Stefano Perri

I can understand Colm's fear of life passing you by. Aimlessly continuing the same routine without rhyme or reason until you feel like it's too late to take control of the time you have left. I can understand Padraic's fear of losing a friend. The uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty, doubt and confusion that washes over you as you try to piece together what you can to save it. To be remembered and revered would be an incredible achievement but to be remembered for your niceness and compassion; I wouldn't trade that for anything. ***"You used to be nice. Or did you never used to be? Oh, God. Maybe you never used to be."***

This guy can't catch a fucking break. ***After Hours*** is an absurdist nightmare that slowly unravels into a Kafka-esque odyssey of Sisphyian proportions. Scorsese's style and direction remains taut but chaotic; turning a office worker's simple night on the town into a series of unfortunate escapades filled to the brim with unstable hookups, crazy mobs and Cheech & Chong. It's darkly hilarious and dry tone knows that wanting any break from this capitalist hell; will end up leading to the worst night of your life. The cinematography is wonderful. The camera moves with an anxious pace; tracking Paul as he navigates this hellish NYC and encounters the strangest individuals. The dreamlike atmosphere is beautifully captured through uncomfortable angles and claustrophobic shots; trapping us alongside Paul amidst the constant barrage of absurdity hurled his way. The production design is amazing. There's this strange liminal quality to this rendition of NYC. The streets are barren and run-down; harsh neon lights drape over these people whilst intense shadows permeate from the cracks of this desolate and dangerous world. Each location feels utterly grim and like you've walked into a static dream lost between time and space; the diner and Marcy's apartment being prime examples. Griffin Dunne is incredible. He perfectly straddles the line between pathetic asshole and unfortunate soul. The way in which he stifles his deadpan frustration until he explodes into cries of desperation and sheer confoundment is exceptionally hilarious. Rosanna Arquette is awesome. Her performance fits perfectly into the 'manic pixie dream girl'; unpredictably switching on a dime between playful excitement and traumatic fragility. Linda Fiorentino is great. Her performance is filled it's laidback attitude and outward confidence; showcasing her artistic talents and alternative style with complete unashamed honesty. Teri Garr is fantastic. Her performance is deeply insecure but odd; continuously trying to vie for any attention with whoever she surrounds herself with. Catherine O'Hara is impeccable. She steals the show with her intensely, bizarre performance; commanding the scene with utter charm and wit. John Heard is hilarious. His perfomance feels the most normal and straightforward; playing each scene with a genuine authenticity as if he's also trapped in this bizarro town of misfits and weirdos. Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin don't have big roles but they manage to bring their comedic style into the scenes they occupy incredibly well. Howard Shore's score is quite striking. It's understated, electronic compositions/motif revel in inducing anxiety and increasing paranoia; ticking as if a bomb is about to detonate. This is beautifully accompanied by jazz, pop and punk songs that emulate Paul's descent into this nocturnal dreamscape. The editing is also great. It moves at such a brisk pace; frantically emulating Paul's movements as he bounces between each crazy situation. ***After Hours*** is one of those films that love to revel in putting their protagonist through hell. It's hilariously tragic in a way that feels all too real at times. We all want a day or night to unwind and just live our lives; but somehow there's always something in the way to swiftly kicks us in the balls and bring us back to reality. ***"What do you want from me? What have I done? I'm just a word processor, for Christ sake!"*** 8/10

Will be moving out for the first time tomorrow. Been feeling both anxious and heartbroken about leaving my family to start my next chapter. But I know with love on my side; I can accomplish anything. ***"So here we go."***

On the next... ***Arrested Development***: Gob executes Tony Wonder and steals his child Still probably my favourite Nolan film. There's something so haunting and tragic about magicians embodying the acts of their trick. Committing to 'the pledge', forever trapped within 'the turn' and never able to witness or revel in 'the prestige'. ***"Abracadabra."***