Ed Wood (1994) 20th Anniversary

 With how I'm always talking about recent films of the past few years, I feel like it's time for me to try and branch out. You know, talk about films from more than ten years ago, maybe even twenty. So in celebration of it's 20^th anniversary, I thought it would be nice if I talked about one of my all time favorite films from one of my all time favorite directors. And that film is Tim Burton's “Ed Wood.”

For those who don't know, “Ed Wood” tells the true story of the worst director of all time, Edward D. Wood Jr. In the film, it shows his rise to that legacy, with the making of his three best known films: “Glen or Glenda,” “Bride of the Monster,” and what people call the worst film ever made, “Plan 9 From Outer Space.” And between the making of said films, we see the constant struggles he goes through in trying to make them, as well as keep his personal life in check.

This film was released during 1994, one of the best years for film. Films like “Pulp Fiction,” “Shawshank Redemption,” “Forest Gump,” and “The Lion King” were some of the big ones, but this one doesn't seem to get as much attention as those others. Ever since its release, “Ed Wood” has developed a cult following, becoming a film that anyone who goes into film making should watch. It shows us the striving passion one has when it comes to following one's desires, even if people think it's complete crap. What makes a man like Ed Wood different from other terrible directors like Michael Bay and Paul W.S. Anderson, is that Ed Wood didn't care if it DID become a hit or not, as long as he got to make it. He loved making films, not making money, and his passion for it is what makes it special.

Johnny Depp as the titular role does a fantastic job. As the second film he did with director Tim Burton, it's without a doubt his best performance. This was also the film that restored Depp's faith in acting, as he was almost considering quitting after some unpleasant situations. Everything about his character is just so entertaining to watch, that I simply could not get enough of it. How he wasn't nominated for an Oscar that year is beyond me, because he DEFINETLY deserved at least a nomination.

Then we have Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi, the actor who played Dracula in 1933 and Ed Wood's idol. While I do love Depp as Wood greatly, Landau as Lugosi is absolutely outstanding. I can see why he won the Oscar for Best Supporting, because you actually do believe that he IS Bela Lugosi, especially with the make-up, curtsy of Rick Baker's talent.

The best scenes by far are when Wood and Lugosi are onscreen together, and we see both the torments that each of them are going through. Lugosi was addicted to drugs after his successful run, and by the second half it really brings you to tears. I also love how they incorporated Swan Lake, the theme of “Dracula,” into the film whenever there's a sad moment involving either of the two.

Sarah Jessica Parker plays a role in the film as Dolores Fuller, Ed Wood's first wife. While I've never really been a fan of her, Jessica Parker just makes this role work. Her reactions and tone really fit the kind of woman who would be disgusted by a man who cross-dresses and give a role to a different woman. Then we have Patricia Arquette as Kathy O'Hara, the woman that Ed meets after Dolores leaves him, and the one who helps him get back on his feet into the world of film making. Not only do we have Swan Lake in the soundtrack, but we also have the theme from “Glen or Glenda,” and it is played most notably with Ed Wood's tender moments. Others include Mike Starr as the producer of “Glen or Glenda,” Bill Murray as Ed Wood's homosexual friend, and Lisa Marie, Tim Burton's former fiance, in the role of horror hostess, Vampira.

Tim Burton was the perfect man to direct a film such as this, since Ed Wood is similar to characters like Pee-wee, Batman, and Sweeney Todd, rebel characters who not everyone gets. His usual style is toned down, but it's fitting, as it allows his talents outside of the artistic route to take a break, and make way for something a little different. I also love how he made the film in black-and-white, like we were watching an old film from the fifties. This film celebrates the works of Ed Wood, as noted in the opening narration by Criswell, played by Jeffery Jones, as a tribute to “Plan 9.” Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski made one of the most excellent screenplays, despite the stinkers they had prior and later on. And with them working with Burton again in the upcoming film “Big Eyes,” you better believe I'll be there to see it.

Edward D. Wood Jr. is one who never played by the rules, and always did things his way. He'll always be an inspiration to many, and I hope that more people view this film in the future, because it is definitely one of the greats. It's one of the greatest films ever made, and I love it with every fiber of my being. Happy 20^th anniversary “Ed Wood.”

Rating: 10/10

Next Time: 13 Nerdy Nights of Horror begins with “Godzilla (2014)”

Men, Women, and Children

 In the 80's and 90's, Ivan Reitman has had much acclaim as being one of the best comedic directors of that generation, giving us films like “Ghost Busters,” “Twins,” and “Kindergarten Cop.” While he is still working today, he hasn't really given out the same kind of appeal as he did twenty years ago. However his son, Jason Reitman, managed to not only follow in his father's footsteps, but even surpass him, with critically acclaimed films like “Thank You For Smoking,” “Up in the Air,” and one of my favorite films, “Juno.” And this year, he has given us two films: “Labor Day,” which I haven't seen yet, and today's topic, based on the novel by Chad Kultgen, “Men, Women, and Children.”

As an ensemble film, we are told many different stories that happen at the same time, but they all revolve around society's changing with today's internet. It shows us just how less interested we have become of most reality, and how we're constantly dependent on our phones and tablets. The film dives into the themes of loneliness, depression, isolation, puberty, profanity, shame, adultery, over-protective restriction, and even suicide. These themes are perfectly represented in almost all of these stories, and every single one of the cast members do a fantastic job of portraying them.

If I had to choose one story that stuck out with me the most, it would have to be the romance between Kaitlyn Dever and Ansel Elgort. What really cements it in, is that they are parallels of one another, as they both have mothers who never understood them, and they have their own online worlds they exist in to get away from all the crap that is surrounding their lives. And when their worlds are taken from them, they either find true happiness within each other, or feel like there's no where else to turn. The ending of this left me in tears, as it was just one heartbreaking moment after the next. As someone who has been suffering from depression and feeling suicidal, I relate a lot to this. I know how it feels to be treated unfairly or told that your longtime passions or hobbies aren't what others want. If this film does get Oscar recognition, Ansel Elgort is the one that should be nominated for Best Actor. After appearing in “Carrie” last year, then doing this and “The Fault in Our Stars” this year, he has really showcased how good of an actor he can be at such a young age.

As for any runner ups tales, it would have to be with Elena Kampouris and Will Peltz, giving us a depiction on how far people will go just to get noticed or not made a complete joke out of, and what the consequences will be when going too far. While not much can be said about Will Peltz, the main highlight here is Elena Kampouris. I feel like this film should be shown to all those girls forcefully starving themselves. You know what I mean, those girls who think they're fat but they really aren't.

I have to also give props to the story involving Adam Sandler and Rosemarie DeWitt. Not only does this showcase lost desires, years after marriage, but it also turns cliches on their sides, in ways you don't expect them to. And DeWitt and Sandler both give excellent performances to back it all up. I still hold the fact that I'm an Adam Sandler fan, but I do agree with people that he does manage to do better with dramatic work.

Overall, “Men, Women, and Children” is a film I'm glad I got to see. Performances aside, the writing and direction are flawless, and I hope when it comes to theaters nationwide it gets much recognition. Jason Reitman has delivered another great film, with a great cast.

Rating: 10/10