Walter Pater, the late Victorian art theorist, famously said, “All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music.” He was speaking of the condition where form and meaning are the same. Movies are a Frankenstein of forms — the drama of theatre, the visuals of photography, the poetics of metaphor — all sown together. In the best of films, the stitches are invisible, and the movie overpowers you. In the worst of films, the creature is coming unraveled and falls apart before your very eyes.
Then there are those films, or moments within given films, when true alchemy takes place, when the movie achieves the condition of music. In Victor Kossakovsky’s documentary, Aquarela those moments are many.
Photo by Stine Heilmann
With antecedents that include the Star Gate sequence in Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, much of Godfrey Reggio’s Qatsi film trilogy, and the evolution sequence in Malick’s Tree of Life, Kossakovsky’s film utilizes breathtaking visuals and evocative music and sound effects to create an experience that is both riveting and transporting. The violent and sublime calving of glaciers, the roaring and crashing of massive waves, as well as the haunting quiet of ice caves and beading air bubbles, are what we see and hear on the screen, but as much as the movie is about these things, we are constantly being lifted above the particular and invited to surrender to something larger and more encompassing: Water.
I know that sounds anti-climatic. In the developed world, the ubiquity of water makes it feel tamed and domesticated, but Aquarela reclaims the wildness of water; whether in its frozen state or flowing freely, water in this film dominates the screen to the point of nearly overwhelming it.
This concept, of a element being the star of a film, is gently introduced in the opening sequence on Russia’s Lake Baikal (please note that any geographical references are the result of online promotional material; never in the film are locations identified, let along commented on). On this thawing lake, a group of officials ingeniously salvage a car that has sunk beneath the ice. However, no sooner is this car raised then across the lake another witless driver plunges his car into the freezing water. Here the officials are not successful in saving all the occupants’ lives.
Photo by Stine Heilmann
This sequence is the closest the film comes to traditional drama and being a traditional documentary. As a result, it stands as the most direct metaphor for global warming, both our inept recklessness and our pathetic attempts to save ourselves.
Thereafter, Kossakovsky surrenders the safe familiarity of the documentary form and aspires to music. The overwhelming percentage of imagery is natural, but like a musical phrase that keeps being inserted, a repeating motif for perspective, people (or the works of people) periodically appear —a sailboat passing before calving glaciers, a couple sailing a ship in treacherous seas, the empty, hurricane ravished streets of Miami, cave explorers in South America. Likewise, the perspective always returns to the eye view, though much of the time the camera flies above or penetrates, dives in dangerously close, or studies details with a near microscopic intensity. The overall effect is truly symphonic.
Photo by Victor Kossakovsky and Ben Bernhard
With such a purpose, and with the visuals dominating, the soundtrack of Aquarela plays a supportive role. With nearly no dialogue, no voiceover, no talking heads, the majority of the audio are the sounds of the subject—ice cracking, icebergs toppling and rolling, waves crashing, waterfalls hurling into the air and thundering onto the rocks below. But what music there is, it is audacious and magnificent. Not the mountainous roar of a Sibelius or Bruckner symphony, but the blast and growl of the Finnish symphonic metal band, Apocalyptica. These four classically trained cellists create a sound that is as aggressive, massive and sublime as the ice and water on the screen. One of those surprising choices a filmmaker makes that seems both inspired and inevitable.
The collective result, the movement from the form of a movie to music, is a film that, like rushing water, breaks boundaries and dissolves borders.
As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.
Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.
Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.
Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.
The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.
“Mechanic Rocky” is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film that marks the directorial debut of Ravi Teja Mullapudi, who also penned the script. Produced by Ram Talluri under SRT Entertainments, the film features Vishwak Sen in the titular role, with Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath as the female leads. The technical crew includes Manojh Reddy Katasani handling cinematography, Anwar Ali in charge of editing, and Jakes Bejoy composing the music.
The narrative centers on Rakesh, affectionately known as Rocky, a cheerful mechanic who operates his family’s auto repair shop. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he becomes entangled with two women, Apsara and Priya, both of whom develop romantic interests in him. Complications escalate as Ranki Reddy, a ruthless land grabber portrayed by Sunil, sets his sights on Rocky’s garage, leading to a series of confrontations that blend action, drama, and elements of comedy.
Vishwak Sen delivers a commendable performance, embodying Rocky with a blend of charm and intensity that resonates well with the audience. Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath provide solid support, each bringing depth to their respective roles. Sunil’s portrayal of the antagonist adds a compelling layer to the film, enhancing the overall narrative.
The film’s music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, complements the storyline effectively, with tracks like “Gulledu Gulledu” and “Oo Pillo” standing out for their catchy tunes and engaging choreography.
Critically, “Mechanic Rocky” has received mixed reviews. The Times of India describes it as “an underdog tale blending drama, action, and redemption,” highlighting its genre-blending approach. Great Andhra notes that the film “feels like two different films,” with a tedious first half and a more engaging second half. 123telugu.com echoes this sentiment, stating that while the second half is gripping, the first half is dull, ultimately calling it a “decent watch.”
In conclusion, “Mechanic Rocky” offers a blend of action, comedy, and drama, with strong performances and engaging music. However, its uneven pacing and predictable plot developments may detract from the overall experience for some viewers. As an entertainment journalist and Indian cinema enthusiast, I would rate “Mechanic Rocky” a 6 out of 10, acknowledging its strengths while noting areas where it could have delivered more effectively.
Rating: 8/10
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Studio: Focus Features
Cast: Bill Skarsgård (Count Orlok), Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hutter)
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a stunning reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent horror classic, blending a gothic atmosphere with Eggers’ meticulous attention to historical authenticity. The film succeeds in delivering an eerie, slow-burn horror experience that respects its source material while bringing a modern edge to the genre.
Bill Skarsgård shines as the grotesque and unsettling Count Orlok, his performance capturing the monster’s primal terror with chilling intensity. Opposite him, Lily-Rose Depp brings emotional depth to Ellen, combining vulnerability and quiet strength as she navigates Orlok’s dark obsession. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Thomas Hutter adds a grounded, human element to the supernatural narrative, providing a strong counterbalance to the horror.
The film is a visual triumph, with cinematographer Jarin Blaschke’s use of chiaroscuro lighting creating a hauntingly gothic ambiance reminiscent of German Expressionism. Every frame is a masterpiece, enriched by intricate period-accurate production design and costumes. Robin Carolan’s haunting score enhances the foreboding tone, immersing audiences in the shadowy world of 19th-century Europe.
Eggers’ direction is deliberate, favoring atmosphere and tension over jump scares. This methodical approach may challenge viewers seeking more conventional horror pacing but rewards patience with an experience steeped in dread and unease.
However, the film’s stylized nature can create a sense of emotional detachment for some audiences, and its slow pacing may not resonate universally. Despite these minor critiques, Nosferatu stands as a testament to Eggers’ commitment to crafting meaningful, atmospheric cinema.
For fans of gothic horror and classic cinema, Nosferatu is a must-see that revitalizes a seminal narrative with artistry and reverence.
Top Five anime in 2024
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