Heath Davis returns to visit The Pivotonian (BOOK WEEK, 2018) for a special intro, screening and Q&A session on Sunday, 3rd December at 6.30pm.

Limited tickets: BOOK HERE

OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN

Feeling very reminiscent of French Cinema from the 50’s and 60’s, Other People’s Children is a beautiful and charming film. The way it constructs all its themes so tightly together in such a concise and poignant way, whilst also allowing for plenty of laughs and smiles, makes this one of the best feel good films going around. The connection between the two lead characters is so raw and genuine that on its own, would be enough to keep you engaged and enthralled. However, as the film progresses, the inclusion of riveting side plots and thought provoking supporting characters propels the film to be so much more investigative and intellectual than a lot of other fewl good films. If you’re looking to explore film outside of this year’s MIFF selection, then Other People’s Children is the film for you. EO

REALITY

It couldn’t be put more plainly, Reality is exactly that. Real. Told in (essentially) real time and using dialogue taken directly out of the FBI audio files of the case the film centres around, it us quite incredible that it manages to keep you on the edge almost throughout. The three main leads are all exceptional, but is Sydney Sweeney as the titular character Reality Winner is the true Tour de force of this film. Add in to the mix the simple yet effective directing style of newcomer Tina Satter, who will easily become a household name if she continues to make films if this calibre, and you have 80 minutes very well spent in a cinema. If you want to fully appreciate this film, don’t read up on the true story before going in and you will not regret going to see it. EO

BARBIE

Barbie is not your average film. It is a cacophony of various styles, influences and ideas all at once. But what it surely is, is a wholly spellbinding adventure. Before seeing this film, I saw director Greta Gerwig’s list of films that inspired Barbie and I must say I was a little concerned that with the quality of Cinema on that list, she was setting herself up for failure. But of course, Gerwig does not disappoint, mixing all the styles of sophisticated French cinema, with childlike charm and existential angst. If you were expecting Barbie to be a little silly, it is. If you were expecting it to be profound and moving, it is. If you were expecting it to be thought-provoking, it is. Whatever you were expecting, it is an understatement to say that it is a truly original and unique experience! EO

OLGA

There are few words that can describe the effect that Olga has on the audience. The sheer audacity to which it stunningly balances each of its delicate themes is something to behold. Mixing in documentary style found footage, Olga doesn’t hold any punches showing the unrest of Ukraine and how it has a significant effect on its population, particularly the passionate and strong willed youth. Contrast that with the competitive nature of the world of gymnastics and the struggle of finding your way in the world of a teen, this film has it all. A harrowing experience of a film, but a must watch to understand the troubles of a highly serialised nation. EO

THE SURVIVAL OF KINDNESS

Renowned Aussie film maker Rolf de Heer returns with another notch in his high quality cinema belt! The Survival of Kindness is a visual masterpiece and a master-class on how to tell a story. With very little discernible dialogue, de Heer expertly demonstrates the life long key to Cinema of “show don’t tell”, allowing his visuals to give the same impact films with dialogue only wish they could achieve. Those new to filmmaking should see this film, is it is a superb example of modern film making and how to keep cinema alive. If the makers of Shaun the Sheep made The Revenant you would get The Survival of Kindness. That is no way at all a negative. An allegorical experience with a very important and powerful message, this is a film you must go and see. Hurry before it goes! EO

EO

Finally, a film after my namesake! It’s just unfortunate that it has come in the form of a devastatingly poignant film. Gaining comparions to films like Spielberg’s War Horse (2011) and, perhaps more obviously, Bresson’s Au Hasard Balthazar (1966), Eo still stands out from the herd as its own four hooves. Bringing the gap between Fellini fever dream and David Attenborough Documentary, director Jerry Skolimowski makes a beautifully bold and brilliant film that doesn’t shy away from its subject matter. Eo is a unique film experience that begs the question as old as time; who is more animalistic, animals or the human race? EO

OF AN AGE

It’s hard to put into words the brilliant range of emotions that Of An Age conjures up and how relatable it can be in various facets. For some, the films central queer theme of two gay men coming to grips with their sexuality at the turn of the century will no doubt be close to home. For others, it will be the racial prejudice that the lead character Kol (played stunngly by Elias Anton) experiences having unfortunate familiarity. And for others, the roller-coaster ride that is love and innocence of youth will pull at their heart strings. If you’re looking for the latest Australian classic, then you are looking in the right place with Of An Age. Director Goran Stolevski is destined for great things if the films he makes can continue to reach this level of excellence. This Australian drama is a film you will fall in love with, no matter what age you are! EO

CLOSE

The innocence of childhood adventure, the brutality of intense emotions and the confusion and compelxity that arises when these two worlds are combined is so purely and intimately put together Lukas Dhont’s film. The way he weaves the charcaters through such devastating and confronting issues is seamless, yet intricate and measured. Each abrupt edit adds as a visual reminder of the bombastic nature of life as it ebbs and flows, whilst also lingering on the truly personal scenes, allowing for the characters silences to say more than their words ever could. Although the films contant and subject matter is difficult to watch (you will not leave this film happy) this is a film you should see before it’s time at The Pivotonian comes to a close. EO

TO LESLIE

A bitingly realistic and unapologetically raw story, To Leslie perfectly shows the the dark side of the American Dream and the low lows and cruelty that that life style can be. Oscar nominated Andrea Riseborough is a revelation in this highly underrated and underappreciated performance. This moving piece of cinema feels like a documentary at times, which is aided by the use of no huge name actors and very simple and lifelike production design with sets like the hotel and various houses correctly personifying the low socio-economic demographic displayed. This films low box office earnings means very few people have seen this, be amongst the lucky ones and see this beautiful film! EO

THE WHALE

The ‘Brenaissance’ is here! The return and rise of Brendan Fraser’s acting is in full display in The Whale. This film does have other areas to praise; like the interesting social commentary on the importance of feeling and spreading love and director Darren Aronofsky’s ability to keep the audience engaged given its one cramped and drab location, but the real powerhouse of this film is Fraser’s performance. Almost unrecognisable under all the convincing, Oscar nominated, make-up, Fraser deserves all the acclaim he has received. It truly is the favourite and most deserved winner of the Best Actor Oscar. Take the tissues if you see this film, you will have a wail of a time. EO

TÁR

After a long break from directing, Todd Field returns with this slow moving, yet riveting and intimate look into the mind of a determined musician. You may find yourself hating the titular character at times, but there’s no denying that you’ll love Cate Blanchetts performance of Lydia Tar. All of the awards our Aussie girl has won in the build up to the Oscars are absolutely warranted given her powerhouse of an orchestral performance. It would be disappointing if she was to lose the Academy Award. On a technical side of things, Tar’s cinematography is second to none. The angles aren’t too elaborate and the set ups aren’t too flashy, but it’s documentary like nature allows to feel fully invested in its slow moving build of a film. If you get the chance to conduct yourself to see this on the big screen, you must! EO