Every couple of years I stumble upon a film that transcends its traditional entertainment purposes and goes for something more divine, ambitious and philosophical. When a film like this comes along, it reassures me that film is indeed the greatest art form of our time. Movies that had that awe-inspiring effect on me include: “LastContinue reading “Film Analysis: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind””
Author Archives: Wael Khairy
Film Analysis: “The Grey”
On his last day on the job, John Ottway sits in a bar full of workers. Most are involved in a violent brawl, but he sits alone isolated and unbothered by his surroundings. His sad eyes seem lost in thoughts of hopelessness. As he walks out in the cold mist to a remote spot, weContinue reading “Film Analysis: “The Grey””
Film Review: “Maverick” ★★★★★ (5/5)
“Maverick” starts with the protagonist in the middle of nowhere. He helplessly sits on a horse; his neck is at the end of a noose tied to a tree branch. The men who put him in this vulnerable situation surround him. They drop a bag containing a snake and ride away. If the horse bolts,Continue reading “Film Review: “Maverick” ★★★★★ (5/5)”
Film Analysis: “V for Vendetta”
During the revolution Egyptians referenced “V for Vendetta” more frequently than any other work of art. Protestors held up signs that read “Remember, remember the 25 of January.” On the internet, Photoshop was used to alter Pharaoh Tout Ankh Amoun’s face into a Fawkes smile. Sarah Abdel Rahman, an activist who ended up on TIMEContinue reading “Film Analysis: “V for Vendetta””
Film Analysis: “On the Waterfront”
Elia Kazan’s “On the Waterfront” has been discussed endlessly by film fans, critics and film historians. It’s easy to see why, for “On the Waterfront” can be studied from various perspectives. On the one hand the film reflects a time in history when some Americans named names before the House of Un-American Activities CommitteeContinue reading “Film Analysis: “On the Waterfront””
Film History: The Physicality of “Silent Running”
The other day I was discussing the physicality of objects with a fellow Far-Flung Correspondent), Grace Wang. We were mourning the death of physical objects. Like me, she shares this preference of actual physical books over e-books, letters over emails, photo albums on a shelf over digitalized photo albums on Facebook. There is something uniqueContinue reading “Film History: The Physicality of “Silent Running””
Film Analysis: “The Terminator” and “T2: Judgment Day”
The first two “Terminator” movies were to me what “Star Wars” was to previous generations. Every kid wanted to be Eddie Furlong. The prospect of having a badass mother who didn’t freak out when you grabbed a gun was overwhelming. On top of that young John Connor had his very own Terminator to command!! WhenContinue reading “Film Analysis: “The Terminator” and “T2: Judgment Day””
Film Analysis: “Drive”
The Driver is the best at what he does. “You put this kid behind the wheel, there’s nothing he can’t do.” He doesn’t rely on luck and spontaneous driving; he knows what he’s doing. He studies his environment, analyzes human behavior and acts accordingly. As he drives you can tell that every move was plannedContinue reading “Film Analysis: “Drive””
Oscar Predictions 2012
Best Picture: THE ARTIST Leading Actor: Jean Dujardin, THE ARTIST Leading Actress: Viola Davis, THE HELP Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, THE ARTIST Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, BEGINNERS Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, THE HELP Best Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS Best Adapted Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, MONEYBALL Best Art Direction: HUGO Best Cinematography: THE TREEContinue reading “Oscar Predictions 2012”
The 10 Best Films of 2011
“Drive” “How about this – shut your mouth or I’ll kick your teeth down your throat and I’ll shut it for you. “ Mark my words; upon looking at posters of the driver, future generations will recognize an icon the same way we acknowledge James Dean’s Jim Stark and Marlon Brando’s Stanley Kowalski as symbols ofContinue reading “The 10 Best Films of 2011”
