My Movie Life - Tralee filmmaker Bertie Brosnan

As a new monthly feature on the blog I've decided to pick the brains of various figures inside (and outside) the film industry and get their likes, dislikes and general opinions on some burning movie related questions.

Next up is Kerry filmmaker Bertie Brosnan. Born in Tralee, the capital of Kerry, Ireland, he lived away for some years but is now based in Kerry. He is a filmmaker, actor and writer and a member of the Screen Director’s Guild in Ireland. He has been developing his craft in filmmaking since 2010. Bertie practices the disciplines of screenwriting, film producing, acting, directing, and everything else in between. He has never been to film school but has had plenty screen acting training in Ireland and the United States and some writing training here in Ireland. Bertie is most known for writing, producing, directing and starring in his feature film titled Con. His last two short films, Sineater & Jacob Wrestling With The Angel had critical acclaim with both reaching Cannes Short Film Corner in consecutive years and receiving many Official Selections at international film festivals, with lots of other regular screenings at filmmaking events too. Both those films earned nominations for directing, acting, editing; and Sineater won a Cinematography award at Limerick Film Festival. And finally, they received a worldwide distribution deal with Shorts TV via distribution outfit Bidslate.

Q1. How does film making today compare with years gone by? What are the changes for the better or what do you miss about film that seems to be lacking in modern film?

I grew up in the mid-eighties, and my first influences were films like Rambo First Blood, Terminator 2, Poltergeist, Hook, An American Tail, Braveheart, Jurassic Park and loads more. A somewhat eclectic mix I know. Our house was liberal, and we watched want we wanted, it’s different now because parents are so afraid… for me, it fed my creativity and the power of storytelling. Emotionally, I was affected deeply by films themes, music, characters, and their stories.
It’s easy to say that we are running out of ideas and that’s the main problem, and I don’t think it’s that. I study storytelling almost daily, and it’s the ‘Storytelling’ aspect of filmmaking that’s suffering. Although, I am someone who likes artistic and aesthetically-driven films such as Nicholas Winding Refn’s work or in another way some of Kubrick's films that wouldn’t necessarily focus on traditional storytelling. David Lynch is another example, but only some filmmakers can pull this off.
I feel the real epic well-developed stories are last on the list for a lot of filmmakers. Including myself at times. We can be focused on getting names, budgets, what cameras we are using, cool shots, and posting behind-the-scenes videos of how we are shooting the film before the film gets made… it seems we are falling in love with showing off rather than telling unique well-crafted stories.
Some great stories are being told still to this day, but too many films are produced that are a focus on superficial elements such as Star Actors, Effects, Budgets, Merchandise, Franchise, Ticket sales, etc. All is not lost though; there are positives such as the 4dx experience in Cineworld in Dublin (every crappy blockbuster will get a new lease of life as the experience of the 4dx compensates hugely for a terrible story, i.e. Jurassic World)
Also, TV or Streaming is filling the gap of the lack of compelling storytelling. It’s a golden age of TV DRAMA that’s for sure. Honestly, I am blown away by certain shows, their writers, directors, actors, creators and production teams. I would give up film right now if I had the chance to work on TV Shows for the rest of my life as I feel it’s a huge market share.


Q2. What were your favourite films of the last twelve months?

Perfectly honest, haven’t been to the cinema a whole pile. I watched the odd film but focused on TV Drama which is why I include two lists.

FILMS (that I watched in the Cinema):
IT -- an outstanding remake, one of the best I have ever seen. Edge of the seat and unbelievable choices made by the creative team. I am worried about the follow-up. I feel the story and films needs unknown or at least unknown to most audiences for us to submerge ourselves in the story. The follow up to the remake has prominent named actors attached.
PHANTOM THREAD -- if it were up to me, he’d get another Oscar for this performance. Anderson and himself have a way of creating characters like no one else. Phoenix and Hoffman did the same in ‘The MASTER.’
STAR WARS - THE LAST JEDI -- biased but I was shouting about Kerry every time I saw Kerry on the screen. Think it surpassed everyone’s expectations regarding the promotion of our beautiful county.

TV DRAMA (Netflix & Amazon Prime):
VIKINGS -- Ragnar Lothbrok was genius from Michael Hirst and Travis Fimmel. All round an unbelievable feat plus practically and Irish production.
STRANGER THINGS -- hit all the right marks for an 80’s kid. Great show. Almost genius-level of nostalgia.
HOUSE OF CARDS -- even with Spacey’s troubles, this show was probably the greatest political show ever made and it’s very poignant how Underwood ended up and how Spacey is right now. They say be careful of the myth you create.


Q3. What film has left you pleasantly suprised over the last year and also what film has monumentally disappointed?

Watching Jurassic World in the 4dx experience in Dublin’s Cineworld left me speechless. It was great fun, and I highly recommend it to anyone. What I would say is to have a laugh, and it’s not for good films only blockbuster popcorn eating movies. For me, it feels like the future of the modern blockbuster as we all know they are hitting a plateau. The reasons why it’s so good: it’s 3d, there’s wind, water, smoke, you feel like you are experiencing the scenes as they are progressing. The final battle was spectacular, and I knew if I weren’t in the 4dx I would have hated the film.

Everyone loves “Baby Driver” -- everyone. I hated it. I am not a fan of Edgar Wright at all. Shaun of the Dead was good, but I do not like any of his other films. It’s a matter of taste. I can understand why people like his work, there’s a culture growing for that type of humour, storytelling, etc. Just not for me. I wrote on Facebook before about why I hated it, and people attacked me… fanboys basically. Ridiculous. Even though they all admitted that the ending was terrible. I think the music thing was gimmicky. He is getting a pass by popular culture… for some reason, people are seeing his work as something extraordinary. When Christopher Nolan gets slated for “Interstellar”, and it’s last 20 minutes… there’s no denying that the film itself breaks a ton of ground and deals with serious themes and powerful storytelling and characters… but Edgar Wright cuts to the music composes to the edit, I don’t know, and somehow that’s fantastic… I don’t get it.

Q4. What is the biggest obstacle in the way of the modern day film maker? 
Too many films being produced by weak filmmakers, and by influential filmmakers. Breaking through the noise is hard. Your movie or story is not unique. That’s the reality. There’s a focus on social media and how we present ourselves to the world rather than what we are really doing or who we are… the process of developing stories and production takes years… most people don’t want to do that including me before everything is rushed, and the final product is crap. Everybody’s a director, or an actor, or a writer, or a filmmaker; what’s the prerequisite? For me, my films, all of them were my film school. I am a student. Not attending college but I am a student. The real filmmakers are the ones making money from royalties. The rest of us are students. Yes, even the ones who are super-successful are still learning but we are the students, and they are the professionals. The obstacle: checking into reality. Go to Cannes and experience the film market and see how special you are and your film(s). It’s the "reality of the industry" and how huge it is that’s the biggest obstacle. Nobody really cares about you or your film. You have to rise above everyone through process. Real process. And, that takes absolute dedication and resolve. Most people won’t do it.


Q5. What is your favourite Irish films over the last year? How strong is the current crop of filmmakers in this country?
To be perfectly honest, haven’t seen any, will watch Black ‘47 at Galway this year. Tickets booked. Barrett has his “Brain on Fire” on Netflix so will watch that. I am not sure if the story is something I would like, but I’ll give it a go.

Q6. What actor/actress is a favourite of yours? What actor/actress makes you want to reach for the remote?
There are a good few in no particular order: Daniel Day-Lewis, Carey Mulligan, Leonardo Di Caprio, Jessica Chastain, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cate Blanchett, Sean Penn, Penelope Cruz, Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and I love Aidan Gillen (definitely want to work with him) All the Vikings, Game of Thrones, House of Cards cast, the main ones.

Q7. Desert Island Films- What are your 3 all time favourite movies and why?
The Shining - the depth of it, it’s been analysed and analysed and no definitive answer yet.

Braveheart (although it's starting to feel old) - it changed me I believe, the story and the music. Just awe-inspiring.

Hook (I know, I know) - for inspiration to fly off the island. :) (adored this as a kid and still do, it’s magical)

Q8. What upcoming films are you looking forward to seeing?
Black ‘47 (first famine film)
Sicario 2 (loved the first one)
Hereditary (heard it’s a fantastic horror)

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Brothers - (TG4 Monday 25th June 21:30)
Often forgotten yet still critically acclaimed Golden Globe nominated feature from director Jim Sheridan which excels largely due to strong performances from it's lead actors, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman. Recommended!

3:10 to Yuma - (Film Four Tuesday 26th June 23:35)
Maybe on for the Sky+ box but this is a fantastic western remake that benefits from superb direction  by James Mangold and fiery performances from a star studded cast that includes Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Ben Foster. Not to be missed!

The Blair Witch Project - (Sky One Wednesday 27th June 23:00)
It may seem dated now (and that's only because it has been ripped off so many times over the years!) but at the time this mock-doc found footage horror movie uses the viewers imagination and suspense to great effect as this film will leave the viewer shaken and stirred at the end of it's 84 minute viewing time.

Review: Ocean's 8 - A bland forgettable heist movie that criminally wastes the acting talent at it's disposal!

The arrival of Oceans 8 to Tralee Omniplex was one that was always going to intrigue and excite. The reboot of a popular franchise with all star female cast that included Oscar winners, comedians and pop stars was something to definitely get exited about. The success and stylish appeal of Oceans 11 was also an inviting tease in to what could be another quality summer blockbuster.
Alas, Ocean's 8 more resembles the disastrous sequels that followed Steven Soderbergh's 2001 classic film with this feeling like an Oceans 14 rather than an Oceans 11 upgrade!
The premise of Oceans 8 is quite simple - on her release from prison, Debbie (Sandra Bullock), the sister of legendary conman Danny Ocean, puts together a team of unstoppable crooks to pull of the heist of all heists. Their goal is New York City's annual Met Gala, and a necklace worth in excess of 150 million dollars.
From the very beginning, despite the best efforts of Sandra Bullock (who does her best to drag this feature by the coat tails) this film is guilty of terrible writing, sloppy directing and some over egged performances from actors that are capable of so much more.
The film simply lacks the style and tension that made the original Ocean's 11 such a colossal hit.
The drama is non existent,  the gags land flat and probably most unforgivable of all, is that there is for the most part zero tension (a vital ingredient for every good heist movie). Oceans 8 seems to play it way too safe and the audience suffer as a result.
There is however, some respite in a final act that threatens to lift the production from total mediocrity but at that stage it's a case of too little too late!
Overall, with a talented cast and interesting premise at his disposal this has to go down as a criminal lost opportunity from director Gary Ross who fails to capitalise on the heavy artillery at his disposal in what is ultimately a bland, uninteresting and easily forgettable production.
✸✸1/2

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Oceans 8
Another franchise rebooted, this time the famous Oceans series gets a makeover with an all female cast and a new director at the helm. Whilst it was not a film that overly enjoyed there may be something here for fans of previous Oceans movies. Read my full review on www.traleetoday.ie tomorrow morning.



Streaming: 

Brain on Fire (Netflix)
Written and directed by Kerryman Gerard Barrett this true life tale boast an impressive cast including Chloë Grace Moretz, Carrie-Anne Moss and Richard Armitage and gets its Netflix debut today!




On Telly

Whiplash (RTE 1 Saturday 23rd June 23:30)
This feature from Oscar winning director Damien Chazelle, tells the tale of the journey of aspiring jazz drummer Andrew, under the tutelage of instructor Terence Fletcher (played by an impeccable J.K. Simmons in an Oscar winning role) is a highly intense piece of drama that grabs a stranglehold on the viewer from the very beginning and never lets go!

Andre the Giant - Compelling look into the life of a wrestling legend

Currently playing on Sky Atlantic, this HBO documentary directed by Jason Hehir, gives it's audience a ringside seat in the life of a legend of the wrestling world, Andre Rousimoff aka Andre the Giant, the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
This compelling documentary follows Rousimoff from his humble beginnings in Moullen, just outside Paris through his wrestling career and the celebrity status that it brought right up to his untimely death in Paris in 1993.
Hehir perfectly documents the life of this larger than life figure using old footage as well as interviewing those that knew him best, from family members to work associates, film co stars to wrestling partners there is a clear picture painted illustrating the full life that this legend lead.
Moving, funny and equally tragic, this feature gives us a backstage past into what life was like for this unmistakable character.
A real treat for wrestling fans but also lots to hold the attention of all fans of good documentary and overall a very interesting piece of film that is well worth a watch!
✸✸✸✸

My Omniplex Secret Screening returns to Tralee Omniplex this Thursday

In what has proved to be a very successful venture run by Omniplex Cinemas in selected movie theaters throughout the country in the past, this Thursday sees tis exciting initiative return to Tralee Omniplex's as they screen the latest in the Secret Screening series - a cinema screening with a catch!
This Thursday at 6:45pm those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will wait anxiously for the curtain to raise on a preview showing of a movie that the audience will be unaware of until the film credits roll! The only hint given by Omniplex Cinemas at this stage is that it is an "Drama" and will be shown at Tralee Omniplex in advance of it's general release.
Tickets for this exciting event are only €10 and also include a medium popcorn and medium drink but don't hang about as tickets are going fast and only a small number of seats are still available for this unique cinematic event!
Secret Screenings events are available to book online exclusively to MyOmniplex members.
Visit www.omniplex.ie for full details.

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

Three new releases this week at Tralee Omniplex and they could not be more different! A hyped up horror, a long awaited comedy sequel and a fresh twist on a much loved franchise. For those of us with World Cup overload there is also still some quality summer blockbusters on show at the cinema this week with the added bonus of all shows today just €6 as part of Omniplex Cinema's Tuesday Treat!

Hereditary
Massively hyped horror that whilst it does shock and scare tends to get over ran by cliches in the last half hour but is still worth a look if you are in need of a good fright! Toni Collette is outstanding in what is a solid directorial debut for Ari Aster. Read my full review here

Super Troopers 2
Long awaited sequel to the 2001 surprise comedy hit, this follow up seems to have divided critics and audiences down the middle with critics not impressed with the shenanigans from the Broken Lizard comedy troupe this time around yet audiences can;t seem to get enough of their juvenile antics!

Oceans 8
May lack the smoothness of it's predecessors but still seems to have enough cast chemistry and style to please most audiences in a caper film that is mostly fun and should please fans of the Ocean movies series.

Review: Hereditary - Frightening hyped horror that gets let down by a weak final act

To say that I was looking forward to catching Hereditary (as much as anyone can look forward to a horror film!) on the big screen, would be somewhat of an understatement. High critical praise and hype comparing Ari Aster's directorial debut to such classics as Rosemary's Baby, Don't Look Now and The Shining as well as the extremely high calibre of horror films being produced like A Quiet Place and last year's masterpiece Get Out left a heightened sense of anticipation as the curtain rose on opening night at of this film at Tralee Omniplex.
The plot is also one that lends itself well to the horror genre. When Ellen, the head of the Graham family, passes away, her daughter's family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their heritage. The more they discover, the more they find themselves trying to outrun the horrific fate they seem to have inherited.
Written and directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary combines all the necessary ingredients to create the perfect horror. An isolated house in the woods, an haunting score and a eery atmosphere permeating through the whole production all add to make this a slightly, unsettling and nervy watch from the outset. Long camera shots uniquely add to the sense of dread that grips the viewer throughout. An astonishing performance from the criminally underrated Toni Collette as well as strong support from the likes of Gabriel Byrne and Alex Wolff are also a huge part of what works about this feature and for the first ninety minutes or so I was gripped with a nervy sense of unease and fear (emotions evoked by all good horror films ) and puzzled and intrigued to the direction that this film was taking.
Alas, the last half hour saw much of the previous good work unravel as the film at times sank to farcical levels and I could feel that excitement and admiration for the movie ebbing away as it staggered to it's inevitable conclusion.
Overall though, there is a lot to be admired about this feature and fans of the genre will not be left disappointed in what is a solid if unspectacular debut from a talented film maker .
✸✸✸1/2

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Scarface - (ITV 4 Monday 18th June 22:00)
Eminently quotable violent gangster epic from director Brian De Palma with Al Pacino at his over the top best! With a strong supporting cast including Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert Loggia this crime thriller has become a pop culture reference for numerous copycat films that followed and his well worth revisiting.

All the Way - (Sky Atlantic Tuesday 19th June 21:00)
 Adapted by Robert Schenkkan from his play with the same title and based on events that occurred during of the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson this film deals with a critical time in American history in Johnson's tumultuous first year in office as he attempts to launch the civil rights bill whilst simultaneously closely guard his own political career in the run up to a Presidential election. Read my full review here.

Sexy Beast  - (Channel 4 Friday 16th June 00:10)
The cream of the crop as regards British gangster movies, this film rises above its predecessors (and successors) due the performances of its cast, including the electrifying and frightening Ben Kingsley. Not for the faint hearted, the tension in this movie will keep those eyelids wide open for the allotted eighty eight minutes running time. A modern classic

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

Hereditary
Highly anticipated directorial debut by Ari Aster which has drawn comparisons to such horror giants as Rosemary's Baby and The Shining. Not one for the faint of heart read my review of this latest addition to what is becoming a strong horror genre catalogue in wwwtraleetoday.ie tomorrow morning.



Streaming: 

Monty Python's The Life of Brian (Netflix)
A comedy classic that may have dated slightly but worthy of repeated viewing.
Quotable lines and hilarious set pieces are plentiful in this 1979 film that showcases the wonderful talents of the Monty Python troupe in their prime. Well worth another look!




On Telly

Gone Girl (RTE 1 Friday 15th June 21:35)
Stylish and slick thriller, David Fincher gives a lesson in how to convert that bestseller novel perfectly for the big screen as Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike flourish in this chilling film filled with mystery and suspense. Well worth a look!.

5 great Movie Dads!

To celebrate Father's Day this Sunday I've decided to select 5 fathers that have graced the big screen over the years! Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comment box below or via social media!

5. Clark Griswold (National Lampoon's Vacation)
The original goofy dad! Chevy Chase made this character his own in a series of ever popular films that saw this father do just about anything for his family often with embarrassing and hilarious results!

4.Mufasa (The Lion King)
The perfect combination of powerful and compassionate leader Mufasa (voiced by the unmistakable) James Earl Jones was also a playful and loving father who made the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life to save him!

3. Jim's Dad  (American Pie)
Aside of some really inappropriate and slightly uncomfortable sex education lessons, Jim's Dad (played superbly by Eugene Levy) was also willing to do anything for his son and was always firmly in his corner with love and support!

2.Bryan Mills (Taken) 
The sensitive, compassionate dad is always needed but sometimes the kick ass father as played by Liam Neeson in the Taken series is welcome to. Bargaining is just not in this Dad's vocabulary as he will stop at nothing to bring justice to those who harm his family!

1. Mac MaGuff (Juno)
The modern well adjusted father comes in the shape of Mac Maguff (played magnificently by J.K.Simmons) who reacts to his teenage daughter Juno's teenage pregnancy with compassion, support and understanding and he becomes his teenage daughter's rock!