Kundun

"I see a safe journey, I see a safe return."

"They have taken away our silence."

"I believe I am a reflection, like a moon on water. When you see me, and I try to be a good man, you see yourself."

'Kundun' means 'The Presence' which incredibly personifies the overall feeling of the depictions of the Dalai Lama in this film. I had the pleasure of watching this classic and historical film 'Kundun' which follows the re-discovery, childhood into adulthood of Tibet's 14th Dalai Lama. Written by Melissa Mathison and directed by the lovable Martin Scorsese, this 1997 dramatic biography was nominated for 4 Oscars, and received 5 wins and 4 other nominations.

Starring unknowns like Tenzin Yeshi Paichang, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Gyurme Tethong and Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong whom played the Dalai Lama during different stages of his life and others, I must say that the story was exceptionally told and clearly illustrated the violent Chinese persecution and problems he dealt with at that time and still to this day. It was wonderful to bring this film to the west allowing the masses through film to understand the complexity of this war and gain knowledge of the height of calamity and terrible domination that the Tibetan people endured.

Beautifully shot, lovely cinematography and soundtrack; this is one that will be remembered for all time. It was interesting to know that Scorsese had such respect and admiration for the Dalai Lama and Buddhist philosophy as he dedicated this film to his mother Catherine Scorsese. He said that "…the Dalai Lama represents unconditional love, and to me my mother was the closest person with that kind of love".

Fur

This 2006 mystery-drama-biography starring Aussie Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman and superbly talented Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Junior proved to be quite aesthetically pleasing yet tremendously peculiar. Set in 1958 before ‘Diane Arbus’ (played by Kidman) was divorced, writers Erin Cressida Wilson and Patricia Bosworth collaborated in creating an imaginative biography of what this famous American photographer’s life must have been like. Director Steven Shainberg made sure that in this snippet of inspiration of what jolted Arbus’ photography career unfolded with style, grace and unhurried departures.

Certainly one of the most valued and uncommon American photographers of the twentieth century, any audience would find the little exposed about ‘Diane Arbus’ life fascinating. There was a lot of suppressed sexuality, freakishness and irresponsible behavior portrayed by our main character, and I was a bit disappointed with the way the writers and director chose to tell their story. Although this character had concealed longing and dreams of expressing herself in different ways; because she gave little regard or genuine love to her family it made her come across as a proper sociopath. I wished the film-maker would focus more on what actually took place in her life; and in turn try to piece to together her sadness and demise that ultimately ended in suicide.

Winner of one award and no nominations, and with an estimated budget of $16 million USD and a flat return of $2 million USD worldwide it is true to say it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Crammed with nudity, even in the film’s very first scenes and plenty of indecent sensual delight – I wouldn’t recommend for a younger audience. 

With an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ sort of effect, lovely colours, wonderful slow moving, close shots and the journey of a lonely, aggravated yet budding artist it was an exceptional visual experience. Phenomenal acting by Kidman, Downey and Ty Burrell, but when it came to the actual story, I sadly was unimpressed.