Movie Review: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

As I was lying in bed late last night with a candle lit and raindrops gently tapping up against my window, I knew I was in for a treat during the opening minutes of Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This French film tells the story of an artist hired to paint a portrait of a woman about to be married, and through its beautiful simplicity, tells a story of love, loss, and having an unspoken, lifelong connection with someone who is no longer there on a daily basis. This film is spectacular.

Telling stories that are confined to few characters in limited locations requires smart dialogue, crafty cinematography, and compelling themes throughout. After watching The Lighthouse, I found it interesting that it was one of the only stories I had seen told so well in such a manner. That changed after watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This film takes its time in advancing its plot, is intentional in every way, and invites you to bear witness to the rise and fall of a beautiful and inherently doomed relationship.

Every single frame taken from this film looks like an 18th century work of art. The cinematography and shot-selection is absolutely stunning, and propels the beauty of the relationship being depicted here. Everything advances slowly but logically and harmonically, crescendoing in a heart-wrenching, satisfying, and fulfilling concluding scene which should be remembered as iconic. All of these aspects are backed up by award-deserving performances and direction from Noémie Merlant, Adéle Haenel, and Céline Sciamma, respectively, who gorgeously portray a story about the importance of seeing and being seen through a female perspective.

The past few weeks have been incredible for me film-wise. I’ve seen 1917, Parasite, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which are some of the best films I’ve seen in the past few years. I highly recommend seeing this movie if possible, as it a viewing pleasure and an emotional firestorm. Another masterpiece.

Score: 10/10

My Writing Process (GSU Blog Post #1)

I’m finally starting to settle into my Spring semester of classes here at Georgia State University, which means syllabus week and the accompanying icebreakers it has to offer are finally out of the way. I’m now figuring out what’s going to be expected out of me throughout the upcoming months, and so far, I’m liking what I’m seeing for the most part. In my Business Writing course, one of the assignments given to us was to create a blog. As you probably know, I luckily already have one of those, one which is becoming quite established at this point. I’ve been told by my professor that I will be allowed to use this site, which is a nice bonus. Throughout my semester, I’m going to be posting academic-based pieces on this site explaining things like my process as a writer, how I decided to pursue an English degree, and other similar topics. Don’t worry, I’ll still be writing posts about the usual topics on a regular basis. Today, however, it’s all about how I sit down and turn my ideas into words ready for mental consumption. Let’s get into it.

Conventional wisdom (and practically everyone I’ve ever met) encourages us to approach writing in a very particular and replicable manner. That process includes brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, peer reviewing, editing, and eventually reaching a polished and thoroughly examined final product. I generally don’t adhere to these literary conventions. I’ve grown to describe myself as a “lightning-in-a-bottle” writer, as I generally set the spark of an idea ablaze by sitting down in front of my computer and just letting the language flow through me. I edit as I go along, and never stress if the stream of consciousness runs dry for some reason, as I’m certain things will starting flowing agin soon. I’m not sure if these practices will eventually prove to be detrimental as there is no real stability in how I write, but so far, following this model has led me to better results than over-planning used to.

The details of my process and ideal writing environment are specific, however. I like to seclude myself to my room with my laptop, a candle lit, music playing, a glass of water (or other beverage of choice now that I’m twenty-one) nearby, and with red light surrounding me. Weirdly specific, I know. This environment is the most conducive to me being able to produce effective writing. I’m sure that each writer’s process varies, and that’s why I don’t like to prescribe my methods to others. Instead, I believe discovering one’s writing process should come from trial, error, and practice all while trying new things until settling into a comfortable routine. Maybe most things in life are like that.

Or maybe I’m crazy. Either way, I’ve found success and improvement through my current writing process, and have no plans to change it. Does your writing process vary from mine? What do you think of taking this sort of approach? Be sure to let me and the world know. Thanks for reading.

Movie Review: Parasite

After months of hearing about how good Bong Joon-ho’s newest film Parasite was, I was ecstatic to see that it was finally coming to Amazon Prime Video for streaming. As soon as I had a chance, I sat down and decided to watch what’s looking more and more like a Best Picture contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. Upon watching, I wasn’t disappointed to say the least. I really can’t stop thinking about this film.

Bong Joon-ho is masterful at crafting compelling, character-driven stories. His acceptance speech at the Golden Globes explaining how overcoming the 2-inch barrier of subtitles opens a whole world of cinema is absolutely right, and this movie is a perfect example of that. Not even five minutes into the film and I completely forgot I was watching a film in another language. The story is wildly compelling, causing this film’s 132 minute runtime to fly by.

This film is both a psychological thriller, social commentary, and at times, a comedy. Parasite creates an atmosphere of both familiarity and uncomfortability, and because of that, is unlike most films I’ve ever seen. Its story is very straightforward, but there are still plenty of twists and unexpected plot points that keep this movie from becoming predictable.

The direction is incredible and propels an exceptionally written screenplay. Each performance is unique and adds something important to the movie as a whole. I was on the edge of my seat for the back half of the film, and moved by its socially conscious albeit somewhat unrealistic conclusion. Not only will this film entertain you, but it will stick with you and make you think after it ends.

I highly recommend checking out Parasite before the Oscars next month. Having seen all of the frontrunners for Best Picture, I could easily see Parasite taking home that prestigious reward. It would be highly deserved.

Score: 10/10

NFL Conference Championship Predictions

If you were hoping for a straightforward and predictable NFL postseason, these haven’t been the NFL playoffs for you. Teams such as the Patriots and Ravens who were thought to be Super Bowl contenders were knocked out of their first high-stakes games of the season, and there has been increasing drama and uncertainty as the games continue. The biggest surprise so far has been the Tennessee Titans eliminating both New England and Baltimore as coach Mike Vrabel and company continue to steamroll over their competition, due in large part to Derrick Henry’s unstoppability carrying the ball. In this post, I will be predicting who I think will end up duking it out in Miami for Super Bowl 54 in two weeks. Let’s get into it.

Game 1: Titans @ Chiefs - Tennessee’s Cinderella story will come up just short of completion in Kansas City this weekend. After watching the Chiefs rally from falling behind 24-0 against the Houston Texans this weekend, I’m starting to believe there isn’t anything this team can’t do. MVP Patrick Mahomes will want to solidify himself as one of the true legendary quarterbacks for years to come, and securing his first Super Bowl berth would help do just that. I think this will be a close game, and that Derrick Henry will carry Tennessee likely within a field goal of stealing yet another upset, but Kansas City wins here.

Game 2: Packers @ 49ers - This is the game that Aaron Rodgers has waited his whole career to play in. Besides the Super Bowl he won, that is. Rodgers grew up a 49ers fan just to have them pass on him during his NFL draft. Now is his time to roll into the Bay Area and lead his 13-3 team to yet another “ugly win”. I expect huge performances from Rodgers and running back Aaron Jones, as Green Bay will make their way back into another Super Bowl in another high scoring shootout. Should be a good one. Remember, I’m a Bears fan… no bias here. Just objective analysis.

If my predictions are correct, this will be a rematch from the first two Super Bowls. It’s entirely possible that I could only be partially right or completely wrong altogether, only time will tell. I’m just hoping for more entertaining football as I don’t have a clear favorite going into Conference Championship weekend. Who do you think will make their way to Super Bowl LIV?

2020 Oscars Predictions (Major Categories)

As I’ve said many times already, 2019 was a fantastic year for film. This awards season is looking to be one of the most unpredictable and competitive in recent memory due to the astounding amount of recent quality releases. While I was disappointed by some of the nominations and snubs when they were released this past Monday, I’m still looking forward to seeing which films, actors, and directors take home the most coveted academy awards on February 9th. In this post, I will be predicting who I think will win in each of the major categories, and why I’m leaning that way. Let’s get into it.

Best Picture: Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood - This just seems like the conventional choice this year. Hollywood and the Academy would be able to pat themselves on the back by selecting the Tarantino love letter to the city itself. While I wouldn’t necessarily choose this as my own favorite film from the past year (that belongs to 1917), I wouldn’t be surprised to see it bring home the Academy’s most prestigious award. (Runner-Ups: Parasite, 1917)

Best Actress: Renee Zellweger, Judy - Although I have not yet seen this film, the hype surrounding Zellweger’s performance is undeniable. GoldDerby has her placed as the clear favorite to win here, and I have no reason to doubt that is what will happen. Transformative performances win over the Academy’s hearts, and I think Zellweger’s portrayal of Judy Garland will do just that. An unforgettable performance in a decent film. (Runner-Up: Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story)

Best Actor: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker - Joker took the world by storm upon its release, becoming the first R-rated film to ever amass over $1,000,000,000 at the box office. This film also leads this year’s field with 11 nominations, a surprisingly high amount in my opinion. While I don’t necessarily understand why Todd Philips’ direction was nominated instead of someone like Greta Gerwig or Noah Baumbach, I do see why Joaquin is the frontrunner in this category. This could be a career defining role, and just like in Renee Zellweger and Rami Malek’s cases, I see a transformative performance taking home Oscar gold this year to the surprise of no one. (Runner-Up: Adam Driver, Marriage Story)

Best Supporting Actress: Laura Dern, Marriage Story - As if she wasn’t already head and shoulders above her competition, the snubbing of Jennifer Lopez in this category from her performance in Hustlers completely solidifies Dern as the favorite to win for her role in Marriage Story. Dern is excellent at playing a confident, rich woman because she is one. Her presence in many of Marriage Story’s best scenes, such as Scarlett Johansson’s opening monologue or the climactic courtroom scene toward the end of the film, added very much to an already rich Noah Baumbach screenplay. She’s a lock here. (Runner-Up: Margot Robbie, Bombshell)

Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt, Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood - Brad Pitt’s character Cliff Booth is just so likable in a film already contending for best picture. I don’t see either of the supporting men from The Irishman getting in here, and the fact that Pitt has already won both the Globe and CCA for this role cements the Oscar pick, in my opinion. (Runner-Ups: Joe Pesci for The Irishman, Al Pacino for The Irishman)

Best Director: Bong Joon-ho, Parasite - I should preface this by stating that I have, unfortunately, not yet seen this film. It’s at the top of my watchlist and queue on Amazon Prime. That being said, Bong Joon-ho’s career seems to have been leading up to this film, which has garnered both positive audience and critical feedback. I’d love to see Bong get the win here, as it would level the distrubution of awards from each film respectively. (Runner-Ups: Martin Scorsese for The Irishman, Sam Mendes for 1917)

Best Cinematography: 1917 - Roger Deakins is completely deserving of this award. This film is as much of a technical accomplishment as it is a storytelling masterpiece, and a lot of that success is due to Deakins’ ability as a cinematographer. To successfully execute what is stylistically shot as a single take is profoundly difficult, and I hope Deakins is recognized for his efforts. (Runner-Up: The Irishman)

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Irishman - While Little Women is as completely deserving of this award, I don’t see the Academy snubbing Scorsese from every major category. I think The Irishman takes best adapted screenplay, and Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood takes best original screenplay along with Best Picture. (Runner-Up: Little Women)

There will be many more awards handed out on Oscar night, but these are my most anticipated selections. The subjectivity of film, at times, makes these award ceremonies frustrating. I’m just happy that I’m lucky enough to be alive during a time when so many quality films are being released. Who do you think will win in these categories? Let me know!