Disclosure Day - "Listen..."

When Steven Spielberg makes any new movie, it’s worth checking out, but when there are aliens involved it becomes, hopefully, something special. Disclosure Day has a lot of that old Spielberg magic (obsessed characters on a mission, constant movement, characters doing the glassy-eyed “Spielberg face,” etc.), and that will be enough for a lot of people (it kind of is for me), but if you’re hoping for something monumental, then this may leave you disappointed. No one is coming here before they decide to watch this, but just in case, SPOILERS AHEAD.

The pace of Disclosure Day is probably the best thing going for it. This is a chase movie through and through with plenty of set pieces to keep you occupied. And that’s good because the more you dig into the plot, the more questions keep arising. 

First off, this film would have worked so much better in the early ‘90s. As it is, we know everything from the get-go, and not just because of previews. This is a movie about disclosing proof of alien life to the public. So there’s no mystery, even though the film keeps pretending there is. We’re shown footage early on when Josh O’Connor shows Eve Hewson some of the footage he plans to release. Maybe if we didn’t see any of it until the end, it would have had more impact, but even then we’ve all seen so much alien shit over the years that nothing shown is all that moving, no matter how many people stare at the footage with tears in their eyes at the end. 

It’s simply not a compelling plot to the point that I assumed it was a misdirect. It wasn’t. The only slight twist on things was that the disclosure is used as a kind of Watchmen-esque plan to save the world from nuclear war. But that’s been done before. And, worse, I don’t think that would work at this point. Maybe back in the ‘90s, but now I fear even aliens can’t bring us together.

But that’s Spielberg for you. His stance is made clear in a phone call between Eve Hewson, whose character gave up being a nun, and Elizabeth Marvel, her former nun…boss (or whatever they’re called). Hewson is worried that exposing alien life will destroy belief in God. Marvel reassures that this wouldn’t be the case, and that Hewson didn’t give up being a nun because she stopped believing in God; she quit because she stopped believing in people. 

In one aspect, I agree. I don’t think confirming the existence of alien life will destroy the world’s religions, but not for the reasons that Disclosure Day gives. Between the constant barrage of bullshit we doom-scroll through every day and the ability to call everything “fake” thanks to AI-shit and general stupidity, I just don’t think disclosure would make the same wave it would have decades ago. And this film suggesting it is possible to still unite the human race through a CNN report and YouTube videos on our phones is extremely naive to the point of being insulting. Or maybe I just don’t share Spielberg’s optimism, and that’s my own problem. 

And I think that’s the main thing that is splitting viewers of this. Do you believe this would unite humanity or at least accept that it could in the world of the movie? Or do you think it would just be another crazy thing added to the shitpile? I’m a shitpile guy, but hopefully when I watch this again someday I’ll be more open to it. 

That written, I still like the ambiguous ending. The film holds back all kinds of info just throwing us right into the middle of things, so it would feel wrong for it to come up with some message from the alien. And the message isn’t the point anyway. Despite my cynicism, I can still acknowledge the importance of listening, and I believe it is one of our biggest problems as a society today. The film holds empathy as the greatest feature of humanity, and empathy begins with listening. So I loved that final line. 

And there’s actually a lot I liked about this movie. I’m not on board with the ending, but I was with this movie for pretty much all the rest of it. The cast is great. I don’t think Blunt will be nominated for this as others have suggested, but this is probably her best work. She perfectly conveys the feeling that she’s not fully in control. Firth is Firth. And Colman Domingo is one of my favorite actors working right now, so I’m okay watching him talk on the phone for an entire movie. 

Beyond the acting, the pacing was the star. This did not feel like 2+ hours. Spielberg is so good at conveying momentum. And the faster the movie goes, the less time you have to nitpick it. 

But I still have issues with Disclosure Day. I wish I didn’t. I wish I loved every second of this film. But it’s still great to have Spielberg still making movies like this, daring an audience to still have hope in an increasingly hopeless world.

Random Thoughts

The more I think about it, the less this is a problem, but I wanted so much more info about Domingo’s character. I guess he can communicate with the alien, but it seemed like only O’Connor could? That wasn’t entirely clear to me. But he had to be able to communicate with the alien to recreate Blunt’s childhood home. But how did that work? He did those weird clicks to tell them to put a copy of Kindergarten Cop on VHS on the TV stand? Or was it telepathic? I could’ve used a little more info there.

And he says the aliens present as animals. So that cardinal that showed up in Blunt’s house was really a little green alien? He hopped through the window?

It was fun when Blunt became a Jedi and started mind-tricking everyone to leave her alone.

That opening scene is right out of Highlander. Was this an intentional reference? I mean, why start this movie at a wrestling match? Hell, why does Highlander start at a wrestling match? What the fuck is going on here?

I love that Wardex is Nixon’s fault. He just had to show Jackie Gleason some aliens and ruined it for future presidents.

"Lincoln" Is an Amazing Film, Clothed in Immense Entertainment

Lincoln - Directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Tony Kushner, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lee Pace, Bruce McGill, James Spader, John Hawkes, and David Straithern - Rated PG-13

 

It’s strange.  Abraham Lincoln has been all over Hollywood lately, yet there has not been a real story told about him in decades.  I’ve seen his assassination recreated in National Treasure: Book of Secrets and The Conspirator, and he’s even battled the undead in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (a very fun book, by the way, but a disappointingly dull film).  Lincoln can be killed over and over and be turned into a superhero, but he can’t be a man.  The way Hollywood has avoided tackling the man is a statement on where Abraham Lincoln fits into America’s history.  He is not a man, but a legend.  It’s hard to even think about Lincoln as a human being, which is what most likely has scared off many filmmakers.  Thankfully, Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner, and Daniel Day-Lewis stepped up to make a film about a man, and it turned out to be a brilliant film on every level.

 

The main reason that Lincoln not only meets but also exceeds expectations is that it is not a traditional biography of the man.  We do not see Lincoln growing up in the log cabin or courting Mary Todd.  We don’t even see his youngest son die, which is something that happened in the White House.  Lincoln, rather than taking the arguably boring broad view, focuses on Lincoln trying to get the Thirteenth Amendment (the abolition of slavery) passed near the end of the Civil War in order to make sure that the war has at least served a lasting purpose.  Believe it or not, the passage of an amendment in the House of Representatives turned out to be far more interesting and entertaining than a life story. 

 

Story and focus is important, but a film like this hinges on a single performance.  Once Daniel Day-Lewis was announced to play Lincoln, it seemed perfect.  Who else but the lanky, gaunt method actor could portray Abraham Lincoln with any seriousness?  (Liam Neeson was attached at one point.  A good physical choice, for sure, but I’m not sure how it would have turned out.)  As an admitted fanboy of Day-Lewis (I count his performances in The Crucible, Gangs of New York, and There Will Be Blood among the best of all time), I became very excited about this film.  When the first picture was released, it was almost creepy how much he looked like the President.  Then the preview was released and I finally heard the voice; I was sold.

 

Abraham Lincoln, according to historical reports, had a high-pitched voice with a Midwest twang that some even described as painful to listen to.  He was not a booming, baritone giant as many have imagined him over the years.  When I first heard Day-Lewis’s take on the voice, the history buff in me was very pleased.  After watching the entire performance, the film critic in me was amazed.  It’s no shock that Day-Lewis completely inhabited the character of Lincoln, but I was surprised by how much Lincoln was able to be portrayed as a human, rather than a legend.  As Lincoln tells his funny stories and plays with his son, you start to forget you’re watching a portrayal of one of the most beloved political icons in the history of the world.  You realize you’re watching a man. 

 

I was afraid when this project was first announced that it would be a film that simply added to the legend.  Steven Spielberg is a director I love, but I wasn’t sure he could create a very interesting film about Lincoln.  I thought he might sugarcoat the subject or just give a gung-ho “Go America!” movie.  While I did leave the theater quite proud of my country, it certainly wasn’t because I just witnessed some propaganda.  It was because I had seen a film about one of our greatest politicians fighting for a noble cause.  It didn’t hurt that the film turned out to be quite funny, as well.

 

The humor of Lincoln will most likely be the most surprising part of the viewing experience.  The images and previews for the film have sold it as this somber, serious portrait of a man and a mission to end slavery, and it is slightly that, but it also takes backroom politics (trading favors and promising jobs) and turns it into entertaining spectacle.  The humor is nearly deceitful, though, as it overshadows the fact that votes for the Amendment are basically purchased.  Under normal circumstances, that would create moments of internal struggle, but the topic up for debate is slavery.  The question posed (and pretty much answered) both onscreen and off is whether or not the end justifies the means.  It seems like the typical answer to that issue in film these days is that individual good is more important than the big picture.  Thankfully, Lincoln makes no bones about the fact that ending slavery is the right thing to do, even if a few “wrong” things are done to achieve this. 

 

More importantly, the humor makes Lincoln a feel-good, fun experience.  The laughs are well-deserved, too.  Lincoln’s stories are always amusing, especially when told with Day-Lewis’s energy.  Writer Tony Kushner has crafted a very tight script, dialogue-wise.  Lincoln's stories and speeches are great, but the debates on the House floor are equally compelling and entertaining.  Sure, most of this can be chalked up to historical record, but if you actually research the words of the time, it is still impressive that Kushner was able to piece all of this together in a coherent and interesting fashion. 

 

Riveting political speeches on paper are one thing, but the words float off meaningless if not for a good performance.  I have already stated my awe of Day-Lewis, and the rest of the cast deserves plenty of praise.  Tommy Lee Jones is a standout as Thaddeus Stevens.  In the previews, we are given a cheesy scene in which he addresses a group of people, “Abraham Lincoln has asked us to work with him to accomplish the death of slavery,” waving his cane with each word to prove his sincerity.  Taken out of context, that looks like a scene that belongs in the film I was afraid had been made.  He is actually being a bit sarcastic in this moment and it is part of an overall wonderful performance as Stevens represents the character that does have to struggle with the decision to be dishonest for the greater good.  Sally Field, David Straithern, Lee Pace, and Bruce McGill round out the heavier parts of the cast, but the list could go on.  Lincoln is certainly one of the finest casts of 2012. 

 

The film is tied together with a John Williams score (this is a Spielberg film, after all), and it is the perfect bow to put on top of this great film.  Lincoln provides the complete movie package.  It is interesting and informative, it's entertaining (surprisingly so), and it showcases some powerhouse performances.  If pressed, I could probably give you a couple of things to complain about, but looking back on the film, I can't really single out any real issues.  Simply put, Lincoln is my favorite film of the year.

 

Random Thoughts (SPOILERS)

 

I want to clarify that bit about being a little deceitful to gain something important.  Usually, the lesson of the film is that if you are willing to sell your soul a little bit, then you can become totally evil.  Telling one white lie could lead to the downfall of mankind.  What a joke.  Compromising your values in a small way to gain something greater is an American tradition.  It is a good trait to showcase on film?  Absolutely not.  Is it realistic?  Yep.  I found it refreshing that Thaddeus Stevens had to swallow his pride and lie to get what he wanted all along.  Maybe that isn't heroic by Hollywood standards, but that's the point.  Life is all about picking your battles, and in reality, you don't get rewarded for nitpicking.

"The Adventures of Tintin"

Directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright & Joe Cornish, based on the comic series by Herge, starring Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, and Andy Serkis - Rated PG

I had a hell of a lot of fun with this movie.  If it's a children's movie, then consider me a child. 

When The Adventures of Tintin was announced I wasn’t sure what the big deal was.  Sure, Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson were teaming up for it, but I didn’t understand why.  I, like most Americans, had never heard of Tintin, the young detective that most children grow up reading in Europe.  Initially, I planned on skipping Tintin and just waiting for the DVD, but an action-packed preview and good word of mouth convinced me to check it out.  I am certainly glad I changed my mind, because Tintin turned out to be one of the most fun, exhilarating experiences in the theatre this year.

After ten minutes of Tintin, it is very clear why Steven Spielberg wanted to make this film: without Tintin, Indiana Jones would not exist.  The Adventures of Tintin is the Indiana Jones movie that Spielberg never made.  It’s a mystery set in the past that spans the globe, filled with goofy characters and top notch action.  That sentence describes Tintin and any Indiana Jones film.  In fact, it’s safe to say that anyone who was disappointed by the last Indiana Jones movie will find satisfaction with Tintin. 

Tintin follows the adventures of the young reporter and his dog, Snowy, as they unravel the mystery of the Unicorn, a lost ship rumored to contain an immense treasure.  Along for the journey is the drunken Captain Haddock, whose ancestor was the captain of the Unicorn.  Tintin and Haddock go on a wild journey as they race against the evil Sakharine to get to the treasure first.  Turn the villain into a Nazi and add a supernatural element and this would be Indiana Jones.  As it is, it is a very fun, family friendly film.

I use the term “family friendly” because this film seems to be dismissed by some as a movie meant for children.  If you want to get cliché, you could say it’s a film for the child in everyone, but that’s weak.  Children will no doubt enjoy this film, but that doesn’t mean it is solely for younger audiences.  I myself was reminded of the first time I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Family friendly, children’s movie, whatever.  Tintin has such engrossing and amazing visuals and action sequences that you’ll forget what genre this film is supposed to be in.  If you’re like me, you’ll get so lost in it that you even forget this is an animated movie. 

The fact that Steven Spielberg has made his first animated movie should be enough to garner interest for this film.  Not only is this his first animated feature, but it is motion-capture animation (or mo-cap), and it is in 3D.  Spielberg is an absolute natural for this type of filmmaking and he truly takes advantage of the unlimited opportunities that mo-cap and animation open up. 

As for the look of the film, the mo-cap work here is just as good as any of the other standard bearers out there like Avatar and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  The animation is nearly photo-realistic at times while also maintaining a comic appearance.  The 3D is exactly what 3D should be.  You feel immersed within the film rather than having the film thrown at you.  Some of the more insane action sequences may have you rubbing your eyes, but that’s a good problem to have.

Motion capture means that the performances for the film were not just voice work.  Jamie Bell portrays Tintin with perfect innocence and energy.  Daniel Craig adds enough evil into his voice to the point that he is hard to recognize as Sakharine.  But, of course, Andy Serkis steals the show as Haddock.  Serkis is already the king of mo-cap and rightfully so.  His performance as Haddock is by far the most enjoyable performance of the film.  Some of the physical gags for Haddock are a bit goofy, but the character is consistently funny on many levels. 

Tintin is an amusing movie, even for a newcomer to the series.  Even though I was not in the know, I still recognized moments that were meant to play fan service.  I obviously wasn’t able to get that much enjoyment out of any character references or hidden jokes, but if you are aware of the series, there should be plenty going on in the background to keep you entertained.  If you’re just a Spielberg fan, though, there is a bit of fun had with some Jaws references, so American audiences shouldn’t feel too polarized.

Overall, Tintin turned out to be the surprise of the year for me.  I knew it wouldn’t be terrible because of the filmmakers involved.  But I was worried about the source material, since it was so unknown to me.  That fear was completely unfounded because it doesn’t matter what you know about the material as Spielberg has already prepped you for this film with the “Indiana Jones” series.  Tintin is just Spielberg’s love of a good adventure film coming to fruition in beautiful 3D, mo-cap animation.  So if you haven’t heard of Tintin before, now is a good time to get to know him.

Random Thoughts (SPOILERS)

After this film, I now think Spielberg is the obvious choice to make an Uncharted movie.  Although, I guess that would be too similar to this film and Indiana Jones for him.  Still, I couldn't help but think of that videogame while watching Tintin. 

Not complaining or anything, but they could have just lifted any John Williams score from the Indiana Jones series since his music for those films just seems natural for a film like this. 

The Thomson and Thompson characters were a bit annoying, but I guess fans of the series will enjoy them.  I did like the use of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost for their voices, though.