MOVIE WRITEUPS: The Wolf of Wall Street, Nebraska and Philomena

The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese
With: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie

Based on a true story, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the rise and fall of one of the most infamous Wall Street loco of our generation, Jordan Belfort. This is Martin Scorsese's 49th feature film and 5th collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio (Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed and Shutter Island)but this seems like one of the freshest and liveliest he's ever made. No one would think that this highly energetic film was directed by a 71-year-old man but knowing Scorsese's reputation, this film's actually a mark that he's going back to his roots after making the adventure film Hugo, a George Harrison documentary and a TV episode of Boardwalk Empire. This is a good sign that he's still got it!

Leonardo DiCaprio gave his all in this film. With over-the-top acting he's known for, it works adequately here. Radiating all the arrogance, douchiness and a whole lot of charisma to portray the young Belfort. It's obvious that he really wants an Oscar. His sidekick Jonah Hill as Donnie Azoff is also a douche to the highest level and Hill characterized him very well. They're very much reminiscent of the duo of Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci.

It's probably been mentioned hundreds of times but the almost 3-hour movie didn't feel like it as the entertainment contained in this film was in full force all throughout. Sex in the office is allowed, drugs all over the place, hot ladies, sports cars, helicopters, parties, every man would love to work with Belfort and every lady would love to sleep with him... except not really. The negative effects of these filthy-rich deeds might not be elaborated in the film but only stupid people would think that they idealized these things.

If you're into films that depicts complete atrocity, douchebaggery and total obscenity, choose this film as this is probably the superior one of them all.

Nebraska

Director: Alexander Payne
With: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Stace Keach

Alexander Payne directed yet another satirical road trip film and I'm starting to love how his filmography is becoming like a collection of roadtrip dramas which are geographically specific, focused on human relationships and human behaviors emphasizing the characters' imperfections. In Nebraska, he tells the story of Woody, a crotchety old drunk living in Montana, who's convinced that he won a million dollar prize which can be claimed in Nebraska. This forces his son David to accompany him in fulfillment of his wish and this begins the journey that made them learn more about each other and their family.

It sounds dramatic but what I love about Payne is that sentimentality is a dirty word for him. There are some scenes in this film that would be melodramatic if it was directed by other directors but Payne remained firm with making his touching scenes more personal and authentic. That is by not associating these scenes with maudlin musical score or emotional pauses just to convey the message he wants to come across and the result? Fantastic.

The subtle humor is also what I adore about Nebraska. It's filled with smart and snarky comments that most often peels his character's flesh. It's effective in displaying the personalities of his character and then when we thought we've figured them out, we'll find out more about the complexity of the characters through twists.

Perfect example is Kate Grant, June Squibb's character. It's by the third half of the film when we realized that the old crude lady has more depth to her. Speaking of which, June Squibb is one of the best things in this film. The cemetery scene alone never fails to make me laugh. She's on a roll in that scene; from the words she say, the actions she does and her puffy cheeks are insanely cute. Thank you Payne for giving her this role. Not that I think that she's perfect for it as I can name a few other actresses who can portray Kate Grant to a tee but the fact that she garnered an Oscar nomination at her current age simply touches me. Cheers to achievements at an old age! After all, one of Nebraska's themes is the contentment and satisfaction of old people through achieving whatever they want, simple, shallow or whatever they are.

Bruce Dern is also commendable in this. Without having so many things to do in the film, he acted subtly and naturally. We all felt the agitation, frustrations and despair of Woody Grant, all through his expressions alone. Praiseworthy! He made Nebraska a bit iconic especially the last act when he finally achieved the thing he most wanted to accomplish. His victory seems like a victory to the viewers as well. We're all touched by Woody Grant.

I'm glad that Alexander Payne is back. I dislike The Descendants so much and with Nebraska, he has redeemed his name so well. As it turned out, Nebraska is my favorite Payne film to date.

Philomena

Director: Stephen Frears
With: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Philomena stars Judi Dench as Philomena Lee, whom after 50 years of silence decided to seek out her long-lost son. Her son, who was taken from her during her days in the convent by strict nuns who judge early pregnancy out of wedlock as a sin beyond forgiveness. Meanwhile, an atheist journalist played by Steve Coogan, was looking for redemption after losing his job in the government. He was reluctant at first by the idea of writing a human interest story but eventually, he meets with Philomena and decides to help her after hearing her story.

Philomena is not groundbreaking in terms of film making - tonally inconsistent and I'm pretty sure they used some green screen in some of its scenes :/ - but with Philomena Lee's story alone, this film is bound to touch a lot of people. Despite its imperfections, the film is not bad at all.

It's so timely that this film came out just recently because we're living in a world where even our current Pope allows new angles with the old Christian teachings. And whatever religion/belief you have, Christianity or atheism, this film may affect your stance as a believer/non-believer.  Reminds me of the documentary Deliver Us From Evil. The story is so heartbreaking that it's hard not to sympathize with Philomena. It's hard because aside from her incredibly nice nature, what she went through under the nuns is just harrowing.

Judi Dench played her so earnestly. Just when I thought that she can't portray an angelic character because I didn't find her effective in her calm and pleasant role in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (lol I just found out that a sequel for Marigold Hotel is already in the works), she suddenly owned this lovely role. I feel like she's becoming the opposite of Meryl Streep where the latter is now accepting more villainous or strong-willed characters and she is choosing the softer ones. Can't complain too much though, because I actually find her speaking voice to be too composed and proper to portray HBIC characters. Her features, however, are really strong but those terrorizing eyes and eyebrows are replaced with lovely smiles and virtuous dialogues. She's really angelic and saint-like in this film. Philomenal! Steve Coogan is also solid. I love the fact that their characters are polar opposites but both touch you in different and good ways.

I don't know how faithful this film is to Philomena Lee's real life story. Apparently, I read some articles that they're indeed not faithful. But still, this film is nothing short of charm and impact even with fabrication. I can't think of other films that portrays forgiveness so well than Philomena. It teaches us compassion and how important it is in our daily lives.