Q&A - Part 1

Jess wanted to do something a little different today. Though we did watch a film, which I assume that we’ll review tomorrow, Jess wrote some questions and wanted us to answer them. So, if you’re still interested, we hope you enjoy!

What is your favourite genre?

Jess - If you’re a regular reader of our reviews - first of all thank you, you’re a gem - you’d probably notice that I’ve mentioned horror on more than one occasion. I’m a big fan of the horror genre, and despite the countless remakes and lazy jump-scare features, the rush I get when I find a GOOD horror film is incomparable. Not saying that they’re rare, simply that some filmmakers can dedicate so much time to the scares that the plot is a second-thought. Needless to say, I love a scary film, something that can really get under your skin and keep you on the edge of your seat. And the beauty of the genre is that it’s so very expansive. There are countless sub-genres, all worthy of our love and attention. My preferred will always sway towards psychological horror with lots of symbolism and atmosphere, but I love 80s slashers (Freddy is king here), body-horror, monster movies and zombie flicks all in equal amounts. Aside from the extreme, almost taboo stuff like Cannibal Holocaust (1980) and the Guinea Pig series (1985-1990) where my squeamishness wins out, I’ll try anything.

Sam - This is a tricky question for me. It feels like it should be fantasy, as that is where my passion lies, yet the genre is diluted, as fantasy is such a broad term. Specifically, I enjoy High Fantasy. For example, Lord of the Rings. But, there is a sparse amount of high quality films of that nature. So, Animation is my favourite genre. My admiration for Hayao Miyazaki has been noted in my review of Laputa: Castle in the Sky. His films are masterpieces. And animation has this ability to venture into fantastic parts of the mind - Howl’s Moving Castle flashes through my thoughts - that transforms imagination into spectacular art. Characters embark on epic, yet meaningful quests, that contain vivid imagery - which inspires me often - and still the animation captures an innocence that is lost in so many films. Even films such as How To Train Your Dragon, which is aimed primarily at a younger audience, I can’t help but enjoy. It helps that often animated films live within a fantasy realm too, I’m sure.

What was your favourite film growing up?

Jess - This is a tough one! Of course, like any other 90s baby I watched a ton of classic Disney movies growing up. But honestly the film that sticks with me most is an obscure one. Homeward Bound (1992) is a story of three pets who are separated from their humans and set off to find their way back home - featuring one heartbreaking scene with a golden retriever which I’ve no doubt would make me cry. To this day I’m yet to meet anyone outside my family who’s even heard of it! (Anyone?! They made like three of them!)

Sam - Truthfully, I cannot remember. I faintly remember something called The Black Cauldron (and interestingly - perhaps not - it is an animated film). The film that struck me the most was Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and I watched it religiously. It began when I was 11 or 12, and I was on an eight hour flight to New York to visit my dad. Three times, back to back, I watched that film. My younger self had never been so thoroughly entertained. I watched it on the flight back, too. I got a VHS copy of it and watched it again and again and again. The idea of watching it now makes me nauseous, literally, as it brings back memories of stuffing my face with sweets, while breathing in stale air, 30,000 feet in the sky.

Who is your favourite director?

Jess - For a long time, I’ve always said my favourite director is Quentin Tarantino. And even though there are very close runners up, the Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch specifically, I think Tarantino’s continuity and my having watched everything he’s put his name to, cements his place at number one. Each and every one of his films are a masterpiece of character exploration, snappy dialogue and weaving storyline. They’re vibrant, action-packed and more often than not, in your face and unashamed about it. It’s bold, energetic, and I love that. Reservoir Dogs (1992) is one of my all-time favourites, and his other features all appear in my extended list. I think he’s a cinematic genius, as brilliant a writer as he is behind the camera.

Sam - This changes. Currently, for live action, Taika Waititi. The guy is special. I became aware of him through Thor: Ragnarok. The electrifying visuals, as well as the comedic element, were brilliant. I saw Jojo Rabbit next and was in awe of how he glided between truly touching and hysterical with such ease. It’s one of my favourite films. Having gone back to watch his earlier stuff (we reviewed What We Do in the Shadows), he’s become a firm favourite. While Waititi builds scenes with tremendous skill, and has a keen eye for visually stimulating mise-en-scène, it’s his comedy prowess that captures me the most. It’s witty, energetic and at times, blunt.

For animated film, it’s Hayao Miyazaki and that will never change. He is a master, and my words won’t do his genius justice.