FILM: SOMEWHERE

Elliot Hyams takes a look at the latest film from indie goddess Sofia Coppola.

Since her debut with The Virgin Suicides, Sofia Coppola has carved herself a niche as a filmmaker capable of telling small beautifully crafted stories of isolated and bored individuals. She is not afraid to take risks when it comes to slowing down a narrative to an almost complete stand still, everything she does is calculated and considered and for those who enjoy her work the end process can make for rewarding viewing. She received mainstream accolades for Lost in Translation, a story of romance between a bored over the hill actor and the unappreciated wife of a photographer set against a Tokyo backdrop and this month’s release, Somewhere, sees her returning to similar territory. Somewhere is the story of A-list actor Johnny Marco, played fantastically by Stephen Dorff. Johnny lives a privileged but dull life. In between being ushered to and from shoots and publicity tours, he spends his days drinking and smoking, and his evenings stumbling from one one-night-stand to the next. Whilst this may sound appealing in truth it is not, Johnny’s life is a constant stream of monotonous tedium broken only by visits from his eleven year old daughter Cleo.

Somewhere is a film where not a lot happens, although this may prove frustrating to some viewers it is the whole point of the story. Large parts of the film are still and silent, consisting of Johnny left to his own devices. The opening scene sees him driving his Ferrari repeatedly round an empty race track until boredom sets in and he can do it no more, this is a repeated motif of the film. Johnny does the same things over and over because he doesn’t seem to know what else to do. Dorff plays the part with a bemused vulnerability most perfectly encapsulated in a scene where he returns to the hotel room where he lives to find his best friend throwing a party where Johnny spends most of his time hiding in a corner. Unlike most films about Hollywood this is not a story of excess, it is a story of reality. The relationship between the actor and his young daughter played fantastically by young Elle Fannning is one of the most naturalistic relationships to be put to film in recent years and their interaction is a pleasure to watch.

Despite her skill as a writer it is Coppola’s use of silence that speaks volumes within this carefully constructed narrative, and there is a narrative here. This film is a study of a man without direction and meaning to his life, a man who wishes to be a better person, a better father but is unsure how to go about it. It moves far beyond the themes of loneliness explored in her previous work and into something that is truly beautiful. Somewhere is not a film that everyone will enjoy, many will find tedious and dull, but for those willing to offer it the level of patience and thought it deserves it will prove to be one of the most fascinating and touching films of the year.

Review by Elliot Hyams

FILM: JACKASS 3D

Elliot Hyams takes a look at the latest slice of gross-out fun from Johnny Knoxville and his band of Jackasses.

There are some things in life that are an acquired taste. That, as the makers of Marmite would suggest, you either love or you hate. Whilst the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone is a noble one, there are some things that simply aren’t for everyone. For example, a fan of legendary thrash metal band Slayer would probably not enjoy going to a Justin Timberlake concert. Whilst there can be no denying that Justin is a talented performer, his skills would be wasted on someone who preferred heavy guitar riffs to nifty dance moves and R & B harmonies. The point I’m trying to make here is that there are some things that certain people are predetermined to like and others are destined to despise, and the latest offering from Johnny Knoxville and his band of lunatics, Jackass 3D, definitely fits into that category.

Like its two predecessors, Jackass 3D has no narrative or story, but is instead comprised of a series of pranks and skits that revolve around Knoxville and his team inflicting pain on themselves and each other for maximum comedy effect. Anyone who thought the creative well would have run dry after the last two films is wrong and the team return in a series of all new escapades that will have you squirming in your chair. From giant slapping hands, to fun with buffaloes, to exploding toilets, to midget fights, to bungee jumping porta-loos, to mini-bike stunts, to a pig eating an apple from the anus of a morbidly obese man, this film has it all. But even the most avid fans of the show will have to admit that the joke started to wear thin a few years back. The problem with shock humour is it doesn’t stay shocking for very long, so in an attempt to bring something new to the franchise you can now see all of these horrific images in glorious 3D.

Not being a fan of the current trend towards 3D it is much to my chagrin that I must admit that in the case of Jackass 3D it actually does work quite well. The recent spate of 3D films have used the technology as a gimmick to sell tickets rather than forward the narrative or add anything of value to the storytelling process, this is ultimately distracting and disappointing for the viewer. But since Jackass 3D has no narrative it can utilise 3D as pure attraction, adding a new element to the gross out appeal of the franchise. There is good comic value in dildos, vomit, and human excrement flying out of the screen, provided this is the kind of thing that you happen to find funny. At ninety minutes Jackass 3D does overstay its welcome somewhat, it's a formula that definitely works better in small doses. It’s unapologetically tacky, gimmicky, childish, and disgusting, but it is also hysterically funny in parts. It won’t be for everyone, but fans of the Jackass franchise will enjoy this film.

Review by Elliot Hyams