28 Film Discussion Threads Later

[Boner M]

I think I'm alone in thinking the first act is of a higher quality than the following two.
Sarcasm?

[Winston*]

No, not at all.

Jen and I both agree.

Hey, I know you two hold great stock in my (trailblazing) opinions, but you can't retroactively change your opinion on the film just to better correspond to mine. That wouldn't be being true to yourself, meg.

[Boner M]

Stop being difficult, Winston*.

[The Mike]

Rec > Diary

...by a comfortable margin, I'd say.

I agree, and I like Diary more than a lot of people seem to.

I rewatched REC this weekend, and it's still a blast.

[Watashi]

Buzz Lightyear is a spaceman. How are you not going to have sci-fi homage(s)? What else is there besides the Star Wars reference?

[BuffaloWilder]

The Right Stuff?

[Watashi]

Up's second quarter > final act > 1st 5 minutes > closing credits > 3/4ths of the climax

[Derek]

Stop being difficult, Winston*.

Wouldn't he cease to be Winston* if he did this?

[B-side]

Why don't you finish the film swap thread you already started first.

Why don't you shut your whore mouth and be supportive?:cry::evil:

[megladon8]

Buzz Lightyear is a spaceman. How are you not going to have sci-fi homage(s)? What else is there besides the Star Wars reference?


The beginning of the movie when we see the video game has a bunch of winks and nods to sci-fi stuff. The camera comes out of the cliffside just like the eye coming out of the giant metal door in Return of the Jedi, then the actual eye of the camera is HAL from 2001. I seem to remember something from one of the Star Trek films as well, but can't recall exactly what it was.

And there are several other little jokes about Star Wars throughout the movie, mostly with Zurg who not only looks like Darth Vader but replicates some dialogue and events from the Star Wars trilogy.

A lot of it is funny, but sometimes I felt like they were using this stuff as a crutch for jokes.

[Sycophant]

Stop being difficult, Winston*.

NO DON'T

[Adam]

A lot of it is funny, but sometimes I felt like they were using this stuff as a crutch for jokes.

Yeah, those are the kinda moments which wind up feeling a little too Shrek-like for my taste

The first Toy Story has aged more gracefully than the second, for sure

[MadMan]

Toy Story 2 is one of the handful of sequels that is better than the original. Both get the same score for me, but I find the second one to be more entertaining, funnier, and it has the more potent emotional moment with Jesse's song.

Also Wats is utterly insane-Zombieland is hilarious, scary in certain parts, and overall great fun. It stands a chance of being my favorite movie I've seen from this year. Woody Harrison is easily the main driving force behind the entire thing. Not sure if its better than Shaun of the Dead, the other major comedy/horror/zombie movie I've seen from this decade, but they're sort of two different movies anyways so that would be pointless except for list making purposes.

[lovejuice]

Toy Story 2 is one of the handful of sequels that is better than the original. Both get the same score for me, but I find the second one to be more entertaining, funnier, and it has the more potent emotional moment with Jesse's song.
i too prefer the sequel. TS2 is among very rare movies in which a lot of disjointed, semi-random elements come together in a grand and beautiful fashion. it remains to me one of the best plotted movies ever.

[Grouchy]

http://coosacreek.org/mambo/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ashes-of-time.jpg

So I saw Ashes of Time (Redux) on theaters yesterday. Having never seen the original, I can't really compare, but a quick glance at the DVDBeaver page tells me that, at least visually, they're very different films. Weird thing for a director to do to a movie that's 14 years old and that was made before his breakthrough films like In the Mood for Love. Guess it was a thorn on his back.

Anyway, beautiful film. About what I'd expect from a Wong Kar Wai wuxia. The battles are very stylish, not a lot of the coreography is visible (on this cut at least), and their main point is to emphazise the personality traits of the different characters. This is the movie's strongest feature, with most of my sympathies going to the blind swordsman (badass Tony Leung) and the barefoot bandit. Some scenes, such as the ones involving Maggie Cheung, are truly heartbreaking stuff and, as usual for Wong, there are a number of memorable poetic quotes spoken by the actors.

I wonder (and ask of anyone who has seen both) what is all that different in this new cut other than the digital effects and if the older one is worth hunting down and watching after this experience.

[lovejuice]

So I saw Ashes of Time (Redux) on theaters yesterday. Having never seen the original, I can't really compare, but a quick glance at the DVDBeaver page tells me that, at least visually, they're very different films.

indeed? i am now much interested since AoT might be my second favorite WKW. never watched the new cut.

[number8]

The new cut doesn't improve it much as a film.

Was DVDBeaver talking about the visual quality or the DVD's picture quality? Because the original's release by Kino was so atrocious that anything would be an improvement.

[lovejuice]

The new cut doesn't improve it much as a film.
are they much different?

[Qrazy]

are they much different?

The new film is much more coherent.

[Grouchy]

The new cut doesn't improve it much as a film.

Was DVDBeaver talking about the visual quality or the DVD's picture quality? Because the original's release by Kino was so atrocious that anything would be an improvement.
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/ashesoftime.htm

I'm talking specifically about the first two cap comparisons. Big difference there in both framing and cinematography. I wanted to know if it was the same with the flow of the film or anything like that.

[lovejuice]

The new film is much more coherent.
is that....a good thing? with wkw?

[Qrazy]

is that....a good thing? with wkw?

Yes (the new film improves aesthetic, thematic and narrative coherence).

[Watashi]

Gloomy weather in Southern California today, so I decided to watch Singin' in the Rain.

I love this movie. So much.

[balmakboor]

Yes, [Rec] was a marvelous and terrifically scary zombie movie. I actually wouldn't compare it all that much to Diary of the Dead though which is more darkly comic and more political and has better zombies. It is much more of a Cloverfield type movie. Also, the claustrophobic apartment building setting reminded me at time of some of Polanski's movies.

But anyway, really well made and filled with some great scares. I'm afraid to watch Quarantine now though because the trailer made it look like a totally unnecessary, shot-for-shot remake.

[megladon8]

Yes, [Rec] was a marvelous and terrifically scary zombie movie. I actually wouldn't compare it all that much to Diary of the Dead though which is more darkly comic and more political and has better zombies. It is much more of a Cloverfield type movie. Also, the claustrophobic apartment building setting reminded me at time of some of Polanski's movies.

But anyway, really well made and filled with some great scares. I'm afraid to watch Quarantine now though because the trailer made it look like a totally unnecessary, shot-for-shot remake.


There are some notable differences in plot in Quarantine, and it's not nearly as well paced as [REC] because of it.

The firefighters are all given these ridiculous, womanizing personalities that pack about 5-10 minutes of unnecessary filler into the first quarter of the movie. With it being a short film as it is, those 5-10 minutes absolutely kill the pace of the movie.

[Watashi]

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Fight Club. It was the movie that made us appreciate movies because it made us look and feel cool of my generation. I liked it when I first saw it in my senior year of high school. Never completely grasped its themes fully on a first viewing, but it grew on me. I can see why it's easily hated and equally loved by young budding movie buffs (this and American Beauty were popular "favorite movies of all time" with friends growing up). I haven't seen it in several years, so I probably owe it a rewatch.

What do you guys think? Did you see it before it gained its immense following or after the hype and parade of people labeling "dark", "twisted", and "cool"?

[Dead & Messed Up]

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Fight Club. It was the movie that made us appreciate movies because it made us look and feel cool of my generation. I liked it when I first saw it in my senior year of high school. Never completely grasped its themes fully on a first viewing, but it grew on me. I can see why it's easily hated and equally loved by young budding movie buffs (this and American Beauty were popular "favorite movies of all time" with friends growing up). I haven't seen it in several years, so I probably owe it a rewatch.

What do you guys think? Did you see it before it gained its immense following or after the hype and parade of people labeling "dark", "twisted", and "cool"?

On an initial viewing, I was confused. On a subsequent viewing, I came to respect it as an ambitious, technically marvelous movie, but I never quite latched on it in the same way many others have.

The best and most interesting defense I've heard of the film is the idea that its title is misinterpreted; that it means Fight Club literally, that one has to fight against those organizations that may offer the illusion of purpose. Taken in this way, the film is an increasing argument against the very notion of club mentality, of groupthink, of the need to be part of a pack. The Narrator first seeks solace in therapy sessions, then in fight clubs, then in Project Mayhem, but in the end he settles for connecting with just one other person.

Even then, though, I find the movie terribly frustrating, because it feels constantly on the verge of saying something tremendous, of being a definite statement about my generation, but it never seems to get there. That and the whole double-identity thing struck me as a cheap trick, akin go the supposedly "brilliant" but actually lame contrivances of The Usual Suspects.

[lovejuice]

i believe i understood fight club upon first viewing, and have always disliked it ever since. there is nothing new or interesting in my disliking. just the usual respond and reason.

lately however i have developed an extra layer of disliking to this movie. it has to do with the ending.

i am now reading and "studying" about twist in narrative art. the more i dig into this subject, the more i hate "modern" twist ending. and fight club is, like the sixth sense, among the movies that start this abysmal trend of twist for twist sake. both movies are quite pardonable since their twists seem to serve some thematic purposes.

[Winston*]

The Wrong Man would be significantly improved if like 10 seconds were shaved off the end.

[Boner M]

w/e

Blood and Black Lace
Flirting
A Matter of Life and Death
L'eclisse (rpt)
Che

[ledfloyd]

the thing that annoys me about fight club is that in my high school it seemed to inspire the same kind of behavior it attempts to criticize. one could argue this is cause high school kids are stupid. but i can't help but see it as a failing of the film.

[B-side]

Le plaisir (Ophuls, 1952) ***½

I wasn't as thrilled about this, but I did enjoy it. I went from pretty much loving it to being fairly indifferent once the women in the middle segment left town to go stay at that other house, and that portion of the segment took up so much of the film. I'd have preferred Ophuls gave more time to the bookend segments. Some of the shots were awesome.

[Raiders]

The Wrong Man would be significantly improved if like 10 seconds were shaved off the end.

Start here (http://www.match-cut.org/showthread.php?p=192036) and read down the page.

[Bosco B Thug]

I'll humbly admit: I have a very deficient eye for "cool," and often suffer greatly for it. So, it must mean something when I say Fight Club is totally a deft and finely made film. :) Everyone who appreciates the movie should embrace that fact.


i believe i understood fight club upon first viewing, and have always disliked it ever since. there is nothing new or interesting in my disliking. just the usual respond and reason.

lately however i have developed an extra layer of disliking to this movie. it has to do with the ending.

i am now reading and "studying" about twist in narrative art. the more i dig into this subject, the more i hate "modern" twist ending. and fight club is, like the sixth sense, among the movies that start this abysmal trend of twist for twist sake. both movies are quite pardonable since their twists seem to serve some thematic purposes. I don't know... in my initial thoughts on the film, I admitted I too wasn't actually sure what the twist really added to the story either. But knowing the twist before viewing, it does come surprisingly early on in the film, and there's the whole final act predicated on further elaborating on and fleshing out the reveal. Plus, it's not shy and deceptive with its scattered hints, like The Sixth Sense is.


WEEKEND: Trick r' Treat, Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night 2, hopefully Paranormal Activity, Sweetie

[Mara]

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Fight Club.

Holy crap I'm old.

[Grouchy]

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Fight Club. It was the movie that made us appreciate movies because it made us look and feel cool of my generation. I liked it when I first saw it in my senior year of high school. Never completely grasped its themes fully on a first viewing, but it grew on me. I can see why it's easily hated and equally loved by young budding movie buffs (this and American Beauty were popular "favorite movies of all time" with friends growing up). I haven't seen it in several years, so I probably owe it a rewatch.

What do you guys think? Did you see it before it gained its immense following or after the hype and parade of people labeling "dark", "twisted", and "cool"?
I watched long after it had become a cult classic and I loved it. Still do and consider it Fincher's best next to Zodiac. Will watch it again eventually and buy the DVD.

[number8]

the thing that annoys me about fight club is that in my high school it seemed to inspire the same kind of behavior it attempts to criticize. one could argue this is cause high school kids are stupid. but i can't help but see it as a failing of the film.

Any of your friends ever did this (http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/movie-news/5610-the-first-rule-of-fight-club-should-be-qdont-imitate-fight-clubq.html)?

[Skitch]

Holy crap I'm old.


I remember every bit of watching that the day it was released. I feel old too.

[lovejuice]

Any of your friends ever did this (http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/movie-news/5610-the-first-rule-of-fight-club-should-be-qdont-imitate-fight-clubq.html)?
that's the thing about most "radical" hollywood films. the radicality is set up to inspired and then halfway the movie just switches gear before settling down on the status quo.

[balmakboor]

Holy crap I'm old.

I feel old. I went to opening night of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory when I as nine.

I just learned that Peter Ostrum (Charlie) only acted in one film.

[ledfloyd]

Any of your friends ever did this (http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/movie-news/5610-the-first-rule-of-fight-club-should-be-qdont-imitate-fight-clubq.html)?
nah, they just beat each other up and thought it made them zen or something. one of the kids who was crazy about fight club is now a minor MMA fighter.

[Spun Lepton]

the thing that annoys me about fight club is that in my high school it seemed to inspire the same kind of behavior it attempts to criticize. one could argue this is cause high school kids are stupid. but i can't help but see it as a failing of the film.

So, which film's fault was Columbine?

[ledfloyd]

So, which film's fault was Columbine?
that's not what i meant. i meant as a film it fails at getting it's message across. it's supposed to be critical of tyler, but instead it makes him appear seductive and cool and intelligent. the twist ending that is supposed to subvert that just looks like more fun sleek nihilism and destruction.

[number8]

But that's the problem with any satire, and for the most part, we like it when satire is subtle and pointed and closer to the reality of the situation (for example, some of the best The Onion articles, you can actually see happening), hence Tyler Durden's message being appealing and somewhat sensible to those with similar feelings of frustration towards a boxed society. What you're saying sounds more like you think the film should've been more obvious so as not to muddle its intention, which would lessen its impact as satire.

[ledfloyd]

But that's the problem with any satire, and for the most part, we like it when satire is subtle and pointed and closer to the reality of the situation (for example, some of the best The Onion articles, you can actually see happening), hence Tyler Durden's message being appealing and somewhat sensible to those with similar feelings of frustration towards a boxed society. What you're saying sounds more like you think the film should've been more obvious so as not to muddle its intention, which would lessen its impact as satire.
that's true and i agree. i just don't feel like the end works.

[Qrazy]

Riffing on what Number8 said I actually think it's critical that the character is charismatic and seductive. The film thereby shows the allure of solving a complex problem with a simple solution (depressed? destroy society! blow things up!). This isn't the final answer, nor the answer the film finally provides, but it does demonstrate how easy it is to get sucked into such a mentality.

Personally I think there enough problems (with the fight club mentality) raised before the ending, to build successfully up to it (destroying something beautiful, driving off the road, lye on the hand, bob's death, etc). However I do recognize the line Fincher is walking here and that some may feel he falls over it. I have certainly felt this way about other directors who straddle a similar line in their films.

[Spun Lepton]

that's true and i agree. i just don't feel like the end works.

The Narrator takes control of his life, which was the message that was hammered on throughout. It's good closure to his character arch.

[MadMan]

A year ago I wrote a review of Fight Club which sidestepped its rather obvious psychological and social issues and focused on the fact that I feel it also touches on the mind of a terrorist/want a be freedom fighter of sorts. Its sitting somewhere in my Yahoo e-mail account, and I never bothered to actually post it, as since then I'm not sure its really accurate or even worthwhile.

Anyways, great movie. The first time I saw it I was blown away, but only after another viewing did I give it a 100. The latest viewing convinced me that a brilliant movie. I can understand though why some don't care for it, but I find it receives less hate then say, The Usual Suspects.

[balmakboor]

There's an interesting piece out there comparing Fight Club to Calvin & Hobbes.

http://metaphilm.com/index.php/detail/fight_club/

[[ETM]]

There's an interesting piece out there comparing Fight Club to Calvin & Hobbes.

http://metaphilm.com/index.php/detail/fight_club/

The forced continuity of the two stories is unnecessary, it would have worked better as a straight comparison. Still, good points.

[B-side]

Please tell me I'm not the only one excited for Law Abiding Citizen?

Shit's gonna be biblical.

[B-side]

Something is compelling me to dismiss Whatever Works as ridiculously hollow and without a hint of imagination. But something else is compelling me to enjoy it as an exorcism of our inner demons. Boris is pretty much cynicism incarnate, and his endless spiels of non-sensical blathering are hardly enjoyable, but his character's exaggerated nature seems so readily acknowledged by Allen that it's hard to take him seriously at all. I'm not sure I've seen an Allen character so clearly a proxy for him to expel his most hateful thoughts. Wood is sexy as hell, and she's really charming in it, and she's even charming when she's reciting Boris' uber-cynicism 101 talking points. The give and take in that relationship of cynicism being traded for acceptance is fun. Two moments were relatively poignant, and neither involved Boris. The first was the scene where Boris' friend talks with Marietta and praises her photography. That one is less resonant than the scene near the end where John talks to the gay guy in the bar. That part was probably the only scene in the film where I felt somewhat involved in one of the characters' lives. Basically, the film benefitted from Boris not being on screen.

[Boner M]

I wasn't as thrilled about this, but I did enjoy it. I went from pretty much loving it to being fairly indifferent once the women in the middle segment left town to go stay at that other house, and that portion of the segment took up so much of the film. I'd have preferred Ophuls gave more time to the bookend segments. Some of the shots were awesome.Hmm, I'd have to disagree there. Outside of the masked man's dance near the beginning, I think the countryside scenes are the strongest, and the portion of the film where the the central themes of the cost of pleasure and spectacle resonate the strongest; even the cute little digression involving the dude selling the women garters on the train feels totally of a piece in this light. The scenes of the women weeping in the church at the choir children - the reminder of their lost purity, or perhaps because the pageantry on display reminds them of their own firmly designated social positions? - are simply masterful. I think my only problem with the film is that I'm not really sure the whole thing needed to be a triptych given that the middle section is rich enough - in particular, the opening story seems like a no-brainer idea for the premise of an entire individual feature.

[B-side]

Hmm, I'd have to disagree there. Outside of the masked man's dance near the beginning, I think the countryside scenes are the strongest, and the portion of the film where the the central themes of the cost of pleasure and spectacle resonate the strongest; even the cute little digression involving the dude selling the women garters on the train feels totally of a piece in this light. The scenes of the women weeping in the church at the choir children - the reminder of their lost purity, or perhaps because the pageantry on display reminds them of their own firmly designated social positions? - are simply masterful. I think my only problem with the film is that I'm not really sure the whole thing needed to be a triptych given that the middle section is rich enough - in particular, the opening story seems like a no-brainer idea for the premise of an entire individual feature.

Yeah, I can see it. Something about the virtuosity of the bookend segments grabbed me most, though. The middle segment felt strongest when enforcing the theme of a forbidden world behind closed doors that these women operated in. They were happy, and in complete control, which I found to be pretty cool as a feminist bit. Then they went out to the country and were rendered caricatures of spoiled, shallow, possession-hungry women.

[StanleyK]

The Draughtsman's Contract was pretty good; I certainly prefer its master long shots over the frenzied, split-second editing of The Pillow Book. I'm going to watch 8½ Women next, and then maybe Prospero's Books.

[balmakboor]

The Draughtsman's Contract was pretty good; I certainly prefer its master long shots over the frenzied, split-second editing of The Pillow Book. I'm going to watch 8½ Women next, and then maybe Prospero's Books.

Make sure to see Drowning by Numbers if you can.

[Grouchy]

Verhoeven's Dutch-era Spetters is one weird movie. It's sort of like an Almodóvar melodrama set in the world of motorcross racing. We have sex, love triangles, rape, fanatic Christian parents, boys getting out of the closet, suicides and gang violence, all in a little under two hours. The plot is too ludicrous to be taken seriouly and yet somehow its camp nature makes it work. The girl protagonist, the same one as in The Fourth Man, has a very special kind of allure that I like. These kind of movies make me wonder why some filmmakers decide to leave their home countries and go Hollywood. Despite his great works like Starship Troopers and Robocop, there is something very local about this film that, I think, would have made Verhoeven a much more distinctive filmmaker worldwide.

[Qrazy]

Verhoeven's Dutch-era Spetters is one weird movie. It's sort of like an Almodóvar melodrama set in the world of motorcross racing. We have sex, love triangles, rape, fanatic Christian parents, boys getting out of the closet, suicides and gang violence, all in a little under two hours. The plot is too ludicrous to be taken seriouly and yet somehow its camp nature makes it work. The girl protagonist, the same one as in The Fourth Man, has a very special kind of allure that I like. These kind of movies make me wonder why some filmmakers decide to leave their home countries and go Hollywood. Despite his great works like Starship Troopers and Robocop, there is something very local about this film that, I think, would have made Verhoeven a much more distinctive filmmaker worldwide.

Have you had a chance to catch Soldier of Orange yet?

[Qrazy]

The Draughtsman's Contract was pretty good; I certainly prefer its master long shots over the frenzied, split-second editing of The Pillow Book. I'm going to watch 8½ Women next, and then maybe Prospero's Books.

Judging by your reactions to his films, which so far are in line with my own, I'd really recommend A Zed and Two Naughts over Prospero's Books.

[balmakboor]

Judging by your reactions to his films, which so far are in line with my own, I'd really recommend A Zed and Two Naughts over Prospero's Books.

Unless, of course, you suffer from Molluscophobia.

[Qrazy]

Unless, of course, you suffer from Molluscophobia.

Indeed, or Seplophobia.

[Grouchy]

Have you had a chance to catch Soldier of Orange yet?
No, but I want to see that and Turkish Delight.

[Qrazy]

No, but I want to see that and Turkish Delight.

They're definitely my favorites. But try to get the extended version of Soldier of Orange.

[StanleyK]

Judging by your reactions to his films, which so far are in line with my own, I'd really recommend A Zed and Two Naughts over Prospero's Books.

A Zed & Two Noughts is supposed to be his masterpiece, right? I usually try to leave the best for last, so I'll likely watch the rest of his filmography first.

[Qrazy]

A Zed & Two Noughts is supposed to be his masterpiece, right? I usually try to leave the best for last, so I'll likely watch the rest of his filmography first.

Bah. I usually save the worst for last. I prefer to watch the best films from a director initially and then systematically go down their works from what are purported to be the best to the worst. That way I don't waste my time with stuff I won't like and for the most part I'll only finish a director's filmography if I really love their work. If I see a film that is supposed to be middle tier in their work and I find it to be horrible crap, I won't watch the films that are supposed to be even worse than that.

[Bosco B Thug]

Bah. I usually save the worst for last. I prefer to watch the best films from a director initially and then systematically go down their works from what are purported to be the best to the worst. That way I don't waste my time with stuff I won't like and for the most part I'll only finish a director's filmography if I really love their work. If I see a film that is supposed to be middle tier in their work and I find it to be horrible crap, I won't watch the films that are supposed to be even worse than that. Plus, on the non-grouchy side of things (;)), seeing the filmmaker's best work first really can help you appreciate and enjoy the more flawed work of that person.

[Qrazy]

Plus, on the non-grouchy side of things (;)), seeing the filmmaker's best work first really can help you appreciate and enjoy the more flawed work of that person.

Definitely, sometimes even if a film in it's totality isn't great there are a number of great elements in there. I also enjoy scouting for cross thematic and aesthetic similarities in a director's filmography.

[StanleyK]

I have the unfortunate compulsion to complete the filmography of some directors, even ones I don't think are great. Keeping the best one for last at least won't leave a sour aftertaste.

[number8]

Everybody breathe a sigh of relief. I refrained from sexually assaulting John Woo today.

[Scar]

Everybody breathe a sigh of relief. I refrained from sexually assaulting John Woo today.

You mean I won't get to see you on the news?

:sad:

[Qrazy]

I have the unfortunate compulsion to complete the filmography of some directors, even ones I don't think are great. Keeping the best one for last at least won't leave a sour aftertaste.

I can see where you're coming from. I have a few directors whose filmographies I'm probably going to finish up and I only have their weaker efforts left so I'm in no hurry to complete them.

[Qrazy]

Everybody breathe a sigh of relief. I refrained from sexually assaulting John Woo today.

I watched A Better Tomorrow a little while ago. It has a few moments but it's such a mess. The first third of the film in particular is all over the place. Why do you like it so much?

[number8]

I'll tell you something funny, though. I was stuck in a roundtable with another journalist who I know and cool with, and two guys from a local Christian production company—one I am quite familiar with.

Their church is run by a pentecostal madman who wasted millions of dollars of church money to bankroll a Christian sci-fi fantasy epic that was never completed. The minister—who, get this, never even seen a single movie until he was 40—wrote and directed the film based on a "message" he "received from God." They shot on 70mm film in fucking Italy without knowing what they were doing and not a single shot was usable. Then they rented out a hangar for a production company in my neighborhood, owned by the Naval base, and never paid rent. They were evicted and sued by the city of San Francisco.

I didn't tell them my opinion because they were pretty cool dudes and turns out they're fans of JustPressPlay. So I was like, hey, all right.

But then they started asking John Woo questions like if he's a Christian and how Christ affects the way he makes his movies. When Woo says he's spiritual even though he makes graphically violent movies, they were like, "It's okay, the Bible is violent too!" in this creepy excited voice.

And then at the end of the interview, they asked to bless John Woo. He graciously agreed, so they held his hand, bowed their heads and started saying a prayer out loud, asking Jesus to bless Woo and his movies and future productions.

Me and the other dude were just exchanging looks.

[number8]

I watched A Better Tomorrow a little while ago. It has a few moments but it's such a mess. The first third of the film in particular is all over the place. Why do you like it so much?

It has a lot to do with the tone of the movie, which is half gritty violence and half OTT melodrama. I know it's structurally weak, but the film guides itself from scene to scene based on this heightened brotherly romance, and it's just great. It's Douglas Sirk plus a thousand bullets. I also love the performances so much. Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung and Ti Lung are just fantastic here.

[Qrazy]

It has a lot to do with the tone of the movie, which is half gritty violence and half OTT melodrama. I know it's structurally weak, but the film guides itself from scene to scene based on this heightened brotherly romance, and it's just great. It's Douglas Sirk plus a thousand bullets. I also love the performances so much. Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung and Ti Lung are just fantastic here.

Yeah, I can see it. Chow Yun Fat's moments grabbed me most.

[megladon8]

The rice thing in A Better Tomorrow II is one of the stupidest things ever.

[balmakboor]

A Zed & Two Noughts is supposed to be his masterpiece, right? I usually try to leave the best for last, so I'll likely watch the rest of his filmography first.

Oh, I don't know. I personally like The Cook, The Thief, Drowning by Numbers, The Falls, and Vertical Features Remake better. Zed is pretty damn good though.

[Scar]

The rice thing in A Better Tomorrow II is one of the stupidest things ever.

If by stupid you mean awesome, then yes, yes it is.

[megladon8]

On the DVD for Splinter there's a trailer for some German Kill Bill spoof, and it has quite possibly the greatest line of dialogue I've ever heard.

A guy and girl are lying in bed together and...

GIRL: I feel like there's something special between us.

GUY: Relax! It's just my big dick!

[Spun Lepton]

On the DVD for Splinter there's a trailer for some German Kill Bill spoof, and it has quite possibly the greatest line of dialogue I've ever heard.

A guy and girl are lying in bed together and...

GIRL: I feel like there's something special between us.

GUY: Relax! It's just my big dick!

Oh, those Germans and their rapier wit. :|

[Sycophant]

If by stupid you mean awesome, then yes, yes it is.

Yeah, cinema was pretty much invented so that scene could exist. Everything since then has just been excess.

[Ezee E]

Watching Atonement again, and it's as bad as I remember. There is a good movie, but it's all in the scenes with Kiera Knightley and that timeline.

[Rowland]

Alright, enough with the numbers for awhile.

[Derek]

Alright, enough with the numbers for awhile.

You must find a replacement before you leave the pack. I nominate Qrazy whose 100+ straight B's or C's just begs for a scale that doesn't leave me thinking he kinda but not really likes every goddamn film he sees.

[lovejuice]

I watched A Better Tomorrow a little while ago. It has a few moments but it's such a mess. The first third of the film in particular is all over the place. Why do you like it so much?
8 already answered your question that the film is a mixture of many conflicting elements. take the three male leads: Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung and Ti Lung. each exists in his own sphere with his own story and even moral.

Yun-Fat is an egotistical gangster whose main purpose in life is to be cool and manly. When he's at its center stage, the movie takes on quite a different tone as when Lung does. Unlike many people, I take Lung to be the main protagonist. (that the film has three, and all are of equal importance is already a great achievement by itself.) Lung's story is of redemption and atonement. When Lung and Yun-Fat are in the same scene, you have this dynamics between characters who don't believe the same thing but are both woo's mouthpieces. And then there is Cheung, whose story is yet another of forgiving and trying to build a family. not an easy task since the man he has idolized since childhood is now behind the bar and is the cause of his father's death.

consider that action genre is always in need of a new material, it surprises me not many people make movies about an ex-convicted. (only other i can think of is van damme's nowhere to run. :P) after all these years, the story remains refreshingly original.

[B-side]

I'm digging this Akerman chick so far.

[Qrazy]

You must find a replacement before you leave the pack. I nominate Qrazy whose 100+ straight B's or C's just begs for a scale that doesn't leave me thinking he kinda but not really likes every goddamn film he sees.

Haha, well it would be the same for me on any other scale. My average rating would be between ** and ***1/2 stars. I don't see that many movies I outright dislike nor many that I think are incredible. Some of my B+'s could probably be A-'s though and some of my C-'s could probably be D+'s.

[EyesWideOpen]

Haha, well it would be the same for me on any other scale. My average rating would be between ** and ***1/2 stars. I don't see that many movies I outright dislike nor many that I think are incredible. Some of my B+'s could probably be A-'s though and some of my C-'s could probably be D+'s.

Did you see they are finally releasing Tora-San movies in the US? The first boxset which contains the first four films comes out in november. Pretty pricey though, its $80.

[Grouchy]

I'll tell you something funny, though. I was stuck in a roundtable with another journalist who I know and cool with, and two guys from a local Christian production company—one I am quite familiar with.

Their church is run by a pentecostal madman who wasted millions of dollars of church money to bankroll a Christian sci-fi fantasy epic that was never completed. The minister—who, get this, never even seen a single movie until he was 40—wrote and directed the film based on a "message" he "received from God." They shot on 70mm film in fucking Italy without knowing what they were doing and not a single shot was usable. Then they rented out a hangar for a production company in my neighborhood, owned by the Naval base, and never paid rent. They were evicted and sued by the city of San Francisco.

I didn't tell them my opinion because they were pretty cool dudes and turns out they're fans of JustPressPlay. So I was like, hey, all right.

But then they started asking John Woo questions like if he's a Christian and how Christ affects the way he makes his movies. When Woo says he's spiritual even though he makes graphically violent movies, they were like, "It's okay, the Bible is violent too!" in this creepy excited voice.

And then at the end of the interview, they asked to bless John Woo. He graciously agreed, so they held his hand, bowed their heads and started saying a prayer out loud, asking Jesus to bless Woo and his movies and future productions.

Me and the other dude were just exchanging looks.
Hahahah awesome. I would've just burst out laughing.

[Qrazy]

Did you see they are finally releasing Tora-San movies in the US? The first boxset which contains the first four films comes out in november. Pretty pricey though, its $80.

Hadn't heard, thanks for the heads up. Four for 80 though? Yikes... the internet is my friend. :) But that's great that they're finally being released. I'm curious if the series would build up a fan base over here.

[eternity]

But then they started asking John Woo questions like if he's a Christian and how Christ affects the way he makes his movies. When Woo says he's spiritual even though he makes graphically violent movies, they were like, "It's okay, the Bible is violent too!" in this creepy excited voice.

And then at the end of the interview, they asked to bless John Woo. He graciously agreed, so they held his hand, bowed their heads and started saying a prayer out loud, asking Jesus to bless Woo and his movies and future productions.

Me and the other dude were just exchanging looks.
That is golden. That is just golden.

[Ezee E]

I'm digging this Akerman chick so far.
As a legit talent or a hot actress?

[balmakboor]

As a legit talent or a hot actress?

Is she an actress?

[Raiders]

As a legit talent or a hot actress?


... he's talking about Chantal, not Malin.

[ledfloyd]

Is she an actress?
he's confusing malin and chantal.

[Ezee E]

Phew.

[Raiders]

Phew.

Hey, you can never be too sure if someone is confused or being facetious on the internet.

[B-side]

Malin Akerman's a babe, but I wouldn't know anything about her acting skills. I don't remember much of Watchmen, and that's my only experience with her acting-wise.

[Boner M]

Speaking of Akerman, this is coming in January...

http://criterion_production.s3.amazon aws.com/release_images/2509/AkermanBox.jpg

:pritch:

[Raiders]

:pritch:

Indeed.

[B-side]

That was the announcement that kicked off my Akerman viewings, actually.

[Boner M]

Indeed.
I rate News From Home higher than Jeanne Dielman, and Rendez-vous roughly equal to it, and I don't think I'll be alone on that once the former and latter are more widely seen.

[Qrazy]

I've seen New From Home. I give it a B-. Maybe a B.

[Raiders]

I've seen New From Home. I give it a B-. Maybe a B.

Naturally.

[Qrazy]

Naturally.

Did you like my joke?

[B-side]

I'm worried News from Home may contain minor elements of ham.

[Boner M]

I'm worried News from Home may contain minor elements of ham.
Considering that many of the passer-by's look into the camera, and that NYC is the world capital of ham-acting, I am happy to report that the ham elements are kept miraculously below minor.

[B-side]

Considering that many of the passer-by's look into the camera, and that NYC is the world capital of ham-acting, I am happy to report that the ham elements are kept miraculously below minor.

Good news!:lol:

[Qrazy]

Recent Acquisitions:

Carandiru
Sympathy for the Underdog (Fukasaku)
Lemonade Joe (Lipsky)
Sunday Bloody Sunday (Schlesinger)
Goodbye Pork Pie (Murphy)
Ga, Ga, Glory to the Heroes (Szulkin)
Shuffle (Ishii)
The Swimmer
Journey on the Plain (Tarr)
A Tree of Palme
I'm All Right Jack
The Fugitive Kind (Lumet)

[B-side]

Recent Acquisitions:

Carandiru
Sympathy for the Underdog (Fukasaku)
Lemonade Joe (Lipsky)
Sunday Bloody Sunday (Schlesinger)
Goodbye Pork Pie (Murphy)
Ga, Ga, Glory to the Heroes (Szulkin)
Shuffle (Ishii)
The Swimmer
Journey on the Plain (Tarr)
A Tree of Palme
I'm All Right Jack
The Fugitive Kind (Lumet)

I've seen all of these, and not one is worth watching.

I kid. I haven't seen any of them.

[soitgoes...]

Recent Acquisitions:

Sympathy for the Underdog (Fukasaku)
Lemonade Joe (Lipsky)
The Fugitive Kind (Lumet)
Good stuff. I'd probably put them in that order of preference too.

[B-side]

so it goes... he leaves with barely a trace... :(

[B-side]

Anyone seen anything else from Kalatozov besides I Am Cuba?

[Winston*]

Goodbye Pork Pie is quality but I don't think you'll like it.

[soitgoes...]

Anyone seen anything else from Kalatozov besides I Am Cuba?

I've seen three of his films, none of which was I Am Cuba. All three (Salt for Svanetia, The Cranes Are Flying and The Letter That Was Never Sent) are varying degrees of great.

[B-side]

I've seen three of his films, none of which was I Am Cuba. All three (Salt for Svanetia, The Cranes Are Flying and The Letter That Was Never Sent) are varying degrees of great.

Ooh. Nice. I downloaded Salt for Svanetia tonight, actually. Sounds quite interesting formally.

[Ezee E]

Carandiru was alright-good. Don't really remember anything though.

[StanleyK]

I've seen The Cranes Are Flying and I Am Cuba, both masterpieces (although I would've preferred it if the latter didn't have such a horrible russian dub).

[Qrazy]

Goodbye Pork Pie is quality but I don't think you'll like it.

I liked The Quiet Earth somewhat. Didn't love it, but I liked it.

[Qrazy]

Good stuff. I'd probably put them in that order of preference too.

I just took a sneak peak of Lemonade Joe. Looks quality.

[chrisnu]

The Fugitive Kind (Lumet)
:cool: Definitely not a perfect movie, but I like its style.

[Qrazy]

:cool: Definitely not a perfect movie, but I like its style.

Yeah I'm expecting to like it. I've seen 7 or 8 Lumet's and either liked or loved all of them.

[lovejuice]

wright's pride & prejudice is endearing. faithful to the text, while he tiptoes around controvertial/anachronistic points very well. quite a task fitting that book within two hour mark. (for a comparison, lee's Sense and Sensibility is 136 minutes.) never been her fan, but knightley does a fine job, so is macfadyen. and jena malone is a babe.

wright needs to stick to adapting literatures. we need someone like that. and while i'm not a big fan of atonement, that book is notoriously hard to film.

[soitgoes...]

Ooh. Nice. I downloaded Salt for Svanetia tonight, actually. Sounds quite interesting formally.It is his most interesting film that I've seen. A pseudo-documentary that breaks out into full on Communist propaganda with ten minutes left. If you end up liking it, check out Joris Ivens' New Earth which has a somewhat similar feel and structure, and is also exceptional.

[balmakboor]

Four things:

Innocence Unprotected is a fantastic film. Certainly as good as if not better than WR and Sweet Movie. Can't wait to see Love Affair next.

My wife and I loved Bright Star today. Not as strange as Sweetie or The Piano, but still pretty damn good.

My niece in Seattle said Where The Wild Things Are is her new favorite movie.

She also said that Paranormal Activity is the best and scariest horror film she's ever seen. She's 18 and planning to go to film school next year.

[The Mike]

She also said that Paranormal Activity is the best and scariest horror film she's ever seen. She's 18 and planning to go to film school next year.
I'd never say best horror film, but I'm considering agreeing on scariest.

Before anyone asks, yes, they're different things.

[balmakboor]

I'd never say best horror film, but I'm considering agreeing on scariest.

Before anyone asks, yes, they're different things.

That would be worth debating some time. Along with whether best and funniest comedy are the same or different.

[B-side]

It is his most interesting film that I've seen. A pseudo-documentary that breaks out into full on Communist propaganda with ten minutes left. If you end up liking it, check out Joris Ivens' New Earth which has a somewhat similar feel and structure, and is also exceptional.

Noted. Thanks.:)

[The Mike]

That would be worth debating some time. Along with whether best and funniest comedy are the same or different.Yeah, I should have added an in my opinion there.

My example here would be that, while the movie scared me thoroughly, I don't know how I'd ever say it's a more well-rounded achievement than many other horror films. I'll never enjoy it more than Halloween, for example.

[balmakboor]

Yeah, I should have added an in my opinion there.

My example here would be that, while the movie scared me thoroughly, I don't know how I'd ever say it's a more well-rounded achievement than many other horror films. I'll never enjoy it more than Halloween, for example.

I mean, I respect and understand your opinion. It's kind of like how I consider Dr. Strangelove to be the best comedy ever, but certainly not the funniest. I've never laughed harder than while watching The Gods Must Be Crazy.

But then I wonder, since the whole point of comedy is to make people laugh, why not consider The Gods Must Be Crazy as the best comedy ever?

The same line of thinking also applies to horror films, films designed to scare people.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I mean, I respect and understand your opinion. It's kind of like how I consider Dr. Strangelove to be the best comedy ever, but certainly not the funniest. I've never laughed harder than while watching The Gods Must Be Crazy.

Or you could compromise with Ghostbusters, which is both the best and funniest comedy ever made.

[Grouchy]

I mean, I respect and understand your opinion. It's kind of like how I consider Dr. Strangelove to be the best comedy ever, but certainly not the funniest. I've never laughed harder than while watching The Gods Must Be Crazy.

But then I wonder, since the whole point of comedy is to make people laugh, why not consider The Gods Must Be Crazy as the best comedy ever?

The same line of thinking also applies to horror films, films designed to scare people.
My tentative answer would be: because artistic achievement and entertainment value are two different things.

[Derek]

But then I wonder, since the whole point of comedy is to make people laugh, why not consider The Gods Must Be Crazy as the best comedy ever?

Because making people laugh doesn't have to be the whole point of a comedy?

[MadMan]

My Top 10 thread has already featured the only two comedies on that list. One is equal parts slapstick, gag jokes, and well executed moments that are quite funny. The other is a sharp satire that, while funny, is more entertaining and bitting, and those elements are on the whole a tad more satisifying. I love satire, sarcasm, stupid comedy, slapstick, cheaky Monty Python style comedy....in general, it and the western are the two genres I go the most easiest on. Followed probably by horror and action movies.

[Derek]

To expand a bit on the above in re: to comedy/horror/drama as laugh/scare/tear generator, I don't want to deny that at least a certain amount of skill and talent is involved in making those happen. However, I find for a film to really scare me or move me emotionally, it has to be doing something right either formally or narratively to draw me in to a degree necessary for me to experience those emotions. On the other hand, it doesn't take much to make me laugh, so perhaps that's why I don't place as much value as some solely in a comedy's ability to humor me. Show me a cat playing a keyboard or falling off a tv and you'll at least get me to chuckle ferchrissakes.

[Watashi]

Like I said earlier in the thread, I rarely laugh out loud... at all during movies.

When I see people dying of laughter uncontrollably at mediocre humor, it really bothers me.

That's just me, of course.

[Watashi]

No wait... scratch that... I laughed pretty hard when I watched Troll 2.

[Derek]

Like I said earlier in the thread, I rarely laugh out loud... at all during movies.

When I see people dying of laughter uncontrollably at mediocre humor, it really bothers me.

That's just me, of course.

I can say with confidence that the most depressing experience of 2009 for me was when a theater full of people couldn't stop laughing at the trailer for Old Dogs.

[Watashi]

People were laughing at that the trailer for that god-awful movie with Jackie Chan and.... Billy Ray Cyrus.

[Qrazy]

I'm worried News from Home may contain minor elements of ham.

You realize News From Home was one of the next film swap recs soitgoes gave you right?

[B-side]

You realize News From Home was one of the next film swap recs soitgoes gave you right?

I do.

[Qrazy]

I do.

Ah.

[B-side]

It is his most interesting film that I've seen. A pseudo-documentary that breaks out into full on Communist propaganda with ten minutes left. If you end up liking it, check out Joris Ivens' New Earth which has a somewhat similar feel and structure, and is also exceptional.

OK, so Salt for Svanetia was terrific. As much as that last 10 mins is pure propaganda, it's also insanely stirring and has some of the best editing in the film. If it weren't for it dragging a bit around the middle, we'd probably be looking at as high a score as a 90. It's easily better than any Eisenstein film I've seen. I'm downloading Nail in the Boot from Kalatozov, and New Earth per your recommendation.

[soitgoes...]

OK, so Salt for Svanetia was terrific. As much as that last 10 mins is pure propaganda, it's also insanely stirring and has some of the best editing in the film. If it weren't for it dragging a bit around the middle, we'd probably be looking at as high a score as a 90. It's easily better than any Eisenstein film I've seen. I'm downloading Nail in the Boot from Kalatozov, and New Earth per your recommendation.

The last ten minutes make the film. It is what separates it from everything else I've seen. It's so jarring.

I'm interested in Nail in the Boot, but I really want to wait for subs. I wish more of his stuff was available. I Am Cuba is one of my biggest oversights. One day...

[B-side]

The last ten minutes make the film. It is what separates it from everything else I've seen. It's so jarring.

I'm interested in Nail in the Boot, but I really want to wait for subs. I wish more of his stuff was available. I Am Cuba is one of my biggest oversights. One day...

Salt for Svanetia clicked with me like no Eisenstein film has. I love Eisenstein's films on paper, and bits and pieces of them in action, but they never came together as a whole like Salt for Svanetia did. Someone posted the English transcript to the intertitles for Nail in the Boot, so I'll just check those out. Obviously, I'd prefer subs, but I don't know that I have the patience to wait until someone finally makes the subs from that transcript. I Am Cuba is good stuff. The handheld camera work is virtuosic.

[Ezee E]

I can say with confidence that the most depressing experience of 2009 for me was when a theater full of people couldn't stop laughing at the trailer for Old Dogs.
Oh man. I was embarassed for the preview, and then I heard a couple behind me, "That looks good."

Really?

[MadMan]

For now, I find the trailer for Old Dogs to actually be funny. But I'm sure once the nasty, soul crushing reviews come in I'll probably pass.

[kuehnepips]

Alright, enough with the numbers for awhile.

Good. I'll never understand such "ratings" anyway.

[baby doll]

So I finally got around to seeing Georges Franju's Judex remake. It's maybe a little over-plotted, but that's hardly surprising given that the original is a good three hours longer. It's surprisingly faithful to Feuillade's film, at least in terms of plotting if not style. If it's not as good as that film, then it's only the second greatest super-hero movie ever made, and a thousand times more pleasurable than a piece of dreck like The Dark Knight or Iron Man.

[Derek]

For now, I find the trailer for Old Dogs to actually be funny. But I'm sure once the nasty, soul crushing reviews come in I'll probably pass.

This news saddens me greatly.

[EyesWideOpen]

For now, I find the trailer for Old Dogs to actually be funny. But I'm sure once the nasty, soul crushing reviews come in I'll probably pass.

As long as you don't find The Tooth Fairy trailer funny your still alright with me. I've now seen the trailer in theaters three times now and every time the crowd went wild, it was disgusting.

[Winston*]

I saw In The Loop. I have come to realise that showing angry Scottish people swearing a lot is the apex of what cinema can do.

[Adam]

Yes, angry Scots cursing is the apex; followed very closely by extended montages of Peter Capaldi running like a crazed gazelle around DC

[Philosophe_rouge]

Weren't the Scottish engines on Thomas the Tank Engine also quite angry and terrifying?

[megladon8]

I didn't find The Gods Must Be Crazy funny. At all. It's annoying.

I rarely laugh out loud when I'm watching a movie on my own, but in a theatre or with others at home, I can laugh pretty hard.

[Winston*]

Weren't the Scottish engines on Thomas the Tank Engine also quite angry and terrifying?

All Scottish males are unnecessarily angry. It's in the national condition. Trains included.

[Sycophant]

The rhino gag is in The Gods Must Be Crazy may be one of my favorite running jokes in any movie. Love that shit. Most the rest of the movie, I can take or leave.

I laugh a lot--at home, in a theater, with friends, whatever. I'm a laugher.

[BuffaloWilder]

If it's not as good as that film, then it's only the second greatest super-hero movie ever made, and a thousand times more pleasurable than a piece of dreck like The Dark Knight or Iron Man.

No, this saddens me.

[EyesWideOpen]

I've decided for a project I'm gonna watch through the Disney "list" in order. I've already run into the roadblock that 4 of the first 12 aren't available from netflix (Fantasia, Dumbo, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Cinderella). I know the blockbuster by me carries Dumbo and I've seen multiples of Fantasia on vhs at a local goodwill so I might have to bust out the vcr.

[Qrazy]

I've decided for a project I'm gonna watch through the Disney "list" in order. I've already run into the roadblock that 4 of the first 12 aren't available from netflix (Fantasia, Dumbo, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Cinderella). I know the blockbuster by me carries Dumbo and I've seen multiples of Fantasia on vhs at a local goodwill so I might have to bust out the vcr.

I'm already doing that project so get in the cue.

[MadMan]

No, this saddens me.Its baby doll. What did you expect?


This news saddens me greatly.Heh. Should I consider this an accomplishment? :P


As long as you don't find The Tooth Fairy trailer funny your still alright with me. I've now seen the trailer in theaters three times now and every time the crowd went wild, it was disgusting.Oh no, I think that movie looks awful. The Rock must have been locked into some crappy deal with Disney. He's making bank, probably, but the movies he's making with them all seem terrible.

Also The Gods Must Be Crazy is a delightful and funny comedy. Is it a great movie? No. But it did leave me with a smile on my face.

[Derek]

Heh. Should I consider this an accomplishment? :P

Nothing in relation to the Old Dogs trailer should be viewed as an accomplishment short of erasing it from my memory.

[MadMan]

:lol: Fair enough, fair enough. To counter balance all of this I must note that I find the trailer for The Men Who Stare at Goats to be very funny, and a movie I can't wait to see. If it does indeed come to my area.

[EyesWideOpen]

I'm already doing that project so get in the cue.

I'm gonna try and watch 2 or 3 a week. How far are you in?

[Qrazy]

I'm gonna try and watch 2 or 3 a week. How far are you in?

0 Haha, but I have the first 10. I couldn't decide if I wanted to rewatch everything or just the ones I haven't seen. I think I'm going to rewatch.

[B-side]

baby doll, are you kidcharlemagne on RT?

[Qrazy]

baby doll, are you kidcharlemagne on RT?

No, he's soori something or other.

[B-side]

No, he's soori something or other.

Him too, but kidcharlemagne rates films the exact same way baby doll does.

[B-side]

New Earth wasn't the formal powerhouse Salt for Svanetia was, but it was still rather good. I didn't see it going in the political direction like it did, but that was a potent juxtaposition.

[soitgoes...]

New Earth wasn't the formal powerhouse Salt for Svanetia was, but it was still rather good. I didn't see it going in the political direction like it did, but that was a potent juxtaposition.

Glad you enjoyed it all the same. :)

[B-side]

Glad you enjoyed it all the same. :)

Definitely. Have any other particular favorites from Ivens?

[soitgoes...]

Definitely. Have any other particular favorites from Ivens?
Well Rain defintely, outside of that The Spanish Earth is good. All of his films that follow a narrative have a very left-leaning slant. Not that that is a bad thing, but his films are all very much propaganda. If you want to continue in this vein, and balmakboor will agree, look into Santiago Álvarez's films, especially LBJ and 79 primaveras. LBJ is the best use of propaganda I have seen.

[B-side]

Well Rain defintely, outside of that The Spanish Earth is good. All of his films that follow a narrative have a very left-leaning slant. Not that that is a bad thing, but his films are all very much propaganda. If you want to continue in this vein, and balmakboor will agree, look into Santiago Álvarez's films, especially LBJ and 79 primaveras. LBJ is the best use of propaganda I have seen.

I've seen Rain. I'll look into The Spanish Earth and Alvarez's work. Thanks.

[balmakboor]

I've seen Rain. I'll look into The Spanish Earth and Alvarez's work. Thanks.

I bought the following dvd on a lark some months back and it quickly became my big discovery of the year.

http://www.othercinemadvd.com/al.html

I loved or at least liked every Alvarez film on the disc. He's the sort of talent who can take a still photograph and some music and make a bouncy and engaging film. One thing that really struck me though was how he wouldn't fuss over a film or really consider it as having lasting value beyond the moment. His films were made quickly, usually in a few days, as reactions to current events. He was a very prolific and hardworking film journalist really.

I'm sure he would have been surprised to see people still watching his films in 2009 and beyond. He thought of them as being disposable like newspapers. But, they're just as timely and engaging now as they were in the '60s.

[baby doll]

Him too, but kidcharlemagne rates films the exact same way baby doll does.So does Roger Ebert, although he gave Play Misty for Me four stars, which is simply baffling.

[baby doll]

Random thought of the day: Am I the only one around here who profoundly dislikes watching trailers? I'm pretty sure that having to watch the trailer for Public Enemies so many times last summer is the main thing that kept me from wanting to see it.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Random thought of the day: Am I the only one around here who profoundly dislikes watching trailers? I'm pretty sure that having to watch the trailer for Public Enemies so many times last summer is the main thing that kept me from wanting to see it.

I'd agree with this. Even when they're not plot-heavy spoilers for the film they promote, modern trailers have a mundane, predictable pattern that kills my buzz.

[Qrazy]

I like trailers quite a bit. They get me excited for the upcoming film. When The Fellowship of the Ring trailer came out way back when I was hooked. Ditto the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are more recently.

[balmakboor]

I love trailers that are well done. I hate trailers that give away the plot or have all sorts of loud random music lathered over the top. Kubrick, for one, was a master at creating trailers.

[Rowland]

Has anyone seen Richard Franklin's Road Games? I just rented it from Netflix, hoping not to continue my negative streak.

[number8]

From what I've seen in Not Quite Hollywood, it looks badass.

[ledfloyd]

I'm already doing that project so get in the cue.
i've already done it. i would warn against it. it can get pretty grueling during some stretches.

[lovejuice]

From what I've seen in Not Quite Hollywood, it looks badass.
so did you already post your interview with woo?

[number8]

No, I promised the distributors that I wouldn't run it until next month when the movie's about to come out.

I'll contact them again and ask if I can move it up if it's just the parts unrelated to the film.

[Qrazy]

i've already done it. i would warn against it. it can get pretty grueling during some stretches.

Well I'm definitely going to mix it up, not all at once. Just going to start the project. With all my simultaneous list projects going at once completing them all will probably take another 5 years.

Which were your least favorite films?

[balmakboor]

I admire people who can embark on a project like viewing everything in the Criterion Collection. I just don't have that long of an attention span. What I watch tends to be whatever sounded good at the moment when I lined up my next Netflix rentals.

Btw my W/E:
Goodbye Solo
Pyaasa
From the East
Love Affair, or The Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator

My next 6 movies in my queue are:
Walkabout
Eyes Without a Face
In a Lonely Place
Man Is Not a Bird
Holy Smoke
Drag Me to Hell

No idea if those will still be at the top come next week though.

[Sycophant]

Weekend:

A Serious Man
The Thing from Another World
The Thing (Carpenter rewatch)

Also gonna watch Sugar tonight.

[Sycophant]

If I could get a friend to agree to do this with me, I'd seriously marathon every Takashi Miike film I could get my hands on.

Well, maybe over the course of several days spread across several weeks. But that's an impure form.

[megladon8]

I think a Hitchcock marathon would be really neat, since he went from the silent era right into the mid-'70s.

So many eras - so many styles and enormous world events occurred while he was actively making movies.

I think it could be pretty fascinating stuff.

[Sven]

So many eras - so many styles and enormous world events occurred while he was actively making movies.

Awesome point. I enjoy looking at how a director evolves not just over time, but over events. Like Spielberg's address of 9/11. And how that compares to his address of things like Vietnam and 80s conservativism and things like that.

[The Mike]

Has anyone seen Richard Franklin's Road Games? I just rented it from Netflix, hoping not to continue my negative streak.I have, and am a big fan of it. Franklin's a big Hitchcock fan, and it shows through. Stacy Keach is at his best. Great ending. Not a cinematic marvel, but a fun movie.

[Lucky]

It's refreshing to find a movie that reminds you you are human. Dear Zachary explores basic pillars of humanity -- error, death, love, and passion -- with raw, unapologetic force. You'll run the gamut of emotions with this one and at the end feel all the more alive for it.

[Qrazy]

Yeah that's the main reason I started the Tora-san series. It's mostly the same cast in a series spanning decades with the same director. I'd like to see if there's much of an aesthetic/thematic shift over the years. Plus there were roughly two films made every year so there's no loss of coverage.

[Boner M]

I have, and am a big fan of it. Franklin's a big Hitchcock fan, and it shows through. Stacy Keach is at his best. Great ending. Not a cinematic marvel, but a fun movie.
Agreed w/ all of this.

[B-side]

So does Roger Ebert, although he gave Play Misty for Me four stars, which is simply baffling.

I meant in the consensus threads, but I suppose you've already answered my question.

[lovejuice]

watch The Treasure of the Sierra Madre for the first time. can't say that i become a fan. the first one and a half hour is fantastic. a wild west adventure with a psychological triller thrown in for good measure. it's only the last half an hour that, i think, the movie starts to fall apart. when it becomes obvious who is a good and a bad guy. when dobb starts soliloquying and doing that mad man laugh. when random events seem to pile upon them.

never watch any huston's film before either. i am still impressed enough to seek out more.

[Boner M]

I need to post more thoughts about movies sometime soon. Seems my only purpose here recently is for...

WEEKEND VIEWINGS

O Sangue (Costa)
We Won't Grow Old Together (Pialat)
Destiny (Lang)
The Age of Innocence (rpt)

Latter two are theatre viewings.

[Dead & Messed Up]

watch The Treasure of the Sierra Madre for the first time. can't say that i become a fan. the first one and a half hour is fantastic. a wild west adventure with a psychological triller thrown in for good measure. it's only the last half an hour that, i think, the movie starts to fall apart. when it becomes obvious who is a good and a bad guy. when dobb starts soliloquying and doing that mad man laugh. when random events seem to pile upon them.

never watch any huston's film before either. i am still impressed enough to seek out more.

The monologuing at the end is stupendous. That's when I realized the huge gulf between Dobbs and the other two characters. He's deeply interesting, and they're kinda blah.

[lovejuice]

The monologuing at the end is stupendous. That's when I realized the huge gulf between Dobbs and the other two characters. He's deeply interesting, and they're kinda blah.
why do you think he's deeply interesting? he seems to me like a typical villain. can't even say he's a man driven mad by greed since he has never shown any particular goodness in himself.

but i kinda agree with your last statement since i like it better during the first hour when it seems like any of the guys can be over the edge. this one scene in the night tent even seems to suggest that howard might actually drive the other two against each other all along.

[B-side]

LBJ.

THAT, my friends, is how you do propaganda.

[soitgoes...]

LBJ.

THAT, my friends, is how you do propaganda.

Yup.

[number8]

Pretty sure I would get around to seeing more movies if I would actually allow myself to stop in the middle and finish later. But I don't. Anyone else feel the same way? When I'm about to put on a DVD, I would always check the running time before starting, then check the clock, and calculate to see if I have enough free time that day/night to watch the whole movie in one sitting. If not, I refuse to start it and I'd put it off for the next day. It kinda sucks when you have 2 hours of free time before having to go somewhere and the movie you want to watch is 2.5 hours long.

[balmakboor]

Pretty sure I would get around to seeing more movies if I would actually allow myself to stop in the middle and finish later. But I don't. Anyone else feel the same way? When I'm about to put on a DVD, I would always check the running time before starting, then check the clock, and calculate to see if I have enough free time that day/night to watch the whole movie in one sitting. If not, I refuse to start it and I'd put it off for the next day. It kinda sucks when you have 2 hours of free time before having to go somewhere and the movie you want to watch is 2.5 hours long.

Yeh, I figure it'll be another 15 or 20 years before I finally have time for Satantango. I hear though that by 2025 they will have perfected a way to watch movies while you sleep. I can't wait.

[balmakboor]

When I'm about to put on a DVD, I would always check the running time before starting, then check the clock, and calculate to see if I have enough free time that day/night to watch the whole movie in one sitting. If not, I refuse to start it and I'd put it off for the next day.

Truthfully, I start movies all the time in the evening fully knowing I won't finish them. Just last night I popped in Chantal Akerman's From the East just to take a quick look and ended up watching it for about 45 minutes. I'll probably just start again from the beginning tonight or tomorrow night.

By the way, I was totally loving From the East. Akerman is awesome.

[balmakboor]

I saw Love Affair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator last night. It's every bit as good as W.R., but not quite as ambitious. It almost looks like a rough draft of W.R.

[Raiders]

Just sent in my demand that there be an Eclipse box set with the only three remaining Murnau titles not available on R1 DVD: City Girl (seen it, love it), Burning Soil and The Dark Road.

[MadMan]

number8 I agree about the problem of finding time to watch an entire movie, and that I too check the running times of movies when I rent them. It does actually figure into my decision as to whether or not to pick a movie.

At the same time, I'm reminded of how back in high school it took my dad and I a couple of weeks to watch Jaffee's "The Mission" (1986) because we kept running out of time to view all of it. So we just kept renting it from the video store until we finally finished it. I also recently had to return "Inferno," but I remember the stop where I had to stop and I'm heading back to the library in hopes of grabbing it so I can finish it. But most of the time I view a movie in one sitting.

[Grouchy]

Pretty sure I would get around to seeing more movies if I would actually allow myself to stop in the middle and finish later. But I don't. Anyone else feel the same way? When I'm about to put on a DVD, I would always check the running time before starting, then check the clock, and calculate to see if I have enough free time that day/night to watch the whole movie in one sitting. If not, I refuse to start it and I'd put it off for the next day. It kinda sucks when you have 2 hours of free time before having to go somewhere and the movie you want to watch is 2.5 hours long.
This happens to me. I hate splitting movies and, more often than not, I'd rather not watch them than watch only half of it. If for some reason like getting sleepy I have to turn them off then I almost always start them from the beginning again. It's clearly a sign of insanity.

[balmakboor]

Who Can Kill A Child?

I've almost Netflixed this several times after reading a favorable review in Fangoria, but I don't much trust Fangoria. Now, you I trust. So into the queue it goes.

[Grouchy]

I've almost Netflixed this several times after reading a favorable review in Fangoria, but I don't much trust Fangoria. Now, you I trust. So into the queue it goes.
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it.

[Raiders]

I've almost Netflixed this several times after reading a favorable review in Fangoria, but I don't much trust Fangoria. Now, you I trust. So into the queue it goes.

In Eli Roth I trust.

http://www.cinematical.com/2009/08/20/eli-roths-top-5-freaky-flicks/

[number8]

This happens to me. I hate splitting movies and, more often than not, I'd rather not watch them than watch only half of it. If for some reason like getting sleepy I have to turn them off then I almost always start them from the beginning again. It's clearly a sign of insanity.

Aye. I find it very disrespectful to watch movies in pieces. Dunno why.

[Mara]

Aye. I find it very disrespectful to watch movies in pieces. Dunno why.

If I'm watching at home, I will sometimes pause to collect myself (if I'm upset, or laughing aloud, or something.) Otherwise, I never start a film if I don't have time to finish it.

[balmakboor]

Another thing I will do at times, if I catch myself napping, is to go back a chapter. If I'm still lost, I go back another chapter and keep going until I recognize what I'm watching. If I end up at chapter 1, I hit abort, apologize to the filmmaker, and go to bed.

[Qrazy]

Aye. I find it very disrespectful to watch movies in pieces. Dunno why.

I used to feel that way, but not anymore. Is it disrespectful to read a book in pieces? To listen to half of a cd? In the case of some films it's certainly valuable to watch it all in one go. But in the case of most films as long as you have a good enough memory and can retain all the information you've just experienced, it makes little difference. You might lose some emotional inertia but for some films that's not as important. Is it that different to stop a film for a day and to pause it in order to go to the bathroom? Many really long films have an intermission for instance. Watching Satantango, Berlin Alexanderplatz or The Decalogue in one sitting could potentially be a disservice to these film since the viewer could burn out before the film comes to an end.

For films I've had to critically analyze for classes you pretty much have to watch it in segments. Sometimes we would even just watch individual scenes from films we hadn't seen before. In theory I agree with you, ideally it's preferable to watch the film in one sitting because of that emotional/aesthetic inertia. However, if we're doing a cost/benefit analysis the benefit you get by being able to watch longer films because you break them up and can fit them into your schedule more easily, outweighs the cost of losing the emotional inertia.

[Mysterious Dude]

A lot of the movies I watch aren't very good anyway. They don't deserve my respect.

[Derek]

Just sent in my demand that there be an Eclipse box set with the only three remaining Murnau titles not available on R1 DVD: City Girl (seen it, love it), Burning Soil and The Dark Road.

City Girl is already available in the R1 Murnau/Borzage at Fox box set, but those last two and a restored Tabu would be nice as well.

[Raiders]

City Girl is already available in the R1 Murnau/Borzage at Fox box set, but those last two and a restored Tabu would be nice as well.

I didn't even know such a set existed. I'm needing to see more Borzage too.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Pretty sure I would get around to seeing more movies if I would actually allow myself to stop in the middle and finish later. But I don't. Anyone else feel the same way? When I'm about to put on a DVD, I would always check the running time before starting, then check the clock, and calculate to see if I have enough free time that day/night to watch the whole movie in one sitting. If not, I refuse to start it and I'd put it off for the next day. It kinda sucks when you have 2 hours of free time before having to go somewhere and the movie you want to watch is 2.5 hours long.

I much prefer to watch from beginning to end, for maximum engagement. It's very tough for me to regain my level of engagement if I break off the viewing for too long.

[Spun Lepton]

I agree with the sentiment that films should be watched end-to-end in one sitting. Sometimes it's just not possible, though.

[B-side]

balmakboor, I have 79 Primaveras to watch as well. If it's anywhere near as good as LBJ, I should be in for a treat.

[Sven]

I used to feel that way, but not anymore. Is it disrespectful to read a book in pieces? To listen to half of a cd?

I agree with you mostly, but these are troublesome examples. Books weren't necessarily meant to be read in one sitting (and the nature of the format, making it easy to re-read passages, make the comparison quite problematic). For CDs, it's really a case-by-case consideration, because while listening to someone like The Turtles may feel fine, given the singles nature of pop music, listening to someone like Tangerine Dream is certainly ideally done in one go. Still, the CD format permits for track skipping, retracing songs, etc., which, in my opinion, justifies such practices.

So, in the end, I guess I'm saying that if it CAN be done, there is nothing inherently inappropriate about doing it. As you say, ideally, for aesthetic/emotional continuity or rhythm, one sitting is probably best. But if you've got it on DVD, watch it however and your response will be completely legit. Don't tell me that I "didn't really see" film X because I was falling asleep and finished it later. That's just being a wanker. (A similar sentiment goes out to those who insist on the theatrical experience for legitimate engagement.)


Many really long films have an intermission for instance. Watching Satantango, Berlin Alexanderplatz or The Decalogue

Both BA and TD were produced as series, so I don't think those count as things that rely on such singularity of experience. Satantango, no idea how Tarr intends that one to be viewed. Still, who cares, right? Watch it the way you wanna.

[Qrazy]

I agree with you mostly, but these are troublesome examples. Books weren't necessarily meant to be read in one sitting (and the nature of the format, making it easy to re-read passages, make the comparison quite problematic).


Well, one can always rewind/chapter skip.

[MadMan]

The Seventh Victim (1943) ***½This one is due for a rewatch. I recall not liking it very much, and finding it to be mostly dull.

Also I'm trying to view Ghost Ship. So far, not so good. I have a feeling its one of the lesser Val Lewton produced movies.

[Rowland]

I thought The Ghost Ship was pretty underrated, maybe not the best of Lewton's movies, but certainly damn good by any other standard.

[B-side]

Finally got around to watching Celine and Julie. I'm not sure it's worthy of all the praise being hurled on it, but it's certainly a lot of fun, the 2nd half in particular.

[balmakboor]

I just have to say that Tulpan is a terrific movie. It was certainly one of the best crowd pleasers we've shown as well. We always announce before the movie that some of us will be meeting at a Chinese restaurant for discussion afterwards and usually it ends up being just two or three of us. Last night after Tulpan we had to drag several tables together to accommodate everyone who wanted to talk about the movie.

[Mysterious Dude]

Re: The Seventh Victim


This one is due for a rewatch. I recall not liking it very much, and finding it to be mostly dull.

I think if I had seen it a few years ago, I wouldn't have liked it. It's very weird and doesn't feel totally complete, but it's got too many great, stylish moments for me to give the film a lower score.

I gave low scores to Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie, and I think I'll re-watch those films now.

[Wryan]

I gave low scores to Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie, and I think I'll re-watch those films now.

Geez, really? I love both of those movies, although my favorite non-CP Lewton is Isle of the Dead. Delightful and chilling.

[Raiders]

Finally got around to watching Celine and Julie. I'm not sure it's worthy of all the praise being hurled on it...

I am.

[B-side]

I am.

You have anything written on it? I'd love to read it.

[Skitch]

Aye. I find it very disrespectful to watch movies in pieces. Dunno why.

I feel the same way.

[MadMan]

Geez, really? I love both of those movies, although my favorite non-CP Lewton is Isle of the Dead. Delightful and chilling.Highly solid and if anything underrated, movie. Karloff is good in it, although he's far better in the truly awesome Body Snatcher. I'd say that Body Snatcher is probably my favorite of the Val Lewton produced movies.


Re: The Seventh Victim
I think if I had seen it a few years ago, I wouldn't have liked it. It's very weird and doesn't feel totally complete, but it's got too many great, stylish moments for me to give the film a lower score.

I gave low scores to Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie, and I think I'll re-watch those films now.Maybe that's why I didn't care for it as much when I watched it on TCM two years ago.

Cat People is near great, and I Walked With a Zombie is solid.


I thought The Ghost Ship was pretty underrated, maybe not the best of Lewton's movies, but certainly damn good by any other standard.So I should still stick with it? Okay, I will, I guess. It, Curse of the Cat People, and Bedlam are the only remaining ones from the Val Lewton collection that I have not seen.

[Raiders]

You have anything written on it? I'd love to read it.

I did. Not anymore. I am actually planning to re-watch it soon, so I'll get back to you on that.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Still, who cares, right? Watch it the way you wanna.

This is exactly my approach towards watching films. In fact, I'd argue that I watch most movies in halves (at least lately) due to circumstances outside of my control or sometimes I simply can't focus my attention to 2 hour + movies. The opinion that one must watch a movie in one sitting to get the full experience the way the director intended it bugs me as well, unless it is a film that has a very clear formal/thematic split or something.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I really like all the Lewton fare, but The Leopard Man is my favorite of the unsung bunch. Fascinating, eerie stuff.

[Bosco B Thug]

Re: The Seventh Victim



I think if I had seen it a few years ago, I wouldn't have liked it. It's very weird and doesn't feel totally complete, but it's got too many great, stylish moments for me to give the film a lower score. There is an incompleteness to it. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that there was a considerable amount of scenes cut from the film (or never filmed...) due to studio restrictions.


I really like all the Lewton fare, but The Leopard Man is my favorite of the unsung bunch. Fascinating, eerie stuff. In my mind, The Leopard Man's no longer lower-tier Lewton. It's up there with IWWaZ, the Cat Peoples, and The Seventh Victim. It's saddled with a more conventional plot, but it's still a beautiful and poetic film.

[Raiders]

The Leopard Man is my favorite Tourneur film and second favorite Lewton film (behind The Seventh Victim). Like 'em all though... except Bedlam.

[[ETM]]

http://www.thelmagazine.com/imager/in_defense_of_film_culture/b/original/1337391/30b1/armondwhite090223_250.jpg

Armond White is on a mission... to 1962. (http://j.mp/3pfSB2)

[balmakboor]

;213049']http://www.thelmagazine.com/imager/in_defense_of_film_culture/b/original/1337391/30b1/armondwhite090223_250.jpg

Armond White is on a mission... to 1962. (http://j.mp/3pfSB2)

Yay. The year of my birth. One of the greatest years in movies ever. I wonder what he has to say about it.

[dreamdead]

Another Wyler film, another consistent if unmasterful effort. Jezebel strides along with the easy rhythms of Bette Davis' smooth and conniving lead, Julie, as she works various machinations to secure her lover, even as she continually chastises him and formally embarrasses him in the social Victorian culture of 1852 New Orleans, choosing to embrace modernity in fashion style even as she knows it'll rile him (and the town). Yet her impetuousness merely earns her scorn, and by the time she's ready to realize her mistakes and childish ways, he has moved on. The remainder of the film chronicles the nature of contempt and redemption, and though Wyler's typical deep-focus framing is artful, too often he is dependent on simplistic caricatures of African Americans or of manipulating a music score to heighten tension. Only toward the end, after Davis' character has embraced how much of a pariah she's been to those she's loved does the film truly generate a sense of compassion and artistry--however, the ambiguous ending seems too sudden and counteracted by the traditional swell of the closing music, an ending that mutes what had been a growth toward a sensible portrayal of maturity.

[Boner M]

Pedro Costa's Blood is a magnificent debut. Not for nothing does Adrian Martin namedrop a bajillion films and filmmakers in the accompanying DVD booklet essay, but all of Costa's reference points feel fully absorbed and internalised in their utilisation, rather than decorated over the film in a postmodern fancypants way. Maybe the narrative is a little too obscure at certain points, but even that flaw is the product of welcome experimentation and imagination that thrives throughout the film. Feels like the kind of film I'd make if I had the resources, both in its themes and formal approach... also one of the most beautiful b&w films I've ever seen.

Can't wait for the upcoming Criterion Costa set... especially after recently finding out that Colossal Youth was in fact named after the Young Marble Giants album of the same name which I love so dearly.

[Spinal]

A while back, I revealed my 7-year-old's top five films. Tonight, he revealed to me the worst movie he's ever seen:

March of the Penguins: "It's just waddling and stuff."

[EyesWideOpen]

I lucked out and found a blockbuster by me that had both Fantasia and Dumbo so my disney viewing can continue without delay. I hadn't seen Fantasia since I was a kid and I'm able to appreciate it as a piece of art but it doesn't really do much for me as a movie.

Snow White on blu-ray looked amazing. It looked better then half the animation I see on tv today.

[Barty]

A while back, I revealed my 7-year-old's top five films. Tonight, he revealed to me the worst movie he's ever seen:

March of the Penguins: "It's just waddling and stuff."

Your son is completely correct. :pritch:

[BuffaloWilder]

Barty hates MOTP because those penguins are obviously collectivists.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I lucked out and found a blockbuster by me that had both Fantasia and Dumbo so my disney viewing can continue without delay. I hadn't seen Fantasia since I was a kid and I'm able to appreciate it as a piece of art but it doesn't really do much for me as a movie.

It's really the sum of its parts, but I absolutely love this one. The abstract opening and the sprites. Those snowflakes look incredible. The suspenseful and charming "Sorcerer's Apprentice," the dinosaurs! (oh God, the dinosaurs). Greek gods? The hilarious "Dance of the Hours." Oh man, and that one-two punch of Mussorgsky and "Ave Maria."

I find the whole thing transcendental and elevating.

[Ezee E]

Saw Wild Oceans at one of the museum IMAX theaters yesterday and was in awe of how amazing it looked. Despite seeing some of the regular release movies on IMAX screens (legit ones), it still doesn't compare to this.

There's a scene where birds plunge into the ocean to eat sardines and it's breathtaking. The sound along with the images gave me goosebumps.

[dreamdead]

William Wyler's The Collector is a rather inert piece of filmmaking that struggles to identify the subtle charm that resides in characters like Psycho's Norman Bates, fashioning a sexual predator who kidnaps a woman merely to induce her affections toward him. However, Wyler is no Hitchcock and seems unable to manufacture the same distended icy magnetism, and so Terence Stamp's performance is rooted more in psychological blankness than any truly Freudian action. On one level this works since Hitchcock could easily get so overwhelmed in Freudian analysis that characters lost their vitality (see the worst excesses of Rope). Here, though, Stamp remains a cipher and the film cannot quite articulate the intellectual divisions that lie between Freddie and Miranda, his victim. Still, the film achieves the voyeuristic sensibilities present in Psycho and Peeping Tom, working a number of stalking point-of-view to their best and it has a pleasantly ironic ending, even if it seems a little simple and contrived. Wyler's tragic endings for his female characters (as seen in The Heiress and Jezebel) continue here.

It should be noted that Wyler has some of the least chilling music on display here, and his narrative crutch for overt music cues continues to distract throughout, so that when the music drops away in the third act, the film finally begins achieving the austere qualities that it was surely aiming for in the beginning sections.

[lovejuice]

It's really the sum of its parts, but I absolutely love this one. The abstract opening and the sprites. Those snowflakes look incredible. The suspenseful and charming "Sorcerer's Apprentice," the dinosaurs! (oh God, the dinosaurs). Greek gods? The hilarious "Dance of the Hours." Oh man, and that one-two punch of Mussorgsky and "Ave Maria."

I find the whole thing transcendental and elevating.
agree. except the nutcracker suite is my favorite. being a Tchaikovsky's fan myself. visually i don't think anything can be compared to waltz of the flowers. one of the most delicate and beautiful animations ever put on screen.