Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Natural Born Killers

Directed by Oliver Stone, based on the screenplay from Quentin Tarantino. This film is visually pleasing on so many levels. At points you are bombarded with blood thirsty images which seems all too familiar when associated with Quentin Tarantino however throughout the film there are elements which are truly inventive from a visual perspective.

Subtiteled words are projected onto the bodies of Mickey Knox and Mallery, played by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis respectively, which interested me as it was a technique I haven't seen before.
Short old film clips are also played in the background of certain scenes. I don't know if this was intended to be a projection of the serial killers mental state or just done for visual effect, either way, it worked to the films advantage I feel. The distraction makes you concentrate more on what's going on in the actual scene. The set is used to the fullest ability. If you get bored of the film you can just look at the pretty scenes and camera angles/lenses used. I doubt you will though with this film.

Throughout the film it uses commercial style footage to explain how Mickey and Mallery got to the mental state they are in. It coats the evil of their past and present in a sort of cheesy comedic romance and displays this visually through various techniques. Examples through media and sit-com style footage are used to great effect.

Aside from all the visual goodies in this film it is well worth the watch. One of those films that makes you think and keeps you entertained throughout with characters that grip you. See it if you haven't done already.

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