" I simply am not there. "

American Psycho

Based on Bret Easton Ellis' highly controversial novel by the same name, American Psycho is as confronting as it is compelling. Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy businessman that is surrounded by class from the clothes he wears to the restaurants he dines at. Bateman however is not your average upper class citizen as he is also happens to be a psychopathic killer. As Bateman struggles to control his growing lust for murder his true identity becomes harder to hide from his work colleagues, friends and even the police.

The film grips you in straight away as you are taken through the seemingly typical routine Bateman undergoes each day. Every scene is purposefully shot and as a result you are able to gain a true understanding of Bateman's life and through his narration his darkest desires and fantasies. This film is in essence a very sophisticated thriller as you are constantly unprepared for what Bateman might do. The lunches and work meetings all appear very normal but there is a distinct overtone associated with every scene that leaves you in a state of anticipation. Despite Bateman appearing constantly on edge he very rarely lets his guard slip and it's on very rare occasions that you are given a glimpse into the undeniable aggression and rage he possesses. It's not until Bateman's first act of murder that you realise his fantasies and desires are not just fantasies.

There is no doubt Ellis has written a very complex novel that can be interpreted as a representation of man's true desires and impulses or even an extreme satire reflecting on the monotonous way of life of upper class citizens. Director Mary Harron has respected the ideas of Ellis faithfully and created a film that similarly to the book received mixed reviews and gained a lot of controversy. Given that the film deals with such horrific acts of murder and graphic sex scenes it had to be expected. Luckily Harron was not afraid of such critism and disapproval and as a result developed a film that is regarded as a classic by moviegoers around the world. American Psycho is a haunting film and its unforgettable scenes, musical celebrations and performances stay with you long after the credits finish. 

However the work of Ellis and Harron would be for nothing if it wasn't for the brilliant performance delivered by Christian Bale. Many actors starting out in their careers wouldn't take on the role of a serial killer out of fear they would be typecast as a psycho or villain. Bale didn't see it that way he saw a great role and simply made it his own. Bale's narration and performance throughout the film ensures his character is perceived as an emotionless and threatening person. But even more than that Bale makes the audience see Bateman not as a person but as a shell of a person who feels no remorse or regret for what he has done. Bale is excellent in every scene whether he's expressing his musical knowledge passionately where you can't help but laugh guiltily or he's chasing a woman with a chainsaw, stark naked, covered in blood with a an eager grin plastered all over his face

Bateman is portrayed convincingly as a man of control (who eventually loses control). Every aspect of his life from his appearance to his business card has to be perfect. His compulsion to control everything leads to his eventual descent into madness where he can longer control his urges. It is here in the last act that Bale's true brilliance is revealed as Bateman's spree appears to be coming to an end. The most likely person to discover Bateman's true identity is Detective Donald Kimball, played excellently by Willem Dafoe. Dafoe was asked to play Kimball in three different ways: he though Bateman was guilty, he didn't think Bateman was guilty and he wasn't sure. Harron has ingeniously blended the three performances together and as a result you have no idea how much Kimball knows or if he even suspects Bateman. There are many other strong supporting performances most notably Reese Witherspoon as Bateman's unsuspecting girlfriend Evelyn and Chloe Sevigny as Bateman's secretary Jean who appears to be equally in love and scared of Bateman. However this film belongs to one man; Christian Bale.

The title American Psycho leads to think you are receiving a spoiler before you even see the film and in many ways you are. This is film about a respected man who also kills people of which most people would already be aware of before seeing the film, yet this film is much more than a routine slasher film. American Psycho is a thought provoking and underrated film that keeps you engrossed all the way to its unexpected and highly debatable ending.

" He just punched a baby "

The Campaign

Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) has run unopposed in his North Carolina district for eight years but he is forced to fight for his candidacy   when local tourism director Mary Huggins (Zach Galifianakis) joins the race. Huggins is supported by two corrupt, wealthy CEOs played by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd. Brady soon realises he has a fight on his hands due to the support Huggins is receiving from his wealthy contributors and ruthless campaign manager (Dylan McDermott). As the election quickly approaches the pair resort to dirty tactics with their campaign turning into a hotly disputed contest.

There is no doubt that this should have been a funny film, the premise seemed simple enough to execute but like any election things don't always go smoothly. Unfortunately the writers of this film decided to create two unlikeable characters that are so over the top in their mannerisms and eccentricity that you are unable to relate to them or even enjoy watching their antics on screen. This could have been a really clever film but instead the writers and director chose to talk about dicks and balls over and over again in an attempt to shock the audience into laughter. There are glimpses of quality comedy such as dealing with Brady punching a baby accidently, however those moments are far and few. The film chooses to move away from the politics and instead focus on the annoying characters of Brady and Huggins. In terms of who has the strangest obsession, most outlandish family or 'loving' wife it's hard to  pick a winner

Will Ferrell is an interesting actor in the fact that his films are extremely popular by many whilst at the same time despised by many. The most interesting thing is that although alot of his films are bad they somehow make their way into popular culture. His quotes and antics become that of legend constantly relived by fans yet at the time when you watch the film they don't appear to be funny at all. I like some of Ferrell's movies but to me he is still a 50/50 actor in that you never quite know what your going to get.

It's not that Ferrell of Galifianakis deliver poor performances in this film it's just that they had very little to work with. Galifianakis is not surprisingly made out to be an eccentric yet at the same time 'loveable' loser, the only problem is Galifianakis has played that character countless times before. The performance of Ferrell comes across as lazy as most of the time he is simply shouting out insults that are neither witty or funny. I think both Ferrell and Galifianakis can be really funny actors that on rare occasion can deliver a strong dramatic performance (Everything Must Go, It's Kind of a Funny Story). However I think they are both more suited to playing the supportive character which they has proven very successful in the past with both of them often stealing the film with their scenes.

I think that the premise for the film would have been received more favourably it it was a 10 minute skit on Saturday Night Live, as that was about the time it took for the joke to run its course. Director Jay Roach has made some interesting films including the popular Austin Powers series and Meet The Parents. Throughout his films he has established himself as the king of elaborate events where a character finds himself stuck in a series of situations going from bad to worse before the inevitable resolution. He has achieved this format successfully with the situations often being very funny and relatable despite their exaggerated nature. The Campaign is begging for some of that past charm and wit, but instead we are left with accusations of terrorism, petty attempts at backstabbing and a series of escalating scandals that are both repetitive and unoriginal.

The Campaign is one of those films where the only funny lines or scenes were in the trailer, there are some rare hints of the political comedy that it could have been, but in the end I was left feeling disappointed. Politics as a topic for comedy should be a gold mine for witty and satirical humour but unfortunately in this film we are left with crass, tiresome one-liners.

" The truth will set you free "

Dead Man Walking

Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) is a well liked nun and teacher who supports the less advantaged in her community. One day she receives a letter from a man on Death Row who has been committed for the rape and murder of two young teenagers. The man in question, Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) seeks out the sister as his final chance for a retrial. It soon becomes clear that Matthew's execution will be carried out and Sister Helen remains as a spiritual councilor trying to get Matthew to admit his crimes and achieve a degree of redemption for his sins. Sister Helen becomes Matthews last form of comfort and guidance as he struggles to admit his crimes and accept his fate.

Director Tim Robbins handles the sensitive topic with the utmost care, showcasing immense skill for only his second directorial effort. When dealing with powerful themes in cinema often a film will fail to reach the necessary emotional heights or try too hard, creating a film that is over dramatic and theatrical. Luckily Robbins gets it right and is able to do justice to the true story of Sister Helen.

The film focuses predominantly on the two characters and Robbins gets straight to the point in setting the scene. Sister Helen is a compassionate woman who has devoted herself to religion and the goodwill of others, whereas Poncelet is a convicted criminal of the most heinous crimes. As Sister Helen becomes drawn into the life of Poncelet, everyone around her feels confused as to why she continues to guide and support such an awful man. The nature of the facility and the steadily approaching date of his execution overwhelms her, yet she maintains her position as his councellor believing she can help him. This in turn becomes a beautiful friendship as she successfully begins to reach out to Poncelet. Never in the film are we made to see Poncelet as a good man, a man who deserves to be released or for this to be the perceived desire of Sister Helen. This is a film that explores the complex and controversial issue that is corporal punishment.

There is no doubt that this is one of those films that takes your breathe away, it is a tragic, painful and haunting film to watch influenced greatly by the interwoven flashbacks to the night of the murders. However at the same this is a film of undisputed beauty, whether its depicted in the kindness from Sister Helen, the intelligent filmmaking or the heartbreaking score. Perhaps the most effective aspect is that the film doesn't resort to preaching, instead you are left to make up your mind. As a result you are left evaluating the issue long after the film has ended, contemplating whether or not lethal injection is an acceptable means to die, whether or not it is ethical to kill someone convicted of a capital crime or whether or not it is our right as a society to kill a man at all. As is said in an accurate depiction of reality "It's easy to kill a monster. It's hard to kill a human being".

This is a film that could be used as a masterclass of acting. Susan Sarandon at the time was the wife of Robbins and she proves she was not simply cast due to her relationship with the director. She delivers a heartbreaking and captivating performance, portraying powerful emotions in virtually every scene. She was a worthy winner of her Oscar, except she should have been sharing it with her husband and fellow cast member Sean Penn. Penn is one of those rare actors that can deliver a memorable performance despite the genre. He has proven time and time again his skill as an actor and coming into this film you expect him to deliver a performance full of emotion and passion that is worthy of an Oscar and he certainly delivers.

This is an exhausting and emotionally draining film, however don't be put off as it is a film that deserves to be watched. Dead Man Walking showcases beautiful acting performances and exceptional directing talent while all the while dealing with one of the most contentious topics in modern society. The literal title acts as a constant reminder to the inevitable end to the film but Robbins ensures that the journey on Death Row is portrayed respectfully, with the final scenes being the most moving and memorable.