"October 1988 and small town USA is about to witness the end of the world". The write-up on the DVD case is certainly not wrong. Donnie Darko is the beautiful but heartbreaking story of Donnie, a teenager with a mental illness.
The film’s narrative begins when Donnie is lured from his bed by a startling voice that leads him to sleepwalk outside to confront an over-sized bizarre looking rabbit named Frank. He returns home the next morning to find he has narrowly missed death, after discovering that an aeroplane engine has fallen mysteriously into his bedroom.
Frank convinces Donnie into believing that the world will end in 28 days and as a result Donnie's disturbing images intensify and his behaviour becomes less and less stable. It would appear that his schizophrenia has really set in, but is there something more sinister behind his strange thoughts?
This movie certainly is unique in the way the story is presented - a continuous unsettling atmosphere, dark laughs and intriguing, likeable characters. Kelly's use of a mixture of different genres creates an interesting take on teenage lust, love, feelings, obsessions and the human brain.
Whatever themes you draw upon watching, it is clear that there is no one meaning that can be taken from this film. Blending together mental illness, time travel, social and political issues it is certainly not a film for a lazy Sunday afternoon! However, it is agreed that Donnie Darko is an incredible piece of quirky cinema that was produced upon the unfortunate idea that the universe doesn't have the ability to play fair.
EMMA BREWARD
Sunday 16 November 2008
CTRL.ALT.SHIFT - Nationwide Film Competition
Can your film make a change?
Ctrl.Alt.Shift challenges young filmmakers to tackle the issues of poverty and global injustice for the chance to work with Noel Clarke, Shynola and Saam Farahmand
Youth initiative Ctrl.Alt.Shift is launching a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young filmmakers to work with some of the most inspiring, contemporary names from British cinema, including Noel Clarke (Adulthood), Shynola (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) and Saam Farahmand (Part of the Weekend Never Dies).
The five short films that are produced will have their soundtracks scored by critically acclaimed artists including the 2007 Mercury Prize nominated Young Knives plus Shy Child, Metronomy and The Thirst.
Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a new movement for change; it is a community for passionate and outspoken individuals joined in the fight against poverty and injustice. This autumn sees the launch of this exciting project offering young filmmakers (aged 18-25) the chance to work with aspirational names from the world of film and music, to create short films focussing on the issues that Ctrl.Alt.Shift is working to highlight.
The three themes HIV + Stigma, War + Peace and Gender + Power, will prompt emotive, varied and stimulating responses to the brief.
After submitting winning treatments, five young filmmakers will be paired with a director mentor, who will help them hone their vision into a short film. Their films will be used to raise awareness about Ctrl.Alt.Shift and the issues on a global scale. We’re not after two-minutes of heartbreak in a plea for some quick-fix cash; we are looking for ideas that provoke action.
The successful applicants will also work closely with one of the artists, who will provide the soundtrack to their film.
All winning films will be shown at a national premier in London, where young filmmakers, director mentors and artists will unveil their thought provoking shorts, challenging their audience to rethink issues and join the fight to bring about change. By bringing together creative elite and fresh young talent the event will offer a unique platform for major global issues to be showcased.
Directors involved in the project include:
Noel Clarke, writer of award winning film Kidulthood, which centred on the lives of west-London school kids and gritty urban street life. Clarke took the director reigns for the sequel Adulthood, the smash hit British movie of summer 2008.
Shynola, renowned for their critically acclaimed work with artists including Blur, Queens of The Stoneage, The Rapture and Radiohead not to mention their 2005 award-winning feature film 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy';
Saam Farahmand, has shot to fame for his work with Klaxons, Janet Jackson, Simian Mobile Disco, and Lightspeed Champion. Dubbed as the 6th most important person today "driving music forward" by NME and winner of the Best Director prize at the 2007 CAD Music Video Awards, Saam’s first feature 'Part of the Weekend Never Dies', was released in cinemas in April 2008.
Artists involved in the project include:
Young Knives, are a muscular clatter of pulsing guitars, head-spinning percussive thuds and harmonic, brotherly vocals that provide the backbone to a rich throng of giddy, excited ideas and ageless, wry lyrical themes. The Oxford based three piece were nominated for the 2007 Mercury Music Prize with their debut, Voices of Animals and Men. Their critically acclaimed follow up album Superabundance was showered with praise by the UK music press and cemented the bands place as one of the most exciting acts in the country.
(www.theyoungknives.com)
Shy Child are Nate Smith and Pete Cafarella, an American duo who are on the cusp of greatness. 2007 was a huge breakthrough for them with their third studio album, Noise Won’t Stop, propelling the band into the public consciousness. They confirmed their credentials by becoming the first US band to perform at the new Wembley Stadium when supporting Muse, being picked as “Pet Sound of the Week” on Jo Whiley’s Radio One show and performing on Later with Jools Holland.
(www.shychild.com)
Metronomy, are a groundbreaking electro three-piece who are hurtling towards superstardom after the release of their second album Nights Out which prompted leading music industry figures to sit up and acclaim their genius.
(www.myspace.com/metronomy)
The Thirst, are the first signing to Wooden Records, founded by legendary Rolling Stones bassist Ronnie Wood. Inspired and influenced by old punk records, Hendrix, drum n’ bass and hip-hop, the result is uniquely their own.
(www.thethirst.co.uk)
How To Enter
Young directors are invited to choose one of the current issues that Ctrl.Alt.Shift are working hard to change on a global scale (HIV + stigma, war + peace or gender + power) and demonstrate how that issue inspires their short film idea. Film ideas submitted should be realisable within ten weeks.
Applications will need to include:
· Your treatment: A 300 word (max.) clearly showing how your idea tackles one issue
· How it would work: 500 words (max.) including how you would go about filming it over a 10 week period and within budget
· Your experience: Any examples of work that may show your pedigree and ability to realise your vision
To enter, visit www.ctrlaltshift.co.uk/film and follow the submission details.
Closing date for entries: 31st December 2008
Five successful directors will be selected from entries to receive a money-can’t-buy prize of:
· The chance to work with a leading director to mentor you through the filmmaking process
· Your film soundtrack written and performed by a major recording artist (Musical artists confirmed thus far include Young Knives, Shy Child, Metronomy and The Thirst with more TBC).
· Budget to produce your film idea
· Guidance of an experienced film producer
Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a new and experimental youth sub brand of Christian Aid. Christian Aid works in some of the world’s poorest communities in 50 countries. We act where the needs are greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life that they deserve.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melanie Ward
Platform Officer
Film Sub-Editor 2008/2009
Ctrl.Alt.Shift challenges young filmmakers to tackle the issues of poverty and global injustice for the chance to work with Noel Clarke, Shynola and Saam Farahmand
Youth initiative Ctrl.Alt.Shift is launching a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young filmmakers to work with some of the most inspiring, contemporary names from British cinema, including Noel Clarke (Adulthood), Shynola (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) and Saam Farahmand (Part of the Weekend Never Dies).
The five short films that are produced will have their soundtracks scored by critically acclaimed artists including the 2007 Mercury Prize nominated Young Knives plus Shy Child, Metronomy and The Thirst.
Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a new movement for change; it is a community for passionate and outspoken individuals joined in the fight against poverty and injustice. This autumn sees the launch of this exciting project offering young filmmakers (aged 18-25) the chance to work with aspirational names from the world of film and music, to create short films focussing on the issues that Ctrl.Alt.Shift is working to highlight.
The three themes HIV + Stigma, War + Peace and Gender + Power, will prompt emotive, varied and stimulating responses to the brief.
After submitting winning treatments, five young filmmakers will be paired with a director mentor, who will help them hone their vision into a short film. Their films will be used to raise awareness about Ctrl.Alt.Shift and the issues on a global scale. We’re not after two-minutes of heartbreak in a plea for some quick-fix cash; we are looking for ideas that provoke action.
The successful applicants will also work closely with one of the artists, who will provide the soundtrack to their film.
All winning films will be shown at a national premier in London, where young filmmakers, director mentors and artists will unveil their thought provoking shorts, challenging their audience to rethink issues and join the fight to bring about change. By bringing together creative elite and fresh young talent the event will offer a unique platform for major global issues to be showcased.
Directors involved in the project include:
Noel Clarke, writer of award winning film Kidulthood, which centred on the lives of west-London school kids and gritty urban street life. Clarke took the director reigns for the sequel Adulthood, the smash hit British movie of summer 2008.
Shynola, renowned for their critically acclaimed work with artists including Blur, Queens of The Stoneage, The Rapture and Radiohead not to mention their 2005 award-winning feature film 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy';
Saam Farahmand, has shot to fame for his work with Klaxons, Janet Jackson, Simian Mobile Disco, and Lightspeed Champion. Dubbed as the 6th most important person today "driving music forward" by NME and winner of the Best Director prize at the 2007 CAD Music Video Awards, Saam’s first feature 'Part of the Weekend Never Dies', was released in cinemas in April 2008.
Artists involved in the project include:
Young Knives, are a muscular clatter of pulsing guitars, head-spinning percussive thuds and harmonic, brotherly vocals that provide the backbone to a rich throng of giddy, excited ideas and ageless, wry lyrical themes. The Oxford based three piece were nominated for the 2007 Mercury Music Prize with their debut, Voices of Animals and Men. Their critically acclaimed follow up album Superabundance was showered with praise by the UK music press and cemented the bands place as one of the most exciting acts in the country.
(www.theyoungknives.com)
Shy Child are Nate Smith and Pete Cafarella, an American duo who are on the cusp of greatness. 2007 was a huge breakthrough for them with their third studio album, Noise Won’t Stop, propelling the band into the public consciousness. They confirmed their credentials by becoming the first US band to perform at the new Wembley Stadium when supporting Muse, being picked as “Pet Sound of the Week” on Jo Whiley’s Radio One show and performing on Later with Jools Holland.
(www.shychild.com)
Metronomy, are a groundbreaking electro three-piece who are hurtling towards superstardom after the release of their second album Nights Out which prompted leading music industry figures to sit up and acclaim their genius.
(www.myspace.com/metronomy)
The Thirst, are the first signing to Wooden Records, founded by legendary Rolling Stones bassist Ronnie Wood. Inspired and influenced by old punk records, Hendrix, drum n’ bass and hip-hop, the result is uniquely their own.
(www.thethirst.co.uk)
How To Enter
Young directors are invited to choose one of the current issues that Ctrl.Alt.Shift are working hard to change on a global scale (HIV + stigma, war + peace or gender + power) and demonstrate how that issue inspires their short film idea. Film ideas submitted should be realisable within ten weeks.
Applications will need to include:
· Your treatment: A 300 word (max.) clearly showing how your idea tackles one issue
· How it would work: 500 words (max.) including how you would go about filming it over a 10 week period and within budget
· Your experience: Any examples of work that may show your pedigree and ability to realise your vision
To enter, visit www.ctrlaltshift.co.uk/film
Closing date for entries: 31st December 2008
Five successful directors will be selected from entries to receive a money-can’t-buy prize of:
· The chance to work with a leading director to mentor you through the filmmaking process
· Your film soundtrack written and performed by a major recording artist (Musical artists confirmed thus far include Young Knives, Shy Child, Metronomy and The Thirst with more TBC).
· Budget to produce your film idea
· Guidance of an experienced film producer
Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a new and experimental youth sub brand of Christian Aid. Christian Aid works in some of the world’s poorest communities in 50 countries. We act where the needs are greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life that they deserve.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melanie Ward
Platform Officer
Film Sub-Editor 2008/2009
Sunday 2 November 2008
Issue 2: Horror Feature!
ZOMBIE GORE-FEST!
DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004)
When this film came out in 2004 – a remake of the 1978 film by classic horror writer and director, George A. Romero – it jolted the life back into the zombie-horror genre (excuse the pun).
The plot follows a small group of survivors in the midst of a world-wide epidemic of flesh-eating zombies. What is so different and terrifying about this film, however, is that in comparison to the zombies portrayed in previous films, these do not move at a snail’s pace with their stiff arms outstretched. These zombies are stronger, run as fast as you do and will stop at nothing. The opening scene propels you straight into the relentless brutality of the film and this pace is consistent throughout as we are treated to a gore-fest of epic proportions.
It’s also worth checking out Simon Pegg’s tribute to Romero’s classic, ‘SHAUN OF THE DEAD’ (2004); a satire of the traditional zombie film. With a great cast, an innovative script and some brilliant parallels drawn upon between the monotony of everyday life and the mindless walking dead, this film is an interesting and lighter alternative.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melanie Ward
Platform Officer
Film Sub-Editor 2008/2009
DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004)
When this film came out in 2004 – a remake of the 1978 film by classic horror writer and director, George A. Romero – it jolted the life back into the zombie-horror genre (excuse the pun).
The plot follows a small group of survivors in the midst of a world-wide epidemic of flesh-eating zombies. What is so different and terrifying about this film, however, is that in comparison to the zombies portrayed in previous films, these do not move at a snail’s pace with their stiff arms outstretched. These zombies are stronger, run as fast as you do and will stop at nothing. The opening scene propels you straight into the relentless brutality of the film and this pace is consistent throughout as we are treated to a gore-fest of epic proportions.
It’s also worth checking out Simon Pegg’s tribute to Romero’s classic, ‘SHAUN OF THE DEAD’ (2004); a satire of the traditional zombie film. With a great cast, an innovative script and some brilliant parallels drawn upon between the monotony of everyday life and the mindless walking dead, this film is an interesting and lighter alternative.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melanie Ward
Platform Officer
Film Sub-Editor 2008/2009
Issue 2: Horror Feature!
THE SUPERNATURAL HORROR
THE RING (2002)
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
“Before you die, you see the ring”. This remake of the Japanese original successfully mixes suspense, mystery and horror and produces a film that will have you watching most of it through the slits of your fingers… or at least as far away from the television as possible.
Faced with the mysterious death of her niece and after more strikingly similar fatalities occur, reporter Keller (Naomi Watts) investigates; only to find a video tape is behind the deaths, but how is this so? She watches the tape and receives a phone-call simply saying “seven days”. From here, we are thrown into a race for time for Rachel to unravel the mystery behind the tape in order to save the lives of herself, her son and her ex-partner.
It’s the perfect horror for those wishing to relive the atmosphere of Halloween and after seven days have passed, you will start to feel safe again. Just think twice the next time you hear the phone ring . . .
Becky Wojturska
THE RING (2002)
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
“Before you die, you see the ring”. This remake of the Japanese original successfully mixes suspense, mystery and horror and produces a film that will have you watching most of it through the slits of your fingers… or at least as far away from the television as possible.
Faced with the mysterious death of her niece and after more strikingly similar fatalities occur, reporter Keller (Naomi Watts) investigates; only to find a video tape is behind the deaths, but how is this so? She watches the tape and receives a phone-call simply saying “seven days”. From here, we are thrown into a race for time for Rachel to unravel the mystery behind the tape in order to save the lives of herself, her son and her ex-partner.
It’s the perfect horror for those wishing to relive the atmosphere of Halloween and after seven days have passed, you will start to feel safe again. Just think twice the next time you hear the phone ring . . .
Becky Wojturska
Issue 2: Horror Feature!
With SAW V currently showing in cinemas, here is a reminder of the first four films in the series and the story so far...
THE SAW SERIES
The original concept behind SAW (2004) has succeeded in having the desired shock-factor on audiences everywhere. The series revolves around the ideas and actions of psychopathic ‘Jigsaw’ (the nickname given to him by the police after his puzzle-shaped calling card).
Using sophisticated torture devices and obscure locations, he imprisons his victims and gives them a time limit, during which they are forced to either inflict great pain upon themselves, or sometimes to kill somebody else, in order to escape from the otherwise impossible circumstances they face. They receive their instructions via a Dictaphone or a videotape, with a freakish-looking puppet to deliver Jigsaw’s “rules”. He chooses his test subjects based on research he has conducted into their personal lives and what he sees to be their punishable faults. He sees that he is giving them the chance to appreciate their life: either they do what is necessary to live, by playing by the rules; or they die.
SAW (2004)
The opening of the first film drives straight into the action as two men who are strangers wake up in the old bathroom of an abandoned house. Their legs are chained to the pipes fixed solidly to the wall and each man finds a tape holder in his pocket, containing the “rules” of their game and impending tasks. Through flashbacks, we learn of other victims and mysteries begin to unravel.
SAW II (2005)
Saw II is mostly centred in a booby-trapped house where Jigsaw’s latest captives wake up. They are required to solve clues in order to escape and must do so before the poisonous gas filling the air kills them all after two hours. One of the main questions here though, is how are the victims connected?
SAW III (2006)
In order to continue offering guidance to his new apprentice, Jigsaw needs an operation to reduce the tumour that is killing him. This leads to arguably the most graphic displays of body horror to be seen in the films to date.
SAW IV (2007)
The games become increasingly complex, the traps are still inventive and even more plot-twists are revealed. We learn more about Jigsaw’s life and can begin to piece together the warped thinking behind his “work”. A shocking revelation emerges in the final scenes.
This brings us to…
SAW V
Directed by: David Hackl
Released: 24/10/08
If you have followed the previous Saw films, you will want to see Saw V even if just to complete the story. These films are released every Halloween and have become somewhat of a tradition for many cinema-goers each year.
The ending of Saw IV brings us up to date in the latest addition to the series, with the third apprentice of Jigsaw’s conducting the customary scenes of horror we have come to expect…and these are still just as shockingly disturbing. The plot is simpler than its predecessor’s and works well in tying up the loose ends and cliff hangers from the previous films. Possibly the most impressive aspect, however, is how the films’ writers have somehow managed to devise yet more imaginative, mindboggling contraptions and hopeless circumstances.
Although the number of Saw films seems never-ending to some, this will make great viewing for Halloween and will please fans of the previous four instalments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melanie Ward
Platform Officer
Film Sub-Editor 2008/2009
THE SAW SERIES
The original concept behind SAW (2004) has succeeded in having the desired shock-factor on audiences everywhere. The series revolves around the ideas and actions of psychopathic ‘Jigsaw’ (the nickname given to him by the police after his puzzle-shaped calling card).
Using sophisticated torture devices and obscure locations, he imprisons his victims and gives them a time limit, during which they are forced to either inflict great pain upon themselves, or sometimes to kill somebody else, in order to escape from the otherwise impossible circumstances they face. They receive their instructions via a Dictaphone or a videotape, with a freakish-looking puppet to deliver Jigsaw’s “rules”. He chooses his test subjects based on research he has conducted into their personal lives and what he sees to be their punishable faults. He sees that he is giving them the chance to appreciate their life: either they do what is necessary to live, by playing by the rules; or they die.
SAW (2004)
The opening of the first film drives straight into the action as two men who are strangers wake up in the old bathroom of an abandoned house. Their legs are chained to the pipes fixed solidly to the wall and each man finds a tape holder in his pocket, containing the “rules” of their game and impending tasks. Through flashbacks, we learn of other victims and mysteries begin to unravel.
SAW II (2005)
Saw II is mostly centred in a booby-trapped house where Jigsaw’s latest captives wake up. They are required to solve clues in order to escape and must do so before the poisonous gas filling the air kills them all after two hours. One of the main questions here though, is how are the victims connected?
SAW III (2006)
In order to continue offering guidance to his new apprentice, Jigsaw needs an operation to reduce the tumour that is killing him. This leads to arguably the most graphic displays of body horror to be seen in the films to date.
SAW IV (2007)
The games become increasingly complex, the traps are still inventive and even more plot-twists are revealed. We learn more about Jigsaw’s life and can begin to piece together the warped thinking behind his “work”. A shocking revelation emerges in the final scenes.
This brings us to…
SAW V
Directed by: David Hackl
Released: 24/10/08
If you have followed the previous Saw films, you will want to see Saw V even if just to complete the story. These films are released every Halloween and have become somewhat of a tradition for many cinema-goers each year.
The ending of Saw IV brings us up to date in the latest addition to the series, with the third apprentice of Jigsaw’s conducting the customary scenes of horror we have come to expect…and these are still just as shockingly disturbing. The plot is simpler than its predecessor’s and works well in tying up the loose ends and cliff hangers from the previous films. Possibly the most impressive aspect, however, is how the films’ writers have somehow managed to devise yet more imaginative, mindboggling contraptions and hopeless circumstances.
Although the number of Saw films seems never-ending to some, this will make great viewing for Halloween and will please fans of the previous four instalments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melanie Ward
Platform Officer
Film Sub-Editor 2008/2009
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