Image courtesy of A24
Four Movies You May Have Overlooked In 2021
by Lewis Robinson
The film industry has been going strong this past year despite the reduced attendance at theatres. It has responded to recent events well, switching delivery to early streaming and doing very well for itself. The year has seen its share of mainstream blockbuster films such as Marvel's latest installments "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Black Widow". This year also produced new Disney fare in the form of "Jungle Cruise" and "Cruella" and a welcome re-do of the sci-fi classic "Dune".
All of these blockbusters have done so well at the box office that chances are, if you are reading this article, you have probably seen most of them. However, the past year also produced some incredible, strange and extraordinary films that may not have made the blockbuster list but definitely deserve your attention. The next time you're having a Netflix night, here is a list of movies that you should check out.
The Truffle Hunters
On the surface, the subject matter of this little film isn't going to make it onto the top suggestions of any sales metrics specialist, but it is so much more than what it seems. This is the story of a group of older men who live their lives, along with their beloved dogs, hunting white truffles.
Set in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, the location and cinematography of this film are breathtaking. The lifestyle of these men, isolated and devoid of most modern technology, harkens back to simpler times. This is a movie about tradition, friendship and finding joy in your life. If you give this film a chance, you might find yourself thoroughly enchanted.
The Last Duel
On its face, this movie belongs on a blockbuster list and not one about quirky alternatives. It is a big-budget Ridley Scott film that made it to #58 in box office sales and features some straight-up superstars including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Driver and a stunning performance by Jodie Comer. For whatever reason, trailers present the film as though it were a star-studded historical romance but that's not what this is.
This film is both horrifying and hilarious and uses an actual historic event to send a message about the oppression of women in a world of ego-driven men and the cancellation of the female perspective in history. There are no male heroes here and the combination of unexpected comedy and in-your-face violence in this film will keep you off-kilter for the length of the film. Scott tells the story from several different perspectives refusing to allow the audience to be truly certain about anything.
Spencer
Pablo Larraine has taken what has been the subject of many a bio-pic, the story of Princess Diana, and turned it into a fantastical and dreamlike film. He focuses on the impact that living the royal life had on the sometimes fragile Spencer and extrapolates that into a fantasy world that, although not based in fact, may give the most intuitive look yet at the mindset of this tragic princess.
The Green Knight
This is a gorgeous retelling of the ancient Arthurian legend of Gawain and the Green Knight. It stars Dev Patel, who is making quite a career for himself playing famous literary characters such as his recent venture as Dicken's David Copperfield. The film manages to honor its source material while also taking it apart and putting it back together in a completely new way. The director was reportedly heavily influenced by the fantasy films of the 80s such as "Willow" and "Legend" and it shows in wonderful ways. Gone are the superfluous Disney-esque images that tend to infest Arthurian films and in its place is a beautiful starkness and a focus on the individual's responsibility to live their life with integrity whether that brings them rewards or not.
The draw of the mainstream blockbuster film is strong, and no one is saying you shouldn't indulge. Who can resist the pull of another awesome Marvel movie? But this is only a small sampling of the amazing films that are waiting for you if you should decide to stray off the beaten path.
from Review Blog https://ift.tt/sF7NHJweO
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