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Post by Vercetti on Jan 24, 2006 1:35:07 GMT
SPOILERS I think the ending was too important, and it wouldn't be the same had it been ended in the garage. Seppuku is the best possible ending, because it pulls everything into perspective for Costello. SPOILERS
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Post by Mike Sullivan on Jan 24, 2006 5:29:27 GMT
I think I can easily descibe, "Le Samourai" as one of the, if not THE, greatest film ever from a technical standpoint. From that wonderful introductory shot to the final drum roll at the night club, it's sheerly mezmorizing.
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Capo
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Post by Capo on Jan 24, 2006 20:19:20 GMT
I think it's probably in my top 2 favorites, along with Aguirre. I need to give both a re-watch to sort out my thoughts however. See, that's why I place a value on rewatches, or at least time post-viewing. Glad you enjoyed it, though; when I think of Clownation's definition of a perfect film (one whose quality would greatly be reduced if there were anything added or taken away), three films immediately come to mind: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Eraserhead and Le samourai. I haven't seen this in over a year. First time I watched it, though, I saw it three times in the first week.
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RNL
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Post by RNL on Jan 24, 2006 20:22:37 GMT
I think it's probably in my top 2 favorites, along with Aguirre. I need to give both a re-watch to sort out my thoughts however. Clownation's definition of a perfect film (one whose quality would greatly be reduced if there were anything added or taken away) That's a very, very good definition. I wonder would that make for a good thread; "Perfect Films."
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Capo
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Post by Capo on Jan 24, 2006 20:54:31 GMT
Frozen Juliet McKoen 2005 UK 1st time; big screen In a small fishing town, and estranged woman tries to deal with the loss of her missing sister. Knowingly reminiscent of Don’t Look Now, with a bleak look and fleeting moments of striking red; if the denoument bares too much a resemblance, it is still an interesting, bleak exploration of loss and obsession with some moments of genuine eeriness.Happiness Todd Solondz 1998 US 1st time; VHS Several people, including three sisters and their parents, struggle to find fulfilment. Affecting drama of unsatisfactory relationships and sexual fantasy; it is a deeply disturbing and ultimately challening work, by turns hilarious at its most serious or vulgar moments, and tragic all the same.Five Easy Pieces Bob Rafelson 1970 US 1st time; VHS An oil-rigger running away all his life from a musical, middle-class background, travels back to his home when his father falls sick. One of those cult films without shape, this slowly unfolds itself as a complex character study and perhaps even social comment, with Nicholson's over-the-top theatrics winning us over all the way. An unforgettable triumph.Rock 127Reza Haeri Year Iran 1st time; VHS With rock and jazz forbidden in Iran, many musicians form their own underground groups; a short documentary on one of these, Rock 127. More of a promo than a documentary, it succeeds in sustaining our interests and making us want more; alas, at three minutes, we're left wanting.The Searchers John Ford 1956 US 1st time; VHS When his brother's family are massacred by Commanches, a mysterious loner begins a five-year quest to hunt down his niece, with whom the Indians ran off. Influential in its themes of determined revenge and social alienation, this is far more compelling as a visual triumph, with cinematography and landscapes to die for; the final third gives too much leeway to distracting humour.The KnockoutCharles Avery 1914 US 1st time; DVD Eager to prove his courage to his girlfriend, a hefty fighter enters a boxing match, and all hell breaks loose. Among various Chaplin DVDs to buy, this half-hour short features Charlie for a mere few minutes as the boxing referee. Primarily, instead, a Fatty Arbuckle comedy, and a not very funny one at that.
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Post by Vercetti on Jan 24, 2006 21:15:13 GMT
Glad you loved Five Easy Pieces, Capo!
I think it's very overlooked. It's one of the best character studies of it's time, and possibly Jack Nicholson's best performance, IMO. The final scene is one of the most haunting I can think of. One of the many films I need to see again.
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Post by Michael on Jan 24, 2006 21:25:22 GMT
Five Easy Pieces is the only movie I've ever cried during. It's just so God damn devastating, especially towards the end. Very emotional picture.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jan 24, 2006 22:34:15 GMT
I'm so glad you liked "Five Easy Pieces" Mick. It is one of my favorite films, and one of the few films in my top 20 I do not own. I can't wait to watch it again.
The ending is perfect. The fact that it is so quiet and the way the wide shot is framed. Wow.
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Post by Vercetti on Jan 24, 2006 23:19:37 GMT
Not to mention Nicholson staring into the mirror before it.
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Post by Vercetti on Jan 25, 2006 21:31:17 GMT
Broken Flowers - (Jim Jarmusch;2005;USA/France) After a man's girlfriend leaves him, he receives a pink letter informing him he has a son. His neighbor helps him track down old flames to investigate.The second best film of 2005. It's very relevant to many in society who as I described in my review, are leaves waiting for the wind to blow them. Bill Murray's subtle performance is the best I've seen from him, and it really makes me wanna see Lost in Translation. The music, cinematography, performances, and most of all, direction all come together beautifully. I enjoyed this even more then my first viewing. I really need to see more from Jarmusch and Murray. One of the best films of the new millennium.
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Post by Vercetti on Jan 26, 2006 4:56:44 GMT
The Seventh Seal - (Ingmar Bergman;1957;Sweden) A knight returning from the Crusades challenges Death to chess in a bid to live longer during the Black Death.My first Bergman film, and a very personal one of his. This film is ultimately, like Dead Man, about losing fear in death with the addition of religious guilt. Though I believe in God, I think what this film tries to say is we shouldn't be caught up in guilt and fear of death. Ultimately, we should embrace it. I related to several things, such as a few of Block's thoughts during his confession earlier in the film. A brilliant film that paints a ridiculousedque portrait of hardcore religious people who become too guilty with themselves, especially with the plagued people who resort to flagellation.
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jrod
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Post by jrod on Jan 26, 2006 6:17:47 GMT
Capote (2005) good movie revolving around an excellent performance. My hope to win best picture among the likely candidates
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Capo
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Post by Capo on Jan 26, 2006 19:18:42 GMT
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Michel Gondry 2004 US 2nd time; DVD A man decides to get his memory erased of his ex girlfriend, and, halfway through the procedure, he realises he still loves her. Extraordinarily inventive exploration of memory, love, and flawed relationships; it is at once abrasive and subtle, with master control of music, editing and performances creating a contrast of sorts, a kind of loose directorial approach to a tightly-written script. Remarkable.One Hundred and One Dalmations Clyde Geronimi / Hamilton Luske / Wolfgang Reitherman 1961 US 1st time; VHS When their fifteen puppies are stolen by Cruella De Vil, two dalmations seek to rescue them, with the help of the other dogs of the area. A change in setting for Disney, though still insistent on anthropomorphism to appeal to the kids (though there are at least three human good-guys); the second half is brilliant.Memoirs of a GeishaRob Marshall 2005 US 1st time; big screen A girl from a small fishing village is sold at an early age, and grows up to be a celebrated geisha. Lifeless drama with an unconvincing romance and horrid succumbing to mainstream values: the most beautiful shots here are not given enough room to sweep us away, and the cast, all brilliant in their native tongue, seem awkward when directed for English-speaking audiences.
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Post by ronnierocketago on Jan 27, 2006 2:01:29 GMT
Quick review caps for reviews I had written before, and can be found in their respective decade-channels.
SWINGERS (1996) - ***1/2
Real creative low-budget and independent motion picture that captures star/scriptwriter Jon Favreau's campaign to get a new woman in his life after a nasty break-up. Humorous escapades, along with introducing future blockbuster comedy film star Vince Vaughn as one who is so Money....early work for future blockbuster action director Doug Liman as well. Truely worthy of RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW!
BRAZIL (1985) - Masterpiece - *****
Terry Gilliam creates his legacy as a worthy filmmaker with this stunning picture that combines absurd British comedy at an Orwellian-future all while displaying quite beautiful cinematography in the vast dreams of one lonely bureaucratical office-worker. Famous as well for Gilliam's much-reported battle with Universal Studios, who wanted to re-edit the film as LOVE CONQUERS ALL, minus the dream footage. If you want to wonder how many other great movies possibly were destroyed in post-production, go check out Criterion's great DVD.
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Post by ronnierocketago on Jan 27, 2006 3:49:50 GMT
Ya....why only a 9?
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jan 27, 2006 12:44:22 GMT
Fanny och Alexander Fanny & Alexander(1982/Ingmar Bergman) [First Viewing] The experiences of two children in Sweden during the early twentieth century.The film where Bergman finally confronts his demons head on. Every theme he ever covered in his career is found within this excellent family saga. The fear of death, religious abuse, and there are even elements of horror. The scene where the matriarch of the family talks to the ghost of her dead son is not only the best scene in a Bergman film, but possibly the best scene in any film. The final moments, as dark as they are, perfectly set up the basis for Bergman's life struggle as represented through his films.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jan 27, 2006 20:44:49 GMT
Rushmore Wes Anderson 1998 US 1st time; VHS A private school pupil more interested in extra-curricular activities than actual lessons falls in love with a new teacher, and finds himself competing for her affections with the father of two twins in his class. Enjoyable comedy which takes pride in its own quirkiness; an acquired taste, with moments of effortless subtlety. Wow, is this the first time the synopsis is longer than the criticism? Not that it's a bad thing. Glad you liked it.
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Capo
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Post by Capo on Jan 27, 2006 21:22:58 GMT
Funnily enough, the length of my critiques come, by now, unconsciously, as if I've placed a natural word limit in my brain; unusually, there are movies which come by every now and then which I can't write as much as usual -- if I did, I'd end up writing a lot more than usual. Anyway, I've added a sentence to my criticism. I plan on revisiting The Royal Tenenbaums soon.
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