Southpaw is a really good film, an argument could even be made that it's a great film. However it is not a particullarly original film, following the same beats as any redemption arc before it. It's in the execution rather than in originality Southpaw proves itself worth watching. When I say Southpaw follows a familiar formula, I really do mean it. Southpaw hits every beat of a classic redemption arc. From utilising the inciting incident as a catalyst for the protaganists fall from grace to the introduction of a wise, older guide to act as a conduit for our hero to find his way again, Southpaw follows a familiar structure - it even features a training montage (everybody needs a montage). Southpaws staunch adherence to such a recognisable formula …show more content…
As we observe a headphoned Jake Gyllenhall preparing for a title defence, we only hear the diegetic sound of his music, serving to immerse the audience in a psuedo first person experience. Following this scene we witness the title fight in question, this is where the direction and production design of Southpaw is truly at a standout with Antione Fuqua's depiction of a bout appearing as though it was pulled straight from an HBO pay-per-view showing. Creative direction is present throughout Southpaw's 124 minute runtime, with standout sequences taking place in Tick Wills (Forest Whitaker) gym, as well as the household of the …show more content…
Jake Gyllenhall absolutely slays his role as boxer Billy Hope, his performance alone is reason enough to see this film. Gyllenhall provides a genuine, emotionally fuelled display, creating a character I was fully invested in throughout - one I felt every punch with, both physical and emotional. Gyllenhall's best moments are those when Hope is at his lowest, allowing him to show his range and effect the audience in moments of extreme emotion. Gyllenhall is truly a show stealer here, although Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker provide solid screen partners for the star. Whitaker is allowed a similar range of scenes as Gyllenhall, allowing him to stretch his metaphorical legs, and really show what he can do with a well written character. McAdam's on the other hand is somewhat limited in her role as the 'concerned wife', but does an admiral job and provides a decent foil for Gyllenhall to play off as the obvious chemistry between the pair helps to carry their scenes. The remainder of the main cast are less worthy of particular praise. Child actress Oona Laurence does well as Gyllenhall's daughter, providing big in the emotional set pieces but then appearing awkward in scenes of lesser importance. Whether these simpler scenes were not given the time or attention to extract a better performance from the young actress or believable dialogue is just not within her range
One of the main products of this movie that popped out to me was the stars. They all seemed to be great actors even though I only knew one of them. For example, I thought that Ian Michael Smith did a great job portraying Simon Birch. He made the movie cute and funny all at once. I also thought that Joseph Mazello did a great job portraying relatable feelings in the movie. You could tell by his facial expressions what his mood was. All the actors did a great job and I can’t pinpoint one of them who did worse than the
He both acts like he’s trying to improve things, and also clearly shows he really wants money. Along with that, by the end you can clearly see how much of a coward his character truly is. Both the actors did very good jobs making these characters memorable and interesting. As for location/setting, a small town in New Mexico and the surrounding areas, it really let you see the way these people had been living and wanted to continue living. The town was rundown enough to emphasize poverty but not enough to overdo it like some movies do.
Braff himself has a warm, easy-to-watch screen presence. He can say nothing during the lull in a conversation, while the camera remains focused on his face, and it feels right. Portman and Sarsgaard are also genuine, each wonderfully relaxed in their roles. Production design is superb: details in every scene are arranged well, and the photography, by Lawrence Sher, is - like the story and the acting – unpretentious, never distracting, tricky or cute. This film never seems to manipulate us; instead it engages us, arouses our curiosity and amusement, bids us gently to care about Andrew and Sam and even Mark, leaving us entertained in the best sense. This movie is as confident, as secure in itself, as comforting, as a well worn pair of house slippers or your favorite reading chair. A splendid film. Grade: A- (09/04)
Lawrence is not part of the movie as much as one would like, but once she is in the scene, she is convincing and perfect for the part she is playing.
... there is a long shot of Scarface in his mansion to emphasize how powerful and wealthy he is, and throughout the trailer, non-digetic music is also used in this trailer to build suspense and tension.
Some actors in this movie do a good job of portraying their character. However, a few take away from the overall experience, such as Tony Ross and Claudia McNeil. Tony Ross, who is an actor known for Pancho Villa, plays Stacey Logan. Claudia McNeil was an actress known for her role in Raisen in the Sun, and she portrays Big Ma. Both of these
Margaret Hale in Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel North and South exemplifies the new type of woman a mid-nineteenth century woman should emulate. The contemporary woman is capable of balancing being a dutiful, generous, just woman while also satisfying her own passion, intellect, and moral activity. England needs women that can manifest their innate ability to sympathize with a capacity to change and adapt. The progressive world will require the modern woman to redefine the norms of social life.
The main theme of the movie is the boxing career of Maggie Fitzgerald (played by Hilary Swank) - a 30-year old waitress who lives alone and barely gets by. However, she is strongly determined to become a professional boxer and this is why she seeks the help of Frankie Dunn (played by Clint Eastwood), a boxing trainer and an owner of a gym. Initially, Frankie is unwilling to train her because she is female and too old to have any chance of achieving significant accomplishments in professional boxing. However, Frankie’s friend and associate Eddie Dupris (played by Morgan Freeman), really believes in Maggie and lets her train in a corner of the gym. As time passes, Maggie’s persistence and Eddie’s pushiness finally change Frankie’s mind. This is when the true story begins. Maggie’s determination and strong will to fulfill her dream, combined with Frankie’s excellent training skills launch both of them into the professional boxing orbit where they gloriously win battle after battle.
'Shawshank Redemption' directed by Frank Darabont is a compelling film about the life of one of its prisoners, Andy. many film techniques were used through out the film as a clever way of conveying main themes. This essay is going to examine how Darabont used camera angles and colour effectively in this film to portray the idea of power.
Their acting chops were very impressive whether it was comedic, emotional, or just stunning overall. Yet, on the other hand, some minor characters weren’t as well heard as others. I feel as the play could be better if some of the minor characters had projected their voice more, allowing their character to be known. However, although some voices were much stronger than others, all actors were full of talent, capable of dealing with script’s requirements, and did a good job
Spike Lee is considered to be one of the underrated directors of our time. He was born on March 20, 1957 in Atlanta. He grew up with a supportive family. He started making amateur films at the age of 20.After graduating NYU film school he was ready for the world. He already overcame the fact that African-American filmmakers were narrow. His big break started when he earned seven million in box office for a movie which priced at $175,000 to make. Also, the film was only shot in two weeks. This was only the beginning to a bright future. His vision shows no favoritism and spares no races. His use of interviews and social commentary gives different cultures an opportunity to look honestly into the hearts, minds, and conscience of their people. He also exposes hypocrisy and lies when he demonstrates the different stereotypes that remain in today’s society .Spike Lee creates amazing movies about provocative topics no else wanted to discuss. Who would know that small kid from Atlanta, Georgia could be considered an auteur? Shelton Jackson Lee is considered an auteur to extent by addressing provocative subjects, playing an acting role, unique traits, and being consistent.
All characters in the movie were played well by the actors in my opinion. They
It is no doubt that Martin Scorsese has heavily influenced the emulating of American film making from European influences. He is a prime example of a ‘New Hollywood Cinema’ director, not only from his ethnicity and background, but from his sheer interest in this form
This movie has many well-known actors, besides Paltrow and Damon, including Marion Cotillard, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law and Kate Winslet Who play Dr. Leonora Orantes, Dr. Ellis Cheever, Alan Krumwiede, and Dr. Erin Mears, respectively. There are many scenes where these actors show their wonderful acting such as when Cheever sees the janitor and offers to help his little boy who has ADHD. He shows that he really is a good man on more than one occasion such as when he really does go and help the little boy by giving up his own cure. He is also shown to be a nice and caring man when he calls Dr. Orantes and ask how SHE is doing, not how her work is going but how she herself is holding up. Orantes shows that she is a good woman when her dying act is trying to give a man her jacket because he is cold. Mears is shown to be a kind heart when she runs back to tell the village that their “cure” was a placebo. Of all of the main cast, the only one that doesn’t seem to have a kind heart is Krumwiede. He is shown to be a manipulated and deceiving man when he decides to risk the life of his fans by lying to them to try and gain money and
Russell Crowe won the 2000 Best Actor Oscar for Gladiator, and in this movie, he doesn’t give anything less of a great performance. Crowe successfully buries his personality beneath Nash's, allowing the character to come alive and for the audience to see inside his mind. And, when it comes to the sequences showing Nash battling his demons, Crowe's performance is convincing. At the same time, Jennifer Connelly is wonderful as Alicia. She does well depicting a woman torn by love for and fear of the same man.