Morning Reel

"Häxan" is probably one of most spookiest/horror films of the day and that time is 1922. Imagine watching this film at that time? That's what I briefly explore in this episode. It's a documentary-style film that informs us witchcraft since Middle Ages until modern times at that time. I dig it because of how they depict information. The production design did a great job bringing devil to life and demons, creating sabbath scenes, it's great. Check it out!

"The Blair Witch Project" is an example of an indie masterpiece and at the same time being a horror film. The decision to make the film feel realistic led partially to the power of the film, the acting is incredible that it makes you feel like you're amongst the trio of characters. I also discuss how things just gets worse in matters of sequences.

A GRINDHOUSE FEATURE - "Hocus Pocus" and "Hocus Pocus 2" both great for kids and adults to watch. I talk about how the films puts representation on women in leading roles, the complexity of the characters especially Bette Midler's. I also talk about how well the themes were written in their own right.

#morningreel #hocuspocus #hocuspocus2

"Titane" is a a modern body borror film masterpiece. Julia Ducournau took the genre and added a fresh edge to the female lead especially this lead beautifully acted by Agathe Rousselle. Ducournau put a lot of attention to detail in all apsects of filmmaking which I felt led to winning the Palme d'Or earlier this year and I briefly talk about that. Acting, cinematography, unique way of driving the story forward, "Titane", it's hard to watch but re-watchable. Definitely earns that.

"Jaws" and among other early '70s films made what is called the "blockbuster" today. "Jaws" is an iconic film beautifully directed by Steven Spielberg. He went the Hitchcock/new wave route with his choice of cinematography and how the characters played each other in such a fun way. I talk about the screenplay, how detailed he is in certain sequences in the film and I also mention how important it was to have the story go directly forward.

#morningreel #jaws #stevenspielberg

"Jerry Maguire" is a fan favorite amongst folks who love the work of Cameron Crowe and Tom Cruise, respectively. Fortunately, I dig them both. To me, one of Cruise's best roles, if not the best because he fires on all cylinders portraying a sports agent whose put his life and career on the line. I talk about how great the characters are due to the writing of Crowe and they carry each other throughout the course of the film. I also talk about what the subtext is of the film as it relates to how should we make ourselves to others especially in a world where a lot of it is artificial. Manners!

One of my favorite sub-genres of filmmaking is the "coming of age" where young folks figure themselves out, whether it be a situation or time in their life. "The Spectacular Now" is a gem in this modern day romance/drama genre. The film does the sub-genre right, creating simple complexities that deal with family and key social groups, such as best friends and whatnot. I talk about the writing of the film, some cinematography and how the location adds to the film's progression and aesthetic.

#morningreel #thespectacularnow

"Days of WIld Being" is Wong Kar-wai's debut film about missed connections of the romantic and parental. The absence of those who birthed us creates to be a certain, missing the peace that we can forever yearn for. I talk about how his choice of angles with music supports the narrative, pushing the mood these characters are going for. I also talk about the main character as to how deep and complex he is, enough to study about. The rest of the cast is great as they not only add support but they great strengths of their own. I loved how this film mixes romance with existentialism with a simple twist. It's afraid to show how these characters live and operate.

#morningreel #daysofbeingwild #wongkarwai

Nathan Fielder's "The Rehearsal" that's on HBO, is one of the most original reality television programs today where all the stops are off. In full Fielder mode, he goes on to helping people in his way but goes almost to God-like stages. One of the things being recreating locations all the way to smallest of details JUST to insure that his client can be successful to their confrontation. All the while he starts to get attach and BOOM, he starts making his own rehearsals. I briefly talk about the season, from what I gathered watching this six episode season which is currently underway a second season. I also briefly talk about how maneuvers like this affect our psyche, questioning our own existence and the choices we make.

Olivier Assayas wrote and directed "Irma Vep" that portrays the state of French cinema at the time by placing the audience in the middle of making a film. A film about a film like how Assayas did is very invasive in an artful way. I briefly explain this method in this episode. I really enjoyed the film, it's nice to see people break down in normal situations, it's nice to see how people coexist despite their upbringings. It's not said but it's displayed and I think it adds progressive tendencies as to why we do the things we do.

#irmavep #maggiecheung #morningreel