Clip From 'Stoker': Virtuosity, Though Not So You'd Notice

'Stoker' is shaping up to be a cinematic experience. One of those movies you can study in small bits or even freeze-frame.

Clip is very well cut, made from highly crafted parts. I notice the tail end of a steady-cam shot at the very beginning which would indicate a switch from casual observation to the more dialed-in stillness of having the camera on sticks, a bit too close to its subject.

I especially like the sound -- cool, with fine grit. Silence is heavy at first -- almost uncomfortable -- then it's cut down the middle by the glass sliding across the table. You don't know which you prefer less, the sound or lack of it.

While Matthew Goode does a fine job with his odd uncle character, it's Mia Wasikowska who carries the scene. What an emotional shift her character has, and all within a few seconds. Off the top of my head, from recent movies, I can't remember such an engrossing, quick display.

Very confident and capable writing by Wentworth Miller and Erin Cressida Wilson. Overtly, not much happens however, to be sure, a lot is going on under the surface. Most scripts don't offer such subtlety, most writers don't bother.

Director Chan-wook Park's virtuosity is on display, though not so you'd notice. He doesn't toss technique around for its own sake. His camera work enhances character without bringing attention to itself. He makes it look so easy, but a lesser director would be at a loss as to how to turn this particular page of screenplay into a such an elegant snippet.

This has novelistic depth that demands a lot of actors and, clearly, they rise to the occasion. While that may sound like a dusty exercise -- theater captured on film, perhaps -- polished yet breezy lensing brings 'Stoker' to life and makes it a pleasure to consume.




















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Etc, Et Al

It's amazing what's on the web if you look.

Maya Rudolph and Sam Rockwell at Sundance 2013. Apparently, they were napping a bit. It was a busy festival. They were tired. Give them a break.

Here's Mia Wasikowska and Nicole Kidman, also from Sundance

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Twisted and Gnarled

Both the vines in the poster and the threads in the story. There's nothing about the rollout for 'Stoker' I haven't liked.

By itself the poster is captivating.

This new video works both as a music video and short film. If this were all there was it would still be pretty damn good.

'Stoker' opens February 28 in Hong Kong. I've always wanted to visit Hong Kong.



























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Drop Everything. The New Trailer for 'Stoker'

Last week we were blessed with one of the most sharply cut and dynamic trailers -- for 'Stoker'. Today, we get another look at the movie and it's even better.

Did I just say that? So far, the trailers for this flick are qualifying for 'Best of 2012'...one after the other. That camera work by Chan-wook Park, that lighting, that editing. It's just too too.

The best thing you'll see today. If it isn't you're having one hell of a day.
























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(Heavy Sigh) 'Stoker'

From the first voice-over from (the new sharp, penetrating, yeah I'm talking to you) Nicole Kidman to each clean visual cut just so, and sound effect that sets you on edge, this trailer is no less than captivating.

It's a safe bet the script by Wentworth Miller and Erin Cressida Wilson is rock solid but the real draw is the direction by Chan-wook Park (Oldboy, Thirst). There's more fresh camera technique in this short trailer than is found in most full-length movies.

'Impressive' doesn't cut it. This is a home run.

Must-see, must-own Blu-ray, must watch again and again. 


























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