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Reviews
Snakeskin (2001)
Stylish, yet unfulfilling
New Zealand movies have a knack for being slightly 'quirky' and this film is no exception. The characters are somewhat enigmatic, the scenes are at times surreal, and the plot is suitably 'dark'. Unfortunately, "Snakeskin" is unable to live up to its premise, and the viewing experience is somewhat unfulfilling. However, this is not to say that the film is without its good points: Firstly, the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and showcases the beauty of Southern New Zealand; secondly, the camera work is extremely effective (especially in the first half) thus adding an element of intrigue; and thirdly, the acting is slick and well-polished (in particular Melanie Lynskey and Oliver Driver).
Despite its good intentions, "Snakeskin" does not run as smoothly as it ought too. The first half of the film runs like a typical road movie, and this is reinforced by the use of humour and brisk action (car chases etc). The second half of the film takes a dramatic change however, and veers into thriller territory. The scenes become darker, more complex, and more serious. I found this shift in genres quite distracting, and it made the film increasingly difficult to comprehend. Obviously, the snake motif plays a central part in the film, but this is undermined by the 'twilight zone' treatment it receives in the latter stages. Ultimately, I think the film would have been more effective if it stuck to a simpler story-making formula.
Crooked Earth (2001)
A controversial, yet important movie
"Crooked Earth" is a powerfully engaging movie that delves into controversial, yet highly important issues. These issues include- land disputes, cultural oppression and misunderstanding, family dynamics, and generational differences. Whilst such issues may be unsettling to some viewers, they are a timely reminder of the tensions that exist in this world and if left unchecked, they have the potential to destroy us all (whether it be physically, spiritually or emotionally). Moreover, the material covered in "Crooked Earth" is highly universal, and symbolises the struggle that many groups experience in this world.
Essentially, "Crooked Earth" focuses on the strained relationship between two Maori brothers- Will (Temuera Morrison) has just returned from army duties in East Timor and is somewhat reluctant to face the traditions and responsibilities associated with the Maori culture. Alternatively, Carl (Lawerence Makaore) is embittered by the way Maori are treated in New Zealand, and strongly advocates the need for Maori to stand up for their rights. Both men are entangled in a conflict over the treatment of tribal land (not to mention their ideological differences), and this ultimately leads to the inevitable 'showdown'.
A notable feature of "Crooked Earth" is the stunning cinematography. The rural landscape shots are truly breathtaking, and it clearly illustrates the strong connection between the Maori and the land. The performances in the movie are also worthy of praise, with Temuera Morrison and Lawerence Makaore portraying the troubled brothers with sincerity and control. Probably the only downfall is the inclusion of the 'Drug-Lord/ Henchman' character. Not only does he look out of place in the movie, he only serves to detract from the main issues at hand.
At times, it seems as if "Crooked Earth" tries to cover more territory than it actually can. This leads to some issues not being as well developed as they could be. For instance, we never seem to get to the heart of the relationship between Will and his daughter.
In all, I find "Crooked Earth" to be a beautifully sad story that raises many important issues. It is highly thought-provoking movie, and is therefore open to many interpretations.
Highly recommended.
The Last Supper (1995)
A highly underrated gem!
"The Last Supper" is an engagingly dark 'what-if' comedy which has all the ingredients of a cult hit- passionate dialogue, murder, stormy weather, bodies in the backyard and more celebrity cameos than an Altman Film!!!!
It's kind of disappointing that "the Last Supper" hasn't received the attention that it ought to. Not only does it provide a running commentary on the way individuals operate in society, it does it in a way that is accessible and 'user-friendly' to all people. The balance between the 'comical' and the 'serious' works perfectly.
A highly impressive feature of this movie is the strong performances that it generates from its characters. Courtenay B. Vance plays the character of Luke with such control and charisma that one can only feel mesmerized by his performance. Annabeth Gish is a real delight as Paulie, a character who is trying to come to terms with the world around her, and Cameron Diaz is uber-cool as Jude.
If you watch "The Last Supper" with an open-mind, then you'll appreciate the movie for all it's worth. Highly recommended viewing!