#5 Black Swan 2010

Black Swan
Released: 2010
IMDB rating (at the moment): 8,5/10 #87

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Written by: Mark Heyman, Andrés Heinz and John McLaughlin
Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel

I just got home after watching Black Swan at a friends house. I have longed to see this film and finally the time was right.

The film focuses on a ballerinas struggle to get the leading role in The Swan Lake, she is fragile and introvert, just like the White Swan character in the performance, but as the time passes during practice she loses her mind slowly, and she becomes more like The Black Swan.

I have to say one thing, the acting, wow, wow, wow. Portman is killing in this film, my god. And I never thought that Mila Kunis could act very well, but she does make a great appearance in this film, a very good catch by the director and the casting ensemble. And for the rest of the actors, bravo, the douche bag director in the film and the mother is very odd but intriguing characters.

At first I didn't find the computer visualised effects during Ninas (Portmans) scary schizophrenic breakdowns appealing. But after reconsidering the full image in my head I come to realize that it is simply great. The full image is so fragile and strong at the same time. I adore it.

This is a masterpiece, I really have to admit that this is one of the best films I have ever seen. Not mainly because of the great plot and the brilliant directing. But because I felt this film. And I still do, I am almost shivering. I find it amusing and scary at the same time. And that is true cinematic art, to make the audience feel like I am right now.

It was actually thanks to Portman that Kunis got a part in the film, she suggested her to the director and he talked to her via Skype, and voila, she got a part in the film. Also Meryl Streep was considered as playing the mother, and Blake Lively auditioned to play Kunis character Lily. Although I think that Streep and Lively would have stolen too much attention.

Something that I was asking myself was; are Kunis and Portman actually doing most of the ballet dancing in the film or is it by a double? The truth is that both Kunis and Portman did most of the dancing but during the very advanced routines they had a double. Great work, indeed.

If you haven't seen this film, DO IT. It is a masterpiece.

#4 The King's Speech 2010

The King's Speech
Released: 2010
IMDB Rating (at the moment): 8,4/10 #103

Directed by: Tom Hooper
Written by: David Seidler
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

I just remembered, being as disoriented as I am, that I watched The King's Speech today at the cinema. And since it is among the 250 films I am going to review, it is easier to do it now.

The film focuses on King George IV of Britain and his way to the throne, it is about his stammering and his help from a speech therapist to make him sure that he is the rightful heir to the throne.

As soon as I heard of this film I wanted to watch it. The story is in itself, considering it is actual history, very intriguing. The film's dialogue is very well written and remarkably humorous in its way. It was, in my opinion, an easy film to digest. Nothing really special to be honest, but not a boring or bad film in any way.

I specifically liked the way the film evolved, it got more interesting, even if I knew all along what was going to happen. It is, as I said, very well written and Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush makes a remarkably good duo here.

There is a scene in which king George VI (Firth) goes through different ways to treat his stammering, and it is indeed hilarious to watch. But the real core in this film is the insecurities and the beautiful friendship that evolves between him and his speech therapist (Rush). And the last scene is really a knockout.

The direction seems to me pretty ordinary, and nothing is really groundbreaking. But I would recommend anyone to see this film, and I may place it in the top 250, although somewhere in the bottom of the list. This is just an presumption considering I have only watched 4 of the films recently.

The screenplay writer David Seidler suffered from a stammer himself as a child and he actually wrote a letter addressed to the Queen asking her if he could write a film script about King George VI's stammering problems. She asked him not to while she was still alive, she gave too painful memories as reason. But now Seidler became the oldest man to date to win an Academy Award as a screenplay writer.

#3 Sherlock Jr. 1924

Sherlock Jr.
Released: 1924
IMDB Rating (At the moment): 8,4/10 #231

Directed by: Buster Keaton
Written by: Jean Havez, Joseph Mitchell and Clyde Bruckman
Starring: Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Joe Keaton

This is truly a peculiar story. It is about a film projectionist who in the meantime study to become a detective. And a case comes up just when he tries to propose to his love interest. But the film is more about a dream Sherlock Jr has about him being a detective and saving the day.

The camera techniques used in this film is truly stunning. At least for being quite old. There is scenes that take place inside a film screen and the actor falls into different settings. It is really amusing. I particularly like the way they have used the set design and put every place into its own function.

There are two scenes that blew me away. One is where Sherlock Jr is stalking the thief, and he is really close. The choreography is both amusing and brilliant. The second scene is where the main character is trapped on a motor cycle and is speeding through different settings. It is true stunt!

I absolutely adored this film. It is cool, because it is a meta film. And I had no idea they existed in the 20s! It is smart, creative and in the mean time very silly. The typical comedy stereotypes exist in this film, for example the classic "tripping on the banana peel"-joke. But it is all good because this is a masterpiece that deserves to be in the top 250.

I'm getting back to this with stunts, Buster Keaton made all stunts himself and actually in this film he severely hurt himself in the neck when falling down a tube connected to a water basin. The injury caused terrible migraine which Keaton had to live with for the rest of his life.

And when you watch be sure to laugh at the last scene, it is so corny and cute at the same time. Watch this film! (Available on YouTube.)

#2The Kid 1921

The Kid
Released: 1921
IMDB Rating (at the moment): 8,3/10 #167

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Jackie Coogan

The film is about a boy left at birth by his mother who simply can't care for him. After some time he ends up with a tramp who raises him. But you see, his mother becomes a famous star and starts to do charity. And guess who she meets...

The storyline is basic, but yet so genius. I can see every modern feel good comedy trying to be as innovative as Chaplin, but this is the original people. Sure it is quite goofy with a lot of slapstick humour and cheap shots. But it is entertaining and cleaver, because it was made in the early 20s. I can see the reason why this film is considered one of the greatest, because it is simply so easy to watch, but yet so brilliant.

It is difficult to review such an old film. But I can tell you a few things that caught my attention. Firstly the acting is way over the top, but then again this is a silent film, better to be very clear with your message. And secondly the make up they are wearing is quite interesting. It is very highlighted, and thirdly the actors sometimes adress the camera, which would be very rare in modern film. But this is simply a masterpiece, I can say no more.

And what makes it even better is the music. Originally composed by Chaplin himself. The score is actually inspired by Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony.

The film is available without charge on YouTube (make sure to get one with the original music score), due to the copyright rules being withdrawn because it is simply that old.

Make sure to look for the fighting scene and the special effects in the dream scene. It is simply wonderful.