Page 6 August 3, 2017 Entertainment Dunkirk is an Epic Achievement that Should Be Seen on the Big Screen By H. Nelson Tracey Film director extraordinaire Christopher Nolan has cemented himself as one of the few in the industry whose name alone not only draws audiences to see his films as fast as they can, but on the biggest screen that they can. The undeniable legacy of his entire filmography, including The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception, has been immortalized into pop culture and for all of the right reasons: he makes great, expansive movies on the largest canvases possible. Because of this, it’s likely that by the time of publishing you may have already seen Dunkirk--his latest film (in theaters everywhere now). The short answer is that it is a must-see experience, as much as all his prior entries are. But if Nolan’s name Follow Us on Twitter @heraldpub Check It Out Rich People Problems By Kevin Kwan Reviewed by Kristina Kora-Beckman, Librarian I, El Segundo Public Library Kevin Kwan’s latest in his Crazy Rich Asians series, Rich People Problems, provides a hilarious glimpse into the outlandishly entertaining world of the Chinese uberwealthy. Family scandals abound, including an ex-wife driven over the edge by jealousy, divorce battles gone awry, and relatives jockeying to stake a claim to elderly matriarch Su Yi’s massive fortune as her health declines. Such is the drama Nicholas Young finds himself embroiled in as he rushes to his grandmother’s side to say goodbye before it’s too late. But unlike his other relatives scheming from the sidelines, Nick doesn’t care about inheriting the money, even trophy estate Tyersall Park, which is rumored to be worth billions. Yet that doesn’t stop cousin Eddie’s manic scheming to be named heir, even going so far as blocking Nick from seeing his grandmother. Despite the machinations, Nick sneaks in to see his grandmother one last time. More surprises are in store when Su Yi’s will is revealed and complications arise from resulting conflict. Interspersed with the drama, we get to see Su Yi’s backstory, including her experiences during the war, her complicated relationship with her husband and how those experiences shaped the person she came to be later in life. This book is a guilty pleasure, full of labeldropping, absurd antics such as plastic surgery for a pet fish, and delicious dishes, perfect for indulging in pool or surf side. To check out Rich People Problems, or catch up on books one and two in the series, please visit the library to apply for your free library card. These books Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan. would also qualify for prizes in our Adult Summer Reading program, going on now through September 2. The program includes activities, raffles and events such as book talks, Art Walk programs and computer classes. For more information, or to sign up, please stop by the Adult Reference Desk. • Film Review Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is stunning in both scale and artistry. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. alone isn’t a draw, there’s plenty more to get excited about in this film. Taking place within the World War II Battle of Dunkirk, the film depicts three intersecting perspectives related to a massive evacuation of Allied soldiers (primarily British) from the French coast of the English Channel. From the air, from the sea and from the beach, we witness three contrasting vantage points in this massive conflict. Everything comes from the level of the soldiers, giving a grounded feeling of immediacy to the entire situation. There are no flashbacks or backstories. Everything is in-the-moment immersion into the conflict at hand. Each facet of this triptych is equally engaging, and watching them intersect is cinema at its finest. Nolan has never done a war film before, nor a film based on true events, but manages to apply some of his signature themes here still. A primary theme in Dunkirk is time, and specifically the manipulation of it. Each of the three stories takes place over different speeds of real time that we’re told of at each of their beginnings. From each perspective, the tension lasts a different length (depending on their position)--and without saying too much, Nolan addresses this head-on. Movies themselves are a manipulation of time: they can take place in under 90 minutes or across decades, as even a single cut can move us millenniums (most famously in 2001: A Space Odyssey). Nolan applies this exploration of moving time into a battle where time and escape were the most important driving forces on everyone’s minds, making him a perfect thematic match for Dunkirk. I can’t think of another war movie before this that chooses to display a historical event in non-chronological order. This is just one of many ways in which the movie stands out unlike any war film I’ve ever seen before. Much can be said about the experience of seeing this film in IMAX. The genuine IMAX screen at Universal Citywalk is where I was able to experience this film and it did not disappoint, as the visuals projected onto such a massive canvas are utterly breathtaking. Shots that would normally feel like conventional establishing shots play as jaw-dropping visuals on a screen so large you can’t see from top to bottom. Indeed, while many films are reformatted for IMAX as a way to fill the premium space, there is truly no other filmmaker than Nolan working today who has a mastery of how to fill such an epic canvas. Many other films may market themselves as being needed to be seen on a big screen, but Dunkirk is one of the few that truly lives up to that promise. At a lean 106 minutes in running time (his shortest by a margin, excluding his first feature film, Following), there is not a single wasted moment in Dunkirk. It’s a captivating journey made unforgettable by how uniquely it’s told. It has been a great summer for independent film, but Dunkirk is a reason to believe in the power of a great blockbuster when made by a great filmmaker. It’s a great continuation of Christopher Nolan’s legendary filmography, and easily one of the best films of the year. 106 minutes. “Dunkirk” is rated PG-13 for intense war experience and some language. Now playing in theaters everywhere. • El Segundo Rotary Club presents the 20th Annual in the SATURDAY • AUGUST 5, 2017 Gates Open: 4:00pm • Movie Starts at Dusk Chevron Park, El Segundo - Parking at Illinois & El Segundo Blvd. Admission: $5 (kids 3 and under are free) bring blankets & beach chair - no high-back chairs please Tickets available now at Industrial Lock & Security, Big-5 El Segundo and the El Segundo Chamber of Commerce. For more info: information@movieinthepark.info. Or visit: www.movieinthepark.info No Drop-Offs or Pick-Ups Permitted BEER • WINE • TACOS • PIZZA • HAMBURGERS • HOT DOGS • POPCORN & MORE! GIANT MOVIE SCREEN • ENTERTAINMENT • TRAIN RIDES • MOON BOUNCE • FACE PAINTING Dress up in your Moana costume! McDonald's INDUSTRIAL LOCK & SECURITY The Reimann Law Group Good Ideas. Good Work. Solving Problems. EL SEGUNDO POWER LLC Grandpoint® Bonilla Family • Cars Muffler & Automotive, Inc • C.C. Layne & Sons, Inc. • Dickie, 3 Leaf Realty • El Segundo Firefighters Association El Segundo Dermatology • El Segundo Police Officers Association • Shiela Fowler, Beach City Brokers • The Mailbox Brian Magovern, M.D., Torrance Orthopedic & Sports Medicine • Eloise Mendez, Palm Realty Boutique • Mularz Construction • Ramey Roofing • Bill Ruane SAGA • Seligman Wealth Management • So. Cal. Gas Company • Kevin Smith & Family • Team Handling Services No Pets No Outside Alcohol Permitted A fun outdoor famil evet! Douglass MORTUARY “Our Family Serving Yours Since 1954” B U R I A L - C R E M AT I O N - W O R L DW I D E T R A N S F E R P E T M E M O R I A L P RO D U C T S 500 EAST IMPERIAL AVENUE EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA 90245 Te l e p h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 6 4 0 - 9 3 2 5 • F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 6 4 0 - 0 7 7 8 • F D 6 5 8
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