The Giver (2014)

            I have very mixed feelings about this film. The Giver is one of my favorite books and I have eagerly awaited the release of the movie. When I saw the first trailer, however, my heart sank, because I knew what kind of movie they were going to make. It was going to be a dystopian action movie, which is so very different from the novel. If the filmmakers were trying to create that kind of movie, than they failed miserably. It was immediately compared to The Hunger Games and Divergent, and since it lacked the excitement that both of those franchises have, The Giver seemed dull. The Giver is not meant to be an action movie in the least. I think it would have been told so much better as a small indie film rather than a blockbuster family film.

            The story felt extremely rushed. I don’t understand why they only had the movie be an hour and half long, when it would have been perfectly acceptable to have a two-hour movie. Then we could have seen more character development and actually cared about the characters. As it was, I could not say that I felt much of anything towards the characters. That also may have to do with the stiff acting. I know that the world the characters live in is cold and lifeless, but that still did not excuse awkward and forced performances of the actors.

            One the other hand, there were moments of the film that I enjoyed very much. I thought that all the “memory” scenes were very well done, as well as the black and white aspect. They captured the essence of the story, which is that life is not worth living if music and color and love are taken away just to make life less complicated. The scene where The Giver shows Jonas music was especially my favorite. In fact, the entire soundtrack was pretty exceptional. I also loved the line that went something like, “They didn’t remove murder, they brought it home; they just called it a different name.” The line also captured the lesson of the book, which is that no matter how perfect a society you create, there will always be flaws. It is impossible to create a perfect world.

It’s for these reasons that I don’t completely shun the film. I understand that it must have been an extremely difficult movie to make, but that doesn’t help me feel any less disappointed at the lackluster attempt at one of my favorite stories.

IMDb rating: 6/10

August: Osage County (2013)

            Dysfunctional family at its finest. That is how I can describe this film in one sentence. In the scorching heat, an estranged family comes together in a crisis, and the hot temperatures are only a catalyst for the hot tempers of the family members. I was captivated the whole time (even though the beginning was somewhat slow), as I waited to see how the family descended into further and further chaos. Meryl Streep deservedly received an Oscar nomination for her role as the family matriarch, Violet. Her character was equal parts heartbreaking and irritating. You feel sympathy for her, but at the same time you get the sense that she created half of her problems herself. However, the scene where she bolts from the car and runs through a field as her daughter chases her made me cry. The hopelessness and desperation was so palpable.

            As I listened to the heated arguments on screen, I realized that if you removed some of the more dramatic problems, I could see some of my own family dysfunction. I come from a good family, but even the best family has drama, and I think that’s what makes the film relatable. Personally, I related to Ivy the most. (*Spoiler) Not in the fact that she fell in love with her cousin/brother *shudder,* but how she is the quiet, responsible one amongst the very many dominant personalities. I have found that I fill that role in my own family, and I also find myself getting teased by my older female relatives about men and finding a husband.

            I was surprised at the ending. I thought it would end happily for some reason, but it was very depressing to watch as one by one Violet’s family leaves her. I don’t think it will be a film I will watch again, but it was definitely worth my time.

           

IMDb rating: 8/10

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

            This was one of the most intriguing films I’ve seen in a while. The story revolves around two vampire lovers: Adam, a gloomy pessimist who is sick of humans, and Eve, an optimistic woman full of life. They balance each other perfectly and their love has stood through the centuries. Unlike other vampire stories, this one is extremely realistic, and depicts how vampires would probably live if they were real. They use iPhones, write music, go to nightclubs, and book flights to travel the world (only night flights of course). It was nice to see vampires that were so normal, and it was refreshing that they were not depicted as sexualized or bloodthirsty as they usually are in literature and film. The immortality aspect seemed to be emphasized more than the drinking of blood. The only vampire cliché that I noticed was that both Eve and Adam were tempted by blood at some point in the film when a human cut themselves. The vampires’ relationship with blood was also interesting. It almost mirrored the behavior of drug addicts: the isolation, the secrecy, the ecstasy after consuming it.

            The plot was really slow, but still captivating. That is the mark of good filmmaking, in my opinion. I think the pacing would have been too slow if it was not for the vampire element keeping my attention. Yet it is so subtle that you almost forget that the characters are vampires and you start to just think of them as bohemians living in Detroit. I also noticed (and forgive my inner English nerd for coming out) the motif of spinning (with their dancing and the record player) and how it symbolized their endless, immortal lives. The film showed the sadness that comes with never growing old, but also the wonderful possibilities. I would want to be immortal just so that I could have time to read all the books that I will never have time for. Sigh.

            Lastly, I must comment on the delightful casting. Tilda Swinton is so freaking cool. And Tom Hiddleston is perfect as the brooding Adam. Despite their age difference, their chemistry is palpable and makes the captivating tale complete. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for something out of the ordinary, and that will have them pondering about life long after the credits finish rolling.

IMDb rating: 9/10