MUD (2012)

Director:
Jeff Nichols

Writer:

Jeff Nichols

Starring:
Matthew McConaughey
Tye Sheridan
Jacob Loftland and others

Much like the title, the whole experience of watching this movie can be summed up in a word, UNBELIEVABLE. Jeff Nichols is definitely talented, while I am not familiar with his previous work, this movie has me looking forward to them.

Now the story of Mud, is not out of the ordinary but in Nichol's hand the script is elevated to a whole new level. His character building is simply stellar. Matthew McConaughey gives his career's best performance while Tye Sheridan is also impressive. Jacob Loftland is a little weak when compared to the others.

The cinematography is awe inspiring and the way Mississippi river is exceptionally captured. There are certain elements of the script which will leave a smile on your face especially the scene in which Mud (McConaughey) is ready to part away with his gun but not his shirt because he feels the shirt will protect him. Take a bow Mr. Nichols. He has now officially joined my list of favourite directors.  

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

SMASHED (2012)

Director:
James Ponsoldt

Writer:

James Ponsoldt
Susan Burke

Starring:
Aaron Paul
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Octavia Spencer and others

Now it is a fact well established that I am a LAZY writer. It's not for lack of ideas, but lack of proper motivation required to follow through. Every once in a while I come across a movie which serves as a perfect catalyst. Smashed is one of them.

It is really surprising as to how easily good movies go unnoticed. Smashed has to be one of the most beautifully directed movies of all time. Each frame is a constant reminder of just how talented Ponsoldt is. The movie is poetry on celluloid.

The characters are well etched out and one cares for them, unlike other movies dealing with alcoholics. Here over the top scenes in which the people realize that alcohol is ruining them, are replaced with scenes in which one just makes an observation and decides to do something about it. Subtlety is an art and Ponsoldt its master.

Now I could go on and on about his direction but that would be unfair to Mary Elizabeth Winstead whose performance is so powerful that it captivates us even hours after the movie. The climax sequence is exquisitely enacted by both the leads (and did I mention beautifully captured somewhere before!). Go and watch this movie. Frankly it's one of the better ways to spend eighty minutes of your life. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his next, The Spectacular Now.  

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10