Byzantium (2012)

"Irresistible. Immoral. Immortal."

Directed by Neil Jordan
Produced by Sam Englebardt, William D. Johnson, Elizabeth Karlsen, Alan Moloney, Stephen Woolley
Written by Moira Buffini
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Arterton, Sam Riley, Jonny Lee Miller
Music by Javier Navarrete
Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt
Edited by Tony Lawson
Distributed by StudioCanal
Release date: 31 May 2013 (United Kingdom)
Running time: 118 minutes
Country: Ireland, United Kingdom, United States
Budget: £8,000,000
Box office: $85,252 (US only)

"Byzantium" is a drama fantasy horror film, which is directed by Neil Jordan. The story is about two girls, Clara and Eleanor, which people find quite strange sisters. Because of their big secret they should often remove. So once Clara and Eleanor seek sanctuary in a dilapidated coastal resort. There, Clara notices a lonely man, Noel, who has just inherited the Byzantium Hotel and let them settle down. But does he know who are these girls in fact? The answer is hidden in the nineteenth century...

Cast

• Saoirse Ronan as Eleanor Webb
• Gemma Arterton as Clara Webb
• Sam Riley as Midshipman Darvell
• Jonny Lee Miller as Captain Ruthven
• Daniel Mays as Noel
• Caleb Landry Jones as Frank
• Maria Doyle Kennedy as Morag
• Warren Brown as Gareth
• Thure Lindhardt as Werner

The director of the film is Neil Jordan. His other remarkable pictures are The Company of Wolves, Mona Lisa, "High Spirits", "We’re No Angels", "The Crying Game", "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles", "The Brave One", and "Ondine". Neil Jordan can make dismal mood and dark atmoshpere. Therefore "Byzantium" turned out immense. For me anyway. I'm fond of films like this one: gloomy, tragic, and reckless.

My lovely Saoirse. Her part is lonely Eleanor Webb with a secret which she must never tell. Her long life doesn't make her happy as all her thoughts and all her feelings should be hidden. Wonderful Gemma Arterton took part of Clara Webb. A strong, defiant young woman who cares for Eleanor. Her role is pretty difficult, I might say. Her hard lot has compelled lots of powers from Clara, however, she copes with everything. Sam Riley (Diaval from "Maleficent") has a small but important role. His Midshipman Darvell resolves to break age-old rules in spite of the fact that it can kill him.

Advantages

• Saoirse Ronan as Eleanor Webb
• Gemma Arterton as Clara Webb
• Sam Riley as Midshipman Darvell

Disadvantages

• Again vampires

"Strangenesses"

• Why they need to separate?

Clue Moments

• Playing the piano
• Murders
• Webb's story

Immortality. Probably each of us think about it. Yes, it captivates people as immortality saves people not only from death, but also from... fears. It gives an opportunity to be sure that they won't suffer, won't fail. But in my opinion, immortality also make people responsible. As longer a person lives as more faults he or she makes. Moreover, value of life decreases and this way life loses meaning: live right now and enjoy moments.

No matter what people say but when hard times begin, immorality stops being as bad as always. I mean if survival of you and your close people depends on a theft of food - it won't be a crime. It will be an instinct of self-preservation.

Soundtracks

1. Javier Navarrete - Main Titles
2. Javier Navarrete - Secrets
3. Javier Navarrete - No One
4. Javier Navarrete - The Coventry Carol
5. Simon Chamberlain - Sonata In C Major, Opus 2, No. 3 - Adagio
6. Javier Navarrete - Hotel Byzantium  
7. Javier Navarrete - Eleanor's Dream
8. Javier Navarrete - Hunters 
9. Javier Navarrete - Steal Something From Her
10. Javier Navarrete - My Mother
11. Javier Navarrete - Whore
12. Javier Navarrete - Thirst
13. Javier Navarrete - You Came For Me
14. Javier Navarrete - At School
15. Javier Navarrete - It Would Be Fatal
16. Javier Navarrete - My Mother Was Dying
17. Javier Navarrete- Ancient Knowledge
18. Javier Navarrete - An Empty Island
19. Javier Navarrete - Betrayed
20. Javier Navarrete- As Darkness Fell
21. Javier Navarrete - My Mother Saw Her Chance
22. Javier Navarrete - Iʼm Sixteen Forever
23. Javier Navarrete - Birthday Gift
24. Javier Navarrete - Clara Immortal
25. Javier Navarrete - Love Dark
26. Javier Navarrete - Blade From Byzantium
27. Javier Navarrete - Always

Quotations

* * *

Clara: I'm never merciful, and knowledge is a fatal thing.

* * *

Eleanor: My story can never be told. I write it over and over, wherever we find shelter. I write of what I cannot speak: the truth. I write all I know of it, then I throw that pages to the wind. Maybe the birds can read it.

* * *

Eleanor: It is still a fact that the day you are born is the day you are most likely to be murdered. More human souls are killed by mothers' hands than by the hands of strangers. My mother tried to murder me, but love confounded her.

* * *

Eleanor: I remember everything. It's a burden.

* * *

Darvell: Only those prepared to die will find eternal life.

* * *

Robert Fowlds: There comes a time in life when secrets should be told.

* * *

Clara: I had eyes that cut through lies, I had lungs that breathed eternity. Felt I'd lived my whole wretched life just to prepare me for that moment.

* * *

Frank: My mum said you came to see me when I was in hospital. She um... She thinks that... That you're my girl. Would that be so bad. Because I...
Eleanor: It would be fatal.

* * *

Ruthven: Forgive me, my friend.
Darvell: Forgiveness is a Christian value, Ruthven. My gods are older... more ruthless.
Ruthven: You died!
Darvell: How else does one find life eternal?
Ruthven: I would give my soul to be as you are.
Darvell: So be it.

* * *

Clara: I was a harlot.
Darvell: But that is in the past.
Savella: Some things are eternal.
Werner: You were to find a man on of good blood who appreciates this brotherhood and what we do.
Clara: What is it you do?
Savella: We are the pointed nails of justice.

* * *
You may see the trailer here.

Plot: 7/10

Entertainment: 8/10

Acting: 7/10

Originality: 6/10

Music and Sound: 7/10

7/10