One style of cinematic films that particularly interests me is the mockumentary. Essentially, mockumentaries are "mock documentaries" that attempt to realistically document fictional situations. Some popular ones on TV are "The Office", "Park and Recs", and "Modern Family". However, even with the success of this style as TV sit-coms, as motion pictures they don't receive as much critical acclaim. The more well- known and funniest mockumentaries are "This is Spinal Tap" directed by Rob Reiner and "Best in Show" directed by Christopher Guest. These two directors are known to some as the pioneers of mockumentaries. To me, the greatest appeals are the awkward humor and the fact that they try to persuade the audience that the topic is as realistic as it's portrayed. The best ones are the ones where the audience ponders if what they are shown is real.
Anyways, my favorite mockumentary, which is also on my top 10 favorite films is, "What We Do in the Shadows".
A different take from other vampire movies. This movie is about four flatmates who all happen to be vampires living in the modern age. It's kind of like Twilight without the dramatized/cheesy lines, the good looking people, and the ability to walk during the day which still confuses me but funnier and has more relevant conflicts. I definitely recommend this to anyone and am willing to refund the hour and a half worth of time if anyone thinks it was a waste of time.
Rob Reiner achieves an intermediate film adaptation of
Stephen King’s novella, “The Body” with his film 'Stand By Me' by remaining fairly close to the fabula, but
leaving out elements essential to the meaning and themes of the original story.
One of these elements is the junkyard scene. The junkyard is symbolic for the
fall of the American dream, a powerful symbol setting up the social commentary
that is evident throughout the novella. The junkyard is full of thrown away household
items, such as beds and a doll that appears to be “giving birth to her own
stuffing.” This is King attacking American society and the fragility of the
American dream. Reiner abandons King’s social commentary in this scene by
filling the junkyard with cars, stripping the story of its deeper, original
meaning. Because of this, Reiner’s adaptation cannot be a close one.
Rob Reiner also alters the endings of Vern and Teddy. The
novella takes on a dark tone as Gordie, as the speaker, tells his reader that
Vern and Teddy lead a gang, Vern died in a fire after a house party, and Teddy
died in a car crash along with his passengers. They were unable to escape from
the corrupt society that brought them up, and they died as a part of that
society, as the men they never wanted to become. Reiner lightens up the tone of
the story and continues to abandon King’s social commentary by keeping Vern and
Teddy alive. In the film, Vern is said to have married right out of high
school, and Teddy works odd jobs around town after being released from jail. Due
to his alteration and neglect of these two essential elements that contribute
to King’s social commentary, Ron Reiner achieves an intermediate adaptation of
“The Body.”
I know this is an older film, but I really really love it. Last weekend I watched it again for the first time in over a year and thought I would blog about it. It is my favorite movie because of it's writing. If it hasn't become clear by now, I am highly interested in screenwriting. In my opinion, it is one of the most, if not the most important aspect of production. In order to have a good film, you must have a good script. Without that, you have nothing. I understand that delivery and interpretation of these scripts are just as important, but a script isn't something you can "fix in post". When Harry Met Sally was written by one of my favorite writers/screenwriters, Nora Ephron. Ephron writes with a charming wit, a style that I myself strive to incorporate into my writing. Her characters are very strong, each having a personality that is easy to identify with. I think I love this movie so much because it runs parallel to experiences I've had in my own life. This is where Ephron exceeds, she writes about things that identify with the masses. We've all had a friend who we've had feelings for, wondering if they've felt the same. I like that Ephron examines the dynamic between men and women and the unanswered question, can men and women really be just friends? I believe this is her best screenplay, although I really enjoyed You've Got Mail as well. I've recently started to read her short essays which are as comical and witty as her screenplays. If you haven't seen this film and consider yourself a lover of romantic comedies, watch it now. It is the ultimate romantic comedy that is realistic and relatable. Below is one of the most famous and hilarious scenes in the film. The last line, "I'll have what she's having" was thought up by the hilarious Billy Crystal and was performed by the director's mother. It is listed 33rd on AFI's 100 Years, 100 Movie Quotes.
