Serbis

A film by Brillante Mendoza. 32nd Gawad Urian Best Picture. Best Cinematography. Best Production Design. Competed at Cannes International Film Festival. Serbis -

A film to be proud of, indeed. 

It tells a story of a Family in reality. It shows the real world - real social issues that most Filipinos or people (even from different country) will be afraid or too in denial to face. This I think, is its edge, its quality to receive the appreciation and recognition it enjoyed. 

I also have to commend its Cinematography. Its shaky, yes, but overall, it's beautiful. Whenever there are tracking shots, it's as if I was running with them. It added to the feel of it being real. Also, the color and texture of the picture, I think it is just right. It looked so natural and real. Again, I think through its cinematography alone, it showed the world through an honest perspective. I liked it. 

Also, the characters did a superb job in portraying their roles. I also appreciate the story. I think each of the members or cast, represents an entity. First, the child, for example, stands for children of this generation. 

Let's take the opening scene for interpretation. The film opened with a naked girl looking at the mirror saying "I love you's" in a seductive manner, not knowing that her younger brother is secretly watching her. I think this shows how porn reads and flicks are so easy to get, that it is scattered almost everywhere for anyone to see. And for anyone, I mean, even those below 10 years old. 

Second, a mother. And by mother, I don't mean Jaclyn Jose, but, Gina Pareño. (This is just one of her sides, for she also has a side of being a wife who wanted her husband to be jailed) When Coco Martin made his girlfriend pregnant, Gina, of course, as an initial reaction of a mother, was angry, but after that, she still showed how compassionate she is for letting them keep the baby and stay in the theater (which is their house, too).

There are a lot of people representing different classes. The script are not that typical in a movie. Usually, a script will beautify whatever line should be said for it aims to make the audience want to see the movie. But Serbis, and other indie films, lets the audience see and hear and feel something real. This is what I like about Indie films. It doesn't hide anything, it shows everything. 

For example, Coco Martin's sex scene with his girlfriend, he kept on saying or complaining about his blain or pigsa in the middle of their love making. Unusual, but real. 

Serbis has a lot of qualities deserving of praises. I honestly think that it could be used as an example to students for better cinematography. But, for a movie to watch again and again, I'd rather not. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the film. I just don't like it that much. I mean, I don't go, "That was a great film!!!! *then a slow clap*" after watching it. In fact, I was left asking. Yes, I do like films that has open endings or that leaves questions for those kinds make me think, but not these kind of questions. The film tells a LOT of stories about a LOT of different people, but in the end, it didn't give justice to each kind of story. 

I think it's too episodic (if that's the term). It has so many things going on. The child has a story, the mother and her cousin has a story, Nanay Flor has, and even Coco Martin and his girlfriend has a story. I can't focus on a thing. One moment I'm analyzing Nanay Flor's character then the next, I'm analyzing Coco's. For me, it's okay to project different sides of society in a film, I honestly think it is good because you're showing something very natural. But in doing so, I think the director and the writer shall work together in making the story clear and thus, making it better. 

Writing is like film making. When writing an article, you shall connect your lead to your conclusion to make a striking and moving article. I also think this goes for films too. The opening does not connect to the ending. 

Earlier, I interpreted the opening as a representation of children today. Then the ending, is a representation of incest. Plus, I didn't see anything, aside from the wall with a vandal saying something about Jaclyn Jose and her cousin (Couldn't remember the exact writing, sorry.) that shows an affair between the two until the ending, so it left me asking what does the stare mean? 

I'm not against this film. In fact I appreciate it a lot. It's just that, I'm looking for something more. I don't know... A better ending, perhaps? 

Anyway, here's a trailer. :) 

Mowelfund tour: A glimpse of the Masterpieces

On the 27th of September this year, we are privileged to visit the Mowelfund (Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc.) together with our Cinema professor, Mr. Abbas. 

The tour started with a short talk given by the ever timeless beauty, Boots Anson-Roa.  The crowd wowed as she came out and started talking. 

After a few while, we were allowed to enter the building and explore the place on our own. Here are some pictures. 

This photo is Nora Aunor's costume as Darna. In front of this is a life-size picture of her, wearing the costume. 

Other costumes and dresses were kept there. Such as her dress on her movie, "Himala". And other stars' too. 

Then we entered a room full of vintage cameras, films, and other devices that are/were used in a production. 

But what I and my friends were really excited about was the horror room. A room full of horrifying props used in Filipino horror movies.Then there are heart-pounding sound effects that added to the "scary" feel of the entire room, and made it more exciting! 

Then we saw this beautifully made puzzle-like wall. I couldn't let the chance of taking a picture with it slip! 

When we head outside the building, we saw life-size portraits of different actors and actresses. We kidded aside for pretending that they are real and that we are really thrilled to see them... So we took the photo op! Hihi. :D

Here we are imitating their poses. Haha!

(From left to right: Me, Yrma, and Janine)

From left to right: Julie, me, Janine, and Jyng

The tour lasted for about two hours. It was tiring, but a lot of fun, not to mention very educational. 

There is one thing I would like to request from the heads of the foundation, also to other Film enthusiasts: To please take good care of Mowelfund. It shelters the Filipino masterpieces. From Filipino cinema history, to costumes, to stars glorifying characters, to present. I noticed that outside, the stars that I think equals to Hollywood's walk of fame, is not that presentable. I'm sorry for not choosing the right word. But it just doesn't look good. The place is beautiful for it keeps past and present work of arts, it deserves at least just beautification. :) 

Contempt

In all honesty, this is the only film (I watched in Cinema Class) that made close my eyes. Seriously. 

Le Mepris (Contempt) is a film by Jean Luc-Godard.

The film is obviously an adaptation of Homer's Odyssey. This is why it started with staffs filming another movie. 

It also showed scenes of the married couple, Camille and Paul on a bed expressing how they love each other. This established that this couple is really in love.

However, later on the film, when Prokosch hires Paul to write the script, there were scenes showing Prokosch's interest to Camille. Unfortunately, it was as if only Paul didn't see it. 

Then the film basically revolved around Paul not caring whether someone is or is not attracted to his wife, and Camille losing feelings and love for her husband. 

This film is very conversational. The story depends on the script or the dialogue. If you're not aware of the Odyssey, then missing a single scene is a horrible risk you must not take. 

I have to commend the cinematographer for making a splendid job. The camera positioning is very effective that it invoked tensions and triggered the audience to think. 

But, I still have to say, that I was not taken by this film. I think it's too long or the conversation scenes took so much time. I don't know, maybe I'm just not a fan of such films. I often look for films that excites me, apparently, Contempt didn't. 

Studio and Star system

During the late 1930s to 1960s, the Hollywood's Studio System makes and produces their own movie. They also have their own movie theaters. So in other words, before, the Studios are in control of everything - from the story of the film to the money earned by the film.

Star system on the other hand, makes a new identity for their actors and actresses - they call them, "Stars". They, as in the management, decides what role, what clothes, and even what hair and make-up, suits their stars well.

Marilyn Monroe

Stars before are also more of a "private" personality, unlike now, actors and actresses are seen public figures. 

Today, actors are more in control of their lives. For example, during a meeting, the actor has to be present, and if he dislikes the story, he can turn the project down. But before, once the studio decides, it cannot be altered. 

Star system changed as the Studio system collapsed. Let's take Nora Aunor, for example. When the Studio system collapsed, few directors only choose her, or other stars, because they are expensive. And filmmakers can't afford such expense. 

Gloria Romero 

Nora Aunor

Hollywood stars Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and such, are more reserved and private compared to present Hollywood actresses; In the Philippines, stars like Gloria Romero, are more composed. They present well when in public  and they are looked up to by the people. Today, even actors and actresses know how to act or present themselves well in public, they are still bombarded with issues and hearsay. 

French Impressionism

French Impressionism coexisted with Surrealism - Two new film styles that dominated the French Cinema market, which are; France, Belgium, Switzerland, and French colonies.

For these Young French directors; Abel Gance, Louis Delluc, Germaine Dulac, Marcel L'Herbier, and Jean Epstein, Cinema was art and that Films should be the artist's outlet of feelings. 

This best explains why do Impressionist Films are more about inner drama and psychology. Instead of just narrating, they use different editing techniques to trigger the emotion. 

Notice its images. It may seem to have a low quality but Impressionist Films are made to have blurry images. The transition also seem to be overlapping. For example, the focus was on the guy riding a bicycle, then it slowly fades to another scene. 

Another example is the "eye" scene. There are short cuts between the woman and the clouds passing the moon. And as the clouds touched the moon, the knife also touched the eye. these short cuts created tension among the audience. 

Notice also some of the "shaky" scenes. This is because during this movement's time, Handheld cameras were developed. 

German Expressionism

German Expressionism has a high contrast between Black and white. This movement is an action opposing the reality. In fact, their characters wore heavy make-up and in order to express more, they exaggerate their actions. 

Directors and their Films:

1. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari - Directed by Robert Wein, was the first film produced under this movement. 

2. Nachte des Grauens (Night of Horror) - Directed by Richard Oswald, is the first German Vampire film. 

3. Metropolis - Directed by Fritz Lang on 1921.

4. Faust - Directed by F.W Murnau on 1926

Expressionist Films opened two different genres: Horror and Film Noir

The "Background" story

Give me this space for revealing the story behind my background, will 'ya? 

Well, when I reached the age of 10, I started living without my ate (older sister) for she build a family of her own. She's 12 years older than me, by the way. So since then, I grew up with my kuya (older brother). I would say, he influenced me in a lot of things. And by 'a lot', I mean A LOT. 

First, he introduced me to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He made me sing Nickelback and Linkin Park's songs. And he made me love Will Smith. 

"Pursuit of Happyness" is the first Will Smith movie I watched. And I watched it my big brother. He told me its plot and about its actors. He said that the little boy in the film is really Smith's son, Jaden. That awed me. 

Since then, my kuya would always come home with Smith's movies in hand, and we would watch them together. 

I love all his movies. Really. And my top favorite is I am Legend. This is where I got my blog background. :) 

I love the film because it's very exciting. One moment it makes me cry, then it makes me jump, then it makes me laugh. It really made me experience the feeling of being one against all, and the urge of fighting, and surviving, and living, is all there.

Will Smith gave justice not only to the character, but to the film as well. Anyway, here is the I am Legend trailer. :)

De Vierde Man: Surrealism

De Vierde Man (trailer)

I wasn't able to clip the video in this entry so just click the link above for its trailer. Thank you! :)

***

Paul Verhoeven's De Vierde Man (The Fourth Man) made me think. honestly, I have no idea what does a spider doing in that film at first. But as it progress, I realized that it is somehow a foreshadowing and a symbol. 

The lead character, Gerard Reve, is compared to a male spider who, after mating, is killed by a female spider. In this film, the female spider is Christine. 

I think De Vierde Man qualifies to be a Film Noir because it has a Noir's main edge - a Femme Fatale. 

The inluence of Christianity is also evident in this film; Such as, the crucified figure of Jesus Christ, statue of the Virgin Mary, and on the train scene, there was a mother and child (this ,I think is Mary and Jesus), then the mother peels the apple and formed a halo for her baby. 

A number of foreshadowing is also noticeable. First, inside the train, when Gerard was looking intently at the photo of a hotel, then suddenly he is walking along the corridors to a door, then an eye and blood started coming out of the door's peak hole brought him back to reality, only shows that someone's eye will later be a target. 

Second is, the showing of a spider at the opening of the film, symbolizes or warns the audience about the flow of the film and/or the future struggles of the lead character or the fourth man per Se.

Another is, inside the salon, the other customer kept on reminding Gerard to be watchful. 

Surrealism

I have encountered the word 'Surrealism' when I was studying Arts on High School. We were familiarized by our professor to the different surrealism paintings and painters. One of which is Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory. 

As our professor asked us to define Dali's art, several answers and interpretations flooded our classroom.  in the end, we were taught that Surreal paintings are unpredictable. I personally define this as 'Weird' art. Let's take Dali's painting above as an example, is there such a melting clock? 

Don't get me wrong, I do not mean weird as in bad or negative, rather, I mean it as unusual or unique. That it can be related to fantasy - to dreams. My High School professor used to tell us to paint or draw our dreams and we can have our own surrealist painting. 

Moving on with films, De Vierde Man, I believe exhibits this kind of art as well. I have been talking about foreshadowing in this entry, and the way these foreshadows are presented are surreal. The best example is the Train scene (which was earlier discussed). 

There are several parts on the film where I was lost - where I can't anymore understand what is happening. And I think such scenes made it an effective surreal film. Fortunately, as the movie ends, questions such as 'why was there a spider?', 'what's with the eye coming out of the hole?', and the like, is answered. 

Body Heat (1981): Darkness to Light

Forgive me for not finding the same video our professor made us watch about Film Noir. However, I managed to find a shorter version of it. :)

According to Corin, a filmmaker and film critic, film noir are tales of survival. And I think Body heat tells that tale.

It qualifies to be a film noir because it has the elements of the genre. The film uses shadows and fog to get the desired reaction from the audience, which is, curiosity, and thus, making the audience engage more into the film.

At the beginning of the film, where Matty and Ned first met, it was established that Ned is not a very smart guy, while Matty is a wise woman. Ned’s eagerness in murdering Matty’s husband is a proof that he is under an effective femme fatale’s control.

* Femme Fatale, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is a seductive woman who lures men into dangerous or compromising situations. The usual antagonist in Noirs are females who trick men into doing things in favor of them, but, it will not be very evident at the beginning for a woman in films, gain sympathy more. Therefore, the audience will think that the true antagonist is the man.  *

I like the scene where Matty is walking toward the boat house where everything was pitched black and she was completely lit. It made a scary-mysterious kind of effect, for me. 

And during that scene, I like to believe that she was really telling the truth, that she loves Ned. But unfortunately, towards the end of the film, it was revealed that she was just in love with the money.

Also, film noirs have crime, sexuality, or violence in them. And Body heat has those.

Trainspotting

One dive into Scotland’s filthiest bathroom and the audience is exposed to the inexplicable world of Drug addicts.

            A film reflecting the society and making the society laugh as well. Trainspotting is focused on Heroin addiction, causes and effects of being addicted to drugs, violence and sex. All in all, it’s a film that probably most people would not want to watch because of its ‘dark’ theme. It’s the kind of film that parents would prohibit their children to see. It may also trigger a debate whether it is anti or pro drugs.

            However, the way I see it, Trainspotting is a film that flaunts the real happenings in our society. It exposes the life of a person under the influence of drugs.

            Also, it is a combination of humorous wit, style, and reality. Yes, it has a dark theme but the way it is presented, it is not dark at all. In fact, it is very engaging because the story plot is presented lightly. The script sounded as intelligent jokes. Another is, I like the way that it is executed honestly. And by that I mean, Trainspotting neither a pro nor anti drug, but a reflection of the real deal between the consequences you get from taking drugs and the pleasures it gives you after.

            I think that a good film makes its audience feel the feel of the characters and I felt that in Trainspotting. Not only in its story, script, or Danny Boyle’s directing styles, but also in its camera angles, as well. The way the camera follows Renton’s hands while injecting the heroin in his veins makes me feel the same excitement, and a little fearful for its consequences. The scene where they were running through their town and the camera tracks them down makes me feel the same adrenaline rush and the non-diegetic sounds contributed a lot in making my heart pound as hard and as fast as Renton’s. 

           And I would not forget my most favorite scene, when he was walking toward the camera with a smile on his face during the end of the film, I felt happiness for him. I felt his willingness to change. I felt his success in overcoming drugs and it was as if I was part of that success, too. And I felt his feeling, too – I felt it is right to choose life.

            During the first parts of studying this course, it was established that a film takes you to an adventure same as the characters’, and I conclude that Trainspotting achieved that. Because in every scene and in every change of camera positioning, I felt I was there, too.

            One dive into Scotland’s filthiest bathroom and the world is exposed to its reality. Hopefully, the world chooses life. 

Getting to know the Hollywood style

The magic chair takes you anywhere – It makes you a part of the adventure of the characters in the film. Thus, films all over the world have been playing a role to most, if not all, people’s weekly routine.

            David Bordwell, Janet Staiger, and Kristin Thompson studied 100 Hollywood films from 1917 to 1960 and concluded the developed cinematic style – The Hollywood style. Because of the global dominance of Hollywood films, it has been a paradigm to other filmmakers anywhere.

            I can’t say if I really have an understanding on films, because I only watch just for the sake of entertainment. And if ever I am asked to critique a movie, I focus on the story itself. This is why, I think, Hollywood films are really effective because they are good storytellers.

            They focus on their characters, setting, and they make it a point to connect to the audience. As they tell the story, they make their audience crave for more. And in order to produce a movie that can carry its audience, they turned the Hollywood style into a studio style. They designed the entire movie. They did it so well that it has become as if invisible. I bet no one has ever noticed a man-made environment on a Hollywood film.

            Because they are storytellers, they made sure that nothing can interfere the audience from knowing everything about the story, No single glitch in editing was ever found or has drawn attention to itself on a Hollywood film - Again, the concept of being invisible or continuity editing.

            By the end of the movie, there was no question left unanswered. Hollywood films made their story concise and free from disturbances; in editing, in acting, or even in the set design.

            Yes it is still entertaining but looking at the generation we have today, it may be predictable. As the society grows, our level of thinking and creativity must grow also. Thus, I think, it will be helpful if Hollywood films would take risks. Their style won’t produce critical thinker audience but only, dependent ones.

           I may not be knowledgeable enough about films yet, but as a Mass Communication student, I wish to make a film different from others, a film that has no pattern. If ever I will have this opportunity, I wish to produce films with different styles.