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Online casino fans in Singapore are in for a wild journey. With Singapore casino sites like Solarbet, players are presented with countless opportunities to win big and have a good time.
But there are ways to increase your chances of success, as there are in every activity that calls for a mix of talent and luck. Here we'll take a look at some expert tips that will help you get the most out of your time spent gambling online.
Exercising Best Practices
Learning and properly implementing the best practices for online gambling can greatly increase your likelihood of succeeding and maximize your profits if you're a serious gambler.
Focusing on One Game at a Time
You should study the rules and strategies of a game thoroughly before starting it. It's recommended to stick to a single casino game before moving on to another. Because of this, you will be able to improve your chances of success by making better selections.
Handling Your Bankroll Effectively
Make a budget and stick to it; that is the single most crucial thing you can do while betting. Never spend more than you have planned. Get a spending limit and stick to it. Stay away from losing ground and don't try to get back on your feet.
Taking Advantage of Promos and Bonuses
Many online casinos such as Solarbet employ promotions and bonuses to draw in new customers and hold on to the ones they already have. Take the time to read the fine print before taking advantage of these savings. Bonuses could come with wagering limitations or be tied to specific games.
Choosing The Games That You Play at Singapore Casino Matters
The key to a successful gambling session is a wide variety of games. Locate virtual gambling establishments that provide a large selection of games. With so many options, you can try out several games until you discover one that you like.
Fundamentally, the house edge is a collection of regulations that gives the house a leg up over the player in any game. The key to winning large or busting out of the casino early is figuring out which game has the highest chances, which can vary substantially.
Avoiding Games with Less Favorable Odds
While improving your odds of winning should be our top priority, it doesn't mean we should ignore fewer desirable choices. Especially at trusted online casino Singapore sites where there could be an endless selection of games. If you want to know how to increase your earnings, you must know which games to avoid.
If you're hoping to play for a long time with a small house edge, you might want to steer clear of these games. Nonetheless, the possibility of huge payouts from a few of the games like keno, lotteries, and slots makes them more alluring.
The house edge in the casino specialty game keno is really high. One of the worst casino choices, since players may encounter a 30% disadvantage depending on the version. Because of their high degree of randomness, slot machines are also notoriously tough to play for profit.
Be Experimental: Try Some Betting Strategies
A variety of betting strategies allow you to take your games to the next level of strategy. For sustained success at online casinos, it is essential to have a reliable betting strategy. Veteran Solarbet players often use either the Fibonacci or the Martingale betting systems. One important aspect of these strategies is adjusting your bets based on your results, both winning and losing.
Play More and Win More at Solarbet!
In Singapore, many people are turning to online gambling as a way to pass the time and maybe even make some extra cash. Online casinos are popular because they provide a thrilling, entertaining, and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Nevertheless, one must not overlook the fact that gaming involves substantial risks. Hence, before getting involved, Singaporean players should educate themselves extensively on the topic of online gambling.
They need to develop skills in time management, effective resource management, and the value of frequent breaks. Solarbet SG is an excellent platform with favorable odds so you could win more. Your perfect Singapore casino that aids you in becoming a successful gambler.
When you think of casino movies, you're likely transported to a world of glitz, glamor, and high-stakes drama. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to bring those opulent gambling environments to life on the silver screen? Welcome to the fascinating world of casino set design, where meticulous attention to detail is the name of the game.
In this comprehensive exploration, we'll take you behind the velvet ropes and into the heart of Hollywood's casino set design studios. We'll unravel the secrets of crafting authentic gambling environments that not only dazzle the audience but also serve as crucial storytelling elements.
The Marriage of Aesthetics and Functionality
Creating a believable casino setting requires a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality. Set designers must not only capture the essence of a real casino but also ensure that the space accommodates the needs of the cast and crew.
Bold Creativity: The creative process commences with an extensive review online casinos, exploring both land-based casinos and their diverse varieties. From the opulent Las Vegas Strip casinos to the gritty underground poker dens, every detail holds significance. Set designers draw inspiration from real-world establishments, architectural blueprints, and photographs to craft their vision.
Meticulous Planning: Once the concept is in place, meticulous planning takes center stage. Every element, from the layout of gaming tables to the lighting scheme, is carefully thought out. This planning phase ensures that the set serves as an immersive backdrop for the storyline.
Attention to Detail: Authenticity lies in the details. Set designers go to great lengths to replicate the minutiae of a casino. From the patterns on the carpet to the design of poker chips, nothing is overlooked. This level of detail is what transports viewers into the world of the film.
Building a Casino From Scratch
From Blueprint to Reality: Once the plans are finalized, the construction phase begins. Skilled craftsmen and carpenters bring the blueprint to life. Walls are erected, and floors are laid. The goal is to create a physical space that mirrors the envisioned casino.
Materials Matter: The choice of materials is critical. Set designers often opt for lightweight materials that can be easily manipulated and transported. This flexibility allows for quick scene changes and adjustments during filming.
Lighting Magic: Lighting plays a pivotal role in casino set design. Designers experiment with different lighting setups to create the right ambiance. The interplay of shadows and highlights adds depth and drama to the scenes.
Authentic Props and Casino Equipment
No casino set is complete without the right props and equipment. Authenticity is paramount, and that means sourcing real casino items whenever possible.
Real Chips and Cards: To achieve a genuine look, filmmakers often use actual casino chips and cards. These items are procured from retired casinos or through specialized suppliers.
Custom-Made Elements: In cases where specific props are needed, such as unique poker tables or vintage slot machines, set designers craft custom-made elements. These pieces are built to mimic the style and functionality of their real counterparts.
Soundscapes of the Casino:Sound design is another critical aspect. The ambient sounds of a bustling casino floor are meticulously recreated to immerse the audience fully. The clinking of chips, the shuffling of cards, and the hum of conversation all contribute to the sensory experience.
Challenges of Authenticity
While the goal is to create an authentic casino environment, there are inherent challenges in casino set design:
Space Constraints: Film sets are often limited in space, making it challenging to replicate the vastness of a real casino.
Budget Constraints: Budgets can be tight, necessitating creative solutions to achieve authenticity without breaking the bank.
Continuity: Maintaining continuity across multiple scenes can be tricky, as set pieces need to remain consistent throughout filming.
Iconic Casino Movies and Their Sets
Let's take a closer look at some iconic casino movies and the sets that played a crucial role in their success:
"Casino" (1995): Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film required a meticulous recreation of the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. The set's attention to detail earned it critical acclaim.
"Ocean's Eleven" (2001): The sleek and modern Bellagio Casino set served as the backdrop for the film's audacious heist. Its design emphasized sophistication and luxury.
"Rounders" (1998): This poker-centric movie required the creation of underground poker rooms with an edgy, clandestine atmosphere. The sets captured the gritty world of high-stakes poker.
The Legacy of Casino Set Design
The art of casino set design continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and the ever-growing demand for authenticity in filmmaking. As audiences become more discerning, the role of set designers in creating immersive cinematic experiences becomes increasingly vital.
Whether it's transporting viewers to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas or the clandestine backrooms of underground poker games, casino set design remains an integral part of storytelling in the world of movies. It's a testament to the power of creativity and craftsmanship, where every detail matters.
So, the next time you watch a thrilling casino scene in a movie, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind the set design that makes it all possible. It's a world where aesthetics meet functionality, and where the magic of cinema truly comes to life.
Date night is a unique time to connect and enjoy each company. Choosing the right movie can significantly enhance this experience, setting the tone for a memorable evening. Movies have always been a staple of date night, the current opportunity for couples to share experiences, emotions, and discussions. However, picking the perfect film can be tricky, especially with the vast array of genres and themes available. The key is to find a movie that both you and your partner will enjoy and that contributes positively to the 928hd romantic atmosphere of the evening.
Know Your Partner's Preferences
The first step in choosing the right movie is understanding your partner's tastes and preferences. Are they into romantic comedies, thrillers, dramas, or action-packed adventures? Selecting a film that aligns with their interests shows that you value and respect their choices. Discuss your favorite 928hd movies or genres ahead of time to get an idea of each other's preferences.
Consider the Mood of the Evening
The movie you choose should complement the mood you want to set for the date. A light-hearted romantic comedy can keep the atmosphere breezy and fun, while a heartfelt drama or romance can have a more intimate and emotional tone. Decide on the kind evening you want – relaxed, adventurous, or romantic – and choose a movie that fits the mood.
Avoid Extreme Genres
Consider preferences equally crucial to steer extreme genres like horror or heavy psychological thrillers unless you are both fans. These 928hd genres can be intense and might not be conducive to a romantic and comfortable date night. Opt for safer choices like comedies, light-hearted action, or romantic dramas if you are uncertain about your partner's tolerance for extreme genres.
Classics are Timeless in 928hd
You can never go wrong with a classic film. Classics have stood the test of time and are often universally appealing. Whether an old Hollywood romance or a beloved comedy, these films can add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your date night with 928hd. Select a well-known classic is likely to be enjoyed by both of you, such as Casablanca or Roman Holiday.
Consider New Releases in 928hd
Watching a new release can be exciting and give you something fresh to talk about. It adds a sense of novelty to your date night and ensures that both of you are experiencing the film for the first time together. Check out the 928hd latest releases on streaming platforms or in theaters, and choose one that seems interesting to both of you.
Romantic Films are a Safe Bet
Romantic films nature is a great fit for date nights. They can stir emotions and even offer moments of relatability that can bring you closer as a couple. Pick a 928hd romantic film with a positive message and enjoyable storyline, such as The Notebook or La La Land.
Culturally Rich Movies
Choosing a movie with a rich cultural background can be enlightening and a great conversation starter. Films set in different countries or explore unique cultural experiences can make your date night entertaining and educational. Opt for a film that explores a culture or place both of you are curious about, enhancing your shared experience.
Avoid Controversial Topics
It's best to avoid movies that deal with controversial or heavy topics, as they might lead to uncomfortable conversations or moods. The aim is to enjoy each other's company, not to debate or feel distressed. Stick to films with neutral and universally appealing themes.
Animated Movies for a Light-Hearted Evening
Animated movies are not just for kids; they can be perfect for a light-hearted and fun date night. These films often blend humor, adventure, and romance, making them enjoyable for all ages. Choose critically acclaimed animated films that appeal to adults, Up or Wall-E.
Balance Both Your Interests
If your movie preferences differ, find a middle ground. Select a genre that is a hybrid of your interests, such as a romantic thriller or an action-comedy. This way, both of you get to enjoy elements you like. Discuss and find a movie incorporating elements of your favorite genres.
Interactive Movie Nights
For a more interactive experience, consider watching a film that encourages participation. It could be a musical where you can sing along, or a mystery where you can guess the plot twists together. Choose a movie is known for its engaging and interactive elements to add an extra layer of fun to your date night.
A cult hit is born in a few different ways. A film might see little traction, or possibly even negative reviews, upon its release—only to see a second life once it hits streaming channels. Other films might fly far under the radar upon its release but quickly become a favorite for hardcore genre fans (such as horror or sci-fi).
One unique subgenre within the cult hit category is intellectual films. These films take a more in-depth approach to the subject matter, which might involve a lesser-explored topic like memory, metaphysics, statistics, and more. Regardless of the subject, a brainy cult hit delves deep into the minutiae. Unsurprisingly, this approach might prevent the film from becoming a blockbuster hit—but it will go a long way in making sure the movie sticks as a cult favorite.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most popular cult hits that take a central focus on intellectual topics.
Rounders (1998)
Anyone who enjoys playing poker has probably heard of Rounders. This cult hit was released just a few years before the online poker boom of the early 2000s, which continues today for those who play poker Pennsylvania and in other states
The film helped introduce audiences to the inner workings of Texas Hold’em as the main character, played by Matt Damon, enters into high-stakes underground games. Thanks to internal monologue, viewers can follow along as Damon strategizes his way to the top. In other words, filmmakers simplified the game of poker and highlighted what makes it so exciting to play.
Memento (2000)
Christopher Nolan isn’t a director who creates cult hits—but many would argue that his early project, Memento, fits into that category despite its critical and commercial success. The film follows one man’s journey to attempt to piece together his immediate past. The character, named Leonard, isn’t able to form new memories.
Viewers are taken on a dual-chronology journey of Leonard’s story, in which he must slowly make sense of using only the tattoos on his body. Part psychological drama and part metaphysical adventure, Memento remains a cult hit simply because it takes care and thought to follow—meaning only dedicated fans are likely to rewatch it.
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Similar to Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is remembered for its non-linear storytelling and treatment of memories. In this story, a separated couple individually seeks out memory-erasing procedures in order to forget the other. However, the procedures don’t entirely mask their memories and the experience of love.
This film explores the complexity of wanting to forget heartbreak and the simultaneous desire to make a great relationship work. With a cast of unique characters and a roster of star actors, this film was also a commercial and critical success. However, it’s the film’s highly unique exploration of love and pain that has made it a cult classic. Just like Memento, it stands out for its complex topics.
Moneyball (2011)
Let’s close this list off with one of the brainiest cult hits. Moneyball, similar to Rounders, takes a hard look at numbers. In this case, it’s all about sports statistics. The film follows an autobiographical book that was released in the early 2000s. This book helped spur sports statistics and, specifically, SABER metrics in professional baseball.
The film is accordingly brainy. Just like Rounders helped explain the game of poker and what makes it so compelling, Moneyball filmmakers went above and beyond to showcase what makes hard stats so appealing to sports fans.
For their 134rd episode, two well-paid film critics, two space jockey dads, and two trucker teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a selective pick-and-choose of a series rewatch of the Alien series. They start where it all began with 1979's Ridley Scott cornerstone Alien. In this podcast, you completely hear us scream. Sorry to disappoint you. Come for the shared challenge and stay for the mutual love and respect for the fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!
Cinephile Hissy Fits is a Film Obsessive Radio, brought to you by RuminationsRadioNetwork.com. Please visit, rate, review and subscribe. If you enjoyed this show, we have more where that came from, with interesting hosts, and wonderful guests. All available on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you find your favorite shows. Follow the show on Twitter at @CinephileFit and on Facebook. Also, find both Will Johnson and Don Shanahan on Letterboxd as the accumulate their viewings and build their ranks and lists.
Former French emperor and military commander Napoleon Bonaparte is one the most widely recognized and referenced figures in all of world history. Evoking his name– especially for the first-name-only Napoleon from one of Hollywood’s foremost epic movie specialists Ridley Scott– brings up universally accepted benchmarks of familiar imagery and personality. Let’s talk about that for a moment as a measuring stick for Scott’s paunchy new film.
LESSON #1: THE PERSONALITY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE– One personality profile of Napoleon frames a transfixing and titanic figure of a man. He was an extroverted orator, a political mastermind, a quick thinker rich with big ideas, and a calculated strategist with off-the-charts confidence. Ignoring his signature short height, those traits require casting one hell of an actor for any kind of biopic.
Comparing the historical subject’s profile to the resume of the chosen actor, Joker Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix was an inspired choice for this meaty role. With the right push and material, he can check any of those boxes of Napoleon’s personality criteria for any given scene. At this stage of his career, Joaquin Phoenix can also shoulder a lofty blockbuster. Reuniting with Ridley Scott 23 years after his breakout performance as Commodus in Gladiator felt like a second match made in heaven.
Shockingly and woefully, Joaquin Phoenix does not achieve a single one of those aforementioned personality traits of Napoleon Bonaparte to any compelling degree. You read that right– not a single one of them. There’s no sweeping speech destined for an Oscar nomination clip that wins over citizens, soldiers, or us viewers. Big political ideas pop without sparks. The fireworks and cunning strategy never make it off the battlefield, and any legendary swagger is reduced to the snivels of a lazy and insecure cuckold.
LESSON #1: WHAT DESTINY BRINGS– There’s one throwaway scene where Joaquin Phoenix actually brings full vigor to the role. Throughout most of the movie, Napoleon has spoken of destiny being the source of his victories and status. Coming home from a battle to sit at a dinner party across from his adulterous wife Joséphine, played by Pieces of a Woman Best Actress nominee Vanessa Kirby, Bonaparte goes on a diatribe of his trumped-up providence. He extols that “destiny has brought” him freedom, success, an empire, a wife, and, lastly, a lamb chop— which he slams on his plate to emphatically make his point.
This sliver of a moment in a 157-minute movie is the most animated and semi-intentionally hilarious Joaquin Phoenix ever gets. There are 154 more minutes, let alone what’s in the rumored 4-hour director’s cut, that could have used that kind of maniacal pep. It is downright strange to see the normally enigmatic and beguiling actor, the brawny director in charge, and this type of prominent subject matter miss so poorly. Destiny shouldn’t have brought Napoleon.
LESSON #2: WELCOME TO FRENCH HISTORY 104– Starting with a recreation of the guillotined execution of Marie Antoinette on October 16, 1793, Napoleon stomps on some and tip-toes through other selected moments of French history (curated by The Last Duel’s historical advisor Lorris Chevalier) from this event until the man’s death in 1821. Screenwriter David Scarpa (All the Money in the World and the upcoming Gladiator 2) provides labeled intertitles and narrated letters that establish the players, dates, and settings for the scenes at hand. It’s then up to the trivia nerds out there and those who paid attention in their high school and college history classes to elbow the rest of us watching Napoleon when something important is about to happen.
The treatise of history Napoleon attempts by way of encyclopedia hopscotch can be sorted by his public operations and his personal actions in private. In the national theater of war and politics, Napoleon’s siege victory at Toulon in 1793 promoted him to Brigadier General and a level of public respect independent of the old regime from the preceding Reign of Terror period of violence. His rising power would continue through military dominance against royalist insurrection in 1795 and foreign campaigns in Egypt in 1798 before engineering a coup in 1799. To consolidate power, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French in 1804 before turning his armies and attention to international rivals in Austria, Russia, and England.
LESSON #3: THE LOVE BEHIND POWER– Off his horseback place of leadership, Napoleon met the fetching Joséphine de Beauharnais at The Survivor’s Ball in 1795 and married her the next year. Despite her wandering eye and open bed for other suitors, Bonaparte would fall madly in love with the feisty widower and desire her acceptance even against his jealousy. Their downfall would ultimately be her inability to provide him with a male heir to the throne before their 1810 divorce and his new marriage to Austrian archduchess Marie Louise. Again, maybe you can invite your old teacher or profession to share popcorn in the seat next to you to sort this all out.
When Napoleon is in battle mode, the movie hits impressive strides. Cinematic combat has always been one of Ridley Scott’s highest and most proficient areas of expertise, and the director loves his regular Malta workplace for the room to clang-and-bang some bloody action. The Loki team of fight coordinator Cali Nelle and stunt coordinator Nikki Powell deserve high marks for the physicality of these massive reenactments– particularly the icy Battle of Austerlitz– charted by 1917 military advisor Paul Biddiss. Partnering with his trusted cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (ninth time) and production designer Arthur Max (15th time), Scott’s kinetic momentum is driven by the stark visuals and blistering sounds of thunderous cannons and strafing cavalry charges (credit Wonder Woman 1984 horse master Camilla Naprous as a hidden MVP) in unique battlefield confrontations that bring the movie to life.
Those will be the scenes in Napoleon you fast-forward to on AppleTV+ because– away from the uniforms, muskets, artillery, and swords– anything involving a lover or a crown fails to be persuasive of most any captivation. This is where the tedious and unsupported soap opera trying to flesh out the man “accused of egotism and a lack of simple good manners” takes over Napoleon. The booming choral score of composer Martin Phipps (TheCrown) evaporates to a weak flute motif, and scenes that should showcase the intellect and ignite sources of passion within the famous sovereign plod by, like the lead actor, with wincing disinterest.
Despite the film’s prodigious title and the eminence of the subject, nine-time Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper– wearing the hats of producer, writer, director, and star– puts great emphasis on Maestro being more centered on the love story of Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, played by two-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan, than on Bernstein’s numerous accomplishments. Through its rich back story spanning decades, “husband” rises to become the leading descriptor over conductor, composer, pianist, musician, educator, author, and humanitarian, and the film is tremendously finer for it. No matter the triumphant or tragic moments on display in Maestro, the marital relationship is the nucleus. There is an irrefutable and intense stretch before, during, and after the movie’s apex that underlines every invested and brilliant measure of Cooper and his creative collaborators towards the goals of their intimate approach.
LESSON #1: HATE IN ONE’S HEART– Before the climax, Leonard and Felicia had fallen on divisive times and separated. A scene or two earlier, Cooper and cinematographer Matthew Libatique showed an unbroken full shot of the couple having a knockdown-dragout verbal fight while the balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade pass outside their swanky apartment windows. Felicia had called out the hate and anger that drove her husband’s heart and how his supposedly open artistic freedom and truth carried a draining aura that damaged their marriage and family.
Following that scene, Maestro lets that vitriol linger before arriving at the film’s musical centerpiece. Bernstein has cleaned himself up in 1973 and is in full, tailed tuxedo conducting the London Symphony Orchestra and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus in Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor, better known as the Resurrection Symphony, at England’s Ely Cathedral. Libatique’s camera cranes in and out of conductor’s box to set points amid the spread of live performers and vocalists while absorbing Cooper’s vigorous conducting choreography tutored to him by Metropolitan Opera director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
This is the finale of the symphony where the texture of sweat has developed on Bernstein’s face and animated his silvered hair with every emphatic gesture during a massive 6 1⁄2 minute take (it took only two attempts). In your ears alone, the powerful sound of this moment in Maestro is overwhelming and presses you into your seat, but the peak of peaks is still coming.
LESSON #2: THE EMOTIONS GENERATED BY PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC– At the end of one of Libatique’s deep pulls back, we see the unmistakable shoulder and head profile of the previously-absent Felicia. Even after their baneful previous strife, she’s there at Leonard’s finest moment, standing mere feet off the central altar of this grand church setting. The realization of her return hits us harder than the boldest note of music being played. After the concluding stroke and the initial cheers of the gathered crowd, Leonard goes straight to her between bows overcome with emotion. They tearfully embrace and she declares in his ear, “There’s no hate in your heart,” correcting the previous argument.
What a build! In a deft stroke of precise performance, timing, and positioning, the weight of this climax in Maestro tectonically shifts from the grandest musical demonstration of Bernstein’s love and hate to a healing release of it granted by the love of this life. Felicia’s presence and acknowledgment is the greater achievement than conquering Mahler. Alas, Bradley Cooper is not done yet with this wringer.
LESSON #3: BEING PRESENT FOR THE ONES YOU LOVE– Immediately after the thunderous applause finish of the Ely Cathedral concert, Maestro shifts from that highest of highs to a quiet, plain doctor’s exam room and some of the worst news a married couple and a woman can receive. Unlike what we previously witnessed, this is a painful memory with no accompanying score and no uproarious spectators. Right after this visit, Leonard and Felicia sit back-to-back in a park, calling back a previous scene shot in black-and-white from their courtship years where they talked about the power of a pair and being each other’s balance. Decades later, it is simply the two of them locked together again, supporting the physical and emotional weight of the other, and recognizing the thick and thin of love and life they have currently and will share going forward.
The courage of Cooper and Maestro to make this emotional swing almost collapses one’s aerobic heart from where it was mere moments prior. From the Thanksgiving Parade argument through the Ely Cathedral concert, the doctor’s office, and this return to a tree-filled park together, Maestro comes full circle with its love story that just so happens to feature the music and work of one of America’s greatest artists. The fact that there are entire expanses of drama leading up to and following the climactic stretch of Maestro described above only adds to the astonishing achievement on display.
Maestro is bookended by Cooper playing Bernstein at his wrinkled and white-haired oldest (courtesy of exceptional prosthetic facial and body makeup from two-time Oscar winner Kazu Hiro) remembering the wife who has passed on before him for a recorded interview in his Fairfield, Connecticut family home. After showing off his piano chops with an ever-present lit cigarette in his mouth in the first scene, Leonard utters, “To answer your question, yes, I see her around quite a bit,” and in conclusion before the film ventures to origins, “I miss her terribly.” This is the clue that would flourish later informing us that what follows may very well be more about her than him.
From there, Maestro makes the switch to black-and-white and the 1.3:1 aspect ratio for the whirlwind years of a younger Leonard Bernstein. His substitution debut conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 1943 with only a few hours notice and no rehearsal made him an instant sensation in high demand for his work on stage and screen. As soon as he meets actress Felicia Montealegre at a party with Marlene Dietrich music playing in the background, the stars and their luck change. Pillow talk of envies and secrets–spiced by sweet nothings like “You don’t know how much you need me” answered by “I might”-- matures between them to an acceptance of busy schedules and an uneasy tolerance of Leonard’s closeted bisexuality (a focal point of strife in the story).
Sure enough, long after Maestro has turned to color photography and traditional widescreen for its middle and climactic segments, the film arrives back at the elder Bernstein still at the same piano for the interview. Reaching this end, we’ve seen him be generous with his teaching of music and indulge in more than his fair share of love and creativity. We’ve seen him vacillate between introvert and extrovert, watch Felicia wither to cancer, and improve as a parent to his three children Jamie (prominently played later by Maya Hawke), Alexander, and Nina. Nonetheless, his spirit-lifting thoughts remain on her.
LESSON #4: AN ARTIST MUST CREATE IN ABSOLUTE FREEDOM– Maestro’s incredibly intimate journey comes from the infinite talent, energy, and education of Bradley Cooper. Borrowing one of Bernstein’s lines from the movie for this lesson, Cooper became an artist who created in absolute freedom. His work ethic of different roles, merged mentalities, and divisions of attention and favoritism matched his subject’s in the realm of music. Backed by producing might that included Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, it took six years of coaching, preparation, and personal improvement to bring this story to life, and the careful curation shows in every frame of the film.
Chronicling Leonard Bernstein requires perfection in the music department and Maestro got it from executive music producer and supervising music editor Jason Ruder (Babylon, The Color Purple). Cooper insisted on shooting and recording Maestro’s many musical performance scenes on the set rather than as a bisected layer recorded and applied in post-production. For those numbers, including that showstopper at the Ely Cathedral with the current incarnation of the London Symphony Orchestra belting their best, Maestro meticulously recreated the performances and dressed the actual locations with full audiences, complete with the actor-director conducting the musicians himself, and in character no less.
Reunited with A Star is Born cinematographer Matthew Libatique, Cooper sought to shoot and stage Maestro completely differently than the tight zooms of that 2018 critical and commercial success. The two mashed in some VFX trickery from John Bair to assist blind cuts and crane moves amid sleek transitions awash with shadow and light. At every turn, the execution is way up in Cooper’s sophomore directing effort. Collaborating with two-time Oscar-winning Phantom Thread and The Artist costume designer Mark Bridges and Birdman and Ad Astra production designer allowed the production to pour over every surface and stitch with heavily-researched accurate period detail, including some of Bernstein’s own surviving personal possessions. The movie is immaculate from decadence down to domesticity.
To say Bradley Cooper threw himself into his work is an understatement. He is a marvel to behold. The actor was operating with a spot-on imitation of Bernstein’s vocal annunciations, inflections, cadence, and tone. He found all the highs and lows of hubris, profundity, stress, dedication, and talent in front of and behind the camera. Is all of this in Maestro ostentatious hopscotch from Cooper? Probably, but what else would you expect from an energy like working at an insanely masterful level?
True to the final image of the film and matching to the historical relationship, Maestro, with all its hats worn by Bradley Cooper, does not function without Carey Mulligan. The English actress matches her co-star’s commitment with luminosity all her own. With willowing wallop and intricate delicacy throughout each of the stages of life on display, all of the passion, anguish, worry, conflict, and triumph of the picture is distilled through her stalwart performance filled with measureless kindness. Together, they have clinched something truly special.
Film critics are often parents too and, sometimes, one of the perks of the position is being about to bring your children as your guests to an advanced screening. Recently, Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel and I were two film critic parents of many who brought our kiddos for the viewing privilege and bragging rights of seeing the new sequel Trolls Band Together earlier. While our sons did not join the conversation as the “target demographic,” Ian and I had plenty to celebrate and compliment!
The newly rebranded Hollywood Creative Alliance continues to assemble a series of “Gradebooks” collecting early reviews and grades from their critics on popular releases. When I can get more work completed and a review submitted early enough, my take and connected quotes have the chance to make these shout-out posts. My newest was being included for The Marvels. Check out your boy!
In 2015 after Carol debuted at the Cannes Film Festival that summer, The New York Times described celebrated director Todd Haynes as being known for “making provocative films that subvert narrative structure and resound with transgressive, complex eroticism.” That description fits Todd Haynes to a T alright. Throughout his career, he engages in a lane of bravura storytelling many of his peers are afraid to tread. Moreover, Haynes has an impassioned knack for squeezing compassion from the most entangled places. His latest film, MayDecember, backed by Netflix and standing as his fourth career Palme d’Or nomination, mutates questionable empathy as only he can.
The tabloid inspiration echoing throughout MayDecember is fictionalizing the previous crimes and life of Mary Kay Letourneau and her second husband Vili Fualaau, which shocked dirt rag readers and entertainment TV viewers across the globe during the late 1990s and early 2000s. For the young and uninformed out there, Letourneau was a 34-year-old married school teacher who engaged in a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old former student Vili. Their transgressions led to two counts of second-degree rape, one revoked plea deal, six-and-a-half years of prison, lifetime level 2 sex offender status, a reversed no-contact order, and, wouldn’t you know it, two children (one born in prison) and 12 years of happy marriage. Yowzers! That right there is a whirlwind prestige TV mini-series all its own, but MayDecember is not here to recreate that exposé.
LESSON #1: LIFE AFTER SCANDAL– Rather, this film follows its Letourneau/Fualaau proxy characters of Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Joe Yoo twenty years after their tawdry scandal. Played by StillAlice Oscar winner Julianne Moore and Riverdale cast member Charles Melton, they are living their blended family private lives with their children in the same community rocked by their news attention all those years ago. To the uninitiated not doing the math with their ages, Gracie and Joe appear to be an enduring portrait of love, despite unhealed local acceptance.
MayDecember portrays their current state not unlike Letourneau’s own as described by a source to People magazine in 2018. As stated then, “They know what everyone thinks about their relationship, and they don’t care. They really never have. The wrong stuff that happened was so long ago. They are two grown adults who are living their lives now.” This is, frankly, a side of scandal aftermath we rarely see– inside or outside dramatic license– and it makes for an intriguing setting created by the script from debut feature screenwriters and longtime industry workers Samy Burch (casting director) and Alex Mechanik (editor).
Their invented catalyst for drama is Black Swan Oscar winner Natalie Portman’s arrival as actress Elizabeth Berry to the southern Georgia homestead in Tybee Island. The accomplished star is producing and starring in an upcoming film of Gracie’s story. Gracie has agreed to let Elizabeth interview her and her family over a weekend. Elizabeth’s arrival and celebrity aura turns more than a few heads all over town.
LESSON #2: RESEARCHING OR PROFILING A ROLE– Berry says all the right and convincing things with her stance of telling the complex and human story right. It is answered by Gracie’s simple request of “be kind.” However, this is a Todd Haynes film, where nothing about this examination is simple. With an internal monologue of discovery and her “Hollywood type” sunglasses acting like both mask and microscope, Elizabeth probes every intimate detail she can glean, from posture observations and voice inflection to the types and ways Gracie wears makeup. She wants to prove whether a woman like Gracie was born the way they were or made.
When sharing space with a breathy, two-way volley of each other’s thorny interests and inquiries and an invisible grudge match of cheekbones, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman grab your suspenseful attention. Gracie’s fragile and collapsing avoidance portrayed by Moore is presented to clash with Portman’s increasingly creepy emulation as Elizabeth. This rare face-off of two titan actresses sharing twin billing is an exercise of being on some of the sharpest pins and needles, while you await possible carnal sins to overwhelm the already-murky relationships.
No matter how much Gracie presents a woman carrying no guilt, shame, doubt, or regrets about her crimes, prison time, divorce, and estranged adult children from her first marriage, not everyone connected to her is so composed. Elizabeth’s brazen probing dredges up old history that breaks down people’s guards. Elizabeth, the viewer, and, in turn, a perturbed musical score from composer Marcelo Zarvos borrowing obnoxious old stingers from Michel Legrand’s 1971 work on The Go-Between can all cut the awkwardness with a dull butter knife. It’s that thick, obvious, and soft in May December.
Unfortunately on many levels, the release of built-up tension never fully arrives and takes on problematic twists of its own. Try as he may, Charles Melton is incredibly outmatched by his female counterparts. His Joe is not concrete enough to support Gracie and not interesting enough to challenge Elizabeth. Melton’s bland arrivals and inclusions grind the movie to a halt instead of accelerating it. Entire layers of potential mystery are lost and swapped for rank melodrama that would make even the gaudy evening soaps of the 1980s like Dynasty and Dallas cringe to the point where substance sours to unintentional comedy.
LESSON #3: ANSWERING TABOO WITH MORE TABOO– While ambitious as a ripe tangent in borrowing a real-life scandal, the whole shadowing angle of MayDecember overloads what was excessive enough as off-screen history to begin with. Applying a smattering of unlikely kinks and a confounding third act of insecurity swerves sinks the film. Haynes is left with a mood piece of examining taboo with more taboo. and it gets unattractively lost in just that very vibe.
Discover the top-rated online casinos in Germany for an unforgettable gaming experience.
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Introduction
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