Two fabulous films in one week. Utterly different genres, the duo of films couldn’t have been any more different. And yet, in recent memory, they certainly leave a similarly lasting impression. Art is alive in Hollywood.
Bad Lieutenant
With the posters cramming up the cheese-factor to no end, this film almost hides in the abyss of Steven-Seagal-genre(less) films that are as forgettable as their posters. Werner Herzog is a credit billing worth watching a movie for, if nothing else. But Bad Lieutenant only climbs up as the film rolls. Nicolas Cage finally breaks free of being Nicolas Cage, and with a perfected slouch, drawled accent and stoned face, he creates a new human being. The magic of Leaving Las Vegas’ Nicolas Cage is alive and well. Eva Mendes seldom disappoints and this film is no exception. The plot is well written, characters very well defined and the pace near-perfect. Refreshing to watch a good’ol crime movie with an unbelievably corrupt protagonist that, strangely enough, the audience is bound to sympathize with. A+ on this one.
Up In The Air
With the silently growing Oscar buzz for George Clooney and his crew in his new film, it’s hard to ignore an actor that knows his cinematic tone of voice inside out. Based in today’s recession-hit America, the film deals with things we suddenly know all too much about — loosing your job. Treading a fine line between satire and real-life documented, Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Twilight’s Ana Kendrick all play their parts to a perfection. Reminiscent of the magic of Sophia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, all things one hates about a jet-setting lifestyle, suddenly make you want to be a part of it. The loneliness of the protagonist (Clooney) is well written and melancholic in enactment. If there’s one movie this season that is sensitive, real, self-critical and sad, its Up in the Air. A+ on this one too!
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