Movie Meme: Book Adaptations

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I've found the Movie Memes the past few weeks a little difficult to do; the themes have not necessarily been my genre and so I've had to think outside the box to find a film to fit the bill. Therefore, when Hannah divulged last week's theme as 'book adaptations' I was more than happy to crack on. Unfortunately life got in the way and so I find myself the night before the deadline desperately trying to finish my homework and submit!

Way back in the mists of time when I was in my early teens, I discovered the marvels of Jane Eyre. I have always loved books but back then graduating from Enid Blyton to Charlotte Bronte was a big task, however one which I persevered with. I fell in love with the book and the brooding Mr. Rochester there and then. However, it is not (oh my word, I have stopped using contractions; I fear that the writing influence of the sisters Bronte may have infringed upon this manuscript!) the ever so naive Jane which I want to wax lyrical about; it is her literary cousin Cathy.

If you have not read Wuthering Heights then shame on you (shush now, literary spectres of the past) because it is the most amazing love story between a young and innocent boy held back in life by his poverty, and the ultimate bad girl who corrupted him. Yes I do mean it that way around. If you honestly think that Heathcliff (swoon) was a bad boy before he met that tart then you need to read the book again! Their love stories transcends time and generations of their own family. The book has time and time again been voted the best love story, for good reason.

There have been several film adaptations and whilst the 2009 one starring Tom Hardy was good (I'm not even going to mention the American MTV modernisation starring Katherine Heigl), he will never fill Ralph Fiennes leather boots. Long before any patient, English or other nationality, was attended to, he starred in this 1992 classic with Juliette Binoche. The chemistry, mischief, angst and loss that the pair of them portray in their acting youth is just astounding. The melody that follows the highs and lows throughout the film is haunting. Nearly 20 years since I first saw it and I still get overwhelmed with the film.

 


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Movie Meme: Horror Films

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Oh no! Quite frankly, NO!

Hannah, how could you? I knew it was coming sooner or later, but this theme is the worst one for me. I was quivering behind a cushion just reading your notification e-mail earlier. I am a big scaredy-cat. Years ago, a male friend and I went to see The House on Haunted Hill in the cinema and I spent the entire film hiding behind his shoulder. Six people got up and left the cinema because they found it so scary. He was a bit freaked out himself, and I had nightmares that night. For weeks after I had to sleep with the light on, and I still can't think of it without freaking out.

Hang on, I'll be back in a moment; I need to go and watch some Mr. Tumble to calm down…

…

Ok, back now.

Right, having been reassured that I was allowed to just choose a film that gave me a surge of adrenaline, I am choosing this little gem:

The Frighteners

This has got to be Michael J. Fox at his best. He's not being a goofy teenager who thinks he's cool but fails miserably (Back to the Future, TeenWolf). This is him as an adult, acting an adult role of a man whose wife was killed in an accident when the car he was driving crashed off a road.

As a result of this crash, he was left with the interesting side-effect of being able to see ghosts and consequently has made his living since being a very overdramatic, and fake, exorciser of unwanted spirits. It's fake because there are never unwanted spirits, he enlists the help of three friendly ghosts to create the effects in the house. He's rumbled as a fake, and therefore has great difficulty convincing anyone of the true culprit of the murders which are prevalent in his home-town.

The only problem is that these murders are almost exact replicas of a murder spree decades before; the victimshave a number carved into their foreheads. The original culprit was convicted and received the death sentence.

So who on Earth is killing these people now?

You have to watch it!

Oh and it's directed by Peter Jackson, there you go: even more reason to watch it!

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Movie Meme: Favourite Actress

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When we were set the theme of Favourite Actor by Hannah over at MetalMummy a few weeks ago, it was relatively easy for me. I knew straight away who I was going to choose, although I had a few fall back options. Therefore, when the theme of Favourite Actress was set this week, I'm a little unsure as to why I struggled to come up with a name.

Ok, I'm fibbing. I did come up with a name but was worried that she was too conventional. And so I thought and I thunked about who else I could choose. It is a sorry state of affairs that men still outrank women in the film industry, and that I have had to go and Google a list of 'top Hollywood actresses' to double-check that there's not one that I've missed. In my own defense, I can list a fair amount of actresses, but some of them are that simpering female type that I can't stand.

After much internal debate (more like, "sod it, I like her, don't care if no-one else does!") I have resorted to my initial person because I think she's the one that I tend to watch most films of.

 

 

Sandra Bullock

 

 

I know she's conventional and a blockbuster actress, possibly even a little predictable of me, but I like her films. I think she's funny and delivers a good performance in an enjoyable film, with the exception of that God awful Two Weeks Notice and don't even get me started on All About Steve, I had to turn it off.

As with most people I would imagine, she first came to my attention in Speed (phwoargh, Keanu's muscles!) where she was a fiesty livewire. I've watched a fair amount of her films over the year, including Miss Congeniality 2 on the plane in America. I was so cross when they cut the film off 15 minutes from the end. It may have been dire, but I'd invested more than an hour of my life in that film and I wanted to see how it turned out!

Bullock is capable of churning out more than just the comedic performance, as in The Proposal and While You Were Sleeping, and actually can be incredibly endearing with her serious roles. 28 Weeks is a fabulous portrayal of life as a young addict, her out of character role in Crash and the heart-breaking loneliness of The Lake House.

I am vying here with my favourite film from her. Seriously contending for Number One spot is Demolition Man which is in my Top 5 Films of all time; she's young and fiesty, innocent and cheeky. However, in the end I am settling on the nicely predicatable Miss Congeniality because it makes me chuckle every time she falls over in those stomping heels.

You've also got to admire a woman who appears to have it all; successful career, beautiful home, etc. yet adopts a child from her own country (rather than doing the celebrity thing of from another country) and kicks out her cheating hubby. Just goes to show that money doesn't make everything rosie does it?

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Movie Meme: 80s Classic

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I'm supposed to be going to bed but not before writing this up. (My hubby will kill me, please send a rescue party!)

I'm excited because the ever-so-clever Hannah at Metal Mummy has chosen what could only be one of my top categories for her theme this week:

This week's prompt is The 80s

What’s your favourite film from this decade? Is it a comedy? A Brat-Pack? A horror? You can write about whatever film you want, no matter the genre.

Oh MetalMummy, thank you so much! I can wax lyrical about one of my all-time favourite films ever!

Do you know what it is yet?

No?

Then you should be ashamed of yourself!

Big-city boy relocates with his divorced mother to her small-town home-town to live with her brother. He is cool, he loves music and plays it loudly from his beaten-up yellow VW Beatle. Small-town girl takes an instant liking to him in the rebellious way that only she could, surely she would never do it to wind up her preacher-daddy? Big-city boy gets on the wrong side of everyone with his loud music booming as it is 'banned' in the area, what with it being the root of all evil and responsible for the death of small-town girl's elder brother. (Now't to do with the booze then?)

Ren, for that is the name of Big-city boy, vows to provide the seniors at the High-school with a prom where they have music and can <shock, horror> dance. In order to do this, he must take on the might of preacher-daddy.

Can he win? Will they have their dance? Will Willard learn how to control his two left feet? Will SJP discover straighteners in time? Will small-town girl and preacher-daddy ever forgive each other?

Ladies and Gentleman, in order to find out you will have to watch the 1984 classic:

Footloose

This is one of my favourite scenes from any film ever:

 

Seriously, what other song could I choose for this blog?

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Movie Meme: Chick Flicks

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I'm not a girly girl. Yes, I wear make-up and, when I have the opportunity, wear my hair down. Yes, I like nice jewellery. I don't do pink. I don't do fluffy. I don't do simpering female. I am the youngest of four children, the eldest two are boys. I'm a bit of a tom-boy.

Chick-flicks? Metal Mummy, really? Cool!

How contrary am I? I actually do like a good chick-flick, as long as they are the empowering women ones, the ones where the women aren't complete and utter simpering pathetic females throughout. I do like a good song and dance routine, but I've already talked about Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge a few weeks ago. And I broke the rules in Week Two, so am limited to my choice here. Plus Dirty Dancing's already been 'done'.

I'm choosing my other favourite:

All the classic lines:

  • In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight.In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight.
  • I appreciate this whole seduction thing you've got going on here, but let me give you a tip: I'm a sure thing.
  • Just how obscene an amount of cash are we talking about here? Profane or really offensive?
  • Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now.

Which leads me onto my most favourite scene in the entire film:

 

Movie Meme: Favourite Actor

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Last week I became very excited by MetalMummy's theme until I realised that it wasn't our favourite actor that she wanted us to write about, but more specifically Leonardo di Caprio. I can't really stand his films, with the exception of Shutter Island, so didn't take part. This week, she's been rather lovely and set a theme which allows me to swoon over the marvellous acting talents of:

John Cusack

I remember first seeing him act in the film Stand By Me and was intrigued then. In that film, it's actually River Phoenix that stands out, but Cusack was an interesting choice as Wil Wheaton's older and much-adored brother.

Hubby introduced me to the wonders of one of my favourite films of all time: Grosse Point Blank. To me, this  film epitomises John Cusack. Clever, witty, suave, a bit of action, a bit of romance, a funny leading lady that compliments his kookiness. The plot involves him playing a highly-trained assassin who returns to his high-school, and the girlfriend that he stranded at the prom, for a reunion. It's hysterical and also stars Dan Ackroyd, Minnie Driver and Hank Azaria.

The other classic has got to be High Fidelity featuring the Top 5 (insert random idea here). Inspired acting from the cast, and also features Jack Black at his acting best too. We watched 2012 about a month ago and I can't shake that from my head either, always a sign of a good film.

May I also recommend:

  • ConAir
  • Pushing Tin
  • Runaway Jury
  • American's Sweethearts (borderline sold-out, but still funny. Don't touch Must Love Dogs with a barge-pole)

Oh and he's also quite dishy!

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Movie Meme: The Director's Cut

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Well Hannah has completely gone and thrown me this week. After spending the past few days on twitter discussing one idea for this week's theme, she's gone and chosen another!

This week’s theme is Directors

Who is your favourite director? What film(s) are the reason why you love this director so much?

Um… pass?

I can't think of any? Hmmm… The problem is that whilst I really enjoy watching films and love the cinematography and storylines, I don't think I'm able to turn around and identify one single director as my favourite. I'm too 'middle of the road'. However, after much deliberation I have managed to choose one that has directed a couple of films that I adore.

Guess Who:

  • His real name is Mark Anthony (+surname)
  • His parents competed in ballroom competitions
  • He worked on the family gas station and farm
  • In 2004 he directed the world's most expensive advertisement for Chanel No 5, costing £18 million for 4 minutes
  • He was born in Australia
  • He directed the "Red Curtain Trilogy" (two of which are the aforementioned favourite films, the third only because I've not seen it)
  • In 1998 he released a brilliant single called "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"

And if you haven't guessed it yet, my director of choice is:

Baz Luhrmann

I adore this film, completely and utterly! Everything about it makes me chuckle and I cannot break off for a drink or to use the necessary facilities. Probably just as well that I don't have a drink then!

The underlying humour and good-natured mocking at the ballroom dancing world is genius. I know a few people in the ballroom circuit who weren't happy with the portrayal of the fake-tan and sequins brigade at the time, but it is clearly not meant maliciously, especially bearing in mind his parents competed themselves.

Think Dirty Dancing come Ugly Duckling with a little of Come Dancing thrown in and you're there.

My other example of his work is probably the only film that I can stand to watch Nicole Kidman in, and that's only because of Ewan McGregor's brilliant singing and acting in it! They are completely indicative of Luhrmann's ingenuity and brilliance. McGregor is dashing and suave, and what a fantastic singer. To this day, his version of 'Your Song' is my favourite.

The ensemble cast gels together really well, and the villian of Richard Roxburgh is alarmingly creepy. Jim Broadbent is such a surprise casting but really clever, and John Leguizamo as Toulouse-Lautrec is hilarious! Don't forget little old Kylie as the Absinthe fairy!

I love the flamboyance of these two films: the lights; the camera; the deep, rich, overtly exuberant colours. I haven't seen much of his other work, mainly because he keeps employing simpering females that I can't stand, to act in the lead roles.

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Movie Meme: My Fair Lady

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This week’s prompt is Black and White.

Whether it be a silent film, a 40s film, a 50s film or a modern film with a black and white twist, I would love to read about the film that gets you going from this genre. It doesn’t even have to be a black and white movie. It could be a movie about something black and white (admittedly, all I can think about is a penguin, but I’m sure there’s plenty more options out there!)

The lovely Hannah over at MetalMummy has set the theme and so we have 'Black and White'. Yes I know that 'My Fair Lady' was filmed in colour, but she does say it doesn't have to be a black and white film. And I just don't love 'Roman Holiday' enough to choose it over this one. So the reason that I have chose this film comes from this:

How absolutely stunningly beautiful are these dresses? God, Cecil Beaton was a master!

Not forgetting of course, the inimitable line, "Come on, Dover, move yer bloomin' arse!"

I first watched this film when I was approximately 10 years old and I was completely and utterly captivated by the Cinderella story. Even at that young age I watched the entire thing from start to finish, all 2 hours and 50 minutes of it.

Favourite quotes:

  • My Aunt died of influenza, or so they said. But it's my belief they done the old woman in.
  • You impudent hussy!
  • I ain't dirty! I washed my face and hands before I come, I did.
  • I shall not feel alone without you, I can stand on my own without you. So go back in your shell, I can do bloody well without…

Oh the songs, the songs are fantastic! They really do complement the story so well. I was devastated that Audrey Hepburn didn't sing the musical numbers in the film: "Most of Audrey Hepburn's singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon, despite Hepburn's lengthy vocal preparation for the role. A dubber was required because Eliza Doolittle's songs were not transposed down to accommodate Audrey Hepburn's "low-mezzo voice". Audrey Hepburn sang most of "Just You Wait", as well as the reprise to the song, herself, showcasing her ability to sing perfectly at ease when the songs were set in a reasonable tessitura. Audrey also sang one or two lines, elsewhere in the score, such as 'Sleep, sleep, I couldn't sleep tonight!' in "I Could Have Danced All Night"."(IMDB)

Wrong, wrong, wrong! She was more than capable of singing in that film; has no-one heard her singing 'Moonriver' in Breakfast at Tiffany's?

Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn are a phenomenal pairing, although the age difference has always concerned me slightly. Other considerations for the role of Henry Higgins: Cary Grant and Peter O'Toole. Most surprising performance? Jeremy Brett as Eliza's suitor.

I'm not going to try and sell it to you anymore, go and watch it. I defy you not to love 'I could have danced all night', and 'I've grown accustomed to her face'.

Now pop over to the linky and see which other films you can be persuaded to watch!

Movie Meme: Films of the 21st Century

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Following Kate's Listography of our favourite films last week (I stand by my choice of 'The Breakfast Club'), it highlighted just how much we all love a good film; be it a weepie, a cheesy '80s dance film, a black and white classic, a thriller or a film of mystery and intrigue.

The rather lovely and fabulous Metal Mummy has harnessed our, and her, love of 'movies' to create this new meme which I'm quite looking forward to. Her choice for this week is Films of the 21st Century which is a lovely broad topic. Only problem is that we're only allowed to choose one. This has caused much consternation for me for the last hour or so, but I kept coming back to the one film that hubby was shocked I hadn't chosen in my Listography. At the time I told him that I didn't love it as much as the others, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about it ever since. I may have to dig it out later and watch it.

For my choice I present you with:

Love Actually

I adore this film! Sitting here and trying to pinpoint why has launched me into a deeply analytical mood.

The Cast:

Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy: British Film Royalty! Wow! What an absolute achievement to get that many stars together for a film. But they're not the only ones, consider them the senior royals if you will. We are then graced with the Wills and Harrys, Zaras and Peters of the acting world: Martin Freeman, Kiera Knightley, Kris Marshall, Joanna Page, Andrew Lincoln, Martine McCutcheon, and little Thomas Brodie-Sangster. The ensemble is amazing, no doubt! The fact that they are all British is even better! Good on you Mr. Curtis!

However, aside from the show of national pride that is exhibited in this extravaganza, the reason I like it is because I feel it is the epitome of the big cast film. There have been several in the past decade or so: Crash, 2012, and of course the Harry Potter films. To me though, this was one of the first films where there weren't names chosen for impact or to draw in the crowds, the actors were chosen because they fitted together so well. And the clearly established relationships that some of them have is endearing to watch. When Emma Thompson bumps into her 'brother' Hugh Grant back-stage at the school play, I liked to think the warmth was at least slightly realistic.

The Music:

I know it's mostly Girls Aloud and The Sugababes but there were other groups in there too: Kelly Clarkson, Dido, Maroon 5, Eva Cassidy, Norah Jones, Texas, Joni Mitchell, Otis Redding and Craig Armstrong. The talent is immense! The music perfectly matches the mood of so many scenes; who else could have got Hugh Grant wiggling his bum so provocatively, or accompanied the tears of Emma Thompson so well? And I'm sorry but the passion of 'Too Lost in You' gets me every time!

The Meetings:

All the different ways that the different story-lines meet up, interweave and flow seamlessly are intriguing and get me drawing an imaginary mind-map every time. The wedding, the reception, the play, the airport. It's so damned clever.

The Scenes:

I have three favourite scenes that I have to watch every time.

  1. Hugh Grant dancing to Girls Aloud. Classic, hysterical, and oh so embarrassing!
  2. Hugh Grant kicking arse with Billy Bob's arrogant American President! Yeah you tell him what every person in this country wanted Tony Blair to tell George W. Bush! And yeah! It's because of a girl, even better! Hugh Grant for Prime Minister!
  3. Emma Thompson listening to the Joni Mitchell CD and crying. I will always sob when I watch this. Her husband has bought her what could be the most romantic Christmas present ever, a CD of her favourite artist despite hating the music. The only problem is that she knows that the expensive necklace that she saw him buy the other day is therefore for another woman then. How bittersweet? He's been romantic, but to another woman. Such a heartbreaking moment.

The ultimate Christmas Eve film!

Have you seen it in another light? I hope so.

Now pop over to the linky and see which other films you can be persuaded to watch!

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