In Bruges
by Writer-director Martin McDonagh has a talent for snappy dialogue which makes this crime-drama surprisingly funny. He has previously written for theatre, and it is obvious from the intelligently constructed dialogue. Theatre does not often translate well to film, but In Bruges is violent, suspenseful and hilarious throughout. Shot in the picturesque medieval city of Bruges in Belgium, this drama features two hitmen discussing life and death after a recent job went awry. Too many times, supporting characters are one-dimensional, but these characters have their own storylines and come across as fully rounded in an economy of words. The storyline then snakes through many twists towards an unexpected but neat and gory ending. There are brilliant performances from leads Collin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, and the dwarf is also very funny. But dwarves are always funny.
Also by XAVIER TOBY
Australian movie A Few Best Men
With all the gross out jokes and silliness of the common comedy romp, you’d think making them would be easy. Well, it’s not. It’s actually really difficult. Writing a joke is one of the hardest tasks anyone can undertake. Read more
Melancholia: a film by Lars von Trier
I wish there were a lot more of the types of films made by Lars von Trier. Each is very different but still distinctly von Trier, and each is superb. Melancholia is the follow up to the wonderfully confronting Antichrist. This is all about the end of the world, and told with an honesty and pacing that is probably much closer to the actual end of the world than all the Hollywood crap would have you believe. Read more
We Need To Talk About Kevin: based on Lionel Shriver’s novel
A delightful uncomfortable film, told from the point of view of a broken woman. Kevin’s just not right, and that’s obvious from the outset as mother Eva battles to bring him up in a world where the onus is put squarely back on the mother. The intensity is poured on throughout, as tragedy seems imminent. Read more
YOU'RE SAYING (3)
Melissa Kojima - Artist in LA LA Land said | 27 June, 2008
Did anyone notice the opening credit? I mean I love them. Does anyone know who did them? Yeah, hilarious film.
Barry W Hughes said | 3 July, 2008
In Bruges is a fantastic film, which captures the Irish attitude and wit perfectly thanks to a brilliant script and acting. McDonagh is known for his razor sharp wit combined with dark subject matter, and I have to say its rare to see the two married so well in one film. The language is spot on, and anyone who lives in Dublin will certainly agree with me on that!
HAVE YOUR SAY
Design study, anthropological investigation, or just urban environment observations? Posters in Amsterdam is a project that takes a collective look at the advertising allsorts that line the heresaid city’s streets. Read more
I’m sure lots of people can relate to this blog, which documents the crazy, retarded, offensive, and just plain awkward messages people send on dating site OKCupid.
Set in a remote Chinese village in the 1920s during a cholera outbreak and with a revolution bubbling in the background, The Painted Veil is a wonderfully tortured love story which excels on all levels. Based on the W Somerset Maugham novel, it was a labour of love for stars Edward Norton and Naomi Watts, who also produced the film. Read more
Lost At E Minor co-publisher, Andy Howard, is on a whirlwind tour of America at the moment, en route to his new base in London. He’s been diligently documenting his travels through his camera, the images from his New York leg being particularly interesting. Read more
Dirty Style Photo is a raw and intimate photo blog from Paris, France that feature amazing new photography and interviews with cutting edge photographers from around the world.
The latest band to make LA proud is tropical-nu wave act Abe Vigoda. These guys are so new and so exciting that even your grandparents don’t know who they are. Yet! They describe themselves as tropical punk, but I like to think of them as nihilistic rockers — no form, no shape, just chaos. If LA’s new breed of punk popstars such as Health, Meiko Meiko and Pocohauntas make you tremble, then this band are sure to get you very worked up.
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This nifty little Royal Elastics package includes a pair of Sosei shoes, two Homogeny tees, a Homogeny scarf, and two Homogeny figures that come together to make one. Sweet! Read more
WE'RE POSTING / SOME OF THE BEST
It’s refreshing to see artists like Joe Kievitt who are contented to explore the beauty in simple forms and asymmetrical patterns. Read more
A little infectious lollipop rock anyone? Feel free to embarrass yourself singing along at the stoplight. If the other drivers give you that look, roll down the windows and spread the love.
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The return of the Brionvega rr226
Italian brand Brionvega has resurrected the classy Radiofonografio piece first created in 1965. The updated version is just like the original turntable/radio unit, but also has a CD/DVD player.
Francoise Nielly’s Yellow series
Parisian visual artist Francoise Nielly brings technicolour to the forefront in her latest series, Yellow. Featuring thick impasto palette knife strokes and trippy neon hues, Nielly captures the vulnerable expressions of her muses to a tee. Read more
Cookie Boy’s creative cookie designs
I don’t eat cookies, so good thing Cookie Boy’s cookies are little pieces of art too pretty and cute to eat. Read more
French unisex customized army jackets, each one is slightly different and unique. Embroidered by hand in Berlin with hands and microphone lead logo. As worn by Pixie Geldof. Yup! It is. Read more
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Jamie said | 26 June, 2008
I highly recommend this movie. It was incredibly funny, clever, interesting, thoughtful and did I say funny as hell?