Director Harmony Korine made a name for himself by scripting Kids and directing Gummo, and after 16 years of making shorts and the occasional feature film, he’s back with one of the most polarizing films of 2013; Spring Breakers. The critics had a ball with this film calling it everything from “detestable piece of gutter trash masquerading as some kind of abstract piece of pop art” to “the most unforgettable movie of the year so far”. You’ll either love it or hate it, but you have to admire Korine, Spring Breakers is an ambitious and audacious film and it’s my first pick of the week.
Director Harmony Korine made a name for himself by scripting Kids and directing Gummo, and after 16 years of making shorts and the occasional feature film, he’s back with one of the most polarizing films of 2013; Spring Breakers. The critics had a ball with this film calling it everything from “detestable piece of gutter trash masquerading as some kind of abstract piece of pop art” to “the most unforgettable movie of the year so far”. You’ll either love it or hate it, but you have to admire Korine, Spring Breakers is an ambitious and audacious film and it’s my first pick of the week.
Spring Breakers (2013)
Starring: James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson
Directed by: Harmony Korine
Screening: Rialto Incredible Strange, Friday 24th October, 8.30pm
Spring Breakers is a mish-mash of genres clearly intended to shock, provoke and titillate. It’s an art house version of a T & A exploitation film about how far kids will go to get their kicks littered with pop cultural references and a couple of bikini clad ex-Disney Channel actresses. The film follows four trashy, enigmatic college girls who head to Florida to “find themselves” and escape their mundane lives. Thanks to a drug dealing, gun-welding rapper played by James Franco, what they find is the seedier side of Florida, a violent, fantasy world these girls embrace with enthusiasm. Korine throws everything at us in this film from a non-linear narration to slick fast action, sensual slow motion close up shots, and dreamy, repetitive voice-overs. Regardless of whether you love or hate this film, it’s nice to see a director pushing the boundaries of mainstream cinema.
Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s
Starring: New York’s fashion elite.
Directed by: Matthew Miele
Screening: Rialto Documentary, Thursday 23rd October, 8.30pm
A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without visiting legendary luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, or at least pressing your face up against the extravagantly dressed windows. Filmmaker Matthew Miele (who is currently working on an authorised documentary about jewelry company Tiffany & Co) provides a glimpse into the inner workings of this famed establishment. Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s walks the line of being a glossy marketing tool, but the 112-year history and the impact of the global financial crisis on the business makes for interesting viewing. Adding some sass are the bitingly honest women featured, such as the “eyes of Bergdorf Goodman” Linda Fargo, and personal shopper Betty Halbreich. Fargo decides who has the honor of being sold at Bergdorf’s; like the similarly powerful Anna Wintour she is immaculately and intimidatingly well groomed. Unlike Wintour, she’s friendly and warm and well regarded by a who’s who of designers who also appear. Fashionistas will love this documentary for obvious reasons; the rest of us will look on with envy.
Arthur Newman (2012)
Starring: Emily Blunt and Colin Firth
Directed by: Dante Ariola
Screening: Rialto Selection, Saturday 18th October, 8.30pm
Emily Blunt and Colin Firth do an admirable job in this little indie film about a couple of lost souls trying to start their lives over. The debut feature from director Dante Ariola, Arthur Newman is written by Becky Johnston (Seven Years in Tibet, The Prince of Tides) and tells the story of a Wallace Avery (Firth) a divorced, depressed and dissatisfied middle age man who decides to fake his death and begin a new life as golf pro Arthur Newman. Along the way Wallace meets the troubled Michaela "Mike" Fitzgerald (Blunt) who joins him on his road trip, and the two go about living a lie to it’s fullest. It’s an interesting take on the American dream of starting over and Colin and Firth give their characters everything they’ve got – including impressive American accents. However, Ariola doesn’t handle the material as tightly as he should, and this sometimes funny, romantic and poignant road trip struggles to reach its full potential.
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