Inside Llewyn Davis!!!!

Inside Llewyn Davis.

When it comes to directors who make new films no matter what style, type or genre of film they decide to make it I will always go and see it. Two directors, brothers at that Joel and Ethan Coen have been making films for years and they have covered many different genres, comedy which is their strongest suit definitely comes through in this film for sure.

Set in the early 60's you see a man sat playing an acoustic guitar on a dark small lit stage, Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is a down and out musician. Having recently lost his music partner who committed suicide he has gone it alone with his own solo record 'Inside Llewyn Davis', couch surfing and playing the local cafe/bar he isn't the most successful of musicians. With the news that his friend Jean (Carey Mulligan) married to Jim (Justin Timberlake) is pregnant and the baby might be his his life isn't going in the right direction. 

With disaster after disaster Llewyn doesn't catch a break, settling for just $200 for a song instead of royalties, losing his seamen's licence, visiting his dying father and being told he's no good as a solo artist everything is not going well. With the addition of a ginger cat he accidentlly has to look after you really do feel for Llewyn but has he just brought it all onto himself?.

During the film you question yourself and work out what he truly is, a creative genious yet to be given his big break or just a down and out musician with no talent and going nowhere. Using his friends when he only really needs them to then pay for Jean's abortion and asking how she is he shows different parts of his personality. 

Inside Llewyn Davis shares many features from the Coen's past films, the musicality from 'O Brother Where Art Thou' and the comedy from 'Burn After Reading' and 'Fargo'. This is a more sombre affair of a film, it doesn't have the violence or crazy off the wall comedy from past films and feels like new territory for the brothers. One aspect in which I really loved in this film is the music used, Oscar Issac has a really impressive voice and most of his own performances are used. Casting Justin Timberlake was an obvious reason as he sings on two stand out songs, the trio song 'Five Hundred Miles' and the tongue in cheek space advert 'Please Mr Kennedy'. 

For a film that has been shunned by the Oscar's and BAFTA's it makes no sense as this a pure Coen brothers film: comedy, sincerity and a story of life with some added great music make it stand out. Also to mention an impressive performance by Oscar Isaac not only from his acting but his on point vocals make this film so great and worth seeing.

9/10.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty!!!!

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty.

I'll admit I'm not a big Ben Stiller fan, I never liked Zoolander, I got bored of Tropic Thunder and I didn't laugh at Dodgeball but this time round I was seriously impressed with Ben Stiller. A film that revolves around a man Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) who daydreams on a daily basis and imagines different scenarios happening in real life it works really well.

Working for LIFE magazine Walter is what he calls the 'negative asset manager' which involves him processing all the photographers negatives to be used in the issues of LIFE magazine. As the news comes through that the magazine is to be closed down in favour of a more online presence Walter and his fellow colleagues are in limbo as to what will happen. With the final issue being made, a final photo has been sent in by famous photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn) to be used for the last front cover but Walter can't find it. 

Fantasising a relationship with the new girl in the office Cheryl (Kristin Wiig) and member of the dating website eHarmony he finally strikes up a conversation with her. Helping Walter out to track Sean down she says he is in Iceland and so Walter must decide what to do, stay in the office and not get the last photo or go out of his comfort zone and fly to find Sean. 

With cut scenes of his daydreaming/zone out scenes where different things take place you see a small part of Walter's mind. Deciding to go and find Sean Walter puts himself in various different dangerous situations that he has to keep questioning if it is real or if it's inside his head. Finally realising he has to live his life outside of his head and make these things happen he soon enough gets the confidence that he has always wanted but does he find Sean and get that final photo?

For me this film was a triumph because I can kind of relate to Walter in certain aspects, I daydream and sometimes talk to myself and make up scenarios that I wish would happen. I literally lost and immersed myself in the film and just drifted into Walter's world and I loved it because it was nothing too funny but it was sincere and respectful for daydreamers of the world. The special effects add to the daydream/zone out scenes and really make them feel really real and even though they're over the top they could happen inside anyone's head. 

Stiller I thought wouldn't fit the role as this is a more serious role and film for him to direct but he suits serious and he plays him with ease as well. Starting out as a organised and very routine orientated man he learns more about life and he finally ends up a more confident and full wholesome person, just to show life outside your head can just be as good. Wiig and Penn add to the film and bring in characters who try to push Walter as much as possible and also give him hope in life to do what he wants. 

Critics may not like this film too much and it has had mixed reviews but for me the critics who enjoy it are the daydreamers, the dreamers, the creative people, the people who zone out as well. For any daydreamers of the world then please go and see this film, become immersed, zone out and just enjoy Walter's world as you will love it, just like I did.

10/10.