The first Film Fight of 2020 is… shockingly on time. Seven films this month.
The Gentlemen
#FF20 The Gentlemen has some entertaining moments, stylish visuals, and a reasonable pace.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 4, 2020
That said, the characters are cliched, the plot is riddled with outdated tropes, and the dialogue, while trying to be geezery, belongs in the 90s, if ever.
We don't need films like this.
Jojo Rabbit
#FF20 Jojo Rabbit brings some levity to a serious subject, as a way of bringing you into the world of an indoctrinated child.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 5, 2020
Visually reminiscent of Wes Anderson, without being quite so precious.
At times, silly and funny, and at times tense and brutal. Very good.
Little Women
#FF20 Little Women is built on great performances. Ronan and Pugh are stand-outs in a big cast.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 12, 2020
Pacing and editing are excellent. Cross-cutting between time periods (w/ colour grading) worked well; was a little tell-not-show at times
I was a little cold on the subject, but okay
The Lighthouse
#FF20 The Lighthouse follows a new lighthouse keeper and a veteran keeper on a remote island, as their sanity starts slipping away.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 23, 2020
Beautifully presented with deep blacks picking out the sand and grime. The mood permeates the picture.
Both Pattinson and Dafoe are exceptional.
1917
#FF20 1917 is a decent film, showing a small slice of World War 1.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 23, 2020
The (fake) one shot is accompanied by excellent staging and cinematography throughout; technically brilliant.
However, it lacks an emotional journey. Feels like a theme park experience, or a video game.
Parasite
#FF20 Parasite is a rare film: unpredictable, but never accidental. Everything is a consequence.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 31, 2020
The story telling is tight, layered, and immaculately paced. The visual language is clear: you could watch with the sound off.
A masterclass. Early film of the year contender.
The Personal History of David Copperfield
#FF20 The Personal History of David Copperfield is a wondeful film: despite dark moments, it's joyous and bright throughout. I think I smiled through 90%.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) January 31, 2020
A solid script (tiny bit long at the end) and fantastic performances make for a really nice experience, start to finish.
The January Winner
Lots of very strong contenders this month, but Parasite is a masterpiece. It works almost flawlessly from start to finish to bring you into its world, and pulls you through it one twist at a time.