My 50 Movie Wishes

Inspired by Sati's and Tyler's Movie Wishes lists, I decided to make one of my own. I think mine is a bit more general and not so much about specific movies. There are quite a few about actors and some even personal. Anyways, I hope you enjoy them :D

1) I wish that Johnny Depp would star in a small independent film and give a powerhouse performance and once again show the world the depth of his talent.

2) I wish the Indian film industry was run by Aamir Khan, the Akhtars and Vishal Bharadwaj.

3) I wish there was a film made just about Mrs. Robinson.

4) I wish Harry Potter would have never ended.

5) I wish Gone with the Wind would have ended.

6) I wish I lived in the land of Pixar.

7) I wish Woody Allen makes films forever.

8) I wish Katherine Heigl would have never starred in films and thus not ruined the name of romcoms.

9) I wish all romcoms could be like The Apartment.

10) I wish Ralph Fiennes would get his Oscar already.

11)  I wish all films were as beautiful as Pan's Labyrinth.

12) I wish that Quentin Tarantino continues to make brilliant films and not retire at 60.

13) I wish I could watch films without over-analysing them with my mathematical brain and thus enjoy films by David Lynch and the like.

14) I wish someone adapts Lolita truthfully and ruthlessly and not make it all about guilt and self-loathing.

15) I wish critics would appreciate comedians like Jim Carrey and Bill Murray more.

16) I wish there was a film just about Mickey from Snatch.

17) I wish I fully understood The Virgin Suicides.

18) I wish all films were as quotable as Mean Girls.

19) I wish Fassy becomes the next James Bond, 60s style.

20) I wish Winona Ryder makes a comeback.

21)  I wish Edgar Wright finishes his Blood and Ice cream trilogy soon, and then continue to make more and even awesomer trilogies with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, aka Best Onscreen Couple EVER.

22) I wish David Fincher had won the Oscar for directing The Social Network.

23) I wish all films were as enjoyable as Star Trek (2009).

24) I wish James Dean would have made more films.

25) I wish Kieran Culkin, Emile Hirsch and Paul Dano came in more films.

26) I wish all child actors could act as well as Natalie Portman in Leon or Jamie Bell in Billy Elliot.

27) I wish there was a film about Maggie Smith being the best Maggie Smith she can be.

28) I wish Julianne Moore would have her Oscar already.

29) I wish all films were released everywhere and at the right time.

30) I wish Paul Thomas Anderson would make a comedic film again.

31) I wish more films would properly sexualise their male leads instead of their female leads, like Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire.

32) I wish the AMPAS weren't so close-minded when it comes to films about kids and teenagers.

33) I wish people would truly appreciate Ewan McGregor.

34) I wish all performances could be as brave as Charlize Theron's in Young Adult.

35) I wish 3D was only used for films that require it, and not dance movies or concert movies or period movies.

36) I wish Adrien Brody would get roles according to his caliber.

37) I wish more films could make me as crazy about the musical score and soundtrack as Kill Bill Vol. 1 does.

38)  I wish all films could end the way Before Sunset does- leaving us asking for more and at the same time for nothing else because that would ruin the magic of it.

39) I wish people wouldn't judge Marie Antoinette for all its shallowness, but instead with all its shallowness.

40) I wish Emma Stone would portray Lauren Bacall in a biopic.

41)  I wish all supporting actors were as amazing as Donald O' Connor and Jean Hagen is Singin' in the Rain.

42) I wish they never played the bloody banjo music in the actual sex scene in Bonnie and Clyde, an otherwise very sultry film.

43) I wish they wouldn't make another Batman movie for at least the next 20 years.

44) I wish people looked up to 12 Angry Men at least the same way they do to To Kill a Mockingbird.

45) I wish Jack Dawson hadn't died.

46) I wish David Fincher makes a film inspired by his Madonna "Vogue" video.

47) I wish Frodo was less of a pain in the ass- LOTR would've been even more perfect then.

48) I wish Tilda Swinton keeps giving her awe-inducing performances forever.

49) I wish Edward Norton would get his Oscar already.

50) I wish some day I could write and direct films, and hopefully good ones at that :)

Valhalla, I am coming.

           It has been more than seven months since the release of that awe-inspiring teaser for David Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which drove me a little insane. I finally saw it this week, and my waiting has been worth it!

              The story revolves around two characters- a disgraced investigative reporter Mikael Blomkvist, and a brilliant yet disturbed computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, and their unlikely partnership that is formed to catch a killer of women. Blomkvist is employed by Henrik Vanger, a retired industrialist, to investigate a case that has ailed him for forty years- the disappearance and apparent murder of his niece Harriet. When he unearths some clues, Blomkvist takes the aide of Lisbeth, who had done the background search on him originally. Together they solve the mystery, which takes the most unexpected turns and changes their lives forever.


           The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the based on the first book of Stieg Larsson's best selling Millennium trilogy of the same name. Contrary to the popular belief, it is an adaptation of the book and not the remake of the Swedish adaptation, which I saw immediately after the teaser was released all those months ago. As almost everyone has read the book or seen the Swedish version or both, I will not give more details. For those who haven't, well I just did you a favour and you will be deeply ingratiated to me forever. I personally feel it's an average book with a few high points and a lot of unnecessary parts. Here is where Fincher's version triumphs because it trims all those uneven edges and gives us a mind-blowing thriller, or as I like to call it- a true Fincher-thriller (Fincher Fangirls Unite!).

          As soon as those incredible opening credits start rolling, we know we are in for a bumpy, dark, violent, and magnificent ride. Set almost entirely in cold and chilly Sweden, the whole film has a very grey look that emanates the iciness of the settings across the screen to us, and just gets under our skin. That is only just the beginning because the film has some truly cringe-worthy moments, especially the infamous rape scene. What is really brilliant though is how instead of focusing on the actual violence, it chooses to show shots of the people who are causing it or to whom it is being caused. It makes it all the more disturbing and uncomfortable, and we just know how wrong it all is.

             In terms of the cast, the film is really driven by the two leads- Daniel Craig as Blomkvist and Rooney Mara as Lisbeth. Many people have not appreciated Craig as much, but I think he is such an improvement from Michael Nyqvist who played the character in the Swedish version. In the first half, when both of them haven't met yet and their characters are being set-up for us, Craig's Blomkvist is someone who is normal and rational and quite charming. He isn't necessarily James Bond (hehe), but we see how he reacts to other people- strangers and family, and even a cat, and we understand why someone like Lisbeth is able to like and trust him. I think he is the perfect yin to her distorted yang. Of course, the film's focal point is Lisbeth and Mara's eerily excellent, and as of two days ago, Oscar-nominated portrayal of her. People are rabid fans of Noomi Rapace's Lisbeth, and she is quite good and well badass-er. I think Mara's Lisbeth is quirkier, but also more dangerous. She is kind of funny; though she speaks a little, I actually laughed at some of things she said, and that bloody awesome t-shirt she is wearing when she first meets Blomkvist. She also has a sensitive side, as deeply buried as it is. But at the same time, she has this terrifying rage, which when it comes out, is so much more scarier. I mean, in spite of Mara's miraculous transformation into the tattooed, pierced, shaved and bleached Lisbeth, she still looked beautiful, but every time this side of her came out, I could only think of the phrase, "face of death". So yes, Mara's Lisbeth was more beautiful, funny and sensitive, and also way more deadlier and deranged. "Nod."

          Both of them had great chemistry together. I really liked the way we are introduced to both characters and the world of difference between them, and how they are brought together. Among the other cast members, I liked that Erika Berger had a more prime role in this adaptation and Robin Wright was just the person for her. Christopher Plummer was Henrik, and again he was very convincing in his slightly amused and aloof old man role. Stellan Skarsgård played Martin Vanger, and he was very good too. Lastly Yorick van Wageningen played Nils Bjurman, Lisbeth's twisted and sexually deviant guardian. He was really evil and disgusting. I liked how his bulging ponch was always in focus because we are supposed to find him revolting.

           Steve Zaillian adapted the book into an excellent screenplay, and as I said above, removed many of the unnecessary details. I think the film was more faithful to the essence of the book, than maybe even the book itself. The cinematography is harrowing and quite deservedly nominated for an Oscar. The incredible score by last year's winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, was snubbed by the Oscars but it just does wonders for the mood of this modern thriller. That Immigrant Song cover by Karen O is the cherry on the cake. As always, the editing is immaculate, which is something one expects from a Fincher film. It's all in the pacing, and that is what keeps one glued to such a film. One of my favourite scenes is when she gets robbed in the train station, and how she fights back. It's cool and then sound is muffled down and everything just happens.

         Lastly, and most importantly, comes David Fincher and his expert film-making skills. I remember how over-the-moon I was when this film was announced, because none can do a modern thriller like him. Se7en is easily one of the best thrillers from the last two decades, and Zodiac too is quite superb. But not only those, other films of his like Fight Club and The Social Network also come to mind because of his trend to portray unconventional, rebellious, disturbed and quite brilliant characters in his films. Lisbeth could have easily been his brain-child, and it only seemed natural that he will do justice to her. The film has all of his trademark elements in it- the exact investigation, the painful violence, the very dark humour (that Enya song in the end and again that aaawweeesssoommmeee t-shirt), the unforgettable sequences, even a few epic lines- "If you touch me, I'll more than alarm you." I already spoke about the look and the pacing, which are also quintessentially Fincher. Even with these, the best part of the film for me is what Fincher made Mara do. There were many shots of the back of her head, which is a clever tactic to make us, for lack of a better word, identify with her more. She is the focus, the epicenter, and it's her actions and feelings that we have to understand and we do, somewhat. Her outbursts, her lack of emotion and then the unexpected sliver of sensitivity- everything Lisbeth is expected to be and more, he captures it all. He made her a crazed genius, as maybe he is one himself. And for this, I cannot thank him enough (Fincher Fangirls Unite! x 2).

        A perfect thriller, which has been both rewarded and snubbed by the awards folks, though we don't really care, do we? I had only one problem with the film- it ended too soon, though it was quite the perfect ending. Anyhow there are two more books in the series, and I think the producers will go ahead with the adaptations. Though this film feels like perfection on its own, we want Mara as Lisbeth to fill us up with fear and awe again, we want that excellent chemistry between Mara and  Craig to continue, and we want Fincher back at what he does best. Here's hoping to see more adventures of the girl with the dragon tattoo.

IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE!!

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo has a proper trailer now. And Oh My Dumbledore it is amazing!! Other things about it-


1) I LOVE LOVE LOVE Rooney Mara as Lisbeth. Her hair keeps changing though...
2) Daniel Craig looks faaiiinnee with that stubble.
3) There is a somewhat thick Swedish accent among the people. It was difficult to understand at first, but then it was fine.
4) The music. The bloody awesome music!! Reznor-Ross, I salute you.
5) I know this will be better than the Swedish version.
6) Christopher Plummer still has those Captain Von Trapp blueee eyes.
7) I'm excited to see what Stellan Skarsgård will do with the character of Martin.
8) I liked Erica in the books, and Robin Wright Penn is lovely.
9) I don't know why only one of those Biblical lines were said though, but who cares?!
10) David Fincher is a wonderful, wonderful man.

I think I am going to cry with excitement. Guess what just became the number one candidate of "The Social Network" film of this year?

Thoughts

I might actually have a regular feature with this one. So thoughts:

1) Fincher on my Mind- The first leaked and then official teaser trailers for David Fincher's adaptation of Stieg Larsson's acclaimed thriller The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo came out this week. Needless to say, I went nuts. I saw the "apparently" leaked red band one non-stop, started hyperventilating when it got removed, and am now seeing the green band (?) one in similar fashion. And can you blame me? It's fucking Fincher making a thriller! The first time I saw the first trailer, I sat down and watched the Swedish version of the film. It was good, but Fincher and Fincher alone can make it great. I am already predicting falling in love with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig within the end of this year. So Freaking Excited!

2) This is a continuation of the previous stream of thought- Fincher is apparently directing Cleopatra with Angelina Jolie as the title character. Um... I just can't... can't imagine what it will be like, look like, anything like. I don't know how long this has been in the works, but I just read the IMDb page for the film, and another internet article about it, and my brain has fuzzed over. I had been predicting that Fincher will be making more female-oriented films and dramatic ones, though he is mostly a guy-director. Yes there was Aliens 3 and Panic Room, and Marla Singer and Daisy...but Fincher seems like a guy's-guy. I think Jolie will be fine, as a cousin of mine pointed out- she is part of the Fincher-Pitt family, but still I cannot fathom what the film will be like. I was a bit skeptical about The Social Network too originally, and see how that turned out. Here's hoping it will be just as great.

3) Hungover...again?- I saw Hangover 2 this week. It was good, but honestly the same thing as the first one with a lot more violence involved. Apparently there might be a third one...in Amsterdam. Lots of questions popped into my head after this- Will Alan get married now? Because that will be weird. What will Stu do with the Red Light District hookers of Amsterdam? What animal will they use? How seriously will Phil get injured? And most importantly..WHY, OH WHY WOULD THEY DO IT AGAIN?? Seriously no one is stupid enough to get fucked over 3 times, no matter how funny or insane! (I'll do a quick review soon, after watching X-Men probably.)

4) Sequels- Peter Jackson-directed The Hobbit, will now be divided into two parts. I'm fine with it, but it does make me think that Deathly Hallows might have started some sort of a trend now. Sad names though- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again. How does one compare something like Fellowship of the Ring to There and Back Again...it sounds like a Backstreet Boys song for crying out loud! Also a sequel that I have personally been waiting for is finally in works...or is it? Paramount has apparently set the release date of Star Trek 2 next year June...despite the fact that there is no script or director or actors. I thought Star Trek was brilliant, and as much as I want to see a sequel, I really don't want it to be crap due to limited time and rushed production.

ALSO-

Okay...personal thoughts over. How about yours?

“In a world where social structure was everything, that was THE thing.” ~FINAL WORDS ON MY BELOVED: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

        

Taken from The Film Experience Blog  

        I know...I really hope this is my last The Social Network themed post too. Not that my love for it has reduced, rather it has only been growing exponentially. But because there are only so many months you

should spend obsessing over a movie lest everyone looks at you as a crazy person (and they are now).


       So Oscars are 3 days away now and the big question arises- who will win Best Picture. My vote, as posted earlier, goes to The Social Network. But along with that, I want the film to win in almost all the other seven categories it has been nominated for (not cinematography so much- Roger Deakins for True Grit FTW). Award and Reasons:




        1) Editing- The editting in this film is mindblowing. Fincher (who I shall talk about below) is famous, or rather infamous for the many many takes he does on every scene. There is a reason for this, as only the best takes, angles, etc are chosen. This film was all over the place- dorm rooms, bars, lakes, offices, courtrooms, etc. The beauty of the film comes when it skips from one place to another, one person to another and that too at the precise point where as to create maximum interest. My favourite part- just watch the hacking scene.
       The Social Network is an almost lock for this, for all I have read. If not this, then 127 Hours as Danny Boyle films can never be as fantastic without the expert editing done. Also Black Swan would be a good choice. I really hope The King's Speech(bloody fools!)  does not unfairly win for this.

       2) Sound Mixing- The clatter at the bars, the clicking of the keys of the laptop, and the Mark's voice that emerges out. The first scene at the bar with Erica was done 99 times, so that the right mixture of noise and the converstation between her and Mark is shown. And we all know what an impact the scene had.
       I think The Social Network's biggest competitor for this is the equally deserving Inception. The cities being created, the water flooding in, the buildings crumbling down- what a beauty. Apparently Salt has a very good chance in this category, but I haven't seen it so I can't comment.




        3) Score- Oh Trent and Atticus....I love you for what you did with the film. I was watching a bit of voice-over commentary in my The Social Network DVD, and Aaron Sorkin (will talk about him next) was talking about how he wanted a really loud and sort of angry/cocky song to play when Mark walks from the bar to his dorm room at Kirkland House. Instead, Fincher got these two to write the poignant and chilling Hand Covers Bruise that comes thrice in the film to play. And that did the trick. An incredible score full of all sorts of instruments making just wonderful music is innovative and untraditional as hell- my favourite being A Familiar Taste that plays when www.facemash.com takes over.
       Again, only Hans Zimmers' ground-breaking score for Inception can give this competition. Why- because one will remember them as much as the films they're from. Alexandre Desplat is fantastic, but hardly deserving for The King's Speech(bollocks!).

         4) Screenplay- Whatever little I have seen of West Wing, the way the characters spoke always stood out for me. And now Aaron Sorkin wrote this absolute gem of a screenplay (which I am reading right now, and needless to say is simply superb). Just basing it on Ben Mezrich's Accidental Billionaires was not enough. So he investigated the whole backstory of the "inception" of Facebook, and created this whole Rashomon-type of script where no-one's a hero and no-ones a villain but just these absolutely unforgettable characters and the relationships they have with each other. The best- the courtroom scenes: "Did I adequately answer your condescending question?"
        No one other than Sorkin deserves this- just watch the film and read the script. Also- did anyone notice Sorkin playing the Ad exec. irritated with Mark's "glottal stops".

       5) Actor- So Andrew Garfield got snubbed. If not for anything then they should give Jesse Eisenberg an Oscar just to make up for this. Except, in retrospect, I realise now that he is the most deserving of the Best Actor accolade. The way he delivers the lines, the way he hardly shows emotions, but we feel everything that he does. His Mark ended up being the biggest mystery of the year- forget the Limbo and Nina's death. Why did he do everything that he did? How does he feel about Eduardo? And so on...we are just completely  enticed by an actor who has been typecast as a nerd, but by playing possibly the world's most famous and complex nerd, has broken all of his boundaries and has emerged as one of the best of his generation.
      Keeping Jesse aside, the whole film was full of these incredible young actors playing these extraordinary young people. I mean talk about ideal casting for a movie which is showing a generation and a future for the world being played by people who are exactly like this.
       Yes, Colin Firth has this 99.99% in the bag for his mesmerising role in The King's Speech (horseshit), but it will be something to see a surprise win for Jesse and what his speech could be like. (And the joy on bff Andrew's face).




       6) Director- Fincher, Fincher, Fincher...how I love thee. EW just released a list of Greatest Living Directors and David Fincher tops the list. Why? Seven, Fight Club, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and yes, The Social Network. I don't care how many shots he takes, because his end results are somewhat of what one would call cinematic power-packs. As said in LAMB Devours Oscars- The Social Network, "David Fincher ended the nineteen-nineties by producing one of its most important films; with The Social Network, he has started the twenty-tens in a similar fashion." The only reason I had gone berserk about this film since the beginning was because this absolutely divine film maker was making it. And it has been one of the best of his bejewelled career. In my own review I had talked about how different it was from his other films. After seeing the film for the fifth time yesterday, I realise how wrong I was. True it did not deal with serial killers, but the dark, gritty feel remains...even sort of scarier this time round because this film uses weapons of a whole another kind. Instead of John Doe's "artillery" this film explores courtrooms and the un-chartered territories of the World Wide Web. And only Fincher could've done with it and the actors and script in order to make it the modern-day classic t is.
       Fincher should be the one winning the gold. If he doesn't (and this will lead to some sort of violence on my part), and as Christopher Nolan was snubbed, the only other deserving director is weird-and-brilliant Darren Aronfsky for Black Swan. TOM HOOPER MUST NOT WIN THIS.

      And finally, BEST FILM- I can't explain enough why I love this film so much. Nathaniel R of The Film Experience describes the film in a splendiferous way: 
'Not many movies feel like new classics whileyou're watching them. And as early as the first scene, too. Most need time to settle. Not so withThe Social Network which just speeds through, all synapses firing with rich performances (Jesse's best) inspired direction (Fincher's best) and handsome production values (many people's best?), until... "wait, it's over?" When that ending comes (spoilers: Mark Zuckerberg invented Facebook, got sued, is a gajillionaire) you want to click "refresh" yourself. Project that bad boy again! Here's why I know it's a new classic: second viewing, ending comes "wait, it's over? Refresh!"; third viewing, ending comes "wait, it's over? Refresh!"; Fourth viewing, ending comes "wait, it's over? Refresh!"'
        I've had proper arguments with people over why The Social Network deserves to win. One of my biggest reasons is that films like Black Swan and Inception could have been made 5-10 years from now and still would have the same effect; The King's Speech(stupid fools) is a period drama about royals during World War 2 and could've been made anytime *generic* and so on. However, The Social Network is about us NOW. It deserves to win NOW. And also it won't ever become obsolete as this film will define our generation forever.
       If *God forbid* The Social Network doesn't win this this then - Black Swan, Inception, Toy Story 3 or 127 Hours.
JUST WIN ALREADY!!!!!

       That's it. Last words on it. I really hope and pray it wins as this will somehow become a personal victory for me. A few links I found on this splendid splendid film:


Observations on Film Art
The Sorkin Network

-Love, Mrs. Garfield

My Top Ten Films of 2010, Somewhat.

    
       Oh another year has gone by and I feel as if I've done nothing substantial. Nonetheless, I did watch a few good films. And when I say few, I mean 2010 films. I think I've watched 10 (get the connection? No. Ofcourse). However, being the list-fiend I am, I'm still gonna make a Top-Ten Films of 2010 List!! Enjoy.

NOTE: I haven't seen 127 Hours, The Kids are All Right, Blue Valentine, The King's Speech, Winter's Bone, True Grit, I Am Love etc. And yes, I do know I should jump off a cliff before calling myself a film critic again.

1) The Social Network- What is left to say that I haven't said before? This film just gives me so much joy everytime I see it. Also, I realised today it was the funniest film I've seen this year. Also, Andrew Garfield stole my heart.

2) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1- Never thought a Harry Potter film can surprise me like this. But HP7 just shook me, in a very very good way. Yes, most critics would kill me for alone putting this film on the list, and even more for putting it before the numbers 3 and 5, but the dance scene and the Deathly Hallows scene can stand up to any such animosity.

3) Inception- This is probably the coolest film of the year, or the decade. The whole concept is nothing short of revolutionary and the film might just become the uber-talented Christopher Nolan's magnum opus. Add to that a fantastic cast, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt stealing the show from Leo DiCaprio big time.

4) Easy A- I just love a good chick flick. And this one's pretty much on top this year. Emma Stone's brilliant breakthrough performance with a hilarious support cast and a really smart take on a beloved classic, Easy A is easily one of the year's best.

5) Black Swan- Darren Aronofsky's frightening and beautiful and melodramatic spin on the Swan Lake tale, with the excruciatingly stunning and talented Natalie Portman is a fantastic drama. Ah this film and it's dazzling look and feel, and the shock-factor. Quite perfect.

6) Toy Story 3- I saw this yesterday. I am very sorry for the late viewing, but still this film was just awesome!! I love Woody and Buzz and Andy! It's funny, magical and so touching at the same time. Best Animated Film his year by a mile.

7) Never Let Me Go- *wipes a tear off my face* God I loved this film. It just touched my heart so much. The story, the metaphor, Andrew and Carey. New Year Resolution- read the book.

8) Scott Pilgrim Vs the World- One might find it odd, but Michael Cera is amongst my most favourite leading men. And as the cute, confused, base-playing, ass-kicking Canadian Scott Pilgrim, he's too cool. The whole idea of the film, the way it's been made, the total lack of explanation for Scott's and Ramona's and her seven evil exes' superhuman fighting ability, and the whole comic book feel is so very novel. And I just love Kieran Culkin, and Wallace Wells is friggin' magnificent. Allison Pill, Anna Kendrick and Jason Schwartzman are superb too. I just saw that it's tagline is "An Epic of Epic Epicnes". Mindblasted.

9) The Ghost Writer- I love Roman Polanski to bits (well, I have a little crush on him actually). This was such a well-made film. Yes the whole CIA-is-the-Thought-Police-thing annoys me, but with the very subtle yet intriguing plot, and to-die-for cast, consisting of the always amazing Ewan McGregor, Pierce "James Bond" Brosnan, the very talented Olivia Williams and Kim "Samantha-fucking-Jones" Cattral; the films a hell of a thriller.

10) Kick-Ass- I just love superhero noir. Chloe Mortez as Hit Girl has easily become one of my most favourite female characters. This film was cruel, blunt and mindblowing!

      Okay, now thinking back, I did see more than 10 films, but these were the cream.

      New Year Resolution- I'll watch EVERYTHING in 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!!

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

*Insert Rocky's Victory Music*
       So I finally finally finally watched The Social Network yesterday. I've waited for a year for it to come out and on 28th October, 2010- a full month later than its release in US, I finally saw it...and was it any good? YEAH BABY!! It was everything I imagined it to be and so much more(if there ever was a more clichéd line, I would've written that too).


       I'm not going to really write the plot- Wikipedia and the million other reviews that I've personally read on the film will fill you in on that. I want to write about why I liked this film so much. It's because it is current. If you know me at all, you would know how much I love the 60s and well almost every other time period in history except now (and the 80s as they sucked). This is because, as is the case with almost everything and me, no films have really captured the essence of this decade, or rather the people of this decade. Up in the Air came pretty close in grasping the idea of surviving in the 21st century, but again it was for an older audience. True Anna Kendrick was adorable and George Clooney is an evergreen hunk, but the youth of today have never truly been portrayed in a film. And this is exactly what The Social Network achieves. It is not the Facebook part, as I've been trying to explain to countless number of people, it's the story behind it.


       What The Social Network shows us is how people fit in in today's world. Mark Zuckerberg made Facebook over an angry break-up with a girl. He made it to become cool. He made it so that, as it is being drilled into our genertaion's head everyday, he can be unique. It is the paradox of today's youth that we all want to do something individually so we can all fit in together. From this we see that Zuckerberg's only friend Eduardo Saverin becomes his most fatal enemy. The film mirrors our world, one which is obsessed with the internet, statuses, social standing, shares, achieveing numerical extremes etc. And on the contrary to what you might think, I really liked all of it. I like the What You See Is What You Get idea...and this is very splendidly captured in the film, making it more real and understandable to me than any other work of fiction made about my generation. Also it was refreshing to see how it is the simple matters that bring about big changes. Zuckerberg made Facebook because he had been refused by a girl and was drunk and needed social acceptance. Sort of like how in A Beautiful Mind John Nash refuted some Adam Smith concept based on techniques on picking up girls. But then again this is Facebook, and that was some economic principle.

      The characters in the film are all real people (except Erica Albright) but as it is based upon the book "Accidental Billionaires" which was mostly written in Eduardo Saverin's POV, they might not be exactly like this in their real lives...but I sure do hope so.
      So first, Mark Zuckerberg- give me a flawed hero and I'll give you a devoted Nikhat. I don't know how many people will agree with me here, but I understood Mark. On two levels. First, I like his whole straightforward way of thinking and talking, even though it gets him into trouble with people. He is a science person, a math person and somewhere in his mind it is right to call a spade a spade and I get it. He talks not to impress people, but to truly state everything going on in his head, even when he is being mean. Second, I understand his whole need to fit in by doing somethig extraordinary. I mean that's what I try to do through this blog, something unique that people would like, though on a microscopic level when compered to Zuckerberg (I actually have a mild phobia of computers for that matter). Also he is a geek and for decades now the whole geek becoming a cool dude has been a popular subject in films. It is very obvious with Zuckerberg too as he was fixated on the super-exclusive Harvard clubs and keeping Facebook cool. He is Facebook in the film, starting at a point and not really being sure of what he'll turn into. Despite all his misgivings, he is very likeable and one feels for his "social" awkwardness.
      The next character is that of Eduardo Saverin, the protagonist of "Accidental Billionaires". He is the ex-bestfriend of Zuckerberg and like him, being cool is very important for him. Though unllike Zuckerberg, he gets into one of these coveted Harvard clubs, but he values his friendship more. He is the sweetest character in the film, who is also a very wonderful friend. He does a lot for Zuckerberg's sake, but gets screwed in the end...well sort of- he did get 5% of Facebook's shares amounting to 1.1 billion dollars. I loved Eduardo because he was such a nice guy and also damn cool as an angry young man.
      Sean Parker is the next character. He is that guy who was the very first to rebel and becomes an instant idol to everyone. He has all the charisma and all the stories and all the girls, but in the end he is not all that what he seems. I liked him at first, but he is a completely horrible person towards the end.
      The final two main characters are the Winklevoss twins. They were funny. I liked the whole subplot about them as the priviledged, good-looking, perfectly brought-up "gentlemen of Harvard" and how they have to tackle the problem of being intellectually robbed of an idea.

       David Fincher is GOD! When I heard that he was making a film on Facebook all those months back, I was psyched and apprehensive at the same time. This is because this film is so unlike all his previous films. Though the testosterone level is high in this film too, as it is in most of his other films, it does not have the dark and gritty feel to it. As the film shows only a period in the lives of the characters, albeit the most important one, it was not very biographical. Fincher had a very youthful approach to it. Yes there was college rivalry and legal drama and corporate disputes involved, but it was all done in a very calm manner, so the film does not seem angry, but rather a chain of events following a group of people who are neither right nor wrong. The only other Fincher film it can be compared to is The Zodiac as it was also sort of a journalistic look on true events, but it is so much more modern and approachable. This might be the most congenial film that Fincher has ever made, and it was expertly done so. As Ebert said, "The Social Network is a great film not because of its dazzling style or visual cleverness, but because it is splendidly well-made."


      Aaron Sorkin's screenplay is impeccable. Fincher could not have done this without him. Though I had been "warned" by people that I might not understand it because it is computer-jargon filled, none of that happened. My 10 year-old brother understood all of it...well mostly. It has some fantastic tongue-in-cheek and high-level humour which might have passed over his head, but did not fail to impress me. Lord knows I'm 18 and I still laugh on "chicken" jokes. It also has many unforgettable lines, and the dialogue is what keeps the film going, in a way that no other Fincher movie has. The film is well-structured, though it follows a non-linear timeline. This is because the story obviously focuses more on the people, like Facebook itself.

      And now the actors. You must understand that though I consider myself a film buff, what I am first and foremost is... a girl. And this film was absolute candy for my one fine and other infected eye. Except Panic Room and Alien 3 (the only Fincher film I haven't seen) all of his films have faaaiiine men, and The Social Network most definitely takes the cake. Jesse Eisenberg is so adorable! He is a very good actor and I thought that no other "geeky" actors like Michael Cera and Shia LaBeouf etc. could have played Zuckerberg like he did. He was fun, condescending, brilliant and pityful all at the same time. Andrew Garfield is my future husband...he is so hot and cute at the same time, and those sexy suits are plain orgasmic. He is definitely an actor to watch. I loved him as the senstive and loyal Eduardo and unlike Zuckerberg/Eisenberg's rather stoic display of emotions, he was very expressive and it was just transplendent! Armie Hammer, who played both the Winklevoss twins was quite sexy. Just something about very tall guys in Ivy League rowing teams, you know. I've read people who want an award to be given for creating this effect of twins, but honestly Leaves of Grass came out this year and it has Edward Norton in a double role as twins- one as a professor and the other as a drug pusher. 'Nuff said. Finally, if Justin Timberlake can bring Sexy Back, he can definitely play Sean parker. I thought he was very convincing as the charismatic bad-ass, and his looks did help. Oh and Rooney Mara, who played the fictional Erica, is gorgeous and I cannot wait to see her in Fincher's next, the film adaptation of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" along with Daniel Craig.


       My Oscar predictions for the film- it should be nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Eisenberg and Best Supporting Actor for Andrew...and I really hope that it wins Director, Screenplay and Supporting Actor.


      So in the end of all this, I must say to one and all that please go watch The Social Network. It is the story of our generation and one of it's biggest milestones. Comment when you do.


Love,
Mrs. Andrew Garfield

"My songs are just little letters to me." ~ BEST MUSIC VIDEOS

      So I know that this is mainly a film-appreciation blog, but I quite like songs too if you've noticed the playlist at the bottom. Now today I saw a music video and thought it was one of the most beautiful and brilliant things I've ever seen. I love good music videos. There have been many times when I hear a song and imagine how the video would look like...I bet many of us do that actually. I think there can be nothing better to compliment a good song than an equally good video.


      So these are some of my favourite music videos (or the ones I remember right now):


1) Gravity, Sara Bareilles- This was the video I saw today. The use of lights in the video is just incredible. It's like a dream. I can't think if such an effect can realistically be used in a film, but a musical or something, it would just do wonders. It's just transplendent.
Video


2) Dog Days Are Over, Florence + The Machine- I mean the cool, apparently wiccan video and not the awful Avatar-dancer video. I love people going mental in forests...really do. There's something awesome about pagan rituals and Florence Welsh is just gorgeous.
Video


3) Islands, The XX- I love them dancers. This is my personal favourite XX song due to the simplicity of its idea, but the whole backstory with the fantastic dancers makes it so much more.
Video


4)Bones, The Killers- Okay I accept I'm biased when it comes to Tim Burton, but this is an awesome video. It's so expected that he would put skeletons in a love story. The song is genius and I honestly prefer the From Here To Eternity kiss in the video to the real one.
Video


5) You're so Gay, Katy Perry- I love it. I love the fun, cynical Katy Perry. The whole Barbie-Ken twist is superb. Though I like most of her videos, just the amount of insulting and demeaning is plain inspiring.


6) All You Need Is Love, The Beatles- Flower Power! Words cannot describe how much I want to be sitting in the crowd. It's lovely.
Video


7) Thriller, Michael Jackson- I know people would find it a "cliché" but, as I always say, that a cliché is nothing but a hit formula. MJ has made amongst the best videos and Thriller is the epitome- the setting, the make-up, the zombies, the dance, It's a legend.
Video


8) Northern Downpour, Panic At The Disco- Many consider it their best song yet, including me. It's very sad that they disbanded right after this. They had so much potential that it kills me. It's a very cute and Panic-y video.


9) What Goes Around Comes Around, Justin Timberlake- Oh I loved it when JT brought sexy back. And this monumental return got completed by this video. It's super-hot. Scarlett Johannson is gorgeous and JT shows he can be as sassy and mean as Katy Perry. I like the debauched sort-of background, and the fact that it has a storyline.
Video


10) Happy Ending, Mika- I love each and every Mika video. But Happy Ending's just special. Its quite a sad song, I always imagined it in a cemetery. Then I saw the happy and childish video. It is so joyful, and charming.
Video


11) Here It Goes Again, OK Go- I seriously look forward to each of their videos like how I look forward to a Tarantino film. They are just grand. Also the whole tradmill dance became such a sensation. They're not even dancers. It's marvelous!!
Video


12) Knights Of Cydonia, Muse- This actually looks like a cross between a movie that would inspire Tarantino and probably someone like George Lucas. I love the insanity of a karate-obsessed "space cowboy".
 Video


13) Vogue, Madonna- Like Thriller, this is plain legendary. Madonna is dazzling. I love the black and white. I love the dancing. I love love love the cultural references! And...the fact that DAVID FINCHER made it!!!
Video


14) 1234 I Love You, Plain White Ts- It's just the most adorable, puppy love video ever. It spreads joy and love. A sappy me would love to be in the video.
Video


15) A Beautiful Lie, 30 Seconds To Mars- They make extreme, mindblowing videos. But going to the Arctic and shooting this video was just the icing on the cake. The message, the song, Jared Leto's bluest-of-all-blues eyes. Takes your breath away, it really does.
Video


Bonus: A bonus awesome video would be Everybody by Backstreet Boys. This song was the total combined essence of the boyband era of the 90s. I bow down to it.
 Video


      Other videos I really like are Boys Don't Cry by The Cure, all Mika and OK Go videos, Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys, URA Fever by The Kills,  and Cousins by Vampire Weekend.


      Now amongst the videos I hate  are those which completely ruin the song. For instance Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol and Your Guardian Angel by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. The videos were meant to be as excellent as the song, but they absolutely disappoint. Also I hate many videos and songs together, like California Gurls by Katy Perry. Just want to ask her one thing, What was she thinking?


       However, without these slight glitches, all the videos are exquisite. Watch!!