28 Film Discussion Threads Later

[Bosco B Thug]

Looks like I'm in the Qrazy/Melville side of the schism regarding Laura. As polished and as curiously engaging juice as it is, the film struck me as almost adamantly unambitious; with no desire to go beyond any "pale" or bar, cinematically (its my first Preminger, I would not be surprised if he went on to do great things in his films). That said, I did get a real kick out of the story, which is full of fascinating relationships, and I was happy that, in the end, its statements on every seedy character, especially Clifton Webb's, were more measured and thoughtful than I thought they'd be.

[Skitch]

This line of conversation makes me wonder why I never hear about Uwe Boll films anymore. Are Darfur and Tunnel Rats actually decent films afterall?

Tunnel Rats sucked...but not in that funny Boll way, just regular suck. Far Cry was classic Boll goodness though. :lol:

[Skitch]

I suppose I should give Ghost Dog another shot...I recall hating it.

Terrance Malick's film style may be the cure for insomnia.

[Morris Schæffer]

I thought Paxton's breakdown in Aliens was one of the greatest breakdowns in the history of mankind.

[Wryan]

Someone be The Explainer for a moment and clarify this A.I. note/"joke":

"That's why they call it Man...hattan."

Never got this.

[Mysterious Dude]

Someone be The Explainer for a moment and clarify this A.I. note/"joke":

"That's why they call it Man...hattan."

Never got this.
I think it's supposed to imply that Manhattan is a place for men ("man"), not robots.

[Raiders]

Someone be The Explainer for a moment and clarify this A.I. note/"joke":

"That's why they call it Man...hattan."

Never got this.

That's where the Blue Fairy is supposed to be, right? Her mythical power is to turn robots into men. Hence, MAN-hattan.

[number8]

Far Cry would have gotten more business if they'd kept it in limbo until after Inglourious Basterds. :P

[Skitch]

Far Cry would have gotten more business if they'd kept it in limbo until after Inglourious Basterds. :P

:lol:

I saw the trailer for Alone In The Dark 2...I don't know if I'm brave enough for that mess. But it does have Lance Henricksen.

[Adam]

Wet Hot American Summer started out with some very funny bits, but slowly its randomness and poor direction take over and it becomes a totally unfunny mess.

Well, listen, Wet Hot American Summer is one of the funniest movies ever made, but I agree it kinda sorta loses its way once it unfortunately decides its required to sloppily tie up plot threads. The last fifteen minutes or so do still have some dynamite material packed in, though, like Paul Rudd's double-take for the ages and of course Marguerite Moreau's glorious monologue about how, at 16, all she really wants is to get her brains fucked out

ND7yJ7sMosk

[MadMan]

I thought Paxton's breakdown in Aliens was one of the greatest breakdowns in the history of mankind.I'm not sure I can agree with that statement. However, Paxton was fantastic in Aliens, and I truly like him as an actor. Same goes for Bill Pullman, too.

Shutter Island was pretty good, overall. The last act quickly has some issues, but its really quite strong, and it makes sense overall. Leo is great, as is the rest of the cast, but I wonder if the movie in the end is too smart for its own good. Still getting to see Scorsese engage in his love for Val Lewton movies is great, and it results in something very memberable. Love the use of color and style in the dream sequences-they are probably the best aspect of the whole thing.

[Morris Schæffer]

Leo is great, as is the rest of the cast, but I wonder if the movie in the end is too smart for its own good.

I'm admittedly not sure I'm entirely over this one either, it does seem to strain for surprise effect, but was still thouroughly engaged.

[Wryan]

Thanks Ant/Raiders, but it still seems kinda silly to me. For some reason, some people always giggle at this line, but I always sat there and thought, "That doesn't mean, like, anything."

[Watashi]

Roger Ebert's new "voice".

hMyxgSLESz8

This is quite amazing.

[baby doll]

Roger Ebert's new "voice".

hMyxgSLESz8

This is quite amazing.Suck it, Stephen Hawking.

[megladon8]

Well, listen, Wet Hot American Summer is one of the funniest movies ever made, but I agree it kinda sorta loses its way once it unfortunately decides its required to sloppily tie up plot threads. The last fifteen minutes or so do still have some dynamite material packed in, though, like Paul Rudd's double-take for the ages and of course Marguerite Moreau's glorious monologue about how, at 16, all she really wants is to get her brains fucked out


I thought Moreau's speech was one of the lamer, more unfunny moments in the movie.

And everything regarding the kids building the satellite thingy was just stupid.


EDIT: And Christopher Meloni's entire role is crap. Which is too bad, because I really like him.

[dreamdead]

The first act of John Ford's Stagecoach had me leery, since it felt slow and rather simplistically orchestrated. Over time, however, the film's direction and overt tension gradually come through, allowing the transgressive (for its time, anyway) critique on how classist notions fragment the core of caring for one another, as the upper class scoff at and look down upon the prostitute throughout the stagecoach and dinner scenes. And though there's a little bit of worrisome caricatures regarding the Spanish townspeople, especially as the people from the stagecoach warily eye the head townsman's Apache wife, Ford knows how to sidestep that kind of ideological bind by mentioning how being married to an Apache likely guarantees safety from attack. Good, tense cutting during the battle scenes, and the film's ending achieves an unusually promising end for a prostitute. Good stuff, even if the occasional reductive portrayal of Others and alcoholism cannot be avoided.

[Watashi]

Still think 3D filmmaking is a gimmick? Martin Scorsese doesn't think so:


“We see in depth, for the most part. We go to the theater — it’s in depth. Why couldn’t a film like `Precious’ be in 3-D? It should be,” says Martin Scorsese. Even Scorsese says “I’d love to do one” — so long as he can still move the camera the way he’d like to. “It just seems natural that we’d be going in that direction,” Scorsese says. “It’s going to be something to look forward to, but to be used interestingly.”

[balmakboor]

I can't wait to see a Scorsese picture in 3-D.

On another note, I've seen The Big Lebowski several times over the years and never got it, until this evening that is. I just instant watched it on a whim and loved it. Its rhythms which once seemed laid-back to the point of sloppiness -- the opposite of what I go to a Coen Bros. movie to experience -- now seemed perfectly measured, even tight. I used to think that the Coens had lost their pitch when they made it. Now I feel it is as finely tuned as any of their films.

[monolith94]

Welcome to the fold, balmakboor. :)

[Robby P]

What's the general consensus on "The Informant!"? I thought it was enjoyable enough but it really didn't feel like a Soderbergh movie by any means. The presentation was about as bland and predictable as any hired studio gun could have manufactured.

[number8]

What's the general consensus on "The Informant!"? I thought it was enjoyable enough but it really didn't feel like a Soderbergh movie by any means. The presentation was about as bland and predictable as any hired studio gun could have manufactured.

He made a trilogy of those movies.

[Mysterious Dude]

I thought Soderbergh's mark was all over the film, especially the scenes where someone was standing in front of a window.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/informant1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/informant2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/brockovich1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/brockovich2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/traffic2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/traffic1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/limey1.jpg

Oh, you and your windows.

[baby doll]

I thought Soderbergh's mark was all over the film, especially the scenes where someone was standing in front of a window.

Oh, you and your windows.If backlighting is his signature, then Soderbergh's finger prints are all over Minority Report and Munich.

[baby doll]

Still think 3D filmmaking is a gimmick? Martin Scorsese doesn't think so:2D, 3D... I don't care, just as long as it doesn't suck like the last two.

[balmakboor]

If backlighting is his signature, then Soderbergh's finger prints are all over Minority Report and Munich.

I'm pretty sure it was a joke.

I loved The Informant btw. Great characters and very effectively directed to tell the story in a clear and engaging way. It's one of only four Soderbergh pictures I've truly liked. The others were King of the Hill, Out of Sight, and Erin Brokovich.

[Watashi]

2D, 3D... I don't care, just as long as it doesn't suck like the last two.
You have a weird definition of sucking.

[Mysterious Dude]

If backlighting is his signature, then Soderbergh's finger prints are all over Minority Report and Munich.
I think Spielberg's use of backlighting is quite distinct from Soderbergh's. Spielberg seems more about the visible light rays.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/munich1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/minorityreport1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/schindler1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/ai1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/et1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Isaac3159/et2.jpg

[Qrazy]

Spielberg's Light Rays > Soderbergh's Windows

[Ezee E]

Spielberg's Light Rays > Soderbergh's Windows
Agreed, and both are individual trademarks.

Soderbergh's still works at times though.

[Winston*]

I didn't like his last two films either (Shutter Island and Shine a Light) but Scorsese's next narrative film sounds awesome if true.


Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a robot.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000217/

[Ezee E]

I didn't like his last two films either (Shutter Island and Shine a Light) but Scorsese's next narrative film sounds awesome if true.


http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000217/
That, Silence, and Sinatra are all rumoured as the next projects. I hope it's the Paris one. Scorsese doing a Kid's movie? Who'd have thought?

[Winston*]

Hope it's not Sinatra. Boring. Sounds like a project Entourage would make up for Scorsese to do.

[Grouchy]

Hope it's not Sinatra. Boring. Sounds like a project Entourage would make up for Scorsese to do.
Hahah very true.

[Skitch]

Oooooh, I'll take the 30's orphan robot thingy.

[Derek]

What's up with Scorsese's Teddy Roosevelt movie?

[balmakboor]

Holy crap. I just realized Antichrist is on Netflix. I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight.

[balmakboor]

What's up with Scorsese's Teddy Roosevelt movie?

I think it's hanging out with Spielberg's Lincoln movie.

[Derek]

I think it's hanging out with Spielberg's Lincoln movie.

My prediction: Paul W.S. Anderson will steal both their thunder by releasing LVR: Lincoln vs. Roosevelt in 2013.

[Ezee E]

Hope it's not Sinatra. Boring. Sounds like a project Entourage would make up for Scorsese to do.
I think it's mostly been manufactured as he's been rumoured to have been involved in a Rat Pack movie since Casino. The only difference is that with Leo as Sinatra, I read news that they wouldn't use Leo's voice while Sinatra sings. Not sure what the source was.

I'd really prefer the 30's kids movie. Scorsese's camera would be great for that I think.

[Melville]

The Wicker Man (original) is unhinged, bizarro awesomeness—the folksy, dreamy music, the handheld photography, the maniacally simple villagers and Christopher Lee, the wacky masks, the titular creation, the mood of seeping luridness, the morass of sexuality and paganism...such an awesome mixture.

[Skitch]

Wow, Hunger was excellent.

[megladon8]

The Wicker Man (original) is unhinged, bizarro awesomeness—the folksy, dreamy music, the handheld photography, the maniacally simple villagers and Christopher Lee, the wacky masks, the titular creation, the mood of seeping luridness, the morass of sexuality and paganism...such an awesome mixture.


I really enjoyed a rewatch of this a few months back.

Edward Woodward was fantastic.

[Qrazy]

The Wicker Man (original) is unhinged, bizarro awesomeness—the folksy, dreamy music, the handheld photography, the maniacally simple villagers and Christopher Lee, the wacky masks, the titular creation, the mood of seeping luridness, the morass of sexuality and paganism...such an awesome mixture.

Random. I was planning to watch this in the next day or so.

[Derek]

Random. I was planning to watch this in the next day or so.

My prediction is that you will think it's not that good, but in this case, it's okay, because you'll be right. ;) Personally, I wasn't a fan of the cinematography and found it more murky and ugly than the dreamlike look it was going for. I understand the charm and it's not a bad movie, just didn't amount to much for me.

[Qrazy]

My prediction is that you will think it's not that good, but in this case, it's okay, because you'll be right. ;) Personally, I wasn't a fan of the cinematography and found it more murky and ugly than the dreamlike look it was going for. I understand the charm and it's not a bad movie, just didn't amount to much for me.

Ahh that's too bad... but frankly I'm just hoping for something better than Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer at this point. :lol:

[Melville]

Ahh that's too bad... but frankly I'm just hoping for something better than Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer at this point. :lol:
Yeah, I predict that you'll think it's merely okay. It doesn't seem like your favored brand of bizarreness. But more importantly, in the game Manifold, how the hell do you get past the level that's just a big empty room with the exit on the upper right and a big saw in the wall?

EDIT: wait, I didn't realize you could walk on the walls using the gravity balls.

[Qrazy]

Yeah, I predict that you'll think it's merely okay. It doesn't seem like your favored brand of bizarreness. But more importantly, in the game Manifold, how the hell do you get past the level that's just a big empty room with the exit on the upper right and a big saw in the wall?

EDIT: wait, I didn't realize you could walk on the walls using the gravity balls.

That game on harder difficulties becomes impossible.

[Wryan]

I love Wicker Man.

I love it because it's a great film.

[Ivan Drago]

Holy crap. I just realized Antichrist is on Netflix. I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight.

Just did it. :eek:

[Boner M]

OK, weekend.

Dogs in Space
Aging FNW-ers double bill: Chabrol's Bellamy & Resnais' Wild Grass

[Dukefrukem]

funny

http://consumerist.com/assets_c/2010/03/image001-thumb-800x440-37670.jpg

[Grouchy]

I love Wicker Man.

I love it because it's a great film.
Another piece of TRUTH.

[Yxklyx]

Wow, Hunger was excellent.

Yes, very good! Loved that long take dialogue scene.

Also loved the interaction between Sands and his younger self.

[Skitch]

Yes, very good! Loved that long take dialogue scene.


That was amazing...and disheartening, as that is what we had planned for the second act of the new film I'm working on. I was already done writing it before seeing the film, and now everyone will think we ripped it off...except we won't have amazing actors. Hmmm...we should be fine. :P

[Dead & Messed Up]

I've now seen two more Harryhausen pictures.

http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/files/2008/06/kraken.jpg

Clash of the Titans was grand fun, nearly the equal of Jason and the Argonauts, or maybe it's better. I'm not sure. I do know that this one had fantastic Olympic Gods, with Laurence Olivier, Claire Bloom, and flippin' Maggie Smith wearing togas and moving figures on a board. It also has an overabundance of Harryhausen's creatures, with Bubo and Medusa earning special mention for their respective personality and menace. Hamlin's a dry lead (and vaguely Ashton Kutcher-ish), and the romance is in that usual mode of Harryhausen pictures, where two people are in love mostly because that's how these stories work. Still, their rote characters do nothing to dampen this fanciful, imaginative fun, a bittersweet farewell from Ray to all of us.

A-

http://www.thegeekreport.net/reports/toptens/reports/photos/TTeotw/1.png

Earth vs. the Flying Saucers is the intermediate step from The Day the Earth Stood Still to Plan 9 From Outer Space. Stock footage abounds as a narrator intones ominously of dire events immediate and forthcoming, which amounts to a fleet of maybe a dozen flying saucers. Despite efforts by writer Curt Siodmak (The Wolf Man, I Walked With a Zombie) to buttress the material with intelligent science, the film makes little sense, as the aliens contact exactly one scientist with an encoded transmission that basically says "Bow to us." Director Fred F. Sears efficiently weaves between his own footage and purchased images of typical '50's imagery (rockets, planes, crowds panicking). Meanwhile, Harryhausen does what he can to imbue the film's villains with some type of personality. It's a noble, fruitless effort.

C

[Grouchy]

Wow, In the Loop is fucking hilarious. If it weren't for A Serious Man, I'd wager it's the funniest movie of the year. I specially loved Peter Capaldi and James Gandolfini - I'd never appreciated how huge that guy is. Gandolfini, I mean. Not much to say here, other than that I appreciated the Robert Altman style of satire and that I laughed plenty.

I'd like to see the TV series it's based on.

[monolith94]

Difficult, difficult, lemon difficult!

Such an awesome movie for quotes.

[chrisnu]

The New Beverly is having a double-feature of Mulholland Dr. and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me on April 7-9.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b344/chrisnu/smilies/breakdance.gif

[Qrazy]

Despite the fact that I vastly prefer the story of the original Peter Pan (Hogan's version), and even though Hook is full of lots of dumb crapola, I have to say that Spielberg is still the infinitely superior storyteller. The dynamism of his imagery and his set piece construction, even in one of his weakest films is still a cut above.

[Mysterious Dude]

I don't care much for the imagery of Hook. The lost boys' hideaway, in particular, seemed really phony to me. The ground was so flat, it was obviously a sound stage. Neverland never felt real to me. Maybe that was intentional; there was an aerial shot that showed an actual compass meridian on the surface of the water, so maybe it was supposed to seem fake, but I don't really understand the point of that. I never had this problem with, say, Jurassic Park.

I'm not really a big fan of Peter Pan in general, though.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I don't care much for the imagery of Hook. The lost boys' hideaway, in particular, seemed really phony to me. The ground was so flat, it was obviously a sound stage. Neverland never felt real to me. Maybe that was intentional; there was an aerial shot that showed an actual compass meridian on the surface of the water, so maybe it was supposed to seem fake, but I don't really understand the point of that. I never had this problem with, say, Jurassic Park.

I'm not really a big fan of Peter Pan in general, though.

No, you're right. Ironically, it's Hook that has the sets that feel like a cheap Universal Studios ride. Moreso than the Lost Boys' hideout, the pirate city struck me as pretty unconvincing, and that was even as a kid. The tragedy is that Spielberg had wanted to make a Peter Pan movie for ages, and he inexplicably settled for such a mediocre, phoned-in saptacular.

[Qrazy]

I don't care much for the imagery of Hook. The lost boys' hideaway, in particular, seemed really phony to me. The ground was so flat, it was obviously a sound stage. Neverland never felt real to me. Maybe that was intentional; there was an aerial shot that showed an actual compass meridian on the surface of the water, so maybe it was supposed to seem fake, but I don't really understand the point of that. I never had this problem with, say, Jurassic Park.

I'm not really a big fan of Peter Pan in general, though.

I think the point/logic behind making it seem fake is that it's a make believe world. It exists but as a construction of disparate thoughts and beliefs, so it makes sense that it seems fake in places. However I think there are many shots which lend an air of beauty and reality to the proceedings (such as 'goodnight Neverland'). That being said I agree that the reality was very uneven and I would have preferred it to be more of a real world overall as well.

To be clear though when I said set piece construction I wasn't really referring to art direction, which I'm sure you realize and were speaking tangentially. I meant more so his choice of shots in the construction of any given scene. Now I do think this is one of his weakest films. This scene alone has a lot of tedious mid shots and close-ups padding it out (which isn't to say close-ups are a bad thing, just that some of the ones here aren't very dynamic or revealing). So all I'm really saying is that I can still see a certain degree of craftsmanship on display.

Shots at :53, 2:00, 6:42

The introduction of Hook here is a much more interesting reveal than in the 2003 Peter Pan for example.

Just to be clear I acknowledge that the Hook script is crap, but that's not really what I'm talking about.

[balmakboor]

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer - F-

That's definitely an opinion I've never seen before.

[Milky Joe]

The New Beverly is having a double-feature of Mulholland Dr. and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me on April 7-9.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b344/chrisnu/smilies/breakdance.gif

Masochist much? I'd need a defibrillator after that.

[Milky Joe]

I'm seeing this in the theater in an hour and a half. Pretty excited.

So an hour and a half turned into two weeks. But I saw it last night and... well, there are few words. How totally, utterly, bafflingly insane!

[Wryan]

Dustin Hoffman owns Hook top to bottom anyway.

[Watashi]

Ah, Hook.

So full of pan it hurts.

[Wryan]

Ah, Hook.

So full of pan it hurts.

Frying pan? Brownie pan? Cake pan? Pie pan (sometimes "tin")? Peter Pan? Spanish bread? Pan-American Airlines? Walter Chaw?

[Dead & Messed Up]

Dustin Hoffman owns Hook top to bottom anyway.

Bob Hoskins saves a number of scenes.

[hey it's ethan]

Robert Redford's Ordinary People is a remarkably intelligent, well-acted and moving film but I feel like just a few things hold it back from being a great one. The main problem is that the supporting characters lack nuance. Judd Hirsch and Elizabeth McGovern are both strong but the former needs to be a bit more of a human being and less of a martyr to make the overall themes of the film more resonant and the latter seems to only like Hutton's character because he's good-looking. Still, terrific work from Redford in building an un-melodramatic tone. It ain't no Raging Bull, but it's still a fine film.

[Scar]

DaMU.... You gave Jaws a C?


Is there an explanation I missed?

[Raiders]

DaMU.... You gave Jaws a C?


Is there an explanation I missed?

Pretty sure that's the book.

[Scar]

Pretty sure that's the book.

Ah, '74 for the novel, '75 for the film. No longer worried.

[BuffaloWilder]

Hook is a movie that gets a lot of undeserved hatred pointed in its direction. I mean, come on - the boo box, man.

[chrisnu]

Masochist much? I'd need a defibrillator after that.
It may possibly be the most depressing double feature ever. However, it will be beautiful.


Cries and Whispers (Ingmar Bergman, 1972) - ****
Yes.

This movie was so painful to watch, I don't think I could see it again.

[hey it's ethan]

Holy shit, I watched Old Dogs baked and I think I can safely say that it unseats Transformers : Revenge of the Fallen as the worst film of 2009. But baked it was kind of amazing.

[B-side]

I'm still trying to decide how much I enjoyed All the Vermeers in New York. I feel like Jost still eludes me a bit. The cold, detached style didn't really help much when it comes to having a steadfast opinion on this. My only experience with narrative Jost before this was Last Chants for a Slow Dance, which I rather enjoyed, probably a bit more than this one. This one feels a bit more substantive, though. The initial meet-up between the two was beautiful.

[Qrazy]

The only Jost I've seen was Last Chants for a Slow Dance and it was a horrible piece of shit.

[dmk]

The only Jost I've seen was Last Chants for a Slow Dance and it was a horrible piece of shit.
A beautifully written lie.

[B-side]

The only Jost I've seen was Last Chants for a Slow Dance and it was a horrible piece of shit.

You so qrazy.

[dmk]

I'm still trying to decide how much I enjoyed All the Vermeers in New York. I feel like Jost still eludes me a bit. The cold, detached style didn't really help much when it comes to having a steadfast opinion on this. My only experience with narrative Jost before this was Last Chants for a Slow Dance, which I rather enjoyed, probably a bit more than this one. This one feels a bit more substantive, though. The initial meet-up between the two was beautiful.

Do check out Homecoming.

[B-side]

Do check out Homecoming.

I've got Chameleon downloading right now.

[Boner M]

The only Jost I've seen was Last Chants for a Slow Dance and it was a horrible piece of shit.
Ehh, you were mildly positive on it last time I checked.

Anyway, I think LCfaSD is one of the crowning achievements of low-budget 70's cinema. Impassioned, harrowing, phenomenally resonant. I got a friend to burn me Sure Fire and The Bed You Sleep In, with which it forms a loose trilogy of Marxist/loner/road/revisionist-western films or something like that.

[number8]

Incredibly old joke, but done very well. (http://www.cracked.com/video_18156_a-trailer-every-academy-award-winning-movie-ever.html)

[Qrazy]

Ehh, you were mildly positive on it last time I checked.

Fair enough, I was disgustingly drunk last night.

[Raiders]

I'm gonna have a Boner weekend:

O Sangue
Last Chants for a Slow Dance

[balmakboor]

Does anyone know if a list exists somewhere with all of the Criterions available on Netflix Instant Watch? We should have a stickied thread if there isn't one.

[Spinal]

I'm gonna have a Boner weekend



Reported.


Oh wait, never mind.

[Ezee E]

Does anyone know if a list exists somewhere with all of the Criterions available on Netflix Instant Watch? We should have a stickied thread if there isn't one.
I looked at a few sites, and they're all outdated. Netflix continues adding them month by month it seems. Which is great.

[Ezee E]

Reported.


Oh wait, never mind.
The Messenger is great when showing off its highlighted scenes about a Casualty Notification Officer having to approach the next of kin. However, everything outside of those scenes brings the movie to a total bore, and Ben Foster's character doesn't have much to provide at all.

It's just too easy, THe Mehsenger.

[hey it's ethan]

Ben Foster's voice sends shivering orgasms down my spine.

Plus, how great is that wedding reception scene in The Messenger?

[Ezee E]

Ben Foster's voice sends shivering orgasms down my spine.

Plus, how great is that wedding reception scene in The Messenger?
Eh... Outside of Jena Malone's new hotness, not great at all.

[number8]

The Messenger > The Hurt Locker.

[Ezee E]

The Messenger > The Hurt Locker.
Definitely not. I'm still thinking about how it's even possible for Samantha Morton to be the worst part about a movie.

[Derek]

The only Jost I've seen was Last Chants for a Slow Dance and it was a horrible piece of shit.

Downloading now...thanks for the rec!

[B-side]

Downloading now...thanks for the rec!

:lol:

[balmakboor]

I meant to post his here yesterday, but posted it in the Oscars thread instead. I guess it fits over there as well:

Saw A Single Man this afternoon. I thought it was perfect. I loved every damn frame. What a great double bill it would make with Far From Heaven.

[Wryan]

I meant to post his here yesterday, but posted it in the Oscars thread instead. I guess it fits over there as well:

Saw A Single Man this afternoon. I thought it was perfect. I loved every damn frame. What a great double bill it would make with Far From Heaven.

Yeah and yeah. Very delicate, gentle, and delightful.

[baby doll]

The Messenger > The Hurt Locker.They're both full of clichés, but at least The Hurt Locker had suspenseful action scenes.

[Raiders]

Downloading now...thanks for the rec!

Same here. Watching it this afternoon.

[Qrazy]

Downloading now...thanks for the rec!

Thanks for liking crappy movies, it makes it easy to recommend them.

[Derek]

Thanks for liking crappy movies, it makes it easy to recommend them.

:lol:

[lovejuice]

screw the poles. some really nice thai posters.


http://bangkok1080.asia/images/articles/thai_movie_posters/day_of_the_dead.jpg

http://bangkok1080.asia/images/articles/thai_movie_posters/officer_and_a_gentleman.jpg

http://bangkok1080.asia/images/articles/thai_movie_posters/jaws.jpg

http://bangkok1080.asia/images/articles/thai_movie_posters/thai_evil_dead_2_poster.jpg

more here (http://bangkok1080.asia/items/view/56/thai-movie-posters-same-same-but-different).

[Pop Trash]

Anyone want to be a dear and give me the link to the last official Woody Allen consensus poll?

[soitgoes...]

Anyone want to be a dear and give me the link to the last official Woody Allen consensus poll?

You'll have to wait till May for an official poll. The old official poll is now lost. There is this (http://www.match-cut.org/showthread.php?t=1386) unofficial poll though awhile back, FWIW.

[B-side]

You'll have to wait till May for an official poll. The old official poll is now lost. There is this (http://www.match-cut.org/showthread.php?t=1386) unofficial poll though awhile back, FWIW.

Oh God. So embarrassing.

[soitgoes...]

Oh God. So embarrassing.Well that was almost a year and a half ago. I'm sure you've seen more than 3 Allen films by now. Right?

Thoughts on the Kalatozov? Technically great, but weak, weak story IMO. I have no idea how some of those shots through the burning forest were pulled off. Imagine the discussion on planning that sequence. "Okay, so we're going to be filming in Siberia, far from any semblance of civilization. We're going to set this forest on fire so we can film our movie's stars trekking through it all, and it's going to be pretty much all in long takes. Oh yeah, look out for the falling trees!"

[B-side]

Well that was almost a year and a half ago. I'm sure you've seen more than 3 Allen films by now. Right?

Heh. That's not really the embarrassing part. I seemed completely oblivious to the consensus threads or something. I always hate looking at my old posts on here. I was such a noob.:lol:


Thoughts on the Kalatozov? Technically great, but weak, weak story IMO. I have no idea how some of those shots through the burning forest were pulled off. Imagine the discussion on planning that sequence. "Okay, so we're going to be filming in Siberia, far from any semblance of civilization. We're going to set this forest on fire so we can film our movie's stars trekking through it all, and it's going to be pretty much all in long takes. Oh yeah, look out for the falling trees!"

Yeah, I was pretty disinterested at first, and the characters were pretty underdeveloped. I wanted a bit more interesting interaction and a few less medium shots of them trekking. Still, after a bit, I was fully engaged almost in spite of the narrative. Some great shots, and occasionally cool subjective camera work, but not the powerhouse that I am Cuba was in that department. Salt for Svanetia remains my favorite Kalatozov.

[soitgoes...]

Yeah, I was pretty disinterested at first, and the characters were pretty underdeveloped. I wanted a bit more interesting interaction and a few less medium shots of them trekking. Still, after a bit, I was fully engaged almost in spite of the narrative. Some great shots, and occasionally cool subjective camera work, but not the powerhouse that I am Cuba was in that department. Salt for Svanetia remains my favorite Kalatozov.
I've forgotten most of it except for the opening pull away shot of the expedition getting dropped off by the airplane (amazing) and the forest fire. Have you seen The Cranes Are Flying yet? It's still his best that I've seen. I still need to see I Am Cuba and now that it has English subs, Nail in the Boot. I'm pretty confident that Cranes is his best though.

[B-side]

I've forgotten most of it except for the opening pull away shot of the expedition getting dropped off by the airplane (amazing) and the forest fire. Have you seen The Cranes Are Flying yet? It's still his best that I've seen. I still need to see I Am Cuba and now that it has English subs, Nail in the Boot. I'm pretty confident that Cranes is his best though.

I haven't. Been thinking that's where I should go next. I can't believe you haven't seen I am Cuba yet! I watched Nail in the Boot a while ago without subs. Still good, but I'd really like to rewatch it with the subs.

[soitgoes...]

I haven't. Been thinking that's where I should go next.I think he only has 6 films with subtitles, so unless you know Russian your options are fairly limited. ;)


I can't believe you haven't seen I am Cuba yet!
Yeah, it's one of those head-scratchers. I tend to see one obvious (canon-type) film from a director, and then dive into his more obscure works, leaving myself with something "big" to watch later on.

[B-side]

I think he only has 6 films with subtitles, so unless you know Russian your options are fairly limited. ;)

Heh. Yeah.


Yeah, it's one of those head-scratchers. I tend to see one obvious (canon-type) film from a director, and then dive into his more obscure works, leaving myself with something "big" to watch later on.

Yeah, I can understand that.

[Boner M]

Dogs in Space - Wow, rarely has such exquisite form been wasted on such a sucky bunch of sucks. At least Lowenstein's obvious fondness and nostalgia for the Melbourne post-punk scene he was a part of brings out the best in his visual sense, but then you stop admiring the roving, Ophuls-ian fludity of his camerawork and realise that none of these people are worth such an elegant eulogy. Or maybe it's just my latent Sydneysider pride talking.

Wild Grass - The subject of obsessive romantic love tends to bring out the most peculiar sensibilities in filmmakers, and this is no exception, as it seems to take place entirely in the same dimension as the dreamscape of Mulholland Drive; a garishly gleaming netherworld of impulsive behaviour and infinite possibility. Undoubtedly a folly, but one that left me feeling like I was walking on air.

Bellamy - Had low expectations going in, based on middling early word and Chabrol's recent Woody Allen-esque laziness, but here the trademark late-Chabrol sedateness work in the film's favor, as Depardieu's aging detective takes a break from his holiday for some off-duty sleuthing as he investigates the case of a mysterious stranger... the film's perversely lackadaisal presentation of such potent pulp elements as blackmail, murder, insurance fraud eventually gives way to a poignant consideration of familial secrets and guilt. Vital filmmaking this isn't, but for CC followers like myself, it's nice to see the kind of small strengths that masters can yield when coasting.

[megladon8]

JTmSJDyav-A

[megladon8]

I was really surprised with how great Charley Varrick was. Just an immaculate heist/crime film with a stand-out performance by Matthau.

I think I am going to make a thread on the best made-for-TV movies.

[Skitch]

Ponyo was, of course, excellent. Its amazing how his films are just...amazing! I have yet to see one that is subpar. And on bluray...wow. Just wow.

[Melville]

Wild Grass - The subject of obsessive romantic love tends to bring out the most peculiar sensibilities in filmmakers, and this is no exception, as it seems to take place entirely in the same dimension as the dreamscape of Mulholland Drive; a garishly gleaming netherworld of impulsive behaviour and infinite possibility. Undoubtedly a folly, but one that left me feeling like I was walking on air.
Sounds like my kind of movie.

[MadMan]

I was really surprised with how great Charley Varrick was. Just an immaculate heist/crime film with a stand-out performance by Matthau.

I think I am going to make a thread on the best made-for-TV movies.Out of the Siegel movies I've seen, its one of his best efforts. Also people seem to forget that Lemmon and Matthau were good at dramatic roles as well as playing comedic characters. Also the final showdown involving an airplane is incredibly well executed.

[Boner M]

So glad the Charley Varrick virus is catchin' on here.

[balmakboor]

Ponyo was, of course, excellent. Its amazing how his films are just...amazing! I have yet to see one that is subpar. And on bluray...wow. Just wow.

My daughter (aka the girl who could watch Miyazaki all day every day) and I re-watched it on Bluray yesterday. It is so beautiful. I think the depiction of the town and the house on the cliff is my favorite Miyazaki setting.

Not even my daughter agrees with me, but I find Ponyo, Totoro, and Spirited Away to be his masterpieces. She leans more toward Nausicaa and Castle in the Sky.

The only one she doesn't care for all that much is Porco Rosso. Honestly, I didn't either.

[B-side]

Sounds like my kind of movie.

Read my mind.

[Ezee E]

I already forgot that I watched Intervista today. Pretty blah.

I haven't really liked much from Fellini. Although I should watch 8 1/2 again as its been 6-8 years.

[Derek]

Well, The Lovely Bones was comically horrendous. Jackson's increasingly maximalist filmmaking has reached soaring new heights as every frame is intensified by glossy, vibrant colors or painfully choreographed moments of tension and drama or sweeping camera moves that serve no purpose but to showboat and create a sense of fluidity that is missing in the shallow yet overtly grandiose narrative or hushed pontifications of the deep connection between a father and his daughter of which this pompous 2+ hour shitfest grants 90 seconds of screen time where the daughter watches her awkward father engage in his nerdy hobby of building model ships in a bottle - a hobby he so graciously wishes to pass onto her and which she begrudgingly accepts because even though he's neurotic, he's also her father, aw. And that's not to mention Stanley Tucci doing a Dr. Evil impersonation, Sarandon's useless drunk character or the absurd Asian friend in Limboland who likes gazebos as much as Susie does. I hate this film so much.

[B-side]

I have to see this.

[Boner M]

Read my mind.
It's already been pretty divisive (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/herbes_folles/), and if you're not on its bizarro wavelength, I would imagine it'd just seem like a featherweight Amelie-esque souffle padded with pretension. The audience I saw it with seemed completely confounded, which to my mind is one of the film's strengths.

[Skitch]

My daughter (aka the girl who could watch Miyazaki all day every day) and I re-watched it on Bluray yesterday. It is so beautiful. I think the depiction of the town and the house on the cliff is my favorite Miyazaki setting.

Not even my daughter agrees with me, but I find Ponyo, Totoro, and Spirited Away to be his masterpieces. She leans more toward Nausicaa and Castle in the Sky.

The only one she doesn't care for all that much is Porco Rosso. Honestly, I didn't either.

I haven't seen Porco Rosso yet.

Nausicaa, Totoro, Howl's Castle, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away...all brilliant. I try to pick one above another, and I just bounce around between them. Its amazing how his level of excellence hasn't dropped at all.

[Fezzik]

I haven't seen Porco Rosso yet.

Nausicaa, Totoro, Howl's Castle, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away...all brilliant. I try to pick one above another, and I just bounce around between them. Its amazing how his level of excellence hasn't dropped at all.

It's tough to pick just ONE, isn't it?

If put to the screws, I'd probably go with Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke as my favorites, but damn, it'd be hard to narrow it down like that.

[Fezzik]

Double feature night: A Serious Man and 2046.

As someone who watches movies in a strategic order to maximize each's individual impact, I'm not really sure which one of these I should watch first. I mean, its the Coens and Wong. Coin flip? Probably.

[Grouchy]

Double feature night: A Serious Man and 2046.

As someone who watches movies in a strategic order to maximize each's individual impact, I'm not really sure which one of these I should watch first. I mean, its the Coens and Wong. Coin flip? Probably.
My theory is that you should watch the Coens first, because the film is fucking brilliant and, if you watch it after 2046, you might be too tired to fully pay attention to it.

Hard to imagine two movies more radically different, too.

[Grouchy]

I enjoyed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy a lot. The opening song brought fond memories of Monty Python, and the entire film kept a huge grin on my face. I specially enjoyed Sam Rockwell's character, and as a plus I finally understood Gorb's avatar from RT. Now, I haven't read any of the books nor ever seen any other incarnation of the Douglas Adams universe, so maybe once I get some more "knowledge" I won't enjoy the film adaptation as much, but it was still a funny ride.

[[ETM]]

I haven't read any of the books nor ever seen any other incarnation of the Douglas Adams universe, so maybe once I get some more "knowledge" I won't enjoy the film adaptation as much, but it was still a funny ride.

Once you do, you'll understand why it was hardly possible to get a better adaptation.

[Rowland]

I remember finding Hitchhiker's Guide too condensed as an adaptation and thus overly rushed in its pacing, while the execution was occasionally clever but too often stilted and fragmentary, the only performance that makes an impression or elicits much in the way of legitimate chuckles is Mos Def, and the ending just kinda fizzles. There's some solid visual invention, but not enough.

[Mara]

Other than the FANTASTIC opening number, I found the film adaptation of THGTOG to be a waste of time.

[megladon8]

Here's a really strange, very random question.

What does the law say regarding showing nude characters that are underage?

That is, what if an actor who is, say, 25, is playing a character who is 14, and does a nude scene. Does that pose a legal problem for the filmmakers/actor/producers? Or is the age of the character they are playing irrelevant?

I know that when it's a case of the actor themselves being underage this poses problems.

[balmakboor]

Here's a really strange, very random question.

What does the law say regarding showing nude characters that are underage?

That is, what if an actor who is, say, 25, is playing a character who is 14, and does a nude scene. Does that pose a legal problem for the filmmakers/actor/producers? Or is the age of the character they are playing irrelevant?

I know that when it's a case of the actor themselves being underage this poses problems.

I doubt it matters. Pornstars in their twenties portray as young as they can look schoolgirls all the time.

[Grouchy]

Yeah, I don't see why it should matter.

[Ezee E]

Yeah. Shannon Elizabeth in American Pie was like 26ish I think.

Means nothing.

[Mysterious Dude]

I don't think it's illegal for someone who actually is underage to do a nude scene, as long as it's not a sex scene. Doesn't happen very often, though, these days.

[Raiders]

I'm pretty certain that with parental consent/supervision and the act not being sexual in nature, the law has little to say regarding the actual actor/actress's underage nudity.

EDIT: As Antoine just said.

[hey it's ethan]

TCM's print of Contempt is borderline unwatchable.

[Spinal]

I don't think it's illegal for someone who actually is underage to do a nude scene, as long as it's not a sex scene. Doesn't happen very often, though, these days.

Thora Birch in American Beauty being one example. I think her parents were on set if memory serves.

[megladon8]

Thora Birch in American Beauty being one example. I think her parents were on set if memory serves.


Yes, that was the example I was going to use with people who are underage and it posing problems.

I think her parents were legally obliged to be there, as were members of a child protection agency.

[Mysterious Dude]

TCM's print of Contempt is borderline unwatchable.
I'm really amazed at the print they use. Dubbed and cropped. It's so unlike TCM.

[MadMan]

TCM's print of Contempt is borderline unwatchable.Hah, that's the one I watched a couple years back. Since I've even watched a bad VHS copy of Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight (from what I hear there isn't a DVD print, but I'm not really sure), I've seen far worse prints. I got the jist of the whole movie-and its a good one, the only Godard I've seen so far.

Also I love The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and yes I've read the first two books. Wonderful, hilarious, and touching adaption. The book is one of those "Hard to adapt/damn difficult to bring to the screen," so I'm one of those who feel that the adaption is the best possible one we were going to get. Plus Mos Def and Sam Rockwell rule, Zooey Deschanel is gorgeous, and Martin Freemen nailed Arthur Dent. Oh and it also featured Bill Nighy, John Malkovich, and the voices of Stephen Fry and Helen Mirren. You can't argue with how great that cast is.

[Derek]

I'm really amazed at the print they use. Dubbed and cropped. It's so unlike TCM.

Especially for that movie! The language barrier between Palance and Piccoli is fairly important and Godard makes very deliberate use of scope, so they're pretty much ruining the movie. Plus, it looks like ass blown up like that. Very odd considering their treatment of most other foreign films.

[B-side]

O Sangue (Costa, 1989) ****

Have any thoughts on this anywhere?

[Sxottlan]

Ridiculously good spoof of the cynical construction of award bait trailers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFicqklGuB0&feature=popt00us06

I don't know how to embed the video into a post.

[Derek]

Have any thoughts on this anywhere?

Not much, but here's what I posted a couple weeks back:

"I'm gonna let this sink in before saying too much about it, but it's the best film I've seen in the last 2 or 3 years. The cut to Clara arriving at the fair where The The's "This is the Day" kicks in is one of the most surprising and powerful expressions of fleeting joy amidst despair I've ever seen. Even Mouchette on the bumper cars didn't hit me quite like that shot did. Speaking of, the cinematography is absolutely stunning - some of the best black-and-white imagery I've seen. This is one of those rare films that makes all other films around it seem minor by comparison."

I do plan on rewatching it and giving it at least a thorough review. What'd you think of it?

[B-side]

Not much, but here's what I posted a couple weeks back:

"I'm gonna let this sink in before saying too much about it, but it's the best film I've seen in the last 2 or 3 years. The cut to Clara arriving at the fair where The The's "This is the Day" kicks in is one of the most surprising and powerful expressions of fleeting joy amidst despair I've ever seen. Even Mouchette on the bumper cars didn't hit me quite like that shot did. Speaking of, the cinematography is absolutely stunning - some of the best black-and-white imagery I've seen. This is one of those rare films that makes all other films around it seem minor by comparison."

I do plan on rewatching it and giving it at least a thorough review. What'd you think of it?

Well, it's in my top 10 seen for the first time this year, hovering around #6, so yeah, I definitely enjoyed it. The black and white was gorgeous. I too rather enjoyed those fleeting moments of joy. Still 2 things I wanna know, though: What was the secret between Clara and Nino? Also, what's the best human invention? Did they ever answer that?

[balmakboor]

Especially for that movie! The language barrier between Palance and Piccoli is fairly important and Godard makes very deliberate use of scope, so they're pretty much ruining the movie. Plus, it looks like ass blown up like that. Very odd considering their treatment of most other foreign films.

Why wouldn't they show the Criterion? When our film society shows movies from the Criterion collection, we get a special version of the Criterion disc intended for theater use.

[MadMan]

Ridiculously good spoof of the cynical construction of award bait trailers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFicqklGuB0&feature=popt00us06

I don't know how to embed the video into a post.That was brilliant. It also reminds me that I love some of the movies they made fun of in that video.

[balmakboor]

Maybe someone can help me since I forgot to bring my copy of Film Comment to work today.

There is an article toward the front about a '70s movie getting a DVD release recently that has been pretty much buried for decades. It is set in Los Angeles and is a mixture of documentary and fiction about drug addicts.

What was the title if anyone has the magazine nearby? It isn't mentioned on the Film Comment website and it sounded very interesting.

[Pop Trash]

Maybe someone can help me since I forgot to bring my copy of Film Comment to work today.

There is an article toward the front about a '70s movie getting a DVD release recently that has been pretty much buried for decades. It is set in Los Angeles and is a mixture of documentary and fiction about drug addicts.

What was the title if anyone has the magazine nearby? It isn't mentioned on the Film Comment website and it sounded very interesting.

Oohh I think I know what movie you are talking about, but damn, I can't think of the title for the life of me.

[balmakboor]

Oohh I think I know what movie you are talking about, but damn, I can't think of the title for the life of me.

I'm at home now. The title is Dusty and Sweets McGee. Not on Neflix yet. Apparently, it's going to play at the Walter Reade Theater for those near New York.

[balmakboor]

Yep. It sounds like something I'd really like. But is it worth a blind buy?

http://knifeinthehead.blogspot.com/2008/08/dusty-and-sweets-mcgee-1971-floyd.html

[Watashi]

Has anyone been following Armond-gate (http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2010/03/proof_that_armo.php)?

It's awesome.

[number8]

Yeah, ridiculous. Other working critics, especially online, have said comparably awful things about the likes of Michael Bay and Brett Ratner. Shutting White out is definitely unfair.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Yeah, ridiculous. Other working critics, especially online, have said comparably awful things about the likes of Michael Bay and Brett Ratner. Shutting White out is definitely unfair.

Examples?

[Ezee E]

Ben Lyons was excommunicated because he called I Am Legend a masterpiece.

Match Cut has visual proof of his current state.

[Adam]

Armond's thoughts on Noah Baumbauch from a three year old interview (http://bigmediavandal.blogspot.com/2007/12/sweet-lime-and-sour-grapes-armond-white.html)...



STEVEN BOONE: I ran into two guys who recently interviewed you at the New York Film Festival and they said they were shocked that you liked Darjeeling Limited 'cause they weren't expecting you to. But when I listened to the interview, you threw me for a loop by saying that Wes Anderson was good friends with this guy [Margot and the Wedding director] Noah Baumbach, that he's friends with an asshole. How could you say that? Do you know him? Do you personally know these guys to say that Baumbach is an asshole, Wes Anderson is a good guy, and it's a mystery to you why they're friends?

ARMOND WHITE: Look at the movies. That's how I know. You're aware of what D.H. Lawrence said about writing...? Trust the tale, not the teller. So, Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach, they can tell you what they believe they're about. They can get on a podium and say, "This is what I believe in, this is what I feel, this is what I love, this is what I dislike..." Can't trust any of that. You've got to look at the movie. You look at Noah Baumbach's work, and you see he's an asshole. I would say it to his face. And, of course, he gets praised by other assholes, because they agree with his selfish, privileged, stuck-up shennanigans. I don't need to meet him to know that. better than meeting him, I've seen his movies.

SB: Well, I reviewed it, and, yeah, there was something of the asshole point-of-view, stuck-up view, but there was something to it. For one thing, he could actually teach this, um, "splat pack," these new horror directors something, because to me it was really a horror film in the visuals and the way he manipulated tensions in every scene, which had a lot to do with loathing and humiliation. Every scene was about people who were not comfortable in their own skin. I did feel that I didn't really like these people, but to me there was some value in that he captured that, uhhh... milieu.

AW: First of all, it's shocking--shocking--to me that he could make a movie with [cinematographer] Harris Savides, and, on his previous film, with Robert Yeoman, and they both come out looking shitty.

SB: Well, it looked like he was pushing for that, especially with Harris Savides, whose big influence is Gordon Willis. There are certain scenes, interiors that are extremely underexposed, kind of milky, which actually reminded me of a couple of shots that I saw in The Landlord.

AW: (laughs) There's nothing in there from The Landlord. Nothing.

SB: Did you see--

AW: Perhaps the lighting, but certainly not the processing. No, not even the lighting. No, no. It was ugly! Did you see The Darjeeling Limited?

SB: 'course.

AW: Did you see The Squid and the Whale?

SB: No, I didn't see that. This was my first Noah Baumbach--

AW: The film looked like Margot and the Wedding. Just like it. So just use that reference. If you can believe that the same man who shot Darjeeling shot something that looks like Margot at the Wedding. That's not art. That's barbarism.

SB: He was aiming for that.

AW: Deliberate barbarism. And it's not that he captures the behavior of a screwed up lot of people. It's that he indulges in it. And, remember, the whole thing is fiction. He created it. He made it all up because that's the kind of stuff he likes to see. That's the kind of stuff he likes to indulge. He's not the first artist in the world to-- look at Tennessee Williams, look at Eugene O'neill. See how they depict fucked up people: Not like Noah Baumbach. There's a difference, an important difference. He's indulging in a particular class, a particular economic class.

SB: But you don't feel that he goes through all that to find some kind of--

AW: No, no.

SB: --feelings between the mother and the son.

AW: Pure bullshit. It's him. It's all about him. He's indulging himself, a fortunate asshole. And because his family is all well-connected people in New York publishing, critics praise him, because, in the end, they're praising themselves, justifying their own bad behavior.

[Pop Trash]

It's a bit ironic that Armond is a Wes Anderson fan, since he and Baumbach collaborate all the time.

EDIT: Nevermind, just read the interview and he addresses that specifically. Apparently if you make movies that feature asshole characters, you are, in fact, an asshole yourself. Thanks for that chestnut Armond.

[Pop Trash]

I'm at home now. The title is Dusty and Sweets McGee. Not on Neflix yet. Apparently, it's going to play at the Walter Reade Theater for those near New York.

Oh nevermind. I figured out the one I was thinking of: it's called The Connection and it's from 1962.

[hey it's ethan]

David Byrne's True Stories at its best is a moving, funny and entertaining look at the need for uniqueness and creativity in our society; at its worst it's basically a series of music videos. Luckily though, Byrne's optimism and care for his characters shine through in the end (almost like Harmony Korine's Gummo). It's rather slight and heavy-handed and could've used a little more conflict (though I admire it for not using a typical mustache-twirling, art-hating villain to do so) but at the same time very watchable.

[megladon8]

I don't understand why we still pay AW any attention.

He's clearly an idiot. I don't need to know him. I've read his reviews.

[B-side]

Wow. Has anyone here seen Mike Figgis' The Loss of Sexual Innocence? What a sprawling, ambitious experiment. It's a bizarre, almost wordless drama utilizing a network narrative to tell the story of several individuals and some incredibly important experiences in their lives surrounding sex in some form or another with the story of Adam and Eve spliced randomly in between the vignettes. Figgis uses some wild color schemes, handheld camera and title cards to unique effect. I'm still trying to digest it.

[balmakboor]

I don't understand why we still pay AW any attention.

He's clearly an idiot. I don't need to know him. I've read his reviews.

Was there a time when he was more highly regarded? I have this really nice anthology of movie reviews and he's included along with Farber and Kael and Ebert and Sarris... It's this amazing collection of great voices and then there is White plunked down in the middle of it all with his reviews (well written actually) of Do the Right Thing (rave) and Malcolm X (pan).

[Raiders]

My problem with Armond White is he is afraid of that which he doesn't understand. He always has to chalk up films he doesn't like to some conspiracy between "hipsters" or WASPs or the general boho NY crowd. He always has to take some social angle to why people like what they do and scoffs at it with a holier-than-thou attitude. He never is content judging films on their own terms but always forced to use terms of his own definition, whether that be other films he did like or by using some sort of prejudice against upper-middle class white people. I wonder what would happen if we introduced him to a black southern man who liked Noah Baumbach? Would his head explode?

I think White is well worth discussing since he offers criticism that is, at the least, interesting enough to discuss. But, I do not take him seriously. But maybe that's because I too am an asshole.

[Fezzik]

Every time I read about someone in the public eye, I always try to remain detached and remind myself that I really don't know them.

With White, though, every time I read about him or read something he says, my loathing for him is fortified.

This last thing, though, might have sent my feelings over the edge. My biggest pet peeve in the universe is deciding on a whim that someone you don't know is a particular type of person based on cursory signs such as cultural tastes or random, out of context statements.

White not only does it, he seems to find it completely justified. He makes my head hurt.

I think if I ever met him, a fight might break out. Not necessarily a physical one, but I think there'd at least be yelling.

[Ivan Drago]

Mike Figgis is still making movies? Sweet. I love Timecode and want to see Leaving Las Vegas.

[balmakboor]

REELFocus's Oscar Post-Mortem

Wow! I got last place in your Oscar poll.

Takes a bow.

[Sycophant]

Kitano Takeshi was just recently named Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters by France (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100311a6.html).

[Sven]

I want it to be known preemptively that I liked Robert Pattinson before it was cool to do so.

[Derek]

I want it to be known preemptively that I liked Robert Pattinson before it was cool to do so.

It will ever be cool to like Robert Pattinson?

[Sycophant]

It's cool to like Robert Pattinson?

That's why it's preemptive.

[number8]

He's been getting praises for his performance in Remember Me, I believe.

I've read a couple of reviews comparing him to James Dean, and my critic friend sent me this last night on Twitter:


Whoa, who knew RPatzz could act?!!

[Derek]

That's why it's preemptive.

I thought he meant he already liked him before he was popular. I mean, he's already cool to all girls ages 11-17...and Sven.

[Derek]

He's been getting praises for his performance in Remember Me, I believe.

I've read a couple of reviews comparing him to James Dean, and my critic friend sent me this last night on Twitter:

Huh...i'll have to wait until he's in a movie that looks less vomit-inducing than
Remember Me.

[Wryan]

TheVictorian back on RT ages ago worked on a movie set as an extra and Pattinson was in the cast. Vic said he was a laughably bad actor.

But then Vic made it fashionable to hate a little piece of anything.

[number8]

Well, to his credit, he's actually signing on to low-key dramas and not jumping on the Hollywood tentpole gravy train like Taylor Lautner has.

EDIT: Hmm, or is that actually worse?

[number8]

TheVictorian back on RT ages ago worked on a movie set as an extra and Pattinson was in the cast. Vic said he was a laughably bad actor.

But then Vic made it fashionable to hate a little piece of anything.

Was it Little Ashes or Haunted Airman? He was hilarious in Little Ashes.

[Sven]

I thought he meant he already liked him before he was popular. I mean, he's already cool to all girls ages 11-17...and Sven.

I guess I meant to say "before it was a legitimate opinion within the film community."

[Sven]

Did you talk about The Lovely Bones, Derek? I would like to know what you have to say about it.

[Wryan]

Was it Little Ashes or Haunted Airman? He was hilarious in Little Ashes.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387541 I'm guessing from the way he described.

[Sycophant]

I just watched Kikujiro again. For some reason (having seen it something like 8 times and it being my first Kitano), I had begun to doubt its strength, but after this viewing I feel more than confident in placing it up there with first-tier Kitano like Fireworks and Takeshis'.

[Ezee E]

Well, to his credit, he's actually signing on to low-key dramas and not jumping on the Hollywood tentpole gravy train like Taylor Lautner has.

EDIT: Hmm, or is that actually worse?
If Remember Me is a sign of things to come, I'll side with Taylor Lautner.

Another article compared him to Leo DiCaprio. But Leo had Basketball Diaries, Celebrity, and even Gilbert Grape on him before he got famous.

[Dead & Messed Up]

If Remember Me is a sign of things to come, I'll side with Taylor Lautner.

Another article compared him to Leo DiCaprio. But Leo had Basketball Diaries, Celebrity, and even Gilbert Grape on him before he got famous.

I'll take the small marketing of Pattinson in Remember Me over the sure-to-be blitz of Lautner's Stretch Armstrong.

[hey it's ethan]

Pattinson actually seems like a pretty cool guy in interviews so I kind of want to root for him.

[eternity]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387541 I'm guessing from the way he described.
Pattinson is probably one of the "better" things of that monstrosity. Holy shit, what a fucking fuck of a movie.

[Ezee E]

What do you guys make of this Todd McCarthy/Variety drama? Pretty messed up.

[Mysterious Dude]

I will reserve judgment on Robert Pattinson until I see one of the movies he's been in.

Taylor Lautner, on the other hand, will always be Sharkboy to me. Always.

[eternity]

What do you guys make of this Todd McCarthy/Variety drama? Pretty messed up.

Sinking ship, etc.

[hey it's ethan]

Oh Southland Tales, why do I love you so?

[megladon8]

Armond White isn't even allowed to go to the press screenings of Greenberg.

LAWL.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Oh Southland Tales, why do I love you so?

Brain damage?



It might be brain damage.

[balmakboor]

I thought he meant he already liked him before he was popular. I mean, he's already cool to all girls ages 11-17...and Sven.

Both my daughters -- ages 13 and 17 -- pretty much hate him. They thought his casting wrecked the Twilight movies -- as if there anything to wreck. Remember, I have cool daughters who like Miyazaki and stuff.

[megladon8]

Both my daughters -- ages 13 and 17 -- pretty much hate him. They thought his casting wrecked the Twilight movies -- as if there anything to wreck. Remember, I have cool daughters who like Miyazaki and stuff.


Keep them away from Wats.

[Derek]

Did you talk about The Lovely Bones, Derek? I would like to know what you have to say about it.

Here (http://www.match-cut.org/showpost.php?p=246896&postcount=40212).

[Derek]

Keep them away from Wats.

Unless they're animated, I think they're safe.

[Sven]

Here (http://www.match-cut.org/showpost.php?p=246896&postcount=40212).

Nice sentence!

[number8]

I wouldn't call Noah Baumbach an asshole, but Greenberg certainly looks like an asshole came up with the idea.

[Watashi]

So it's safe to say that if I hate Margot, I'm going to hate this?

Oh, Noah. You should just stick with Wes.

[balmakboor]

I seriously loved The Squid and the Whale. Haven't seen anything else by Baumbach.

[Raiders]

I seriously loved The Squid and the Whale. Haven't seen anything else by Baumbach.

Yeah, same with me.

[hey it's ethan]

After watching The Squid and The Whale in Family Studies, we did this in-class role playing assignment where members of the class played the family going to a therapy session; I got to be Bernard.

[Skitch]

So in the last couple pages we have Robert Pattison love, Armond White defense, and Southland Tales love.

Where the fuck am I? What's going on here, Match-Cut? Has your contentious ass gone so far around the bend you're rebooting?

Fuck fuckity fuckness.

[Pop Trash]

Oh Southland Tales, why do I love you so?

So the other night at the bar one of my friends was talking about a movie he watched that he loved and his girlfriend described as being "made specifically for him." Guess what it was? :pritch:

[number8]

Wait, I thought we've always loved Southland Tales around here? I certainly do. If this is not true, I think the rest of you needs a stern talking-to.

[Pop Trash]

I seriously loved The Squid and the Whale. Haven't seen anything else by Baumbach.

I loved that but didn't really like Margot, but I'm not exactly sure why. I think it's because Margot is even more bitter and cold without the moments of tenderness that Squid shows.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Wait, I thought we've always loved Southland Tales around here? I certainly do. If this is not true, I think the rest of you needs a stern talking-to.

I thought Speed Racer was the unfairly-lambasted local classic around here. Southland Tales fans are just deluded.

[balmakboor]

So in the last couple pages we have Robert Pattison love, Armond White defense, and Southland Tales love.

Where the fuck am I? What's going on here, Match-Cut? Has your contentious ass gone so far around the bend you're rebooting?

Fuck fuckity fuckness.

There's been plenty of Southland Tales love in the past -- not that I ever understood it.

[Ezee E]

I wouldn't call Noah Baumbach an asshole, but Greenberg certainly looks like an asshole came up with the idea.
Sounds appropriate.

[Grouchy]

Armond White is an idiot and Noah Bambauch is an asshole.

It's as clear as the light of day for me.

[Grouchy]

Bette Davis really excelled at those bitter old movie star roles, eh? I've seen The Star on TCM. Not a good movie, and probably just riding on Sunset Boulevard (there were apparently a lot of in-Hollywood dramas in the early '50s), but it's filled with Bette Davis moments. There's a long sequence where she makes an ass of herself during a screen test which becomes almost painful too watch. But the movie is not good - I think Sterling Hayden in this has some of the shittiest dialogue ever written.

[MadMan]

White has a right to his opinion. And I have the right to ignore said opinion(s).

Baumbach is someone I have yet to see a movie from. Not sure if I ever will, partly out of laziness of course.

Oh and Southland Tales is a movie that gets a score somewhere in the 70s from me, but that's just my way of sticking a random number on one of the weirdest movies of the 2000s. I did end up liking it, though-and I even attempted a review covering the entire thing, so yeah count me down as a defender I suppose.

[Ivan Drago]

Agree with MadMan about AW.

Robert Pattinson isn't that bad of an actor. Hell he looks like a positive of Remember Me, which despite the ending, looks like a pretty good movie.

I thought The Squid and the Whale was okay. As far as Baumbach working with Wes Anderson, that's best avoided. I despise The Life Aquatic.

Southland Tales is awesome. It's been way too long since I saw it last, but I still listen to Moby's score on a regular basis. I think it's amazing.

[Watashi]

Is Tetro ever going to get a DVD release date?

[soitgoes...]

McLaren>Brakhage

Not sure if it's right to compare the two, but I'm doing it anyways. Begone Dull Care finds its way into my top 100 (top 20?), something only 5 or 6 other short films can say. I might consider it the best short ever. Simply perfect.

[Derek]

Is Tetro ever going to get a DVD release date?

Yes, it will.

[B-side]

McLaren>Brakhage

Not sure if it's right to compare the two, but I'm doing it anyways. Begone Dull Care finds its way into my top 100 (top 20?), something only 5 or 6 other short films can say. I might consider it the best short ever. Simply perfect.

I've been considering checking some of his stuff out. I guess I'll check out this Begone Dull Care first.

[Melville]

I've been considering checking some of his stuff out. I guess I'll check out this Begone Dull Care first.
Pas de Deux (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZFvQ1Uv9k)!

[soitgoes...]

I've been considering checking some of his stuff out. I guess I'll check out this Begone Dull Care first.
Do. Neighbours, Pas de deux, and Lines: Horizontal are also great.

[B-side]

Pas de Deux (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZFvQ1Uv9k)!

Ah, never mind. I've seen that one. I remember liking it.

[B-side]

Do. Neighbours, Pas de deux, and Lines: Horizontal are also great.

I'll check those out, too.

[B-side]

Whoa. Begone Dull Care was a blast. I can definitely see why you'd be calling McLaren better than Brakhage, especially if all of his work is as cool as this is. I like that, in the beginning, he introduces the film in all the major languages, speaking of the universal appeal of the work itself and music in general.

[soitgoes...]

Whoa. Begone Dull Care was a blast. I can definitely see why you'd be calling McLaren better than Brakhage, especially if all of his work is as cool as this is. I like that, in the beginning, he introduces the film in all the major languages, speaking of the universal appeal of the work itself and music in general.
How he blends the images with the music. I can't imagine how he (and Evelyn Lambart) made it all come together so perfectly. A lot of his films are the same scratched film strip timed to music, but some are real world images that are manipulated.

[B-side]

How he blends the images with the music. I can't imagine how he (and Evelyn Lambart) made it all come together so perfectly. A lot of his films are the same scratched film strip timed to music, but some are real world images that are manipulated.

It made me smile so much. And the way the lines danced, and the blotches would sort of skate across the screen to the various beats. Good stuff, man.

[Boner M]

Weekend

The Emperor's New Groove
The Father of My Children
Sound of the Mountain (Naruse)
something from Mike Leigh's "At the BBC" box set (any particular reco's, people? Nuts in May, Hard Labour, Abigail's Party, etc?)

[Skitch]

I thought Southland Tales was universally reviled. I enjoy the film, though I have no idea why, it's fairly awful.

[balmakboor]

I find it strange to compare McLaren and Brakhage. They're both great. They're so different. I mean, how does one go about deciding which is better, Neighbors or Window, Water, Baby, Moving?

Btw, nobody really answered my question about Armond White. Was he once a more respected and less asshole-ish critic? I ask because maybe, just maybe, his confrontational persona is just his way of trying to keep a job. It's so hard out there to make a living as a critic these days. The two reviews of Spike Lee movies in that anthology I own tend to make me think there's a pretty decent film critic in there someplace.

Maybe the New York Press keeps paying him because he is such a firebrand. I know I'd become a major prick if it meant I could watch and write about movies for a living.

[Wryan]

Weekend

The Emperor's New Groove

This is such an incredibly successful movie, in so many ways. Amazingly funny.

[Mara]

This is such an incredibly successful movie, in so many ways. Amazingly funny.

It really is great, but I think you don't realize how great until about the seventh time you watch it, when the enjoyment kind of plateaus.

[Fezzik]

This is such an incredibly successful movie, in so many ways. Amazingly funny.

It might be the funniest movie in Disney's entire animated canon.

[Raiders]

Yeah, I love Norman McLaren. Though as far as experimental shorts go, Kenneth Anger is my man. Haven't seen much Brakhage (part of Dog Star Man and The Act of Seeing With One's Own Eyes) but what I have seen has not really been my cup o' tea for the most part.

[balmakboor]

Since first seeing one of his films back in college in 1981, I've had something of an obsession with the films of Stan Brakhage. To me, his is the definitive example of "pure cinema." I find his films heartstoppingly beautiful and return to my By Brakhage DVDs almost monthly. I can't wait for volume II.

[balmakboor]

Before our screening of Moon last night, a woman said she just adored Avatar. She said, "It was the most original story I've seen in years."

She was such a silly person.

[chrisnu]

Before our screening of Moon last night, a woman said she just adored Avatar. She said, "It was the most original story I've seen in years."

She was such a silly person.
My response probably would have been "you haven't seen many movies." Well, I would've thought that.

[balmakboor]

I'm already hooked on Duncan Jones' next movie:

http://io9.com/5447016/unravel-the-recurring-mystery-of-duncan-jones-next-movie

[Qrazy]

Avant-garde cinema has the potential to be my favorite type of cinema, but it rarely if ever is. That is to say that my favorite moments in films are those of sound and imagery coming together to create a highly resonant aesthetic moment. However too few avant-garde filmmakers either have the intent or the resources to make avant garde films I find formally impressive. Instead they tend to push boundaries either thematically or structurally which is valuable, but which I don't find all that interesting to watch.

[Watashi]

I'm a happy little boy.

I just got the Criterion newsletter and saw their hint and gasped.

http://i4.createsend5.com/ei/r/4C/F8B/C2F/052221/wacky-thinredlion.jpg

THE THIN RED LINE

:pritch::pritch::pritch::pritc h:

[Ivan Drago]

I'm a happy little boy.

I just got the Criterion newsletter and saw their hint and gasped.

http://i4.createsend5.com/ei/r/4C/F8B/C2F/052221/wacky-thinredlion.jpg

THE THIN RED LINE

:pritch::pritch::pritch::pritc h:

Aaaand day made.

[Russ]

Avant-garde cinema has the potential to be my favorite type of cinema, but it rarely if ever is. That is to say that my favorite moments in films are those of sound and imagery coming together to create a highly resonant aesthetic moment. However too few avant-garde filmmakers either have the intent or the resources to make avant garde films I find formally impressive. Instead they tend to push boundaries either thematically or structurally which is valuable, but which I don't find all that interesting to watch.
Have you ever seen Marguerite Duras' India Song? I saw it recently and, for some reason, am thinking you might like it. Complete divergence of sound and images, it would seem, until one relates thematic ties to each element (ie, the distancing of the visual narrative and the viewer, standing in for the class divide and distancing of French colonials and India nationals - and especially each other). Interesting techniques are used which, of course, won't be everyone's cup of tea.

[chrisnu]

I'm already hooked on Duncan Jones' next movie:

http://io9.com/5447016/unravel-the-recurring-mystery-of-duncan-jones-next-movie
That sounds great. I'll keep my eye out for it. Thanks for sharing.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I'm a happy little boy.

I just got the Criterion newsletter and saw their hint and gasped.

I don't get the hint. Red Lion(Line)? Is that it? Because that's a stupid hint.

[Derek]

I don't get the hint. Red Lion(Line)? Is that it? Because that's a stupid hint.

And the lion is thin...

As for the "I'm feelin' red and blue", that makes me think The Thin Blue Line may be in the works too.

[Boner M]

And the lion is thin...

As for the "I'm feelin' red and blue", that makes me think The Thin Blue Line may be in the works too.
Psst... Blu-ray.

[megladon8]

I have to admit, the white background, red lion and "I'm feelin' red and blue" line made me first think of the Three Colours trilogy.

[Boner M]

I have to admit, the white background, red lion and "I'm feelin' red and blue" line made me first think of the Three Colours trilogy.
Perhaps it's Kieslowski's long-lost 'Three Colored Lions' trilogy.

[megladon8]

Perhaps it's Kieslowski's long-lost 'Three Colored Lions' trilogy.


I'd watch it.

[hey it's ethan]

After viewing Palindromes, I think I can safely say Todd Solondz hates America more than Lars von Trier.