*Movie Mondays*

This intense film from director Kenneth Lonergan almost didn't make it to theaters due to multiple lawsuits surrounding its original excessive runtime of over 3 1/2 hours, even with the praise of Scorcese, who deemed it "a masterpiece." However, even in its condensed version of 2 1/2 hours, we are given such a deep look into the minds of the characters. The character development is really something of importance for the structure of the film, especially the main character Lisa, played brilliantly by Anna Paquin.

The film centers on Lisa, a young girl who inadvertdently causes a bus accident which ends up killing an innocent woman. Lisa can not seperate herself from the sitauation and goes to great lengths to right the wrongs of the legal system. 

While it is a drama concerning this tragic event, it is more so a coming of age story. It shows the oftentimes relentless conviction of Lisa and the whirlwind of her teenage transition into adulthood. Lonergan does this in a way that intertwines what is wrong with the world with what is happening to Lisa and her crazed spiral into insanity over the tragedy. This well developed film is complete with a great cast including Matt Damon, Matthew Broderick, and Mark Ruffalo, to name a few. It definitely is a film worth checking out. It is one that will leave you thinking for days because it addresses so many important issues concerning politics, religion and moral responsibility.

*Movie Mondays*

This film is absolutely alluring in its ambiguous and engaging plot twists, and an ending that leaves everything up to the viewer to interpret for themselves. There are so many interesting perspectives and underlying symbolism in this film that stars Elizabeth Olsen (yes, the Olsen twin's little sis), as a confused girl who escapes an abusive and immoral cult. Elizabeth Olsen plays the role perfectly, and definitely holds her own name.

I recommend you watch this film with an open mind and a few hours to spare for thought and discussion of what is really going on beneath the eerie surface the film barely touches upon.

This hauntingly beautiful film by Sean Durkin will undoubtedly leave you questioning what is real and what is hidden within the illusion of our own memories.

Elizabeth Olsen alongside John Hawkes

Elizabeth Olsen and Sarah Paulson

Photo Source: 

IMDB

*Movie Mondays*

David Lynch's Mulholland Drive (2001) is quite the psychological adventure that leaves us wanting more with its surreal context and haunting imagery. Lynch's neo-noir style grabs our attention and throws us into an intoxicating dark twist of events. The flawless Naomi Watts plays the role perfectly alongside Laura Elena Harring. 

Lynch delivers another masterpiece, possibly topping the beloved Blue Velvet (1986), with its similar nightmare after effects. I recommend this dizzying, yet beautiful piece of film history, however be aware this is not for the faint of heart.

*Movie Mondays*

Ok, so I know this film is not set to release until December 25, 2012, but can I just talk for a minute about how excited I am for it.. and about the AMAZING cast? Leo, Tobey, Carey..oh my. This is sure to be a beautiful rendition and finally give proper justice to Fitzgerald's masterpiece. 

I feel this is in safe hands, as it will be under the creative license of Baz Luhrmann, the man behind great films such as Australia and Moulin Rouge. I have no fear that this will be as tasteful as it is true to the glamour that Fitzgerald had intended.

Photo Source:

http://blogs.indiewire.com/

*Movie Mondays*

 Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" is as visually stunning as it is heartwarming. It explores and honors the history of the great Georges Méliès, filmmaker and visual effects pioneer. As a lover and enthusiast of visual effects in film, this story held a lot of meaning for me. Scorsese's masterpiece pulls all the right heart strings as an homage to cinema and imagination in this timeless adventure, appropriately shot in vivid 3D.

The film is set in snowy Paris in the 1930s featuring striking visual effects shots of the city and the inner workings of the clocks at the station. It is no wonder it won this year's highest honor in visual effects at the Oscars. This beautifully charming token of cinema is not to be forgotten for it's technical and creative aesthetics alongside its inspiring story of courage and love.

Georges Méliès' Le Voyage dans la Lune; 1902

Photo Source: 

http://www.cine-international.com

http://the3drevolution.blogspot.com

*Movie Mondays*

Darren Aronofksy's "Pi" is simply genius. As an independent film it stands out for its unique editing style. Shot entirely in black and white, it unveils the exploration of the madness within the mind of a mathematician.

I expect nothing less from Aronofsky with his masterpieces of art through film that is seen in so much of his work including "Black Swan,""The Fountain," and "Requiem For A Dream." This film is not unlike any of his other successes, with its complex social undertones and artistic quality.

Photo Source: IMDB

*Movie Mondays*

I was pleasantly surprised by this film after seeing it this weekend. The books had a great story but I think  this series works better as a movie trilogy than a book trilogy, as horrible as that may sound. Suzanne Collins (author and screenwriter) did an amazing job keeping true to the storyline and adapting the novels almost flawlessly. I was blown away by the acting from Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, and Willow Shields as Primrose. There was so much emotion and meaning intertwined into this action packed blockbuster. I'm excited to see how the 2nd and 3rd films come out!

Photo Source: IMDB

*Movie Mondays*

Hitchcock's cinema definitely holds a piece of my heart, and his most personal film, Vertigo is no exception. This film is a classic for its symbolism and alluring artistic aesthetic. It is one of Hitchcock's most thought out and perfectly made pieces of neo-noir. I could not recommend films each week without mentioning this one, as it is in my top 5 favorite films of all time.

*Movie Mondays*

Water For Elephants is a wonderfully entertaining film, adapted from Sara Gruen's timeless novel. The cinematography blends beautifully with its vintage look. Robert Pattinson surprised me with his well complimented role alongside the lovely Reese Witherspoon. This film is a must-see for admirers of time period films and the imaginative ideas of the tests of true love.

 

Photo Source: imdb

*Movie Mondays*

This artfully composed film by Lars Von Trier caught my eye with its etheral visual imagery and beautiful cinematography. Kirsten Dunst is flawless alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg and Kiefer Sutherland in this visceral rendition of the end of the world that showcases the spectrum of human love and fear.

Photo Source: http://www.magpictures.com/melancholia/#