NZIFF Film Review: "Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time" (2021).

"The story of a lifetime, or two. A film and a friendship forty years in the making". This is Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time. This documentary film directed by Robert B. Weide and Don Argott. The film is a dazzling, worthy tribute to Vonnegut and a compelling introduction for the uninitiated. The film - the first of its kind on Vonnegut - is a deep, immersive dive into the author’s upbringing and his creative output. It spans his childhood in Indianapolis, his experience as a Prisoner of War in World War II, his marriage, family, and divorce, his early careers as a publicist for General Electric and a car salesman, and his long years as a struggling writer, leading to eventual superstardom in 1969 following the publication of his lightning-bolt anti-war novel Slaughterhouse-Five. The film began thirty-nine years ago when young, fledging filmmaker Robert Weide wrote a letter to his literary idol proposing a documentary on Vonnegut’s life and work. Shooting began in 1988, and the resulting film reflects the friendship and bond Weide and Vonnegut formed over the decades. In the film, past, present, and future cease to become linear as Weide strives to get an overview of his subject’s life and his own role in it. The film is first and foremost a biography of a beloved American author. But it also documents a filmmaker’s odyssey as he examines the impact of a writer’s legacy on his own life, extending far beyond the printed page.

The American writer, known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels, Kurt Vonnegut, was born on November 11, 1922. In a career spanning over fifty years, he published fourteen novels (most notably his semi-autobiographic science fiction-infused anti-war novel Slaughterhouse-Five (1969)), three short-story collections, five plays, and five nonfiction works; further collections have been published after his death on April 11, 2007. The aforementioned novel follows the life and experiences of Billy Pilgrim, from his early years, to his time as an American soldier and chaplain's assistant during World War II, to the post-war years, with Billy occasionally traveling through time.

The literacy cognoscenti, who are aware of Vonnegut's life and works, should still find much to appreciate in the documentary. The film doesn't cover every topic or feature every interviewee fans might want, but the film offers a satisfying, in-depth look at the life and legacy of Vonnegut. Vonnegut's life as a struggling writer, the reverberations of his career failure on his family, and the film's adroit, lively way of guiding us through the potentially dull subject of writers and their writings all combine to give the film a lot of juicy oomph. This isn't a great documentary, but Weide and Argott deserves applause and respect for getting their message and documentation of Vonnegut. Weide and Argott seems to push the film towards sharing the spotlight between Weide and Vonnegut; in so doing, he shows viewers exactly what the role of a good ally is.

Simon says Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time receives:

Also, see my reviews for Believer and Crimes of the Future.

NZIFF Film Review: "Crimes of the Future" (2022).

"From the mind of David Cronenberg" comes Crimes of the Future. This science-fiction body horror film written and directed by Cronenberg. As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. With his partner Caprice, Saul Tenser, celebrity performance artist, publicly showcases the metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances. Timlin, an investigator from the National Organ Registry, obsessively tracks their movements, which is when a mysterious group is revealed… Their mission – to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution. 

In 2002, the project was in development under the title Painkillers, which explored the world of performance art and took place in an anaesthetized society where pain is the new forbidden pleasure, and surgery and self-mutilation, being performed in public and on camera, have come to be regarded as the new sex. In early 2003, the film was announced and was set to begin production with Nicolas Cage, Cronenberg's first choice for the role, was originally set to star as Tenser. However, Ralph Fiennes replaced Cage after the latter dropped out of the project. It was intended to be shot in Toronto, Canada on a budget of $35 million, and with a scheduled 2006 release date. However, the project never entered production and went into development hell. In a mid-2000s interview, director Cronenberg brushed the project aside, stating that it was not happening and that he had lost interest in making it anyway. However, in February 2021, Viggo Mortensen revealed that he was working on a project with Cronenberg. The film would mark Cronenbergs' first original script since eXistenZ (1999) and his first directorial effort in eight years following Maps to the Stars (2014). By early August, Léa Seydoux, Kristen Stewart, Don McKellar, Scott Speedman, Nadia Litz and Tanaya Beatty. Mortensen wanted to play the part of Wippet, but Cronenberg claims he "harassed" him into playing Tenser, instead. Natalie Portman was initially supposed to play Seydoux's part (who initially was set to play Stewart's role), but she was unable to do the film because of conflicts related to COVID-19. Ultimately, Seydoux replaced Portman and Stewart replaced Seydoux. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in early September. Filming took place in Athens, Greece. Mortensen suffered quad trauma when struck by a non-participating horse at the American Kentucky Derby and as a result was unable to stand for periods longer then two minutes. This resulted in his character constantly kneeling while giving exposition and monologues.

The film stars Mortensen, Seydoux, Stewart, McKellar, Speedman, Litz and Beatty. Mortensen and Seydoux are perfectly cast as the perverted performance artist couple, and Stewart is wonderfully creepy. Mortensen is still the ideal Cronenberg hero, projecting a personality that is smart, wary and capable of obsessiveness.

The film is a hugely enjoyable SF thriller with a playfulness to its narrative that keeps you well and truly baffled as too where you are. Veers fabulously across several intersections, between body horror, softcore pornography, arthouse drama, and arch satire.

Simon says Crimes of the Future receives:

Also, see my reviews for Maps to the Stars and Nalvany.

NZIFF Film Review: "Navalny" (2022).

"Poison always leaves a trail". This is Navalny. This documentary film directed by Daniel Roher. This eye-opening documentary chronicles the investigation into the shockingly brazen assassination attempt of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny – and his ongoing fight for democratic reform.

Russian opposition leader, lawyer, and anti-corruption activist, Alexei Anatolievich Navalny, has organised anti-government demonstrations and run for office to advocate reforms against president Vladimir Putin and his tyrannical government, as well as rampant corruption in Russia. Navalny was a Russian Opposition Coordination Council member. He is the leader of the Russia of the Future party and founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). He is recognised by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, and was awarded the Sakharov Prize for his work on human rights. With more than six million YouTube subscribers through his social media channels, Navalny and his team have published material about corruption in Russia, organised political demonstrations and promoted his campaigns. Navalny and the FBK have published investigations detailing alleged corruption by high-ranking Russian officials and their associates. In July 2013, Navalny wrongfully received a suspended sentence for embezzlement. Despite this, he was allowed to run in the 2013 Moscow mayoral election and came in second, with 27% of the vote, outperforming expectations but losing to incumbent mayor Sergey Sobyanin, a Putin puppet. In December 2014, Navalny received another unjust suspended sentence for embezzlement. Both of his criminal cases were widely considered to be politically motivated and intended to bar him from running in future elections. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) later ruled that the cases violated Navalny's right to a fair trial, but the sentences were never overturned. In December 2016, Navalny launched his presidential campaign for the 2018 presidential election but was barred by Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) after registering due to his prior criminal conviction; the Russian Supreme Court subsequently rejected his appeal. In 2017, the documentary He Is Not Dimon to You was released, accusing Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, leading to mass protests. In 2018, Navalny initiated Smart Voting, a tactical voting strategy intended to consolidate the votes of those who oppose United Russia, to the party of seats in elections. In August 2020, Navalny was hospitalised in serious condition after being poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. He was medically evacuated to Berlin and discharged a month later. Navalny accused Putin of being responsible for his poisoning, and an investigation implicated agents from the Federal Security Service. In January 2021, Navalny returned to Russia and was immediately detained on accusations of violating parole conditions while he was in Germany which were imposed as a result of his 2014 conviction. Following his arrest and the release of the documentary Putin's Palace, which accused Putin of corruption, mass protests were held across Russia. In February, his suspended sentence was replaced with a unjustified prison sentence of over two and half years' detention. In March 2022, Navalny was sentenced to an additional nine years in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement and contempt of court in a new trial described as a sham by Amnesty International; his appeal was rejected and in June, he was transferred to a high-security prison.

In January 2021, filming began shortly after Navalny came out of a coma and went on until his arrest in the same month: according to the main character of the film, the film crew was next to him even at the border control at the airport. During the film's making, its team referred to it under the working title Untitled LP9. Producers said that alluded to a nickname they've seen Russia's security agency use for Novichok: Love Potion No. 9. In mid January 2022, the project was first announced. Ironically, Roher originally planned to make a film about one of the investigations of Christo Grozev. Roher described the film as "the story of one man and his struggle with an authoritarian regime".

If the film has you endlessly searching throughout the internet for more documentaries and videos about Russia's white knight, this offers a more traditional political biography, with a more traditional running-time. Featuring new interviews with Navalny's family and associates, this gripping documentary charts the rise of the Russian government's most feared opposition. Rarely seen footage and photographs in the film offer a bold tribute to Putin's most feared opponent. The film will hold up as a respectful, enthralling and engaging look at the man who was simply Russia's white knight. The terrifyingly tenacious Navalny effectively leads the story and takes centre stage, which is probably right considering how central he was to the outfit. A little more investigative journalism would have given this documentary a more well-rounded variety of perspectives. Ultimately though, the politics and life of Navalny is the real attraction for this movie. One of the most entertaining tales of the quest for justice in recent memory, a quality that is likely to land it on a host of top film lists (mine included). It's a bracing journey filled with wonderful anecdotes and splendid footage, and it is, emphatically, Navalny telling his story, from his perspective. It has great footage, interesting talking heads, and freighted music. It feels sentimental and bittersweet, with Navalny coming across as a thoughtful, respectful, vaguely professorial figure. Like similar political docs, the film relies heavily on archival footage, familiar photographs and news broadcasts. Yet, the beauty of Rohr's documentary is how engagingly he arranges it. The film is a moving tale and an important piece of political history, but it's in the pure dedication of such moments that Navalny is best remembered. In most ways, the film is a conventional political doc, a heroic and valorizing chronicle of a opposition leader's life and political career. Navalny is one man that deserves the deep dive. The film would appear to be a final attempt by Navalny to clear his name and tell his side of the story, but this is ultimately Navalny's quest for justice in Russia, and as such, it is moving, tragic, and yet also celebratory and joyous.

Simon says Navalny receives:

Also, see my reviews for Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band.

Series Review: "The Most Hated Man on the Internet" (2022).

"In the web of revenge, no one is off limits." This is The Most Hated Man on the Internet. This documentary series directed by Rob Miller. The documentary series centers on Hunter Moore and his website, IsAnyoneUp.com - one of the earliest and most notorious homes of revenge porn. In a lawless internet world circa 2010, unlikely allies band together to seek justice and ultimately uncover unexpected secrets. In the web of revenge, no one is off limits - even Hunter Moore. 

In late 2010, the online pornographic website, Is Anyone Up?, was founded by Hunter Moore. It was based on stolen and hacked photos. It allowed users to submit photographs or videos anonymously, mainly nude, erotic, and sexually explicit images. The site was closely associated with the metalcore and post-hardcore music scene, also featuring and depicting numerous nude photos of musicians of these genres. The website was subject to great controversy because of the prevalence of revenge porn submissions to the service, many of which were submitted by former romantic partners without consent and with malicious intent. Many of the submitted revenge porn images were obtained as a result of multiple email account hacks. The ongoing incidents resulted in numerous lawsuits and even death threats aimed at Moore. He refused to take down pictures on request. Moore called himself "a professional life ruiner" and compared himself to Charles Manson. The website was up for sixteen months, during which Moore stated several times he was protected by the same laws that protect Facebook. Moore also paid a hacker to break into email accounts of victims and steal private photos to post. In 2012, the FBI started an investigation on Moore after receiving evidence from the mother of one of the victims. In late April 2012, the website was eventually shut down and sold to an anti-bullying group. In November 2015, Moore was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, a $2,000 fine, and $145.70 in restitution.

Throughout her reportage, Miller doesn't judge any of the victims, but rather outlines, terrifyingly, how easily it could happen to virtually anyone. The series, like the man who founded it, takes inspiration from, plays on the worst aspects of human emotion; this is TV as a freak-show. So to watch one such individual who preyed on desperate and foolish souls receive the painful humiliation he so desperately craves for, well, that makes the series not just a binge, but a delicious rewatch. The best thing about the doco is the group of past victims who sit before the cameras and tell their stories with hefty helpings of honesty, humour and of course, heartbreak. Miller has compiled the evidence in a way that captures and holds your attention and builds suspense, especially as the con man's scheme starts crumbling in the second half of the movie. The series shows in chilling and heartbreaking details the dark side of the internet through revenge porn. It's a cautionary tale about the destructive power that certain images can bring down anyone to the lowest level of existence.

Simon says The Most Hated Man on the Internet receives:

Film Review: "The Black Phone" (2022).

"Never talk to strangers" in The Black Phone. This supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, adapted by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, and based on the 2004 short story of the same name by Joe Hill. Finney Shaw, a shy but clever thirteen-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

Derrickson and Cargill decided to adapt Hill's short story into a feature film while the Derrickson was working on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Cargill promised to postpone the project until Derrickson became available to direct. In January 2020, Derrickson came on board to helm the adaptation soon after departing from the sequel due to creative differences. In October, the film was officially announced. Derrickson cited films such as The 400 Blows (1959), The Devil's Backbone (2001), Rosemary’s Baby (1968), and the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving, as inspirations. By early February 2021, Ethan Hawke, Jeremy Davies, E. Roger Mitchell, James Ransone, Mason Thames, and Madeleine McGraw were cast. At the same time, with a budget of $16 million, principal photography commenced and wrapped in later March. Filming took place throughout North Carolina, USA under the working title Static. The Grabber's masks were designed by legendary prosthetic makeup artist Tom Savini. The film was originally set for a January 28 2022 release date and later February 4 2022 before being delayed again to June 24 2022 due to unexpectedly great preview showings. Once Blumhouse realized just how great early reactions were, they gave it a summer release date.

The film stars Hawke, Davies, Mitchell, Ransone, Thames, and McGraw. Thanks to Hawke's performance, The Grabber is now perhaps one of the most terrifying horror villains in recent memory, even though he has relatively little screen time.

Genuinely chilling, working hard to make you squirm, the film is a perfect watch for this spooky time of year. Just a straightforward horror flick about a teenager kidnapped by a serial killer and an old black phone with a bunch of ghosts of the Grabber's victims-and Ethan Hawke! This is a slow build type of horror film where most of the audience can see the end game long before the characters in the film. Even so, it's well crafted piece of work with some genuinely scary moments. Cheapened scare sequences, an ambiguous antagonist, transparent characterizations and a mixed bag of a supernatural storyline barely put any the film thoughts in our heads worth contemplating. However, perhaps the film's most impressive element is how smoothly it transitions into the supernatural portion of its narrative. An interesting beast that combines both classic and modern scares to create a film that should have you whimpering in your seat by the end.

Simon says The Black Phone receives:

Also, see my review for Doctor Strange.

Film Review: "The Gray Man" (2022).

From Netflix and the directors of Avengers: Endgame comes The Gray Man. This action thriller film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, adapted by the Russo Brothers, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney. The Gray Man is CIA operative Court Gentry, aka, Sierra Six. Plucked from a federal penitentiary and recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy, Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death. But now the tables have turned and Six is the target, hunted across the globe by Lloyd Hansen, a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. Agent Dani Miranda has his back. He’ll need it.

In January 2011, the project was first set up at New Regency, with James Gray set to direct the film adaptation of Greaney's 2009 novel penned by Adam Cozad and Brad Pitt attached to star. However, by October 2015, Gray and Pitt were no longer involved with the film. Christopher McQuarrie and Charlize Theron then entered talks to direct and star in a genderswapped version of the film at Sony Pictures, with the Russo Brothers, Markus and McFeely penning the adaptation. By July 2020, Anna Gregory, Charles Leavitt, Rhett Reese, Joe Schrapnel, and Paul Wernick were hired to perform rewrites. By mid March 2021, Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jessica Henwick, Regé-Jean Page, Wagner Moura, Julia Butters, Dhanush, Alfre Woodard, Billy Bob Thornton, Callan Mulvey, DeObia Oparei, Robert Kazinsky, and Shea Whigham were cast. At the same time, with a budget of $200 million, principal photography commenced and wrapped in late July. Filming took place in Prague, Czech Republic; Château de Chantilly, France; Baku, Azerbaijan; Vienna, Austria; Long Beach, California, USA; and Marietta, Georgia.

The film stars Gosling, Evans, de Armas, Henwick, Page, Moura, Butters, Dhanush, Woodard, Thornton, Mulvey, Oparei, Kazinsky, and Whigham. When you're watching a star-studded, action-packed cast shoot and fight their way through bad guys and tense scenarios, it's difficult to have too many complaints. Both Gosling and Evans' leading charismas are enough to keep you glued to this (occasionally problematic) thrill ride.

With its fidgety two-hour runtime and the nonstop procession of gunfire and explosions, the film grows tedious, largely as a fault of the screenplay. One does have to watch a lot of the stuntwork through a kind of veil of ineffective camera set-ups and poor visual storytelling. The film won't revolutionize the action genre, but it shows that leaving the ones who get the punches in charge of the action is a good idea. It's an action thriller that operates with the conventional mechanisms of the genre and does not have the slightest intention of bringing some strength to the plot of the mercenary trapped by his past. The film is bang on with its explosions, gunfights, hand-to-hand combats and chases, all lensed without taking the foot off the pedal. The rest is strictly middling. It's a mediocre and humorless action, suspense thriller with suffocating dialog and ham-fisted metaphors, however it's immensely popular with viewers.

Simon says The Gray Man receives:

Also, see my review for Cherry.

National Track Series 2022: Round 2 - Cambridge.