This is my final installment to my trilogy of posts. I would like to do one for the 60's, but since it was so long ago, almost all of the great movies (and a lot of not so great) are famous ones that everyone has seen.
1. Hair (1979)
"-Who are you doing it for [referring to going to war]?
-I'm doing it for you man.
-Well don't. Because if the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn't do it for you."
The last great musical to come out of Hollywood until the 2000's. What makes Hair exception (besides the music) is that it truly captures the lives of hippies. It showed us that most of the troubles of war didn't come from the battlefield at all. The plot of Hair is that Claude Hoover Bukowski encounters a hippie tribe with names such as Woolf, Burger and Hud. We don't know most of their real names, and somehow we don't care. Anyway, Claude wants to see New York City before he goes off to war (whether he is drafted or volunteered is unspecified.) The hippies befriend him and give him a true welcome to New York. Back to the music. The music consists of classics such as "Let the Sunshine In," "Aquarius," "Hair" and "Good Morning Starshine." It's safe to say that you've heard at least two of these at some point in your life. Now that I got that out of my system, back to the plot. The ending is quite possibly the most heartbreaking ending of any musical I have ever seen (even more so than West Side Story and The Sound of Music combined.) It's fairly easy to find (it airs on TCM fairly often [once a month]) and is on Netflix and is in the library I go to. You won't have much trouble finding it.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
"What ever happened to Faye Wray? That delicate, satin draped frame? As it clung to her thigh, how I started to cry, because I wanted to be dressed just the same. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure. Swim the warm waters of sins of the flesh. Erotic nightmares beyond any measure and wonderful memories you can treasure forever. Can you feel it? Don't dream it, be it."
This is one rare film where I can actually say that I laughed and I cried and I had a great time. This movie always makes me melt every time I see the last scene (the floor show.) I think that it was intended to be both campy and serious at the same time (not unlike Ferris Bueller's day off.) Now, let me try to describe the plot to those of you who haven't seen it. Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) decide to go see their friend and ex-tutor Dr. Everrett Von Scott (Jonathan Adams.) On the way, they get a flat tire and to go a nearby castle. They are greeted by a creepy, hunchbacked handyman named Riff Raff (screenwriter Richard O'Brian.) As they enter, they are greeted by the maid Magenta (Patricia Quinn.) The castle belongs to Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry.) Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a "Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania." He is building a sex slave who he calls Rocky (Peter Hindwood.) From there, strange stuff happens. Thats the basic plot. Overall, this is an extremely strange film with a lot of fun and great music.
3. Manhattan (1979)
"Oh really you liked that? I thought it was gimmicky."
The reason I used that quote is for one reason alone; that is how the conversation usually goes when I say I like Manhattan. Time for me to quote a critic. Roger Ebert said, "Watching it again, I realize is isn't about love, but loss." That's something that most people fail to grasp. Romantic-comedies don't all have to be happy, or even about love. No one in Manhattan is happy (both the movie and the city.) I can't describe the plot more than saying that boy meets girl. Boy is 40ish, she is a teenager. That's about it. As several hundred people have said, the main character isn't Woody Allen's, Meryl Streep's or Diane Keatons, but it is the city of Manhattan. Nothing else happens except for more and more of that. What astonishes me is that Woody Allen managed to shoot it in black and white. This is something that I feel is usually forgotten. Woody Allen shot in black and white when no one else was. He kept it alive by making it the most beautiful film he has ever made.
4. Marathon Man (1979)
"Is it safe?"
That's the famous quote. there isn't much other important dialog that I would quote. What makes this suspense film exceptional is not only the performances, or the script that climaxes perfectly, or the "what's around that corner" directing, or the eerie soundtrack, but a mix of all of these concepts. For most films I like to talk on and on about, but this one, you're better off going into it without knowing anything. So for once, I'm just saying, "Go see this movie because I say so!"
5. The Fiddler On the Roof (1971)
"A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy. But here in Anatevka, you might say we are all like the fiddler on the roof. Trying to scratch out a simple tune, without breaking his neck. You might ask why he stays up there. Well, because it is our home, we are happy here. You might ask how we keep order in a society like that. That I can explain in one word: Tradition!"
That opening monologue basically tells you the whole film. The plot is that a Russian milkman must marry off his five daughters as they go from oldest to youngest they start to break the sacred tradition more and more. By this part of the list, you probably know that I like musicals a lot. I personally consider this to be the best stage musical ever created. I personally like it for how it manages to be so long without being boring, manages to have incredible music, manages to make us love all the characters (even the ones some characters hate) and accomplishes so much in it's time. That's all I can really say about Fiddler. So once again, see this movie.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Great Indie Films You Never Cared About (80's)
Here's the second installment of my new series
1. Blood Simple (1983)
(No Quote)
The reason I put no quote for Blood Simple is because the entire film is based around using silence to build up the suspense. It may be the most effective thriller that Hitchcock didn't make. The best part about this film is that you don't really know what's going on until the characters find out what's going on. Frances McDormand plays a two-timing wife who's husband pays someone to stalk her. In case you didn't read my first post similar to this, you should know that I will not tell you anymore than the extremely basic plot. Beyond the minimal amounts of dialog and use of silence, it took the risk of creating a modern style ultra-noir-film. A nice fact is that this is the only film I know of where the director's cut is shorter than the theatrical film.
2. Fame (1980)
"I sing the body electric. I celebrate the difference in life. I toast to my own reunion. When I become one with the earth. And I'll look back on Venus. And I'll look back on Mars. And I'll burn with the fire, of ten million stars. And in time, and in time, we will all be stars."
Those simple lyrics give me chills each time. Fame is a musical of intertwining stories that is FAR better than the play and the television show. The film contains incredible songs such as "Fame," "I Sing the Body Electric," and (my personal favorite from the film) "Out Here On My Own." Fame is brilliantly acted and the direction is even better. A film teacher of mine once said that you can look at a film in two ways; a window or a painting. Director Allen Parker forces you to see Fame like watching a window. You are slowly drawn into everyone's lives and problems until it climaxes so brilliantly that you feel like your world is going to explode. It stretches on for 134 minutes and never drags; not for a minute.
3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
"And I quote, 'I don't believe in Beatles, I only believe in me.' Good point there, but then again, he was The Walrus."
We have all seen it. We all remember nearly laughing to death the first time we saw it. We don't remember what happens to Cameron at the end of it. You will probably think I'm crazy in saying that I believe Ferris Bueller's Day Off succeeds both as an 80's comedy, and as a coming of age drama. Cameron (in one of the last scenes) realizes that he's stuck with his father and decides to come up above it. He decides to live with whatever his father is going to do to him. It's about celebrating the people who improve our lives. Ferris causes Cameron to be more rebellious in a single day. You probably think I'm crazy already, but try watching it again with what I said in mind.
4. Stand By Me (1986)
"If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life? Easy! Cherry flavored PEZ."
Rob Reiner directed this between Spinal Tap and the Princess Bride, thus eclipsing Stand By Me. Based on Stephen King's novella "The Body" from the book Different Seasons. Stand By Me tells the story of four kids: one is an aspiring writer; another is the tough guy who's stands by the writer; another is the stereotypical fat kid; and the final one is a psychotic nerd with a shell-shocked father. They all hear about a body that was buried a far distance from where they live. They go out to find the body hoping that they become heroes but get mixed up with the teenagers who killed him. It tells us the story of friendship, loyalty, and above all, courage.
5. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
"The worst are the fundamentalist preachers, third-rate con men, telling the poor suckers that watch them that they speak with Jesus... and to please send in money. Money, money, money! If Jesus came back, and saw what's going on in his name, he'd never stop throwing up."
You're probably saying that Hannah and Her Sisters got enough acclaim. I disagree entirely. If there is a critic who didn't give this at least 3½ stars, I consider it extremely under-appreciated. It's about Hannah (Mia Farrow) and her two sisters, Lee (Barbara Hershey) and Holly (Dianne Wiest.) Holly is a wreck who is an aspiring actress and former cocaine addict. Hannah was in a play for a while successfully and now settled down with Elliot (Michael Caine.) Elliot has a crush on Lee. Lee is a mess as well and is dating an extremely boring man (Max von Sydow) much older than her who is far more intelligent than she. Hannah's ex husband is infertile and a hypochondriac (Woody Allen.) Woody Allen writes and directs. If you watch this, look out for the scene where the three sisters are at a table in a restaurant about an hour into the film. My favorite shot occurs right then. The camera circles them perfectly, each of their faces slowly unveiled. The camera keeps on moving. I think I know what it symbolizes but it's much better off for you to decide for yourself.
1. Blood Simple (1983)
(No Quote)
The reason I put no quote for Blood Simple is because the entire film is based around using silence to build up the suspense. It may be the most effective thriller that Hitchcock didn't make. The best part about this film is that you don't really know what's going on until the characters find out what's going on. Frances McDormand plays a two-timing wife who's husband pays someone to stalk her. In case you didn't read my first post similar to this, you should know that I will not tell you anymore than the extremely basic plot. Beyond the minimal amounts of dialog and use of silence, it took the risk of creating a modern style ultra-noir-film. A nice fact is that this is the only film I know of where the director's cut is shorter than the theatrical film.
2. Fame (1980)
"I sing the body electric. I celebrate the difference in life. I toast to my own reunion. When I become one with the earth. And I'll look back on Venus. And I'll look back on Mars. And I'll burn with the fire, of ten million stars. And in time, and in time, we will all be stars."
Those simple lyrics give me chills each time. Fame is a musical of intertwining stories that is FAR better than the play and the television show. The film contains incredible songs such as "Fame," "I Sing the Body Electric," and (my personal favorite from the film) "Out Here On My Own." Fame is brilliantly acted and the direction is even better. A film teacher of mine once said that you can look at a film in two ways; a window or a painting. Director Allen Parker forces you to see Fame like watching a window. You are slowly drawn into everyone's lives and problems until it climaxes so brilliantly that you feel like your world is going to explode. It stretches on for 134 minutes and never drags; not for a minute.
3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
"And I quote, 'I don't believe in Beatles, I only believe in me.' Good point there, but then again, he was The Walrus."
We have all seen it. We all remember nearly laughing to death the first time we saw it. We don't remember what happens to Cameron at the end of it. You will probably think I'm crazy in saying that I believe Ferris Bueller's Day Off succeeds both as an 80's comedy, and as a coming of age drama. Cameron (in one of the last scenes) realizes that he's stuck with his father and decides to come up above it. He decides to live with whatever his father is going to do to him. It's about celebrating the people who improve our lives. Ferris causes Cameron to be more rebellious in a single day. You probably think I'm crazy already, but try watching it again with what I said in mind.
4. Stand By Me (1986)
"If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life? Easy! Cherry flavored PEZ."
Rob Reiner directed this between Spinal Tap and the Princess Bride, thus eclipsing Stand By Me. Based on Stephen King's novella "The Body" from the book Different Seasons. Stand By Me tells the story of four kids: one is an aspiring writer; another is the tough guy who's stands by the writer; another is the stereotypical fat kid; and the final one is a psychotic nerd with a shell-shocked father. They all hear about a body that was buried a far distance from where they live. They go out to find the body hoping that they become heroes but get mixed up with the teenagers who killed him. It tells us the story of friendship, loyalty, and above all, courage.
5. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
"The worst are the fundamentalist preachers, third-rate con men, telling the poor suckers that watch them that they speak with Jesus... and to please send in money. Money, money, money! If Jesus came back, and saw what's going on in his name, he'd never stop throwing up."
You're probably saying that Hannah and Her Sisters got enough acclaim. I disagree entirely. If there is a critic who didn't give this at least 3½ stars, I consider it extremely under-appreciated. It's about Hannah (Mia Farrow) and her two sisters, Lee (Barbara Hershey) and Holly (Dianne Wiest.) Holly is a wreck who is an aspiring actress and former cocaine addict. Hannah was in a play for a while successfully and now settled down with Elliot (Michael Caine.) Elliot has a crush on Lee. Lee is a mess as well and is dating an extremely boring man (Max von Sydow) much older than her who is far more intelligent than she. Hannah's ex husband is infertile and a hypochondriac (Woody Allen.) Woody Allen writes and directs. If you watch this, look out for the scene where the three sisters are at a table in a restaurant about an hour into the film. My favorite shot occurs right then. The camera circles them perfectly, each of their faces slowly unveiled. The camera keeps on moving. I think I know what it symbolizes but it's much better off for you to decide for yourself.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Great Indie Films You Never Cared About (90's)
I realized that a lot of incredible films that no one really cares about. I think that it makes perfect sense to recommend a few that very few people give a crap about. I start out each one with a quote from the film that I personally find incredible. Some of these won't make sense until you see the films. These are a few from the 90's
1. The Iron Giant (1999)
"You are who you choose to be. Who do you want to be?"
"SUUUUUPEEEERRR MAAAAAAN"
Why nobody cares about this film I cannot imagine. It is one of the few animated films that isn't Disney, PIXAR or Dreamworks. It tells the unforgettable story of a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a large iron giant. He hides him in his new friend's junkyard. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that the ending will be as heartbreaking as any film you have ever seen.
2. Barton Fink (1991)
"You think you know pain. You don't know pain! You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here goddamnit!"
The utterly strange and incredibly original film from the Coen Brothers tells the story of Barton Fink. Barton wrote a play that was successful in New York and then moves to Hollywood to write B-Movies. When Barton is assigned to write a film about wresting, he looks to the common man for help. He is struck with writers block and spends a lot of time with his neighbor Charley. At the same time, he meets his favorite novelist (who is involved with his secretary) and they almost become friends. Barton forges a strange relationship with the novelist's secretary. That's just the beginning. I would never even dream of explaining the quote I put for this film because it ruins the entire film.
3. The Cider House Rules (1999)
"Good night you princes of Maine; you kings of New England."
Michael Caine's performance eclipses that of Tobey MacGuire and the script and the directing. This adaptation of Irving's novel is great in the sense that it makes you feel like you're in the orphanage for the beginning segment, and by the time Tobey leaves, you feel like you have left. Once he gets to the cider house, you will be amazed at how much it can twist and turn.
4. Everyone Says I Love You (1997)
"Your son has experienced lack of blood flow to the brain. Has he exhibited any strange behavior [he recently became a Republican.]"
Woody Allen creates a flawless musical film that is fun from first frame to last. With an all-star cast of Ed Norton, Drew Barrymore, Natasha Lyone, Tim Roth, Allen Alda, and Woody Allen, this intertwining musical of rich people in love has an incredible score, brilliant dance numbers, and obviously, that razor-sharp Woody Allen humor. From great songs such as "Just You, Just Me?" and "Enjoy Yourself! It's Later Than You Think" to the genuine feeling of happiness, this is a true musical treasure.
5. Magnolia (1999)
"Are there frogs falling from the sky?"
Yes, there are. That's probably why very few people went to see this film. They heard that it starts off with the story of a boy trying to kill himself by jumping off a roof but while falling down is shot by his mom because he loaded the gun that the mom threatens her husband with; thus making him an accessory to his own murder. If that grasped you, see this film now. It is one of the best epics of my time (at 3 hours and 8 minutes long) and is quite possibly the best P.T. Anderson film. If you are willing to suspend disbelief, this film is perfect for you. Everyone is connected all by coincidence. And by the way (in case you haven't heard about this yet,) frogs fall from the sky in the end. Is it biblical? Probably. Has it happened? Yes. There was a strange moment in Florida not very long ago where a tropical storm got caught over warm water for a little while and sucked out the water, leaving the frogs in the eye. The frogs were then launched out when the tropical storm moved. Still believe in coincidence?
1. The Iron Giant (1999)
"You are who you choose to be. Who do you want to be?"
"SUUUUUPEEEERRR MAAAAAAN"
Why nobody cares about this film I cannot imagine. It is one of the few animated films that isn't Disney, PIXAR or Dreamworks. It tells the unforgettable story of a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a large iron giant. He hides him in his new friend's junkyard. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that the ending will be as heartbreaking as any film you have ever seen.
2. Barton Fink (1991)
"You think you know pain. You don't know pain! You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here goddamnit!"
The utterly strange and incredibly original film from the Coen Brothers tells the story of Barton Fink. Barton wrote a play that was successful in New York and then moves to Hollywood to write B-Movies. When Barton is assigned to write a film about wresting, he looks to the common man for help. He is struck with writers block and spends a lot of time with his neighbor Charley. At the same time, he meets his favorite novelist (who is involved with his secretary) and they almost become friends. Barton forges a strange relationship with the novelist's secretary. That's just the beginning. I would never even dream of explaining the quote I put for this film because it ruins the entire film.
3. The Cider House Rules (1999)
"Good night you princes of Maine; you kings of New England."
Michael Caine's performance eclipses that of Tobey MacGuire and the script and the directing. This adaptation of Irving's novel is great in the sense that it makes you feel like you're in the orphanage for the beginning segment, and by the time Tobey leaves, you feel like you have left. Once he gets to the cider house, you will be amazed at how much it can twist and turn.
4. Everyone Says I Love You (1997)
"Your son has experienced lack of blood flow to the brain. Has he exhibited any strange behavior [he recently became a Republican.]"
Woody Allen creates a flawless musical film that is fun from first frame to last. With an all-star cast of Ed Norton, Drew Barrymore, Natasha Lyone, Tim Roth, Allen Alda, and Woody Allen, this intertwining musical of rich people in love has an incredible score, brilliant dance numbers, and obviously, that razor-sharp Woody Allen humor. From great songs such as "Just You, Just Me?" and "Enjoy Yourself! It's Later Than You Think" to the genuine feeling of happiness, this is a true musical treasure.
5. Magnolia (1999)
"Are there frogs falling from the sky?"
Yes, there are. That's probably why very few people went to see this film. They heard that it starts off with the story of a boy trying to kill himself by jumping off a roof but while falling down is shot by his mom because he loaded the gun that the mom threatens her husband with; thus making him an accessory to his own murder. If that grasped you, see this film now. It is one of the best epics of my time (at 3 hours and 8 minutes long) and is quite possibly the best P.T. Anderson film. If you are willing to suspend disbelief, this film is perfect for you. Everyone is connected all by coincidence. And by the way (in case you haven't heard about this yet,) frogs fall from the sky in the end. Is it biblical? Probably. Has it happened? Yes. There was a strange moment in Florida not very long ago where a tropical storm got caught over warm water for a little while and sucked out the water, leaving the frogs in the eye. The frogs were then launched out when the tropical storm moved. Still believe in coincidence?
Friday, July 4, 2008
Waking Life (2001)
The Cast/Crew:
Directed by Richard Linklater
Written by Richard Linklater
Starring Wiley Wiggins (The Dreamer,) Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater
The Basic Synopsis:
The unnamed main character who I (and most people) refer to as "The Dreamer" isn't sure if he's awake or if he's asleep. He has many false awakenings and listens to many brilliant thinkers about existentialism, dreaming, evolution and reincarnation. This is shown through what is now known as "rotoscoping." Rotoscoping is animating and then placing that on top of live-action footage.
How it Turned Out:
I personally think it is without a doubt in the top ten animated films I have seen. The synopsis probably doesn't pull you in, but I was hooked on it the moment it began. We know very little about any of the characters. In fact, there are only three characters we see more than once. We see the car-boat driver, the Dreamer and the pinball player more than once each. I think I should give you fair warning before I tell you to see this (and I will tell you to;) this is one of the most divisive films I have seen in my life. You can very easily love this film. It's even easier to hate it because of how obvious it is. Don't go in with an opinion. Just see it and wait until the very last second to decide if you like it or not.
My Favorite Part:
When Linklater gives his speech about Phillip K. Dick rewriting the Book of Acts and then deciding that time is going on at the same time as 50 AD. Linklater then says that he believes time is God asking us whether we want to move on and die. We keep saying no until we want to die and say yes. We then learn that time is all happening at once. 50AD, 2008AD and whenever are all at the same time. Imaging listening to incredibly written speeches like that for about 105 minutes and you get Waking Life.
What I Also Love About It:
Soon to be superstar Linklater directed this and was nominated for a few awarks for best director (don't forget, this is animated.) I find his directing in this to be genious and definitely deserves to be nominated (deserves to lose to Lynch for Mulholland Dr. though.)
Who's Great in It:
Wiley Wiggins is incredible as the Dreamer and Linklater gives a great (yet brief) performance as the pin-ball machine guy.
I Usually Don't Say this...:
This is one of the few films that I believe can change a person's life. There are so many ideas in this film and all of them make sense. It's up to you to choose which you believe in.
The Bottom Line:
A mindblowing, mesmerizing, brilliant, talky animated film. 4/4 Stars
Directed by Richard Linklater
Written by Richard Linklater
Starring Wiley Wiggins (The Dreamer,) Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater
The Basic Synopsis:
The unnamed main character who I (and most people) refer to as "The Dreamer" isn't sure if he's awake or if he's asleep. He has many false awakenings and listens to many brilliant thinkers about existentialism, dreaming, evolution and reincarnation. This is shown through what is now known as "rotoscoping." Rotoscoping is animating and then placing that on top of live-action footage.
How it Turned Out:
I personally think it is without a doubt in the top ten animated films I have seen. The synopsis probably doesn't pull you in, but I was hooked on it the moment it began. We know very little about any of the characters. In fact, there are only three characters we see more than once. We see the car-boat driver, the Dreamer and the pinball player more than once each. I think I should give you fair warning before I tell you to see this (and I will tell you to;) this is one of the most divisive films I have seen in my life. You can very easily love this film. It's even easier to hate it because of how obvious it is. Don't go in with an opinion. Just see it and wait until the very last second to decide if you like it or not.
My Favorite Part:
When Linklater gives his speech about Phillip K. Dick rewriting the Book of Acts and then deciding that time is going on at the same time as 50 AD. Linklater then says that he believes time is God asking us whether we want to move on and die. We keep saying no until we want to die and say yes. We then learn that time is all happening at once. 50AD, 2008AD and whenever are all at the same time. Imaging listening to incredibly written speeches like that for about 105 minutes and you get Waking Life.
What I Also Love About It:
Soon to be superstar Linklater directed this and was nominated for a few awarks for best director (don't forget, this is animated.) I find his directing in this to be genious and definitely deserves to be nominated (deserves to lose to Lynch for Mulholland Dr. though.)
Who's Great in It:
Wiley Wiggins is incredible as the Dreamer and Linklater gives a great (yet brief) performance as the pin-ball machine guy.
I Usually Don't Say this...:
This is one of the few films that I believe can change a person's life. There are so many ideas in this film and all of them make sense. It's up to you to choose which you believe in.
The Bottom Line:
A mindblowing, mesmerizing, brilliant, talky animated film. 4/4 Stars
Half Nelson (2006)
The Cast/Crew:
Directed by Ryan Fleck
Written by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
Starring: Ryan Gosling (Dan Dunne) and Shareeka Epps (Drey)
The Basic Synopsis:
Ryan Gosling is a teacher at a mostly black middle school. He coaches the girl's basketball team as well. He does drugs in his spare time (he just got out of rehab) and after a tough game that his team lost miserably, he decides to smoke a bit in the girls locker room. After asking if anyone is in there, he crawls into the stall and starts smoking. Drey (Epps) walks in and sees him smoking. Little do we know that Drey is related to the drug dealer who supplies Coach Dunne with his drugs. Coach Dunne tries to be a good role model for Drey, but that one encounter gets in the way. They slowly develop a strange relationship (as friends) that some people don't approve of.
How It Turned Out:
A nearly flawless film. What I loved about it (this is kind of a stupid thing to like about a film) is that there was a shot that I am certain was taken from a Norman Rockwell painting. You have all seen it; a little boy talking to a policeman and there is a satchel on the floor that belongs to the boy. All of this is shown from the back. This happens with Drey and one of her relatives. I am very uncertain about the intentions of this. Perhaps it's to show that Drey exists everywhere; that you've seen her before without knowing it. Perhaps it's to say that Drey should run away but she doesn't have a policeman to get help from. Anything is possible with this film.
What I also loved about it:
It reminds me of a Davil Lynch film because we don't really know what it symbolizes, it's all over the place and it's a lot of fun in a very sadistic way.
The best part about it:
Epps and Gosling take you into their worlds and they don't let you leave it. Gosling plays the perfect slightly creepy, all-too-realistic-teacher. Epps plays an ordinary girl who doesn't even have a last name and is never awkward in the scenes with Gosling. I don't believe she did anything huge before this, but she definitely will in the future.
A Word About the Critics:
Many critics came down very hard on how the relationship between Coach Dunne and Drey is unrealistic. As a highscool student myself, I can truly say that relationships like this (and some much more more intimate) exist.
The Bottom Line:
Flawless Directing. Nearly flawless script. Flawless acting. Nearly flawless film. 4/4 Stars
Directed by Ryan Fleck
Written by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
Starring: Ryan Gosling (Dan Dunne) and Shareeka Epps (Drey)
The Basic Synopsis:
Ryan Gosling is a teacher at a mostly black middle school. He coaches the girl's basketball team as well. He does drugs in his spare time (he just got out of rehab) and after a tough game that his team lost miserably, he decides to smoke a bit in the girls locker room. After asking if anyone is in there, he crawls into the stall and starts smoking. Drey (Epps) walks in and sees him smoking. Little do we know that Drey is related to the drug dealer who supplies Coach Dunne with his drugs. Coach Dunne tries to be a good role model for Drey, but that one encounter gets in the way. They slowly develop a strange relationship (as friends) that some people don't approve of.
How It Turned Out:
A nearly flawless film. What I loved about it (this is kind of a stupid thing to like about a film) is that there was a shot that I am certain was taken from a Norman Rockwell painting. You have all seen it; a little boy talking to a policeman and there is a satchel on the floor that belongs to the boy. All of this is shown from the back. This happens with Drey and one of her relatives. I am very uncertain about the intentions of this. Perhaps it's to show that Drey exists everywhere; that you've seen her before without knowing it. Perhaps it's to say that Drey should run away but she doesn't have a policeman to get help from. Anything is possible with this film.
What I also loved about it:
It reminds me of a Davil Lynch film because we don't really know what it symbolizes, it's all over the place and it's a lot of fun in a very sadistic way.
The best part about it:
Epps and Gosling take you into their worlds and they don't let you leave it. Gosling plays the perfect slightly creepy, all-too-realistic-teacher. Epps plays an ordinary girl who doesn't even have a last name and is never awkward in the scenes with Gosling. I don't believe she did anything huge before this, but she definitely will in the future.
A Word About the Critics:
Many critics came down very hard on how the relationship between Coach Dunne and Drey is unrealistic. As a highscool student myself, I can truly say that relationships like this (and some much more more intimate) exist.
The Bottom Line:
Flawless Directing. Nearly flawless script. Flawless acting. Nearly flawless film. 4/4 Stars
Monday, June 30, 2008
Whats Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993)
The Cast/Crew:
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom (the Cider House Rules)
Written by Peter Hedges (Source Writer)
Starring: Johnny Depp (Gilbert Grape,) Leonardo DiCaprio (Arnie Grape,) Juliette Lewis (Becky)
The Basic Synopsis:
Gilbert Grape lives a horrible life. He is poor and lives on a farm with his mentally ill brother (DiCaprio,) his morbidly obese mother (Darlene Cates,) and other siblings who only try to ruin his life more. Gilbert's brother Arnie likes to climb the water-tower. Arnie is about to turn 18 and cannot live without the help of Gilbert. All this time, Gilbert works at a grocery store and when he is making a delivery, one of the desperate housewives seduces him right as her husband is coming home. Bottom line: his life sucks. He's about to reach his breaking point which is sort of what this movie is trying to be about. It's kinda hard to tell by the time the film finishes.
How it Turned Out:
Not all bad, but definitely no where near all good. Leonardo DiCaprio gives the performance of a lifetime as does Johnny Depp. But when you get down to it, the script for this film was painfully bad. Hallstrom (as usual) brings the incredible shots one after another. Overall (time to use a critic term,) if this film found out what it wants to be when it grows up, it would be an incredible one. It doesn't succeed on any of the darker themes it tries to bring out. It could be interpreted that Gilbert has duties, and he must do them (as we all do.) It could be interpreted that Gilbert has to suffer for other people (as we all do.) It could be about how Gilbert has to take care of himself (as we all do.) It tries very hard to succeed in all of these, yet (in the end) fails at all of them very miserably.
What's incredible about it:
There is not a single bad performance in this film. Everyone is incredible (even the much younger actors.)
What's even more incredible about it:
That Roger Ebert gave it 4 stars out of 4 (I guess that's not really about it but still incredibly strange.)
Bottom Line:
See it only if you want to. It is very missable. The script is bad, performances are incredible the directing is incredible. 2½/4 Stars
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom (the Cider House Rules)
Written by Peter Hedges (Source Writer)
Starring: Johnny Depp (Gilbert Grape,) Leonardo DiCaprio (Arnie Grape,) Juliette Lewis (Becky)
The Basic Synopsis:
Gilbert Grape lives a horrible life. He is poor and lives on a farm with his mentally ill brother (DiCaprio,) his morbidly obese mother (Darlene Cates,) and other siblings who only try to ruin his life more. Gilbert's brother Arnie likes to climb the water-tower. Arnie is about to turn 18 and cannot live without the help of Gilbert. All this time, Gilbert works at a grocery store and when he is making a delivery, one of the desperate housewives seduces him right as her husband is coming home. Bottom line: his life sucks. He's about to reach his breaking point which is sort of what this movie is trying to be about. It's kinda hard to tell by the time the film finishes.
How it Turned Out:
Not all bad, but definitely no where near all good. Leonardo DiCaprio gives the performance of a lifetime as does Johnny Depp. But when you get down to it, the script for this film was painfully bad. Hallstrom (as usual) brings the incredible shots one after another. Overall (time to use a critic term,) if this film found out what it wants to be when it grows up, it would be an incredible one. It doesn't succeed on any of the darker themes it tries to bring out. It could be interpreted that Gilbert has duties, and he must do them (as we all do.) It could be interpreted that Gilbert has to suffer for other people (as we all do.) It could be about how Gilbert has to take care of himself (as we all do.) It tries very hard to succeed in all of these, yet (in the end) fails at all of them very miserably.
What's incredible about it:
There is not a single bad performance in this film. Everyone is incredible (even the much younger actors.)
What's even more incredible about it:
That Roger Ebert gave it 4 stars out of 4 (I guess that's not really about it but still incredibly strange.)
Bottom Line:
See it only if you want to. It is very missable. The script is bad, performances are incredible the directing is incredible. 2½/4 Stars
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Top Ten Films
Many people ask, "Why would you care about the best ten? It's just an opinion." Other people say you shouldn't compare art. For everyone else, here's my top 10 films of all time.
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
In case you didn't get the memo, Citizen Kane deserves to be the best film ever because not only is it the most influential directing, but Welles delivers a flawless performance and an even better script. I won't dwell on why this is here because people have written entire novels on why Citizen Kane is so incredible. However, here are a handful of things it started: showing the ceilings of buildings, inventing deep focus, having people talk over each other, and finally, popularized the non-linear plot.
2. Vertigo (1958)
No surprise here because Vertigo is one of the few films that makes you live it. Although you could argue that the performances, directing and script are the best part of this film, I think the best aspect of Vertigo is it's incredible score. As a musician, I not only find it brilliant, I find it to be absolutely perfect for the film it underlines. Do not let what I just said take away from the directing, the performances or the script. Hitchcock takes us into "Scottie's" world especially during the scenes in absolute silence. He slowly brings us into the obsession of Scottie and we eventually feel as if we are a friend of his watching him suffer. James Stewart is haunting and makes his performance in The Philadelphia Story seem like something Ashton Kutcher would be able to pull off. The script brings us in twisting around every corner and never letting us have a peek of whats around that corner. All of these aspects (when put together) creates an incredible film that makes the bravest people afraid of hights.
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
I don't think anyone is surprised by this being here either, but I will still give you my 2 cents about it. 2001: A Space Odyssey truly brought film (pun intended) to the final frontier. It let filmmakers do what they want and just give it a shot. This strange film let them not be held back by the "rules of film making." Kubrick took a shot and it came out as one of the best cinematic experiences ever. From the beautiful images to the inventive script, 2001 delivers a mostly silent, never-boring, odyssey into Kubrick's mind.
4. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Many people ask me why this film is incredible. The only answer I can say is that it is absolutely flawless and the most fun a film has ever delivered. From the now-classic music to the magnificent dance-numbers, this is a wild ride. There is absolutely nothing wrong with anything in this film. Gene Kelly directs and choreographs this as well as doing a magnificent performance as a musician gone stunt-man gone blockbuster actor. The plot-line seems like common sense now as well. Above all of these reasons I just mentioned, the most amazing thing is that you can watch this film twenty times in a row and never get bored! It is all fun, all the time, each and every time.
5. The Godfather Part I and II (1972 and 1974)
I especially like the scene in Godfather Part II where Michael is talking to his wife about Fredo. It's slow, it's natural and above all, it is nearly pitch black. Every single moment in both parts of The Godfather was incredible as far as cinematography go. But what was revolutionary about the Godfather series was that, for the first time, we are told the story of the mafia from the inside out. We never hear about what the general population thinks about the Corleone family, we don't even know if the general population know they exist! Although I said it was revolutionary, the best aspect of the Godfather is the fact that it trusts its audience's intelligence more than almost any film I have ever seen. It tells the story from the anti-hero's view and we only know what he knows. If he thinks something is implied, Al Pacino never says something is implied, we just see it in his face. This is both incredible as an acting performance and as a directing performance.
6. Amarcord (1973)
Here is where controversy is sparked. Very few people appreciate Amarcord as much as I do. What I love about Amarcord is not just Fellini's incredible, strange, brilliant and beautiful directing, but his Fellini's off-beat, ahead of its time screenplay. Amarcord is one of the few films that can draw in audience of all ages. It climaxes more effectively than any other film and builds on its caricature style characters. Overall, this film succeeds on a few levels: as a comedy, as a romance, as a coming of age drama and as a religion drama. The characters are purposely a bit over-the-top and Fellini stays close to their personalities. What's often overlooked in Amarcord are the incredible performances delivered by mostly unknown actors. The bottom line is that this is a must-see film that has, in my opinion, the best script ever written.
7. The Graduate (1967)
Here comes more controversy because a lot of people (including critic Roger Ebert) find it to be "a good topical movie whose time has passed." I clearly could not disagree more. Mike Nichols directs one of the best directorial performances in cinematic history as the incredible star power of Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross let this film flow through us. The often copied and parodied script is legendary while every single frame of this film was thought out and acted flawlessly. On the whole, it is not easy to find a single thing wrong with this film.
8. Psycho (1960)
"I'm not even gonna swat that fly..." We all know the script, some of us word for word. Psycho is a chilling film with quite possibly the best performances I've ever seen. Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh make the motel scenes the tightest, most tense scenes in any film. Each time we see it, we know what it going to happen in the end, and yet each time, we are surprised. Is this Hitchcock's directing? Is it the superb acting? Is it the script? We can never truly know, but it is effective, to say the least. My personal favorite shot in Psycho is when Norman leans over to look at the registration book and we see only the bottom of his chin. Did Hitchcock do this to make the scene awkward? Did he do it show that Norman is controlling all the characters who are present? Is Hitchcock trying to tell us that we are getting to know every aspect of him? I personally like to feel that Hitchcock had all of these in mind when filming, and it somehow managed to come out beautiful; even in black and white.
9. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Bear with me. You are probably thinking that A Clockwork Orange is just a stupid little thriller that no one really cares about. I usually like to think that everyone is entitled to an opinion and no opinion can be wrong, but in this case, if you cannot see into the symbolism, you are wrong in calling it stupid. I'll tell you a few things you probably didn't know about A Clockwork Orange. First, the title comes from the author Burgess's trip to Malaysia. The Cockney saying goes, "as queer as a clockwork orange." This can be taken for face value, or, if you look into it, you will be told that orang (in Malay) means human. Burgess thought this would be a perfect pun to say that Alex is strange and has become clockwork. Second, think about every little detail. Think about why it is milk he drinks. It is obviously to symbolize his youth. If you didn't notice this when you watched it, see it again and look for the details.
10. Pulp Fiction (1994)
This is when most people call me crazy. Pulp Fiction is personally my number one favorite film. I don't enjoy any other film as much as this. You could say that I let my emotions take over, but I can truly say that there is no better gangster/comedy/religious drama/romantic comedy/dehumanization/growing old film ever created. After you see this for the first time, you're thinking, "what the hell?" You see it a second time and you say, "wow that was really funny." You see it a third time and say, "Whoa..." That is the best way to describe Pulp Fiction. Above all, the mise en scéne of this film is pure genius. One example is when they take Uma Therman to the drug dealer's house to revive her and off to the side of the screen are two boardgames; Operation, and The Game of Life. That's all I'm gonna say about it...
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
In case you didn't get the memo, Citizen Kane deserves to be the best film ever because not only is it the most influential directing, but Welles delivers a flawless performance and an even better script. I won't dwell on why this is here because people have written entire novels on why Citizen Kane is so incredible. However, here are a handful of things it started: showing the ceilings of buildings, inventing deep focus, having people talk over each other, and finally, popularized the non-linear plot.
2. Vertigo (1958)
No surprise here because Vertigo is one of the few films that makes you live it. Although you could argue that the performances, directing and script are the best part of this film, I think the best aspect of Vertigo is it's incredible score. As a musician, I not only find it brilliant, I find it to be absolutely perfect for the film it underlines. Do not let what I just said take away from the directing, the performances or the script. Hitchcock takes us into "Scottie's" world especially during the scenes in absolute silence. He slowly brings us into the obsession of Scottie and we eventually feel as if we are a friend of his watching him suffer. James Stewart is haunting and makes his performance in The Philadelphia Story seem like something Ashton Kutcher would be able to pull off. The script brings us in twisting around every corner and never letting us have a peek of whats around that corner. All of these aspects (when put together) creates an incredible film that makes the bravest people afraid of hights.
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
I don't think anyone is surprised by this being here either, but I will still give you my 2 cents about it. 2001: A Space Odyssey truly brought film (pun intended) to the final frontier. It let filmmakers do what they want and just give it a shot. This strange film let them not be held back by the "rules of film making." Kubrick took a shot and it came out as one of the best cinematic experiences ever. From the beautiful images to the inventive script, 2001 delivers a mostly silent, never-boring, odyssey into Kubrick's mind.
4. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Many people ask me why this film is incredible. The only answer I can say is that it is absolutely flawless and the most fun a film has ever delivered. From the now-classic music to the magnificent dance-numbers, this is a wild ride. There is absolutely nothing wrong with anything in this film. Gene Kelly directs and choreographs this as well as doing a magnificent performance as a musician gone stunt-man gone blockbuster actor. The plot-line seems like common sense now as well. Above all of these reasons I just mentioned, the most amazing thing is that you can watch this film twenty times in a row and never get bored! It is all fun, all the time, each and every time.
5. The Godfather Part I and II (1972 and 1974)
I especially like the scene in Godfather Part II where Michael is talking to his wife about Fredo. It's slow, it's natural and above all, it is nearly pitch black. Every single moment in both parts of The Godfather was incredible as far as cinematography go. But what was revolutionary about the Godfather series was that, for the first time, we are told the story of the mafia from the inside out. We never hear about what the general population thinks about the Corleone family, we don't even know if the general population know they exist! Although I said it was revolutionary, the best aspect of the Godfather is the fact that it trusts its audience's intelligence more than almost any film I have ever seen. It tells the story from the anti-hero's view and we only know what he knows. If he thinks something is implied, Al Pacino never says something is implied, we just see it in his face. This is both incredible as an acting performance and as a directing performance.
6. Amarcord (1973)
Here is where controversy is sparked. Very few people appreciate Amarcord as much as I do. What I love about Amarcord is not just Fellini's incredible, strange, brilliant and beautiful directing, but his Fellini's off-beat, ahead of its time screenplay. Amarcord is one of the few films that can draw in audience of all ages. It climaxes more effectively than any other film and builds on its caricature style characters. Overall, this film succeeds on a few levels: as a comedy, as a romance, as a coming of age drama and as a religion drama. The characters are purposely a bit over-the-top and Fellini stays close to their personalities. What's often overlooked in Amarcord are the incredible performances delivered by mostly unknown actors. The bottom line is that this is a must-see film that has, in my opinion, the best script ever written.
7. The Graduate (1967)
Here comes more controversy because a lot of people (including critic Roger Ebert) find it to be "a good topical movie whose time has passed." I clearly could not disagree more. Mike Nichols directs one of the best directorial performances in cinematic history as the incredible star power of Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross let this film flow through us. The often copied and parodied script is legendary while every single frame of this film was thought out and acted flawlessly. On the whole, it is not easy to find a single thing wrong with this film.
8. Psycho (1960)
"I'm not even gonna swat that fly..." We all know the script, some of us word for word. Psycho is a chilling film with quite possibly the best performances I've ever seen. Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh make the motel scenes the tightest, most tense scenes in any film. Each time we see it, we know what it going to happen in the end, and yet each time, we are surprised. Is this Hitchcock's directing? Is it the superb acting? Is it the script? We can never truly know, but it is effective, to say the least. My personal favorite shot in Psycho is when Norman leans over to look at the registration book and we see only the bottom of his chin. Did Hitchcock do this to make the scene awkward? Did he do it show that Norman is controlling all the characters who are present? Is Hitchcock trying to tell us that we are getting to know every aspect of him? I personally like to feel that Hitchcock had all of these in mind when filming, and it somehow managed to come out beautiful; even in black and white.
9. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Bear with me. You are probably thinking that A Clockwork Orange is just a stupid little thriller that no one really cares about. I usually like to think that everyone is entitled to an opinion and no opinion can be wrong, but in this case, if you cannot see into the symbolism, you are wrong in calling it stupid. I'll tell you a few things you probably didn't know about A Clockwork Orange. First, the title comes from the author Burgess's trip to Malaysia. The Cockney saying goes, "as queer as a clockwork orange." This can be taken for face value, or, if you look into it, you will be told that orang (in Malay) means human. Burgess thought this would be a perfect pun to say that Alex is strange and has become clockwork. Second, think about every little detail. Think about why it is milk he drinks. It is obviously to symbolize his youth. If you didn't notice this when you watched it, see it again and look for the details.
10. Pulp Fiction (1994)
This is when most people call me crazy. Pulp Fiction is personally my number one favorite film. I don't enjoy any other film as much as this. You could say that I let my emotions take over, but I can truly say that there is no better gangster/comedy/religious drama/romantic comedy/dehumanization/growing old film ever created. After you see this for the first time, you're thinking, "what the hell?" You see it a second time and you say, "wow that was really funny." You see it a third time and say, "Whoa..." That is the best way to describe Pulp Fiction. Above all, the mise en scéne of this film is pure genius. One example is when they take Uma Therman to the drug dealer's house to revive her and off to the side of the screen are two boardgames; Operation, and The Game of Life. That's all I'm gonna say about it...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)