David Dishman | CNHI Oklahoma Dec 2, 2016
McALESTER, Okla. — “Allied” blends romance, action and a thrilling plot to produce one of the year’s better films.
The spy thriller starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard has its share of action and deceptive adventure — but it’s a romanticized and overly decorative film that softens the excitement. This will translate to a fantastic blend of action and romance for some, but it will leave others wanting for a harder-hitting film.
I found the combination a successful one — for the most part. If you like your movies to resemble a Pottery Barn catalog, “Allied” is going to be a real treat. There are metal cigarrette cases; dapper leather jackets, and shoes and briefcases; Panama hats; Casablanca rooftops; WWII prop planes; old-timey sunglasses and more. There is more than enough to convince an audience member WWII was just a beautiful time where styles were better, smoking wasn’t so bad and spies were capable of love. It’s enough to make a hipster salivate.
The action is enough to get the heart beating at an accelerated rate from time-to-time. Pitt and Cotillard play Max Vatan and Marianne Beauséjour respectively, both of whom are spies during WWII. The pair meet in Casablanca during the opening scenes of the film after being assigned to the same mission. Both are trained assassins, excellent liars and they fight their way into, and out of, several tight spots throughout the film. Vatan, a Canadian, and Beauséjour, from France, fall in love while on assignment and decide to get married and move to London mid-war.
It’s at this point things can get to the groan-inducing points in the film where the love story is frustratingly juxtaposed with the action. The loving couple get pregnant and Beauséjour delivers their baby on the streets of London amid a German air raid which blows up the hospital they were carted from moments before. The loving embrace between the couple while they hold their newborn and buildings explode in the background is too much.
But those scenes are limited and the film is saved by the plot.
Sometime after moving to London and getting married, Vatan is informed his wife is suspected of being a double-agent and is actually a German spy. For a man who fell in love with a woman, had a child with this woman, and continues to fight to liberate this woman’s home country of France from the Germans she is suspected of working for — Vatan is understandably upset. The film centers around this conflict and the audience is left guessing along with Vatan about the true nature of Beauséjour’s allegiance. Who does she work for? What is true, if anything, about who she is? Is it entirely a mistake, and is she who she says she is? Does she really love Vatan? Can Vatan really love Beauséjour?
It’s more complicated than Christmas shopping for your in-laws.
The confusion and mystery surrounding Beauséjour elevates the film to an entertaining level. It moves from a romantic, WWII-era action film to a genuine thriller. Audience members are left in the dark and forced to piece together the mystery as Vatan works to uncover the truth himself. The romance proves to be a necessary part to the film because it leaves a viewer feeling betrayed and angry when Beauséjour is accused of being a spy, much like Vatan. But wait, should we feel betrayed? Or are we going to get to the bottom of a big misunderstanding? The back-and-forth between these possibilities is riveting.
“Allied” is capped with a must-see ending. If you’ve seen as many movies as I have, you sometimes start to think you’ve seen it all in these sorts of situations. However, “Allied” wraps up in spectacular fashion. There will be no spoilers included here so I suggest you go and see for yourself.
War might not be a romantic adventure like “Allied” depicts, but for entertainment during a December 2016 weekend, you won’t find much better.
not mine.credit and source: ENIDNEWS
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Friday, November 25, 2016
Review: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard as sentimental spies in 'Allied'
Fred Hawson
Posted at Nov 25 2016 11:47 AM
We all first heard about this movie when it had the unfortunate association with the biggest breakup news in Hollywood this year -- the divorce of power-couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. One of the reasons being floated was an alleged affair of Pitt with his co-star in the film, French actress Marion Cotillard. This had shades of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (2005), incidentally also a film about married spies, where Brad Pitt dumped Jennifer Aniston in favor of his co-star Jolie. Gossip aside, the quality of this film looked outstanding based from the trailers alone. This was THE movie to watch this week.
It was 1942. Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan got together with French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour in Casablanca, Morocco. They pretended to be husband and wife in order to infiltrate a German function to execute a dangerous mission together. The couple fell in love for real, got married in London, and had a child. However, Max was presented with military intel that threatened their blissful union. Defying his orders, Max is determined to fix the problem in his own way.
The first thing that really strikes you with this film is its glossy and lush cinematography by Don Burgess (Oscar winner for "Forrest Gump," 1994). This is clearly reminiscent of big epic romantic films in the past like "The English Patient". The desert scenes were sweeping and breathtaking, as was the love scene in the car during a sandstorm. The production design (by Gary Freeman) and costume designs (by Joanna Johnston) were also of Oscar-worthy quality and elegance. The lead actors both have qualities of Old Hollywood glamour which completes the film's captivating look of cinematic prestige.
Even now in his 50s, Brad Pitt can still do these romantic lead roles very well. The camera loves his visage and he looked impeccable whatever he was wearing, be it just undershirts or a formal tuxedo or a full uniform. He has been in a couple of other World War II films just recently, "Inglorious Basterds" (2009) and "Fury" (2014), so he fit into this role quite smoothly. He was also able to handle creditably the dramatic requirements of the role, that of a desperate husband who had to secretly find a way to save his marriage and still make everything look normal on the surface.
Marion Cotillard was gorgeous and vibrant as her character was supposed to be. Her depth as an actress was in full display here in a complex role, enhanced by her fashionable outfits and radiant smile. She owned the Morocco scenes with her magnetic outgoing screen presence. It was too bad that her role somewhat got curtailed when the story moved to London, but her Marianne was clearly the driving inspiration behind Max's every action even if we do not see her on screen.
Director Robert Zemeckis should be credited for the incredible suspense he had created in the last sequences of this film. He took his time, which had us all hanging on to the edges of our seats as he built-up to the emotional and sentimental climax. This sentimentality was what won Zemeckis the Oscar for "Forrest Gump" (1994) after all. He also used the mirror a lot for many of his scenes, probably hinting on the illusions spies have to create in their line of work, hence some imaginative blocking and camera angles were employed.
Overall, I thought this film was engaging on a visual and emotional level. The beauty of the landscape and the actors will transport you to another place and time as only Hollywood can. This extreme glamour may keep you distant but you will be kept interested and hanging on up to its ultimate resolution. Admittedly, the romance part could have been better built up in the first act especially with Max's cold detached personality making chemistry difficult. Definitely though, the wartime intrigue and mystery investigation give the film the spice and excitement it needs later in the game. 8/10
This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."
not mine.credit and source: ABS-CBN
Posted at Nov 25 2016 11:47 AM
We all first heard about this movie when it had the unfortunate association with the biggest breakup news in Hollywood this year -- the divorce of power-couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. One of the reasons being floated was an alleged affair of Pitt with his co-star in the film, French actress Marion Cotillard. This had shades of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (2005), incidentally also a film about married spies, where Brad Pitt dumped Jennifer Aniston in favor of his co-star Jolie. Gossip aside, the quality of this film looked outstanding based from the trailers alone. This was THE movie to watch this week.
It was 1942. Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan got together with French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour in Casablanca, Morocco. They pretended to be husband and wife in order to infiltrate a German function to execute a dangerous mission together. The couple fell in love for real, got married in London, and had a child. However, Max was presented with military intel that threatened their blissful union. Defying his orders, Max is determined to fix the problem in his own way.
The first thing that really strikes you with this film is its glossy and lush cinematography by Don Burgess (Oscar winner for "Forrest Gump," 1994). This is clearly reminiscent of big epic romantic films in the past like "The English Patient". The desert scenes were sweeping and breathtaking, as was the love scene in the car during a sandstorm. The production design (by Gary Freeman) and costume designs (by Joanna Johnston) were also of Oscar-worthy quality and elegance. The lead actors both have qualities of Old Hollywood glamour which completes the film's captivating look of cinematic prestige.
Even now in his 50s, Brad Pitt can still do these romantic lead roles very well. The camera loves his visage and he looked impeccable whatever he was wearing, be it just undershirts or a formal tuxedo or a full uniform. He has been in a couple of other World War II films just recently, "Inglorious Basterds" (2009) and "Fury" (2014), so he fit into this role quite smoothly. He was also able to handle creditably the dramatic requirements of the role, that of a desperate husband who had to secretly find a way to save his marriage and still make everything look normal on the surface.
Marion Cotillard was gorgeous and vibrant as her character was supposed to be. Her depth as an actress was in full display here in a complex role, enhanced by her fashionable outfits and radiant smile. She owned the Morocco scenes with her magnetic outgoing screen presence. It was too bad that her role somewhat got curtailed when the story moved to London, but her Marianne was clearly the driving inspiration behind Max's every action even if we do not see her on screen.
Director Robert Zemeckis should be credited for the incredible suspense he had created in the last sequences of this film. He took his time, which had us all hanging on to the edges of our seats as he built-up to the emotional and sentimental climax. This sentimentality was what won Zemeckis the Oscar for "Forrest Gump" (1994) after all. He also used the mirror a lot for many of his scenes, probably hinting on the illusions spies have to create in their line of work, hence some imaginative blocking and camera angles were employed.
Overall, I thought this film was engaging on a visual and emotional level. The beauty of the landscape and the actors will transport you to another place and time as only Hollywood can. This extreme glamour may keep you distant but you will be kept interested and hanging on up to its ultimate resolution. Admittedly, the romance part could have been better built up in the first act especially with Max's cold detached personality making chemistry difficult. Definitely though, the wartime intrigue and mystery investigation give the film the spice and excitement it needs later in the game. 8/10
This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."
not mine.credit and source: ABS-CBN
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
An Allied Front: Brad Pitt Tours China While Marion Cotillard Wows on N.Y.C. Red Carpet to Promote Film
BY JODI GUGLIELMI
NOVEMBER 16, 2016
Brad Pitt is taking advantage of his time in China while promoting his upcoming film Allied.
After hitting the red carpet in Shanghai on Sunday at the premiere of the highly anticipated World War II drama, the actor stuck around for a few days to enjoy the city.
On Tuesday, Pitt, 52, took part in a handful of local activities, including learning to write in Chinese script and eating traditional cuisine.
The actor appears to be enjoying his time abroad as he was all smiles while walking the carpet, even stopping to greet fans and take a few selfies.
Meanwhile, Pitt’s costar Marion Cotillard represented the film stateside, stepping out at the New York City premiere. The pregnant actress showed off her growing baby bump in a black-and-orange striped skirt with a matching jacket.
Cotillard dished on her time on set with Pitt, telling reporters, “When you shoot a movie for three or four months, it becomes a little world where you get to know people that you didn’t before and so you spend your days with new people. Of course you have fun sometimes.”
The French actress, 41, also revealed that she helped Pitt with his French accent for his role in the film.
“I was trying to help,” she said. “He was very committed. It was very touching to see him working like he did because he wanted to be fair with the language. He did an amazing job.”
Allied hits theaters Nov. 23.
not mine.credit and source: PEOPLE
NOVEMBER 16, 2016
Brad Pitt is taking advantage of his time in China while promoting his upcoming film Allied.
After hitting the red carpet in Shanghai on Sunday at the premiere of the highly anticipated World War II drama, the actor stuck around for a few days to enjoy the city.
On Tuesday, Pitt, 52, took part in a handful of local activities, including learning to write in Chinese script and eating traditional cuisine.
The actor appears to be enjoying his time abroad as he was all smiles while walking the carpet, even stopping to greet fans and take a few selfies.
Meanwhile, Pitt’s costar Marion Cotillard represented the film stateside, stepping out at the New York City premiere. The pregnant actress showed off her growing baby bump in a black-and-orange striped skirt with a matching jacket.
Cotillard dished on her time on set with Pitt, telling reporters, “When you shoot a movie for three or four months, it becomes a little world where you get to know people that you didn’t before and so you spend your days with new people. Of course you have fun sometimes.”
The French actress, 41, also revealed that she helped Pitt with his French accent for his role in the film.
“I was trying to help,” she said. “He was very committed. It was very touching to see him working like he did because he wanted to be fair with the language. He did an amazing job.”
Allied hits theaters Nov. 23.
not mine.credit and source: PEOPLE
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Brad Pitt Attends First Post-Split Event, Alongside Julia Roberts
NOVEMBER 9, 2016 @ 8:30 AM
BY: FAITH CUMMINGS
Since news of his split from Angelina Jolie surfaced back in September, Brad Pitt has stayed almost completely out of the public eye. But he reemerged for the first time in two months at a Los Angeles screening of a film that is gaining a lot of Oscar buzz—none other than Moonlight.
While most of the country was in an Election Day frenzy, her watched the film with longtime friend and Ocean's Eleven co-star Julia Roberts. Pitt had a hand in Moonlight, as his production company, Plan B co-partnered with studio A24 to produce the movie. Roberts co-hosted the private screening alongside the actor.
Tuesday's outing won't be Pitt's last appearance of the week: He's set to take to the red carpet for the premiere of his film Allied tonight.
not mine.credit and source: INSTYLE
BY: FAITH CUMMINGS
Since news of his split from Angelina Jolie surfaced back in September, Brad Pitt has stayed almost completely out of the public eye. But he reemerged for the first time in two months at a Los Angeles screening of a film that is gaining a lot of Oscar buzz—none other than Moonlight.
While most of the country was in an Election Day frenzy, her watched the film with longtime friend and Ocean's Eleven co-star Julia Roberts. Pitt had a hand in Moonlight, as his production company, Plan B co-partnered with studio A24 to produce the movie. Roberts co-hosted the private screening alongside the actor.
Tuesday's outing won't be Pitt's last appearance of the week: He's set to take to the red carpet for the premiere of his film Allied tonight.
not mine.credit and source: INSTYLE
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