Jed, the dubious background, having the son? With Roper, love or not, the comfortable life? His love forher? With Daniel? Life and style, not knowing what Roper did? The attraction to Jonathan, being careful? The change, photographing the documents, explaining to Roper, his taking her on the trips, to the base? With Jonathan, the sexual encounter? In Cairo, the casino, learning the truth, taking the document from the safe, trying to return it, the code changed? Torture, and Angela rescuing her? With Jonathan and the possibility of seeing her son again?

12. Corky, trained, Roper loyalties, extravagantly gay, his advances, attraction to Jonathan, wary of him, jealousies, the insinuations? Jonathan besting him? His return, finding Jonathan at the fence, struggle, death, Roper burying him? Roper’s later regret?

13. Roper, the thugs, the bodyguards, killing and torturing?

14. Spanish lawyer, Angela getting to him, the visits to the church, the deaths, his turning, giving her the information, the brutality of his murder?

15. The British, the politicians, the codenames, the deals, the profits, protecting themselves? The variety of meetings for security? The Permanent Secretary, the threats to Angela?

16. Rex, a good man, the pressures, his decisions, supporting Angela – and the blackmail of his promotion?

17. The dealers, in the Middle East, the vast amount of weapons, the visits and discussions, the demonstrations, the money, the transfers online? The explosions – and their being thwarted, their revenge on Roper?

18. The overall effect of this Le Carre story four television, the running time, the complexities of the story, characters, topical impact?