Musings about my two favorite Aussies:
The International (2009)
Dir: Tom Tykwer
If one didn't know it beforehand, it would soon dawn on any foreign-film-goer watching the latest Naomi Watts flick that you were watching a Tom Tykwer film. This German director first came prominence with the frenetic "Run Lola Run." In every one of his subsequent films that I have seen, he has revealed a meticulous reverence for urban architecture. Even after you lose interest in his characters, (which often happens in his films) the slow pan of his camera, shooting straight down on an urban landscape, is captivating. His latest is no exception: it is like a travelogue of some of the great cities of the Western World: from its first scene at Berlin's Hauptbanhof, to quick stops in Lyon, France (I didn't know it was the headquarters of Interpol), New York, Milan, an finally, a climactic scene on the rooftops of Istanbul (with a great view!), you have to give Tykwer credit for getting the most out of his travel budget.
The plot is topical, if nothing else ("Banks are evil.") Don't expect a Bourne-style shoot em up: this film is more thoughtful, less non-stop action. As Manhattan ADA Eleanor "Ellie" Mitchell, Naomi isn't called on to do much more than the ever-changing parade of ADAs of "Law & Order" do from week to week, but she looks fabulous doing it ... jet-setting from one European city to another, tossing a stylish gray scarf around her neck (in lieu of luggage). There is no sexual tension or chemistry with her co-star Clive Owen, but there is none in the script either (she's happily-married, now that's a twist!).
The rooftop climax is somewhat unsatisfying, perhaps because of the tour-de-force set-piece that precedes it: a shoot-out at the Guggenheim. I hope the musuem was insured, althought the exhibit on display in the film got what was coming to it (everybody's a critic!). As the unsuspecting patrons realize when the bullets fly, there are no corners to cower in at the Guggenheim!
The Golden Compass (2007)
Dir: Chris Weitz
I re-watched this movie Sunday night, and I have to tell you, I 'saw & enjoyed' it even more the second time. (I do not recommend it on the small screen -- the fight scenes were in almost total darkness). I still feel the film's mythology is a weak step-child to Lord of the Rings-Harry Potter-Narnia, but as long as it has talking animals, I'm happy!
I watched it again because I have heard criticisms of Nicole Kidman's performance--her face, specifically: (as in "her surgical enhancements have rendered it frozen: without line, wrinkle or expression.") I must object most-strenuously! In fact, her performance as the evil "Mrs. Coulter" is the center of the whole movie, and she nails it. The role demands her to be cold and emotionless. She plays the ultimate Ice Princess (her first name is Marisa, not Ann, for those of you hoping for a satisfying life-imitates-art coincidence). This is what makes her so mysterious and frightening to young Lyra (the Harry Potter of the story). I chalk up Kidman's flawless face to good make-up and CGI special effects (much like those computer-enhanced abs on the Greek warriors in '300' ). Of course, I suppose I will have to see "Australia" now, to see how that face holds up in the Outback for three-plus hours. But if she has gotten work done, it hasn't turned out as bad as some I've seen.
As for the rest of the movie, in Phillip Pullman's world, every person has a cute little animal spirit by his side, a physical embodiment of his soul, usually causing trouble (like a cat). It is quite a clever conceit: the animal/soul acts as the character's talking subconscious. The acting talent they hired to voice these animals makes you think they were planning for a blockbuster trilogy (Kathy Bates, Ian McShane, LOTR-alum Ian McKellan, an unrecognizable Kristen-Scott Thomas playing a leopard!!)
All these characters are just begging to be fleshed-out (I haven't even mentioned the talking Polar Bears!) Alas, a sequel does not appear to be in the works, going on two years after the original. There is no way they can get all these actors to re-commit -- not to mention the child stars are probably teenagers already. To top it off, the director is currently shooting "Twilight 2" (Oh, the horror....).
It's a shame, because the heroine of this story is the spunky, independent Lyra, played winningly by Dakota Blue Richards (think "Hermoine goes to Narnia" and you get an idea of the plot.) The role of the ethereal, otherworldly beauty that is de rigeuer for the teenage boy target-audience (and moi!) in these films is capably filled by the French beauty Eva Green. If you thought her character name in Casino Royale was exotic and odd (Vesper Lynd) how about "Serafina Pekkala"!?! Since when does a witch have a last name!?!
Aside: The other films cast as its spirit-babes Cate Blanchett (LOTR) and Tilda Swinton (Narnia). Notice there is no such character in Harry Potter? No doubt because it was written by a woman!
