Welcome to my world of film and art. Please enjoy my film articles and use them to study about film and add them to your movie watching list to enjoy. You will find articles on film history, different genres of film and a few film related articles on the arts.
. . .was a cultural phenomenon of the mid-1960s, when rock and pop music acts from the United Kingdom, as well as other aspects of British culture, became popular in the United States, and significant to rising counterculture on both sides of the Atlantic. Pop and rock groups such as the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five, the Kinks , the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, and the Animals were at the forefront of the invasion.
THE BRITISH INVASION. . .again!
Have you noticed? The British have invaded the film industry and the television industry! When did it begin this time?
Hugh Laurie of "House" was one of the pioneers of the British invasion. Many actors crossed the Atlantic in search of fame and fortune after this medical show became a hit.
SOME DIRECTORS AND ACTORS ARE CONCERNED
The movement of the British invasion was ignored for a long time, but their massive takeover landing major roles in the movie and TV industry is getting Hollywood's attention. Many directors are asking the question - why aren't more American actors given these roles?
WERE YOU SURPRISED?
. . .when Hugh Laurie spoke with his own language instead of the American one? I was shocked when I was watching "the Talking Dead" with Chris Hardwick and Morgan (Lennie James) began speaking with a British accent! Who knew? He did not seem British at all as he wandered the forest with his steadfast belief as Morgan that "all life is precious." Lennie nailed it!
And, what about the role of Rick Grimes played by British Andrew Lincoln? In "The Walking Dead" he acted out that role with a southern American accent and attitude! Amazing acting, giving the character his own special twist, he entertained us for over 7 years leading the survivors of the zombie apocalypse. This series is still going strong.
Daniel-Day-Lewis played the role of Abraham Lincoln. He has starred in several major American films.
WHAT IS GIVING THE BRITS THE EDGE?
Actor Samuel Jackson is speaking up about how American black actors should be getting more of these roles.
Director Spike Lee is calling for an urgent rethink in the industry and is asking why our country is failing to produce male stars with enough ability to tackle more of these major roles? He says of the international actors, "their training is very proper whereas some of these other brothers and sisters, you know, they come in here, and they don't got that training."
There was a "golden age" of time when actors such as Robert Dinero, Gene Hackman, Al Pacino and Robert Duvall attended drama school and learned serious theory and acting methods.
However, in our times often American actors get their experience from television or from auditioning for commercials. There are, of course, exceptions to the rules such as Leonardo DiCaprio whose talent and hard work keep landing him amazing roles in films.
American actors who reach their late 20's or early 30's might find themselves under qualified compared to their international competitors who spent their early 20's learning theater and how to speak properly.
For example, Tom Hiddleston (the photo above) is a 2005 graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was not discovered until he was out of his 20's. We did not notice Benedict Cumberbatch (stars in "Sherlock Holmes" streaming on Netflix) in America until he was out of his 20's as well. (photo below)
Joanna Read (of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) has been quoted, "There is a lot of stage work in British drama training, but I think its more to do with how we ask them to think about characters, how we ask them to be imaginative, and to change themselves. We will ask an actor to play against type at times, to play a role that they wouldn't necessarily be cast in the profession, in order to work out and transform how they move towards that character. It's almost like putting on a second skin." - *(see ref) Cumberbatch, Ejiofor and Oyelowo are among the actors who attended this school.
This Brit deserved an Emmy for his portrayal of a disfigured, gruff-talking former soldier! Jack Huston starred as Richard Harrow on "Boardwalk Empire." Al Capone was also played by an Englishman, Actor Stephen Graham.
Did you know Alfred Molina was born and raised in London. He is part Italian and part Spanish. He is the master of many accents.
Cary Grant spent his formative years in Bristol, England. After moving to the states as a teen, he adopted a transatlantic accent that left many wondering where he was from.
Sean Connery (August 25, 1930) was one of the first Brits to capture America's admiration. He played 007 in the first five Bond films.
Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965) then... went on to star in (1971) Diamonds Are Forever, (1983) Never Say Never Again
He was in "Marnie" (1964) by Alfred Hitchcock
One of my favorite movies was "The Untouchables" (1997) with Keven Costner.
Sean Connery was voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine in 1989 and in 1999 at age 69 he was voted "Sexiest Man of the Century. His film list is long and I am never disappointed by his performances.
American actors are finding ways to get the recognition they deserve by creating unique roles for themselves. Jake Gyllenhaal in "Night Crawler" (2014) video clip above - really pushed the limits with this character called Louis Bloom and made it all his own. The director, Dan Gilroy let him run with it! This movie made a big impression on me as I saw Gyllenhaal transformed into a con artist in L.A. loosing weight and completely changing himself into another person! Cast members included Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed and more. "Night Crawler" has received much praise from the ciritics. Jake has been offered some impressive movie roles since "Night Crawler." http://www.imbd.com
Another actor that earned recognition by creating his own character is Billy Bob Thornton. He came to international attention after writing, directing, and starring in the independent drama film, "Sling Blade" 1996 (film clip above) for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. He appeared in several major film roles following Sling Blade including Oliver Stone's "U-turn" (1997) "Primary Colors" (1998) and "Armegeddon" (1998) along with "A Simple Plan" (1998) which earned him his third Academy Award nomination.
Is this British invasion raising our standards of character acting and our television standards of acting?
What do you think?
I have enjoyed the addition of refreshing British actors who have joined the film industry and television industry. They have worked hard at entertaining us and have done outstanding with the opportunities here in the US.
I also know that American actors, when given a chance, can transform themselves and do well at character acting. The actors are just as talented and can come up with their own characters and stories to "wow" us when given the opportunity or making the opportunity!
Whether we think it a good thing or a bad thing. . .
The Brits are coming! The British invasion becomes bigger each year. Homeland Security showed a 500 percent increase in the number of visa petitions approved for actors and directors from the UK who want to work in the US entertainment industry.
I did not have time to cover the women actors. They are not loosing as many roles to Brits as the men. The women are holding their own better than the men. Another blog?
There are directors and actors who are angered by this movement and forming groups to try to solve the problem for American acting students. You can research to find them easily online.
Thank you for visiting!
Nelda
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German
Expressionism. . .began around 1910 emerging in architecture, theater and art. It gives a distorted view of the world and evokes a mood or idea. The films used asymmetrical (the absence of symmetry) camera angles, and contrasting lighting to develop themes of insanity and madness.
"Caligari" (1920) Directed by: Robert Wiene
Roger Ebert comments. . ."Caligari" is said to be the first example in cinema of German Expressionism. a visual style in which not only the characters, but the world itself is out of joint. I don't know of another film that used its extreme distortions and discordant angles, but its over-all attitude certainly cleared the way for "The Gollem" "Nosferatu" "Metropolis" and "M" In one of the best-known books ever written about film "From Caligari to Hitler", the art historian, Siegfried Kracauer argued that the rise of Nazism was foretold by the preceding years of German films, which reflected a world of wrong angles and lost values. In this reading, Caligari was Hitler and the German people were sleepwalkers under this spell." He goes on to say, "Caligari" creates a mindscape, a subjective psychological fantasy. In this world, unspeakable horror becomes possible." to read more of this review by Roger Ebert click this link: https://rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari-1920
"NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR" (1922) Director: F.W. Murnaus This is a detailed story of a vampire. It has no sound but evokes much feeling and lays down some of the characteristics of vampires that we still use today! I found this streaming on Roku! Look on your streaming channels and watch for free!
In
1927 Fritz Lang (Dec 5, 1890 to Aug 2, 1976) an Austrian-German
filmmaker and his wife wrote a movie called "Metropolis."
This film was representative of the "Expressionism" movement. This is a silent film with no sound and it had to be restored which was a long process. You do not miss the sound when you watch it! I was impressed.
These expressionism films embraced a desire for change with bold, new
ideas and artistic styles. The set designs were wildly non-realistic,
geometrically absurd angles, along with designs painted on walls and
floors to represent light, shadows and objects. The stories were
madness, insanity, betrayal and other topics triggered by experiences
of World War I (as opposed to standard action and romantic
films).
Madonna's
1989 music video "Express Yourself" pays omage to the film
"Metropolis" and Fritz Lang.
The following video clip is of Charlize Theron talking about filming of "Aeon Flux" in Berlin, Germany. This is a science fiction film heavily influenced by German Expression.
Many
science fiction films were influenced by "Metropolis" and the German Expression movement. I
just recently viewed a movie streaming on "Sling" that reminded me of "Metropolis." The name of this movie is "AEON Flux" created by Korean American animator Peter Chung. This action, horror. science fiction film was released on Dec. 2, 2005. The film is set in the future and stars Charlize Theron (video clip above) who plays Aeon Flux, the underground operator fighting totalitarian rule in the 25th century. I noticed the set designs were filled with angles, circles and extreme perspective shots. From this film was created a TV series, a video game and a comic book. I enjoyed the film and if you like science fiction, I would recommend watching it- streaming on "Sling." Also be sure and watch "Metropolis"
(now streaming on Netflix) and you will see its influence in many science fiction and horror films.
THE GOLEM Another notable film from German Expressionism is Paul Wegener's
"The Golem: How He Came Into the World" (1920). Video clip above. In this version a clay statue is brought to life by Rabbi Loew in 16th century Prague to save the Jews from the ongoing brutal persecution by the city's rulers.
GERMAN EXPRESSION has cast its shadow on some of the most well-known directors of movie history. For example, "The Killers" by Robert Siodmak's is filmed in a beautiful expressionist style which adds to the films mystery. "Citizen Kane" by Orson Welles is an ode to expressionist film making with many famous scenes displaying this style. Tim Burton films are highly influenced by expressionism. German Expression is nearly 100 years old; but it still inspires directors and screenwriters.
THIS MOVEMENT BEGAN TO END - "The Blue Angel" (1930) (clip above) is considered the last German Expressionism film. Directed by Josep Von Sternberg Starring: Marlene Dietrich A full feature "talkie" film. Marlene and Sternberg went on to make 6 more movies together! . . .during the mid 1920's. Some 1,500 directors,
producers, actors and other film professionals emigrated to
Hollywood, California during the years after the Nazis came to power.
Among them were Billy Wilder, Erich Pommer, Marlene Dietrich, Peter Lorre and
Director Fritz Lang who had a long and prosperous career in America.
Therefore this style remained influential especially during the 1930's and 1940's in American
horror films and film noir. Director Fritz Lang in photo below.
INFLUENCE OF GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM
THE HORROR GENRE OWES A DEBT TO GERMAN FILMS OF THE 1920'S.
Lord Browning's "Dracula" (1931) contains all the hallmarks of Expressionism, along with the movie "Frankenstein" by John Wales.
THE FILM NOIR GENRE began in the early 1940's and one of its biggest influences were expressionism and crime fiction. Just like expressionism, film noir is noted for its striking visuals and the use of shadows to add a pessimistic view of the world.
A
LITTLE ABOUT GERMANY. . .
Germany
is one of the most industrialized countries. Located in
central-western Europe, Germany is a democratic, federal,
parliamentary republic. It contains 16 states with a very high
standard of living. It is a global leader in several industrial and
technological sectors. It is called "Federal Republic of
Germany".
BERLIN
is the capital and the largest metropolis.
In
the 21st century, Berlin has emerged as a major
international creative center. Berlin is in the art world spotlight. Many types of festivals are held here each year.
Berlin
holds an annual "The Berlin International Film Festival" also called "Berlinale" which is considered the largest publicly
attended film festival worldwide. This past year was the 66th festival. (Runs Feb. 11 thru 21) Founded in 1951, Up to 400 films are shown in several sections, representing a comprehensive array of the film world. About twenty films compete for the awards called the Golden and Silver Bears. The Golden Bear is Berlinale's highest award featured on the German capital's flag. The winner is chosen by an international jury; last year Meryl Streep presented the award.
The
Cohen brothers' "Hail Ceasar" released in the UK on March 4
opened last year's festival.
A little more about Germany's Art. . .
GERMANY IS A FASHION HUB
Germany is a leader in the fashion industry. The German textile industry consisted of 1,300 companies with more than 130,000 employees in 2010. Berlin Fashion week and its fashion trade fair "Bread and Butter" are held twice a year.
GERMANY FAMOUS FOR THEIR BREAD
Bread is a significant part of German cuisine and German bakeries produce about 600 main types of bread and 1,200 different types of pastries and rolls.
GERMANY IS THE SECOND LARGEST MUSIC MARKET IN EUROPE AND FOURTH LARGEST IN THE WORLD
Movements of Neue Deutsche Welle, pop, Ostrock, heavy metal/rock, punk, pop rock, indie and schlager pop as well as electronic music pioneered by Kraftwek and Tangerine Dream. Techno and house music scenes of Germany have become well known. (e.g. Felix Jaehn, Paul van Dyk, Paul Kalkbrenner and Scooter).
Germany has an open mind and open arms to all art, in all its many forms and is rising to influence the world once again and celebrate with us the wonderful gift of art.
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Although there was never a formally organized movement, these filmmakers of the late 1950's and 1960's were linked by their rejection of the literary period pieces being made in France written by novelists which was the stats quo.
The film makers believed that the director was the author of his movies. Each filmmaker left characteristics of individual style from film to film.
Just like today, these were independent film makers and they usually had a low budget. For instance, they would use grocery carts for their moving scenes and home made props for different effects of light and sound. They were intelligent and innovative. They used the hand-held cameras and this free style to their advantage.
Although they were breaking the rules, this group knew the rules to begin with. They had studied Alfred Hitchock, John Ford, and legendary French director, Jean Renoir (Godard and Truffaut considered him a master film maker.) He was from the 1930's known for "The Grand Illusion and "Rules of the Game". Truffaut would ask himself, "What would Renoir Do?"
Francois Truffaut was one of the pioneers of the French New Wave. His ground breaking films were "Jules and Jim" and "The 400 Blows".
Truffaut was friends with Jean Luc Godard another pioneer of this time period.
Quentin Tarantino is a filmmaker who shows the study and application of French New Wave techniques. He openly speaks of Godard and the influence he has had on the movie industry and in his own movies. It can be said that "Pulp Fiction" was made in tribute to Godard films. Tarantino even named his production company "A Band Apart" after the Godard Film of a similar name.
Above photo are actors Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in the movie "Breathless" the following poster.
The New Wave exploded in 1959 with the release of 3 films - Truffaut's (400 Blows), Alain Renais' (Hiroshima), and (Beathless) by Godard. (photo above is Godard with umbrella).
Roger Ebert said, " When you begin to get into his universe, when you've seen a lot of Godard, you find yourself liking him more and more. One day something clicks, and Godard comes together. And then, perhaps, you decide that is he is not the greatest living director his is certainly the most audacious, the most experimental, the one who understands best how movies work. (from his review on "Pierrot Le Fou")
Renais was of an older generation however his style and influence on the New Wave was apparent in (Hiroshima) which won the International Critics Award at Cannes Film Festival 1959. Truffaut was also awarded the Best Director for (400 Blows).
Their Style. . .
New Wave film makers often used hand held cameras and New Wave saw the invention of the "jump cut." This is when a scene is cut forward in time, whether by a split second or many seconds. Godard used the "jump cut" often. For example, in "Breathless" when a character shoots someone all the viewer sees is a gun being pointed, then there is a character falling over.
"Elevator to The Gallows" was directed by Louis Malle and featured Jeanne Moreau, who was very famous at the time. I recommend this film!
Louis Marie Malle, (30 October 1932 - 23 November 1995) was a French film director, screenwriter and producer. He was well known both in French cinema and Hollywood producing films in both French and English languages.
He won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1957 but they presented the award at the ceremony to the film's co-director Jacques Cousteau. He was nominated later in his career multiple times for Academy Awards. He won the"Golden Lion" multiple times.
His most famous films include the crime film "Ascenseur pour l'echafaud (1958), the World War II drama Lucien (1974) a romantic crime film "Atlantic City" (1980), the comedy drama "My Dinner with Andre" (1981) and the autobiographical film "Au revoir les enfants (1987).
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As a former British colony, Hong Kong had a greater degree of political and economic freedom than mainland China and Taiwan. It developed into the center for making film for the Chinese speaking world. Hong Kong was the third largest film industry in the world (after Indian cinema and Hollywood.) Despite returning to Chinese sovereignty in July, 1997, Hong Kong film has retained much of its distinct identity and continues to play a prominent part in world cinema.
Bruce Lee laid the foundation for Hong Kong action movies.
"Way of the Dragon" (1972) was directed by Bruce Lee himself. Hong Kong's films first rose to public popularity after the kung fu action movie boom of the 70's. By then, Bruce had already established himself as an action hero and many other actors endeavored to follow his footsteps. Bruce Lee is the founder of the martial art "Jeet Kune Do." He was born Nov. 27.1940, SanFrancisco, CA to a Cantonese opera star, Lee Hoi-chuen. His real name was Lee Jun-fan. He died July20, 1973 in Hong Kong.
Wong Kar-wai is a Hong Kong filmmaker, renowned for his visually unique, highly stylized work. He was born July 17,1958 in Shanghai. By the time he was five years old, his parents relocated to British-ruled Hong Kong. (photo below)
By 1987, the Hong Kong industry was at a peak enjoying prosperity and productivity. Wong was given the chance to direct his own film. Gangster films were popular at the time. In the wake of John Woos, "A Better Tomorrow" Wong decided to follow suit, however, unlike the other crime films in Hong Kong, he chose to focus on young gangsters. "As Tears Go By" is the story of a conflicted youth. He hired some of the hottest young idols in Hong Kong to be in the movie. It was released in 1988 and was a critical success and he was considered now among the "Hong Kong New Wave."
"Chunking Express". . .by Wong Kar-Wai
Wong came up with "Chunking Express" while facing a two-month break as he waited for equipment to re-record the sound for another movie. He was in a negative state of mind. So, he decided to start a new project to make himself feel comfortable making films again. Conceived and completed within only six weeks. The setting is contemporary Hong Kong. He would film at night what he had written during the day. This is a great film and I recommend watching it!!
Quentin Tarantino's "Rolling Thunder Pictures" production company released "Chunking Express" in the US. His commentary can be found on YouTube. see: Quentin Tarantino Chunking Express
Tarantino talks about the "freedom of expression" and brings out the fact that Hong Kong movies have a feeling of excitement and spontaneity that is an earmark of Hong Kong film. The artists had the freedom to go beyond boundaries. Wong Kar-Wai's films have an added influence of the French New Wave making them an interesting culture blend.
Wong Kar-Wai's has an amazing biography worth looking into. Some of the other films he directed are: "As Tears Go By" (1988); "Days of Being Wild" (1990); "Ashes of Time (1994); "Chunking Express" (1994); "Fallen Angels" (1995); "Happy Together" (1997); "2046" (2004); "The Grand Master (2013); "In The Mood For Love" (2000)
John Woo is a Chinese born Hong Kong film director, writer and producer. He has directed several notable Hong Kong action films, among them, "A Better Tomorrow" (1986); "The Killer" (1989); "Hard Boiled" (1992); and "Red Cliff (2008/09)
John Woo on the set with Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible 2" (2000) above
His Hollywood films include "Broken Arrow" (1996); and "Face Off (1997); and "Mission Impossible" (2000)
Woo made several Heroic Bloodshed films in the late 1980's and early 1990's, nearly all starring Chow Yun-Fat. Woo gained international success with "The Killer" which became the most successful Hong Kong film in American release since Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon (1973.) Woo has a long career as a writer, director and producer. Check the reference links below to find out more about his varied career in Hong Kong and in America.
Chow Yun-fat is a Hong Kong Actor
He is best known in Asia for his collaborations with filmmaker John Woo in the heroic bloodshed genre films "A Better Tomorrow", "The Killer", "Hard Boiled."
He was also in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and "Pirates of The Carribbean: At World's End."
Chow Yun-fat was born May 18, 1955 in Hong Kong. When Chow appeared in the 1980 TV series, "The Bund," it did not take long for him to become a household name in Hong Kong. The series, about the rise and fall of a gangster in the 1930's Shanghai, was a hit throughout Asia and made Chow a star. He went on to become a big screen star working with John Woo in several films.
Jet Li's. . . hand print and autograph is at the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong. Li is master of several styles of wushu. It is Li's authemtic martial arts prowess that enabled his rise to domestic and international fame.
Jet Li made his American film debut in "Lethal Weapon 4" (1988.) He turned down Chow Yun-fats role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000.) because he promised his wife that he would not make any films during her pregnancy.
According to LI, everything he has ever wanted to tell the world can be found in three of his films. The message of "Hero" is that the suffering of one person can never be as the significant as the suffering of a nation. "Unleashed" shows that violence is never a solution, and "Fearless" tells that the biggest enemy of a person is himself. Jet Li thinks that the greatest weapon is a smile and the largest power is love.
Note: see my blog on martial arts to learn more about Jet Li click here:
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. . .when Hugh Laurie spoke with his own language instead of the American one? I was shocked when I was watching "the Talking Dead" with Chris Hardwick and Morgan (Lennie James) began speaking with a British accent! Who knew? He did not seem British at all as he wandered the forest with his steadfast belief as Morgan that "all life is precious." Lennie nailed it!
This Brit deserved an Emmy for his portrayal of a disfigured, gruff-talking former soldier! Jack Huston starred as Richard Harrow on "Boardwalk Empire." Al Capone was also played by an Englishman, Actor Stephen Graham.
