12 Angry Men - 1957

"Life is in their hands- death is on their mind"

Sidney Lumet's courtroom drama deals with the moral dilemmas that surround humanity in a claustrophobic and restless way. 

The film explores one afternoon in which a jury of twelve men have to come to an agreement as to whether a young boy has murdered his own father. Henry Fonda stars in this movie, playing a man who's reasonable doubt and well-reasoned resistance gradually brings the eleven other distinct characters around from their swift verdict of guilty. Lumet utilises quippy dialogue, sudden twists and impassioned speeches to create a claustrophobic and sweaty intensity unlike any other film. 

Subsequently, this film was engaging and absorbing, accomplishing a filmmaker's main goal: persuading the viewer to think about their own society in new and interesting ways. Though, the uncertain ending was satisfying in a completely unsatisfying way (in other words: perfect!)

Fonda plays his main role in a very Hollywood-esque way, the shadows of the black and white falling on his glimmering eyes in traditional 1950s fashion. As a 21st century viewer, this made me feel slightly uneasy, since that same look has been now mocked and parodied to no end, but I can definitely see the movie-star charm that would have had the audience swooning. 

Overall, I was captivated by the film's plot and circumstance. Class and ethnic prejudices, private assumptions and personalities all come out in the colossal struggle for unclouded judgement, winning its place as one of the most highly regarded movies of all time. 

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Le Voyage Dans La Lune/A Trip to the Moon - 1902

If I am completely honest, this film blew me away.


Le voyage dans la lune (or A Trip To The Moon in English) tells the story of a group of scientists who long to take a trip to the moon in order to explore it. The missile-like vessel that the group use to get to there lands in the eye of the moon, which is represented as an anthropomorphic being- the simplistic special effects stunning the audience of the time. Once there, the scientists encounter aggressive inhabitants, who then capture them and take them to their leader. The men manage to escape and arrive safely back in Paris, and were then honoured as heroes.

Being one of the earliest films accomplished purely for the enjoyment of others, it stunned me in an extremely surreal way. It represents a revolution for the time, this fourteen minute film standing out amongst its common two minute peers. When thinking about this film, my mind is instantly transported to the original whimsy surrounding filmmaking- where a shot of a rocket "hurtling" into space drew gasps from the crowd. These special effects inarguably have been accomplished due to the director, Georges Meliès, who had a background in theatrical acting and as a magician. He also contributed to the movie as a producer, writer, set and costume designer and cinematographer, seemingly understanding of the vast possibilities surrounding the motion picture camera.

Though, due to the now-poor special effects, grainy quality and black and white colouring, this may not be the perfect movie for a relaxing night at home. Though, if one does really enjoy film I would advise you sit through the whole thing- it is worth it trust me!

Widely regarded as the first sci-fi film, this silent movie cannot be missed by anyone looking for the origins of the cinematic conventions that widely dictate the movies that are created today.

Caio for now!
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My First Post

Welcome to my blog! I have to admit, I’m still trying to work out how to use it, and all the intricacies that go along with it, but I am extremely excited! I’ve always loved films and how they are made, but for my 18^th birthday my brother bought me a book named “1001 movies you have to see before you die”. The book goes through all of the best movies made throughout the 20^th century, each with a bit of background, the reception the film received and why it is important to view said film. A fact about me is that I have an absolute passion for history, so watching these films set the ever-changing landscape of the 20^th century through fresh 21^st century eyes is fascinating to me.

As soon as I began watching these movies I reveled in the certainty that as soon as I would finish watching, I would write about it, purely for my own personal gain. This was when I decided “hey, might as well post it for others to read!” My goal, therefore, over the course of the next year is to watch, learn and write about each of these 1001 movies, giving my personal perspective on each film.

So here goes! Enjoy a wide landscape of films both old and new, foreign and western, and each and every genre.

You are welcome to come on this journey with me. So for the first time- cue the review!

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