Thursday 18 February 2010

Film: 'Invictus' - impressive

Didn't expect to like this film as much as I did, having a dislike of films which feature any sport in a major way. Furthermore rugby, like cricket, leaves me cold and bored. (I still don't know what on earth they're trying to do in both sports, and have never had the inclination to find out.) But as it transpired, I thought 'Invictus' was a very good film. It would be churlish to complain that Morgan Freeman was only a visual approximation of the deservedly iconic Nelson Mandela, but he did get the voice uncannily close, I thought. Then there was also the beefed-up Matt Damon, someone whose looks haven't done much for me in the past, but in this film looking the best he ever has, at least in my opinion. The (very) rough-and-tumble of the rugby games was exceedingly well shot, even majestically, though that was helped by having sequences in slo-mo. Nevertheless it was certainly moving, my emotions having been kick-started by hearing the South African national anthem which, with the Russian and French, being the only such anthems that can bring tears to my eyes.
But our Clint does it again! I don't think he's ever made a duff film, certainly not as director. Even as actor he's always been a compelling presence. I remember seeing him as Rowdy Yates in the old black-and-white 'Rawhide' TV series long before he first he appeared on film in the 'man-with-no-name' trilogy. (We'll gloss over his almost wordless supporting-actor role in 'Where Eagles Dare' though at the time the film was a romping good boys-own adventure yarn. Btw. I only recently learned that it was Eastwood himself who suggested pruning his scripted dialogue in that role right back and to play his part mainly by facial expressions!) Then in the 70s came his first attempt at directing - and very accomplished it was too - for 'Play Misty For Me'. I've seen every one of his films on the big screen (with the sole exception of 'Million Dollar Baby' - Sport again!) and all of them can justifiably be described as 'significant' (rather like all Scorsese's film are too). I know that Eastwood can't be far off from retiring now, but whenever he does, for me it will still be too soon. But as for 'Invictus' - do see!

7 comments:

  1. Great review! I'm excited to see Invictus as soon as it is out on DVD. I won't go see a movie specifically because of the actors in it, although I have major crush on Matt Damon and a substantial one on Morgan Freeman. (Yes, I like 72-year-olds). I go see movies based on whether I like their subject matter, and historic tales like this one really pique my interest.
    As for national anthems, I found myself in tears when a Canadian won a gold medal this week and they played "O Canada" at the medal ceremony. I love Canada.

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  2. I don't like Morgan Freeman whatsoever, especially his slutty ear ring. Sorry I said that.

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  3. Larry - You're definitely going to like this film. Let us know what you think when it comes your way. You like 72-year olds? So I can count on your interest for at least another 9 years, then?
    Canada is outrageously ignored in our USA-centric daily news coverage, even by the BBC - it's even worse than that for our own European neighbours. Anything outside this country or the USA is hardly ever mentioned unless it's some natural disaster or major accident - and it annoys me greatly. Yes, I am a Canada-phile too. In fact although my mother was English there is reason to believe, from her own grandmother's surname, that there just may have been some French-Canadian blood there too. But now I also see that you've got a double-attraction to cuddly Sean - and I don't blame you.
    Luhuutai - don't be sorry. Glad you dropped by - even though I'm not sure what you mean by that ear-ring, or am I lacking in observation?

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  4. In my opinion, wearing an ear-ring (not in movies but in daily life) at his age looks ridiculous, just him. That might be just because I don't like so everything of him makes me irritated LOL I watched his movies a lot actually :D

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  5. Thanks, lEhuuutai. Now you say it I might just have noticed the earring once myself, but had forgotten. Yes, I agree. It would make someone of his age look, well, 'odd' at the very least. But as long as he wants to do it, fine by me. Cheers, pal.

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  6. I'm sure Invictus will be a hit with us. Will let you know as soon as it is out on DVD. Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman are actors we like to see and we were sure they could pull this film off.

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  7. Ta, Kyle. I'll be surprised if you're not impressed. The Eastwood magic (despite his, to me, questionable public politics of the past) works yet again.

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