Hugo ~ Movie Directed By Martin Scorsese
A Beautiful, Poignant, Insightful Film That Will Captivate All Audiences...
The movie "Hugo" is an inspiring, emotionally charged and uplifting film based on the children's book titled "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," by Brian Selznick. It is a beautiful story of a young boy orphaned when his father perishes in a fire and he is then forced to live with his drunken uncle in a Paris train station.
Set in the 1930's, this was a period of time when children without parents were often referred to as "urchins" and were captured almost as though they were criminals and then sent to orphanages. Hugo, brilliantly played by Asa Butterfield, is a smart, creative young boy with not only a thirst for adventure, but also a longing to "fix" things to make them work again the way that they were meant to work. He works in the train station with his uncle, keeping the clocks running smoothly, and doing maintenance work in the train station.
He is a lonely boy, who longs to receive some kind of "message" from his lost father. Hugo's father was working on a project at the time of his death, trying to restore an "automaton"... a robot-like figure made of steel and with a body composed of various gears and workings, which look similar to inner workings of a clock. The difference with this automaton figure is that once he is made to work again, he has the ability to write!
Hugo is befriended by a young girl, named Isabelle ( beautifully played by Chloe Grace Moretz). She is the adopted daughter of a disenchanted toy shop owner who has a past that he is trying to forget and his wife.
Isabelle is wearing a "key" around her neck that has an unusual heart shape that will mysteriously only fit in a heart shaped opening. Coincidentally, the automaton that Hugo is trying to repair happens to have a lock on it that requires a special heart shaped "key" to start it.
Once the two kids start the automaton, it not only writes, but it draws a picture for them, as well as signing the picture with a mysterious name "Georges Melies," the name of Isabelle's adopted father. The two of them are unlocking a mystery that takes them on a great adventure into the world of old time animation and film making.
It is a fascinating movie, not only for it's beautiful, inspiring story, but also for the wonderful cinematography featured in it. Coming from a director like Martin Scorsese, you would almost expect something along the lines of his other films, like "Goodfella's," "Gangs Of New York," or even "Raging Bull." This movie goes to show that even a "tough" director like Scorsese can have a "softer," more emotional side.
The setting for the movie, the Grand Train Station in Paris in the 1930's is a beautiful backdrop for an awe inspiring story of the importance of finding out what one's purpose is in life, as well as the supreme importance of connecting with those you love.
Every Story Needs A Villain
"Hugo" is no exception to the rule that every great story needs a villain. The villain in this story is played exceptionally well by Sasha Boron Cohen, who plays a disenchanted and disgruntled train station inspector. Throughout the movie, he is attempting to capture Hugo, believing that he is an orphan and that all orphans belong in orphanages. His very convincing portrayal of the train station inspector brings the element of suspense into this movie. You find yourself rooting for Hugo, and hoping that he is never caught by Cohen. In addition to all the suspense, you will also surprisingly find that Sasha Cohen (as the train station inspector) has a "soft side" himself. He does an excellent job of portraying the villain in this film, who also happens to have a very complex personality.
Recently, I read that there will be a royal premiere of the movie "Hugo." And in the audience on Monday, November 28, 2011 will be Prince Charles, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. This is to be the first "royal premiere" for producer Martin Scorsese for one of his movies. I sincerely hope that the Prince and Camilla enjoy the film very much.
Whatever you do, please don't feel as though you have to be a child to enjoy this movie, adults will be thoroughly enchanted as well as the kids, and this is a film in my opinion that is worthy of an Oscar. Brilliant film, beautiful story told in an enchanting way. My advice is to go see it ~ ticket prices are high these days, but this one is worth every penny!
One of the BEST quotes from the movie ~
"Happy endings only happen in the movies" ~
~ Georges Melies~
