Hugo: a short review with some spoilers

[miss_s_b]

I had three problems with the film:

1. There weren't enough girls in it, and those there were... Well, they were only there to orbit the boys, to help them because boys are the ones who matter. I am weary of this trait in pretty much all forms of fiction - it's probably why I'm so addicted to Bones at the moment.


2. Christopher Lee should never twinkle. It was unnerving how good he was at it.


3. Gustav's resemblance to officer Crabtree from 'Allo 'Allo detracted from both the pathos and the menace of his character.

Aside from those minor issues*, though, I really enjoyed it. There was some beautiful and innovative camerawork, and the lighting was exquisite, and the performances from the three leads (the two kids and Ben Kingsley) were excellent. And I cried. Lots.

You should see this film if:

• You like early cinema, because there are some beautifully integrated bits of old films, and a ton of visual and scripted references too


• You're a steampunk person, because the set and effects will make you cream yourself, especially if you see it in 3D


• You want to discover that not all child actors are awful and annoying.


• You appreciate a beautifully crafted bit of cinematic act, even if it's not flawless


• You can cope with all the flaws I mention above

You should NOT see this film if:

• You need your films to pass the Bechdel test.


• You need to have ACTION every five seconds, and can't cope with long, lingering, langourous artistry.


• You don't want to see Jude Law die screaming in a fire - you don't get much warning that it's going to happen, so I'm warning you now.

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In other news, I am feeling AWFUL tonight. This week has not been the easiest. So I am curled up in bed with a hot water bottle and faint sounds of Holly playing on her computer coming through the door. All brandy gratefully recieved.

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* lack of female characters being a minor problem on a per-film basis, which adds up to a major and endemic one if you consider te totality of film, obviously.

Comments

[karohemd]

I'll have to wait until they show it in 2D. Stupid eyes.

[telegramsam]

I probably won't be seeing this one. 1. I can't stand 3D, it gives me a massive headache, and 2. I bought the book shortly after it came out and I love it and I really don't want to see it mucked with the way film makers always muck with books. In fact, it's worth borrowing from the library, it's an odd hybrid between graphic and standard novel that I thought was quite lovely.

Ah well.

[purplecthulhu]

Hugs and ebrandy for the awful!

[drunkwriter]

We had a very brief and naughty wander round Hugo's Shepperton sets during my single day as an extra for a certain person's unsold pilot. It was like a playground.