MOVIE MONDAYS: ROOM
I am beyond glad I got to see this film at the cinema. I am not one who religiously follows any film award shows be it the BAFTAS, Academy Awards or what-not but I definitely think Room needs to win two handfuls of awards because it blew my mind. I mean, although I did have an idea of what to expect based on what Emma Donoghue (the film's screenwriter and author of the book from which this film is based on) had to say about Room at The Hollywood Reporter's Writers Round Table but man did the film have much more to say.
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As far as child actors go, Jacob Tremblay (The Smurfs 2) is definitely one to watch. Jeez! I think he is fantastic in this film; he plays the role of Jack, a young boy with a wild imagination - whose point of view is in the driving seat of Room (most of the time) - in a way that comes across as genuine with regular doses of honest innocence. And as far as actresses go, Brie Larson (Trainwreck; The Spectacular Now; 21 Jump Street) is one mega talented lady. Her portrayal of Ma, Jack's loving mother is such that I found all her actions immediately justifiable and her state of mind so easily communicated with and without dialogue. She is the definition of raw. Colour me impressed folks. Colour. Me. Impressed.
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Source: A24 Films
Lenny Abrahamson (Frank; What Richard Did; Adam &Paul) was sat in the director's chair for the production of this film adaptation of Emma Donoghue's book, Room, and boy did he, Emma and the entire crew do a great job in telling this story. Room is a harrowingly heart-warming tale of a mother and son who, within a confined space, find the capacity to love, grow and see beyond their confinement giving it the illusion that it really is bigger on the inside. The film begins in a way that immediately sucks out the noise, calls out your inner child and fills you with child-like wonder and it ends in a similar fashion. The cinematography allows us too to feel like this 10' x 10' room is larger than it actually is and the film score, with its perfect dynamic rhythm, guides us fondly from scene to scene. I REALLY like this film. I mean, yes of course the situation Jack and Ma are in is not one I wish on anyone, however, the manner in which their story is told is both eloquent and powerful.
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Source: A24 Films
Room is a film you should watch if you are looking for something to watch. Period. Now, you may know already how I feel about film trailers (basically, that the art of creating good film trailers is dying) but the only negative thing I have to say about something associated with Room is that the trailer gives away FAR TOO MUCH (!). So instead of watching the trailer, just know this:I am yet to meet someone who hated it. Okay, fair enough I do not know that many people but from the reviews I've read and heard I have not seen or heard a bad thing about the film. If you have seen Room I would love to hear your thoughts on it, positive or positive.
Mo x