Film Review (Finding Neverland)

Cast:
Johnny Depp as J. M. Barrie

Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies

Dustin Hoffman as Charles Frohman

Julie Christie as Mrs. Emma du Maurier

Radha Mitchell as Mary Ansell Barrie

Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies

Nick Roud as George Llewelyn Davies

Joe Prospero as Jack Llewelyn Davies

Luke Spill as Michael Llewelyn Davies

Ian Hart as Arthur Conan Doyle

Oliver Fox as Gilbert Cannan

Mackenzie Crook as Mr. Jaspers

Kelly Macdonald as Peter Pan

Angus Barnett as Nana/Mr. Reilly

Toby Jones as Smee

Kate Maberly as Wendy Darling

Matt Green as John Darling

Catrin Rhys as Michael Darling

Tim Potter as Captain Hook/George Darling

Jane Booker as Mary Darling

Eileen Essell as Mrs. Snow

Jimmy Gardner as Mr. Snow

This film is about playwright J.M. Barrie. It was directed by Marc Forster in 2004. “Finding Neverland” was based on the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan” by Allan Knee. 

J.M. Barrie was a playwright. Once he went to the park and met a woman with 4 children. Later he knew that she was a widow. One of her son, Peter, wanted to become an adult as soon as possible. He thought, it would help him to cope with the problems in his family. Mr. Barrie liked these children and spent a lot of time with them. Playing with the children, he created his new play where the main character had much in common with Peter. So this play had a great success among the audience. 

The actors who were invited to take part in this film did their best to make this film successful. “Finding Neverland” was nominated for several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Depp's portrayal of J. M. Barrie, and won one forJan A. P. Kaczmarek's musical score.

As for me, I liked this film. I was impressed that this story was based on real facts. It was very interesting to know about the history of the creature of Peter Pan.

Rendering №8 (Theatre)

http://www.articlesbase.com/theater-articles/theatre-schools-in-london-are-the-best-for-the-aspiring-actors-6505316.html

The article was published on the website articlesbase on March 15, 2013. This article is about theatre schools in London. They are the best for the aspiring actors.

The main idea of the article is that theatre is considered as one of the oldest forms of performing arts, apart from singing and dancing. Though it has faced a lot of ups and downs with a number of oppositions and hindrances throughout the ages but it was always up there. However over the past few years theatre has become one of the most popular forms of arts throughout the world. Firstly, people have become quite fond of acting these days, thanks to the number of popular television shows that are televised every day on various channels. Secondly, more and more people are now joining theatre schools and acting classes to take formal training in acting. Thirdly, theatre schools in London can be the best option for them as they offer the best quality training in acting to these aspiring actors.

Moreover, the concept of theatre schools is quite famous as well as very popular in Europe and particularly in London. In addition to, the city is full of a number of prestigious educational institutions, cultural institutions and other institutions where people from different parts of the world come to study, to take training in performing arts or simply to get jobs.

The author reports that theatre schools in London offer complete training in acting, dancing and singing which are the most integral parts of performing arts. These institutions help their students get the basic training in acting that ranges from voice modulation, dialogue throwing, expressions, singing and dancing.

The author comes to the conclusion that the faculties in these schools are quite established in their respective fields and are experienced and skilled enough to train those students who do not have any previous exposure to acting in their lives. Today a number of children and youngsters are showing interest towards acting and their parents are equally enthusiastic in giving them the best training possible.

To my mind, people are always interested in acting. It comes to London to join theatre schools to get the best quality training.

Rendering №7 (Theatre)

http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest-news/article/item179722/young-vic-gets-violent/

The article was published on the website officiallondontheatre.co.uk on March 27, 2013. This article is about the play in the Young Vic's Maria theatre where a sense of violence and terror will take place.

The main idea of the article is that and new David Greig play “The Events” will all delve into dark themes surrounding extreme actions of control and brutality. Firstly, internationally acclaimed company Belarus Free Theatre blends testimonies from lawyers, executioners, inmates and their families with Shakespearean extracts, music and dance to create Trash Cuisine. Secondly, “The Secret Agent” is inspired by Joseph Conrad's classic novel, a political thriller about a spy pressured to blow up the Greenwich Observatory by a foreign power to provoke the UK government into passing repressive legislation. Thirdly, “The Events” tells a testing story about a politically and racially motivated mass murder and explores the limits of human empathy and our need to understand extreme acts of violence.

Moreover, speaking about the trio of shows, Young Vic Artistic Director David Lan said that he was delighted to announced three new shows in the Maria, all with strong political themes. In addition to, violence underpins our world.

The author reports that by contrast, Fevered Sleep's acclaimed show for three to five-year-olds, Brilliant, returns to the venue from 3 to 13 July, with its dreamlike world made of light.

The author comes to the conclusion that the newly announced shows join a line up of productions at the Waterloo venue.

To my mind, it’s worth having the experience of co-production. It helps to develop different kinds of theatres.

Rendering №6 (Theatre)

http://www.theatrenews.com/declan-bennett-and-zrinka-cvitesic-cast-in-phoenix-theatres-once/

The article was published on the website theatrenews.com on February 6, 2013. This article is about the Upcoming Musical Adaptation in London’s West End.

The main idea of the article is that casting has emerged for the upcoming production of Once, which is set to land at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End this March. Firstly, the show was originally announced in September and was one of the more permanent replacements of the long-running Blood Brothers, which bowed out at the same venue after a twenty year run in November. Also, the two leads of the production are set to be Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitešić. Next, the rest of the cast will make up the characters in a story set in Dublin, where an Irish street performer meets a Czech immigrant and the two bond whilst penning music together. Anyway, the original movie featured music penned by its stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and these tracks have remained intact in the story’s transition from the screen to stage.

Moreover, “Once” which was opened in the United States Once made its way to the West End on the back of great success. In addition to, its Broadway run saw it earn widespread praise, which eventually lead to its win at the 2012 Tony Award, where it picked up the gong for Best New Musical.

The author reports that croation performer Zrinka Cvitešić heads to the UK stage on the back of a successful career in her home country, where she has performed regularly with the Croation National Theatre.

The author comes to the conclusion that Declan Bennett is a rising star in the UK, where he has appeared in West End shows.

To my mind, casting gives a chance to any actor to reach a success and to become famous. I think, these actors must do the best to make a successful performance.

My Pleasure Reading (Part 6)

Returning home the Dashwoods made a short visit in Mrs. Jennings house, where Marianne got ill. Mr. Willoughby arrived to her to explain his behaviour. But Marianne made up her mind that she wouldn’t be happy with such man. Colonel Brandon worried and took care of her. Soon Marianne understood how much she loved him. So Marianne got married Colonel Brandon. At the same time Elinor was very upset thinking about the news that Edward and Lucy were together. Next day Edward came and told the truth about Lucy. She got married his elder brother because of money. When Edward asked Elinor to marry him, she agreed. Everybody in this novel was happy.

Rendering on Painting №4

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Massachusetts-museum-merger-draws-fire-from-art-community/29125

The article was published on the website theartnewspaper.com on March 22, 2013. The article reports about the decision to close a major arms and armour museum in Massachusetts.

The article touches upon the fact that the move was prompted by the institution's financial difficulties. Firstly, the institution has not been able to sustain its endowment. Higgins's biggest challenge was the lack of a deep endowment. Secondly, Robert Flynn Johnson, the curator emeritus at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco said that the Higgins wasn't dying, it was being killed by mismanagement and neglect. Thirdly, the next logical step would have been for the Worcester Art Museum to assume management of the Higgins while maintaining the collection in the armory building. Also the Maine-based artist DeWitt Hardy backed calls for the collection to remain in the Higgins.

Moreover, James Donnelly, the chair of the Higgins's board of trustees, defended the integration initiative. In addition to, the Higgins Armory was founded by the Worcester industrialist John Woodman Higgins in 1929. The museum drew around 58,000 visitors annually.

The author reports that 1,600 objects will go on display at the Worcester Art Museum, initially in a temporary display venue and then in a purpose built space alongside a selection of Renaissance tapestries from 2015.

The author comes to the conclusion that these objects are simply not important enough to justify keeping in the collection. This deaccessioning has been peer reviewed by colleagues from other institutions.

To my mind, this museum plays an important part of the USA. It has a lot of historical exhibits which tell people about their history. But I think people of any country must remember their past.

Rendering №5 (Theatre)

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/03/performers-left-unpaid-after-tour/

The article was published on the website thestage.co.uk on March 13, 2013. The article reports about the actors’ problems with their payment.

The article touches upon that the cast members were part of A Viennese Strauss Gala, staged by Theatre Productions, which was run by Stephen Leatherland and Karie Musson. Firstly, performers’ payments were not listed under Theatre Productions, but in connection with three other companies they had been associated with – Theatre Master Ltd, Standing Ovations Ltd and Theatre 1st Ltd. Secondly, one performer who had worked with Theatre Productions on A Viennese Strauss Gala, which had ran in January and February, said he was owed thousands of pounds for his work on the tour. Also he added that, the company requested invoices, which he submitted on a weekly basis. While he received some money owed to him at the beginning of the tour, he was still awaiting payments for four invoices submitted in February, totalling more than £3,000.

Moreover, the performer said that Leatherland and Musson told him he could not be paid because some of the theatres visited on the tour had not yet paid the production company. In addition to, he claimed he had contacted the theatres himself, and said two thirds of them insisted they had paid Theatre Productions.

The author reports about another performer in the show. She said she was waiting for around £4,000 from the company, including expenses for travel, such as the cost of flying to Ireland with the production. She said she received a cheque for some of her payment this week, which bounced.

The author comes to the conclusion that he also had a number of other contractual issues with the company, including problems with cancelled shows and accommodation. It’s necessary to underline that the tour finished at the end of February and all performers would be paid in full, however, nobody could confirm when.

In my opinion, any job should be paid. People work because they want to lead a worthy life and the actor’s profession is not exception.

My Pleasure Reading (Part 5)

Colonel Brandon told that a fifteen-year-old girl, who he had been taking care of, was pregnant from Mr. Willoughby. So Marianne couldn’t stay in London any more and they left for another place. The sisters visited Mrs. Ferrars where they met the Steele sisters. Anne Steele betrayed Lucy’s secret about her engagement with Edward. Mrs. Ferrars was confused by this news and she told her son to make a choice. He was a gentleman and he decided to marry Lucy. In this case Edward’s brother received all his money.

Rendering №10 (Cinema)

http://www.euronews.com/2013/03/14/fantasporto-film-festival/

The article was published on the website euronews.com on March 14, 2013. The article reports about Fantasporto film festival in Portugal.

The purpose of the article is to tell that this festival brought together film-makers from all over the world. Firstly, argentinian director Andy Muschietti won the best film award for his film “Mama”. Also he said that people were forecasting a big success, but no-one foresaw these numbers. After the film premiered in the US, it went to No 1 within the first week. Next, Barbara Muschietti, the producer and co-writer, underlined that they had the great good luck by fantastic actors. Also, British writer and film critic Kim Newman said that there were enough good films but there were a few they liked less. In general, it had been a good week of non-stop film watching.

Moreover, the audience award went to Norweigan film Thale. In adition to, Silje Reinamo, the actress who played the creature, told about the work in this film.

The author reports about the film which was made 70 years ago. The film was about two boys competing over a girl, playing at cops and robbers, until one of them eventually became a real thief.

The author comes to the conclusion that the film was not well received by critics at the time but now it’s the most popular film.

In my opinion, people are always interested in cinematograph. The films which didn’t receive recognition in the time when they were made, became actual nowadays.

My Pleasure Reading (Part 4)

Mrs. Jennings invited two sisters to her London cottage. It was a great pleasure for Marianne. Having come to London, this girl wrote a series of letters to Mr. Willoughby. She was waiting for answers every minute but received nothing. When they finally met, Mr. Willoughby greeted Marianne reluctantly and coldly to her extreme distress. Soon Marianne received a letter where her sweetheart told her that he felt sorry, he didn’t explain his real feelings. He loved another lady and Marianne could only be a friend for him. This girl was devastated and admitted to Elinor that she and Mr. Willoughby had never been engaged. Once Colonel Brandon told Elinor the story of his love and why he took care of a little girl.

Film Review (Frida)

Cast:

Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo

Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera

Geoffrey Rush as Leon Trotsky

Mía Maestro as Cristina Kahlo

Ashley Judd as Tina Modotti

Antonio Banderas as David Alfaro Siqueiros

Edward Norton as Nelson Rockefeller

Amelia Zapata as Maid

Alejandro Usigli as Professor

Diego Luna as Alejandro Gonzalez Arias

This film is based on the book “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera. It was a biography of the Mexico artist Frida Kahlo.

When Frida was 18, a trolley accident happened in her life. The pain, which she had received, accompanied her all her life. After the accident Frida began to paint, having a great abilities as an artist. It allowed her to return to real life. Once she met her great love - Diego Rivera. He was an outstanding talented artist but he also was a drunkard and a ladies' man. Diego Rivera helped her to see the world and to believe in the power of her talent. At the same time he was her biggest disappointment.

As I think, the main aim of this film is to show that love helps people to come back to normal life even in hopeless situations. In this film such love is the love to the art.

This film impressed me greatly. It showed a lot of interesting about Mexican culture, painting, music, traditions. Also this film made me believe that love is a great power. The actors proved it by their talented work.

Rendering №9 (Cinema)

The article published on the website euronews.com on February 21, 2013 is headlined “Oscar best film and best director nominees”. The article reports about the Oscar Ceremony 2013.

The main idea of the article is to show that some films had several nominations. Firstly, “Lincoln” had a total of 12 nominations, including best director for Steven Spielberg and best film. Secondly, the film “Life of Pi” had a total of 11 nominations, including best director for Ang Lee and best picture. This film was based on the bestselling book of the same name. Thirdly, “Silver Linings Playbook,” had a total of eight nominations, including ones in all four acting categories, and best picture. The film was about a well-meaning young man with bipolar disorder, and was written by Russell for his son, who also suffers from the condition. Next, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” had a total of four nominations, including best picture and best director for first-timer Ben Zeitlin. Also, Austrian Director Michael Haneke was in the run for best director. His film “Amour” had a total of five nominations, including best picture.

Moreover, 2013 had proved to be an unusual year for the Academy in the directing category, with the exclusion of “Argo” director Ben Affleck, who had won nearly every major directing award this season, including the top Directors Guild of America prize. This film had a total of 7 nominations and was the front-runner for the best picture. “Argo” was based on the true story of six Americans who took refuge in the Canadian embassy in Tehran during the 1979 hostage crisis.

The author reports that the musical “Les Miserables” based on the Victor Hugo novel was directed by Tom Hooper and was nominated for eight awards, including best picture.

The author comes to the conclusion that one of the most talked-about pictures of the year  was “Django Unchained”. It was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. This film had a total of five nominations.

In my opinion, the Oscars is the ceremony that worth seeing and the 85^th Academy Awards represented the films which were really the best in 2012.

http://www.euronews.com/2013/02/21/oscar-best-film-and-best-director-nominees/

My Pleasure Reading (Part 3)

John Willoughby, a man who helped Marianne to get to her house, worried about the girl and came to visit her. They fell in love each other and spent all their spare time together. Mrs. Dashwood began to suspect that the couple was secretly engaged. The lovers didn’t pay attention at any gossip. Unexpectedly, Mr. Willoughby informed Marianne and her family that his aunt was sending him to London on business. So Marianne was distraught and abandoned herself in her sorrow. Marianne continued waiting for her sweetheart and when she saw a young man at her house, she ran towards him thinking he was her John. But it was Edward Ferrars. He paid a short visit to Barton Cottage, but seemed unhappy. One day Lady Middleton’s relatives came to stay at Barton Park. Among them was a young girl Lucy, who informed Elinor of her secret four year engagement to Edward Ferrars. Elinor was shocked by this news.

Rendering on Painting №3

The article published on the website theartnewspaper.com on February 27, 2013 is headlined “Hermitage to host Manifesta biennial”.

The article reports that the exhibition will test increasingly conservative climate in St Petersburg. Three candidates for the curator of the biennial will be invited to the Hermitage to research the museum and create a proposal for the concept of the exhibition.

According to this article the Hermitage will host the Manifesta biennial of contemporary art.

This extract is said that Manifesta changes its location every edition. At first, it was launched shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Next host of Manifesta will be the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. Hedwig Fijen thanked that the Hermitage offered to host Manifesta next year and that they can stage the exhibition in eastern Europe. The director of the Hermitage Mr. Piotrovsky made this decision when he was under fire from nationalists and Orthodox believers for the exhibition “The End of Fun” of work by the British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman, which inaugurated the museum's contemporary art halls.

The author comes to the conclusion that St Petersburg's controversial law banning “homosexual propaganda” may also prove to be a stumbling block. Moreover, Hedwig Fijen touches a serious question if they should isolate all those countries that are not up to the full standard of human rights or they should try to build bridges and create a cultural dialogue.

As for me, this article touches very important idea about the role of the Hermitage. I’m very glad that the Manifesta biennial of contemporary art will take place in the most beautiful museum of art.

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Hermitage+to+host+Manifesta+biennial/28671