The Revenant

The Revenant (Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 2015)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Survival, Redemption, 1820s, Fur Trade, Racial Conflict, Complex Relationships

In one word: transcendental. I'll forever be amazed by the film making abilities of Inarritu. He is a genius. This film is so much more than following the trials of one man. It is so much more than a reminder of the truly violent history of our country.

I would argue that most of The Revenant is about transformation. Words to water, breath becoming clouds, man turning into beast... the focus of humans have to the earth, to their kin, to other animals. And Inarritu erases the lines and barriers leaving us with a beautiful blending of everything.

If you can stomach some incredibly gory and grueling scenes--the main character is never not in pain--then watch this film. And be sure you have a good quality screen and sound system because the artistry is magic.

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Amy

Amy (Asif Kapadia, 2015)

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Rating: DOCQ=5, DOCP=6 / Quite Legible

Scale K=2, Scale L=3, Scale M=3, Scale N=3

Biography, Music, Consequences of fame

I felt absolutely drained and depressed after watching this film about Amy Winehouse. As soon as I heard her voice back in college I knew she was a phenomenal artist and could become legendary. But I only ever saw her life through the thick filter of the media. She always appeared drugged-out and crazy. But that wasn't the real Amy, that was the product of celebrity-ism. Fame really doesn't work for most people, especially artists who just want to do their craft. It is no wonder that so many celebrities turn to drugs or become depressed. What else do you do when you can't leave your house or go anywhere without cameras shuttering and people yelling at you? Our capitalistic/consumerist society is literally killing people who have so much to give our culture.

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The Danish Girl

The Danish Girl (Tom Hooper, 2015)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Transgender, Identity, 1920s, Art, Biopic

Is there any role Eddie Redmayne can't play exceptionally well? What a marvelous film about identity, unconditional love, and courage. This is one of the best films I've seen about how it feels to be transgender in a world that isn't ready, doesn't understand, and is afraid. It is also remarkable at showing what love, commitment, and being a true ally looks like. It is far from easy to support someone no one else will. Alicia Vikander deserved her award, hands down.

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