The Solipsist's Guide to...

Seeing Signs

2008-08-18T12:34:00.004+01:00

The sign is more than common in public today. Wherever we look, we see signs, as if we are constantly being instructed and directed. However, it was not until I browsed through my extensive photo collection on my Flickr account that I realised how predominantly placed signs were in some of my favourite pictures.

There is something about the weathering of signs, their destruction and vandalisation that makes them more interesting subject matter than one might initially assume. Not only are signs repeated and common-place, they are also unique to different countries and add a sense of familiarity to unfamiliar locations. The subtle differences in signs expose little quirks of other nations, something I really enjoy.

So here it is, my celebration of the abnormality of normality. I hope you enjoy and start to look at signs with a fresh pair of eyes from now on! Click "Seeing Signs" to see more!

Until next time...

The Solipsist

Summer

2008-08-18T12:32:00.003+01:00

Summer Summer Summer.... So I have been away for a long time, doing this and that... But never fear, there will be posts galore from now on!

Keep checking!

The Solipsist

The Woodsman

2008-04-29T02:12:00.003+01:00

The Woodsman (2004) – Dir. Nicole Kassell ****

Can a paedophile possess even an ounce of humanity? Nicole Kassell’s film treads on risky territory with the portrayal of a paedophile protagonist. And it is Kevin Bacon who steps up to the challenging role of playing Walter, the sexual offender recently out of jail after a twelve-year stretch for molesting two young girls. This unapproachable taboo is dealt with in a most sensitive manner. Mimicking the sensitivity of the subject matter are delicate performances and the gentle and beautifully simple cinematography that captures the dull grey of the soulless surroundings. Walter works in a timber yard and just wants to get on quietly with his life. Deserted by all he knew, bar his friendly brother-in-law Carlos (Benjamin Bratt), we follow Walter as he tries to assimilate himself back into the normalcy of society: a society who neither accepts nor understands a man like him. The phrase “it takes one to know one” is eerily pertinent, as Walter’s personal struggle unearths the widespread abuse, buried deep in the thoughts, memories and actions of those around him. From the day-to-day struggles of simply riding a bus, or walking past a school, at no point are we made to sympathise with Walter. Rather, we are just partially let into the mind of a man who cannot banish the thoughts that plague him. At one point Walter asks his shrink “When will I be normal?”: a question that the film struggles to answer. In no way is this detrimental to the filmmaker, the subject is dealt with due care and caution as not to appear sensationalist or bias in any way, but we are seemingly far from the day when we can pin-point what “causes” people to act this way and whether they can ever be “normal”. In my opinion, this is a well-acted, well-directed, beautifully shot piece of subtly-dramatic cinema. Also noteworthy is an excellent (albeit brief) turn by rapper Mos Def in what I believe to be his most interesting role to date.

The Solipsist

A little photography...

2008-04-27T01:31:00.007+01:00

A short series shot on my Nokia N95 while the train stopped at a lovely London train station! There was something captivating about the man and his (assumed) grandson.

The Solipsist

Lost City

2008-04-23T02:33:00.002+01:00

After a long absence, and without the promised Easton Ellis piece, I am back. I have been busy writing comprehensive pieces on Shane Meadows and a comparison between arguably two of the greatest comedians of all time: Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. But for now... Back to some short film reviews of what I have been watching of late...

The Lost City (2006) – Dir. Andy Garcia ***

Andy Garcia stars and directs this period picture marking the history of a wealthy family in the tumultuous Cuba of the 1950s and 60s. Using the family unit to exemplify the diversity of opinion, this is a tale of love, honour and politics, and the destructive nature of their collision. Holding more resonance after the recent stepping-down of Fidel Castro, the film shows a beautiful country destroyed by man’s necessity to meddle. With a little side portion of much-needed comic relief coming from the ever-effervescent Bill Murray, the film is a little on the long side yet still most watchable. Viva la revolución? Maybe not!

The Solipsist

Devilish

2008-03-22T17:03:00.004Z

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) **** - Dir. Sidney Lumet

Director of Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Lumet presents an interesting take on the crime drama/thriller. In opposition to the slick, out-and-out flashy films of this genre that we are used to of late (e.g. the Ocean's franchise, Smoking Aces) we encounter what appears to be a frankly average robbery-gone-wrong flick. The lack of glamour pervades throughout the film adding to its resonance, with Philip Seymour Hoffman perfectly personifying this. Hoffman plays Ethan Hawke's older brother who has hatched a "flawless" plan to rob their elderly parents' suburban jewelry store. "No one was supposed to get hurt" is the tag-line, but as it suggests, the inevitable happens and somebody does. The disjointed narrative tells the tale of the brothers' desperation from various perspectives, jumping back and forth through time in the few days before and after the bungled job. But this isn't just a simple crime drama, with the robbery and its aftermath exposing deeper character flaws, showing the breakdown of relationships and questioning the strength of family values. The clever editing and brilliant lighting perfectly capture the mood, adding to the sinister undertones of what is seemingly an ordinary family, living a seemingly mundane set of lives, but turns out to be a tragedy of almost Shakespearean proportions.

The Solipsist

Coming soon . . .

2008-03-20T18:47:00.002Z

Over the Easter weekend, I plan on writing a small piece on the adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novels to film and how the text is affected.

Look out for it! Until then...

The Solipsist

Intolerable?

2008-03-20T18:13:00.003Z

Intolerable Cruelty (2003) *** Dir. Joel & Ethan Coen

George Clooney is the affable Beverly Hills lawyer, Miles, who uses his natural charm and charisma, plus his sharp grasp of the legal system, to win case after case in divorce court. However, when he meets Catherine Zeta-Jones' gold digging femme fatale Marilyn, he falls for her big time. This review, has taken a more poppy turn from my usual style, probably reflecting on the Coen brothers' turn in filmmaking. Where I have raved about their wonderful use of landscape in No Country... and Fargo, I found it hard to enthuse so much about Intolerable Cruelty. This doesn't mean the film is not worth seeing. Clooney and Zeta-Jones are captivating in their performances and believable, mostly due to their arresting good looks. But handsomeness aside, the Coens do maintain a sense of their comedy style and the film has some "laugh out loud" moments. I cannot deny being entertained and once I forgot this was from the same guys who made No Country et al. I was able to enjoy this as a piece of cinematic fun. A rom-com it may have been, but don't let this put you off... a Coen Brothers twist on a rom-com is gonna be a good rom com!
And there is still a sense of meaning to be gained from this film... a possible comment on the sanctity of marriage in the days of consumerism and the battle between love and money. Not great, but pretty good!

The Solipsist

Paris, Texas

2008-03-06T01:32:00.003Z

Paris, Texas (1984) **** - Dir. Wim Wenders

Harry Dean Stanton is Travis Henderson, the bewildered, seeming amnesiac who turns up out of nowhere on the Texan/Mexican border, after a four year absence: missing presumed dead. We trace Travis' regeneration with his brother Walt (Dean Stockton), helping him to regain his sense of self and to reunite him with his young son, Hunter. An emotional journey ensues, cast against the relentlessly beautiful Texan backdrop - captured delightfully through the cinematography - with the rekindling of Travis and Hunter's father/son relationship. But what is missing from their lives is Jane: Travis' love and Hunter's absent mother, played by the wonderful Natassja Kinski. This is an extremely powerful and emotional piece of cinema, detailing the effects of love lost and found and its destructive nature.

The Solipsist

St Pancras

2008-02-26T13:03:00.002Z

Just a short note to all who may be fortunate enough to live within commuting distance to the wonderful new St Pancras International train station in London.

I have passed through the impressive terminal a few times since its opening late last year, but hadn't really taken the time to get to fully appreciate the mastery of this building. However, with some free time in the area, I decided to pop in and try to convert a St Pancras sceptic to its charm (which I did with success and relative ease!)

The retention of the classic architecture and dominance of raw materials is astounding, with the new shops and Eurostar centre cutting beautifully into the space, with heavy use of glass. The old and the new are wonderfully combined in a harmony scarcely seen in architecture today.

What also struck me was the attention to detail, with art and sculpture carefully placed, there is a real air of class and thoughtful culture that has gone into the development. And all this without mentioning that glorious blue that brings the sky in. Overall, I think this is a place worth visiting, even if you have nowhere to go. The sheer scale and effort that have gone into this magnificent station are enticing enough.

And I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to arrive home from the wonders of Paris and beyond, to be greeted by a very-British architectural and cultural delight!

The Solipsist

Blood

2008-02-24T16:16:00.003Z

There Will Be Blood (2007) ***** - Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson

Daniel Day Lewis plays the scintillatingly sadistic oil prospector Daniel Plainview in this turn of the 20th century dramatic thriller. When Plainview realises the potential of an undiscovered oil supply in dusty California, he quickly aligns himself with the excessively religious townspeople in order to fully exploit the money mine that lies under the earth they tread. Along with his trusty business aid and son, HW (the wonderful Dillon Freasier), Plainview seeks to fully capitalise not only on the oil opportunity, but also the naivety of the townsfolk. Daniel Day Lewis is astonishing as the amiable, yet despicable protagonist who represents the all-consuming sense of greed and capitalism, with the oppositional force of religion being represented by the awesome Paul Dano as the equally dispicable Eli Sunday: the local preacher. This wonderful conflict offers an exciting, but bleak representation of the moral bankruptcy and disingenuous nature of both capitalism and religion, brought together through excellent direction by Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia), not to mention Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead's beautiful original score.

Yet another example of how 2008's cinema viewing is oh-so-pleasurable.

The Solipsist

Coming soon . . .

2008-02-23T11:25:00.001Z

There Will Be Blood

The Solipsist

And we keep on rolling...

2008-02-16T02:00:00.003Z

No Country For Old Men ***** (2008) - Dir. Joel & Ethan Coen

Another incredible film to kick-start 2008 was the Coen Brothers' masterpiece, 'No Country for Old Men'. I have actually seen this film twice in the past couple of weeks and personally, cannot get enough.

Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon a drug-deal gone wrong, whilst out hunting in the Rio Grande. With a bunch of dead Mexicans, a shit-load of heroin and over $2 Million in cash at the scene, Llewellyn is in a real predicament. The seeming half-wit takes the money and leaves. On returning to the scene of the crime to check there were no witnesses, he encounters some trouble and has to leave his car, thus involving him in the crime and leaving him exposed to the guys who want the money back. Javier Bardem is excellent as psychopath Anton Chigurgh, hunting down Llewellyn and leaving a path of twisted, bloody destruction in his wake. The film follows Moss and his wife Carla Jean (played by Trainspotting's Kelly MacDonald) trying to escape to safety, whilst the wonderfully sadistic Chigurgh - arguably a true Hollywood serial-killing icon - and almost-retired cop, Tommy Lee Jones and some Mexican drug lords, try to catch up with the pair for their respective, lawful and unlawful motives.

The use of a vast, empty landscape is similar to that in the Coen's previous delight, 'Fargo'. However, the snow-covered Dakota and Minneapolis settings have been replaced by a stark, dusty Texan backdrop. Despite this geographical shift, there are comparisons to be made, all exemplifying what a wonderful success this film really is. The barren landscape not only highlights the emptiness and loneliness of the protagonists and their plights, but also emphasises and adds a beautiful contrast to the shocking violence seen in the film. But as with 'Fargo', the violence is creative and thence resonates beyond the standard Hollywood kill-fest. The lack of intrusion of this beautifully simple backdrop is, for me, what really sets the film out from the rest. It is this thoughtfulness and stark contrast that allows the story to evolve and incredible acting to shine, something a busy metropolis couldn't do. The film feels like a modern Western, yet the simplicity of bad guy versus almost-good guy versus good cop is blown apart by the wonderful twists and plot-turns that we encounter. This is an exquisite piece; cinematic joy, and the fact that Moss's half-wit turns out to be a subtly adept escapologist only adds to this wonderful narrative. I would argue that the Thriller genre would be hard-pushed to find a Thriller more thrilling.

In my opinion, 2008 has a lot to live up to after such a formidable start as this. And we keep on rolling...

The Solipsist

Finally....

2008-02-16T01:56:00.000Z

After some technical difficulties and a heavy workload, I have returned to detail some of the cinematic delights I have been watching recently.

First and foremost, Cloverfield.

Cloverfield **** (2008)- Dir. Matt Reeves

The trailer, oh the trailer. Yes, Cloverfield, one of 2008's most highly anticipated films has arrived. The trailer has been around for some months now, creating a stir on the internet message boards. Here's the scene: a New York apartment; a leaving-party, filmed on a shaky, hand-held camera; people laughing, joking, shying away from the camera's gaze. Suddenly, there is a loud crash and the room shakes. We are led to believe there has been some kind of earthquake, but when the party goes onto the roof of the building to gain some perspective, we quickly realise that something is amiss: that this isn't a natural disaster. When another blast shakes the rooftop gathering, the group descends the staircase and runs out onto the street. All the action being crudely captured on the ever-increasing shaky camera. The chaos and the trailer culminates when out of nowhere, the Statue of Liberty's head comes crashing down into the middle of the street.

At the start of the actual film, we see the early-morning video footage of a New York couple in their bedroom. The video then cuts to an extended version of that gripping and confusing trailer. No edits, no music. The film continues with the confusion building and the tension amplified by the camera work. The amateurish feel is very noticeable and disorienting at the start, but I would argue, only adds to the state of utter disarray in which we encounter New York City. The plucky protagonists - a beautiful bunch of Manhattanites - find themselves running from an unknown force, threatening their lives and the existence of the whole of New York. We, as an audience, are completely unknowing and find ourselves enveloped in the mass hysteria presented to us on screen.

The sheer spectacle of the film is extremely impressive, helped dramatically, by the elaborate special-effects. There is tension in bounds and the use of non-famous actors helps to maintain this tension, without distraction. JJ Abrams of 'Lost' fame is the producer and it shows. We expected nothing less than a fraught cinematic journey and that was certainly delivered. This is cinema at its finest. The delight of being overwhelmed by the stunning - and sometimes almost vomit-inducing - visuals, coupled with that feeling of being completely exposed and subsequently attacked emotionally is what gave Cloverfield such resonance. The profound effect of the film was exemplified by the silence as the end credits started to role. The description of the film as 'Godzilla' meets the 'Blair Witch Project' is understandable, but infers lack of originality. However, I believe Cloverfield to be a highly successful and original concept that leaves you wanting more. Which could explain the reason why a 2009 sequel is already on the cards.

A must-see at the cinema, for sheer visual delight alone!

The Solipsist

P.s. Here's the link to the trailer for those who missed it:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/cloverfield/

Coming soon....

2008-02-07T18:11:00.000Z

No Country For Old Men & Cloverfield reviewed.

Until then...

The Solipsist

Confusion

2008-02-04T04:15:00.000Z

I am a little confused as to whether or not Spring is here! I always associate Spring with Easter: the births of chicks and lambs and egg hunts in the garden. But before Spring is Winter, and Winter has seemingly passed us by. I have barely de-creased my Winter jackets, yet I am already reading what key items of clothing and accessories will be featured in the Spring/Summer collections. I do not wish to tempt fate, but I still believe there to be a good few weeks of bitter cold and chilling winds, which means wrapping up warm and watching films.

As I write, I have just left a rather disappointing weekend behind me in terms of film viewing. I had a list of five key films to watch this weekend and failed miserably. They were:

1) The Seventh Seal
2) Stella Does Tricks
3) Jules et Jim
4) Catch Me If You Can
5) Plein Soleil

Despite not watching these films, I am under the impression that there are some real gems in that little list, which further adds to my dismay.

However, I did get to watch a couple of films, which I will try to review briefly below:

Secrets & Lies (1996) - Dir. Mike Leigh (UK) ***

In this London-based British drama, Mike Leigh presents us with two stories. Hortense (Marianne-Jean Baptiste) is a Middle-class, successful, black optometrist, who has recently lost her adoptive parents. Timothy Spall and Brenda Blethyn play almost-estranged siblings distanced not only by lack of contact, but also their different paths in life. They are members of a family caught up in a web of lies, fearful of the buried secrets threatening to dig themselves up and further destroy an already broken unit. Whereas Maurice (Spall) is a successful suburbanite wedding photographer, Cynthia (Blethyn) lives in a dilapidated terrace with her sulky young daughter, Roxanne (Claire Rushbrook) and supports the two of them by working a fruitless factory job.
Maurice and his snooty wife Monica (Phyllis Logan) plan to re-unite the family by holding a 21st birthday party for Roxanne, but when Cynthia brings her new friend Hortense to the party, home truths are revealed and the web of lies begins to quickly untangle.

Southland Tales (2006) - Dir. Richard Kelly (USA) ****

High hopes and expectations surrounded this sophomore effort by young up-coming director Richard Kelly, whose cult status hit boiling point with underground smash Donnie Darko (2001). Famed in movie chat-rooms and beyond, for its appalling reception at the Cannes Film Festival, Kelly re-cut the film and added special effects in order to preserve artistic integrity and to avoid being known as a one-hit wonder. Some have described the film as an instant cult classic, others believe Kelly should've thrown it into the Med at Cannes.
On initial viewing of the film, I would have agreed with the film's critics. The beginning of the film is difficult to follow and rather confusing, with no real plot-line emerging and far too many protagonists to keep track of. However, when you get past the sketchy dialogue and fully emerse yourself into the wacky narrative, things start falling into place and Kelly's vision is realised.

Sarah Michelle Gellar's porn star Krysta Now is trying to make it as a current-affairs chat-show host, whilst dating amnesiac actor Boxer Santaros (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), who happens to be married to the daughter (Mandy Moore) of an influential Republican party member. Meanwhile, Sean-William Scott plays Roland Taverner, a confused cop, who can't decide whether he is a duplicate of himself, or one-half of twins. Confused? It continues... All this intricate interplay of characters is set against a futuristic Californian backdrop: the year 2008. America has been racked by a nuclear attack one year earlier and individual states fight to keep people out from bordering states, whilst making sure nobody leaves. With heightened security probing the private lives of America's citizens, an underground Marxist resurgence fights the establishment and at the same time, shows a keen interest in Boxer Santaros, whose eagerness to get backing for his screenplay leads him into more danger than he could imagine.

As my description denotes, this is not a simple film to get your head around and I would certainly advise a second viewing (if you make it through the first!) This is not a film for everyone and doesn't shine as brightly as Donnie Darko. However, I wouldn't say it was a complete failure. The hammy performances somehow work and the critique of America's sensationalist attitude to the War on Terror finds its feet towards the end. The soundtrack is excellent and the cinematography works well to present an almost apocalyptic vision, with sun-bleached filters complementing the story and really making the most of the Californian setting. Kelly may well have done it again, but this film is going to take a lot longer to gain the status and momentum that Donnie Darko reached so quickly and so deservedly.

And that is all for now... I hope these were interesting. There will be more reviews in the coming weeks.

Until then, take care.

The Solipsist

The Blog

2008-02-02T01:59:00.000Z

Recently, I have read a few articles in men's style publications and newspaper supplements etc. on the sheer number of blogs being posted on the internet, with a critical gaze being shed over these personalised publications.

The blog has become such a phenomenon that you'd be hard pushed to find a subject not covered by a budding writer/journalist/show off.

The main criticisms from said articles is that the amount of personalised prose available is detracting from the quality of the form: anyone can have a go. I do agree to an extent that there are some absolutely awful blogs out there, but that is my own opinion. Someone else may love these blogs and hate what I have to write about, which is fair enough. In this day and age, we are all capable - with the advent of digital technology, mass media and the world-wide-web - of being photographers, filmmakers, writers or cultural analysts, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're all good at it.

However, it is arguable that there has been an abundance of dire literature, music and film before the doors were opened to all for exhibition on the web. It simply takes a discerning consumer to find the needle of talent in the haystack of trash. And when you find that gem amongst all the filler, it can almost be worth the endurance of trudging through all of that thoughtless crap.

All in all, my point is this: there has always been bad art and bad opinions out there. It is simply now in an age where locality is becoming irrelevant and the internet is providing a platform for the exhibition of these God-awful opinions or pieces of "art", that we are exposed to the seemingly limitless amounts of dross. But like all great discerners in history, we must simply ignore the blathering buffoons and take note of the noteworthy.

Blogs and the internet can be terrible and dull, but they can also be the invite into different worlds and opinions that we may have never otherwise discovered. In my opinion, blogs are inherently narcissistic and rely on the pretense that anybody else in the world actually gives a shit about what you have to say. If people do give a shit then you have not failed. For me, writing this blog is a way of documenting what I am thinking at the time of writing and giving myself an opportunity to showcase my writing style, my opinions and my other artistic pursuits. If you like it then keep reading, if you loathe it, then don't. The choice is yours and the very fact that you are able to make such simple choices without consequence, is something you should value and exploit.

The Solipsist

La Dolce Vita

2008-01-29T12:52:00.000Z

There is nothing sweeter than the simple pleasures in life. When all you can see are mountains and the deep blue sea, there is little else that can distract you from this beautiful terrain.

Despite my most humble surroundings in Université Nice’s not-so-luxurious halls of residence, the only thing passing through my mind is the anticipation of jumping head first into that sweet, sweet, Riviera lifestyle. I just want to get out, eat my breakfast on a café terrace and watch the beautiful people drift slowly by; adding depth and a human dimension to my already breath-taking view.

The sheer indulgence of Nice is awe-inspiring. The sumptuous architectural dalliances keep the eye in constant motion, flittering from one attractive monument, to the next attractive building and so on and so forth. Though other cities are more varied and unique (e.g. Barcelona), the uniformity of style gives Nice a colonial elegance, with sun-tarnished buildings and flowing fountains.

Entering the old town (Vieux Nice), you are instantly hit by the "Frenchness" of the place. The crumbling buildings contrasting with the colonial façades of the city centre, but in no way detracting from Nice's overwhelming sense of elegance. The boulangeries and creperies are delightful: there is nothing better than sitting back with a café noir and a crepe au banane, watching the chic, vampish old ladies pass by.

I could rave on for days about how beautiful and elegant Nice is, but I think pictures say it best. So I will leave you with these little mementos. For more pictures, visit my Flickr page as linked on the right.

Until next time...

The Solipsist

Beauty

2008-01-10T01:36:00.000Z

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty" Keats

Everywhere we look, there is ugliness and man-made monstrosities. However, despite the radical change in the landscape, there are still elements of humanity creeping into the pre-packaged neighbourhoods that we inhabit. When you look past the cold exteriors and view the world with optimistic eyes, you will see such beauty.

The Solipsist

Midnight Musings

2008-01-07T20:05:00.000Z

28/9 December 2007 - A belated entry. . .

As I was sat in the semi-vacant Gatwick Airport, I studied the empty spaces and the empty faces, taking time to reflect on my surroundings. Although one's self is life's only certainty, being trapped in a kind of solitary-reality can be quite scary.

Moving through the terminal, past the empty checking desks, I started to see clusters of tired and weary souls, gathered, lost in a perpetual state of inbetweenedness [sic]. Making things worse was the fact that I was tuned out audibly, locked into the lyrics of Kanye West - a discourse possessing self-reflection and examples of solipsism, which made me feel like a selfless saint - making the whole situation that bit more discombobulating.

Paranoia struck and I felt like all eyes were on me. Of course, they weren't, but maybe this paranoia was fuelled by my yearning; a yearning for all those sets of lost eyes to able to focus on nothing but my paranoid self. Whether they were, or not is irrelevant. What I came to understand, stood against a pillar in that well-lit transitional place, was that despite all the world's advances in trans-global travel and the freedom to roam, we are still, at times, trapped within ourselves, unsure of what we are doing and why; how we are doing it and where we are going to end up. There are so many external forces that affect our lives that nothing is certain except for ourselves and our uncertainty.

The Solipsist

The Alienated Self

2007-12-26T20:50:00.000Z

"In that situation, alienated from my normal surroundings, I realised that the outer surface of what I thought was my unique, individual identity was just a set of routines. We all have an essential self, but if you spend every day chopping up meat on a slab, and selling it by the pound, soon you'll find you've become a butcher. And if you don't want to become a butcher (and why would you?), you're going to have to cut right through to the bare bones of your character in the hope of finding out who you really are. Which bloody hurts."

Russell Brand - My Booky Wook (p.13)

Film Reviews

2007-12-26T02:04:00.000Z

Howdy!

So, if you have some time over the next few days to buy or rent a film with that hard-earned Christmas money, it may be worth checking out one of the following films: a range of titles and genres that incorporates some quality special-effects, some hilarious special-effects and some adrenaline-charged action sequences. Overall, not a bad bunch. So check 'em out!

Salud!

The Solipsist

Sin City (2005) *****

The viewer is thrown into a place where hookers run the old town and mutilated paedophiles terrorise wrongly accused veteran cops. Welcome to Frank Miller’s Sin City. The immediate visual impact of Miller’s original graphic novel leaves even the biggest comic-book sceptic in awe. The screen translation – co-directed by Miller and Robert Rodriguez, with guest director Quentin Tarantino adding extra kudos – loses none of this resonance. In fact, the real-life animation of the two-dimensional characters further enhances Miller’s visually arresting style. The noir-esque B&W imagery juxtaposed with the primary reds and yellows, gives the film a distinct and familiar quality for fans of Miller’s original work, but the visual eye-candy does not override the notable performances by Bruce Willis, Clive Owen and Mickey Rourke, to name but a few.

Miami Vice (2006) **

Out with the pastel polo shirts and rolled up blazers: in with shaky hand-held camera work and Colin Farrell’s dubious facial hair. To say Michael Mann’s Miami Vice strays away from the original television series is a massive understatement. Falling asleep twice during the seemingly epic 134 minute duration never helps a film reviewer, but a film with a semi-decent plot and acting wouldn’t have induced such a comatose state. Mann tried to be creative with the cinematography, but missed the mark by way more than a shoulder pad’s breadth.

The Transporter (2002) ***

Dazzling scenery; flash cars; guns; explosions; and the exotic beauty (Qi Shu). All the conventions are there to set up The Transporter as a high-octane action thriller. A well calculated film that does not disappoint. Despite Jason Statham’s varying and somewhat dodgy Anglo-American accent, this is a film worthy of producer Luc Besson’s name. We follow Frank Martin (Statham) as he carries out uncomplicated (excusing the deaths and car chases) drop offs – a sort of Mafia Fed-Ex. However, when a package starts moving and a girl is involved, the complications ensue. Formulaic? Yes! Entertaining? Yes! Worth a watch? Once only.

Re-Animator (1985) ****

Words can only partially describe the hilarity of a previously refrigerated, deceased feline’s resurrection and consequential back-clinging attack on the despicable Herbert West (Jeffrey Coombs). For this film, seeing is believing. Bizarre as it sounds, this is just one episode in the high-camp “horror” Re-Animator. When doctors in the making, Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott) and Herbert West realise the potential of a post-mortal regenerating formula, we are exposed to an uproarious melee featuring naked corpses, fame-hungry doctors and an attempted rape by a decapicatated head.

Dog Eat Dog (2001) **

Another British comedy: another disappointment. Four black DJs with the best intentions at heart end up in serious debt with some rather colourful characters. We track the comical proceedings that unfold in their attempts to pay back their respective debtors. Painfully funny at times, but the tired play on racial stereotypes wear out pretty quickly. Witty banter between the four main characters and cameos from established British comics such as Ricky Gervais and Alan Davies do salvage some hope, but the predictability of the plot and some stale acting outweigh the positives, leaving this film to gather dust on the straight-to-video shelf.

Double Indemnity (1944) ****

Writer/director Billy Wilder’s deliciously dark film noir revolves around Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray): a clever and charismatic insurance man who is duped by the seductive wife of a client, femme fatale (Barbara Stanwyck), into committing a cold and calculated murder as part of a devious insurance scam. With the seemingly flawless plot complete they begin to relax, but had not counted on Neff’s boss, Barton Keyes’ keen investigative nature to spot something awry. The use of flashbacks means we know the outcome, but are clueless as to how it came about. A compelling watch with enough exciting twists and stellar performances to keep the viewer thoroughly entertained.

Along Came a Spider (2001) ***

Morgan Freeman’s brilliant psychology expert teams up with a quick-witted secret agent (Monica Potter) in this taut psychological thriller about a copycat kidnapper who terrorises the lives of a senator and his wife, when he kidnaps their only daughter. Looking past the ridiculous special effects at the start of the film, we encounter an intelligent plot devised by a very intelligent man who goes to any length to reach criminal fame. But this is no straightforward kidnap, as we encounter more [sometimes far-fetched] twists than even a contortionist could conceive.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T17:48:00.000Z

Happy holidays y'all!

Hope you're having an excellent Christmas and festive period. I'm off to gorge on more good food with the family!

Ciao for now,

The Solipsist

Hello and welcome

2007-12-24T15:24:00.000Z

Hello all!

Welcome to this, my New Year's resolution...

Solipsism: noun - the view or theory that the self is the only thing that can be known to exist.

In this day and age, a pessimist may look at the world with sad eyes, seeing only the lustful indulgence and the craving for self-satisfaction that dominates Western culture. Being an optimist, I see the finer things in life as not merely indulgences for materialistic gain, but rather, attainable things that can bring you joy, be it for a minute, an hour, or a lifetime.

When my mother dubbed me a "solipsist" I looked up the definition and agreed with her for once. I believe in the self being dominant over one's own destiny and hence the most important thing in life. If you can't be content with yourself, how can you be content at all? Being the solipsist that I am, I decided it was necessary to share my "self" with the world.

Alas, I decided I would document my experiences, encapsulating all of the frivolities that dominate my life and bring a smile to my silly face. Whether fashion, music, art, travel, film or literature, I hope to bring a positive presentation of the things that I like and maybe, just maybe, inspire others through this process of self-worship.

I am therefore pleased to welcome you to The Solipsist's Guide to...

Ciao for now...

The Solipsist