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Film reviews

Perfect Days Review

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The mind of director Wim Wenders is one where art is a development. He often focuses solely on people, places, or fascinations. One of the themes in his new film Perfect Days is that of loneliness and routine combined with mental structure. There is a feeling of appreciation that flows smoothly through the film’s faithful cinematography. Wenders is gifted in his ability to explore a character or a place to the smallest detail. In Perfect Days its sole focus is on one man who lives a very orderly life, and when he is out of that routine, his mind expands in directions of realizations and fascinations that are astoundingly well written.

Perfect Days takes place in Japan and introduces its audience to Hirayama (played by Koji Yakusho). Hirayama is a man of routine—he is quiet, structured, organized, and thrives creativity in his solo life. He works full-time as a janitor. Hirayama’s routine is multi-step, a vivid exploration by Wenders and his direction to create a portrait of a unique character. Most of the beginning is Hirayama working his shift as a janitor. Hirayama displays a look of annoyance, yet he continues to be persistent with his seemingly mundane job. The company he works for is called The Tokyo Toilet and it is a distasteful vocation to those around him. Despite the low-grade job, Hirayama is a pleasant man. He helps his colleague Takashi (played by Tokio Emoto) when he can, and he has a good heart. The film delivers the sense of reality in which Hirayama chooses to live a solo existence.

The beautiful and artistic value of this film lies is the moments of fascinating nature—Hirayama absorbs the outdoors and takes photographs. He enjoys breathing in what is on the outside. Perfect Days is a vast journey of one man trying to find the positives around him, despite his low social status. Hirayama is fascinated by plants and does projects with them. The scenery of Japan is Hirayama’s playground.

The film is a contemporary experience of an introvert living a life of highly structured activity. It encourages its audience to think positively. Hirayama has one main mode that lifts his spirits the most…cassette tapes of classics! In his work van he loves to listen to music by Lou Reed, Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones, and many more. The song “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed is played in the film and that song truly correlates to the life of Hirayama.

Even though the film keeps a strong focus on Hirayama it does explore another character, Hirayama’s niece, Niko. Hirayama has not seen Niko in years, and there are some family conflicts that are not explained. At first, viewers would expect Hirayama to be annoyed by Niko’s sudden arrival, but he is welcoming. This is a chance for Hirayama to share what he is passionate about in his search for happiness in the world. Whether it is books, music, or movies Hirayama always has something rewarding for someone. He does not see how nice he really is to those around him, but he is also not confrontational.

The theme of happiness within solitude is presented strongly in Perfect Days. There is that technological aspect of Wim Wenders that I recognized from his 1987 classic Wings of Desire—photography moments in black and white with fluorescent forms of movement. The true sensations of Wenders direction are seen through Hirayama’s eyes as he explores happiness and art in Perfect Days. This is an unforgettable experience, howeverthere may be a few moments of quietness and slight boredom. Regardless, its presentation is a masterpiece in the context of structure and pacing and moving aspects brilliant in their form. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Perfect Days.

Film reviews

Origin Review

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Origin is a deep film which is faithful to a true story. The film is about a meaningful journey in society with moving elements as well as an inspiring purpose. The cinematography in Origin delivers seriousness and the technical environment creates tension. Origin is about the writer Isabel Wilkerson played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Wilkerson is the author of the 2020 novel Caste: The Origins of our Discontents, a book that was published during the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement. Origin is the story of Wilkerson’s approach to her novel and various issues surrounding her research.

The film has a sense of tough love experienced while trying to find the right places. Origin begins with Isabel and her husband Brett (played by Jon Bernthal) and then transitions to Isabel being asked to write a piece about the Trayvon Martin case. Isabel is focused on doing research and writing the story. Herwords are her art and her voice. Many things happen in her life which cause her to feel depressed. Her husband and her mother die, and her sister Marion (played by Niecy Nash) is all she has left. The story that comes to her mind based on her research is how race and caste systems have evolved in society.

The film jumps to a narration of human divisions from prior eras when there were serious restrictions based on race. Origin is a portrait of how dynamics in society have changed over time. The inspiration for Isabel is the in-depth focus of her research and her prolific writing. Her mind boils with emotions as her goal is to write a thesis based upon her research on minorities, racism, and caste systems. Origin is a portrait of how reality has stressors that can be hard to tango with.

As Isabel begins to dive deep into her story, rising empathy grows throughout Origin. A moment of grief inspires change. A moment of loss causes a sad climax. Origin is an experience which demonstrates that life has meaning. The film’s writing and direction develop characters trying to fulfill what provides light in their lives. Isabel believes instead of soul-searching with one specific focus, she can expand her horizons. Isabel strives to connect the dots of racism and loss into a story that can inspire the world.

The mission of the film is to offer a refresher on past eras and how they have evolved. Origin reminds its audience that even though rules and systems for minorities have shifted, they still exist today. The presentation of Isabel and her research offers athought-provoking experience. The film’s honesty and sense of sadness flow throughout the story.

Racism in politics, countries, systems, and theories— all connect for a riveting story of truth in Origin. As part of her research, Isabel visits other countries, including Germany and India, to understand their political systems and their evolution over time. She finds herself in turmoil when she faces disagreement with her beliefs in other countries. Although there are “structural similarities,” each country has developed their own society in their own way which has led to different outcomes. Origin is a revelation of empathy and hope as it provides context which aids understanding. The film and Isabel’s story will touch many hearts. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Origin.

Film reviews

Eileen Review

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Eileen is a film where being vulnerable is at its core. In the film’s introduction, there is already a sense of desperation to feel connected as a girl watches others kiss in their vehicle. With a sad backdrop and eerie lighting in the depths of winter, there is bound to be a treacherous adventure. In Eileen, director William Oldroyd brings his audience into the world of the 1960s. It is a time when feeling loved is at the core of being fulfilled…despite the consequences. Thomasin McKenzie plays Eileen, and she has the looks and the personality to portray a character of deep emotions from a rough life. She sees that some light may come her way, but questions whether what she is doing is right.

Eileen works as an employee at a prison facility where she has agreedy and negative boss. All kinds of weird behaviors go on at the prison and each day is filled with catastrophes and mental stress. There are bizarre scenarios and rude employees all around. On top of it all, she lives with her father Jim (played by Shea Wigham), a former police officer and an alcoholic. Eileen’s father behaves erratically while he verbally abuses and blindsides his daughter. Eileen’s turmoil causes her to seek empathy and imagine closeness to cope. When a new doctor named Rebecca (played by Anne Hathaway) is hired at the prison facility, Eileen feels she has found a loving friend who truly cares about her. Is Eileen’s life about to be fulfilled?

The direction of Eileen focuses on the inseparable bond between Eileen and Rebecca. Rebecca caters to Eileen, buys her a few cocktails, and talks to her repeatedly. Eileen begins to feel her life is improving because someone cares for her. The human connection is surreal as Eileen and Rebecca are chatting on a winter’s night. What Eileen does not realize is that there is something sinister about Rebecca which is hard to see due to the clever and laid-back style of Hathaway’s performance.

While Eileen’s home life is a wreck, she believes that Rebecca is there for her until she begins to experience some weird patterns. Her father is still a narcissistic prick, and the prison facility is still filled with upsetting factors. Most of the film’s first halfcenters on the trials and errors of Eileen’s mental frustrations at home and work. However, Rebecca remains on her mind despite the looming danger. Eileen is a paced-out suspense that remains neutral in its tone. The writing is about personality trumping thoughts of personal safety. Because Eileen feels worthless every day, Rebecca is her light. Will Rebecca shine as brightlyas Eileen believes?

There is a moment in which Eileen’s father tells her, “Love will make you crazy.” This certainly holds true for Eileen as her-obsession with Rebecca causes her to underestimate the kind of situation, she is putting herself in. Due to the negativity in Eileen’s family life, she struggles to suppress her fascination with Rebecca. The tension is hidden, and the conflict is burdensome. Will audiences be ready for what is hidden when they experience Eileen? There are surprises in store for those curious about what is possible in the midst of a crazy trainwreck of a broken life.

Eileen is invigorating thanks to the captivating personalities in the performances of McKenzie and Hathaway. McKenzie’s performance is of a cute young lady who is unaware of what she is getting herself into. Hathaway’s performance is of a mightywoman with an ego and personality to die for. The connection between the two characters is where Eileen truly takes its audience by surprise. Does Rebecca really have deep feelings for Eileen? Is Eileen a target for Rebecca to use as a scapegoat for something irreparable? Rebecca helps Eileen express heranger and emotions about the sad life she must endure. Eileen is a daring experience with an unexpected and questionable outcome. Four out of four stars for Eileen.