Mulholland Dr. (2002) directed by David Lynch

Muholland Dr. is a mystery within a mystery about a dream within a dream. At least that's one way to put it. It's certainly a mystery though. It's one that few people can solve. The question is, are we supposed to? David Lynch has a history of doing this. He knows how to welcome his audience into his odd world, make them care and then loose them in the void of mystery. He does it right every time, and because of this, he is considered one the greatest living directors.

Betty Elms moves to L.A. to pursue her acting career. She comes to live at her aunt's lavish apartment complex while her aunt leaves town. Hiding in the apartment complex is Rita , who sneaked in after escaping a horrible accident on Mulholland Dr. When Betty finds Camilla in her new home, they immediately enter a bizarre friendship fueled by mystery. Much is the mystery stems from the fact that Camilla knows not who she is or what has happened to her. Together, they try to put the pieces back into the puzzle. This is the only clear part of the story. This takes place in the first half on the film. The second half of the film takes a radical turn, requiring the audience to put the pieces together. Everything we've assumed up to this point is now false. Nothing is what it seems.

If you have not seen this film, I suggest skipping over this paragraph for I am attempting to put the pieces together myself. At this point, it feels as if we have left reality, when in fact we are entering reality. We learn who the real characters are. Betty is a struggling actress named Diane. Rita is a worshiped actress named Camilla. Why the sudden change? It's because Betty was dreaming. All of the events that took place in the first part of the film, which I've chosen not to delve into, are mere elements of reality in Diane's(betty's) life. Psychologically, she was displacing her guilt, envy and wishes. By dreaming, she was running away from who she is in reality. This is why she's not Diane in her dream. Who is Diane? Who is Rita? There's references to these people in the film. Are they important? Their only importance is that they act as clues to help us understand the second half of the film. There's many more clues, both people and objects. This film speaks through symbolism and that is, to an extent, a vital element of dreaming.

What David Lynch has done here is that he's taken a typical medium, and given it the most realistic form possible. That's why this film is so haunting. Upon first viewing, this film will probably leave you baffled. However, watch it again, and don't blink your eyes. Again, symbolism tells this story. It's easy to assume that this film has no purpose nor does it make sense. There might be a tad bit of truth in that. However, that truth gives this film its backbone. It's subject matter and plot needs to be presented the way Lynch has perfectly done. Watch it and watch it again. It's one of the most enigmatic films ever made from one of the most enigmatic directors.

A

Ratcatcher(1999) directed by Lynne Ramsay

Few films transcend the art of cinema the way Ratcatcher does. The story of this hauntingly beautiful film is expressed through imagery and poetic photography, creating a cinematic abyss.

Set in the mid-1970s during Scottland's national garbage strike, director Lynne Ramsay creates a world of beauty within the decaying city of Glasgow. The film captures the life of a poor young boy who's being swallowed by his horrible environment. He spends his time wandering from the rat infested streets to his crumbling home. The film has no particular story to tell. However, it has more thematic elements and symbolism than most films. That's what makes it shine.

The film's cinematography is breathtaking and sharp. Film is photography, 24 times a second. However, Ratcatcher is in the rare position to reverse that statement. Photography is film. It's hard to divert your eyes from the screen because of this. There are many films that have great cinematography. What sets Ratcatcher apart is the lyrical aspect of the photography. It literally tells this story. What makes that so powerful is that it requires the viewer to be much more engaged with the film. It requires us to decipher what the characters are feeling, and ultimately that's what we are feeling. Ratcatcher has many different themes. However, hope seems to be the primary key. Perhaps, that's why the film is so beautiful.

Ramsay turns garbage piles into playgrounds. Ratcatcher is her surprising debut. This film alone justifies that she has the vision and talent of a great director.

A+

Bottle Rocket (1996) directed by Wes Anderson

Bottle Rocket is one of those films that, depending on who you are, might seem pointless or full of purpose. It's up for debate. However, this debate alone gives the film purpose. So, for all those who are willing to say that it is without a point, are in fact wrong.

In the early 90's, director Wes Anderson met co-writer/friend Owen Wilson in a play writing class at The University of Texas, Austin. They started writing together and came to the idea that their generation needed a new voice, something to represent the mentality of the post gen-ex youth. In 1994, they filmed a short about it called Bottle Rocket.

Bottle Rocket made it's way to the Sundance Film Festival but didn't make much of a splash. However, a few people in the business were charmed by it. Not long after, They were offered a deal to make it a full length feature. The full length was quietly released in 1996. However, it has built a fairly large cult following and can even be seen on Comedy Central.

Now, back to the point of the film. Though it's a bit subjective, I believe it's a story about the friendship of 3 men and the failure these friends have to be normal working young men. Rather than follow conventional life style, they choose to be criminals on the run instead, but fail at that as well. Another point of this film is that the main characters have no point in life. They are just trying to find one. Themeatically, it's quite funny.

Bottle Rocket features Owen & Luke Wilson in their first acting roles. Owen's character, Dignan, is the enthusiastic crime planner for their gang. Luke's character, Anthony, is a true friend of Dignan, but only a follower when it comes to Dignan's wild crime plans. While Dignan is obsessed with the idea of being a fugitive, Anthony is fixated on the woman of his dreams. Both obsessions lead them to a crossroads where their friendship is put on hold.

For director Wes Anderson, this is an excellent debut. Though evidence of his style and talent was highly magnified in his second film, Rushmore, it's clear that the roots are in Bottle Rocket. Wes is brilliant when it comes to the colors in his films. His choice of colors for characters and settings are huge elements that add to the richness of his films. For an example, the opening scene shows Luke Wilson in his hospital(resort) room, tying a bunch of different colored bedsheets together. He does this so he can escape out of his 2nd story room. The shutters are open and he flings the sheets out into the open air where they beautifully stretch out into the sunny atmosphere, exposing their true colors. The camera shows this in first person, a trade mark of Wes Anderson. There are a lot of similar subtle moments. The humor is subtle as well. At times, there is a lot of dialogue, or no dialogue. Wes Anderson has a great ear as well. His musical choices are perfectly fitting. Bottle Rocket is full of exotic tunes. It's a mixture of jazz and rock, no stranger to Wes Anderson's films.

Bottle Rocket is an unconventional comedy that becomes better and funnier with each viewing.

A-

Mission

Though blogs tend to be ironically personal and self entertaining, they have always been a great medium for expressing perceptions of the world. I've chosen Blogger to be the home of my film analysis. More or less, every blog will be a film review. I will try to fully disect and report every recently watched film. There will be no limits.