Films that got away: Memento

By Christian DiMartino

Title: Memento

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Release Date:

Film rating: R

Leads: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss, Joe Pantoliano

Director: Christopher Nolan

Writer(s): Christopher and Jonathan Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s first major film, Memento, is one that really shows his roots as a filmmaker. Nolan went on to direct Inception, and both movies display his true talent: thinking. If you’re into that movie, then you cannot resist Memento. Nolan has a talent for invoking deep thought in all his movies, and this one is no exception.

The film centers around Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man with a strange memory disorder: He does not have amnesia, but he cannot make new memories. In order to remember, he is forced to take pictures of certain events and get tattoos of important facts. Leonard is on the hunt for his wife’s killer, but in his case, who is there to trust?

Pearce does his best performance in this film, and that is probably because it is one of the few movies where he is the main character. Typically in supporting roles, Pearce proves that he can carry his own movie. Carrie Ann Moss is fantastic as a Natalie, a waitress that isn’t what she seems, and as is Joe Pantoliano as a supposed “cop” who joins him on the journey.

Memento sounds a little like your typical thriller, but it takes the genre one step further: The entire movie goes backwards. Memento literally starts from the end, and it is all leading up to the beginning. Most thrillers are like puzzles, whereas Memento really is one. Nolan challenges his viewers by letting them piece the mystery together scene by scene.

There have not been many movies quite like this, and the only one that is nearly as clever is Memento. Nolan and his brother Jonathan are practically the owners of a brain factory, and they wrote a movie deemed to challenge. You can take or leave it, but I love it.

Memento was nominated for two Academy-Awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. It did not win either? Are movies better edited? Are movies more original? When was the last time a movie was told backwards? Memento, that’s when. It should have been nominated for best picture (and won, because this is one of the great films of the past decade).

Unlike Leonard, you will be able to remember this movie. It is one that truly burns in your memory and stays there long after you see it. But not many people have seen it, so that is why it is the one that got away.

Django Unchained illustrates Tarantino’s consistent artistry

By Christian DiMartino

Rated R for strong graphic violence throughout, a vicious fight, language and some nudity.
Runtime: 166 minutes
Now Playing: Regal New Albany Stadium 16, Regal River Falls Stadium 12, Cinemark Tinseltown USA Louisville
Five Stars out of Five Stars

For the past twenty years, writer/director Quentin Tarantino has been entertaining us in a hilariously cringing way. Sadly, those twenty years have brought us only eight films (not counting his writing and producing efforts). But yet, each one of those eight films has a marvelous quality. One of his best qualities is his killer dialogue, which is always whip smart and hilarious. Django Unchained is no exception.

Tarantino has a gift for making the most serious of topics comical. This was displayed three years ago with his last film, Inglourious Basterds (my favorite film of 2009), which revolved around a group of Jewish Americans known as “The Basterds,” who hunted down the Third Reich. With Inglorious Basterds, Tarantino re-wrote history in an extraordinary way; he created a Holocaust cartoon, which probably led to a lot of bickering from historians. His latest film, Django Unchained, is even more controversial. Some may bicker again. Forget’em. Sit back, shut up, and get consumed by QT’s latest revenge fantasy.

Django (Jamie Foxx, who I do not generally like, but is enjoyable here) is a slave during the 1800’s. Enter Dr. King Shultz (the expectedly brilliant Christoph Waltz, whose show-stealing performance in Basterds led him to a much deserved Oscar), a dentist/bounty hunter who lets Django free and gives him an offer he cannot refuse: if he helps him hunt down some people, then he will help him find his wife, Bromhilda (the always lovely Kerry Washington). Bromhilda as it turns out, is currently the slave of a lunatic plantation owner named Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio, giving one of his best performances).

Waltz is always perfect, but when DiCaprio is on screen, it is his show. Like Waltz’s character Hans Landa from Inglorious Basterds, Tarantino has written yet another scene stealing villain. Candie is a maniac, and once DiCaprio steps on screen, he, as he says in the film,”had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.” Lastly, in his best performance in years, there is Samuel L. Jackson as Candie’s conniving slave, Stephen. Almost unrecognizable in latex, Jackson’s character is a mystery. He’s a slave playing on the wrong team, and he’s the sort of character just unique enough to be in a Tarantino film (QT’s previous film made a Nazi somewhat likable). Great supporting work from the three actors.

But while being hilarious, it is also real enough to make you cringe, and it does not shy away from the fact that this period happened. The “n-word” is used plenty, and it may make some uncomfortable. Also, the violence is pretty constant and graphic.

But the above content wasn’t enough to keep it off of the Oscar Ballot. Django Unchained is now nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Picture, Original Screenplay, and Supporting Actor for Waltz. Though Tarantino was snubbed of Best Director, they at least gave it a very well deserved best picture and screenplay. DiCaprio and Jackson also did not make nomination lists. They did not give it quite as much justice as it deserves, but it is good enough for me.

What I admire about Django is the way that Tarantino blends drama, action, western, and comedy so well. Tarantino is one of the greatest current directors. He does not care about awards or Oscars. He just wants to give the audience what they want. There is not a boring second in the whole two hours and forty-five minutes. But it never lets you go. The cast seems to be having a great time, and so does the audience. It is nothing but a bloody good time from the opening credits until the closing credits.

Holiday season offers students opportunities to give back

By Christian DiMartino

During the holiday season, people can be more caring, and more willing to help others in need. What better way for people to show their holiday spirit than through community service? It is more common for people to volunteer more during the holiday season than any other time in the year.

“Community service is a way to give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said junior Savannah Wormley. Wormley is president of the French Club, which sends students to ring bells for the Salvation Army.

There are plenty of ways to give back to others. On Dec. 4, 5, and 6, French Club will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Kroger. “French Club is good because it gives you an opportunity to do community service,” said Wormley.

“I think it [community service] is building an awareness of the world around you,” said French teacher Shannon Miller. “It’s important to teach kids that they are part of a community. It reminds me of how much we have here in America, and what we need to be grateful for. We need to pass it on.”

Aside from the help students will give, counselor Mark Clark said the students will get just as much back. “The people that you help, you impact their lives in a positive way. You get the opportunity to help others, but also to see the community and world in a different perspective,” said Clark.

French Club will not be the only group joining in on community service this holiday season. Many students and faculty members also participate in Miles for Merry Miracles, a three-weekend event on Saturday Dec. 1, 8, and 15.

Many students are involved in this organization, which works all year long to provide Christmas presents to underprivileged kids.

“My friends got me into it, and now I’m hooked. The experience has been awesome,” said junior Noah Wright.

Though a ton of effort goes into the project, students said the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.

“It’s easy to be blinded by all the work, but seeing all your effort come together makes it all worth it,” said junior Ryan Plunkett.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, students realize it is a vital part of being in a community.

“Sharing kindness through community service could help make the world so much more positive. If we all just helped out one person, then the world would be such a more positive place,” said Wormley.

Skyfall proves best in series

By Christian DiMartino

The James Bond series turned 50 this year. So after a four year hiatus, probably recovering from the bad reputation of the previous installment, Quantum of Solace, Bond (Daniel Craig) is back in Skyfall. It is unknown what to expect from a 23rd Bond movie, considering from of the series is a mixed bag. This one is definitely not a let down.

There are a lot of delightful surprises in it, so here is what I can say: after a mission goes terribly wrong, the fate of MI6 is in jeopardy. Bond’s feisty boss M (Oscar-winner Judi Dench) is the main target of this cyberterrorist named Silva (Oscar Winner Javier Bardem), who is probably the most twisted Bond villian yet. This wickedly devious performance by Bardem is sure to thrill viewers.

Craig’s first outing, Casino Royale, was a masterpiece, and a tough one to beat. I liked the sequel, Quantum of Solace, but its big flaw was that it was not Casino Royale.  For those that agree with me, here is some wonderful news: Skyfall could possibly be the best Bond film in the series. It is a Bond film like no other.

Daniel Craig is the heart and soul of the past three films. He is terrific, and though some may find this a bit blasphemous, but he is the best actor in this role. Sean Connery is terrific  also, but there is something about the way Craig handles this material, it just all clicks. All of the films have a sense of humor, but his delivery of the lines are both charismatic and compelling. As long as Craig is in the role, my investment in the series will remain. Especially after Skyfall, which did what Royale did six years ago: it gave the series new life.

This is what you get when you put an Oscar winning director Sam Mendes in the reigns of a Bond movie: the best Bond movie so far.  Mendes, whose career consists of dramas like American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, seems like an unlikely choice, but he proves himself quite the opposite. Skyfall is a smart and deserving tribute to the series. This movie slapped a smile on my face within 30 seconds, and that smile did not fade away until the credits.

Every single action sequence is a knockout. There are a lot of nice references to previous installments which will definitely bring a smile if caught. No film in the series has ever looked better, thanks in part to Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins. Adele’s theme song of the same name fits well. There is a great twist in the end, and the film ties together nicely, leaving plenty of room for the future.

But there are two things that need mention: One, it is nice that Judi Dench, who has been on the sidelines most of the time she was involved in the series, finally gets to do something. And another, it is a Bond film like no other because never in the 50 years has it explained Bond’s past. In the 50 years, the thought has probably never crossed a viewer’s  mind, and it is great that now the viewers knows more about him.

It is rumored that Mendes wanted to win an Oscar for this movie, and he has my support all the way. Casino Royale definitely transcended the series to new heights, but Skyfall  takes it one step higher. It took 50 years, and 50 years well spent. As in every Bond film, the end credits promise that Bond will be back. This movie has appeal to both the Bond-loving film junkie and a first timer. This is one of the best movies of the year.

Columnist weighs in on best and worst horror movies

By Christian  DiMartino

Halloween is just around the corner, and some celebrate it by simply choosing a good scary movie and watching it with the lights off. But what is there to watch? To get in the spirit of things, here are the five scary movies to watch this season, and the five to ignore at all costs.

The Best
5. The Shining (1980): What do you get when you put a great director in the reigns of a Stephen King adaptation? You get The Shining, Stanley Kuberick’s take on Stephen King’s dark and disturbing tale of madness. There is a lot to say about it, most notable of all is the terrific performance by Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrence. Nicholson has a gift for playing crazy people, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he immerses himself the role of Jack, then this movie might not have been the classic it is today.
4. The Omen (1976): Here’s what you need to know: the Thorn family (Gregory Peck and Lee Remick) adopt a child named Damian, only to realize five years later that Damian is the son Satan. That’s something about The Omen that is fascinating. Making the child the villain is one of the most horrifying things about the movie. The Omen is a frightening movie because it is so grounded in reality. This is one of those overlooked scary movies, and it should be seen to complete the Halloween season.
3. Sleepy Hollow (1999): Visionary director Tim Burton’s take on the classic tale by Washington Irving is bloody, dark, and over-the-top. But is every second of it great? Yes. Easily one of Burton’s best movies, no movie gets me in the Halloween spirit more than this one. Johnny Depp gives his all as Icabod Crane, the film’s hero. Even if the thought of the Headless Horseman being able to see is tough to grasp, it’s irresistible. The movie promises that heads will roll. They do, and I am in love with it.
2. Jaws (1975): That tune is burned in the mind. That tune that pops up anytime you enter the water, or see a gray fin from the distance. Buh-dum… buh-dum… the rest goes without saying. Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg’s first smash hit may have aged a little, but even with repeated viewings, it still has not lost its surprise. The movie works well as both a horror and a summer blockbuster, but definitely more on the horror side. The key to the movie is the way that the movie is shot, the way that almost every scene with the shark is from the shark’s point of view. Though at some points cheesy, it admittedly gave us all the chills at one point or another.
1. The Exorcist (1973): Nowadays, some criticize William Freidkin’s The Exorcist because its scares seem a little dated. Give the film a break, it is almost forty years old. What was scary then is still scary now. The last time I watched it alone, I turned the lights off, and within five minutes I had to turn them on again. Just the introduction creeped me out. Linda Blair’s Oscar-nominated performance as young Regan is one that will definitely invade your dreams, and not in a Freddy Kruger way either. Sure The Exorcist is a bit dated, but it’s one of the few horror movies to win Oscars, and you can’t argue with that. Bottom line: this movie is the definition of horror.

The Worst
The below movies should never be watched seriously. They might be good for a few laugh, but if you’re looking to get in the spirit, these movies are not it.
5. Pet Sematary: Sometimes a great Stephen King adaptation will come along, such as The Shawshank Redemption or The Shining. For every great adaption, there is always a dud. Pet Sematary is one of those duds. The book was fantastic, but the movie is just wrong. Why? Well, the actors are very annoying. The movie is more bloody than the book, but that doesn’t bother me, until downright corny. Just skip it.
4. The Happening: The Happening is a horror movie that focuses on this couple (Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel) as they travel around America fighting to stay alive. What are they fighting? Wind. That’s right. They are running from wind. The wind carries a toxin that causes people to commit suicide. I was actually looking forward to this one when it came out, but once again, M. Night Shyamalan disappoints. There is no twist, it is basically what I told you. It is a shame that the two lead actors involved had to stoop to such a level, because they have too much talent for this.
3. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) : When Halloween III: Season of the Witch comes to mind, there is only one word I think of: awful. If you notice, Halloween and Halloween II contain a creepy masked guy named Michael Myers who goes around killing babysitters. Myers shows up in the other entries in the series, but is no where in sight in the third one. The burning question is… why is it called Halloween III? This is easily the most pointless horror movie in recent memory. The plot, which involves a mask company that’s trying to kill kids… with masks, is ludicrous. The actors are bland, and every single on of its 98 minutes are painful.
2. Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959): Ed Wood’s terribly beloved 1959 film contains aliens (who, might I mention, look like humans and speak English. Also, their race seems to only contain three individauls), vampires, zombies, and zombie vampires. Working with a $16,000 budget, the only signs of terror involved are inconveniently slow walking zombie vampires  and an alien space ship that is basically a paper plate with two Styrofoam bowls glued to the top and bottom, covered in tin foil, and dangling from a string. The legendary Bela Lugosi (made famous as Dracula) shows up, but as it turns out, he died during filming, so Ed Wood took clips from another Lugosi movie, and threw that in there. Why have him show up at all?
1. Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991) : The sixth sequel in the Nightmare on Elm Street series is pure torture. Freddy Kruger (Robert England) is meant to scare us, but he keeps making these wisecracks that deprive him of all surprises.  There is no way that a screenwriter could have sat down in an office, drafting this, and thought, “Wow, this is actually good.” The original film was good, but the rest pretty much crashed. This one is stupid, lazy, and eye-burning. Yes, eye-burning. Its title is a lie also, because three more movies were made after this one. Please, put the nail in the coffin and give it a rest.
Those are the my picks. As you may read, not even Freddy Kruger can escape my wrath. Michael Myers might have gotten my wrath… had he showed up for Halloween III. Please, enjoy the treats that I’ve offered. Happy Halloween!