28 Film Discussion Threads Later

[D_Davis]

Here is What is is awesome.

It is a very intimate look at Daniel Lanois and his recording process. It features snippets of some live performances with him, Eno, and U2 in Monaco, and I just about died. My God, to have been in that courtyard!

There are also a ton of really cool live in the studio performances.

Really good stuff.

The only major talent missing is Bob Dylan - I'm surprised Bob didn't at least make a small appearance.

It is incredible to think about how many groundbreaking albums Lanois has helped to shape. Truly one of the great producers and musicians.

The film does a pretty good job at capturing this, but not nearly as good as his own music does.

[Lucky]

I still to this day firmly stand behind Interview with the Vampire as a brilliant piece of filmmaking. I just watched it last week, actually. The only quibble I have with it is the ending.

[origami_mustache]

Damnation (Béla Tarr, 1988)

This film is beautifully photographed and a has a incredible soundscape, that combined with the desolate environment creates a truly dismal atmosphere. I did however find it to often be too wordy and philosophical for it's own good. Tarr himself admits that the premise is intentionally simple and banal, but the film still delivers some memorable imagery such as Karrer crawling on all fours and barking at a stray dog in the rain, the emotionless sex scene where the camera wanders away from the two lovers around the room until we see their reflections in the mirror only to continue panning away from them, and the repetition of the creaking mining carts passing by.

I plan on watching Sátántangó next...any recommendations on where to go from there?

[Qrazy]

Damnation (Béla Tarr, 1988)

This film is beautifully photographed and a has a incredible soundscape, that combined with the desolate environment creates a truly dismal atmosphere. I did however find it to often be too wordy and philosophical for it's own good. Tarr himself admits that the premise is intentionally simple and banal, but the film still delivers some memorable imagery such as Karrer crawling on all fours and barking at a stray dog in the rain, the emotionless sex scene where the camera wanders away from the two lovers around the room until we see their reflections in the mirror only to continue panning away from them, and the repetition of the creaking mining carts passing by.

I plan on watching Sátántangó next...any recommendations on where to go from there?

Obviously Werckmeister Harmonies if you haven't seen it, then The Man from London.

I haven't seen his earlier work.

[lovejuice]

The Man from London.

you like it? haven't watched the movie myself, but my friend who is a big tarr's fan did two weeks age, and since then still have endlessly complained how bad it was.

[Qrazy]

you like it? haven't watched the movie myself, but my friend who is a big tarr's fan did two weeks age, and since then still have endlessly complained how bad it was.

It doesn't compare to Satantango or Werckmeister but there's still lots of great individual moments to enjoy and admire.

1. Hilarious Satantango cameos.
2. Fascinatingly fresh take on noir.
3. Plenty of striking imagery and meta-subtextuality.
4. A new unique and beautiful Tarr atmosphere to tonally bathe in.

I'd give it a B+.

[Grouchy]

you like it? haven't watched the movie myself, but my friend who is a big tarr's fan did two weeks age, and since then still have endlessly complained how bad it was.

I've seen it two days ago. My first exposure to Bela Tarr. I liked it once I gathered the patience, like Qrazy said, great atmosphere and noir lighting.

[Ezee E]

Top Ten Working Filmmakers:
-Martin Scorsese
-Paul Thomas Anderson
-Steven Spielberg
-The Coen Brothers
-Spike Lee
-D.J. Caruso
-Terrence Malick
-James Cameron (sorta working)
-David Fincher
-Quentin Tarantino (also sorta working)

[Watashi]

D.J. Caruso? What the fuck?

[Raiders]

D.J. Caruso

Wow. Really?

Quentin Tarantino (also sorta working)

He's released three films in the last four years. That seems like pretty steady work.

[Qrazy]

I watched The Salton Sea for the first time a few months ago... such a piece of crap.

[number8]

D.J. Caruso? What the fuck?

Taking Lives is sexy, hethinks.

[megladon8]

Did anyone see that French animated film Renaissance with Daniel Craig?

I was looking forward to seeing it, and decided I would wait until it was on satellite - but it never showed up.

[Derek]

Top Ten Working Filmmakers:
-Martin Scorsese
-Paul Thomas Anderson
-Steven Spielberg
-The Coen Brothers
-D.J. Caruso
-Terrence Malick
-James Cameron (sorta working)
-David Fincher
-Quentin Tarantino (also sorta working)

But how about some white American male directors?

[Sven]

But how about some white American male directors?

Nice. High five for that one. That prompted me to look at my list again, and while all of mine are male (not uncommon given the ratio of male filmmakers to female), and while 9 of them are ostensibly "white" (the Japanese sheep being Kitano), there are quite a few nationalities represented. Mostly English-speaking, but still... [/apologist]

[Sycophant]

I considered proposing that I would, from this point forward, refer to Kitano as "The Japanese Sheep," but then realized I'd rather not make such an ass of myself.

My list seems to betray my allegiance to the Asian cult or whatever.

[Spinal]

Man, Brimley zingers sting the worst.

[Watashi]

Who cares if your list is varied or not? I find the best directors American because that's simply the culture I grew up in.

I have all humans on my list. Does that say something about all the antelope filmmakers out there? No.

[Sven]

Who cares if your list is varied or not? I find the best directors American because that's simply the culture I grew up in.

I have all humans on my list. Does that say something about all the antelope filmmakers out there? No.

You're a silly goose.

[Derek]

Man, Brimley zingers sting the worst.

Wilford brings it hardcore. Oddly enough, I too had oatmeal for breakfast today.

I have all humans on my list. Does that say something about all the antelope filmmakers out there? No.

Well-reasoned argument. It's hard to fight that kinda logic.

[Spinal]

Who cares if your list is varied or not? I find the best directors American because that's simply the culture I grew up in.

I have all humans on my list. Does that say something about all the antelope filmmakers out there? No.

I don't have a problem with your directors all being American. I have a problem with them all being pasty.

[number8]

Wong Kar Wai
Martin Scorsese
Coen Bros
Shinya Tsukamoto
Paul Greengrass
Kim Ki-duk
Takashi Miike
Sydney Lumet
Edgar Wright
Darren Aronofsky

[Spinal]

Wilford brings it hardcore. Oddly enough, I too had oatmeal for breakfast today.

That reminds me. I gotta go get checked for diabetes.

[Raiders]

I have all humans on my list. Does that say something about all the antelope filmmakers out there? No.

I think this is the single greatest statement in the history of mankind. Just above "It was a very insignificant bullet."

[Derek]

That reminds me. I gotta go get checked for diabetes.

You mean The Beetis?