William Hurt – NZ Film Freak

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Released: July 2004
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, Bryce Dallas Howard, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Brendan Gleeson
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The Village is my favourite M. Night Shyamalan film ever. I must have watched it at an impressionable time, because I still catch myself daydreaming about it.

It’s about a 19th century village surrounded by woods. It is said that there are dangerous creatures – The Ones We Do Not Speak Of – in the woods who will attack if anyone goes into their territory. The elders of the village are in charge of keeping the rest of the community safe, ensuring nobody wanders into the woods.

village2

However, when Lucius (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes ill, Ivy (Bryce Dallas Howard) volunteers to brave the woods in order to retrieve medicine from the towns beyond. Plot twist: Ivy is blind (that is definitely not the only plot twist).

Mrs. Clack: How could you have sent her. She is blind.
Ivy’s Father: She is more capable than most in this village. And she is led by love. The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe.

Despite being a thriller, The Village is such an honest, romantic and innocent film that delves into the fundamental human connection between lovers Ivy and Lucius. It strips life right back and reveals what is important to people, and how far we would go to save the ones we love.

The script writing is divine. I’d like to have my house covered in quotes from these characters. I think Shyamalan’s writing overshadows his talent for directing.

Ivy: Sometimes we don’t do things we want to do so that others won’t know we want to do them.

What makes this film spectacular is the music. It really sets it apart from other thrillers. Hilary Hahn is a fantastic violinist and without her solos The Village wouldn’t have that tender and hopeful feel to it. It’s so emotive that it gives me shivers just listening to it on its own:

I would recommend this film to everyone. You don’t have to like thrillers to appreciate the beauty of this movie because the storyline is so pure and touching.

The most beautiful scene is the one below. Ivy proves Lucius’s loyalty and love during a raid on the village by Those Who We Do Not Speak Of. She stands with an out-stretched arm on the porch, knowing Lucius will not let her fall to the monsters who are on the hunt through their village. He saves her, and the use of slow motion and the frantic violins brings tears to my eyes!

At first I didn’t think Bryce Dallas Howard was a convincing blind person. However, after multiple watches, I realised that she can see faint colour and shadows. Which makes more sense.

Ivy: I do long to do boy things. Like that game the boys play at the stump. They put their backs to the woods and see how long they can wait before getting scared. It’s so exciting. I understand you hold the record? It will never be broken they say.
Lucius: It’s just childish games.

It’s a must-watch. If you get bored through the first half, which I hear some people do, please do persist because it’s well worth it.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Into the Wild film poster Director: Sean Penn
Writer: Sean Penn based on Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Brian Dierker, Vince Vaughn, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, Hal Holbrook
Released: September 2007
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WARNING: THIS FILM MAY GIVE A GIANT REALITY CHECK TO MANY ASPIRING TRAVELLERS. YOU MAY END UP CANCELLING YOUR ADVENTURE PLANS AND BECOME CONTENT WITH A SECURE, SAFE 9-5 JOB.

This took me soooo long to sit down, and watch successfully from beginning to end. I attempted watching it twice, about two years ago. But I found it slow-paced and uneventful.

Oh boy was I wrong.

Based on a true story, Into the Wild is about a privileged young man, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who graduates from university. He has the world in his hands, from the outside he has a top-class education, and wealthy, supportive parents. Into the Wild film - hitchhiking scene

But his deepest desire is to distance himself from the material world of money and ‘things’. So he sets off on a journey in search of adventures in the Alaskan wilderness.

I’m gonna be all the way out there, all the way f*cking out there. Just on my own. You know, no f*cking watch, no map, no axe, no nothing. No nothing. Just be out there. Just be out there in it. You know, big mountains, rivers, sky, game. Just be out there in it, you know? In the wild.

A few months ago I took the time to watch it properly. I watched it just before my graduation from university, which was probably why I loved it so much; the story seemed to parallel my life at that point.

I think everyone’s had that desire to break away from the life they know and rough it out in East Jesus nowhere. And, just like every other ‘runaway’ film, Into the Wild lives out your secret fantasy.

Society, man! You know, society! Cause, you know what I don’t understand? I don’t understand why people, why every f*cking person is so bad to each other so f*cking often.

Into the Wild film - bird scene It’s certainly a sad story, and it bursts your idealistic bubble of living in the wilderness. As it turns out, being in the wild is a brutal place to be. Especially all alone.

But, in Christopher’s eyes, he did exactly what he wanted to do. He created his own challenges and hurdles, his own dreams and goals. I feel he was in complete control of his life for once. And despite the tragedies along the way, at least you can say he truly led a free life.

Check out Christopher’s real-life story, there’s a few interesting facts you’ll find out about him… But it’s probably best to read the true story after watching the film. Otherwise you’ll kill the magic in the film.

Into the Wild film scene A classic ‘runaway‘ film that nods to Thelma and Louise, with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Wild following in its epic, glorious and inspiring footsteps.

With this gorgeous song leaving you at the end of the film, I found myself to feel extremely humbled. Christopher’s story was an incredible one to say the least, but as I said, it will smash your travelling dreams with one heavy swing of reality.

This is a ‘quieter’ film to Wild, which is why the rating is a smidgen lower. I think the lack of dialogue and music works for this film, but I ultimately prefer Wild‘s soundtrack and use of dialogue more.

Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10
Please watch the trailer – the score and the editing just punches you in the face with awesomeness.