AMar_rom

Two sisters (aged 17 to 20 years) live quietly and comfortably with their father, residing in a house inside a forest. The family commutes to the nearest city daily so as to buy groceries, go to school etc. Suddenly one night there is a power break and electricity is completely shut down. Soon it becomes clear that the problem affects the whole country but no explanation is provided by the authorities. Power is not restored and the family has to cope with the new situation.

This is an interesting movie that deals with the end of a world and its way of life. At least the world that we are used to live until now: namely, the world based on electricity, high technology, electric and electronic appliances. The movie tries to answer the question: what are the consequences to society of the sudden 'death' of such world? on the small community? on the family? How this affects peoples lives ?

Do not expect any big special effects. Events unfold in certain locations around the three family members. No big groups of people are shown, neither any catastrophic events are depicted in the screen. I found the film clever with a mature story line, a bit slow moving but in a manner that is neither boring nor predictable. The relationship between the sisters is pivotal in the film.

I would have rated the film slightly higher if not for the last 5 minutes. The film takes a turn to something that was just not necessary at the time. Sometimes decisions like that are taken after much longer times, when practically needed and there is no viable alternative.

Louise Banks (Amy Adams in the role) is a linguistics Professor. She appears to be living alone leading a quite life devoted to her profession and teaching. Occasionally she recalls vaguely memories of a young child growing up and playing with her. We assume that the child is her daughter but we do not see her in real life.

The arrival of a number of spaceships from extraterrestrial beings shutters her existence; she becomes the leading consultant of the US government in an attempt to communicate with the alien visitors. Banks discovers their enigmatic language (based on circular rings) and learns an unexpected truth about time and her own life.

I liked very much this film. Not your average sci-fi adventure. It is a deeply personal movie about the essence of time, loss and rebirth. Based on a short story by Ted Chiang it tells us a lot about time in our lives and how language signals can give meanings and sentiments that can mark our existence for ever.

Carpenter's 'The Thing' is a remake of the 1951 film 'The Thing from Another World' produced by Howard Hawks, a classic horror film which did not lose its intensity and appeal, even after so many years.

The story is about the men of an American arctic base (scientists and other personnel) who witness an invasion from a extraterrestrial being (The Thing). The scenario is based on the story 'Who Goes There?' by J.W. Campbell. The story line is similar in both movies with the men fighting for their lives inside a claustrophobic and remote environment.

Nonetheless, a number of differences between the two movies are evident. Hawk's film is fast-paced and events unfold around a people versus 'monster' story. Carpenter's film, instead, is slower and takes its time to develop. Carpenter also creates a strong disbelief and suspicion that the person you see is not what he appears to be. The 'Thing' is a foe who attacks from the 'interior' and not from the 'exterior'. The men in the base are more vulnerable and their fight is more desperate. Special effects are simply amazing and show us the alien being in a grotesque and horrifying manner that the human mind cannot easily comprehend. And that's precisely the problem: it takes time for humans to understand the nature of the extraterrestrial threat. A 10/10 from me.