I was inspired to put together another double feature of two films I really love. These two films are subtle, quiet, and intimate. Both are extremely well made and both just so happen to be current favorites of mine. I present to you the double feature: Slice of Life
Film #1: The Spectacular Now (2013) This film feels special to me and also extremely personal. It's not your typical high school romance film, honestly I might not even call it a romance film, as each character and their motivations, struggles, insecurities, and such are more important than the romance at the center of the film. Not to say the romance isn't important because it's the bottom layer of the film's foundation, but the characters are so well written and so deeply human that it feels like their individual stories, not the romances story. This film transports you back into high school, or at least it did that for me. It takes place when I was in high school so that helps a little, but what puts it into this double feature is the fact that it doesn't blow everything out of proportion. It's not a Nicholas Sparks romance, it's much more tangible than that. This film focuses on the little moments, the small insignificant conversations, the moments they don't show in movies like this, and I think that is what makes it more personal, why I connect with it as much as I do. Add in some beautiful cinematography, stellar performances from Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, and a great score, well you got yourself a great film. Also it's on Netflix so you can see for yourself. Film #2: Columbus (2017) To me, this is pretty much a perfect film. Everything about it is done masterfully. Every single shot is gorgeous. I'm not hyperbolizing either, literally every single shot of this film is amazingly beautiful. As I write this, I'm listening to the subtle, mesmerizing score for this film, it's sweet and soothing, yet still has that melancholy feel to it. The leads, John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson, give extremely real performances that are extremely moving and the script is so good. The editing of this film, is some of the most restrained and masterful editing I've ever seen in a drama. This film isn't flashy, ever, it let's the beauty of it's location and story do the talking and I love that so much, but the reason I think it goes well with The Spectacular Now is that it also focuses on the small and everyday moments, probably more so. Yet each of these small moments means so much to the characters, from the cutting of a tomato, to the grabbing of a camera, to the sharing of a cigarette, every moment matters, and none is wasted. It feels like real life. How a seemingly small insignificant moment to one person, can mean the world to another. This film is oozing passion and creativity and it is easily one of the best films I have ever seen, honestly. Also it's on Hulu so please go check it out. These two films aren't flashy like the last two I talked about, some may find them boring and devoid of meaning, but I find them profound looks at everyday life. They look at what is important to us, what connects with us, what brings us joy, and what brings us sorrow. I highly recommend these films, and maybe if you look outside and feel that melancholic haze from the snow, take the time to watch these two films back to back. Who knows, you may find something you like about them.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Austin VincentJust a guy with a passion for film and Jesus who's trying to show that He can be found in our creative endeavors. Archives
November 2018
Categories |