The Dark Room vol.4: The Ravages of Loved Ones

Hello my QSS peeps. Welcome to Volume 4 of The Dark Room. I have chosen three more movies that a lot of you may have actually heard of, but have probably never seen. I hope you all fit in these with your weekend movie regiment because they are amazing; each are beautifully put together and quite captivating. Enjoy

#1: Control (2007)
This brilliant little gem is one film I came across after hearing how good the soundtrack was. That does not take away anything from this movie, but it definitely adds something to an already beautiful piece.  If you are like me and have a passion for music, this is truly a movie for you.

Control is a true-account biography that follows Ian Curtis (played by up-and-comer Sam Riley) and his band, Joy Division (their music, as well, is highly recommended). Curtis stays to himself and pretty much lives a normal existence. Even though he falls in love and marries a woman named Debbie (played by my little indie queen, Samantha Morton), he is still quite depressed. But he fills his depressing voids with his music.

Now if you have never heard a Joy Division song, this movie will urge you to do so. Curtis’ lyrics are known for their beauty and their destruction. You are taken through the movie step by step to see how Curtis came up with the lyrics that brought about Warsaw’s, turned Joy Division’s success and potential international success. With ay stellar rise, of course, comes a sacrifice. Unfortunately that sacrifice is Curtis’ marriage. Even though they just had a kid, Ian and Debbie are falling apart at the seams. This in turn pushes Ian to find comfort with a Belgian woman named Annik. His affair, his downward spiral of a marriage, his sickness (Curtis suffered from epilepsy), and the pressures of rising fame are all too much for thenow  infamous Ian Curtis.

It’s simply an amazing film. We all knowhowthe majority of the “wanting to gain fame through music (or dancing)” movies go; they are formulaic. You have already seen the beginning, middle and end plenty of times. But this movie is no such thing. Curtis’ musical vision is something that all of us can relate to in some way or another, at least in my view. Control is a must see that I urge you to watch and enjoy as something completely out of the ordinary.

Witness the beautiful destruction here: Control

#2: Junebug (2005)
I first watched this movie because I thought the trailer was quite funny and also, I love Amy Adams. Her perkiness is infectious and I find her ridiculously charming. So I gave it a gander and was happy that I did. It is funny, charming, and refreshing.

Junebug centers on a glamorous art dealer named Madeleine who quickly marries a younger man she meets at an art auction named George. Madeleine hears about an artist in North Carolina who she needs to make a deal with for her art gallery. George thinks this is the best time to also meet and introduce his new wife for the first time to his family. As you can imagine, this is where the crazy stir starts.

Upon Madeleine’s arrival, George’s mother, Peg, instantly takes a disliking to the bride. She sees her as nothing but a stuck up woman, while George’s father Eugene and little brother  Johnny are not that fond of her either. However, Johnny’s pregnant wife Ashley (Adams) is the only one in the family who is instantly interested in Madeleine. She is struck by her lifestyle and how much they seem to have in common. Overtime, things unravel and put everyone to the test especially Madeleine and George. I won’t say a lot because many things that happen are unexpected, and I don’t want to give anything away.

I really love this movie. It is a joy to watch and it is something most people can relate to. Great acting, great storyline, and beautifully directed. There is not much more I can say here. Just watch the darn movie

Here you go: Junebug (2005)
—or—
Divx Alt.=
http://ipb.quicksilverscreen.com/index.php?showtopic=141383
—Thanks to Ladyhawk—

#3: Traffic (2000)
This movie is SO good. It has won many awards, including four Oscars out of five nominations, and has everything you can ask for in a dramatic movie. Not only is the acting something special, but even the direction (by Steven Soderbergh) adds a special look to the movie that only a handful of directors can. The film is simply brilliant.

Traffic follows three different stories who all study the effects of the war on drugs. One story is about a politician who becomes head of the Office of National Drug Control but finds out that his own sixteen year old daughter is addicted to cocaine. Another follows Mexican police officer Javier (played by Benicio del Toro), and his partner, who find themselves walking the thin line of Mexico’s own dealings with drugs. The last story follows an undercover officer for the DEA (Don Cheadle) whose arrest of an important drug dealer opens a risky door to take down one of the biggest American drug importers.

This movie has so many dimensions. It follows not only all three of the main characters in each story but also who their actions affect. Each these three men has a lot to gain and even more to lose. Traffic shows that corruption and destruction don’t only come from the drug dealers they are hunting, but those they trust or love as well.

Just as a warning to some that may not be able to stay put for too long, this movie is 147 minutes long, but it is so worth every minute. The look and feel of this movie is like nothing I have ever  seen before, in addition to plenty of familiar faces and names. There is a good chance a lot of you may have seen this or heard of this, but I have the need to get anyone who has not done so, to watch this movie. It is truly that good.

Watch here: Traffic
—or—
Divx Alt.=
http://ipb.quicksilverscreen.com/index.php?showtopic=100571

—Thanks to MrBrownee70—

Ok guys, that is it. Hope you all enjoy and please leave any feedback. See you next week here in The Dark Room.

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