Film Review: "Into the Deep: The Submarine Murder Case" (2022).

From Netflix comes Into the Deep: The Submarine Murder Case. This Danish documentary film directed by Emma Sullivan. Sullivan was looking to profile eccentric inventor Peter Madsen and his homemade rocket for a documentary. Instead, she captures incriminating footage that helped convict him of the murder of journalist Kim Wall.

On August 10, 2017, The Murder of Kim Wall, known in Denmark as Ubådssagen (The Submarine Case), took place after Swedish freelance journalist Kim Wall boarded the midget submarine UC3 Nautilus, in Køge Bugt, Denmark, with the intent of interviewing its owner, Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. Wall was reported missing after Nautilus failed to return to the harbour at Refshaleøen, Copenhagen. The submarine was found sunken the following morning and Madsen was arrested upon being rescued from the water. Between 21 August and 29 November, parts of Wall's dismembered body were found in different locations around the area. Charged with her murder, Madsen was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on 25 April 2018 by Copenhagen City Court following a widely publicised trial.

In 2016, Sullivan, an Australian filmmaker began documenting amateur inventor. However, one year in, Madsen brutally murdered Wall aboard his homemade submarine. The film is based on footage from Madsen's lab in the period leading up to the murder, as well as subsequent interviews with members of Madsen's team. It was initially announced that the film was set for a May 2020 release date on Netflix. However, following it's theatrical premiere at Sundance Film Festival, two subjects and the film's cinematographer, Cam Matheson protested the film in the press, accusing Sullivan and producers Mette Heide and Roslyn Walker of neglecting consent and traumatizing subjects. Netflix removed all reference to the film from its services on March 16th. Matheson, publicly distanced himself from the it, posting this statement on his website: "I in no way endorse the public exhibition of 'Into the Deep' in its current form, premiering today at Sundance Film Festival. With the exception of Peter Madsen, the subjects of this documentary have my full support and sympathy". Thus the film was postponed indefinitely and Netflix, Plus Pictures and Sullivan ultimately agreed to re-edit the film to remove those participants who did not wish to appear. It was finally released globally on September 30, 2022. The film has spiked controversy in it's homeland, due to the fast changing landscape filmmakers and producers had to face, admits the murder trial - raising both critique as well as praise for the director Emma Sullivan.

While Into the Deep: The Submarine Murder Case exploits the pain and betrayal of the subjects who were closely associated with Madsen, it otherwise presents its the facts and events in a fairly routine, bland, and unimaginative manner. The growing sense of weariness around true crime docs may affect the viewership of the film, but that doesn't mean it isn't a worthy piece of journalism. Sullivan displays great intelligence in the way she chooses images with definitive care, even though, unfortunately, she was unsuccessful in portraying the victims without revictimizing them.

Simon says Into the Deep: The Submarine Murder Case receives:

Film Review: "Blonde" (2022).

"Watched by all, seen by none". This is Blonde. This historical psychological drama film written and directed by Andrew Dominik and based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates. The film boldly reimagines the life of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons, Marilyn Monroe. From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, 'Blonde' blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private selves.

As early as 2010, Dominik had begun developing a film adaptation of Oates' 2000 novel - a fictional and controversial account of Monroe's life. Dominik described the film as being "more accessible" than his previous projects, and revealed that his script contained "very little dialogue", as he preferred to make it more of an "avalanche of images and events." For Dominik, the project was his first attempt at developing a film featuring a woman at the center of the story. In May, it was announced that Naomi Watts would star in the film as Monroe, and that the production, which at this point cost an estimated $20 million, was slated to begin principal photography in January 2011. Principal photography on the film didn't commence, with Dominik later stating he hoped it would be his next film, with production commencing in 2013. In April 2014, it was announced that Jessica Chastain had replaced Watts as Monroe. The report also revealed that Dominik was planning to begin principal photography in August of that year. Dominik attributed the delays in production partly due to financing. In August 2016, it was announced that Netflix would distribute the film. In March 2019, it was announced that Ana de Armas would star as Monroe, replacing Chastain. Dominik noticed de Armas's performance in Knock Knock (2015), and while she went through a long casting process, Dominik secured her the role after the first audition. In preparation, de Armas worked with a dialect coach for a year. By August, Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, Julianne Nicholson, Caspar Phillipson, Toby Huss, Sara Paxton, Spencer Garrett, Catherine Dent, Garret Dillahunt, and Scoot McNairy rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped early in July 2021 due to the shutdowns as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Filming took place in Los Angeles and the film utilised both black and white and colour cinematography. It was initially announced that the film was set for a September 23, 2022 release date, but the date was later shifted to a September 28 release.

The film stars de Armas, Brody, Cannavale, Samuel, Nicholson, Phillipson, Huss, Paxton, Garrett, Dent, Dillahunt, and McNairy. Despite sounding incomplete, the film never fails to fascinate thanks to the masterful performance of Ana de Armas - who, at various times, reminded me of the young titular actress herself.

Blonde is an intriguing film, one that challenges the viewer through unpredictable, often excessive exploitation set against a palate of Hollywood glamour and tragic drama.

Simon says Blonde receives:

Also, see my review for One More Time with Feeling.

Film Review: "The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales" (2022).

From Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes comes The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales. This documentary directed by Disney and Hughes. In this personal essay documentary, filmmaker and philanthropist Abigail Disney grapples with America’s profound inequality crisis. In 2018, after Abigail encounters workers at the company that bears her name struggling to put food on the table. Could she, a descendent, with no role in the multinational conglomerate, use her famous last name to help pressure Disney and other American corporations to treat low-wage workers more humanely? Believing her conservative grandfather, Roy Disney, (Walt Disney’s brother and company co-founder) would never have tolerated employee hunger at "The Happiest Place On Earth", Abigail reexamines the story of modern American capitalism from the middle of the last century, when wealth was shared more equitably, to today, when CEO’s earn upwards of eight-hundred times more than their average employees. What happened? What Abigail learns-about racism, corporate power, and the American Dream, is eye-opening, unexpected, and inspiring in that it begins to imagine a path to a fairer future for everyone. 

On January 24, 1960, American documentary filmmaker, philanthropist, social activist and grandniece of Walt Disney, Abigail Edna Disney, was born. She is the daughter of Patricia Ann (née Dailey) and Roy E. Disney. She is the granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, who co-founded The Walt Disney Company with her granduncle Walt Disney. Abigail, along with Hughes, produced and directed the Outstanding Social Issue Documentary Emmy Award winning The Armor of Light (2015) and The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales (2022). In late April 2019, Disney, through several tweets, criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger's compensation. In 2018, Iger earned a $66 million package, while in 2019, his compensation package was estimated to be approximately $35 million. One month before this statement, she had claimed that CEOs are generally "paid far too much," saying that "there is nobody on Earth [who is] worth 500 times his median workers' pay." In late April, the Disney Corporation responded in a statement that the company has made "historic investments" in its workers' pay and benefits, and defended the CEO's compensation, which it said is "90% performance-based." The company stated that Iger "has delivered exceptional value for shareholders." In late April, The Washington Post published an op-ed by Abigail Disney where she again criticized the "never [before] so profitable" Disney corporation and called for pay equity reform. In July, Abigail Disney criticized working conditions at Disneyland after a meeting with employees at their union office. She stated that the Disneyland employees she talked to have to forage for food in other people's garbage. Again turning to Twitter in 2020, Disney publicly criticized the corporation for furloughing hundreds of thousands of low paid workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, Disney gave a TED talk in which she criticized the pay rates of employees at Disney theme parks. Disney said that when she was growing up, a custodian at Disneyland could make enough money to feed a family, own a modest home, and access decent health care. Today, "three out of four of the people who smile when you walk in, who help you comfort that crying baby, who maybe help you have the best vacation you ever have, can't consistently put food on the table." She added, "Disney has turned a pretty profit on the idea that families are a kind of magic, that love is important, that imaginations matter. That's why it turns your stomach a little bit when I tell you that Cinderella might be sleeping in her car." In 2022, Disney joined current and past Disney employees in criticizing Bob Chapek for refusing to make a statement concerning (Florida House Bill 1557) which is officially named the Parental Rights in Education Bill and was passed in February of that same year. The law prohibits the teaching of gender identity in schools prior to fourth grade.

Filmed over a two-year period, the film expertly weaves together Abigail’s family story and the stories of Disneyland workers; with commentary from historians, authors, and academics. The film artfully employs archive, animation, and never-before-seen Disney family movies. From the boardroom to the union hall, the film will no doubt jump-start urgently needed conversations, about how to make American capitalism work for everyone. As Abigail concludes, "it won’t be easy, but with imagination and courage it can be changed."

Whether you are a former Disney employee (like me), a current Disney employee, a Disney fan or a non Disney fan, watch this excellent and multi-layered documentary film, the sophomore film effort directed by the grandniece of Walt Disney. The Walt Disney Company and America's corporate culture are the subjects of Abigail Disney's intelligent and emotionally charged documentary. The film condemns the organizations that create cultures of fear in order to line their own pockets, cultures that end up putting human life below profits. The film takes the viewer along on Disney's journey as she learns more about her family's company and corporate culture, and also investigates the historical political affiliations of America's Crony Capitalism. Disney is a sensitive and articulate guide to the issues at play here; she has a way of making her own questions resonate in the viewer's mind. It's slickly filmed, making great use of the Disney employees' personal moments and framing the difficult conversations beautifully. The film pokes its camera eye into about a dozen distinct forms of controversy. And yet it is a calm, measured, and very visually attractive film. Not every point of view portrayed in the film will sit well with each viewer, but Abigail Disney do their utmost to present everything in good taste. The only time my heart broke and my soul was enraged more during a movie than the first time I saw this film was probably the second time I saw this film. There aren't any easy answers, but plenty of tough questions in this compelling documentary. This is a powerful film, all the more so because it struggles with its subjects to find common cause.

Simon says The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales receives:

Series Review: "The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist" (2022).

From the director of Strangers Making Babies comes The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist. This documentary series directed by Miles Blayden-Ryall. First there was the reality series, then came a Hollywood movie— but the truth about the Bling Ring burglaries has never been told…until now. 10 years after the notorious heists, the culprits have served their jail time and are coming forward to tell the real story behind the Hollywood Hills home-invasions that gripped the nation. A cautionary tale for teens today, the docuseries shows what can happen when a fame-and-celebrity-obsessed culture meets the rise of social media and spins wildly out of control.

A group of convicted thieves consisting of seven teenagers and young adults based in and around Calabasas, California, The Bling Ring (also known as Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch, The Burglar Bunch, and the Hollywood Hills Burglars) broke into the homes of several high-profile celebrities over a period believed to have been between October 2008 through August 2009. Their activities resulted in the theft of about $3 million in cash and belongings. Much of the stolen property belonged to socialite Paris Hilton, whose house was broken into several times, though over fifty homes were reportedly targeted. The members consisted of Rachel Lee, Nick Prugo, Alexis Neiers, Diana Tamayo, Courtney Ames, Johnny Ajar, and Roy Lopez Jr. Their victims included Paris Hilton, Audrina Patridge, Rachel Bilson, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox, and Lindsay Lohan. The group targeted media figures known for their fashionable tastes and stylish, status-driven lifestyles. Their primary targets were female, having been chosen, in the words of Prugo, "mainly because [of] women wanting women's stuff". If the members liked a celebrity's style, they became determined to steal the celebrity's clothes. Lee referred to their capers as "going shopping." They found the houses of their targets using Google Maps and website celebrityaddressaerial.com, and determined when the victims would be away by researching their schedules, such as appearances at celebrity events, through websites including Facebook and Twitter. When Lee wanted to add to her wardrobe, or more cash was desired, a burglary would be undertaken. The Los Angeles Police Department report later stated that what began as a "twisted adventure" fueled by celebrity worship "quickly mushroomed into an organized criminal enterprise." In the words of Neiers, Lee "was so manipulating, so conniving. Nick always did what she said. Rachel was in charge. She started it all."

A fascinating documentary glimpse of fame found, just not the fame the thieving teens sought. They are the robbers TMZ made famous, a group of kids who redefined narcissism in an already narcissistic town.
Through the documentary lens, the show is able to emphasise the 'fakeness' of the people involved whose vapidness disappears when they committed their crimes, while capturing their unpolished refinement. However, in the show's attempts to poke fun at the cult of celebrity, the show perhaps forgot to allow us a character to truly identify with.

Simon says The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist receives:

Film Review: "Mariupol. Unlost Hope" ("Маріуполь. Невтрачена надія") (2022).

From the director of Lucy. The Intern comes Mariupol. Unlost Hope (Маріуполь. Невтрачена надія). This Ukrainian documentary film directed by Maksim Litvinov. The film is a testimony about the Russian-Ukrainian war from ordinary people who spent in Mariupol the first month of the Russian invasion. The film is based on diaries of Mariupol journalist Nadia Sukhorukova, who wrote down everything she saw around her during this first month.

On 24th February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his administration launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This is seen as the largest military attack in Europe since World War II and as of September 2022, there have been more than two hundred thousand deaths of military personnel and civilians along with more than three million who have been displaced from their homes. The Russian invasion has been condemned internationally with many countries imposing sanctions which have resulted in economic consequences for Russia and other countries. Various countries around the world have provided Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid. Moreover, protests have erupted all around the world condemning Russia's actions with those in Russia met with mass arrests and a brutal crackdown on censorship.

Mariupol is a city located on the north coast of the Sea of Azov, at the mouth of the Kalmius River. Prior to the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine and its capture by Russia, it was the tenth largest city in Ukraine and the second largest in the Donetsk Oblast. Following its capture, the population, according to Ukrainian authorities, is estimated to be less than one hundred thousand. Not only was it a centre for trade and manufacturing, the city played a key role in the development of higher education and various businesses. Granted city right in 1778, Mariupol played a major role in the industrialisation of Ukraine with Illich Steel and Iron Works and Azovstal Iron and Steel Works providing a crucial backbone. From late February till late May 2022, Russian and Pro-Russian proxy forces largely destroyed the city for which it received the title of Hero City of Ukraine. With the surrender of the last remaining Ukrainian troops in Azovstal Steel plant, the siege ended but not without its consequences. It is reported that many of the citizens who remained were forcibly deported to Russia and Russian occupied territories, as well as ninety percent of the city having been destroyed. Some Western reports called the battle a "pyrrhic" or a symbolic victory for Russia, but the humanitarian impact being a reputational disaster for them.

The film offers something that these days is rare and precious: close-up coverage of history in the making that doesn't have "breaking news" ribbons or network logos plastered all over it. Despite its lack of context and repetitive structure, it goes behind the headlines to form a powerful and even-handed examination of grassroots activism that transcends cultural boundaries. The film is a portrait of a people, a place and a moment rather than a dissertation on its context or implications. It is raw, unflinching cinema for a troubled nation in a great and terrible moment.

Simon says Mariupol. Unlost Hope (Маріуполь. Невтрачена надія) receives:

Series Review: "Sins of Our Mother" (2022).

From Netflix and the director of Girl in the Picture comes Sins of Our Mother. This crime documentary series directed by Skye Borgman. Lori Vallow was known to friends and family as a devoted mother of three, a loving wife, and a woman of God. But over the past three years, something went very wrong: Now Lori is in jail, waiting to stand trial for conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of her fourth husband, her fifth husband’s wife, and her two youngest children. For the first time, Lori’s surviving son Colby steps forward to provide exclusive insight into his family’s backstory as well as their present-tense narrative as Lori faces justice. At the heart of this three-part series is a single burning question: how did a seemingly normal woman become the most notorious mother in America?

In September 2019, Tylee Ashlyn Ryan and Joshua Jaxon "J. J." Vallow, two American children from Chandler, Arizona, disappeared and were later found dead in June 2020 in Rexburg, Idaho. Tylee was last seen alive at Yellowstone National Park on September 8, 2019. Her younger brother, J.J., was last seen alive on September 23, 2019, at Rexburg's Kennedy Elementary School. In November 2019, police questioned the children's mother, Lori Vallow Daybell, about the children's whereabouts and welfare. Lori and her new husband, Chad Guy Daybell, claimed that J.J. was staying with family friend Melanie Gibb in Arizona. When police reached Gibb by phone, she told police that Joshua was not with her and had not been there for several months. More than a week later, Gibb called police saying that both Lori and Chad had asked her to lie to police about J.J.'s whereabouts but she refused. Police efforts to locate J.J. led to the discovery that Tylee was also missing. Complicating circumstances around the disappearances was a string of suspicious deaths. Lori's estranged husband, Charles Vallow, was shot and killed in July 2019 by her brother, Alex Cox, who claimed self-defense. In early October 2019, Brandon Boudreaux, the then-estranged husband of Lori's niece, Melani, was shot at in the driveway of his Gilbert, Arizona home from a vehicle still registered to the deceased Charles Vallow. In October 2019, Chad's wife, Tammy Daybell, was attacked in her driveway by what she believed was someone shooting a defective paintball gun. On October 19, a few weeks later, she died in her sleep from what was initially recorded as "natural causes". On June 9, 2020, police executed a search warrant at Chad's home and discovered the remains of J.J. and Tylee. Chad was arrested later that day on charges of destruction or concealment of evidence. On May 25, 2021, Lori and Chad were charged with the first degree murders of Tylee, J.J., and Tammy.

The show isn't quite as compelling, or jaw-dropping as Abducted in Plain Sight or The Girl In The Picture. But it is still a better show of its type than almost anything else out there. Recommended.

Simon says Sins of Our Mother receives:

Also, see my review for I Just Killed My Dad.

Film Review: "Pinocchio" (2022).

"Being real is in your heart." This is Pinocchio. This fantasy musical directed by Robert Zemeckis, adapted by Zemeckis and Chris Weitz, based on the 1940 animated Disney classic of the same name, which is itself based on the 1883 Italian book The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi, and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is a live-action remake of the 1940 animated classic. A live action and CGI retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy.

In early April 2015, it was announced that Walt Disney Pictures is developing a live-action adaptation of the 1940 animated classic with Peter Hedges hired to pen the adaptation. In late May 2017, it was announced that Weitz replaced Hedges in penning the adaptation and Sam Mendes was hired to direct. However, in mid November, Mendes left the project. In late February 2018, it was announced that Paul King was hired to replace Mendes and production was expected to begin in late 2018. In late August, though Jack Thorne was hired to re-write Weitz's script, Weitz revealed that the script was still being developed, as well as that production was set to take place in England and Italy during 2019. In November, Simon Farnaby was reportedly hired to pen a new draft for the adaptation. However, in mid January 2019, it was reported that King left the film due to "family reasons", while Disney was announced to be searching for a new director for the project. In late October 2019, it was reported that Disney was considering releasing the film on its streaming service Disney+ due to the box office failure of its 2019 remake of Dumbo. In late January 2020, it was reported that Zemeckis was hired to replace King and pen a new script with Weitz. In early December 2020, the film was officially announced to be moving back to Disney+ instead of a theatrical release in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By mid March 2021, Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo, Giuseppe Battiston, Luke Evans, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key and Lorraine Bracco were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in April. Filming took place at Cardington Film Studios, England, under the working title Mahogany.

The film stars Hanks, Erivo, Battiston, Evans with the voice talents of Ainsworth, Gordon-Levitt, Key and Bracco. The cast and their characters feel like they're trying to replicate better performances than they could ever hope to achieve.

Despite the updates and the pomp the film feels underwhelming by the time the end credits roll. The songs frequently interrupt the flow of the story, creating a stop-and-go feel that sucks some of the film's momentum away. The production was so focused on making us remember the past that it did little to make the present memorable. This is one film that we would watch for the sake of it but come out of the theatre wishing for the good ol' days.

Simon says Pinocchio receives:

Also, see my review for The Witches and Cruella.

King in the Ring 8 Man Series: The Super Heavyweights

NOTHING beats live combat sports. 

Feel the power and strength of the super heavyweight 8 man, witness the skill and endurance of the international title fights, and the fortitude and agility of the super fights.

8 Fighters. Only One will be KING!
Fri, 9 Sep at 7.30pm
Eventfinda Stadium

www.kinginthering.co.nz

8 MAN QUARTER FINALS
Earl-Jay Pehi vs David ‘Titan’ Tuitupou
Thomas Peato vs Brando Pericic
Nathaneal Tuteru bs Domenick Scanlan
Lee Kara vs Mou Hussain

INTERNATIONAL TITLE BOUTS
WBA International Super Flyweight Boxing
Michelle ‘Pressure’ Preston (NZ) vs Phanaluk Kongsang (Thailand)
WKBF World K-1 Kickboxing Title
Navajo Stirling (NZ) vs Jesse Astill (AU)

SUPER FIGHTS
Mandela Ale vs Mark Timms
Oscar Remihana vs Byron Pointon