Capo
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Post by Capo on Mar 29, 2009 17:23:55 GMT
I could have sworn Boz made a thread on this...
Anyway, it's always been one of those films for me that I always look forward to watching, then am let down by after viewing it. But: I watched it two nights ago, and thought it was great. I can't really fault it; where previously I've always felt the sideplots were watery attempts to make the whole "epic", I thought everything had its right balance, narrative-wise. That whole Breedan thing might be insubstantial in terms of being a short-handed way of showing how crime might be the easier option once you're in its gripping system, but it's a minor quibble for me. At least we're given some preamble, so as not to make his sudden entrance as a stand-in chauffeur (more) contrived.
Any further thoughts?
I'd be interested in a socialist reading of it from RNL.
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Post by quentincompson on Mar 29, 2009 23:23:09 GMT
I always thought the subplots are what made the film, focusing on a series of disgruntled males and progressing through their different but similar struggles. It creates several moral dilemmas which go unsolved and then the embrace of Pacino and De Niro at the end as if to admit their loneliness and hopelessness in the modern world. I think the characterization overall is superb as is the pacing of the whole thing.
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Capo
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Post by Capo on Mar 30, 2009 15:29:59 GMT
Yeah, I must admit that the film's appeal to me is mostly formalistic. I think the cinematography and music are both excellent, and De Niro and Pacino are great, too. I haven't really thought about it on a deeper level than that; it needs time to sink in.
More than anything I think it's a very well done, flashy genre film, an epic throwback to Melville and his professional crooks and sombre cops.
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Post by arkadyrenko on Apr 1, 2009 17:37:35 GMT
I think, and rightly so, that this is one of the best movies i ever seen. I pity all those who cannot be as awed of it as i am. You don't know what you are missing.
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Kino
Published writer
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Post by Kino on Apr 13, 2009 17:59:12 GMT
It's an incredible film. I think this film can be mined for looking into a certain conception of masculinity. The men's code is another interesting aspect of the film.
In my opinion, it's a near-perfect film.
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