All posts tagged film
Story Grove
Planting the acorns of creativity + inspiration
WOW - if you are a screenwriter or a filmmaker or a storyteller of any kind - read this four page prose sketch for LOOPER written back in 2002. Rian is a genius. It’s beautiful.
Inspired much? With guys like Rian willing to share their inspiration with us…Hells yes! M.S.
For the curious, here is the original 4 page prose sketch for Looper, written in 2002.
Right-click here to download the pdf, or click to open directly in your browser.
At the time we were still trying and failing to get Brick made, and out of frustration I started writing short ideas that we could film with no money. The Psychology of Dream Analysis was one that we actually made, this was another (though we never ended up shooting it.) It sat in a drawer for seven years, until I pulled it out and used it as a sort of treatment for what became the full script. It’s both very different and very similar to what we ended up with on screen, I hope it’s an interesting read. Let me know what you think.
Perhaps the best magazine I’ve ever read #Interview picked up in #Vancouver will def be buying a subscription #iminspired #film #filmmaking
What we did to our billy on @thebunyipmovie #tookonefortheteam #indie #filmmaking #film
The Raven (2012)
Day 46 of 365 Movie Challenge
I am a HUGE fan of both John Cusack (pretty much seen all his movies) and James McTeigue (director). Was lucky enough to attend a great talk by James last year at AFTRS where he was discussing making this film and his inspiring career pathway working as an Assistant Director with the Wachowski’s before being invited by them to direct V for Vendetta (one of my favourite films) - so was super excited to finally get to watch it!
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the acting and script. V for Vendetta had beautifully nuanced directing of performance but somehow this film felt a little too measured. However, I loved the grade and production design, and there were some great moments in the soundtrack too. The opening sequence was also really powerful and there were some great gruesome moments like the swinging saw scene. The opening and closing credits made it feel like it was going to be one of those really cool *modernized-superhero-period-pieces* like the new Sherlock Holmes series but somehow it just never let rip. V for Vendetta still holds the prize for me - nailing genre, style and charisma. Plus it had such a compelling message underpinning the film which will continue to be an important contribution for generations to come.
Can’t wait to see what these guys come up with next! Filmmaking ain’t a science, it’s an exploration, adventure and an art form…
Inspired, much?! Thankfully, movies inspire me everyday!
M.S.
Mirror Mirror (2012)
Day 45 of 365 Movie Challenge
Once I got into pantomime land and entered the spirit of being 9 yrs old again, I had a brilliant time watching this movie. The production design was stunning, absolutely magical. I also loved the tongue-in-cheek writing. And, of course, the band of dwarves stole the show. Julia Roberts was once again inspiring but I did not get into the last dance number (I’m definitely not a bollywood movie lover). Mucho enjoyable. Great to watch with the whole family.
Inspired, much?! Thankfully, I am.
M.S.
It’s here! My fab #film@from #SydneyFilmFestival 2012 is in cinemas… Go see it!!! #SafetyNotGuarenteed
One for the Money (2012)
Day 44 of 365 Movie Challenge
(yes, the day count now comes with a big fat “” as I’ve had to take a few hiatuses as I shoot out the final scenes and stunts of The Bunyip Movie… but regular viewing and reading will re-commence once I’m in the US… hopefully!)
Run. Run away. Sadly, I didn’t love this film even though I wanted to so I was glad I waited to see it on DVD coz if I’d gone to the cinema I would’ve felt short changed!
Corny. Obvious. Slow. This film tried to walk the line between part heist, part rom-com but kept dropping the ball and most of the funny gags were in the trailer. Some scenes like the shower curtain did have me giggling but then it would face-planted over yet another of the cliches littered throughout its plot. Plus the main character didn’t learn anything and the performances stayed on one note. The accents were fun but you don’t want to be tuning into an accent to keep yourself entertained for a whole movie!
All in all, though it had potential, production values and some hilarious scenarios, I think the filmmakers needed to cut 15 to 20 pages/minutes in the edit and slashed some of the more cringe-worthy one liners before I could’ve stayed “in” for the whole movie.
Inspired much? Movies inspire me every day…
M.S.
Ides of March (2011)
Day 43 of 365 Movie Challenge
Man, I love a great political thriller! George Clooney masterfully straddles both roles of director and actor, delivering delicious performances all round from this stellar cast. What also left a huge impact on me in the cinema was the cinematography with moments like that awesome lighting state in the kitchen in the showdown between Stephen (played by Ryan Gosling) and the Governor (played by Clooney). And the script was brilliant too, am looking forward to reading this screenplay in the challenge.
Inspired, much?! Thankfully, I am.
M.S.
Where are we going? Down there, beneath the waves, sir! #iminspired @thebunyipmovie #amshooting #amdirecting #indie #filmmaking #film #underwatershoot (Taken with Instagram)
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Day 41 of 365 Movie Challenge
Samantha & Charlie: Chefs do that.
Damn I had fun watching this film! Hilariously 90s, Geena Davis and Samuel L Jackson go for it in this action crime film. We just don’t make em like this anymore… lots of comedy, big car chases, gun fights, kick ass lines, femme fatale kicking bad guy ass and BOOM explosions! (yes I am referring to the Canal+ ad that went viral last year, so check out the video if you missed it, coz its bloody funny!)
Mitch Henessey: What I’m saying is, back when we first met, you were all like “Oh phooey, I burned the darn muffins.” Now, you go into a bar, ten minutes later, sailors come runnin’ out. What up with that?
This is the kind of film my dad is always telling me that I should be making if I want to make it big at the box office. I think I’m getting closer to his taste with The Bunyip Movie - only time with tell!
Unknown henchman: I’m hurt real bad. I think I’m dying.
Timothy: Continue dying. Out.
Inspired, much?! Thankfully, I am!
M.S.
