STACK #228 October 2023

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

MOVIES & TV

William Friedkin

The Exorcist turns 50 this year, and the highly anticipated legacy sequel The Exorcist: Believer arrives in cinemas on October 5. Although it’s cause for celebration, the occasion is marred by director William Friedkin’s recent passing at the age of 87. Here are some trademarks that set his work apart from the rest. Controlled chaos and civil unrest Capturing anarchy and mayhem became a hallmark of Friedkin’s work, and injecting the chaos of civil unrest into his stories gave his films a palpable sense of realism. From the terrorist bombings and uprisings in Sorcerer (1977) to the anti-American demonstrations in Rules of Engagement (2000), authenticity was always key. Dutch angles Dutch angles are a type of shot in which the camera is positioned at a slight angle, giving scenes a sense of the abstract or unease. Friedkin often used this technique in close-up shots during important dialogue, to build tension and disorientate the viewer. Examples can be found in all of his films, including gripping scenes in Bug (2006) and Killer Joe (2011). Citizen Kane shot Friedkin’s favourite film of all time was Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane (1941), and he expressed his love for it by using the now-iconic Citizen Kane shot throughout his work. The technique involves the camera positioned on the ground, pointed upward and capturing wide shots from a low vantage point. This method allows the viewer to engage in the scene from a third-party perspective.

OCTOBER

STACK’s ROVING REPORTER

What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? As a huge fan of the Godzilla franchise, Shin Godzilla would be one of the best films I’ve ever

On The Radar

seen. Updating the classic Kaiju film genre with amazing visuals and score is a sight to be seen. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Personally, I don’t think anything can beat classic SpongeBob SquarePants . The goofy jokes and fun animations really shaped my sense of humour as an adult. What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? I’m getting back around to my yearly rewatch of The Lord of the Rings series. I finally think I’ll have some spare time to get through the twelve-ish hours of the extended editions on 4K.

CALEB BURRELL @ JB Geelong, VIC

November is going to be a huge month, and Margot Robbie is leading the charge as Barbie . Hot on her tail is Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One , followed by a pack of mutts in Strays . Also expect Ninja Turtle action, another Megalodon and more.

What’s the best thing about working at JB? I would say we have the best culture in any retail company, along with the best people. I know the friends I’ve made here will last a lifetime. What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you? The original Jurassic Park , when I was five. I absolutely loved dinosaurs (still do) and seeing them alive on my TV was just groundbreaking for my little brain.

Although the 2009 spin-off movie Legally Blondes was released to video in Australia as Legally Blonde 3 , the upcoming Legally Blonde 3 is the legitimate second instalment in the hit franchise. The film has been in the early development stages for several years, with Reese Witherspoon confirming her return as early as PRE-ORDER NOW IN DEVELOPMENT

From the mind of Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas is the stop-motion animated holiday classic that has become one of the most iconic children’s films of all time. The concept of a Halloween character longing to participate in Christmas was a stroke of genius, which has allowed the movie to be celebrated during both holidays. With songs by Hollywood maestro Danny

o

m

n

t

s

h

i

Y 30

h

T

2018. Warner Bros. originally set a 2022 release date, which was later revised. With the current writers’ and actors’ strikes still in motion, there is no confirmation on when we will see Legally Blonde 3 , only that we will… eventually.

O

E

G

A

A

R

Elfman, who also provides the singing voice of Jack Skellington, the movie remains timeless, enjoyed by new generations every year.

S

22 OCTOBER 2023

jbhifi.com.au