With the post-COVID-19 world finally allowing in-person screenings, there are a lot of hotly anticipated indie films to look out for this 2023. Luckily, movie buffs and casual enjoyers alike have plenty to look forward to throughout the year.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most anticipated features to consider adding to your “watch list.” The Pod Generation This picture features Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor, leading a futuristic comedy set in a world where couples can rent detachable, artificial wombs called “pods”, allowing for shared pregnancies and flexible parenting. The film raises very interesting ideas about the role of technology in fertility and parenthood, meaning this feature will no doubt be a talking point at dinner tables. Cat Person Nothing quite captures the anxiety of online dating quite like Kristen Reoupenian’s short story Cat Person, published in 2017. This romantic comedy thriller became a viral hit for its sinister story unraveling a courtship that turns bitter, complete with ghosting, catfishing, and red flags everywhere. Susanna Fogel, who co-wrote Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart, is at the helm of the much-anticipated movie rendition. There’s high hopes that this film is going to take a stab at breaking the internet just like the story did. Look out for Oscar-winning Coda’s Emilia Jones and breakout star Nicholas Braun in their lead roles. Eileen Based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s chart-topping novel, the movie adaption follows the unraveling of the iconic Eileen Dunlop, a misanthropic woman stuck in a rut both personally and professionally. When a charismatic new member of the staff, Rebecca, joins the office, their friendship flourishes. However, things take a devious turn when Rebecca influences Eileen into participating in a heinous crime. Thomasin McKenzie plays a sublime role as the slightly odd Eileen, while Anne Hathaway provides an award-worthy performance as the seductive Rebecca. Sometimes I Think About Dying Main character Fran finds herself to be a ghost in her own life. Isolated in her dreary office job, she passes the time wishing she couldn’t simply disappear. That is until a dynamic new hire, Robert, arrives and tries to strike up a friendship with her. Daisy Ridley provides a stellar performance as the alienated Fran, a woman who craves human interaction but struggles with the real-life demands of partnership. Run Rabbit Run A psychological thriller that was the talk of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival is set to make waves. Succession’s Sarah Snook takes on the identity of a frazzled mother struggling to make sense of her daughter’s unexplained emotional decline in the days after her seventh birthday. The film is an exploration of the anxieties that come with motherhood, as well as a personal reckoning for the main character. Directed by Daina Reid, the film is widely anticipated considering she was nominated for an Emmy for The Handmaid’s Tale, so you ought to expect a stunning portrayal of trauma and grief. Is it fair to say that the Academy Awards mean less to people than the awards show did about 20 years ago?
Unfortunately, yes. It does seem that award shows across the board are experiencing a decline in viewership and interest among the general public. And you know what? I couldn’t care less about that, because for movie lovers like myself, it remains a golden opportunity (pun intended) to discuss the best films of the year. For filmmakers and cinephiles like myself, that’s all we ever really want to do. So for today’s blog post, I’ll be sharing my picks for the top awards of the most important film show of the year. Note: I’m not aiming for what I think is most likely to win, but rather personal preferences based on the nominees available. Best Picture: “Everything Everywhere All At Once” This year has many excellent nominees, but it’s an easy choice for me to go with “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” This utterly original film from the filmmaking team known as The Daniels bursts with as much color and creative energy, living up to its flamboyant name with a smorgasbord of multiversal hijinks held together by an original and moving story. Michelle Yeoh, who also received a Best Actress nomination for this film, gives one of the best performances of her already impressive career. Yeoh and the many excellent supporting actors, including Jamie Lee-Curtis and Stephanie Hsu, get the chance to show off their range as they play various versions of themselves throughout this wacky story. But that’s the thing: Behind all the self-aware jokes lies a deeply serious movie about the strains of modern life. The loneliness and disconnection from each other, the confusion over self-identity, the sense that life should be better than it is — it’s all rendered in loving detail. This is absolutely the most original film of the year. Best Director: Todd Field for “Tár” It’s truly disappointing that Todd Field’s psychological drama about a fictional orchestra conductor ended up bombing at the box office last fall. “Tár” deserved more from audiences, and so does Todd Field, who turned out a stunning depiction of conducting with Cate Blanchett giving one of her greatest performances (which is really saying something for a woman who already has two Academy Awards). Following the downfall of fictional composer and conductor Lydia Tár, it premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in September 2022. It won Blanchett the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Field deserves a nod for this film, and he should get the recognition for it. Best Actor: Daniel Kaluuya for “Nope” Will “Nope” finally bring Jordan Peele the spotlight he deserves? Because while Todd Field feels like an obvious choice for Best Director, it’s hard to argue against the need to officially recognize Peele as one of the great emerging directors of our time. However, his latest film, the genre mashup of science-fiction, western and horror, ultimately didn’t hold together quite as well as the modern horror masterpieces “Get Out” or “Us.” However, Daniel Kaluuya, the star of “Get Out,” brings another brilliant performance in “Nope,” elevating the overstuffed story with an emotional and intelligent approach to his horse-wrangling protagonist. It might not be the time for Peele’s Oscar, but perhaps it’s the right time to recognize Kaluuya as one of his generation’s best actors. Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh for “Everything Everywhere All At Once” Yes, we’re coming back to “Everything Everywhere All At Once” for this one. Michelle Yeoh has led a long and distinguished career, primarily in the martial arts genre, which doesn’t normally get a lot of love from critics or award shows. It’s tough for any actor to play a dozen different versions of the same character, yet Yeoh does so brilliantly, while also retaining a vulnerability that brings the film to a deeply moving conclusion. She also bravely depicts the reality of Chinese family and culture, especially the relationship between mothers and daughters. And yes, it would be pretty cool to finally have an Asian actress take the industry’s most prestigious award. Who better to receive it than one of the most visible Asian actors of all time? There are a number of unforgettable movies that define a decade full of innovation. In order to shine a light on arguably one of the best decades of film, I’ve rounded up some of the best-ranking films of the 1990s.
For this particular list, we’re going to get a little eclectic, so every genre is fair game. I’ve included Hollywood hits and more. I’ll take into account the pictures’ overall awesomeness, contribution to culture, and the ability to re-watch. To be clear, all of these films are great in their own right, and all film fans have to see each of them at least once. GoldenEye (1995) A breath of fresh air delivered Bond to the 1990s. Directed by Martin Campbell (who returned a decade later with Casino Royale), Golden Eye is an awesome action thriller with the kind of set pieces that really added to the iconic Bond brand. There are plenty of vibrant and memorable characters that really spoke to the culture of the time. Goldeneye the movie is now almost completely synonymous with the video game for the N64, the first-person shooter that had perhaps even more of a cultural impact than the film. Magnolia (1999) Whoever said melodrama is a bad word is wrong. Paul Thomas Anderson’s ensemble follow-up to Boogie Nights is an incredible collage of interconnected stories, featuring the Oscar-nominated Tom Cruise. Depending on who you ask, some people think the finale is genius or a bust, but it by far is an iconic film. Edward Scissorhands (1990) It’s impossible to not be entranced by Tim Burton’s fairy tale about a gentle-natured outsider feared for his ghastly appearance. This Christmas season's favourite benefits from stunning German Expressionism production design and haunting score by Danny Elfman. There's Something About Mary (1998) Definitely not a film you’d traditionally want to watch with your parents, the vulgar and offensive film is a jumping-off point for the comedy of Peter and Bobby Farrelly. Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Lee Evans, and Chris Elliot star as men enchanted by the prospect of winning the affection of a beautiful woman named Mary, played by Cameron Diaz. Wayne's World (1992) The majority of SNL movies have a bad rap for being infamously bad. But Mike Myers and Dana Carvey are party time, excellent in Penelope Spheeris’ side-splitting laugh riot. And unlike some, the sequel is nothing to scoff at either. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) Stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, as well as director/co-writer Nora Ephron, are in top form in this sweet and often hilarious romantic comedy about a widower and a reporter who fall in love through the airwaves. It was nominated for two Oscars, proving to be a big hit with the critics and the box office, grossing approximately ten times its budget globally. Reservoir Dogs (1992) It’s very tempting to call Reservoir Dogs one of the ultimate independent films. It’s a heist movie, only due to budgetary concerns, the viewer never actually sees the heist, primarily just the aftermath. The film is actually stronger due to this reason. It’s all about the process, not the payoff. The process is the payoff. Yet, as crackling and head-turning as the filmmaking is, it doesn’t transcend its genre-movie trappings to become something new. If you were to rewatch Reservoir Dogs in 2022, it comes across as a wildly talented filmmaker warming up to bigger and better things. The Fugitive (1993) Harrison Ford’s most popular picture since Witness, a Hitchcockian tale of a wrongfully accused man and an aggressive manhunt offered a critical and commercial phenomenon. It was nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. These are just a few of the most memorable movies of the time, but there are definitely many more to cover. Perhaps we’ll explore those in another article. For now, if you haven’t had the chance to take a look at some of these films from the 1990s, it’s time to boot up your favourite streaming service and give them a watch. You won’t be sorry. This fall season is proving to have a colourful roster of worthwhile content, and with the chill in the air nearly upon us, you’re going to need a good blanket and something to watch. Here are some of the top picks you can enjoy across popular streaming platforms.
Lord of the Rings – Rings of Power, Amazon Prime This series is set thousands of years before the original events of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and is based on the history of Middle-earth. The series starts at a time of relative peace and covers all of the major events of Middle-earth’s Second Age: the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the fall of the island kingdom of Númenor, and the last alliance between Elves and Men. These events take place over thousands of years in J. R. R. Tolkien’s original stories but have been condensed down for the series. See, Apple TV+ During the 21st century, a virus has wiped out the majority of humanity. Fewer than two million people have survived, and both they and their descendants have lost the ability to see. See takes place several centuries later, when society has adapted and found new ways to socially interact, build, hunt, and survive without their sight. The concept of vision has become a myth, and any mention of it is considered heresy. In the mountains, a pregnant woman named Maghra seeks shelter with the Alkenny tribe. The chief of said tribe, Baba Voss, was unable to father his own children, choosing to marry Maghra and care for her children. However, the children’s biological father, a man named Jerlamarel, is wanted by the Queen of the Payan kingdom for the heresy of being “sighted” (being able to see). The word spreads of Jerlamarel siring children, prompting a hunt for the man and his offspring. Baba Voss subsequently must protect his family and tribe against the Queen’s army. House of the Dragon, HBO Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s Targaryen history book Fire and Blood, House of the Dragon is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The show focuses on the infamous event in Westeros history referred to as the Dance of the Dragons. This is a civil war that took place between the siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra regarding who would take the throne after the death of their father Viserys I. The war would pit all of Westeros against itself, with other houses such as the Starks and Lannisters joining each side. Many of House Targaryen’s powerful dragons would perish, and soon after, would go extinct until Daenerys Targaryen would hatch three eggs hundreds of years later. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Amazon Prime The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina takes place in the fictional town of Greendale. The series is a dark, coming-of-age story that plays on the themes of horror, fear, and the art of witchcraft. Sabrina Spellman, a young teen girl, has to reconcile her dual nature as a half-witch, and half-mortal, all while fighting the evil forces that threaten her, her family, and the world of humans. We’ve covered some challenges you may face in the world of filmmaking, so it only makes sense that we go through some helpful tips to aid you in your filmmaking dream. Work with what you have Don’t write scenes into a film that you can’t realistically produce. For example, if you want a scene with a large crowd, but don’t have the actors for it or an event you can use as a backdrop, find something more achievable. Play into your own strengths that allow you to find something unique that you have access to that you can use in a movie. Study films Making mistakes as a new filmmaker is easy if you pay close attention to your favorite films. Pick a movie you love and try watching it without the sound. Pay attention to the camera angles, editing, and lighting. Watch short films on YouTube and see how you can tell an epic story in five minutes. You don’t necessarily have to meet the same production value, but having a good idea of the filmmaking craft can help you get ahead. Develop an entrepreneurial spirit As an aspiring filmmaker, you’re likely focused on creating a great product. You want to create the best shots, cast the best talent, and create the film you’ve always wanted. Of course, all of these things are absolutely important for filmmakers of all skill and experience levels. However, you should be attempting to make connections with other people in the industry to help get your foot in the door. Having an entrepreneurial mindset has to remain in place for the entirety of your career. Treating your passion as a business project is the best way to keep yourself on track. Continue Learning Early on, Mike Tyson was known for studying his opponents before every match, and he became one of the most impressive boxers of all time. This is something that filmmakers should consider doing as well! You have to be willing to learn every step of the way. Even if you become a famous filmmaker, there’s always more you can learn throughout your career. Never get too comfortable with your skillset and actively search out new methods and techniques to bolster your filmmaking skills. Be ambitious, and respectful When you’re in the process of making a film, you’re going to have to work with large groups of actors and get permission to film in certain locations. If you are rude or testy while you’re going through this process, you’re not going to have actors who want to stick around. It’s important to market yourself, not just your filmmaking skills. Afterall, we all want to be respected. If you sour a relationship with a property owner at a key location, they may not want to have you back. Take it from iconic director Spike Lee: being polite and approachable only benefits you more. These are just some tips to consider when you’re a new, up-and-coming filmmaker. Everything is a learning process, so there’s no shame in learning from your peers and expanding your knowledge base. Being a beginner filmmaker is no joke, especially if you’re coming from one industry and moving into another. There are common challenges that just about any filmmaker must face, and avoiding them early on will save you a lot of headaches in the future. It’s important to know that everyone learns differently, and it’s common to have missteps and blunders along the way. Most of us learn by experiencing these challenges firsthand. So, what are some of these challenges and how can we avoid them? Let’s explore the topic together. Writing a weak story Writing the perfect story isn’t easy, and requires a lot of time and revision to get it just right. However, sometimes in our excitement, we may be quick to get the story down and get straight to work. The problem here is if you write a weak story, this is going to lead to aimless acting that doesn’t compel your audience the way you want. It happens sometimes in amateur films where the characters don’t have clear-cut goals based on the story. If they don’t know what direction they’re going in, it’s going to impact the effectiveness of the story. Don’t be afraid to sit with your concept and rewrite it. Just like most things, the first draft isn’t the best version of what you can create. Ineffective scripting When you’re first getting into script writing, there’s the potential for mishaps to occur. Writing scripts isn’t an easy feat for beginners, and is another area you need to really practice to get it right. This can cause a lack of connection between characters. If you don’t write an effective script, your characters' dialogue won’t gel together, which can make things seem awkward. This is common when you rush your script writing, which is understandable. When you’ve sat with a concept for so long, it’s easy to want to see it come to life quickly. However, like anything you truly want, you need to invest the time. Reread your script and try reading it out loud. See how the dialogue feels coming off your own tongue and adjust the delivery accordingly. Misusing sound equipment Can you imagine a film where you can see the characters’ mouths moving but you hear nothing? Sounds pretty silly, but this can happen between takes if your sound equipment isn’t up to snuff. This happens when you use sound equipment that doesn’t serve your needs or don’t know how to use the equipment. Invest in decent equipment and make sure you know how to use it. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the latest audio equipment on the market, but finding a good middle point will save you a lot of grief in the future. Improper casting selection The casting choices you make can go a long way to make a movie successful. New filmmakers sometimes cast the wrong characters for the role, it happens. You need to consider your vision and choose someone who fits the character. This can be difficult when you want to give opportunities to everyone who comes through your door, it’s natural to feel that way. However, making the right choice can make or break your film. Take the time to review prospective casting options and see how they match up with your vision. Poor shot composition The background of the movie helps make the film interesting. When it comes to shot composition, there’s a concept we call “dead spaces.” These spaces are areas in a scene that has no activity taking place. It generally isn’t good to have too much dead space because the shots lack depth and balance. It’s a simple thing to overlook, but as you train your eyes, you’ll learn to spot them. Take the time to look at each shot and consider having a shot list handy to help you avoid this issue. Poor Lighting Similar to not having the right sound equipment, if your scenes aren’t properly lit, your movie isn’t going to look good. The last thing you want is for your film to not match the vision you have inside your head. Consider the natural lighting in your scenes and when applicable, make sure you have lighting equipment to properly light a scene. Unnecessary pauses Sometimes, amateur movies contain a lot of unnecessary pauses. Imagine seeing two characters talking and the scene is paused to draw in the audience. This is a great way to bring in dramatic tension. However, if you overuse pauses or put them in the wrong place, things can translate awkwardly to your audience. Use pauses sparingly and only when they add something to the scene. These are just some of the common challenges new filmmakers face while they learn how to hone their craft. If you’ve made any of these, don’t worry – there’s always room for improvement and no one starts out knowing everything. Continue to study and practice your art and you will definitely find improvement in the future. |
AuthorBardya Ziaian is a Toronto-based business executive, film producer, actor, and entrepreneur with specific expertise in the areas of Fintech, brokerage services, and financial systems. Archives
February 2023
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