First movie blog

Well it took me a while, but I finally sat down and took the time to write one of these out.  It took me a long time to decide where to start for my first official blog; should I do a movie I've seen countless times or a new flick?  In the end, I chose a movie that I have seen, but only once before.  I've said it before (and I'll say it again) a movie is always better the second time around.  And we all gotta start somewhere so here we go...


First, let me start by reminding you that this blog is simply my opinion on a particular film.  I'm gonna take a movie I watched, break it down by describing the movie and pointing out specific topics that I feel helped make the movie.  Now, I will be providing information about the movie but I will do my best to keep it from ruining the film for you (Zeus knows I hate a spoiler) because in actuality, my goal is to convince you to watch this film and tell me what you think of it and my review so why ruin it before you get the chance to tell me I'm a genius or a moron?  So, here goes...


I started with a recent film that was made in 2009 and is entitled "Mary and Max".  This is a claymation film (something I'm not typically a giant fan of) "made" in Australia and is written, designed, and directed by Adam Elliot.  It tells the story (that is based on a true story) of a young girl and the friendship she develops with a middle aged man.  Mary Dinkle is a 8 year old girl who lives in Australia and is a classic example of sad girl.  She has no friends, her peers make fun of her, she has no self esteem, and her parents are alcoholics who have no time for her (and tell her she's an accident).  While at the post office with her mother she goes through a U.S. phone book and decides to write someone to ask them where babies come from (because babies in Australia are found in the bottom of the daddy's beer glass) and to hopefully make a new friend.  Enter Max Horovitz, who is the least likely of pen pals imaginable.  Max is a incredibly obese 44 year old atheist who lives in New York City and suffers from mental illness (Asperger's disease) and whose life revolves around eating chocolate hot dogs and attending his Overeaters Anonymous group.  He also is friendless, save for Mr. Ravioli who is imaginary and does nothing but read self help books. While these two may seem to be completely opposite, their friendship begins with an interest and shared enjoyment of a TV show but ends up spanning a 20 year timeline and develops into an incredible friendship.  All the while they help each other with everything from life's big questions ("How do I stop people teasing me?" or "Do you have suggestions on losing weight?") to life's other big questions ("Have you ever been attacked by birds?", "What are your favorite sounding words" and "Do sheeps shrink in the rain").  They have some rocky starts and ups and downs through the relationship due to Max being triggered by Mary's letters and suffering anxiety attacks.  And later, when Mary decides to go to the University to study "disorders of the mind" in an attempt to cure her friend, he feels used and betrayed and the friendship almost ends completely.  However, this film is a true demonstration of friendship and that while personal differences and time zones may separate us, few things in this world are greater than understanding and true friendship.  


Several things make this movie what it is, a solid movie all around.  Although this movie is almost entirely narrated (in fact the only speaking by the main characters is when they are reading their letters as they write them) the characters still take form and have a way of keeping you interested in wanting to relate to them; something I feel really speaks for them since they rarely talk.  As a viewer, you are able to get a really good understanding of the characters and it's primarily done through letters.  The same is done for the side characters (Mary's mother, father, and neighbor and Max's neighbor and therapist).  Character development is one of the BIGGEST things in creating a quality film and "Mary and Max" does not disappoint in that department. 


Aside from the characters, the biggest thing that overwhelms you as a viewer (although you may not take the time to notice it) is the lighting/color and sound techniques used.  Lighting and color are integral parts of film used to show the mood and place emphasis on certain parts, and sound/music does the same thing.  This entire movie is dull, neutral colors (with the exception of certain objects portrayed in bright red) and this is done with purpose.  Mary, who is depressed, has no self esteem, and has little enjoyment in the world, lives in a world where everything is shades of brown.  Max, who lives in a physical world that he feels is dirty and a mental world where everything is simple and rigid, sees the entire world in shades of black and greys.  Even when the two imagine meeting, their worlds do not collide and are separated clearly by color.  I feel this is pure genius in regards to setting and maintaining a tone throughout the movie, because while there are parts of humor intertwined, don't forget that this is a dark and depressing film.  The settings for both characters are run down and dreary (albeit in their respective colors).  Sound is used in the same manner for this film.  Their is very little music that is played throughout and almost none of it has words, but they still do a great job in setting the scene and allowing you to have a greater grasp on the range of emotions that each character feels at that specific time.  


All the technical aspects aside, this movie does something that not everyone is expecting or is prepared to absorb; it teaches you as you go along.  Asperger's disease is not something that is quite common to the layman but this movie does a phenomenal job in providing an example but through entertainment and not dictating scientific mumbo jumbo like a pretentious bastard.  This movie teaches and provides an accurate portrayal of the disease through Max and his way of thinking.  He even takes time in the movie to give his definition of the disease as he explains it to young Mary.  He explains that his way of thinking is very literal and logical and he struggles to understand the habits of other people and their facial expressions, and then switches right back to "Have you ever been hang gliding?" and questions like it without skipping a beat.  Adam Elliot does a cool thing in this, in that while he kind of throws a bit of dirt in the face of mental health (Max is treated with shock therapy and bottles upon bottles of pills), but he brings to light a topic that is near an dear to some but overlooked by the majority.  And he does it in a subtle and entertaining way.  


Overall, I have very little complaints about the movie.  If you continue to read these posts, you'll learn that I struggle to find an ending I like (seriously, almost all movies have terrible endings....come on people, you know I'm right on this one) but I enjoyed the ending in this movie.  The movie itself is entertaining and educational, makes you laugh and makes you cry (Seriously, be prepared.  This movie, especially the end, is depressing as all hell), but also leaves you satisfied.  


I'm gonna do a rating on a 10 point/star/whatever basis and I feel happy that I picked a movie to start with that I'm going to rate as an 8.5.  This movie has everything that people want in a movie, but still has areas where it could be improved.  There is no perfect movie everyone (it's a sad fact to admit) but this is closer than most ever achieve.  If you have the time and money (Or Netflix, it's on watch instantly), go for it.  You won't be disappointed.  

My "premiere" post

Hello fellow movie viewers, 

I'm a guy who likes to watch movies.  And lots of them.  I've been watching movies ever since I had a memory and haven't stopped since: from kids classics and Disney films with my family to developing my own tastes; from "Movie Fests" in my basement to raiding the cheap movie bins in video stores.  I like to watch any and all types of films; there's nothing I haven't been willing to give the old college try.  I've taken film studies classes in college and it only further spurred my enjoyment of the cinematic experience.  I've spent a lot of time trying to share my love of movies with those around me; giving recommendations to anyone who wanted them (and some who didn't) and debating what makes a movie good with anyone who listened (and some who tried not to).   

It is as a result of all of these people (the willing listeners and those I annoyed) that I decided to create a blog and share my opinions with the world around me.  My hope is that not only will I be able to express my views on a film, but also that others will feel free to express theirs as well.  I want an open debate and welcome all (appropriate) comments.  

Now, I'm not a "Top 10" list kind of guy, nor am I gonna ram my opinions down your gullet.  I'm simply gonna watch a movie, try to break it down, and express my views on it with the hopes of hearing others as well.  I have several things that I feel make a solid movie, and will discuss everything from acting and characters to lighting and filming techniques.  If you want to agree with me, awesome and I'll consider my ego stroked.  If you want to tell me I'm a moron and don't know a blockbuster hit from your crazy uncle's home video, feel free.  But reader beware (and warn your mothers) because I'll watch all types of movies and I calls em' like I sees em'.  If you have any movies you want my opinion on, feel free to request.  If I've seen it, I'll critique it and if not, I'll watch it.  

Movies are my passion and my primary source of entertainment.  I'm gonna take this seriously so I hope you will too.  Let's make the most out of this; I'll try and teach you something, and hopefully I'll learn a little in the process as well.  

Now ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, I'd like to present to you.....   Payton's POV.    (that's me)