Only 30 minutes long, this Swedish short has some nice images, but seeing as I could only find a non-subtitled version on You Tube I couldn't understand the dialog.
As with Dorian Gray, Jekyll and Hyde, and all the classical tales of the beast within, this film visits the topic of the id with allusions to werewolves.
Good soundtrack by Ulver. Short and artsy.
rated M/K
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Classic SF. Do I have to say anything? Klaatu Barada Nicto.
Considering this is a based on a short story, it stretches well to a 90 minute movie. Enough techno wow in Gort "The" robot of the 50's. The lighting in the spaceship is both SF and classic noir with a hint of expressionism in it too.
Of course it is preachy and moralistic, but you can also see it as a little too much pro American and UN. After all Klaatu represents a union of planets that is slapping Earths wrist for getting weapons ahead of their maturity level. This is typically seen as a warning against maintaining nuclear arsenals, but in our contemporary world it's analagous to the UN, NATO and the USA keeping the "lesser" and "more volatile" nations in a low tech non-nuclear state.
Patricia Neal is no Jennifer Connolly, but she is a credible heroine.
I never noticed before, but the Klaatu resurrection sequence is almost an homage to the Hel/Maria animation sequence in Metropolis.
rated A/D
Considering this is a based on a short story, it stretches well to a 90 minute movie. Enough techno wow in Gort "The" robot of the 50's. The lighting in the spaceship is both SF and classic noir with a hint of expressionism in it too.
Of course it is preachy and moralistic, but you can also see it as a little too much pro American and UN. After all Klaatu represents a union of planets that is slapping Earths wrist for getting weapons ahead of their maturity level. This is typically seen as a warning against maintaining nuclear arsenals, but in our contemporary world it's analagous to the UN, NATO and the USA keeping the "lesser" and "more volatile" nations in a low tech non-nuclear state.
Patricia Neal is no Jennifer Connolly, but she is a credible heroine.
I never noticed before, but the Klaatu resurrection sequence is almost an homage to the Hel/Maria animation sequence in Metropolis.
rated A/D
The Big Sleep
Ah, now this was worthwhile noir. Humpey as Philip Marlowe. Kinda wish Martha Vickers was the lead gal instead of Lauren Bacall.
After a good solid hour of sleuthing, the case is wrapped up, but that nagging hint of a side story now comes to the fore. There are several more twists to bring us to a grand conclusion. This is thrill a minute stuff, a deserved classic.
Oh, and one thing I noticed in the first hour was how all extras and bit part actresses in the 1940's were very pretty, like the librarian, the girl in the book shop, heck even the taxi driver. I guess they knew what sells movies.
post script. I suspect Netflix provide the '44 version for streaming, not the '46 remix. I'll have to get the DVD to see both versions and decide. I could stand to watch it again, just not tonight.
After a good solid hour of sleuthing, the case is wrapped up, but that nagging hint of a side story now comes to the fore. There are several more twists to bring us to a grand conclusion. This is thrill a minute stuff, a deserved classic.
Oh, and one thing I noticed in the first hour was how all extras and bit part actresses in the 1940's were very pretty, like the librarian, the girl in the book shop, heck even the taxi driver. I guess they knew what sells movies.
post script. I suspect Netflix provide the '44 version for streaming, not the '46 remix. I'll have to get the DVD to see both versions and decide. I could stand to watch it again, just not tonight.
Laura
Well, if it wasn't for the Noel Coward wannabe this might have been an enjoyable noir outing. However, despite the nice twists and pretty lead Gene Tierney, and a youthful caddish Vincent Price, this film still failed to satisfy completely
The Man From Earth
A wonderful one room play. A university professor is moving on, and his colleagues are intrigued as to to why. He presents them with a fascinating tale, how he has to move on every ten years or so because he is immortal. Since his colleagues include a historian, an archaeologist and an anthropologist the are convinced he knows his subjects, but everything is verifiable by text book.
Of course, as with all low tech SF films, it eventually gets around to morality questions and theology. Still, all done in a very good way.
Of course, as with all low tech SF films, it eventually gets around to morality questions and theology. Still, all done in a very good way.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
M.Hulots Holiday
My curiosity in this film was roused when I saw it referenced in a documentary about Rowan Atkinson. Jaques Tati's was referenced as one of the other few comics who can perform such universal physical comedy.
Though this film is not a laugh a minute, it is pretty well paced. The goofy clowning is not all centered around M. Hulot, there are several other clumsy characters, and mischievous children who each either cause or catalyze some humorous event. I think this takes the clumsiness out of the whole.
Another reason to see this is to see a snapshot postcard of how holidays were done. I believe that this is an accurate representation of how French Holidays were, the main hotel seems to dominate the quiet bay, everyone has taken room and board, and the beach empties when the meal bell rings.
I can see why this classic is still available, but it is from a more genteel time, so the pacing I found a little slow.
Though this film is not a laugh a minute, it is pretty well paced. The goofy clowning is not all centered around M. Hulot, there are several other clumsy characters, and mischievous children who each either cause or catalyze some humorous event. I think this takes the clumsiness out of the whole.
Another reason to see this is to see a snapshot postcard of how holidays were done. I believe that this is an accurate representation of how French Holidays were, the main hotel seems to dominate the quiet bay, everyone has taken room and board, and the beach empties when the meal bell rings.
I can see why this classic is still available, but it is from a more genteel time, so the pacing I found a little slow.
Lady Jane
This is a very early Helena Bonham Carter film, she looks younger than she did in "A Room With A View", which purports to have been released the year before this.
After seeing Young Victoria the night before I saw this film the two really seem to be a pair needing to be seen in close proximity. Both deal with a teenage monarch, their ascent to the throne, and those that would manipulate them. In this case, far more tragic then the story of Victoria and Albert.
Always good to see Patrick Stewart treading the boards with Shakespearean verve, though if you turn your back you could almost imagine Brian Blessed bombasting his way through the dialogue.
The fight choreography with Carey Elwes was a little less convincing than John Steeds fighting in a regular episode of The Avengers. However, the rest of the film was well lit, dressed, decorated and shot.
Definitely worth a look see.
After seeing Young Victoria the night before I saw this film the two really seem to be a pair needing to be seen in close proximity. Both deal with a teenage monarch, their ascent to the throne, and those that would manipulate them. In this case, far more tragic then the story of Victoria and Albert.
Always good to see Patrick Stewart treading the boards with Shakespearean verve, though if you turn your back you could almost imagine Brian Blessed bombasting his way through the dialogue.
The fight choreography with Carey Elwes was a little less convincing than John Steeds fighting in a regular episode of The Avengers. However, the rest of the film was well lit, dressed, decorated and shot.
Definitely worth a look see.
Being There
I must admit I have a prejudice against Peter Sellers. There are very few films where he manages to reign in his maniacal behavior and give a clever and charming performance. Strangelove is about as manic as I can take him, The Mouse that Roared is perfect, and so often ((Alice in Wonderland, Pink Panther etc) he goes beyond.
But here, he shows his perfect comic ability as a quiet, understated, genteel gardener who gets misinterpreted by people who look too deep into everything. The overall effect of this political satire is a comfortable comic drama.
This film carries elements that were later reflected in "Forrest Gump", "When Harry Met Sally" and "Dave". The idea that a common man with simple notions can give inspiration and show the way to someone with a more cluttered mind, and then Shirley Maclaines self love sequence is reminiscent of Meg Ryans lunch noises.
The whole film leaves you with a sense of Chance (Sellers) being differently enabled, or at least uneducated. He has never matured. The final sequence, plays on the notion that maybe he was sent from above, and could lend significance to Shirely MacLaines characters name "Eve", but that's probably reading too much into it.
But here, he shows his perfect comic ability as a quiet, understated, genteel gardener who gets misinterpreted by people who look too deep into everything. The overall effect of this political satire is a comfortable comic drama.
This film carries elements that were later reflected in "Forrest Gump", "When Harry Met Sally" and "Dave". The idea that a common man with simple notions can give inspiration and show the way to someone with a more cluttered mind, and then Shirley Maclaines self love sequence is reminiscent of Meg Ryans lunch noises.
The whole film leaves you with a sense of Chance (Sellers) being differently enabled, or at least uneducated. He has never matured. The final sequence, plays on the notion that maybe he was sent from above, and could lend significance to Shirely MacLaines characters name "Eve", but that's probably reading too much into it.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Mary and Max
This is a wonderful full length animation. Set in Australia and New York, its a simple romance story of a young girl and her pen pal. Her pen pal is older, and sees the world from a very different perspective. It's later revealed that he is an Aspie.
The coloration of the film is wonderful. Mary is lacking in confidence, has a pill popping mother who is fighting or rather falling victim to depression. Marys world is the scorched sepia tones one could almost associate with dry grass of eternal summers. Max's world is black and white and scarlet. The only color being in the lipstick of the woman who has a crush on him, and a pompom Mary makes for him.
The coloring is well in keeping with the locations and the characters moods. No this is not a depressing movie.
The two lead characters develop a natural relationship, managing to irk each other periodically, but having the strength of friendship to see it through.
Though Max is almost stereotypical for an Aspie, we have to forgive the creators this, as he is a plainly stated, clear to understand representation, he is a starting point, much as in Rain Man where the world was introduced to "classical" autism.
The mix of gross out humour and a loving coming of age story blend together into a well constructed film. Go ahead and see this one soon.
The coloration of the film is wonderful. Mary is lacking in confidence, has a pill popping mother who is fighting or rather falling victim to depression. Marys world is the scorched sepia tones one could almost associate with dry grass of eternal summers. Max's world is black and white and scarlet. The only color being in the lipstick of the woman who has a crush on him, and a pompom Mary makes for him.
The coloring is well in keeping with the locations and the characters moods. No this is not a depressing movie.
The two lead characters develop a natural relationship, managing to irk each other periodically, but having the strength of friendship to see it through.
Though Max is almost stereotypical for an Aspie, we have to forgive the creators this, as he is a plainly stated, clear to understand representation, he is a starting point, much as in Rain Man where the world was introduced to "classical" autism.
The mix of gross out humour and a loving coming of age story blend together into a well constructed film. Go ahead and see this one soon.
Rembrandt's J'accuse
The question is, if you make a 2 1/2 hour movie about a painting, do you also need to make a 100 minute documentary about it also?
The answer is yes. Peter Greenaway, one time painter, some time movie director, all round pretentious scholarly type does exactly that with "The Nightwatch", a painting by Rembrandt of a town militia, who may well have been involved in a conspiracy of murder.
The film which "J'accuse" is a companion to is Nightwatching, staring Martin Freeman as Rembrandt, and a talented supporting cast as the rest of his household and townsfolk.
J'accuse is not about the film, but about the painting. Using sequences from the film to illustrate the documentary, and Greenaway being granted interviews with the characters from the film to clarify some points of view.
J'accuse, like all analytical works, seem to harp on about apparent trivialities and make them significant points. This essay finds 34 features of the painting to critique, and casts them as "evidence" in a murder trial. It seems that everything is subject to analysis, but sometimes "a cigar is just a cigar". Despite that gripe I did enjoy the tenacious investigation and expose. Like all works of art, in the end it's just an interpretation, this one people seem to believe they know what they are looking for, and so they see it.
Like in "The Pillow Book" Greenaway does not constrain his documentary to one aspect ratio, he chooses the frame that suits his need, and in a way that the audience can just flow with it.
Nightwatching is a dramatic presentation of the painting of the picture. Rembrandt meets all the characters, with his prejudice biased by gossip and investigation into the murder of the former captain of the militia. It also shows how the accused and compromised usurp political pressure which crushes the great artists career. This documentary clarifies the innuendo in the drama. The two films are essential companions. It is the play and the Cliff Notes.
The answer is yes. Peter Greenaway, one time painter, some time movie director, all round pretentious scholarly type does exactly that with "The Nightwatch", a painting by Rembrandt of a town militia, who may well have been involved in a conspiracy of murder.
The film which "J'accuse" is a companion to is Nightwatching, staring Martin Freeman as Rembrandt, and a talented supporting cast as the rest of his household and townsfolk.
J'accuse is not about the film, but about the painting. Using sequences from the film to illustrate the documentary, and Greenaway being granted interviews with the characters from the film to clarify some points of view.
J'accuse, like all analytical works, seem to harp on about apparent trivialities and make them significant points. This essay finds 34 features of the painting to critique, and casts them as "evidence" in a murder trial. It seems that everything is subject to analysis, but sometimes "a cigar is just a cigar". Despite that gripe I did enjoy the tenacious investigation and expose. Like all works of art, in the end it's just an interpretation, this one people seem to believe they know what they are looking for, and so they see it.
Like in "The Pillow Book" Greenaway does not constrain his documentary to one aspect ratio, he chooses the frame that suits his need, and in a way that the audience can just flow with it.
Nightwatching is a dramatic presentation of the painting of the picture. Rembrandt meets all the characters, with his prejudice biased by gossip and investigation into the murder of the former captain of the militia. It also shows how the accused and compromised usurp political pressure which crushes the great artists career. This documentary clarifies the innuendo in the drama. The two films are essential companions. It is the play and the Cliff Notes.
Deathly Hallows Part 1
Okay, so we all go into this expecting a reasonably well illustrated companion to the novel, trimming details that would turn the 5 hour epic into a 20 hour miniseries. And since this is only half the concluding novel we know they have to choose a breaking point which is a cliff hanger.
So how did it measure up? Sure a lot of details are trimmed, but we are left with the essentials of the story. The pacing is cinematic and also faithful to the spirit of the text. This film is also truly not a little kids film, following the maturity curve of the novels.
I will limit myself to a few high-points and a few low.
{Spoiler alert}
As Hermione reads the tale of the three brothers, from Beadle the Bard, we are treated to a wonderful animated illustration of the text. It is reminiscent of "The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello". The director for this sequence was Ben Hibon, I shall be looking for more of his work.
The tension between the famous trio during their travels in exile is well acted, and Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe do show good acting ability. Their despair and misery is not quite as absolute as in the book. Also we miss the scene where the other group of renegades camp alongside our heros and let slip that Bellatrix does not have the real sword.
The breaking point is well chosen. Anyone who decides to see Deathly Hallows as their first Harry Potter film and don't notice the "Part One" will be surely miffed at the conclusion, Dobby's death and Voldemort seizing the elder wand from the dead Dumbledore.
On the whole there was little to complain about, but the loss of Hedwig and Mad Eye get shrugged off a bit quick. These were serious losses in the book. Still as I said this one alone is 2hrs 17 minutes, the second half should be as long.
Also in Godrics Hollow, Harry starts talking to Nagini (disguised as Mathilda Bagshot) in parceltongue, I thought it was done naturally and well, Harry does that without noticing, but a fellow audience member (who also didn't know Dumbledore was dead, and surprised when the film stopped) didn't quite get that, and asked "what did she say".
If you haven't read the book, and you don't want a cliff hanger looming over you for 9 months, go and see the double bill next summer (you know there will be all day marathons for the series somewhere). This penultimate Potter was very well executed.
So how did it measure up? Sure a lot of details are trimmed, but we are left with the essentials of the story. The pacing is cinematic and also faithful to the spirit of the text. This film is also truly not a little kids film, following the maturity curve of the novels.
I will limit myself to a few high-points and a few low.
{Spoiler alert}
As Hermione reads the tale of the three brothers, from Beadle the Bard, we are treated to a wonderful animated illustration of the text. It is reminiscent of "The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello". The director for this sequence was Ben Hibon, I shall be looking for more of his work.
The tension between the famous trio during their travels in exile is well acted, and Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe do show good acting ability. Their despair and misery is not quite as absolute as in the book. Also we miss the scene where the other group of renegades camp alongside our heros and let slip that Bellatrix does not have the real sword.
The breaking point is well chosen. Anyone who decides to see Deathly Hallows as their first Harry Potter film and don't notice the "Part One" will be surely miffed at the conclusion, Dobby's death and Voldemort seizing the elder wand from the dead Dumbledore.
On the whole there was little to complain about, but the loss of Hedwig and Mad Eye get shrugged off a bit quick. These were serious losses in the book. Still as I said this one alone is 2hrs 17 minutes, the second half should be as long.
Also in Godrics Hollow, Harry starts talking to Nagini (disguised as Mathilda Bagshot) in parceltongue, I thought it was done naturally and well, Harry does that without noticing, but a fellow audience member (who also didn't know Dumbledore was dead, and surprised when the film stopped) didn't quite get that, and asked "what did she say".
If you haven't read the book, and you don't want a cliff hanger looming over you for 9 months, go and see the double bill next summer (you know there will be all day marathons for the series somewhere). This penultimate Potter was very well executed.
Sunshine Cleaning
I know, it's not fair to post a review of a film I only half watched, but this one I think I had its measure before too long.
The story should be funny enough, single mom changes maid service business into crime scene/biohazard cleanup service for a lot higher rate of pay.
Amy Adams (Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day) is a vivacious actress, reminiscent of a young Nicole Kidman and a capable actress. Emily Blunt plays her dysfunctional sister. It's a comedy, you need dysfunctional siblings for that.
Despite getting to see Amy in her underwear often, the jokes are handled poorly. Another part of the story is how Amys son is getting in trouble at school, and she is told that he needs to be medicated to stay in mainstream schooling. Here we have enough poorly researched writing, based on 80's tabloid tittle tattle rather than fact, that I just gave up.
Who knows it may have picked up later, but.
The story should be funny enough, single mom changes maid service business into crime scene/biohazard cleanup service for a lot higher rate of pay.
Amy Adams (Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day) is a vivacious actress, reminiscent of a young Nicole Kidman and a capable actress. Emily Blunt plays her dysfunctional sister. It's a comedy, you need dysfunctional siblings for that.
Despite getting to see Amy in her underwear often, the jokes are handled poorly. Another part of the story is how Amys son is getting in trouble at school, and she is told that he needs to be medicated to stay in mainstream schooling. Here we have enough poorly researched writing, based on 80's tabloid tittle tattle rather than fact, that I just gave up.
Who knows it may have picked up later, but.
Young Victoria
It's always good seeing Jim Broadbent, even if his character is short lived. Broadbent has previously played Albert in "Blackadders Christmas Carol".
Emily Blunt I'd previously seen in "Sunshine Cleaners", a heavy handed black comedy, and so I wasn't expecting too much from her, however I was pleasantly surprised. It seems she did well in both films, and Sunshine Cleaners did not suffer from either Amy Adams or Emily Blunt, but ham fisted script writing.
So "Young Victoria" is an interesting tale, a bit of a political drama, and a romance. It has its moments, being quite pretty to watch, but it seems to assume you know the dramatis personae before you start watching. If you take it as a look at a young monarch you will not be disappointed, if you are looking for the foundation of an empire, then you will be let down.
Emily Blunt I'd previously seen in "Sunshine Cleaners", a heavy handed black comedy, and so I wasn't expecting too much from her, however I was pleasantly surprised. It seems she did well in both films, and Sunshine Cleaners did not suffer from either Amy Adams or Emily Blunt, but ham fisted script writing.
So "Young Victoria" is an interesting tale, a bit of a political drama, and a romance. It has its moments, being quite pretty to watch, but it seems to assume you know the dramatis personae before you start watching. If you take it as a look at a young monarch you will not be disappointed, if you are looking for the foundation of an empire, then you will be let down.
Outsourced
Pretty predictable rom-com about a telesales department being outsourced to India from Seattle. The thing that made it unpredictable was the handling of yonis and lingums (see Richard Burtons translation for details) and a crass rubber joke.
Some funny bits, not too sappy.
Some funny bits, not too sappy.
Let The Right One In
This is a charming Swedish romance. Set in a high school in the early 80's, Oscar is a loner, and picked on by the class bully. When a new girl moves into his apartment block he finally finds a friend.
Of course this friend looks like a 12 year old girl, but is a couple of hundred years old, and of course a vampire. At this point I expect you to roll your eyes and move on, but please don't. This film manages to be a coming of age movie that's not too sappy, a low budget vampire film that's not too cheesy and has some almost intelligent things to say about love, friendship, and codependency.
Of course this friend looks like a 12 year old girl, but is a couple of hundred years old, and of course a vampire. At this point I expect you to roll your eyes and move on, but please don't. This film manages to be a coming of age movie that's not too sappy, a low budget vampire film that's not too cheesy and has some almost intelligent things to say about love, friendship, and codependency.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
I've long since stopped watching "Westerns", but my good friend Orlando (on-line friend of impeccable taste in literature and movies) pointed me in the direction of this one (or was it my cousin Bin Lids?).
This is a good well constructed drama, maybe even factually accurate. It paints a different picture of Jesse James to the one I've seen before, and is dressed in a way which looks more in keeping of photographs of the period than the "John Wayne" image/stereotype we have of such characters.
DW enjoyed this film too, after being understandably guarded when I proposed a "cowboy movie".
Brad Pitt again proves himself an actor, and not just a pretty boy, I know, if you see someone in grocery store magazine racks too often you figure they are a celebrity and not a talented actor.
Story, acting, composition, photography, music all made this a treat to watch. you should definitely see it.
post script
Pandora just served up some of the theme music to me, it's by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and is beautiful.
This is a good well constructed drama, maybe even factually accurate. It paints a different picture of Jesse James to the one I've seen before, and is dressed in a way which looks more in keeping of photographs of the period than the "John Wayne" image/stereotype we have of such characters.
DW enjoyed this film too, after being understandably guarded when I proposed a "cowboy movie".
Brad Pitt again proves himself an actor, and not just a pretty boy, I know, if you see someone in grocery store magazine racks too often you figure they are a celebrity and not a talented actor.
Story, acting, composition, photography, music all made this a treat to watch. you should definitely see it.
post script
Pandora just served up some of the theme music to me, it's by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and is beautiful.
The Tracey Fragments
Well, after seeing Hard Candy I was eager to see what else Ellen Page had done (first saw as an inflight movie in '07). The Tracey Fragments was one of the first of her other films that I saw. I was suitably impressed, and wanted to rewatch it after a decent interval.
A couple of years later and I've just done that. It's still a good film, its on screen presentation is of multiple images alongside each other, ofter offset in time (unlike Wicked Wicked's "duo vision" with its permanent split screen and coincident timing).
The Tracey Fragments are just that, a look through the mind of a tortured young woman who suffers daily bullying, dysfunctional mother, and finally has to face responsibility for a tragic accident .
The lighting and camera work is fantastic, and the editing avoids annoying with a technique that might have been turned into a failed cheap trick in the hands of a less skillful director/editor team.
Good film, I will see this again.
A couple of years later and I've just done that. It's still a good film, its on screen presentation is of multiple images alongside each other, ofter offset in time (unlike Wicked Wicked's "duo vision" with its permanent split screen and coincident timing).
The Tracey Fragments are just that, a look through the mind of a tortured young woman who suffers daily bullying, dysfunctional mother, and finally has to face responsibility for a tragic accident .
The lighting and camera work is fantastic, and the editing avoids annoying with a technique that might have been turned into a failed cheap trick in the hands of a less skillful director/editor team.
Good film, I will see this again.
Gloomy Sunday
Pretty Girl and romantic scenery, what more could you want from a film?
Well, this film has got plenty more going for it. It's hard to place this romance/drama. It's almost a hint of a ghost story, but not in the traditional sense, it's not a film about the holocaust, though Nazi occupation of Hungary is a key theme, and it's not a smutty film about a ménage.
Despite some depressing elements, this is a very optimistic film throughout, with people generally finding the good things in life, even though most the principles get defeated ultimately.
As I say, just nice to watch, and a story that takes a winding, but not twisting path to its conclusion.
Well, this film has got plenty more going for it. It's hard to place this romance/drama. It's almost a hint of a ghost story, but not in the traditional sense, it's not a film about the holocaust, though Nazi occupation of Hungary is a key theme, and it's not a smutty film about a ménage.
Despite some depressing elements, this is a very optimistic film throughout, with people generally finding the good things in life, even though most the principles get defeated ultimately.
As I say, just nice to watch, and a story that takes a winding, but not twisting path to its conclusion.
A Life Less Ordinary
After having seen Shallow Grave and Trainspotting big screen, and enjoying McGregors performance in most things I'd seen him in (even Brassed Off) I must admit it is surprising I'd never bothered with this Danny Boyle film. I do remember hearing negative things about the film at the time, so evaded it.
It's kinda funny to see it now as I have recently seen a bunch of Angel films, including Dogma, Wings or Desire and Angel-A. I didn't know anything about this film other then the epithet "rom com" had been attached to it.
Turns out this is a rom com in the same way Angel-A is, though not delivered quite as well. I wish I'd seen "The Chase" with Charlie Sheen so I can compare this kidnap film to the that one.
Holly Hunter played an excellent psychotic, desperately trying to escape the threat of mortality. I don't think I've ever seen her in a kick butt role before, but she does it well. I did keep thinking of the character "Yolanda/Honey Bunny" from Pulp Fiction, played excellently by Amanda Plummer.
Sure there are cliches and obvious jokes in this, but come on, do we ever watch a Danny Boyle film for anything else (okay, some people liked the zombie aspect of 28 Days Later).
Worth a look see, not the best Danny Boyle, but we all have our off days.
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/A-Life-Less-Ordinary/1179373?trkid=438403#height1525
It's kinda funny to see it now as I have recently seen a bunch of Angel films, including Dogma, Wings or Desire and Angel-A. I didn't know anything about this film other then the epithet "rom com" had been attached to it.
Turns out this is a rom com in the same way Angel-A is, though not delivered quite as well. I wish I'd seen "The Chase" with Charlie Sheen so I can compare this kidnap film to the that one.
Holly Hunter played an excellent psychotic, desperately trying to escape the threat of mortality. I don't think I've ever seen her in a kick butt role before, but she does it well. I did keep thinking of the character "Yolanda/Honey Bunny" from Pulp Fiction, played excellently by Amanda Plummer.
Sure there are cliches and obvious jokes in this, but come on, do we ever watch a Danny Boyle film for anything else (okay, some people liked the zombie aspect of 28 Days Later).
Worth a look see, not the best Danny Boyle, but we all have our off days.
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/A-Life-Less-Ordinary/1179373?trkid=438403#height1525
Sunday, November 14, 2010
wings of desire
I've been avoiding Wim Wenders for quite some time, I had a disappointing experience when I was about 20, say no more.
Wonderful, crisp photography, very active camera motions, beautifully shot. This film is every bit as introspective as expected from one of this director's films.
We get to see the world through the eyes of some Angels, as the catalog and document what we are doing and thinking presumably saving this information for Judgment Day. And, typical of Angel films, one of these angels besides the defendant with immortality and standoffishness of his position in life. He wants to become mortal, and live life to its fullest, enjoying every nuance of daily life. Et aussie cherchez la femme.
The only uncomfortable thing about the film was some of the vocalizations or choral passages, which I suspect were by Laurie Anderson.
I believe this is one of the trilogy of films, and I look forward to the sequels.
Wonderful, crisp photography, very active camera motions, beautifully shot. This film is every bit as introspective as expected from one of this director's films.
We get to see the world through the eyes of some Angels, as the catalog and document what we are doing and thinking presumably saving this information for Judgment Day. And, typical of Angel films, one of these angels besides the defendant with immortality and standoffishness of his position in life. He wants to become mortal, and live life to its fullest, enjoying every nuance of daily life. Et aussie cherchez la femme.
The only uncomfortable thing about the film was some of the vocalizations or choral passages, which I suspect were by Laurie Anderson.
I believe this is one of the trilogy of films, and I look forward to the sequels.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
The film starts out much like a romantic comedy; pretty young girl in love with older doctor, him with a wife in tow as well, what could be worse, we know that they all get together and be happy in the end. Twenty minutes into the film, just when you think you've taken all the smiley happy faces you can from the pretty girl, knowing the train wreck of a situation she is in, the film rewinds to the start, and we pick up the story from the doctor's point of view. At this point we're confronted with a thriller, with a young woman who is psychotically in love with the doctor, and viciously hunting down his wife to get her out the way.
I didn't get to see the whole film, but think I will go back and revisit it at some point.
Update: I did get to see the rest, nice bait and switch. Good use of color throughout.
I didn't get to see the whole film, but think I will go back and revisit it at some point.
Update: I did get to see the rest, nice bait and switch. Good use of color throughout.
Harvey
What can I say, a classic 1950s farce. Jimmy Stewart for the lovable drunk, possibly crazy. Pompous judges, excitable sisters, management Nice, a host of extras, and the 6'3" rabbit, white.
It was the first time in that film in about 15 years maybe 20. Still quite amusing, although the sense of humor at times was old-fashioned and annoying.
It was the first time in that film in about 15 years maybe 20. Still quite amusing, although the sense of humor at times was old-fashioned and annoying.
Delicatessen
Jean-Paul Jeaunet, in his almost Gilliamesque, much like "city of lost children", style.
It seems Amalie with an exception to the rule not the norm. Wide-angle lenses, both of the faces, interesting looking people, and the grim tale, but optimistic outcome.
If cannibalism and dark humor are not your thing then this film will not be. Still overall it was quite amusing, a few clichés, but some fun surprises along the way.
It seems Amalie with an exception to the rule not the norm. Wide-angle lenses, both of the faces, interesting looking people, and the grim tale, but optimistic outcome.
If cannibalism and dark humor are not your thing then this film will not be. Still overall it was quite amusing, a few clichés, but some fun surprises along the way.
The Seventh Seal
What a delightful film this was. I was worried this would be just too thinky too talkie, too introspective. It wasn't, it was, but it wasn't.
This is that old Swedish classic were night plays chess with with Death. Eventually returning from the Crusades, and on his journey home. He collects an interesting entourage of miscellaneous people. These include a troupe of actors, a blacksmith and his errant wife, and the peasant girl. On the journey being count the plague victims, and guards on a witch hunt. There is also true prove develop will punishing themselves before God punishes them with the plague. All these subplot, and the vaguely reminiscent of Monty Python and the holy Grail. One suspects the seventh seal was a great inspiration to the famous six.
I was surprised how much the film reminded me of any film by Kurosawa. This was not only the pacing, the honor and nobility of the lead characters, the rascalliness of the lower classes, but also in the lighting and framing.
Again one to watch, but one to watch when you have a few hours spare and you feel like something slow-paced.
This is that old Swedish classic were night plays chess with with Death. Eventually returning from the Crusades, and on his journey home. He collects an interesting entourage of miscellaneous people. These include a troupe of actors, a blacksmith and his errant wife, and the peasant girl. On the journey being count the plague victims, and guards on a witch hunt. There is also true prove develop will punishing themselves before God punishes them with the plague. All these subplot, and the vaguely reminiscent of Monty Python and the holy Grail. One suspects the seventh seal was a great inspiration to the famous six.
I was surprised how much the film reminded me of any film by Kurosawa. This was not only the pacing, the honor and nobility of the lead characters, the rascalliness of the lower classes, but also in the lighting and framing.
Again one to watch, but one to watch when you have a few hours spare and you feel like something slow-paced.
The Third Man
This truly is classic noir. Set in postwar Austria, all about black-market economy, and the general lawlessness of things. Friend is set against friend as ugly truths are revealed.
Of course there is the girl, the damsel in distress. This one keeps the hero around when he should have long since stopped.
McNealy likened, good direction, good acting, incessant music which I didn't think fitted.
Like Casablanca, another film I hadn't seen in the this year, it was a pleasant surprise this classic lives up to its reputation. Definitely one to watch..
Of course there is the girl, the damsel in distress. This one keeps the hero around when he should have long since stopped.
McNealy likened, good direction, good acting, incessant music which I didn't think fitted.
Like Casablanca, another film I hadn't seen in the this year, it was a pleasant surprise this classic lives up to its reputation. Definitely one to watch..
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