Venus at the Movies: April 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Stills from "The Skin That I Inhabit"

I'm noticing a trend as I post... I'm obsessed with "Melancholia" and Pedro's new "The Skin That I Inhabit" which totally looks insane:

I'm avoiding the synopsis that is currently floating around on the interwebs because... just, wow. I want to be completely surprised by this one (which doesn't look like it will be a difficult task considering these photos).

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"Game of Thrones"- Winter is Coming

I have mixed feelings about the premier episode of "Game of Thrones"... on one hand I was enthralled by the production of it all and how well Martin's world was captured for the small screen. At the same time I was shocked at how much the episode followed the book. It is truly a literal adaptation which probably works for the die-hard fans of the book and those who've never read a word of the novels and have no idea what to expect.

While the show works on most levels, there are sections that are weighed down by exposition which might not have been such an issue if the script wasn't pretty much word for word from the novel. I am almost finished with the first book (yes, I'm slow) and for the most part it is entertaining and Martin's writing is outstanding.

I guess I just expected more and I'm over scripts adapted from novels being line by line transfers to the screen: I mean, what's the point? (looking at you, Harry Potter) I'm better off reading the book and moving the hell on. Books and cinema are two completely different mediums and what works for one doesn't always work for another.

Well, enough of my rant- I have my reservations but I'll be watching regardless and posting my thoughts which will hopefully be more in-depth once the series settles in.

Obsessing Over Von Trier's "Melancholia"

Clearly from the picture in header of the blog and the list of anticipated films, I'm totally geeked to see "Melancholia". Although there's some information regarding the plot, there is a level of mystery which is intriguing considering the majority of trailers that come out nowadays sums up the plot in the two minutes leaving viewers with nothing to look forward to.

I also happen to be a huge fan of Kirsten Dunst and I'm curious to see what she does with Von Trier's material. Her career appears to be on an interesting trajectory with "All Good Things" (she's excellent, the film is not) and now "Melancholia". Hopefully she will continue to pick interesting projects- I got faith in you, Kiki!