Bolshoi booze

There are things you watch , there are things you observe and there are characters who you become, unconsciously. So overpowering are their traits that you cannot help but do what they do, speak what they speak and behave like they do. To strive and to emulate them becomes your way of tribute. It does not matter if you fall face first while doing so. After all, what are we, but the product of our influences?

True story

The hours spent in this irresistible pass time come to mind. The meaning of addiction is realized. It simply did not matter what official work or personal plans you had the next day. All that mattered was that you had to cave in to the temptation of watching the next episode, as they were experts in ending one with you hanging on the edge :) I remember sitting through the first two seasons in a single weekend once!

To this day, I try to walk like Michael Scofield did, in Prison Break. A cool, steady walk, hands in pockets or in overalls as the snowflake soaks his environment into his photographic memory. 

The cool and calm calculus of reason

Attention to detail is life. No stone is left unturned. He is the strategist immaculate. I also began looking at time in this way!:

Time

The moment of reckoning was the unveiling and purpose of the tattoos. The myriad and elaborate schemes to achieve the objective were planned to the dot. Cute poison, Bolshoi booze, English, Fitz or Percy were words which me and blue fish invoked everywhere at will, many times to others irritation :P . Above all, the bond between the bros and the lengths they would go to for each other were at the delicate core of this saga.

Link played his part to perfection, the  furrows of injustice manifesting in his tough look. Dr. Sara Tancredi lent her grace always, balancing the tense moments with her poise, calm and serene eyes :) Mahone and Kellerman were suits in their own right, claiming the boundaries of right and wrong within their limitations of mind, family, and country. T Bag exemplified menace and cunning. It was a great cast!

The planning phases evoked ideas from Chemistry, structures, electricity, geology and history and soothed my trivia- seeking mind. The reconnaissance was worthy of the highest levels of spying and I also scan boards like Scofield does here, so entrenched was the series' influence on me :P

The subsequent seasons seem like discordant notes in an otherwise brilliant, dazzling and captivating sonata. But that will never diminish the wonderful memories of experiencing the first two seasons of this wonderful series.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

Oslo, August 31st

"I remember Oslo, as such. It's people, I don't remember". What is a city, if not a recollection of memories? What is it you remember about the place you moved into, years ago?

The movie opens with a montage of people narrating what they remember about Oslo, overlapped with visuals of town. This creates a beautiful, dream-like effect as we are eased into the movie. We are taken through 24 Hrs in the life of a recovering addict. Things just begin, with no introduction to the characters or their backgrounds. Which is a good thing, as we should not become judgmental, isn't it?

A chance at redemption brings Anders to Oslo, and it is familiar territory for him. Is it melancholy, or is it nostalgia? He has to make the choice. They say it is good to visit places from your past which have not changed. That way you realise how you have changed. So true, is it not?

There are a few gems of sequences which absolutely enchanted me. One is a conversation between Anders and his friend Thomas. It seems like a boring conversation, but it is filled with philosophy. Thomas flits through the minutiae of family life with him mocking himself, and Anders gives us a glimpse of the anarchy in his mind. All this culminates with a delicate goodbye between the old friends, shot in the most beautiful way. Is this the point when things go spiraling downwards?

Old friends

We are almost inside the mind of the protagonist. Long shots, out of focus scenes gradually focusing on Anders, scenes cut into each other. The mind puts itself into other peoples lives, built of their conversations. We become an observer, on the fringes of society, wondering what it must be like, to be 'mainstream' again? For some reason, this song plays in my head and seems quite apt, too. The camera becomes the protagonists mind. The isolation is constructed beautifully, with some stunning locations as backdrop.

Tune in, tune out

The family angle is mentioned fleetingly but is not explored deeply. The ghosts of old girlfriends raise their heads a few times. All we know is that, there are scars and there are wounds. At the end, Anders finds his peace, in his own way. The movie 'completes itself'. If you watch it, you'll see what I imply. That is some form of closure, cinematically.

I've got to say, this is one of the most finely-cut movies in the cinematography(Jakob Ihre) and editing sections (Olivier Bugge Cout). Hats off!

Live in the moment

Anders Danielsen Lie has lived his character to the dot. He delivers a stunning performance, as his silence and torment speaks more than his words. The pain flows from his eyes. A really fine piece of acting. Hans Olav Brenner delivers a solid performance as Thomas. This is an off beat movie, where the subject of addiction has not been treated like a taboo, but an honest attempt has been made to show things in the most unbiased way.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

Nicky's family

We live in a sad time when money speaks and brains are being deadened by relentless onslaught to thoroughly stultifying content. The less IQ you have (or the more cleavage you are willing to show) the more 'successful' you might be!(and rich, too!). There is an almost-rabid desire to 'be on airtime' - it just does not matter why. No wonder we have 'reality TV' based on everything - teenage pregnancy, obesity, dating, breaking up, living and dying. Life has become a caricature of itself.

There is no time to wait and save the little puppy crossing the road. There is no patience to speak to your 'childhood friends', if at all you happen to meet for dinner. Cos, hey! We have to 'like' our own update, don't we? We can't keep our hands off our phones, and our eyes off the screens. Narcissism knows no end.

In such a time, this story of an English stockbroker during the early days of WW2 overpowers all else and makes up pause and think about a million things. What did he do? Oh, nothing much, really, apart from saving 600 -odd Jewish kids from Auschwitz and other gas chambers. And did not breathe about it to anyone for half a century. He insists that he wasn't doing anything special, adding, 'I just saw what was going on and did what I could to help.' This is an exceptional story from a time which cannot be reasoned out, however hard you try.

Sir Nicholas Winton

There are some extremely painful dramatizations of moments beyond words here. One cannot even begin to imagine the range of emotions felt by everyone who went through this. Most of the kids themselves would be too young to remember anything. Can you imagine living almost your entire life before coming face to face with the random stranger, who is the reason you (and your grandkids) are present today? This is about paramount sacrifice, relentless selflessness and hoping against hope. It is about raw, basic human emotions.

Some moments here absolutely moved me to shreds. There are plenty of folks interviewed, who reminisce through the fog of ages to look at the nostalgic train ride, which changed everything for them . You will remember the simple pleasures of childhood that make an imprint forever - a simple meal, the kind man, a reassuring word. It is beautiful to realize how the smallest things matter a lot. When you see wizened old men and women recollect little incidents from their childhood , it is hard to not soften up. Some of the questions posed by such movies create cannot be answered.

Most of all,I guess, we understand the effect that one man with good intentions can have (of course, with a little help from his friends) on the world. The ripple effect is awe- inspiring and quite hard to sum up, and comprehend. I'm not sure what your reaction will be to this movie, but I was thoroughly depressed after watching it. Anyone who is interested in WW2 should not miss this.

If we decide to measure our life by the good impact on others, then Sir Nicholas Winton would be God.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

Das Boot: Director's cut

We are conditioned to form stereotypes everywhere. Cinema and media are rife with examples. We are brainwashed to believe that one side is always good, and everyone else is the enemy. Our opinions, ideology and thoughts are forged by what we consume and who we associate with. Mega conglomerates control the media, and political ideology aims to polarize the masses. We divide everyone and everything based on Language, geography, colour ,religion, and everything else in between. In such a time, Das boot stands out with its honest attempt in portraying men during war. There are no heroes or villains here, just crewmen doing their job, and listening to their Captain.

Das boot (The boat) is a German movie about a U-boat and its crew, set during WW2. The movie is based on a 1973 German book by Lothar-Günther Buchheim, who in fact was a war correspondent. He had worked for the propaganda department of the German Navy during WW2. Lt. Werner's character in this movie is said to based on Buchheim. 

Almost the entire movie consists events which happen inside the submarine. There is no hurrying, as we are introduced to each and every character and their stories. Nothing sticks out, and like going through the pages of a good book, we get to identify with the characters - the longing lover, the loving husband, and the energy of youth.

Jürgen Prochnow delivers a terrific performance as the U- boat's stoic, rock - solid, war hardened and unflinching captain. Brilliant leadership traits are on display here. Like a rock on a rough shore, his eyes betray little emotion. Faced with utmost adversity, he is unfazed and issues commands with absolutely no hint of fear. 'I need proper reports', he thunders, when his submarine is on the brink of sinking. Make no mistake, his subtle changes in expression reveal a range of emotions - hope, triumph, dedication and sadness. At no point confuse his demeanor and harsh words as those from a soulless man.

There are some absolutely gripping nail-biting sequences when the U-boat attacks enemy ships and dives, to evade anti-submarine weapons. The atmosphere is fraught with tension and the seconds move like hours. Many times I felt like I had stepped into Maat (Petty Officer) Hinrich's shoes (The radioman and sonar controller, who is the window to the outside world, while underwater). The sonar pings piercing the silence created an atmosphere of heightened awareness and I was riveted. The sounds will stay with me for a long time.

See sounds

At 3.5 Hours, it is a very long movie. But at no point I felt this. There is enough drama and tension to keep you firmly glued to your seat. Do not expect a traditional plot, character or ending. Nothing can categorize the movie, that is the brilliance.

I was amazed at the cinematography, at how the camera moved fluidly within the cramped spaces of the submarine. We feel that we are a part of the movie, living and breathing with its characters. The crew's myriad expressions are captured very well. The editing is top - notch.This is an immersive experience, best seen in the biggest of screens.

Anyone remotely interested in WW2 should not miss this masterpiece. I'm very sure I'm going to watch this gem again. Watch this version with subtitles.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

Encounters at the end of the world

..overhead the albatross..

All the lines of the map converge at two places. This congregation of lines, geography and magnetic fields brings to one place the full time travelers , part time workers and Professional dreamers, as someone mentions . Drivers, computer scientists, fork lift operators, biologists, welders, climatologists, divers and construction workers. Everyone is poetic, passionate, well traveled, well read and a has a streak of madness, and thats the way things should be :)

..and everything is green and submarine..

There is no North of North pole, I had written somewhere eons ago. And I hear something like this here. Do I fit into this category? :) Imagery of formidable and painfully-beautiful Gorakshep flit through my mind.

I am in awe of the stories of people documented here, as they go about near death experiences (near life experiences?) nonchalantly. These are the folks who live by Carpe Diem. There is a streak of controlled recklessness, with a burning desire to experience what life has to offer. Respect, for having the balls to listen to yourself!! A delicate dialogue with someone who revisits a painful moment in his life, moved me. Fight or flight.

The sounds that seals make, sound like Pink Floyd or something, says a biologist studying them. One of the coolest moments :) And they do, check it out :) The Echoes are around you, if you know what I mean :P:P

..and deep beneath the rolling waves, of labyrinths and coral caves..

Scientists shred away on a tin shed amidst the frozen nothingness, a scientist demonstrates how to get into a travel bag (travel with yourself?!). If you listen to all these people speak, you begin to dream, too.

There are some really stunning and other-worldly images here. This, combined with the grand background score transports you to a place where time stands still. This is a philosophical documentary which will make you ponder on many things. It will remind you about the beauty, fragility, magnificence and the grandeur of the world we live in, and how much there is to explore.

Thanks, GK!

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

Happy People

Image courtesy filmschoolrejects.com

This is a documentary on the lives of people in Bakhtia, an area in Siberia. With a population of 300, and accessible only through helicopter and boat, its inhabitants are mostly trappers. Directed by Werner Herzog who also provides the voice over, we are taken through all seasons in this isolated, rugged, and merciless place. These are the people who have lived here for generations, and have learnt how to endure and survive in this almost inhospitable place. This is true Man Vs Wild. What is a telephone? What is the internet?

Gennady Solovyev  is the main character who we follow through most of the documentary. Gennady takes us through how he survives in this wilderness using the most basic of necessities and tools (most of which he builds from scratch). We go through one full year, observing Gennady go about his work .He chooses a tree, examines its fibers, deems it fit for building a ski and then chops it down. Using basic carpentry tools and techniques passed on for generations, he creates a pair of skis for his travels. Factory made ones will not last this place, he declares. We also understand how the Koolyomka works(a deadfall trap).

Building the Koolyomka

The age- old bond between dog and man is explored well here. "You are no hunter without your dog", says Gennady. And it rings very true. It is beautiful to observe these loyal beings work with man, as they have, for generations and generations. The images of Gennady's loyal dog making its way across the frozen nothingness, as Gennady makes his way home, will make a lasting impact.

Image courtesy fandor.com

It is also amazing to observe the hardened, man against the elements Gennady reminisce about a sad incident involving one of his dogs and a bear. Side topic: Do you know why dogs turn around in circles before lying down? Read this. More on dogs.

Gennady also becomes philosophical and bestows his wisdom of the ages to us, sometimes borne out of solitude and contemplation. Stripping out the nonsense, he declares that here, it is about who outsmarts whom.

There are moments of family time, and the celebration of Christmas, too. The stark reality of depression and alcoholism, which is a reality in these places is also presented, although briefly here.

Warner weaves this documentary around solitude, industry, resilience, fortitude, and the delicate balance between man and nature. Although I felt that the romance of happiness may not be adequately conveyed/ portrayed here, this is a good watch. The least we can do is to appreciate the ways of these people, and remind ourselves 'how much' is 'too much', and how our mindless ways are crippling the planet, like nothing else in the history of its existence.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*


With Love, from Russia.

A coffee in Berlin

Image courtesy rottentomatoes.com

 
I watched this movie in a phase of Non-English movie viewings which I am in, and I am glad I did so. Being conditioned to predictability and patterns, this is a good break to appreciate viewpoints from around the world.

This movie is in black and white, and it follows a phase of a person in Berlin. There are vignettes of folks you encounter, each with his own quirks. Nikko is a dropout from Law school, and we go around Berlin encountering people.

We are taken through Nikko's interactions with normal people - the pesky neighbour (who lets you into his fragile life over an impromptu drink), the government servant at the driving license centre who asks seemingly unconnected questions, the struggling actor, the classmate from eons ago , the seemingly aggressive film maker, memories of childhood from an ageing man in a bar ( this sequence is quite brilliant, too).

Image courtesy variety.com

Nikko's relationship with his father is explored, too, somewhat briefly. Things move, without dwelling at one point or person for too long. There is no 'plot' as such, things are just the way they are, as in real life.

There is a delicate scene in which Nikko bonds with a friend's granny - I feel that this is one of the most well - crafted sequences here. Many subtle points are explored. I won't spoil it more for you.

One thing loosely ties all the encounters and people in the movie (more so, its Protagonist). There are failed attempts at a seemingly simple thing - getting a good cup of coffee. The coffee machine is broken, the lady who serves coffee is just too painful to tackle,or you're simply out of coffee.

 This is Nikko's journey. An exploration in melancholy..... and the perfect coffee. Or rather, the circumstances surrounding it. What I liked is, the general glumness throughout the movie ends with one simple moment where things work, and when hope is restored, by means of scoring a nice cup of coffee.

Image courtesy filmchair.com

There is a sequence towards the end, stills of seemingly random places - an empty road with signal lights, graffiti, buildings, train tracks,  (There is a shot which is shown in the beginning and towards the end of the movie. I remember thinking how well it is composed - figure it out :)) Reminded me how how the movie 'wraps around itself', like it does in Pan's labyrinth

I kind of feel that this is like the perfect movie, without having the depth of words to express why. This movie is definitely something which grows on you, like old friends and old wine :) Let me know what you think about it.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*