The inaugural gathering of the latest incarnation of Film Club could not have gotten off to a better start. In my enthusiasm I tweeted that Ellie, Paul, Steve and I had gathered to watch 'Mobsters' (a rather dated looking gangster flick). Thankfully we actually took in the splendour and subtly of 'Monsters', and what a masterpiece it was.
We went into the film knowing as little as we could (well apart from me - I'd seen it before) and took in what is sure to be one of the most unique science fiction dramas in a very long time. Monsters follows the emotional and physical journey of two unlikely companions as they make there way through dangerous, alien-infected territory. Beyond that I will say nothing about the plot. It's such an interesting idea that it's best to just take it as it comes. Remove as many preconceived ideas about what a film with Aliens should be like, in fact approach it like a travel film and you'll probably be more ready for what it has to offer.
As the film ended we immediately hit play to re-watch the beginning and piece the plot together. Once we'd oo'd, aaa'd and decided what we wanted the end to be, we watched the 'making of...' and were blown away all over again.
Did you know that each new Star Wars film is rumoured to have cost $100 million? Well, this ambitious little British film was produced for the unconfirmed amount of $15000! What is George Lucas spending his money on?! Solid gold portaloos?! Monsters is an exquisite film shot gorilla style with a small but very talented British crew and a cast that throws professional leads with non-actors. The whole spend of the film (marketing, etc.) is reported to be less than half a million dollars, yet it is one of the most creative, magical and resourceful cinema offerings to come from our great nation. Proof positive that money does not a good film make.
Anyone else seen Monsters? What did you think?