No Country For Old Men

More than worthy of all the hype ladled on it, the Coen brothers' latest is a masterpiece existential drama. From a fiendishly simple set-up, whereby Josh Brolin's Vietnam vet  Llewyn Moss decides to steal $2million from the aftermath of a botched drug deal, setting an angel of death on his trail, the narrative veers off into all sorts of different directions

While enjoyable at the surface level of suspense thriller, with nail biting tension sustained from the opening scene, there is also a bleak insight into the violence that has pervaded American society, the mouthpiece being Tommy Lee Jones' weary sheriff (a role he now sinks into with consummate ease), Ed Tom Bell, the history of his ancestors seemingly etched into his craggy features.

What will stay with the viewer most however, besides the great work from cinematographer Roger Deakins that captures the harsh Texan landscape, the absence of an obvious musical score, and the terrific sound work (wind is used brilliantly to create a desolate mood of moral absence) is Javier Bardem's astonishing performance as dead eyed assassin Anton Chigurh, a villain so intimidating the audience reaction to him is palpable every time he enters a scene. The only psycho to run this character close is Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet.

It's Chirgurh that is the embodiment of the violence Jones' sheriff laments, pitted against whom is Brolin's (an excellent performance and a remarkable 2007 comeback) Moss, who if not sympathetic enough to act as the film's central focus- one of the many narrative sleights of hand- is nonetheless compelling as an everyman struggling with his fateful decision to steal the money.

With the last act giving way to an outwardly philosophical climax that jars with the thriller mechanics that have gone before some viewers will be frustrated, but it certainly leaves a lot to think about and discuss. A formidable film to open 2008 in the UK - may the good quality continue!

Paranoid Park

Gus Van Sant's latest, and most cohesive work for some time, Paranoid Park, deals with the story of Alex, a young skateboarder from Portland, who causes a tragic accident while trespassing at a local train depot and the way in which he deals with his guilt.

Shot on a mix of 35mm and Super 8, the film is given an immediate and almost documentary feel as we’re taken through the skate park of the title, following close behind the skateboarders as they seem to glide across the concrete.  This coupled with a very experimental and sometimes jarring soundtrack which mixes together classical with alt-rock (with Portland's own Elliott Smith making a couple of posthumous appearances) and pieces of wild-track, and the frequent use of long, slow shots give it a somewhat dreamlike quality.

The story follows a similarly experimental structure with most of it told through flashbacks with often little indication of where we’re being taken next.  Though this can at some points be a little disorientating, the story is held together in a voice over from Alex, played by newcomer Gabe Nevins, as he recounts the story of what happened through a journal when he doesn't feel he can talk to anyone else.

All this along with mainly solid performances from a cast of unknowns and non-professionals add up to a bold and intriguing high-school drama which draws you in, immerses you in Alex's world, and keeps you with him every step of the way.

A special Shedloads screening of Paranoid park, along with a workshop on extreme sports filming techniques, hosted by sports expert David Goldblatt, will take place at the Watershed on Saturday 12th January 2008 at 1pm. See our News feature for more details.

Electric December - Day 24

Imagine waking up to find you could see the things that join us together and restrain us…

Restraints is a story about a girl that can see the restraints of society, and unwittingly gets involved with the people she encounters.

It is with reason that Restraints has won a prize at the Bristol-based eShed’s Shedloads event this year.

Laurie Doyle wrote this screenplay and didn’t know she would be able to actually make this film. With help from eShed and the acting skills of its steering group members she made this beautiful black and white drama, with a soundtrack by Alexander Thomas.

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 23

'Before I Could Remember' is a young girl’s recollection of her mother, forged together by a collection of home movies with an eerie soundtrack and voiceover.

It has an interesting style of individuality that has a very personal touch, and relates to anyone who has dreams of nostalgia.

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 22

You’ve all heard the phrase “Be careful what you wish for.” Well, if this film is anything to go by you also need to be careful what you wonder about.

Alyce finds herself in a busy family household and then seconds later being completely left alone. This is an eerie tale of her exploration to find out just where everybody has gone…

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 21

Made by The Engine Room in Bridgwater, this is a clever comedy depicting the nightmare situation of being controlled by ‘Big Brother’, who forces a group of teens to stay in school for three whole months! This film also features a groovy live band, shrek hallucinations, and a brilliant game of ‘find the ham sandwich’.

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 20

How do people perceive teenagers these days? What kind of images do young people have of themselves? These are the questions asked in Teens; a vox pops style documentary. Filmed on a busy High Street, frank and honest opinions are offered by shoppers of all ages.

What is refreshing here is the lack of sensationalism in the film. Unlike a Trevor Macdonald special about “Kids that go Wrong!” this film offers candid personal viewpoints on teenagers today. Sensible approaches to interacting with young people are offered by adults who don’t believe the media hype that all teenagers are hoodie wearing thugs; and the teenagers questioned understand that young people could help to portray themselves in a better light.

Professionally shot and cleverly pieced together - this film should stir up some debate on the forum! You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 19

I think most of the film makers in Electric Dec. 07 have taken a swig or two of this drink already!

A brilliant mock ad by Bath’s very own Club Flix, showing us there’s actually a liquid that brings out our menacing side.

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 18

This film is definitely ‘Ronseal’ – it does exactly what it says on the tin! “The Commercial” is essentially an advert for the work that Essex based community youth media project Mediashed does. And it shows just how clever they are.

Mediashed teach young people how they can make film and other forms of media using free software and accessible hardware. In “The Commercial” young people are seen on CCTV cameras holding up signs saying “We don’t pay”. Mediashed then accessed this footage and pieced it together using free editing software downloaded from the web.

It’s always good to see pioneering initiatives enabling young people to make films, but what’s nice about “The Commercial” is that it demonstrates that you don’t have to have tonnes of money to create a mini masterpiece.

Simple, clever and creative!

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 17

'Green Ideas' is a light hearted look at global warming. I have to say I never thought I’d put those words in the same sentence before watching this film, as it’s a subject that’s taken so seriously right now. Although it’s a tongue-in-cheek look at solving the world’s global warming problems I’m convinced the young people who made this film will be the pioneers who change earth for the better. You mark my words!

This is a charming 2D animation that had me in fits of giggles several times. It also serves a purpose and gets its message across that there are simple ways of doing your bit - other than taking methane “straight from the cow” - such as changing to Energy saving light bulbs and riding a bike to work. So we ought to sit up and take note of these suggestions!

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 16

This brief film will have even the most hardened, humourless individual smile with pleasure. An excellent film that shows great imagination and thoughtful editing/technical awareness. A clever and witty short film with a sharp short sense of humour.

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'

Electric December - Day 15

'The Child and Me' is a well-made documentary about children in a transitory period between primary and secondary school. The special thing is that the school they’ll go to is brand new.

Beautiful shots of the new school and its facilities are alternated with the children talking about their views and opinions. They also talk about being a child and growing up. Those parts of the film are the best in terms of cinematography and effects. Bright and gradient colours make these shots look like memories of their childhood. The music makes the overall film convincing.

You can watch, download, subscribe to the podcast or embed this film from Electric December right now! So if you like what you see why not get into the seasonal spirit of giving and 'Pick it up, Pass it on...'