rising from the dead

Finally! I got to watch the highly anticipated film, The Dark Knight. I was probably most excited about it, more than anybody else. After months of absence from the cinema, I was back! And for no lame reason. The Dark Knight was exactly what the movie trailers and hype said it was going to be like; in fact, even more.

The fact that I had a clear idea of what to expect, it somehow managed to surprise me still. Though I am not a huge fan of superhero movies (and despite the disappointing, to say the least, Spiderman 3), I just couldn’t let this one pass up.

But the highlight of the entire film was Ledger’s rendition of the Joker. Biases aside, Joker’s character seems to jolt right out of the screen. There were several scenes in the film wherein I was anticipating the Joker to show up and those minutes were filled with an almost agonizing wait. His character was so cunning and menacing, that it indeed lives up to Nolan’s hopes of wanting to create a darker and more ruthless Joker. From the inflection of his voice, to that eerie laugh – this was without a doubt Ledger’s film!

And yet, he’s the type of character you’d love – not love to hate. I totally loved the part wherein he plainly told Batman how he had such a “misplaced sense of self-righteousness”. Talking about doing evil things without motivation! Heath Ledger’s performance of the Joker totally makes him deserving of an Oscar nod, just as many have speculated right before the movie’s official launch!

The movie is potent in several ways. I think I need to watch it again, just to let everything sink in.

“You either die a hero, or you live long enough to become a villain.” See how Batman became villainous towards the end? And of course, turning to Heath once again, this was his last film before his death. What a way to bid farewell!

back for Heath

Whether you choose to believe me or not, I cannot specifically recall when I last went to the cinema for a movie nor can I remember the last film I watched (at least without efforts of trying to remember). So far this year, not one movie has convinced me to go to the theater. Yes, even the much hyped about “Sex & the City”! Although I had thoughts about watching it on a movie-house with my boyfriend, I felt like it’s the type of movie that I wanted to watch at home with a few of my girlfriends on a lazy Friday night. Plus, I am treated to HBO movies at home which is very much preferable since although it is not entirely free, at least it’s not pay-per-view.

However! There’s one movie that I don’t want to miss this year. Don’t let the title deceive you, I’m not watching it just because of Heath although it can be like a sort of farewell film for him as this is the last movie he’s filmed before his death early this year. Also, I am amused with Ed’s childhood fascination for Batman so “The Dark Knight” was the perfect film to treat ourselves to.

I just hope the film could live up to the hype.

forrest today

Ever seen the film by Steven Spielberg, Forrest Gump? Not only is it one of my favorite movies of all time, but it is also one of the most compelling films I’ve ever seen. Forrest stood out as a character, and no one could have probably played the role better than Tom Hanks.

It wasn’t till of late that I got to watch the film again and was amazed at how it still maintained the kind of levity it has when I first saw it. And I won’t even try to describe what the film is about at the risk of making it more conventional than it actually is. Hate to use a cliche but it the film brings out a gamut of emotions. Forrest is such a sympathetic character whom, despite his lack of intelligence, is bound for great things. Maybe his oblivion or lack of cynicism in the way he views things has enabled him to disregard the savage nature of the world. This world might deride him as “stupid” but he has craftily woven himself into some of history’s major events and grabbing opportune moments.

This kind of movie is what we need. It enables us to reflect on our times through eyes without cynicism. By saying this, I don’t discourage critical thinking. But by looking at Forrest, we come to terms as to why some people are referred to by others as “too clever by half.” Forrest was clever just exactly enough. It takes me back to several occasions when I overhear some people say they want to go back to the time when they were still little kids, because then they lived with no worries, just taking life exactly for what it is. Also, maybe then we also have had a much better opinion of the world.

Forrest Gump, although it can admittedly be taken as a bit fairy-tailish of a movie, it enables us to arrive at a reconciliation with our society. So, next time you describe the world as cruel, stop and think that maybe those who inhabit the world makes it so.