The Corporation What a fantastic documentary!! This film goes into great depth about the origins and evils of the institution that is the corporation. However, it does not vilify those that work or run the corporations. The basic idea of the film is that while many of the outcomes of the institution may be very negative, a corporation itself cannot be moral or immoral. By definition, a corporation's sole purpose must be to earn revenue, and if in the process people are killed and the environment is ruined then that is just the way it is. But if in the process people are helped and the environment is saved (i.e. political reasons make that more profitable) then that is just as valid. So it is our duty to make sustainability more profitable in the eyes of the corporations. This movie really brought me back to the pre 9/11 days when fair trade really was the big issue facing us. I remember standing on the streets of Seattle on November 30th, 1999 thinking, "we can win this!" That optimism has been lost on many people since recent events have taken place. But just the fact people are out there making movies like this (and not being persecuted) fills me with the same emotions. Favorite quotes (paraphrased): "With our short term desires of today's corporate world we have been committing intergenerational tyranny." And also, when confronted with the argument that you can always just vote with your dollar (i.e. Don't buy Nike shoes if you don't like Nike corporate policies) one man responded, "That reasoning is not truly democratic, because you have a lot more dollars than me, which gives you a lot more votes." This documentary was particularly effective because instead of the in your face Michael Moore style of telling a corporate exec he is an idiot, the filmmakers just let them say their peace and let the audience determine what douche bags these guys were. This was interlaced with brilliant commentary from many experts like Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky, Vandana Shiva, and Michael Moore himself. Obviously, I highly recommend everyone see this film. [more]
Saved! A light and satirical comedy about a group of kids at a very Christian high school. These kids are over-the-top Christian to the point of making Young Life leaders laugh. When some of the kids start seeing the world as being a bit different than they have been lead to believe it create s a rift between the more evangelical and the more level-headed. This movie was very enjoyable thanks not only to the wonderful writing, but also to the amazing cast starring (ahem) Jena Malone , Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Patrick Fugit, and Eva Amurri, who all really give great performances. There is also a quite funny, jive-talkin pastor and principal played by Martin Donovan whose hip speeches steal a couple scenes.
The Notebook Boy this movie sucked. Even watching it on a date couldn't save this fluffy garbage. I can't waste too many bytes of hosting space with this, but the most annoying part was the tour de garbage performance by Rachel McAdams (formerly seen in such brilliant movies as "The Hot Chick" and "Mean Girls"). It is clear she was cast for reasons other than her acting ability as every scene she was in she ran from one cue to the next and every line was delivered out of breath. This girl was always in a hurry... and so was I to turn this movie off.
Bang Rajan Some call it the Thai 'Seven Samurai', some the Thai 'Braveheart,' and maybe some the Thai 'Gladiator.' I would call it the Thai 'The Patriot.' This story takes us deep into the jungles of 18th century Siam to the small village of Bang Rajan. Warriors are gathering in this mountain bottle neck to fight the Burmese invaders to the death. While doing so we get to see into their day to day lives as they deal with love, growing old, responsibility of command, and the constant loss of friends and family. I was pretty impressed with the movie, and while it is not without its flaws, I would recommend it to anyone interested in taking a glimpse at a Thailand (and Asia in general) mostly untouched by Europeans.
The MOVIES thread
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spidermonkey
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Another airplane movie:
Shimotsuma Monogatari
(English title is "Kamakaze Girls")
This was a nice little quirky film based on the manga about two girls, one Lolita and one Yanqui, who develop a friendship. But the movie is more about fart jokes, characters mugging to the screen, over-emphasized yakuza slang, and Daikanyama fashion dolls. There were a few animated sequences sprinkled intermittingly throughout the story to give background on the characters. It's certainly not a heavy drama, but it was a great way to pass an hour or so on the plane before switching to the on-board video games.
(I also saw Spiderman2, The Terminal, and part of the Stepford Wives on the flight, but none of them are worthy of any comments
)
Shimotsuma Monogatari
(English title is "Kamakaze Girls")
This was a nice little quirky film based on the manga about two girls, one Lolita and one Yanqui, who develop a friendship. But the movie is more about fart jokes, characters mugging to the screen, over-emphasized yakuza slang, and Daikanyama fashion dolls. There were a few animated sequences sprinkled intermittingly throughout the story to give background on the characters. It's certainly not a heavy drama, but it was a great way to pass an hour or so on the plane before switching to the on-board video games.
(I also saw Spiderman2, The Terminal, and part of the Stepford Wives on the flight, but none of them are worthy of any comments
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enderzero
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Super Size Me I'm sure everyone has heard of this great documentary by now. The movie follows the filmmaker as he embarks on a month long experiment to eat nothing but McDonald's every day. The diet has considerably harsher consequences on his body (his liver in particular) than even the doctors he visits before the experiment had predicted. It is a very well put together look at the culture of diet in America and very entertaining. I have no desire to eat at McDonald's ever again. Which is exactly a 0% drop from the desire I had going into the movie.
Elephant This is Gus Van Sant's (Good Will Hunting, Drugstore Cowboy) dreary look at a day in the life of a high school about to be turned upside down by a student murder spree. It uses very strange film devices such as incredibly long and boring shots and many empty frames to show the mundaneness that will soon be shattered. I guess it is to be respected as innovative film making, but it is anything but entertaining or enjoyable. The homo-erotic commentary is confusing and almost insulting and the school's atmosphere is so free form (do these kids have class) it is almost hard to tell it is a school. Also, the symbolism is obvious, but how many high schools have a butcher's refrigerator full of whole cow carcasses?
Shaun of the Dead Now this movie is wonderful! It is a brilliant, hilarious, well-shot movie about an electronics salesman that finds incredible strength when his London suburb is overrun by zombies. The acting is brilliant borrowing not only the comedic styling but some of the actors from "The Office." On multiple occasions I thought, "That was a David Brent line!" But it works and the movie is enjoyable from beginning to end. I highly recommend you check this one out.
Elephant This is Gus Van Sant's (Good Will Hunting, Drugstore Cowboy) dreary look at a day in the life of a high school about to be turned upside down by a student murder spree. It uses very strange film devices such as incredibly long and boring shots and many empty frames to show the mundaneness that will soon be shattered. I guess it is to be respected as innovative film making, but it is anything but entertaining or enjoyable. The homo-erotic commentary is confusing and almost insulting and the school's atmosphere is so free form (do these kids have class) it is almost hard to tell it is a school. Also, the symbolism is obvious, but how many high schools have a butcher's refrigerator full of whole cow carcasses?
Shaun of the Dead Now this movie is wonderful! It is a brilliant, hilarious, well-shot movie about an electronics salesman that finds incredible strength when his London suburb is overrun by zombies. The acting is brilliant borrowing not only the comedic styling but some of the actors from "The Office." On multiple occasions I thought, "That was a David Brent line!" But it works and the movie is enjoyable from beginning to end. I highly recommend you check this one out.
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enderzero
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Collateral Michael Mann directed Heat and because of the great reviews that Collateral received I was expecting a lot. I was, yet again, disappointed by a Tom Cruise movie. Jamie Foxx was impressive, but ultimately the plot holes proved to be too large and I was left shaking my head. The ending downtown was especially ludicrous - [spoil]where were all the police? Just the one cop came to the accident and then they had all day to run around the government office guns blazing without anyone showing up? C'mon, they weren't even there yet when they left![/spoil] With some suspension of disbelief it isn't such a bad film, but keep your expectations low.
Birth of a Nation This is the first time I have talked about a film I watched in class. D. W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation is said to be the most written about movie of all time. With almost 90 years since it was released it has had plenty of time to get that recognition. BoaN is a 3 hour epic that follows two families, one from the North and one from the South through the Civil War and into the Reconstruction. It is an incredibly racist film and not one that is easily enjoyed. The second half (and real story) of the film is about the newly freed blacks campaign to take over the South and claim all the white women as their own. One particularly hard to handle scene shows a fictitious state congress, passed off as history, four-fifths filled with bare footed, chicken eating blacks and presided over by the antagonist, a mulatto, sex crazed Lt. Governor. As the blacks hoot and holler and pass legislation allowing them to have their choice of the white women, the refined southern gentleman whites can only look on is shock. Eventually the whites join together and create the Ku Klux Klan to show the blacks that their way of life will not be completely destroyed and in one of film's most famous scenes the assembled masses of invincible hooded whites on hooded horses ride to save the day. The prominent black parts in the movie were all played by white actors with black face on as Griffith didn't want to contaminate the stars with their presence. BoaN was controversial when it was released and just as controversial today. A screening at a silent film festival in LA this year was canceled over concerns that the skewed view of history would be seen by some as true and the rage that it evokes towards blacks might actually be unleashed. While this might be going a bit far, it can't be denied that Griffith does have a certain ability to make you feel sympathy for the whites in the story, albeit completely conjured through outright racism. It is said that the KKK had completely died out in America by the first part of the 20th century and that this film (along with the book it was adapted from, The Clansmen) are responsible for its revival and continued existence. The film is actively shown at KKK recruitment meetings even today.
The Limey On a lighter note, this entertaining Steven Soderbergh film helps reinforce the director as one of my very favorites. The story follows an ex-con (Terrence Stamp) as he travels from Britain to LA to uncover the details of his daughter’s death. It features two fantastic performances by Peter Fonda as the daughter’s older lover and the always impressive Luis Guzman as a friend. Soderbergh’s use of temporal editing, while maybe a bit disorienting, makes the film incredibly fun to watch from a technical point of view and keeps the viewer always guessing what is really going on.
Birth of a Nation This is the first time I have talked about a film I watched in class. D. W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation is said to be the most written about movie of all time. With almost 90 years since it was released it has had plenty of time to get that recognition. BoaN is a 3 hour epic that follows two families, one from the North and one from the South through the Civil War and into the Reconstruction. It is an incredibly racist film and not one that is easily enjoyed. The second half (and real story) of the film is about the newly freed blacks campaign to take over the South and claim all the white women as their own. One particularly hard to handle scene shows a fictitious state congress, passed off as history, four-fifths filled with bare footed, chicken eating blacks and presided over by the antagonist, a mulatto, sex crazed Lt. Governor. As the blacks hoot and holler and pass legislation allowing them to have their choice of the white women, the refined southern gentleman whites can only look on is shock. Eventually the whites join together and create the Ku Klux Klan to show the blacks that their way of life will not be completely destroyed and in one of film's most famous scenes the assembled masses of invincible hooded whites on hooded horses ride to save the day. The prominent black parts in the movie were all played by white actors with black face on as Griffith didn't want to contaminate the stars with their presence. BoaN was controversial when it was released and just as controversial today. A screening at a silent film festival in LA this year was canceled over concerns that the skewed view of history would be seen by some as true and the rage that it evokes towards blacks might actually be unleashed. While this might be going a bit far, it can't be denied that Griffith does have a certain ability to make you feel sympathy for the whites in the story, albeit completely conjured through outright racism. It is said that the KKK had completely died out in America by the first part of the 20th century and that this film (along with the book it was adapted from, The Clansmen) are responsible for its revival and continued existence. The film is actively shown at KKK recruitment meetings even today.
The Limey On a lighter note, this entertaining Steven Soderbergh film helps reinforce the director as one of my very favorites. The story follows an ex-con (Terrence Stamp) as he travels from Britain to LA to uncover the details of his daughter’s death. It features two fantastic performances by Peter Fonda as the daughter’s older lover and the always impressive Luis Guzman as a friend. Soderbergh’s use of temporal editing, while maybe a bit disorienting, makes the film incredibly fun to watch from a technical point of view and keeps the viewer always guessing what is really going on.
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enderzero
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Man I am stupid behind on this thread...
Napoleon Dynamite Fantastically funny "indie" film about an awkward kid, his bizarre family, and some of his wacky friends in small-town Idaho.. This movie was made independently but then bought from the festival circuit by Fox Searchlight who went on to market it heavily. It is a zany, irreverent comedy that I imagine most of the people on this forum would surely enjoy.
Before Sunrise Richard Linklater's (Dazed and Confused, Waking Life) 1995 film about two travelers that meet on a train and spend the night together exploring Vienna. The American man is played by Ethan Hawke and the French woman by Julie Delpy. Both do an absolutely fantastic job in this romantic and beautiful film. The film is broken down into long scenes of conversation between the two characters that are incredibly entertaining and serve to draw the couple into deep affection for each other. This is Linklater at his best. He uses the same conversation device in Waking Life but it is easier to enjoy here with a concrete plot that Waking Life lacks.
Before Sunset 9 years later we find Linklater's lovebirds crossing paths again when Ethan Hawke's character travels to Paris to promote the book he wrote detailing the pair's first encounter. Their lives have changed dramatically from the young optimistic 23 year olds of the first film but the chemistry is still alive, as much as both of them want to deny it. The maturity the two exude gives a bit of a somber tone at times, yet it also makes the viewer feel a sense of hope. This film is subtle, poignant, and incredibly beautiful. The first film took place over an entire night, but other than a few establishing shots at the beginning, this film uses zero temporal editing. It makes brilliant use of looooong takes as Hawke and Delpy walk around scenic Paris. Some of the acting is a bit rough, but it doesn't take away from the chemistry the couple shares. This is the long awaited and perfect ending to a touching story.
Before Sunrise Richard Linklater's (Dazed and Confused, Waking Life) 1995 film about two travelers that meet on a train and spend the night together exploring Vienna. The American man is played by Ethan Hawke and the French woman by Julie Delpy. Both do an absolutely fantastic job in this romantic and beautiful film. The film is broken down into long scenes of conversation between the two characters that are incredibly entertaining and serve to draw the couple into deep affection for each other. This is Linklater at his best. He uses the same conversation device in Waking Life but it is easier to enjoy here with a concrete plot that Waking Life lacks.
Before Sunset 9 years later we find Linklater's lovebirds crossing paths again when Ethan Hawke's character travels to Paris to promote the book he wrote detailing the pair's first encounter. Their lives have changed dramatically from the young optimistic 23 year olds of the first film but the chemistry is still alive, as much as both of them want to deny it. The maturity the two exude gives a bit of a somber tone at times, yet it also makes the viewer feel a sense of hope. This film is subtle, poignant, and incredibly beautiful. The first film took place over an entire night, but other than a few establishing shots at the beginning, this film uses zero temporal editing. It makes brilliant use of looooong takes as Hawke and Delpy walk around scenic Paris. Some of the acting is a bit rough, but it doesn't take away from the chemistry the couple shares. This is the long awaited and perfect ending to a touching story.
Last edited by enderzero on Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
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enderzero
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Silent Film Roundup
As I may have mentioned earlier, I am taking a film history course on silent cinema. Here is a round up of some of the features I have stayed awake through so far.
The Mark of Zorro (1920) I start with this because it has been my favorite by far. The fantastically acrobatic Douglas Fairbanks stars as Zorro, a mild mannered rich man's son by day and a masked crusader by night. Always showing up in the nick of time, Fairbanks plays the swashbuckler at its best. Jackie Chan may have learned a thing or two from watching Fairbanks's films. If you ever get a chance to see this one it is well worth it.
The Cheat (1915) Cecil B. DeMille's early feature starring one of the first matinee Idols, Sessue Hayakawa. When this film was released in 1915 Hayakawa's character was Japanese, but when the Japanese took the side of the Allies in WWI it was re-released in 1918 with Hayakawa as a Burmese. This movie is famous for its innovative use of shadows and light. There are also quite a few racist undertones that persist throughout the film.
The Sparrows (1924) This movie stars Mary Pickford who is arguably the biggest star of the silent era. Unfortunately this must be one of her worst films because it is a real stinker!
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919) An amazing film that popularized the German Expressionism genre. Striking visuals make this one a joy to watch. This film exemplifies the "art" of filmmaking.
Metropolis (1926) Fritz Lang's masterpiece marks the end of the German Expressionism era. $1.5 million to make with the use of over 3500 extras, this is one of the most impressive films of the silent era. I was surprised at how similar Osamu Tezuka's 2002 anime is to the original. (Has anyone else that has seen Tezuka's seen Lang's? SpdrMnky?) Any fans of Tezuka's, of sci-fi, or of film art should definitely see this.
The Joyless Street (1925) German Weimar film that fits into the subgenre of new objectivity cinema. The most striking part of this film is Greta Garbo's amazing beauty. Wooosh she is a hottie!
Battleship Potemkin (1925) Eisenstein's early Soviet film regarding a 1905 revolutionary attempt. This film was itself revolutionary at the time and contains one of the most famous scenes in cinema, "The Odessa Steps."
The Passion of Joan of Arc (1929) A very impressive film by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Amazing cinematography makes this film interesting to watch but the subject matter is far from enjoyable. This must be the basis for Gibson's "Passion of Christ."
The Mark of Zorro (1920) I start with this because it has been my favorite by far. The fantastically acrobatic Douglas Fairbanks stars as Zorro, a mild mannered rich man's son by day and a masked crusader by night. Always showing up in the nick of time, Fairbanks plays the swashbuckler at its best. Jackie Chan may have learned a thing or two from watching Fairbanks's films. If you ever get a chance to see this one it is well worth it.
The Cheat (1915) Cecil B. DeMille's early feature starring one of the first matinee Idols, Sessue Hayakawa. When this film was released in 1915 Hayakawa's character was Japanese, but when the Japanese took the side of the Allies in WWI it was re-released in 1918 with Hayakawa as a Burmese. This movie is famous for its innovative use of shadows and light. There are also quite a few racist undertones that persist throughout the film.
The Sparrows (1924) This movie stars Mary Pickford who is arguably the biggest star of the silent era. Unfortunately this must be one of her worst films because it is a real stinker!
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919) An amazing film that popularized the German Expressionism genre. Striking visuals make this one a joy to watch. This film exemplifies the "art" of filmmaking.
Metropolis (1926) Fritz Lang's masterpiece marks the end of the German Expressionism era. $1.5 million to make with the use of over 3500 extras, this is one of the most impressive films of the silent era. I was surprised at how similar Osamu Tezuka's 2002 anime is to the original. (Has anyone else that has seen Tezuka's seen Lang's? SpdrMnky?) Any fans of Tezuka's, of sci-fi, or of film art should definitely see this.
The Joyless Street (1925) German Weimar film that fits into the subgenre of new objectivity cinema. The most striking part of this film is Greta Garbo's amazing beauty. Wooosh she is a hottie!
Battleship Potemkin (1925) Eisenstein's early Soviet film regarding a 1905 revolutionary attempt. This film was itself revolutionary at the time and contains one of the most famous scenes in cinema, "The Odessa Steps."
The Passion of Joan of Arc (1929) A very impressive film by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Amazing cinematography makes this film interesting to watch but the subject matter is far from enjoyable. This must be the basis for Gibson's "Passion of Christ."
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mistasparkle*
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Re: Silent Film Roundup
I took an "expressionism in film" course that included a whole section on silent films. The Cabinet if Dr. Caligari is pretty incredible especially when you consider the time it was made. There was a red hot chili peppers video that came out recently (within the last 4 years) that is based on the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and contains identical scenes.enderzero wrote:The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919) An amazing film that popularized the German Expressionism genre. Striking visuals make this one a joy to watch. This film exemplifies the "art" of filmmaking.
Metropolis is a classic too. There's been like 500 original soundtrack releases. Retro-future flying cars/airships are teh roxxors.
endar - If you've been getting into these kinda films, you should deff check out Man With a Movie Camera (late 20's Russian avante garde). The Cinematic Orchestra did an album of the same name intended as a soundtrack for the movie. They released a DVD about a year or 2 ago of it. It's impressive by even today's standards. ( Link 100% on rotten tomatoes, Real Media clip )
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mistasparkle*
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yea. when we watched it, I didn't have the actual Cinematic Orchestra DVD, I just had a downloaded copy of the film and the album mp3s (argghghg! shiver me timbers!). It just didn't sync after the 1st 15 mins...
but no doubt, with a little fernation, it was cool anyway
ender- peep the rhcp vid for 'otherside': Link
but no doubt, with a little fernation, it was cool anyway
ender- peep the rhcp vid for 'otherside': Link
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mistasparkle*
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enderzero
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a whole lotta movies...
Riding Giants Directed by "Dogtown and Z-boys" director Stacy Peralta, this movie is totally awesome! It is all about surfing and even someone that has never touched a board will love this film. It contains some of the most amazing visuals I have ever seen. The documentary is told in 3 parts focusing on one main surfer in each. All the surfers featured are famous for riding big waves. It starts in the 60s on Oahu's Northshore with Greg Noll. Then we jump to the 90s at Northern California's "Mavericks" break where we focus on Jeff Clark (the only man to surf Mavericks for 15 years!). Finally we get the modern day story of Laird Hamilton and the amazing 80-100 foot waves he and his buddies surf. Obviously, this film is best seen on the big screen, but even if you have missed your chance, DO NOT sleep on this film. It really is that good!
The Piano However... I really did not enjoy The Piano. Holly Hunter gives a pretty good performance, but the melodrama was too thick and I hated the mud pit scenery (not to mention the naked Harvey Keitel scenery). If you have waited this long to see it, you are probably better off not bothering.
The Cat's Meow The story of the controversial cruise about Wm. Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924 that ended in tragedy. No one know what happened for sure, but this film suggests that Hearst shot and killed Thomas Ince thinking he was shooting at Charle Chaplin who was having an affair with Heart's mistress Marion Davies. Ince is played by Cary Elwes, Davies by Kirsten Dunst, Chaplin by Eddie Izzard, and Hearst by Edward Herrmann. All do fine jobs. The film is good but not great but the subject matter is rather interesting as I have been researching Thomas Ince all quarter. Officially Ince became sick with indigestion abourd the yacht and had to be taken ashore. He died the next day in his home. Or did he?...
The Celebration (AKA Thomas Vinterberg's Dogme95 I: Festen) This is the first film accredited to the Dogme 95 group. Dogme 95 is a set of aesthetic rules made up by Vinterberg and fellow Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier. The rules are along the lines of: no contrived scenes, all location shooting, all handheld cameras, etc. The rules are part tongue-in-cheek though as all of the Dogme 95 films break at least one (The Celebration is shot on digital which is a no-no). However, this is a very interesting movie about a family reunion that takes a pretty uncomfortable turn when the son decides to call his father out on his childhood sexual abuse. Amongst all the somber moments Vinterberg is able to inject some pretty funny scenes, although this is far from a comedy. You can't call it a drama either, and that is the point. This film is not part of any genre, and that is what makes it so great. This movie won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes in 1998.
Breaking The Waves Lars Von Trier's pre-Dogme film about a poor girl that falls in love with oil rig worker who's terrible accident catapults her life into upheaval. This is an extremely powerful movie with an absolutely amazing debut performance by now-star Emily Watson. She was very deservedly nominated for an Oscar for this role. Some say Von Trier's films point to some underlying misogyny and it is not too hard to see why. He seems to repeatedly put the troubles of the world on the shoulders of his women characters. Regardless, this is an excellent film and it was recognized with the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes in 1996.
Rashomon I had never seen this film of Kurosawa's that is one of his earliest (1950) and most highly regarded. It is a beautiful tale of 3 men at the ruined Rashomon gate (excuse the redundancy) that relate the story of a recent murder in the nearby woods. The plot follows 4 different tellings of the crime in a complicated series of layered flashbacks. The idea is that none of the stories is completely true, yet not one is completely false either. The audience is left to decide what really happened. The plot is handled masterfully, but the real brilliance comes in the cinematography. The soft light through the leaves in the woods gives the forest scenes a look so beautiful and so Kurosawa. It is said that he was the first to point the camera at the sun. The forest is juxtaposed with the rainy gate and peaceful courtyard scenes. This film is an absolute masterpiece.
Das Experiment This German film from 2001 sets the Stanford Prison Experiment in modern day Cologne with more extreme results. A group of men volunteer for a controlled experiment that places some of them as prisoners and the others as guards. Things slowly escalate as the participants fully take on the persona of their roles. A fascinating subject and a very well made movie. This film is both stylish and suspenseful. It also features a rather good performance from Moritz Bleibtreu who you may have seen in Run Lola Run.
Sideways Alexander Payne's buddy romp through the Santa Barbara County wine lands is as fun of a movie as it is excellent. The acting is great. The story is funny. The camera work is just right. The writing is perfect. What else can I say but this guy knows how to make movies. The plot follows a lonely and depressed 8th grade teacher and aspiring author, Miles, played by American Splendor's Paul Giamatti as he takes his buddy, Jack, played by Thomas Hayden Church to SB's wine country for Jack's last week of freedom. Miles just wants to reconnect with Jack and drink some good wine, but Jack is way more concerned with getting some tail for both himself and for the clinically depressed Miles. Hilarity ensues. The film is great. Go see it. A nod for an especially good performance by Virginia Madsen who plays Maya.
The Piano However... I really did not enjoy The Piano. Holly Hunter gives a pretty good performance, but the melodrama was too thick and I hated the mud pit scenery (not to mention the naked Harvey Keitel scenery). If you have waited this long to see it, you are probably better off not bothering.
The Cat's Meow The story of the controversial cruise about Wm. Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924 that ended in tragedy. No one know what happened for sure, but this film suggests that Hearst shot and killed Thomas Ince thinking he was shooting at Charle Chaplin who was having an affair with Heart's mistress Marion Davies. Ince is played by Cary Elwes, Davies by Kirsten Dunst, Chaplin by Eddie Izzard, and Hearst by Edward Herrmann. All do fine jobs. The film is good but not great but the subject matter is rather interesting as I have been researching Thomas Ince all quarter. Officially Ince became sick with indigestion abourd the yacht and had to be taken ashore. He died the next day in his home. Or did he?...
The Celebration (AKA Thomas Vinterberg's Dogme95 I: Festen) This is the first film accredited to the Dogme 95 group. Dogme 95 is a set of aesthetic rules made up by Vinterberg and fellow Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier. The rules are along the lines of: no contrived scenes, all location shooting, all handheld cameras, etc. The rules are part tongue-in-cheek though as all of the Dogme 95 films break at least one (The Celebration is shot on digital which is a no-no). However, this is a very interesting movie about a family reunion that takes a pretty uncomfortable turn when the son decides to call his father out on his childhood sexual abuse. Amongst all the somber moments Vinterberg is able to inject some pretty funny scenes, although this is far from a comedy. You can't call it a drama either, and that is the point. This film is not part of any genre, and that is what makes it so great. This movie won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes in 1998.
Breaking The Waves Lars Von Trier's pre-Dogme film about a poor girl that falls in love with oil rig worker who's terrible accident catapults her life into upheaval. This is an extremely powerful movie with an absolutely amazing debut performance by now-star Emily Watson. She was very deservedly nominated for an Oscar for this role. Some say Von Trier's films point to some underlying misogyny and it is not too hard to see why. He seems to repeatedly put the troubles of the world on the shoulders of his women characters. Regardless, this is an excellent film and it was recognized with the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes in 1996.
Rashomon I had never seen this film of Kurosawa's that is one of his earliest (1950) and most highly regarded. It is a beautiful tale of 3 men at the ruined Rashomon gate (excuse the redundancy) that relate the story of a recent murder in the nearby woods. The plot follows 4 different tellings of the crime in a complicated series of layered flashbacks. The idea is that none of the stories is completely true, yet not one is completely false either. The audience is left to decide what really happened. The plot is handled masterfully, but the real brilliance comes in the cinematography. The soft light through the leaves in the woods gives the forest scenes a look so beautiful and so Kurosawa. It is said that he was the first to point the camera at the sun. The forest is juxtaposed with the rainy gate and peaceful courtyard scenes. This film is an absolute masterpiece.
Das Experiment This German film from 2001 sets the Stanford Prison Experiment in modern day Cologne with more extreme results. A group of men volunteer for a controlled experiment that places some of them as prisoners and the others as guards. Things slowly escalate as the participants fully take on the persona of their roles. A fascinating subject and a very well made movie. This film is both stylish and suspenseful. It also features a rather good performance from Moritz Bleibtreu who you may have seen in Run Lola Run.
Sideways Alexander Payne's buddy romp through the Santa Barbara County wine lands is as fun of a movie as it is excellent. The acting is great. The story is funny. The camera work is just right. The writing is perfect. What else can I say but this guy knows how to make movies. The plot follows a lonely and depressed 8th grade teacher and aspiring author, Miles, played by American Splendor's Paul Giamatti as he takes his buddy, Jack, played by Thomas Hayden Church to SB's wine country for Jack's last week of freedom. Miles just wants to reconnect with Jack and drink some good wine, but Jack is way more concerned with getting some tail for both himself and for the clinically depressed Miles. Hilarity ensues. The film is great. Go see it. A nod for an especially good performance by Virginia Madsen who plays Maya.
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enderzero
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Bottle Rocket Wes Anderson's first movie is a hilarious ride along with 3 guys that want to be criminals. The stars are Luke & Owen Wilson and the relatively unknown Bob Musgrave. This movie is just as funny as I hoped it would be in the off-kilter Anderson style. Particularly great are the scenes where Anthony (Luke W.) is courting the non-English speaking maid, Inez, at the motel they are laying low at. The final heist is great as well. If you haven't see this you should check it out. Now I really can't wait for The Life Aquatic.
Festival Express This is the documentary about the train full of rock acts that crossed Canada in 1970. On the tour were The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, The Buddy Guy Band, and an assortment of others. This film is great if you are really into these bands. I'm not really. There are a lot of full length songs and the DVD has a bunch of extras that would drive fans nuts. But the film was lacking something. It tried to be a bit too documentarian with the talking heads and focus on the weak ticket sales. What we really want to see is the segments on the train with the musicians kickin it. Those are the best scenes, but there aren't enough of them.
Raise the Red Lantern This is a beautiful film by Zhang Yimou, the director of Hero and The Road Home. Made before both those movies (1991), this is the story of a girl that becomes a concubine in a rich man's household. We follow her as she tries to find her place among the wives. It is a visually stunning movie and has just the right amount of that subtle Chinese melodrama. Gong Li is striking as the concumbine. It seems Yimou has ditched her in his later films, though, for Zhang Ziyi.
We Don't Live Here Anymore This is a story of infidelity and confusion for two 30-something married couples. It has an ensemble indie star cast with Naomi Watts, Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern, and Peter Krausse. All are excellent. The movie is heavy but very well done.
The Graduate Finally. I should have seen this long ago but never had the chance. What an excellent movie. If a movie was made today with so many trick cuts and camera angles some might say it was trying too hard. But this movie is over 35 years old! What an amazing leap in filmmaking. I do love the films from this era. And by the way, Katherine Ross is sssssmokin!!
Festival Express This is the documentary about the train full of rock acts that crossed Canada in 1970. On the tour were The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, The Buddy Guy Band, and an assortment of others. This film is great if you are really into these bands. I'm not really. There are a lot of full length songs and the DVD has a bunch of extras that would drive fans nuts. But the film was lacking something. It tried to be a bit too documentarian with the talking heads and focus on the weak ticket sales. What we really want to see is the segments on the train with the musicians kickin it. Those are the best scenes, but there aren't enough of them.
Raise the Red Lantern This is a beautiful film by Zhang Yimou, the director of Hero and The Road Home. Made before both those movies (1991), this is the story of a girl that becomes a concubine in a rich man's household. We follow her as she tries to find her place among the wives. It is a visually stunning movie and has just the right amount of that subtle Chinese melodrama. Gong Li is striking as the concumbine. It seems Yimou has ditched her in his later films, though, for Zhang Ziyi.
We Don't Live Here Anymore This is a story of infidelity and confusion for two 30-something married couples. It has an ensemble indie star cast with Naomi Watts, Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern, and Peter Krausse. All are excellent. The movie is heavy but very well done.
The Graduate Finally. I should have seen this long ago but never had the chance. What an excellent movie. If a movie was made today with so many trick cuts and camera angles some might say it was trying too hard. But this movie is over 35 years old! What an amazing leap in filmmaking. I do love the films from this era. And by the way, Katherine Ross is sssssmokin!!
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enderzero
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The House Of Flying Daggers This movie is bound to do well in American theaters following the success of Zhang Yimou's summer hit, Hero. It borrows heavily from Crouching Tiger, including the star Zhang Ziyi's similar character. Flying Daggers does have a better bamboo scene, but I thought Crouching Tiger was a better movie overall. But I would say I liked this film more than Hero. It is easier to stay awake through at least. Where as Hero used heavy colors to differentiate between the story arcs, Zhang Yimou masterfully uses color in an all together different way here. Instead of one color taking a significant role he makes the constant use of many vibrant colors the dominant trait of the mise-en-scene in all but one scene. Aside from that scene, each shot is bursting with the brilliant whites, purples, oranges, and pinks that at times are almost over-saturated. Visually, I have never quite seen anything like it and it cannot be denied it is beautiful movie. I am curious if the Ameerican print has been cleaned up a bit from the Taiwanese DVD I saw.
The plot is rather dull compared to the visuals, but I guess that is acceptable in this sort of film. Maybe that is what set Crouching Tiger so far out from the pack. However, Zhang Ziyi is as good as ever and I was quite impressed by half Japanese, half Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro. Apparently he is quite a star in Asian cinema because of his mastery of multiple Chinese dialects and Japanese. Its not too much of a spoiler, but [spoil]I was surprised the big pay-off battle scene never happened.[/spoil] House of Flying Daggers opened this past weekend on only 15 screens in NYC and LA and it still came in 19th in box-office totals as well as scoring an 84% on RT (94% Cream!). I can't, however, seem to find any info on when it is being more widely released.
So, anyone else had a chance to see this yet?
The plot is rather dull compared to the visuals, but I guess that is acceptable in this sort of film. Maybe that is what set Crouching Tiger so far out from the pack. However, Zhang Ziyi is as good as ever and I was quite impressed by half Japanese, half Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro. Apparently he is quite a star in Asian cinema because of his mastery of multiple Chinese dialects and Japanese. Its not too much of a spoiler, but [spoil]I was surprised the big pay-off battle scene never happened.[/spoil] House of Flying Daggers opened this past weekend on only 15 screens in NYC and LA and it still came in 19th in box-office totals as well as scoring an 84% on RT (94% Cream!). I can't, however, seem to find any info on when it is being more widely released.
So, anyone else had a chance to see this yet?
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McNevin
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Bongwater: Luke Wilson, Jack Black, Andy Dick, how couldn't this be anything but a great movie? Well, even with that amazing cast, the movie doesn't fly. They say never judge a book by its cover, but this movie is about as bad as the cover artwork.
Look at that hideous cover...
I think what ruined it for me is Alicia Witt, she is one of the lead characters, and I must say I'm not a big fan. Even with that aside, it's not a very good movie. Not even Jack Black could save this one. However Black did do an excellent job, and Andy Dick has some very hilarious one liners.
Look at that hideous cover...
I think what ruined it for me is Alicia Witt, she is one of the lead characters, and I must say I'm not a big fan. Even with that aside, it's not a very good movie. Not even Jack Black could save this one. However Black did do an excellent job, and Andy Dick has some very hilarious one liners.
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enderzero
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Genghis Blues A very interesting documentary about a blind bluesman named Paul Pena that developed an interest for the tiny region of Tuvu after hearing their unique music on his shortwave radio. He became an expert at the Tuvu harmonic singing style and even learned how to speak some Tuvu. At an exhibition of the Tuvu singing he approached the world famous master and was invited to take part in their contest taking place once every three years. The documentary follows Pena and a group of supporters to Tuvu for the contest. Tuvu is a small region North of Mongolia. It was autonomous in the 20s and then became part of the USSR after WWII (seemingly by choice) after the Tuvu people fought beside the soviets. Genghis Kahn's second in command was from Tuvu and therefore the Tuvu people identify greatly with his dynasty. The story does a good job of showing us life in Tuvu and also letting us know what it must be like for a blind man to visit and then be celebrated there. It won a number of awards and was nominated for a best documentary Oscar in 2000.
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enderzero
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Silent film wrap up
Here is a quick run-down of the rest of the silent films I watched for that class:
Life and Death of 9413: A Hollywood Extra (1928) This is a very odd early American avant-garde film. It was hailed at the time of its release by people in the film industry. This was particularly cool because we watched it set to Dark Side of the Moon. It works. They must have written that album with this film in mind... (j/k but I'm sure some stoners could argue it).
Un Chien Andalou AKA The Andalusian Dog (1928) This stream of consciousness surrealist film is by none other than Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali. It is weird (duh) but great and has one very shocking scene that stands out to anyone that has seen it.
Nanook of the North (1922) This is the film that proved documentaries could be profitable and launched a craze of exotic films. This film follows an Eskimo named Nanook throughout his daily routine, although many of the scenes are staged.
Gold Rush (1925) This was actually not the first time I had seen this great Charlie Chaplin film.
Safety Last (1923) Daredevil comedian Harold Lloyd scales a tall department store in this film. Lloyd is not my favorite of the early funnymen.
The General (1927) Buster Keaton probably is my favorite early comedian and this is one of his best films. He plays a train engineer turned Confederate soldier that must chase down some Union train thieves. Keaton is not only the master of the straight face, but also the most technically impressive in his stunt work. His films are some of the most enjoyable films I have ever seen, even 80 years old. This film was screened when my mom was visiting and she came to the screening with me.
The Cameraman (1928) I watched this Buster Keaton film on my own (TCM). It is not quite as good as The General, probably because of the city setting, but it's still great. Buster plays an aspiring newsreel cameraman mainly so he can impress the dame in the news office. She is easily won over and they have a misadventure filled date to the city pool. But the big pay off comes in the great chinatown shoot out scene.
Sherlock Jr. (1924) I watched this Buster Keaton film early in a different film class and I hadn't yet caught on to how fun he is to watch. I'd like to go back and watch this film again. Buster plays a projectionist that falls asleep and has an adventure inside the film he is exhibiting.
Why Change Your Wife (1920) Cecil B. DeMille's last of his marriage trilogy, this film was scannnndalous at the time. It is slow at points, but the hilarious Radinioff's bathing suit is worth the price of admission. Also, Gloria Swanson is pretty foxy.
Sunrise (1927) F.W. Murnau's big budget film is thought of as the high water mark of silent cinema. It is about a country man seduced by a city girl that plans to kill his wife. He can't do it though and he goes with his wife to the city for some interesting adventures. It is a stylistically impressive film. An interesting fact is that the lead actor actually put sand in his pants to weigh down his gait for the scenes where he is confused and depressed.
Life and Death of 9413: A Hollywood Extra (1928) This is a very odd early American avant-garde film. It was hailed at the time of its release by people in the film industry. This was particularly cool because we watched it set to Dark Side of the Moon. It works. They must have written that album with this film in mind... (j/k but I'm sure some stoners could argue it).
Un Chien Andalou AKA The Andalusian Dog (1928) This stream of consciousness surrealist film is by none other than Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali. It is weird (duh) but great and has one very shocking scene that stands out to anyone that has seen it.
Nanook of the North (1922) This is the film that proved documentaries could be profitable and launched a craze of exotic films. This film follows an Eskimo named Nanook throughout his daily routine, although many of the scenes are staged.
Gold Rush (1925) This was actually not the first time I had seen this great Charlie Chaplin film.
Safety Last (1923) Daredevil comedian Harold Lloyd scales a tall department store in this film. Lloyd is not my favorite of the early funnymen.
The General (1927) Buster Keaton probably is my favorite early comedian and this is one of his best films. He plays a train engineer turned Confederate soldier that must chase down some Union train thieves. Keaton is not only the master of the straight face, but also the most technically impressive in his stunt work. His films are some of the most enjoyable films I have ever seen, even 80 years old. This film was screened when my mom was visiting and she came to the screening with me.
The Cameraman (1928) I watched this Buster Keaton film on my own (TCM). It is not quite as good as The General, probably because of the city setting, but it's still great. Buster plays an aspiring newsreel cameraman mainly so he can impress the dame in the news office. She is easily won over and they have a misadventure filled date to the city pool. But the big pay off comes in the great chinatown shoot out scene.
Sherlock Jr. (1924) I watched this Buster Keaton film early in a different film class and I hadn't yet caught on to how fun he is to watch. I'd like to go back and watch this film again. Buster plays a projectionist that falls asleep and has an adventure inside the film he is exhibiting.
Why Change Your Wife (1920) Cecil B. DeMille's last of his marriage trilogy, this film was scannnndalous at the time. It is slow at points, but the hilarious Radinioff's bathing suit is worth the price of admission. Also, Gloria Swanson is pretty foxy.
Sunrise (1927) F.W. Murnau's big budget film is thought of as the high water mark of silent cinema. It is about a country man seduced by a city girl that plans to kill his wife. He can't do it though and he goes with his wife to the city for some interesting adventures. It is a stylistically impressive film. An interesting fact is that the lead actor actually put sand in his pants to weigh down his gait for the scenes where he is confused and depressed.
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enderzero
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Ichi The Killer Ohh Takashi Miike, how you continue to impress with your violent wackiness. If you like off beat bloody Japanese black Yakuza comedies, then this movie is just for you. It is about a masochistic mobster that tears apart Kabuki-cho looking for his sadist boss's killer. It turn out that the killer is a bit of a sadist himself, but in the form of a mentally underdeveloped young man being manipulated by a couple Chinese dudes whose intentions are never fully explained. The young guy (Ichi) spends as much time crying as he does ejaculating over the bodies of his victims. If that sounds like too much for you then stay far away because it is just the beginning. There are some great scenes, however, and Tadanobu Asano is fantastic as the masochistic mob boss Kakihara. BTW, Kakihara's defining traits are the slits on either side of his mouth held together by rings that allow him to open his mouth wide enough to eat a football. Aside from all the blood, semen, and tears, there is also some pretty good Tokyo scenery. I may have seen part of this film before but I didn't remember most of it.
On the Waterfront Marlon Brando stars in this 1954 film by Elia Kazan. The strinking young Brando plays a dock worker trying to stay out of the crooked side of the union his brother is high up in. He's just trying to prove he ain't a bum. It was a bit too full of plot holes for me, although it is stylistically impressive. This film is number 8 on AFI's top 100 films. Call me crazy, but I enjoyed Ichi the Killer a bit more.
On the Waterfront Marlon Brando stars in this 1954 film by Elia Kazan. The strinking young Brando plays a dock worker trying to stay out of the crooked side of the union his brother is high up in. He's just trying to prove he ain't a bum. It was a bit too full of plot holes for me, although it is stylistically impressive. This film is number 8 on AFI's top 100 films. Call me crazy, but I enjoyed Ichi the Killer a bit more.
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enderzero
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Dead Man This pretty cool Jim Jarmusch movie follows the ill begotten travels of an accountant named William Blake (played by Johnny Depp) that travels west to take a new job. The position turns out to have been filled but while drowning his sorrows he meets the tremendously striking Mili Avital. His luck takes another turn for the worse when an old boyfriend busts in and shoots the pair killing the girl and wounding Blake. Blake kills the man and spends the rest of the film running from the law and a trio of bounty hunters with the aid of a native guide. The film is very stylish with its black and white cinematography; however the repetitive fades to black became a bit tiresome. But overall this is an excellent and quite enjoyable film.
Outfoxed This is a solid documentary about the culture of misinformation that is carried out at the Fox News Network. It is hard to walk out of this movie being much of a fan of Fox, but I wasn't much of one before. However, if you are interested in the specifics of just how Fox does the evil things they do then check this well made docu out.
Ong Bak Bwaaoah!! This movie is awesome!! This is a great Thai martial arts flick with some amazing muay thai action. The plot is crazy nationalistic and the melodramatic acting can at times make you laugh out loud, but this is all part of what makes a really good Asian action movie. Pair that with bone crunching fight scenes, of which this film overflows, and you have a film that easily rivals any kung fu flick I've ever seen.
A Very Long Engagement I put this film last of the four I am writing about now so you can immediately finish reading this and then go out to see it. I definitely want to see it again. This film just screams best picture, although the fact that it is French may severely hamper its chances. Regardless, this film has it all: captivating story, beautiful cinematography (Paris in the 20s and WWI trenches), great action, mystery, a certain epic quality. I loved the way this film is serious without being melodramatic by interjecting brilliant moments of humor. Both Audrey Tatou and Gaspard Ulliel are also superb. I definitely enjoyed Sideways and of course Eternal Sunshine, but more than any other movie this year, A Very Long Engagement did everything right.
Outfoxed This is a solid documentary about the culture of misinformation that is carried out at the Fox News Network. It is hard to walk out of this movie being much of a fan of Fox, but I wasn't much of one before. However, if you are interested in the specifics of just how Fox does the evil things they do then check this well made docu out.
Ong Bak Bwaaoah!! This movie is awesome!! This is a great Thai martial arts flick with some amazing muay thai action. The plot is crazy nationalistic and the melodramatic acting can at times make you laugh out loud, but this is all part of what makes a really good Asian action movie. Pair that with bone crunching fight scenes, of which this film overflows, and you have a film that easily rivals any kung fu flick I've ever seen.
A Very Long Engagement I put this film last of the four I am writing about now so you can immediately finish reading this and then go out to see it. I definitely want to see it again. This film just screams best picture, although the fact that it is French may severely hamper its chances. Regardless, this film has it all: captivating story, beautiful cinematography (Paris in the 20s and WWI trenches), great action, mystery, a certain epic quality. I loved the way this film is serious without being melodramatic by interjecting brilliant moments of humor. Both Audrey Tatou and Gaspard Ulliel are also superb. I definitely enjoyed Sideways and of course Eternal Sunshine, but more than any other movie this year, A Very Long Engagement did everything right.
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enderzero
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I ♥ Huckabees This movie is pure genius wackiness. It has gotten luke warm reviews but I loved it. I can barely get into the details of the plot but it basically follows a mixed up dude played brilliantly by Jason Schwartzman that tries to straighten things out by going to existential detectives played by Dustin Hoffman and Lily Tomlin. Then it gets really wacky. Mark Wahlberg has a great part as a confused fireman in the post 9/11 world of heroes (some great commentary here) but I though Jude Law was a bit miscast in the role of the antagonist. I ♥ it when filmmakers take a chance with a crazy idea and I think this film really worked. Thumbs up to David O. Russell for taking the chance with this one.
Cool Hand Luke This is a classic film starring Paul Newman as a bit crazy, bit bored dude in a rural chain gang prison. Luke is ultimately cool and Paul Newman completely embodies the coolness. It is interesting to see how films changed in the 60s. This film was made in 1967 just as movies were starting to really shed their theatrical qualities and take on the modern look and themes that prevailed in the 70s. Cool Hand Luke still feels a bit early but with its rebellious themes you can see the sign of things to come.
Cool Hand Luke This is a classic film starring Paul Newman as a bit crazy, bit bored dude in a rural chain gang prison. Luke is ultimately cool and Paul Newman completely embodies the coolness. It is interesting to see how films changed in the 60s. This film was made in 1967 just as movies were starting to really shed their theatrical qualities and take on the modern look and themes that prevailed in the 70s. Cool Hand Luke still feels a bit early but with its rebellious themes you can see the sign of things to come.
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enderzero
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I am going to have to stay very active on this thread if I am going to keep up with all the movies I am watching. This quarter I am taking 3 film classes including Japanese Contemporary Cinema, Revolutionary Cinema, and History of Film 1930-1960. On top of that, winter will see the 2 week Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Leo!!) and a slew of Oscar rips. Keep your popcorn handy, cause here come the write ups...
Tokyo Godfathers Feature length anime by Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress) about a rag tag bunch of street dwellers that learn the true meaning of Christmas... no wait. Well they at least learn Christmas is about more than just standing in incredibly long lines for a piping hot box of KFC. Now normally I do not like cartoons with a message, but the story in this film is above averagely engaging and the animation is beautiful. The accuracy of the minor details of Tokyo down to the bums' tarp house makes this film a joy to watch.
Narayama Bushiko (aka Ballad of Narayama) This 1983 film is about extremely rural life in what must be inaka Tohoku during the latter part of the 19th century. There are no samurai or swords to be found. The tiny village has almost zero interaction with the outside world and we learn what life was like for people just concerned about having enough food to last through the intense winter. This film by Shohei Imamura is a beautiful look at Japanese roots and tradition from a very different perspective than the typical Kurosawa tale.
Memorias del Subdesarrollo (aka Memories of Underdevelopment) Set in Havana in the first few years of the 60s, this film follows the incredibly engaging Sergio, played by Sergio Corrieri, as he wades through life and love in the early post revolution years of Cuba. Made in 1969, this film has a beautiful look and feel that is reminiscent of Godard and the French New Wave. There is no non-diagetic sound and the mainly handheld camera stays close to Sergio's viewpoint throughout most of the scenes. This is both a terrifically interesting character study and an incredible view of what Cuba was like in the 60s. I highly recommend this to any film fans or anyone interested in the Cuban revolution.
Tokyo Godfathers Feature length anime by Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress) about a rag tag bunch of street dwellers that learn the true meaning of Christmas... no wait. Well they at least learn Christmas is about more than just standing in incredibly long lines for a piping hot box of KFC. Now normally I do not like cartoons with a message, but the story in this film is above averagely engaging and the animation is beautiful. The accuracy of the minor details of Tokyo down to the bums' tarp house makes this film a joy to watch.
Narayama Bushiko (aka Ballad of Narayama) This 1983 film is about extremely rural life in what must be inaka Tohoku during the latter part of the 19th century. There are no samurai or swords to be found. The tiny village has almost zero interaction with the outside world and we learn what life was like for people just concerned about having enough food to last through the intense winter. This film by Shohei Imamura is a beautiful look at Japanese roots and tradition from a very different perspective than the typical Kurosawa tale.
Memorias del Subdesarrollo (aka Memories of Underdevelopment) Set in Havana in the first few years of the 60s, this film follows the incredibly engaging Sergio, played by Sergio Corrieri, as he wades through life and love in the early post revolution years of Cuba. Made in 1969, this film has a beautiful look and feel that is reminiscent of Godard and the French New Wave. There is no non-diagetic sound and the mainly handheld camera stays close to Sergio's viewpoint throughout most of the scenes. This is both a terrifically interesting character study and an incredible view of what Cuba was like in the 60s. I highly recommend this to any film fans or anyone interested in the Cuban revolution.
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enderzero
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Movies of the day
The Motorcycle Diaries This movie is as great as everyone is saying it is (would you expect less from me, Mr. Glowing Review?). If you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it. Most people know the basic outline; a young Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his buddy Alberto Granado embark on a crazy adventure to see the better part of South America by motorcycle. Along the way they meet all kinds of great characters and the seeds of revolution are planted in Che's head. Salles does a fantastic job of really highlighting the beauty of both the country and its peoples. Both Gael GarcÃa Bernal (Y tu Mamá También) and Rodrigo De la Serna are exceptional as the two young men. This is another example of a film that will likely be overlooked at Oscar time because it is not in English. Who cares? It is a great movie. You can add it to the list in that other thread.
Phantom of the Opera (1929) Normally I wouldn't bother posting about a movie like this but I had to just because it was so bad. This film was released two years after the first "talkie" film yet it was originally made as a silent picture. So to spice things up the filmmakers added some really, really atrocious sound effects. Mainly there is a dull roar whenever a crowd is seen, but the worst is the 20 or so lines of dialog that sound like they were scratched into vinyl by hand that just pop up randomly throughout the film, usually over the intertitles. This might be the worst film I have had to watch for class yet.
Tampopo This may be the best film I have watched yet in class and it is certainly the funniest Japanese film I have ever seen. Some Japanese films are funny because they are so bizarre, but this is genuinely hilarious. It is about a truck driver that decides to help a widow build the best ramen shop in town and enlists the aid of a rag tag bunch of noodle aficionados. The ramen scenes are worth the price of admission alone, but the interjected vignettes that include an old woman that squeezes food at the local market and a CLASSIC spaghetti slurping scene really give this film an extra touch. Tsutomu Yamazaki, who acted in a number of Kurosawa films, is an absolute joy to watch. I can't tell you how much I wanted to eat ramen coming out of this screening. Oh the torture!!
Phantom of the Opera (1929) Normally I wouldn't bother posting about a movie like this but I had to just because it was so bad. This film was released two years after the first "talkie" film yet it was originally made as a silent picture. So to spice things up the filmmakers added some really, really atrocious sound effects. Mainly there is a dull roar whenever a crowd is seen, but the worst is the 20 or so lines of dialog that sound like they were scratched into vinyl by hand that just pop up randomly throughout the film, usually over the intertitles. This might be the worst film I have had to watch for class yet.
Tampopo This may be the best film I have watched yet in class and it is certainly the funniest Japanese film I have ever seen. Some Japanese films are funny because they are so bizarre, but this is genuinely hilarious. It is about a truck driver that decides to help a widow build the best ramen shop in town and enlists the aid of a rag tag bunch of noodle aficionados. The ramen scenes are worth the price of admission alone, but the interjected vignettes that include an old woman that squeezes food at the local market and a CLASSIC spaghetti slurping scene really give this film an extra touch. Tsutomu Yamazaki, who acted in a number of Kurosawa films, is an absolute joy to watch. I can't tell you how much I wanted to eat ramen coming out of this screening. Oh the torture!!
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou HILLLARIOUS! If a movie version of Sealab 2021 was made, this would be it. Hands down one of Anderson's funniest movies I've seen (I've seen two...including this one). Internationally famous oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) and his crew -- Team Zissou -- set sail on an expedition to hunt down the mysterious, elusive, possibly non-existant Jaguar Shark that killed Zissou's partner during the documentary filming of their latest adventure. They are joined on their voyage by a young airline co-pilot who may or may not be Zissou's son (Owen Wilson), a pregnant journalist (Cate Blanchett) assigned to write a profile of Zissou, and Zissou's estranged wife and co-producer, Eleanor (Anjelica Huston). They face overwhelming complications including pirates, kidnapping, and bankruptcy. It was good to see Bill Murray still has 'it' and Willam Defoe play such a funny role. He almost made me shat myself a few times, that Willam.