‘Cloverfield’
‘Cloverfield’ tells the story of five New Yorkers, caught up in an attack on their city, by a mysterious force of nature (part of the fun is trying to comprehend what the enemy actually is).

The main gimmick with the movie is that it’s shot entirely from a hand-held video camera perspective, with the two main characters’ back-story being unveiled through video previously recorded on the tape that is being recorded over, popping through whenever the ‘present’ taping ceases. The movie follows their adventure trying to escape and save a friend, a love interest of the main character.

Produced by J.J. Abrams, a co-creator of TV show ‘Lost’, and written by his long-time collaborator Drew Goddard, ‘Cloverfield’ injects a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the tired monster movie genre.

First time feature director, Matt Reeves (also a long-time cohort of Abrams), proves himself to be one to watch. A hugely successful internet viral marketing campaign preceded its release and the captivating teaser trailer sealed the deal for many.

The end result is exquisite. ‘Cloverfield’ is the most exciting cinematic experience in years. From the moment we meet these people at a going-away party for our main character, to the initial tremors and ensuing panic, all the way to the poignant closing shot, your eyes will be glued to the screen.

The cast of unknowns are adequate, and convince in a tense or frightening situation, which really is their primary task. Had ‘Cloverfield’ been shot in the traditional manner, it surely wouldn’t have been the success it is. The key to its effectiveness, is the degree to which the audience member is immersed in proceedings, and on that level, it’s wildly successful.
4.5 out of 5

‘The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford’
Director Andrew Dominic’s second feature film, ‘Jesse James’, is a masterpiece. It’s taken him seven years, since ‘Chopper’ in the year 2000, and obviously a meticulous amount of detail and research has gone into bringing Ron Hansen’s novel to the big screen.

Covering the final months of the infamous James Gang, the movie portrays the strained relations of the few remaining members struggling to survive on the harsh Missouri winter landscape.

Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) has grown up worshiping the legend of Jesse James, and through his brother meets his hero. Ford is desperate to prove himself worthy as a James Gang member, but as he becomes increasingly exposed to the man, and not just the myth, an inevitable realisation of resentment takes hold.

Brad Pitt is excellent as Jesse James, but perhaps overshadowed by Affleck’s career-making turn as the misfit Ford. He is so convincingly desperate, and skin-crawlingly creepy, yet still manages to evoke sympathy from the audience.

Cinematographer Roger Deakins, has shot the movie in such a way, that one could take any scene in the movie, take one still image from it, and be left with a beautiful still photograph. It truly is a gorgeous film, complementing his outstanding work on ‘No Country for Old Men’, and the majority of the Coen Brothers’ back catalogue.

‘The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford’ is highly recommended viewing.
5 out of 5