The American

At first look, The American seems to a straight-up gun-slinger film with George Clooney as eye candy; but do not be fooled, this is not your boyfriend's typical suspense thriller. This film will offer seemingly oxymoronic qualities of the suspense thriller genre and will make anyone attempting to classify it question the very essence of what it is that makes a movie a thriller. And the reviews are equally polarized; for at least half of the film's viewers in fact, The American is accused of overindulging in the suspense aspect and failing to deliver on the thriller proponent.  All the way on the other side of the camp, many people have praised Director Anton Corbijin for taking the novel, A Very Private Gentleman (Martin Booth 1990) and  making a hollywood film devoid of the expected explosiveness of a classic suspense thriller. After a long drought season at the box office this past summer, my official appraisal of the film is gratitude to the director for not churning out yet another hollywood thriller and instead, taking the viewer on a slow but intensely smouldering journey in to the psychology of an assassin. The American does not rest on a shaky foundation of explosive climaxes, chase scenes, and drawn out gun duels; it is stylish and sophisticated and most of all, features a protagonist with genuine emotions and character.

I was really pleased with the writer's decision to christen the movie as The American rather than its original novel tittle. It is a good fit for the protagonist in its nondescript qualities. George Clooney’s character is as murky as it gets for anyone who crossed his path in the film, his nationality is the only thing he willingly reveals and even after probing around his psyche for the entire movie and the audience doesn't really get to learn more details of his life. This may sound like a cap on the character's liveability factor, but Corbijn and his screenwriter, Rowan Joffe, definitely understand what they're doing. The occupational hazards for a weapons craftsman dictates a lonely lifestyle and The American’s muted appeal relies heavily on the prolonged air of mystery around Clooney, and Corbijn, a seasoned photographer and cinematographer on top of his directorial talents effectively makes a viewer just as tense and paranoid as Clooney's character.

eagerly anticipating...

My Dog Tulip (Sept 1st) 

I have been warned that "dog lovers will shit themselves", so I am quite confident that I will enjoy this movie and am equally excited for the scritch-scratchy aesthetics of the animation. It is adapted from a J.R. Ackerley picture book and after seeing Fantastic Mr. Fox, I have acquired a high affinity for cutesy cartoons with a sophisticated adult kick. 

I Spit On Your Grave (Oct 8th)

One of those gruesomely gratifying revenge flicks you don't want to admit you liked. It's a lesser known cult classic so be sure to take a look at the 1978 original. 


Black Swan (Dec 1)

Not sure what it's about other than some black swan vs white swan analogy to symbolize the guile and innocent side of two tulle-clad ballerinas. If that doesn't sell it to you, just trust that director Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Requiem for a Dream) is sure to deliver tons of exquisitely shot sequences. 

The American (Sept 1) 

George Clooney? 'Nuff said. 

Holy Grail of Television

Having noticed the last few drops of summer trickling away, my inner slacker prepares for the imminent doom that is the new school term. It compels me to start a blog. Why? If i'm at all acquainted with my procrastinating ways, I'm guessing this will serve as an effective distraction come september. 


Since this blog is to be the lovechild of my A.D.D inflicted attention span and my love of all things media, why not devote the debut entry to my good friend, the boob tube. When it comes to just plain good programming, these titles make the emmy angels sing. 


1. Mad Men (AMC, 2007-present) 

Oh the Goddess that is Christina Hendricks 

This show made me want to petition for more quality TV period pieces. Compared to what's
 currently riding the airways today, Mad Men is absolutely without peer in writing, production, and of course, wardrobe. Matthew Weiner (you genius bastard, you) privileges us a look at the mythical 60s through the smoke filled, booze drenched, and Armani clad office personalities of the successful ad agency, Stirling Cooper. Two things I have learned about from Mad Men; the art that is advertising and the glamour and time-less class of 1960s fashion. Being the most near-and-dear to my heart and debatably the most intelligent and substantial programs out there today, it is sure to be in the spotlight of many posts to come! 


 2. The Office US (NBC, 2005-present)

There are so many things to love about this show. In contrast with the political correctness of 
all things North American, the unabashedly off coloured humour of The Office was more than refreshing. Over the span of six season shot in its signature 'mockumentary' composition,  I have fallen in love with each and every character; from the neurotic and often reality deprived Michael Scott, to the hilariously critical and scathing office-party-pooper, Angela Martin. Though the age-old debate of The Office UK vs The Office US gave rise to the argument that The Office US characters are overly caricaturized, I find them to be some of the most well-developed and charming characters born of prime-time comedy. At the top of the list among Hogwarts and Narnia, the offices of Dunder-Mifflin is just one of those fictional places I wish existed. Water cooler gossip with Kelly and Pam? Yes, please! 


3. Dexter (Showcase 2006-present)

Having seen just about every CSI and Cold Case episode on the face of this planet, Dexter 
came as a much needed dose of fresh perspective to revive my flatlined interest in crime shows.  Michael C. Hall’s portrayal of the awkward bumbling everyman moonlighting as a serial killer with a jarring thirst for justice  is pristine. His troubling dexterity with choke wires and butcher blades is grabbing enough to keep us on the edge of our seats while Hall is aware of turning on just the right amount of charm and personable attributes to make us love him. I love the way each plot line and mystery is masterfully detailed and flawlessly spread out over each season and even more, the breath-taking way the puzzle pieces always begin to fall together by the finale. So, season 5 (out sept 26th), please do not disappoint.


4. Weeds (Showcase 2005-present)

I'm in love with the revival of pin up!

Another hit from our friends at Showcase. Surely they realized they struck television gold when
 two of their shows based on unexpected perspectives became viral.  Weeds takes us far away from the traditional trappings of drug and crime themed television series. Replace the usual bling clad suspects with a mini dress wearing and mini van driving suburban soccer mom and place her in a white-picket fence riddled gated community booming with weed business, and you've got yourself a witty and darkly humorous show. Though I'v been disappointed with the past 2 seasons now that the show seems to have started taking itself more seriously and thus becoming way too complicated for self-containment, it is still one of those shows you simply cannot find a duplicate of or just had an unbelievable premier season. I can only hope it sings its swan song soon and maybe manage to end on a good note. 


Now where would I be without these gems? Probably a whole lot of more productive, that's where.