1. Another Earth, 2011, Director: Mike Cahill, Watched: 26 January, Rating: 4 1/2 (out of 5), Trailer: here
I remember discovering this film a while ago when I was on a sci-fi kick (Moon, The Man Who Fell To Earth) but I never watched it. I underestimated it from watching the trailer which is something you're definitely, absolutely not supposed to do. What made me finally give it a go were two friends on Twitter who said that is was beautiful among other things. They weren't wrong as I was instantly crying within 5 minutes of watching it. I was extremely taken aback but yet pulled in by the idea that the people in the film were living with the knowledge of literally another Earth. That's something that could very well happen to us living in real life. It was so good to see some human emotion throughout this sci-fi film. That's often hard to do with this particular genre. Two stories were essentially running together, one about the other Earth and it's effect on the planet and one about a young girl and an older man. I won't say much about it because I highly recommend it to anyone. The ending is sure to blow your mind. I'm giving it a four and a half, though, because although I love open endings that leave you thinking, this film had maybe too open of an ending.
2. Cracks, 2009, Director: Jordan Scott, Watched: 06 January, Rating: 4, Trailer: here
Oh Eva Green, you delectable thing. This woman drives me insane. Her eyes, her speaking voice, which has just the right amount of French from her native home and English from playing Bond Girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. And that body, which was shown off to the extremes in The Dreamers. She made even little 13 year old girls go crazy in this film as the opulent Miss G. There was something very erotic and pervy to Cracks without anyone having any sex. Well, with one slight exception of course. At times I didn't quite understand what was going on between the new Spanish princess attending the school and Miss G; I felt as if I'd missed something. I later found out that things were just extremely ambiguous between the two of them. I'd love to read the book to find out more about these deep characters. I absolutely love that Ridley Scott's daughter directed this as her first feature film as well. Something about family directing teams get me (the Coppolas, David Bowie and his son Duncan Jones). Next to the very tasty story line were the costumes. What I would do to get my hands on Miss G's fabulous 1940s wardrobe. I give this film a four because although I loved Eva, Juno Temple and Imogen Poots in this, I was struggling a little with the mysterious plot points.
3. Dahmer, 2002, Director: David Jacobson, Watched: 19 January, Rating: 3 1/2, Trailer: here
I really love Jeremy Renner. And I especially loved him in Dahmer as the coveted Jeffrey Dahmer. I learned about Jeffery Dahmer when I was in junior year psychology and we only just skimmed over what he did/who he was. He was declared sane, you know. Anyway, his story always creeped me out. Someone who was utterly fascinated and disturbed by dead bodies and bodies in general, enough to have sex with them and keep them preserved, really hit me at an odd angle. Upon discovering that there was a film about him (of course there is, you know there has to be), I thought that whoever the actor was playing him has to be pretty ambitious to play such a name. I was pleasantly surprised that it was Jeremy Renner. It was good seeing him in an environment other than an action movie. Jeremy Renner has these big, green, almost dopey eyes. These came to his advantage during the scenes when Dahmer would pick up his prey and seduce them into becoming close with him. His eyes looks dead and a bit crazy but also very alluring. The film was a bit slow, but also very hypnotic. I was always open as to what would happen next especially with two of the main victims of which he drugged and sexually assaulted in his apartment. I loved how the colors during the scenes of Dahmer with a victim were very high contrast. Things looked severe and had a red tint to them which made everything look a bit more dangerous.
4. Shallow Grave, 1994, Director: Danny Boyle, Watched: 18 January, Rating: 4 1/2, Trailer: here
I fell in love with Danny Boyle after watching Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and The Beach without knowing exactly who directed it. I then went back and figured out the genius who did. Like with most of my favorite people in the movie industry, I like to go back to their beginning works. Shallow Grave might be my favorite Danny Boyle film now. I love a good crime movie (The Fugitive is one of my favorites) and this one didn't disappoint. Three flat mates get a new roommate and then unexpectedly find him dead. What surprised and delighted me was that they three didn't call the police or do anything with the body besides dispose of it improperly. All because the man had a suitcase full of money. What Danny Boyle does best is play with his characters' minds. Shallow Grave could be Boyle's brightest gem because the antagonist is simply the human mind and human nature. Each character goes through guilt, love, regret and gets an equal dosage of adrenaline and greediness. While there was some down time during the film, I also couldn't help but check out the interior of the flat. It's huge; perfect for four people comfortably. There was great usage of primary colors, particularly blue, and the floor boards always creaked which now I see is some really good usage of foreshadowing.