Interstellar

Released in 2014 this epic space adventure set on a futuristic dystopian earth where man has destroyed most of its natural resources, food is running out and dust covers everything. Ex space shuttle pilot 'Cooper' played by Matthew McConaughey must travel across our solar system to a worm hole where there is the possibility of a new planet o the other side. He must risk everything to try and save man kind.

The first thing you will notice when you watch this film is the sound track, its a mixture of up beat rock, which then changes to a very space orientated sound track to match the change in scenery. An adaption of the song 'Star Spangled Banner' which is performed by Jimmi Hendrix is also used in the film. This song could have been used to link back to what would be the passed in the film to show the viewer that this is what could happen to the earth if we do not start taking better care of it.

In one scene when 'Cooper' and the other pilots are on the spaceship a strange mirage like figure appears by the side of Anne Hathaways character. They believe that this is the brig that will lead them to the new planet, Hathaways character slowly reaches out her hand to touch the being, she make constant eye contact with it and has an amazed yet also scared look in her eyes. This is a very effective scene as it adds a mystical and futuristic element to this movie, helped greatly by the very good acting on Hathaways part.

Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge!- released in 2001 it is one of my all time favorite films. Staring Ewan Mcgregor and Nicole Kidman, it encompasses the erotic and expressive nature of the true Moulin Rouge Paris whilst still using a fairly 'modern' soundtrack. Written and directed by Baz Luhrmann it is a true masterpiece of modern cinema.

The soundtrack includes songs from big names like David Bowie, Missy Eliot, Pink and Christina Aguilera. some of the songs are performed by the original singers, for example 'Nature Boy' by Bowie, whilst others are performed by the cast, for exampl my favorite song 'Elephant Medley' in which Mcgregor and Kidman perform a medley of love songs.

This film follows the classic story line of forbidden love, when 'Satine' (Kidman), a dancer and prostitute at the Moulin Rouge falls in love with a simple writer 'Christian' (Mcgregor) after a series of confusing event. The two must keep their love a secret from 'The Duke' (Richard Roxburgh) who will only invest in the Moulin Rouge if he believes 'Satine' is in love with him. All the characters proceed to write a play to convince 'The Duke' to invest and encounter many trails along the way. This tragic love story encases everything a love story/musical should whilst still being moderately realistic.

Set in the year 1900, Luhrmann truly captures this not only with the setting and costumes, but also dance routines and surprisingly the late 20th century songs chosen. The colors red and black feature greatly in this film, red to show the love and also passion which was very prominent in this area of France in 1900, and black to show the danger which the lovers are putting themselves in and the ultimate death of a character.

If you like romantic films, with a slightly darker side and films with incredible soundtrack, you will love the Moulin Rouge! I am not in the least bit surprised it was nominated for 8 Oscars.