Carl watches Motion Pictures I aim to share my thoughts and opinions on the films I watch as I watch them

Goya’s Ghosts (2006). It was late, I was tired but I did want to see what was going to happen. Goya is a well know painter who is entangled in a crazy time in Spain’s history. The Spanish Inquisition is coming to an end and Napoleon’s army is invading. The film takes you on a journey with the mindsets of the time, which are quite disturbing and absurd when compared to our current standards. Natalie Portman plays Francisco Goya’s muse, she is accused of heresy and locked up, the drama unfolds as her family (and eventually Goya) tries to help her.


I know very little about the Spanish Inquisition but now I feel I know the outline of what was going on. It’s amazing how a film can transfer knowledge; it’s also amazing how many people base their historical knowledge on films they have seen.

Can we trust a fictional film for historical facts? Or should we stick to the History Channel?

Most producers and directors have a sense of responsibility to people that lived in the times they are setting their films in to get it right, but at the same time they have a responsibility to make the film entertaining and often the adjustment of a fact is made to benefit the storyline or character. I think this type of adjustment is justified, and the line “Inspired by a true story”, should not be interoperated as “this is how it happened”

In Goya's Ghost, Francisco Goya turns deaf during the French Invasion, in actual fact he goes deaf much ealier.

Even the filmmakers’ point of view can skew the historical facts. Take Saving Private Ryan for example; if you knew nothing of WWII, after the film you might have the impression that America was the only ones fighting the Germans (this is true for many American war films).

So don’t throw away the history books just yet, and before getting in an argument about how America won the war, think about where you learnt your facts.

IMDB Stars: 7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 29%

Get it: Take2

Total Recall (1990) is an absolute classic from the Dutch director Paul Verhoeven who is better known for Basic Instinct. Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi /action style is quite unmistakeable: gore, girls and guns. If you liked Starship Troopers (1997) you will love this!


Total Recall was a great block buster film in the 90s which show cased many advances in computer graphics, makeup and other special effect fields. Today its available on Blu-ray and a must see. I must admit it has not aged incredibly well but that does not distract from the story line. It is a lot of fun to watch.

If you don’t feel like thinking too hard during a film and you are bored with the over produced special effects of today’s films take a look at Total Recall it’s a rollercoaster ride that no one should miss!

Let me know what you think of the film.

"If I am not me, then who the hell am I?"
IMDB stars: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton

Hi all, some of you have let me know that the comment function is not working on the blog!! Ahh, anyway Please try again. IF it still does not work please let me know.

Carl