Screen Arts 25/8

The Wachowskis

The Wachowskis are american filmmakers that direct, produce and write. Their trademarks are stunning visuals, ambitious themes and nuanced views of gender/sexuality. Both Wachowskis got their start writing comics for Marvel after dropping out of uni before moving into script writing in the 90's. They began directors so they could have creative control over the final cuts.

Some of their most well known work is Bound(1996), The Matrix Trilogy(1999-2003), Jupiter Ascending(2015) and Speed Racer(2008). Personally I enjoyed Jupiter Ascending(for the visuals) and The Matrix 1&2.

What do you think about their directing styles? I love the over the top visuals that is the staple in their films. While it doesnt make up for the plot holes(Jupiter Ascending, The Matrix 3), the films are still enjoyable if watched with no care about the story.

Would you ever work with a co-director or a family member? Perhaps. I dont really have an interest in Film but I would enjoy working with my family in a Game Studio.

Review the movie we watched in class. 

I loved The Matrix when it first came out. At the time it was visionary in terms of Bullet Time and CGI. The theme was one that hit home for a lot of people, and began a lot of conspiracy theories and fears that we are actually living in a Matrix-like world. While that thought is trippy, Im too cynical to believe it could be possible in the current world climate. Keanu Reeves became an icon for his role as Neo and deadpan line delivery. I still enjoy the movie to this day but its not one I would watch regularly, more so once every few years.

The Coen Brothers

Ethan and Joel Coen are brothers that work together as filmmakers. Joel directs and Ethan produces while both work on the screenwriting. They have won 4 Academy Awards out of the 14 they have been nominated for. Their film style is based around eccentric characters, convoluted plots and use comedy and drama together. They won best director, best picture and best actor awards at the 1991 Cannes film festival for the movie Barton Fink, the first time this had happened in the events history. They are known for Raising Arizona(1987), Fargo(1996), The Big Lebowski(1998) and No Country for Old Men(2007). I must confess I have never watched a movie from this duo so the in class sample we watched was a rather new experience and Im not sure on my final opinion of their style.