Clint Eastwood & " GRAN TORINO"



First off, to begin with, the movie would be nowhere without Clint Eastwood. HE IS THE MOVIE.

Eastwood continues to impress and brings his super slate of movies forward, one more time. I have been living in the US for a few years now and having made my migration from Hyderabad, I have been seeing the multi-culturism aspect of the US making more pronounced statements than ever before.

This movie is part funny, part vigilante action movie and part parable of the American multi-culturism, I am talking about.

Walt Kowalski is an angry, unhappy, grizzly, 70 year old gun-toting, tobacco chewing, and Korean War vet and lives in this part of suburbia, which seems to be under the command of the notorious Asian hoodlums. The depressing setting and also the sad ambience starts off, with the funeral of his wife.

One of the prized possessions which reflects on his flashy younger days is the classic '72 ford – Gran Torino, which he keeps polished at all times in his garage. He is an old timer, and a very hardcore American, so to speak at the core of his heart. Somewhere down the line, he dislikes, everything alien and how the nation he is so proud of, has diminished in prominence over the years. He is cranky and actually growls like an old hurt dog at times, when he is displeased. His son and daughter-in-law are only interested in his house in the Detroit suburbia and do not actually care for anything more than that. They represent the very materialistic nature of the younger generation, who he squarely puts blame on, for the lack of patriotism or American idealism, he still pursues in his sub-consciousness.


"I have more in common with these gooks than I do with my own family," Walt says in the movie's most telling line, although he doesn't have to spell it out, given that his own kids and grandkids clearly believe that, just because they're white Americans, everything should be handed to them.


His wife's funeral is the final nail in the coffin and for all he could care, his entire world has collapsed along with her death. He despises his son for the very fact that he sells Japanese cars and drives in one of them; he had recently bought to his dead mother's funeral. He is aghast at how his young teenage grand-daughter has piercings on her face, rebellious in nature and acts very two-faced, when asking Walt for the Gran Torino, so that she can zip to college in the classic car.

To add, to his woes, the ethnic gangs have taken over the city's streets and in the traditional lower-middle class neighborhood he lives, has been increasingly taken over by the Asian community and people of other ethnicity. He proudly has an American flag flying in this balcony, in spite of all this and tries to imply his superiority and uniqueness in the neighborhood. His immediate neighbors, an immigrant family from south-east Asia, keeps reminding him of his enemies in Korea.

Thus the ambience sets it up as a fairly outrageous, self-deprecating, tailor made part for Eastwood in this movie. How he steps in -- earning their devotion, creating some nasty enemies and setting himself on a path toward a broader view of the American Dream is the rest of the movie. I would not want to spill any beans on what actually happens in the movie. That is for you to decide. I am merely trying to set up the mood and trying to explain the layers which exist.


It is far from being a master-piece of a movie or immaculate movie-making, but it certainly does emphasize why, Eastwood is Eastwood, one of the very best classic American actors we have seen in many generations. He is certainly getting better with age. Eastwood the director likes to get by on just a few takes of each shot, so he's never troubled much by minor inconsistencies or clumsy supporting performances. This movie seems even rougher around the edges than much of his past work.

Official Trailer:







Last,but not least, I read in another blog on PFC, as to how someone wants to see Big B in these sorts of roles in Hindi movies. I could not agree with that reader more. It would be wonderful and I think he would rock it too. Are any Indian filmmakers listening?

Originally written for Passionforcinema.com by me.

Mickey Rourke & “The Wrestler”

The Wrestler is a dark little film about a broken-down professional wrestler whose glory days are far behind him.



Randy “The Ram” Robinson was once young, strong, famous, successful and wildly popular and as time goes by and decades later, he is actually a lost, disillusion resident of a trailer park in one of the more trashier parts of new Jersey. He works in community centers and grocery stores to hardly get by with rent and usually has to sleep in his van and spend the cold jersey nights.

From his tan to his muscles, everything about The Ram is fake, and with the passage of time, it's all he can do to maintain the facade.

The Wrestler is a story that covers both the cult of celebrity and the transformative power of art, although it will no doubt be interpreted outside North America as a big, fat metaphor for the United States. So much for the death of the American dream!!! Rourke's Randy "The Ram" Robinson was a superstar in the 1980s, demanding millions of dollars for every appearance and influencing a generation of adoring blue-collar fans. But the very elements which allowed him to succeed back then -- the grandiosity, the narcissism, the willingness to lay every inch of his body on the line for a good show -- now make it impossible for him to do anything else. He can't stand the idea of working behind a counter somewhere and he lacks the skills for more sophisticated occupations. He's poured tons of junk into his body over the years, which has eaten him away until he's little more than a blown-up shell. What does he ultimately end up with?



Well, why would you want to see the depressing, sad, little movie then? of course - it is Mickey Rourke’s performance. It is just fantastic. You could actually feel the pain, when watching him go about his life in the movie. From living in a trailer park to ingesting his body with steroids and painkillers, trying some weights out at the gym, cutting him self up for some blood and gore, to a lot more things. I do not want to spill over the entire movie, but it sure is a great watch.

The Wrestler is shot in a spare, documentary-type fashion, and the better to underline the intensity of Rourke's performance. The story is raw and often tough to watch, but Rourke is so good that you can't look away. The actor helped write some of his own dialogue, and that -- along with the obvious art-imitates-life relationship between actor and character -- may explain why the role fits Rourke like a glove.

His best friend is Pam, a stripper at a club where Randy goes. Marisa Tomei, who unfailingly gives a good performance film after film, plays Pam. Here she has just the right balance of street vulgarity and delicacy.

Aronofsky's REQUIEM FOR A DREAM was about drug addiction. This film is about a man addicted to the cheers of the fans. Director Darren Aronofsky dispenses with the flashy techniques of his previous two films, instead rendering Randy's story with handheld cameras and stressed improvisation.

Randy's best moments have all been in front of screaming crowds and he is facing giving that up. Rourke’s performance is simply mind-blowing and the best of the year.

Check out his interviews before the release of the movie, where he details how he was casted and the parallels with this life, how he worked along with Aronofsky. Nice watch.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pg4NttiW8Y

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2aAQ6Wcc44

I simply loved the ending of the movie (of course, I am not giving it away) – Go watch it!!!

- Bipin Vaddi

David Fincher & “ The Curious case of Benjamin Button”


When someone’s resume starts with some rock video’s for the MTV generation, then takes on a super franchise like Aliens and then delivering a disillusioned sequel, you would imagine, that they would go back to making music videos.

The director then comes up a supremely and immaculately made movie called “Se7en” and stuck the then poster boy Brad Pitt in a grimly set, depressing setting – along with the magnificent Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey. Yes, I am talking about one of my very favorite contemporary directors, who have developed a cult like following in the present times. – Mr. David Fincher. Everything from the credits rolling backwards to the BGM, and also the color of the movie, the sets, the performances – had me mesmerized, when I first saw “Se7en”.
Then the brilliance of the man, made him deliver – The Game, Fight Club ( I cannot talk or convey or admire anything about this movie, which has already not been said or written anywhere else – I scratched almost 3 DVD’s of this movie – due to repeated watching’s – and every time I discover something new and appreciate it some more. I cannot think of any other movie, where so many philosophies have been layered and put together so brilliantly. I still listen to its soundtrack and still can quote TYLER DURDEN at any given point of the time. Yes, I am a Space monkey ready for Project Mayhem indeed).

He followed it up with the well made “Panic Room” – which was a straightforward commercial movie – with brilliant technical wizardry behind the scenes. Something, which is a given for this brilliant works man. If at all, I had to pick one movie, which has not my expectations – it would be “Panic Room”. Even though, it was better than most regular Hollywood directors could have made, taken into consideration that the whole movie was based on the concept of 2 people trapped in a room, when their home is broken into.

He then came up with one of the most compelling stories and extracted one of the best work from Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo in ZODIAC. The entire movie is paced so well, that in spite of the running time, I did not look at the watch a single time during the movie. There was a certain tension in the air and also eeriness, when watching this movie. The true mark of this director was to transport us into that world and when we come to know that this movie is actually based on a true killer – it just hits you even harder.
Anyways, along side Danny Boyle, Gus Van Sant, Christopher Nolan, Pedro Almodovar, and Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher is one of the very best directors in Contemporary times. ( Before you bust my balls, I am only talking Hollywood here…)
Last night, I watched “ The Curious case of Benjamin Button” , Brad Pitt ages in reverse, from an 80 year old man in an infants body to handsome Brad Pitt ( who looks increasingly like Robert Redford in his 40s) to infancy again in about 2 1/2 hours. When Benjamin is 60 he looks 20, and we have on our hands the perfect movie for a time of age-defiance. David Fincher is a brilliant Cosmetic surgeon of sorts in this movie. His technical wizardry drives the entire movie. When I first heard about this movie , being a love story at its core, I went into the hall , thinking of how David Fincher, who is synonymous with dark stories and layered philosophies would actually helm this movie. Within the first 15 minutes, I had no doubt, that I was watching one of the best movies of the year.
With every sequence, you begin to like Benjamin even more than ever, we follow Benjamin’s growth ( if you can call that ), throughout the movie. The first time he goes to a brothel, he is 65 years old and then later he takes a crack at his first bourbon shot at a local bar. The first time he lays eyes on this little girl in her teens – he is mesmerized at her blue eyes. Then after a few years on board a ship, a few years at war, and a series of secret midnight rendezvous with Tilda Swinton ( who harbors a dream to swim across the English Channel) , Benjamin becomes more and more young looking and starts to look like the Brad Pitt , we all know today. The story is told in flashbacks that spring from Benjamin's diary, from which old Daisy's grown daughter (Julia Ormond - she lives!) reads aloud at her mother's sickbed.

It is brilliantly shot and Fincher comes up with yet another amazing movie. I obviously do not want to give away anything else from the story , nor the ending. It’s an endearing movie , made with a heart and at the same time, technically speaking , it’s a notch above. The sets , the characters ( especially, this one guy, who talks about how the lighting has stuck him 7 times and still survives ) and last but not least Brad Pitt. He is amazing in this movie and he continues to surprise us, with his amazing choice of movies to work in. After Se7en , and Fight Club – Fincher and Pitt , get together to give us this gem of a movie.

Kudos and Good Bye 2008 !!!
BIPIN VADDI

just checking if this thing is still functional. im kidding, its been such a long time since i have written something, that - its quite pathetic. well, i will write very soon. cheers.

family guy

talk about irritating someone.. stewie does it all!!!

For the Love of the sport.... here's taking a look at Season 2006

check this out

Forza Ferrari !!! [ Stop "Botox"ing the McLaren ]






Pictures speak better than words and hence this post. January brings the car launch time in the world of F1. I follow off season and test sessions with the same intensity as the season and races itself. Of course, I am a tifosi and a supporter of the prancing horse, but just to make a visual comparision, check out the new BMW, Renault ( changed colors, because of loss of sponsors), McLaren ( with its glitzy chrome paint job, Ron Dennis should spend more time making this machine faster and less on "botox"ing his cars) . And of course, my personal fave which is gonna be driven by Kimi and which will be the championship winning car - FERRARI.

Cheers and keep checking on me.

Happy New Year !!!

So its 2007 now, I look back at the year which went by and feel truly blessed for all the good things this year had bought me. Everyone has disappointments when looking back and I am not any different. But I have always believed in good things in everything around me , everyone around me. So except for some disappointments, a major setback on some levels, a few glitches here and there, some things slipping out of my hands, coulda's , shoulda's and woulda's , there's not much really to complain about.

The year started off with me jumping into school after a break of a semester and I was proud to be pursuing a degree which has always appealed to me and always wanted to do. Work and school together means a lot of time, work and more work. But I think I have managed things better when I have a lot of things to do , rather than the other way round. I fear myself when I have an idlebrain and would rather prefer to fill my days up with more than I can handle. Pushing yourself that little extra bit is what makes a man what he is.

So this past year, meant a new job, new goals at school, new friends, new relationships, more trips, new places to visit, new things to do. Life has to be lived the right way, that however does not mean, I missed out on any of the fun I have been having all my life. It only got pushed further,the differences got fuzzy. I never say NO to a good time and willing to try new things all the time. I think I am blessed with equally great friends who are up for the craziest and weirdest things at odd times of day or night.

Travelled a lot this year, went on a break for 3 weeks to India after a gap of 4.5 years, nothing has even come close to how happy I was to go back home after such a long time. Hyderabad rocks and for me , no other place comes even remotely close. I love everything about my city, had great times hanging out with my closest friends. Felt just good to hug my bro, sit and chat with mom/dad. May god bless my granny, she was unhealthy when I was there, but thankfully she's back to normal now.

Took a break in Frankfurt and that was another killer experience , since soccer cup was underway. not to mention the number of trips I made to NY,DC , Philly, Chicago etc. Friends visiting me umpteen number of times, crash at my place.

Went to Quebec in May 06> Went to VEGAS in June 06 and what an insane ride it was and I cant even begin to talk about it. As I am writing this, I am less than 24 hours from getting to VEGAS , so I am gonna keep that talk out of this post.

Made some very wonderful friends, sometimes you meet someone and you know they are special. Had great times and continue to, and I hope for better and bigger things in 2007.

Thank you all so much for visiting this page and leaving comments. I love writing, but it motivates me to see my buds visit and check on me often.

Wishing you all a very happy new year and will post some ridiculous stories if/when I get back from VEGAS alive.

VIVA LAS VEGAS !!!

Some of my fave quotes.... CHEERS.

"Recycling and speed limits are bullshit," Tyler said. "They're like someone who quits smoking on his deathbed." ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 16

When you develop an infatuation for someone you always find a reason to believe that this is exactly the person for you. It doesn't need to be a good reason. Taking photographs of the night sky, for example. Now, in the long run, that's just the kind of dumb, irritating habit that would cause you to split up. But in the haze of infatuation, it's just what you've been searching for all these years. - THE BEACH

You want your sister to lose weight, tell her to get off the couch, stop eating twinkies and maybe go out for field hockey, and you know what, no-one knows what they wanna be when they grow up! you know it takes a little time to find that out. And you, you sick of some jerk shoving your head down the toilet? Well maybe you should lift some weights or take a karate lesson and the next time he tries it you kick him in the balls! - Donnie Darko

Don't let your mouth get you into something your ass can't handle. - The Basketball Diaries

If I could wake up in a different place, at a different time, could I wake up as a different person? ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 3

If the problem can't be solved, worrying is unnecessary- Seven years in Tibet

The only downer is, everyone's got the same idea. We all travel thousands of miles just to watch TV and check in to somewhere with all the comforts of home, and you gotta ask yourself, what is the point of that? - THE BEACH

Imagine if you suddenly learned that the people, the places, the moments most important to you were not gone, not dead, but worse, had never been. What kind of hell would that be? - A Beautiful Mind

Just because we have chisseled abs and perfect cheek bones, doesn't mean that we too can't die in a freak gasoline fight incident - Zoolander

...when deep-space exploitation ramps up, it will probably be the megatonic corporations that discover all the new planets and map them. The IBM Stellar Sphere. The Philip Morris Galaxy. Planet Denny's. Every planet will take on the corporate identity of whoever rapes it first. Budweiser World. ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 23

God is just a mean kid with a magnifying glass. And I'm the ant. He could fix my life in five minutes if He wanted to, but he'd rather tear of my feelers and watch me squirm - Bruce Almighty

You hope, and you dream. But you never believe that something's gonna happen for you. Not like it does in the movies. And when it actually does, you want it to feel different, more visceral, more real. I was waiting for it to hit me, but it just wouldn't happen. - THE BEACH

And I wasn't the only slave to my nesting instinct. The people I know who used to sit in the bathroom with pornography, now they sit in the bathroom with their IKEA furniture catalogue. ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 5

In the world of advertising, there's no such thing as a lie. There's only expedient exaggeration.- North by Northwest

Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need. ~Fight Club movie, screenplay by Jim Uhls, directed by David Fincher, novel by Chuck Palahniuk

No fear. No distractions. The ability to let that which does not matter truly slide. ~Fight Club movie, screenplay by Jim Uhls, directed by David Fincher, novel by Chuck Palahniuk

"If you don't know what you want," the doorman said, "you end up with a lot you don't." ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 5

Nothing was solved when the fight was over, but nothing mattered. ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 6