Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Pheonix

Author(s): Joshua
Location: NY

"The Phoenix"

Directed by Christopher Nolan
Written by Jonathan Nolan
Produced by Christopher Nolan
Based on a Story by Sylvia Townsend Warner
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos
Film Editing by Lee Smith
Original Music by David Julyan
Special Effects by David Blitstein & Michael Lantieri
Art Direction by Kevin Kavanaugh
Costume Design by Colleen Atwood

Rated PG-13: For Disturbing Images and Some Violence

Main Cast
Peter O' Toole - Lord Strawberry
Christian Bale - Tancred Poldero
Rutger Hauer - Mr. Ramkin

Tagline: "Hell Will Fall On Thy Man Of Greed"

Synopsis: The Phoenix is the world's rarest and legendary bird said to be existing in Arabia. Many explorers have tried to hunt down the creature, but have failed.Lord Strawberry, an elderly nobleman who collects birds, has one of the best aviary's in Europe. For a long time Lord Strawberry has been obssessed with the Phoenix. His family has always believed in them and they ignored any talk of them being extinct. After getting tired of hearing news after news of failed discoveries of the Phoenix, Lord Strawberry decided to go to Arabia himself. After months in Arabia, Lord Strawberry came back satisfied.England was moved by the bird. Many high society people came to see it at Strawberry's aviary, but as time went by the Phoenix was not in the news anymore, and so the visits stopped. Lord Strawberry couldn't hold on to his aviary anymore. Strawberry knew he was dying, and he sometimes would have a temper tantrum in front of everyone around him. Lord Strawberry later died penniless.Many zoos offered lots of money for the bird. In the end the bigger offer was from Mr. Tancred Poldero, owner of Poldero's Wizard Wonderland. Poldero had plans for the bird and asked his manager Mr. Ramkin to help him. They both knew how the Phoenix was once popular, so they wanted to bring it back to the spotlight and make some money out of it. Poldero did some research and finally thought it would be a good idea to age the bird and train it to make it's own nest. So Poldero and Ramkin began training it and within weeks it was time for the Phoenix to make it's comeback and perform to the public. Poldero steps up to the stage and greets the audience. He tells the audience how special the Phoenix is and then tells them what the Phoenix will do. Poldero pulls the cloth covering the big cage that holds the big creature. The audience is shocked at the Phoenix's condition. That was not the way they remebered the legendary bird. The Phoenix begins to stack up the sticks in a fast motion. Poldero is startled, he never saw the bird act this way before. Mr Ramkin notices people standing. He shouts at them "Please be seated, everything is alright". In a matter of seconds the Phoenix bursts into flames. Men, women, and children all scream has they try to evacuate the theater. Poldero tries to go after the bird, but Ramkin pulls him back and both men fall to the ground. Poldero can't keep his eyes away from the burning Phoenix. The fire reflecting on his eyes. The fire spreads quickly, and in the end everyone including Tancred Poldero, are no more.

What the Press would say:
"Two BIG Thumbs" - Ebert and Roeper (Chicago Tribune)"Excellent and Thrilling, definently overpowers The Prestige" - Peter Travers (The Rolling Stone)"Magical and Electrifying, one of the Best" - Entertainment WeeklyThe Phoenix is one of Christopher Nolan's best films. Set in the late 1880's, the film delivers great cinematography and special effects, but it's the performances that make this film shine. Peter O' Toole deserves lots of recognition as Lord Strawberry, who forever couldn't get the rare bird out of his mind. He then found the time to go after it himself. Yes, O' Toole travels back to Arabia. Their we see Strawberry go threw hardships of finding the Phoenix, but eventually he does. He is relieved that his name will go down in history, but soon he is displeased that the bird did not bring him the popularity and wealth he deserved.Christian Bale as always, is fantastic, this time as Tancred Poldero. An awards worthy performance. After laying his eyes on the bird, he knew he just had to have it for business, and after Lord Strawberry died, it was the perfect advantage. He made sure he had the highest offer. Poldero was a man obssessed. He spent every hour of the day with the Phoenix. Poldero's obssession will later result in his very death.The Phoenix explores how there's always a price to cruelty and greed. For Poldero, Ramkin (played wonderfully by Rutger Hauer), and the many wealthy members of society who be-little the poor, the price was not one that leaves second chances. The Phoenix brings a great crew teaming up with a great cast to create a masterpiece, and for sure, this film is no doubt a true Oscar contender.

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director - Christopher Nolan
Best Supporting Actor - Peter O' Toole
Best Supporting Actor - Christian Bale
Best Adapted Screenplay - Jonathan Nolan
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Crew
Best Special Effects
Best Original Score
Best Casting Choice - Peter O' Toole
Best Tagline
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design

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