Its a Wonderful Life

The Euphoria of Film and Tv 16 Film and Tv

There are many aspects of the creative industries that both fascinate and excite me; one of the largest being film and television production. Indeed, the ability to step into a world different from our own is a wonderful experience that film and television can bring to us. Whether that’s being immersed into the Jurassic Park film series or swinging across the streets of New York with Spider-Man, these stories can become a huge part of our lives.

This highlights one of the core joys that film and TV can bring to us – escapism. With our increasingly busy schedules, the moving image provides the perfect way for us to relax and unwind from a working day. Sometimes we may choose to spend a couple of hours (or even a whole day) binging the latest Netflix series or spontaneously decide to watch an array of Marvel classics back-to-back. This can provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia, and I often find myself re-watching films that I loved a few years ago. Although I know how they end and can practically recite the film word to word, these types of movies never disappoint. Indeed, the library of moving images that streaming services like Netflix provide allows us to watch endless amounts of content on our own accord, and this creates the perfect opportunity to be entertained in our own space.

However, the cinema remains a fundamental part of the film experience for me. I have always loved going to the cinema because of its exciting atmosphere, where there are little to no distractions. This is particularly important with films that require your full attention, such as Christopher Nolan’s thought-provoking, thrilling movies. Not to mention being able to enjoy Hans Zimmer’s incredible score with enhanced dramatic effect. Moreover, there is no better feeling than watching a highly anticipated film for the first time which has had months, if not years of immense build-up and trailers - such as the latest James Bond movie No Time To Die. Plus, getting a Tango Ice Blast every now and again is a big bonus! One of my favourite things to do after watching a film or TV show is to look at the behind-the-scenes footage, since I am fascinated by the process from script to screen. While this may ruin the magic for some people, I find it interesting to explore what each production role entails and how these come together to create the end film. These resources have been a great use of the digital age we now live in, and have been a source of inspiration to enhance my knowledge of production roles within the industry. This certainly inspired me to take film studies at college, and I got the opportunity to explore my own creative skills through writing a screenplay and making a few short films/documentaries.

Studying film made me realise the importance of watching films that I wouldn’t necessarily choose to and illustrated how the medium is a creative way to engage with a variety of different worlds, stories, and characters. It also reaffirmed how joyful it is to talk about different films and TV programmes with those around you. For instance, TV Drama is a great genre to watch with other people at the same time because you can share different opinions with one another, while trying to piece together what’s happening in the narrative. Although you are all watching the same thing, people tend to take away different aspects and this can become an interesting point of conversation. Indeed, it is important to note that fan cultures are hugely significant within this space, and often both online and offline communities form with like-minded individuals, coming together to talk about their love for a certain celebrity, film, or television programme. This represents one of the core enjoyments of film and TV – bringing people together.

Ultimately, I love film and TV. I love experiencing different realities. I love the emotion. I love the escapism. I love the creativity.

Words by: Zoe Williamson Design by: Isabel Brewster

It’s a Wonderful Life

13 Going on 30 (2004)

13 Going on 30 had a huge impact on me as a teenager, and even now, it reminds me to take life one step at a time and to live in the moment. The film is a joyful and nostalgic exploration of the idea of wanting to be ‘grown up’, through the ensemble of characters. At the centre of it all, the main character Jenna Rink wishes to fast forward her childhood to become grown-up, which is supposed to entail independence and being “30, flirty and thriving”, as she desires to be. However, she quickly realises it’s not all that.

Jenna reels over the ‘loss’ of her childhood in the final scenes of the film, as she realises she spent her life continuously chasing a more mature image, quickly wanting to be an adult regardless of how she treated those around her. She misses her childhood innocence, and thankfully rectifies her mistakes when she reverts to her 13-year-old self, and pursues a different life that is much more positive and good-hearted. 13 Going on 30 reminds us to not immerse ourselves too deep into the rat race of life, but rather to bask in and savour what the present has to offer.

Words by: Pui Kuan Cheah

Peter’s Friends (1992)

1992’s Peter’s Friends follows a simple plot; after the passing of his father, Peter (played by Stephen Fry) inherits a beautiful country house. As a way to usher in the New Year, he decides to invite old friends from his university days to spend the holiday with him. These six friends have not seen each other for ten years, and so their lives have entirely altered, sending one to America, with others having children and others who bring along their spouses. However, Peter has not just brought them here for a reunion, he wishes to confide in them all regarding a secret - one that impacts the rest of his life, and perhaps the longevity of it. Without revealing too much, I can promise readers that Peter’s Friends is a film that highlights the importance of kindness and understanding. Throughout their reunion, these friends learn just how crucial it is to simply love one another and appreciate company no matter the years gone by, taking us down different roads via both tears and laughter. Whilst this plot is hardly complex, it possesses a wondrous positivity that is rooted in humbleness, humility, and the feeling of belonging amongst others. Simply heart-warming.

Words by: Leona Franke

La La Land (2016)

Has there ever been a film that first fills your heart with sheer, unadulterated joy before shattering it into a million smithereens? Damien Chazelle’s cinematic marvel La La Land does that to me every time I revisit it. It not only boasts of a sublime love story but also speaks of dreams and aspirations and the choices one makes in life. It features strugglers, Mia and Seb, as they both find their lives intertwined after a dejected Mia, an aspiring actress, stumbles across Seb, a jazz musician, playing a melancholic tune on his piano at a restaurant and they fall in love. It is glorious.

The opening sequence itself sets the tone perfectly for the film. Punctuated to Justin Hurwitz’s magnificent soundtrack, it depicts a traffic-jammed freeway where people suddenly break into a delightfully choreographed dance number. A moment of exasperation turns to pure joy. But Chazelle’s artistry shines most in its gut-wrenching climax when both Mia and Seb are magically reunited and pulled back in time. The camera glides along with our protagonists as they pirouette through what their life could have been together. Yet, I can’t help but seek out La La Land in times of utter despair. It leaves a profound ache in my heart but a silly grin on my face. And isn’t this what life is? A mixed bag of emotions. La La Land makes me nostalgic but also hopeful for the future, as I embark on this journey called life.

Words by: Zainab Javed Design by: Isabel Brewster