Are you prepared for the end of the world?: "It's a disaster" (2012)

Director: Todd Berger
Writer: Todd Berger
Starring: Julia Stiles, America Ferrera, David Cross, Erinn Hayes, Jeff Grace, Rachel Boston, Kevin M. Brennan, Blaise Miller

Good question. More importantly, has anyone been prepared for the mass influx of apocalyptic films that seem to be appearing at an alarming rate over the last few years? It seems clear that the end of the world is nigh, for real. Simultaneously, and maybe with some relief, there appears to be a rise in comedy spoofs of the apocalyptic genre being produced. Released at the same time this year comes James Francos' "This is the End", along with the famous duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, reunited in "The worlds end"; two films that commercially, I am sure, will be massive hits at the cinema. The audience loves a good parody (just look at the success of the Scary movie saga) and recently the apocalyptic genre is being targeted. Personally, I couldn't be happier about this for two reasons, firstly: because the serious 'I'm-the-only-man-left-on-earth-and-will-fight-for-the-human-race' theme gets on my nerves- you are going to die, don't fight it and waste your time, and mine for an hour an a half of ridiculousness, and secondly: because brilliant films like Todd Berger's satire "It's a disaster" (2012) can be made.

In a similar way to Polanskis' film "Carnage" (2011) I wrote about in a previous blog post, the

setting of the film is simple: it is all set in one house where four couples who are all friends have gathered for a couples brunch. Unlike Polanski's "Carnage," the incident that happens off screen is more than just a kid hitting another kid with a stick- its lots of full blown dirty bomb explosions that are slowly spreading their toxic gasses all over the world and killing its inhabitants. Time to take out your HazMat suits guys, this is not your regular couples brunch that you will attend in Bergers apocalyptic satire.

The film opens with a perfect rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture playing against a background of pictures in a slideshow of dated pictures of explosions. The camera then introduces the viewer to one of the couples as the Overture is coming to a close. As the couple walk up to the house it is clear that they are only on a second or third date as one is warning the other about the various friends and couples. A couples brunch is already an awkward situation, with people sitting around talking about their relationships and future plans, and it is clear that most of the characters don't want to be there on this particular occasion. They all have various issues: one is a serial dater, another has recently turned vegan so there is a massive problem on what food to make, one couple are getting a divorce, one couple can't set a date for a wedding, one couple are on drugs, some characters are having an affair, there are arguments about who paid the electricity bill, the men desperately wanting to find out the score of a sports game, an awkward interruption from a neighbor who is offended not to have been invited, one couple who turn up late for the whole party and finally, a surprising solution to the problem of the apocalypse from whom you least expect. This is no ordinary couples brunch- or at least- its definitely one of the most 'happening' that has ever gone down.

The ending of the film is dynamic in its execution- not in an action packed, final stand between the last man and zombies/aliens/natural causes in a demolished building, but rather in a more subdued way that the final, defying act of the characters doesn't actually seem to happen. The ending received a lot of criticism, it has been described as being 'unfinished' and leading the viewer to a massive anti-climax. Nothing is finalized, it is just left there in the open, but in reality who actually does know how the world is going to end- certainly not Berger that's for sure. In my opinion it is the perfect way to end a apocalyptic film. Throughout the movie you never see the destruction of the city, the bombs going off, people running and screaming; the only thing the viewer has been watching is the relationship between a group of  somewhat 'normal' people, in their final hours on earth. It is somewhat refreshing, thus making the satire, ironically, more in tune with reality than the more serious apocalyptic genre films themselves. Simply brilliant.

Verdict: Excellent film. Watch it.

How a cup of coffee and a slice of cobbler can cause carnage: "Carnage" (2011)

Director: Roman Polanski
Writers: Yesmina Reza (play), Roman Polanski (screenplay)
Actors: Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christopher Waltz and John C. RILEY

The name Roman Polanski always sparks controversy when brought up in conversations about film, or moral values for that matter. His sexual assault on an underage girl in Jack Nicholson's house twenty years ago has really not done him any favors but yet his film merits continue to grow. One must admit, no matter what actually happened that fatal night, Polanski is a damn good director. So while I wait to watch his new film "Venus in furs" (2013), that premiered at this years Cannes festival, I'll review his last longest production, "Carnage", which starred Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christopher Waltz and John C. Riley.

I really enjoyed this film. It can be classified as a drama/black comedy revolving around a simple narrative. The story is based on a French play by Yesmina Reza called "Le Deu du Carnage". The whole story is set in the living room of a flat in New York (although the film itself was filmed in Paris for if Polanski enters the US he will be arrested). The situation is this: two sets of parents are brought together in order to 'discuss' a violent incident that occurred between their children. The viewer is shown only a glimpse of what happened between the children at the start of the film but as they can't hear any dialogue, only the non-diegetic sound of drums building up suspense, the viewer just has to come to their own conclusion on the chain of events, in the same way that the characters do.

What I think I enjoy the most of this film is the fact that clearly neither set of parents like each other, but yet each act is held together by someone insisting they have a civilized coffee (later some whisky) and a piece of cobbler thus keeping all the characters in the same room for the duration of the film. It highlights the the human social need to be seen as polite and hospitable in the most awkward of situations. As the film progresses the viewer slowly watches the boundaries of a civilized society decay in what seems to be a "Lord of the flies" effect on both couples, but in an extremely comical way rather than a Golding cannibalistic way. Another reason why I enjoyed this film is because it demonstrates to couples everywhere how to have a successful couples therapy session without paying the big bucks. Both sides bring up issues that are relevant in modern marriages and clearly show two different approaches on how to bring up children. It is a wonder how either couple has managed to live and hold up so long in 'pleasant serenity'. Although all the characters may have exaggerated personalities, the viewer can definitely identify if not themselves then someone else they know who has these issues.

The film is rated 7.1 of imdb and 72% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is a slow moving film but every second gets better and better as the cracks emerge in both these seemingly perfect families. Packed full of tension, high class comedy, and dramatic moments throughout: Polanski, as a film director and writer, once again I salute you.

The British guide to maintaining the romance on a Caravan holiday: "Sightseers" (2012)

Director: Ben Wheatley

Writers: Amy Jump, Alice Lowe, Steve Oram

Actors: Alice Lowe, Steve Oram, Eileen Davis, John Hurt

Are you one of the 54% of holidaymakers who opted to embark on a Caravan holiday in the UK last year, instead of joining the other thousands of Brits on their annual pilgrimage to Majorca or Benidorm? Do you like to keep your vacations low cost? Maybe your an environmental aficionado who likes to maintain a low carbon footprint and/or just incredibly passionate about everything that the great country of the United Kingdom has to offer- so then you’d probably enjoy a classic British Caravan holiday: spending quality time with your loved ones. Moving on- however do you often find your Caravan to be to cramped, and the sight of your (hypothetical) partner after a week of living in such conditions makes you cringe at the sight of them? Well Ben Wheatleys 2012 film “Sightseers” will help you keep the romance alive on all your caravan travels. It is a British, very serious guide, to cohabiting in a caravan. The best part is it gives you extreme examples so you know how to handle everything (including what lingerie to pack, ladies) for your trip. Read on…

So Wheatleys protagonists include a travel virgin (who has never left the comfort of home), a professional serial killer (the word professional is the important part- obviously there’s no way you could travel with an amateur- as you will later discover), and a dog. Literally, what Ben Wheatley has done is taken all the possible issues one could face when setting out on or mid way through a Caravan holiday and shown an audience how to deal with them. I must warn you however, about 95% of the time the answer is to kill the person who has been a nuisance to you; so if you are not comfortable with this, then this is not the guidance you need.

Lets start at the beginning.

“Mint me”

-       Chris, ‘Sightseers’ (2012)

Step 1) Be prepared to leave family behind.

Wheatleys example: Tina is going on her first ever holiday with her boyfriend, Chris. Her mum, is a doting mother, very over protective and is totally right (as mothers generally tend to be) when she calls Chris a murderer outright- no mother wants to see there baby go off with a killer. But the first step of setting out on your perfect holiday is risking this. you should take a leap, and defend the rumours, remember you are in love. As Tina says, the murder Chris committed was  only an accident.

Step 2) Pack the essentials for that romantic trip.

Wheatleys example: Tina knows what to pack. Chris has clearly been on Caravan holidays before so tells her to pack all the boring stuff, food, waterproofs etc. Tina adds one more, paving the way to any mans heart- knitted lingerie with easy access. Sexy. Ladies make sure you pack your best.

Step 3) Enjoy the scenery.

Wheatleys example: Tina and Chris had meticulously planned every stop of there trip and pin pointed all the places on a map, including some very exciting activities such as the Pencil museum. So I suppose step 3a is to make sure you organise exciting activities otherwise you’ll just get bored. Step 3b ENJOY IT. There is nothing worse than people who do not respect English heritage sites. There are several rules that you need to follow: do not litter, otherwise Chris will kill you; do not be overly pretentious about your caravan (some people may not have as much money as you) and if you do, Chris will kill you. Lastly, do not lecture Chris on how to respect English heritage sites; otherwise, he will kill you.

Step 4) Take inspiring photos.

This is the holiday you have been dreaming about so take good snaps to remind you of it. Wheatleys example: Chris steals an other persons memory card. This is so he can look through the photos and see what kind of angles they are using also for all kind of pictures, landscapes, romantic, sometimes you have to document these things. Use all your resources.

Step 5) Defend your partners honour.

On your journey you will meet a lot of people, some will be nice and pleasant who share the same interests as you and others will be dickheads. Wheatleys example: Chris kills for Tinas honour, he was defending her, obviously. Tina becomes Chris muse for his novel, this is a sign of respect in a relationship your partner should always be your muse, your inspiration  In addition Chris is helping the carbon footprint by getting rid of people and therefore lowering emissions. As a part b to step 5 make sure your partner is enjoying there holiday at all times ie Tina and Chris both ask each other at the end: “Have you had a good holiday?” thus making sure the experience is not to overwhelming and they have both had a good time. It's not so romantic if your other half is thinking about back home.

In conclusion Tina and Chris are pioneers of true love. If you follow all the examples above and watch Wheatleys film, you too, could have the perfect romantic British Caravan holiday. Good luck.

Verdict: watch this film. It’s a great black comedy and a barrel of awkward laughs.