Schoolio's Movie Corner

[TomAz]

I like High Fidelity. but yes the book was better.

[J~$$$]

Am I the only person that thinks magnolia was a piece of shit?

[schoolofruckus]

Hopefully.

(I'll make you eat your parents.)

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Ha.

[J~$$$]

How come 90% of movies about somewhere in southern California have to draw a deeper sub-context than necessary and everyones story is somehow connected? Yet they are not.

Im going to do a film about a lighter in L.A. It gets stolen or lost it is passed from person to person and it goes on to explain the meaning of life in the world of smokers.

[thelastgreatman]

Magnolia's pretty awful except for the first fifteen minutes, last fifteen minutes, and Wise Up in the middle.

[bmack86]

Alright I got some movies to watch that are sitting at home right now. Any suggestions of which to watch first? You can also post a list if you want from top priority to least or something like that. Any help would be nice.

Citizen Kane
The 39 Steps
Platoon
The Man Who Knew Too Much
To Catch A Thief
Notorious
High Fidelity
Magnolia

Did you rent those? Notorious is out of print on DVD, and it's expensive as hell used.

[iv3rdawG]

Did you rent those? Notorious is out of print on DVD, and it's expensive as hell used.

I got all the Hitchcock's off TCM and Platoon, Magnolia and High Fidelity are off HBO and Starz. Citizen Kane is on DVD.

[bmack86]

ahh. I'd go with The 39 Steps first. It's really fun.

[wmgaretjax]

Magnolia's pretty awful except for the first fifteen minutes, last fifteen minutes, and Wise Up in the middle.

what Randy means to say is that he has the attention span of a gnat.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

How come 90% of movies about somewhere in southern California have to draw a deeper sub-context than necessary and everyones story is somehow connected? Yet they are not.

Im going to do a film about a lighter in L.A. It gets stolen or lost it is passed from person to person and it goes on to explain the meaning of life in the world of smokers.

They already did a movie like that:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108410/

[J~$$$]

hahahaha....

boom.

[thelastgreatman]

what Randy means to say is that he has the attention span of a gnat.

What Randy means to say is that stretching 2 hours of story about miserable, pathetic people into 3 hours of screentime is piss-poor filmmaking.

[schoolofruckus]

How come 90% of movies about somewhere in southern California have to draw a deeper sub-context than necessary and everyones story is somehow connected? Yet they are not.

http://www.joel.net/ebonics/store/images/friday-box.gif

[schoolofruckus]

What Randy means to say is that stretching 2 hours of story about miserable, pathetic people into 3 hours of screentime is piss-poor filmmaking.

So, is PTA's affinity for sprawl the thing that drives you the most crazy about him?

I still want to hear your full diatribe as to why his stuff irks you so.

[thelastgreatman]

Sprawl? No, not sprawl, just the slowness and lack of interesting qualities in his characters. Punchdrunk was a great improvement from Boogie Nights and Magnolia. Those two were just really long tales about characters that didn't engage me at all. I didn't empathize with them, I didn't find them worth caring about one way or another. And they both got so miserable and downer and just STAYED there, forcing this tragedy down your throat... but if you don't care about the characters to begin with the tragedy doesn't mean anything. To me, at least.

[J~$$$]

Short Cuts.

[schoolofruckus]

I disagree with you on all of that; but then, you know that already.

But even still, I'm enormously surprised that you feel that way about Boogie Nights in particular. Dirk Diggler's rise-and-fall may not exactly rate as an original story arc, but I think it's probably the most entertaining and relatable sagas of its type. And I love the living shit out of every character and every moment in that movie: John C. Reilly's hilarity, Burt Reynolds' ambition, Julianne Moore's warmth, Don Cheadle's awkwardness. Distilling them all that way doesn't do justice to the rich portrait drawn for and from each of them; I feel like there are a dozen characters in that movie who each deserve a film of their own.

It just feels to me like a movie that would really have been a fan of.

[schoolofruckus]

Short Cuts.

Magnolia was a whole-sale evocation of Short Cuts, no question. I personally prefer the PTA to the Altman; it just didn't do it for me when I saw the Criterion disc a few years back.

Part of the problem, Justin, is that you live in Denver where the Broncos are the only important thing in town. In LA, every person, place, thing, and coincidence really does have the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

[full on idle]

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was my favorite one of the Harry Potter movies so far.

Also, Waitress was great.

[schoolofruckus]

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was my favorite one of the Harry Potter movies so far.

Agreed, but I only saw that one and the one before it.

[J~$$$]

I have not seen a single harry potter movie. Should I start at the beginning? Is it worth it?

[iv3rdawG]

I have not seen a single harry potter movie. Should I start at the beginning? Is it worth it?

I'd say yeah. The first two films are alright but after that they start to get really good, Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix most notably.

[wmgaretjax]

Azkaban was great... The first two are awful... The fourth isn't worth seeing. And the fifth was a lot of fun.

Waitress... Yikes. The worst airplane movie I've watched in a long time. Granted I actually finished it, which is more than I could say for Blades of Glory or 300... So I guess that's a lie.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

No, no, no. Goblet is fine, Order of the Phoenix is shit. Azkaban is obviously the best one.

[full on idle]

William Garet X why do you hate fun and babies and pie?

Neutral Milk Hotel, you have terrible taste and that's the last post of yours I'm reading.

I never saw Azkaban. I skipped.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

The fuck? I'm not the only person who disliked the last Potter film, to dismiss my entire taste in film on that one thing is absolutely ridiculous.

[full on idle]

I DIDN'T READ THAT

[wmgaretjax]

William Garet X why do you hate fun and babies and pie?

Neutral Milk Hotel, you have terrible taste and that's the last post of yours I'm reading.

I never saw Azkaban. I skipped.

Babies and fun are cool. I didn't dig those pies... Too much silly quirk for me. I didn't hate it. I was just bored, and really irritated by the end.

However, you should see Azkaban, it's fantastic.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

I DIDN'T READ THAT

Gee, glad you're so interested in having a reasoned debate about this.

To speak about Order of Phoenix (even though OMG FOI WON'T READ IT WHAT WILL I DO), its problem is that it reduces what was a pretty good book into an, in my opinion of course, repetitive and ploddidng film. The books have always been predicated upon a kind of routine, being based on the whole school year motif, but that only really works for a 600+ page book, not so much a movie. Newell and especially Cuaron found ways to make the material new and interesting, but David Yates didn't quite. The film focuses too much on Umbridge as a petty tyrant, and it wears thin. Yates wasn't quite able to weave that storyline in with Harry's dreams and the palpable if unseen presence of Voldemort, something Rowling achieved in the book. I also had some issues with the way they deal with Sirius's death if I remember, but I've only seen the film once. Suffice it to say, I was very disappointed in it when I saw it.

[thelastgreatman]

Just call FOI "Val" and she'll love you forever, NMH.

[kreutz2112]

Gee, glad you're so interested in having a reasoned debate about this.

To speak about Order of Phoenix (even though OMG FOI WON'T READ IT WHAT WILL I DO), its problem is that it reduces what was a pretty good book into an, in my opinion of course, repetitive and ploddidng film. The books have always been predicated upon a kind of routine, being based on the whole school year motif, but that only really works for a 600+ page book, not so much a movie. Newell and especially Cuaron found ways to make the material new and interesting, but David Yates didn't quite. The film focuses too much on Umbridge as a petty tyrant, and it wears thin. Yates wasn't quite able to weave that storyline in with Harry's dreams and the palpable if unseen presence of Voldemort, something Rowling achieved in the book. I also had some issues with the way they deal with Sirius's death if I remember, but I've only seen the film once. Suffice it to say, I was very disappointed in it when I saw it.

Your response FOI?

[full on idle]

Nobody in this whole thread has a sense of humor.

*Excluding everybody but Neutral Milk Hotel.

I stole that joke from Jack.

[thelastgreatman]

No clownery, either.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Sorry, it just sounded kind of harsh. Also I've been in a shitty mood all day. Sorry.

Although I am still interested to hear from defenders of OotP.

[thelastgreatman]

He meant to add "Val" to the end of that.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

I thought about doing that, but then it would have made it look like I was full of shit about the whole thing.

[full on idle]

Babies and fun are cool. I didn't dig those pies... Too much silly quirk for me. I didn't hate it. I was just bored, and really irritated by the end.

However, you should see Azkaban, it's fantastic.

I will rent Azkaban. That was a good book. The ending to Waitress made me a little annoyed but overall I just really liked the characters especially the waitresses themselves. They seemed really genuine and cute and clean.

Also, movies on planes are almost always annoying because you're on a plane and you're annoyed because you want to be where you're going.

Neutral Milk Hotel, I am not a movie arguer. I can't defend my taste in movies.

[full on idle]

He meant to add "Val" to the end of that.

How do you even know that about me? It doesn't matter. People have been calling me Val at work since I moved here, I learned to deal.

Back on the topic of movies (I'm sorry Gabe):

I am going to watch Evan Almighty probably tomorrow.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Neutral Milk Hotel, I am not a movie arguer. I can't defend my taste in movies.

Alright.

[thelastgreatman]

How do you even know that about me? It doesn't matter. People have been calling me Val at work since I moved here, I learned to deal.

Back on the topic of movies (I'm sorry Gabe):

I am going to watch Evan Almighty probably tomorrow.

Because you used to get insanely pissed at me for calling you it.

[full on idle]

Alright.

http://www.smallwork.com/images/hands/hand4.jpg

[J~$$$]

NEEEERRRRDDDSSS!!!

[full on idle]

Justin did you see Evan Almighty?

Gabe is going to be mad when he gets back to this thread.

[wmgaretjax]

Also, movies on planes are almost always annoying because you're on a plane and you're annoyed because you want to be where you're going.


Especially 9 hour plane rides...

[J~$$$]

I saw bruce almighty in a drunkin stupor, I cried.

[thelastgreatman]

Justin, would you please blast Time right now so we can geek out on how fucking awesome Sunday night is going to be together? Kthxbai

[J~$$$]

During the pink floyd tour that was the coolest song ever. A GIANT FUCKING DISCO BALL TURNED INTO A GIANT DISCO BALL MUSHROOM! I lost my shit.

[thelastgreatman]

I thought the ball descended during Comfortably Numb? At least that's how it is on PULSE.

[J~$$$]

Maybe it was Comfortably Numb. I just remember there was a lot of acid and scary pigs.

Time had the quadraphonic sound and the bells and timers went of fall through out the stadium.

[thelastgreatman]

Hehe. And the plane crash. I wonder if there's any way they could/would do that at Coach.

[J~$$$]

nSLqbl2Xshs

cant wait.

EDIT: TIME video


I dont remember the plane on the division bell tour.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

For those who have seen all three films, Jim Emerson has written a thoughtful and interesting piece on the uses of violence in Zodiac, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/scanners/2008/01/three_kinds_of_violence_zodiac.html#more

[thelastgreatman]

J, you being sarcastic? The clip you just posted of the plane crash is from the Division Bell tour.

[J~$$$]

J, you being sarcastic? The clip you just posted of the plane crash is from the Division Bell tour.

I was second row and I dont remember the plane here in Denver I think it might have been on the other side of the stage. The disco ball also came up from the middle of the stadium. This was at the old mile high stadium.

[J~$$$]

Did you see Evan almighty foi?

[iv3rdawG]

AFI added some more movie screenings.

FEBRUARY 2008 - Modern Musicals and their Icons:

Wednesday, February 6, 8:00 p.m.
FUNNY GIRL

Wednesday, February 13, 8:00 p.m.
MOULIN ROUGE!

Wednesday, February 20, 8:00 p.m.
CABARET

Wednesday, February 27, 8:00 p.m.
ALL THAT JAZZ

FEBRUARY 2008 - 1970s Classics

Monday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Monday, February 11, 7:30 p.m.
M*A*S*H

Monday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
CHINATOWN

Monday, February 25, 7:30 p.m.
THE DEER HUNTER

Some tickets on sale now, others will be later on.

https://www.arclightcinemas.com/ArcLight/faces/Home.jsp

[J~$$$]

FEBRUARY 2008 - Modern Musicals and their Icons:

= boooooorrrrrrrriiiinnnn gah

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

I'll try to see The French Connection and Chinatown.

[J~$$$]

I thought the ball descended during Comfortably Numb? At least that's how it is on PULSE.

shine on you crazy diamond

[thelastgreatman]

In PULSE it's definitely during Comfortably Numb. I've been watching it over and over again.

[J~$$$]

In PULSE it's definitely during Comfortably Numb. I've been watching it over and over again.

yeah ur right that fucking concert was over 1o years ago and alot of drugs since. I just watched on youtube. I never bought the Pulse DVD cuz I didnt want to forget the concert, or over write my memory, but now im stopping by best buy on my way home.

[thelastgreatman]

Okay, I actually wasn't sure if you were saying it was during Shine On or if you were just saying "shine on you crazy diamond" to me, in which case I was making a d-bag of myself in response.

But yes. Seeing that moment on TV one night completely sober was as thrilling as any concert I've ever been to.

[dorkfish]

8. Cloverfield - After months of anticipation on what the big surprise was, I finally found out: this movie blows. I get it "you're clever".

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Yeah, I'm not sure I'll bother with that one.

[miscorrections]

I finally saw There Will Be Blood.

I need to see it again.

[breakjaw]

So a few movie things.
I saw "Juno" and cried like a little girl.Mostly because of the brilliant performance of the lead and the interaction with the dad.
I saw "Sweeney Todd" and remembered why I don't like musicals.
I saw "Cloverfield" with my son and liked it so much more than "Transformers",for reasons already posted.
It was criminal that Philip Seymour Hoffman and Albert Finney were not nominated for "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead".although at this point in his career,people will say Philip Seymour Hoffman should be nominated for everything he does.
Casey Affleck was great in "Gone Baby Gone".He obviously got the acting gene.
I think I liked the movie "3:10 To Yuma" the most this year.

[amyzzz]

I saw Atonement and didn't like it. The actors' performance were mostly really good, and the cinematography was very lush and beautiful, but the story and editing was just annoying and manipulative. Why did they need to go back and forth in time so much? Annoying. And I thought I'd heard Keira Knightley was going to be naked so I lured my husband there on that, but she wasn't. Big letdown.

[kreutz2112]

HUGE LETDOWN on the non-nakedness

[Jerm05]

And I thought I'd heard Keira Knightley was going to be naked [...] Big letdown.

You just saved me 7 bux.

[schoolofruckus]

I thought Atonement was substantially erotic without her being naked. The two of them have chemistry to burn.

[ghettojournalist]

the library scene is brilliant, for me. it had the right touch of modern humor dressed in a period setting.

[HowToDisappear]

I think the library scene is wonderfully erotic, but decidedly unfunny. I was flabbergasted when so many people in the theatre burst out laughing. Having children of your own will certainly drive the humor out of that situation.

[KungFuJoe]

No, no, no. Goblet is fine, Order of the Phoenix is shit. Azkaban is obviously the best one.

I pretty much agree with this. Azkaban is by far my favorite for it's dark tones and wonderful direction. Goblet is a good action film. There's some decent emotion & teen angst on display there. I'll have to watch Order of the Pheonix again, but when I first watched it I thought the dynamic between Harry, Ron & Hermione seemed off. I didn't particularly like how the direction was handle. The finale was decent & Luna was a welcome addition. Overall I though most the fx and performances were sub par.

[KungFuJoe]

Hey KungFuJoe, I finally saw Across the Universe tonight, and I really enjoyed it. I thought you'd like to know we're in agreement on this.

I'm glad I'm not the only one & that you enjoyed it. It's good candy.

[schoolofruckus]

I watched Killer of Sheep this morning. Shot as a film school project in Watts in the late 70's, it's an impressionistic, non-linear film that is primarily about a slaughterhouse laborer named Stan. Using a series of episodes involving him and the people around his neighborhood, the film paints a vivid and distincty non-violent look at life in the ghetto in that time period. Apparently, the film's soulful soundtrack is the reason that it wasn't released until last year; the $10,000 film would have required approximately 15 times that amount to secure the music rights - which director/then-student Charles Burnett couldn't foot, but which UCLA's restoration program deemed a worth investment. Despite some rough audio that necessitated several scenes being rewound and rewatched, I thought it was pretty much excellent. In its subject matter, beautiful low-budget photography, and terrific performances by non-professional actors, it reminded me of films like Shadows and George Washington. If you like either of those, definitely see this one.

[Down Rodeo]

My top ten of 2007:

1. No Country for Old Men
2. There Will Be Blood
3. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
4. Atonement
5. Zodiac
6. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
7. Eastern Promises
8. Rescue Dawn
9. Grindhouse
10. Across the Universe

Honorable Mention: The Orphanage - It's so hard to make a quality horror movie that's not just gore porn. I felt this movie did an excellent job of being creepy without having to resort to cheap shocks or gratuitous special effects.

[kreutz2112]

I just signed up for netflix so hopefully I will be able to make contributions to this thread more often. Also, I am supposed to ba able to stream movies from netflix, but my version of windows is not genuine so when I try install the latest version of windows media player it recognizes that and does not let me install it preventing me from streaming movies....anyone have a solution to this problem?

[KungFuJoe]

If anyone wants to watch Angel-A in 11 minutes, I kinda like this video someone put together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y4qBgQMD4A

If Natalie Portman were not available I would totally let Rie Rasmussen play Matilda in a sequel to Leon.

[ghettojournalist]

it's official, for me, "There Will Be Blood" is the best film of 2007.

[ghettojournalist]

I think the library scene is wonderfully erotic, but decidedly unfunny. I was flabbergasted when so many people in the theatre burst out laughing. Having children of your own will certainly drive the humor out of that situation.

i think there are two ways to view that scene. one, it can viewed through the eyes of the onlooker, in which it is horrifying and catastrophic. two, it can be viewed from the eyes of the participants and it's horrifying, but in a decidedly less shocking way. in another film, this scene could easily be played for laughs and, i feel, the way it was shot still lends itself to that interpretation, but for the overall tone of the film i agree with you and your take on the scene.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

SPOILERSISH

I saw There Will Be Blood again tonight. The thing that really stood out to me on this viewing was the relationship between Daniel and H.W. It's kind of beautiful, the way this haunted, driven man finds it in himself to love his son the way he does. His confrontation with an adult H.W. is heartbeaking; I almost cried.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Earlier in this thread, a video was posted that was quickly deemed the worst trailer of all time.

HOWEVER

A friend of mine, the owner of this blog, showed me these two trailers.

THESE, friends, are the worst two trailers to ever exist.

http://droidguy1119.livejournal.com/137705.html

[suprefan]

So, I finally saw There Will Be Blood. Holy s**t is all I have to say.



Daniel Day Lewis should win 3 Oscars for this performance.



Sadly this movie will not win best picture cause Atonement needs to win something.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Atonement won't win Best Picture though.

[TomAz]

I saw No Country for Old Men tonight. had high expectations as I read McCarthy regularly and have enjoyed every Coen bros movie I've seen. I was not let down. that's a spooky film and the Coens captured the book perfectly. even worked in the quirks from the book that made it a less-than-straightforward rampage movie.

SPOILER ALERT











like, early on, we're following Llewellan's every move, but when he's killed we don't see it at all.. perspective has shifted to the Sherrif. he gets there too late and so do we.

funny thing. when the movie ended -- its just Tommy Lee Jones talking about this dream he had, then the credits rolled up -- someone in the theater yelled out "that's it????" and people were all confused. that was fun.

all in all, very well done.

[TomAz]

i am curious about Atonement. Ian McEwan's another author I read a lot. Atonement may be his best novel but then I see this movie marketed as some sort of Merchant Ivory-type romance, which the novel was not, for the most part. someone who's read the book clue me in, does the movie botch the coup-de-theatre or is it as much a surprise as it was in the book?

[corbo]

just came back from watching woody allens cassandras dream.
sighs. im disappointed. not to say it wasnt a good movie.
...it was an okay movie...the dialog could've been much better.
hes told the same story plenty of times before way better that this.

[bmack86]

Tom, when I saw No Country, during the credits, some guy yelled out, "Thanks Coens! Preppin' us for the sequel I see."

[wmgaretjax]

SPOILERSISH

I saw There Will Be Blood again tonight. The thing that really stood out to me on this viewing was the relationship between Daniel and H.W. It's kind of beautiful, the way this haunted, driven man finds it in himself to love his son the way he does. His confrontation with an adult H.W. is heartbeaking; I almost cried.

SPOILERS:

There is a really incredible parallel with his supposed brother too... How much Daniel searches for compassion with "family..." Leading up to this unhinging of these "tethers" there is percussion in the soundtrack (right before they get to the coast and Daniel figures it out, and when HW loses his hearing).... Interestingly enough.

[Down Rodeo]

SPOILERSISH

I saw There Will Be Blood again tonight. The thing that really stood out to me on this viewing was the relationship between Daniel and H.W. It's kind of beautiful, the way this haunted, driven man finds it in himself to love his son the way he does. His confrontation with an adult H.W. is heartbeaking; I almost cried.

SPOILER ALERT

Except I don't think he truly loves his son. He uses him as a prop to promote his business for most of the movie. When his son becomes deaf, Daniel grows cold towards him because H.W. can no longer serve his true purpose (portraying Daniel as a businessman with strong family values).

[wmgaretjax]

SPOILER ALERT

Except I don't think he truly loves his son. He uses him as a prop to promote his business for most of the movie. When his son becomes deaf, Daniel grows cold towards him because H.W. can no longer serve his true purpose (portraying Daniel as a businessman with strong family values).

SPOILERS:

nah man... You missed out on a lot of subtlety in their relationship. Sure, the greed takes prominence... The nastiness wins out. But there is definitely love and tenderness there. It never recovers from HW going deaf and turning somewhat against his father (also his father losing some of his ability to connect with his son), but it sure as hell is there.

[cloud9]

well just sawed th a tmovie gone baby gone and thought it was good i like it would recomended it also saw no country and eastern poromises thinked that no country for older men was great and ester n promise alright oh man and allso sawed that cloverfields and boy was that ohrible someboy tell me ther ea side story to it huoh am not sto sure it was horrible d in the movie especialyl if dranke a berr before

[amyzzz]

I saw There Will Be Blood, and my first impression was that I didn't like it. However, throughout the day I kept remembering parts of it, and I may want to discuss it more. It was just so violent and negative and more of a guys' movie. And my chick movie didn't pan out either, so I'm kind of frustrated with my movie-going this weekend.

[thestripe]

I saw Zodiac last night and thought it was great. I don't understand why the movie received such poor reviews? It was a little long, but I thought it's length was was necessary and didn't drag along too much. It was genuinely suspenseful, beautifully shot, and well acted. Zodiac eased it's why into my top ten of the year last night.

[iv3rdawG]

It was just so violent

I actually disagree with this. Although at times it is pretty violent, I think the movie could have gotten a PG-13 rating. Of course it would seem weird that it was PG-13 and I'm glad it's R.

[amyzzz]

there will be blood *spoilers*








































So beating a man to death with a bowling pin, shooting another guy in the head with a gun, and trying to suffocate a man in mud is not violent? What planet are you from?

[iv3rdawG]

Well first of all the film is rated R for some violence. That's all. There's no nudity, sex and hardly any language in the film. Now about the violence. When a film like Casino Royale (and pretty much any other 007 film) can be rated PG-13 for a lot of violence, sexual themes, nudity and torture, it just seems like a movie like There Will Be Blood could to. But like I said before, I wouldn't want it to be. I'm happy with its R rating.

[roberto73]

i am curious about Atonement. Ian McEwan's another author I read a lot. Atonement may be his best novel but then I see this movie marketed as some sort of Merchant Ivory-type romance, which the novel was not, for the most part. someone who's read the book clue me in, does the movie botch the coup-de-theatre or is it as much a surprise as it was in the book?

It took me by surprise, Tom. I read the book when it first came out a few years ago and had forgotten about that structural device. The studio's marketing, in my opinion, doesn't reflect the actual tone of the movie, which hews pretty closely to the book.

[roberto73]

I finally saw The Diving Bell and the Butterfly last night. Just a beautiful, beautiful movie. I had to sit through the end credits or else wander into the lobby sobbing like a baby. It definitely makes my top three of the year, but I need to let it sit for a day before I figure out how high it finally ranks. If it's still in your area and you haven't seen it yet, hop to it.

[iv3rdawG]

I finally saw The Diving Bell and the Butterfly last night. Just a beautiful, beautiful movie. I had to sit through the end credits or else wander into the lobby sobbing like a baby. It definitely makes my top three of the year, but I need to let it sit for a day before I figure out how high it finally ranks. If it's still in your area and you haven't seen it yet, hop to it.

Yeah I really loved it too. Currently sitting at #3 on my top 10 of 2007. I still need to see a couple more films from last year though.

[schoolofruckus]

There Will Be Blood - Spoilerz



















I think that the reason that the violence feels so extreme is because it's depicted to be so intimate. Sure, you could boil it down to there being these isolated scenes where he occasionally takes his bitterness out on someone in a physical sense. But that very bitterness never really goes away. It's uncomfortably clear that when he does act on it, it's coming from such a genuine feeling of contempt and malice that makes it that much more alarming.

I also think that Daniel had - or at least, tried to have - genuine affection for H.W. and, to a slightly lesser extent, Henry. It's why he reacts so badly towards H.W. with A. his going deaf after the accident, and B. his decision to start his own oil company in Mexico. He doesn't know how to deal with those feelings, and the fact that he's even having them confuses the shit out of him. So he lashes out. In Henry's case, I think he really was seduced by the idea that he might have a blood link in this world that he finds so detestable otherwise. When that connection is revealed to be false, he again has no capacity to deal with the betrayal he feels.

[schoolofruckus]

It took me by surprise, Tom. I read the book when it first came out a few years ago and had forgotten about that structural device. The studio's marketing, in my opinion, doesn't reflect the actual tone of the movie, which hews pretty closely to the book.

I have not read the book, but the movie delivers very little of the stuffy English filmed thea-tah vibe that originally made me weary of it. The tone is moderately contemporary and definitely lively (with large thanks going to the erotic charge I keep speaking of). This is also probably why it's fallen short with a lot of audiences, who most likely went in hoping for Pride and Prejudice: Part MDVIII

[schoolofruckus]

I finally saw The Diving Bell and the Butterfly last night. Just a beautiful, beautiful movie. I had to sit through the end credits or else wander into the lobby sobbing like a baby. It definitely makes my top three of the year, but I need to let it sit for a day before I figure out how high it finally ranks. If it's still in your area and you haven't seen it yet, hop to it.

Amen, brother. That Joe Strummer song that plays over the credits is one of the finest end-of-movie soundtrack cues I've ever seen.

[roberto73]

I have not read the book, but the movie delivers very little of the stuffy English filmed thea-tah vibe that originally made me weary of it. The tone is moderately contemporary and definitely lively (with large thanks going to the erotic charge I keep speaking of). This is also probably why it's fallen short with a lot of audiences, who most likely went in hoping for Pride and Prejudice: Part MDVIII

Definitely. I really think this movie's being marketed poorly. The commercials and trailers make it out to be a Remains of the Day/Howard's End/Room With a View kinda thing, where we watch people drink tea and discuss class differences for two hours. It's absolutely not this, which is why I keep trying to steer people toward it. It's so much better – and so much darker – than it looks.

[bleep]

The studio's marketing, in my opinion, doesn't reflect the actual tone of the movie, which hews pretty closely to the book.
the latest trailer for Atonement on the tele has that onerepublic song backing it - made me cringe. i think one ad also compared the movie to Titanic. thankfully, it is nothing like it.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

There Will Be Blood - Spoilerz



















I think that the reason that the violence feels so extreme is because it's depicted to be so intimate. Sure, you could boil it down to there being these isolated scenes where he occasionally takes his bitterness out on someone in a physical sense. But that very bitterness never really goes away. It's uncomfortably clear that when he does act on it, it's coming from such a genuine feeling of contempt and malice that makes it that much more alarming.

I also think that Daniel had - or at least, tried to have - genuine affection for H.W. and, to a slightly lesser extent, Henry. It's why he reacts so badly towards H.W. with A. his going deaf after the accident, and B. his decision to start his own oil company in Mexico. He doesn't know how to deal with those feelings, and the fact that he's even having them confuses the shit out of him. So he lashes out. In Henry's case, I think he really was seduced by the idea that he might have a blood link in this world that he finds so detestable otherwise. When that connection is revealed to be false, he again has no capacity to deal with the betrayal he feels.

I think Daniel definitely feels some sort of affection for Henry. It's why he took him to meet with the guys from Standard and to the coast as he mapped out where his pipeline would go. I also don't think we ever see Daniel as furious as that shot of him right before he shoots Henry. Holy shit.

I also agree that the nature of the violence in the film is what makes it so disturbing, not necessarily its severity. It's the aggression that really makes it stand out. It's nothing like James Bond taking out a bunch of avatars that are attacking him for whatever reason. Also keep in mind that all of the violence Daniel perpetrates is always against an unarmed or weaker foe.

Also, Gabe, you'll be happy to know that I downloaded the DVD leak of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford last night and will watch it this week.

[ghettojournalist]

definitely agree. the marketing for "Atonement" is so misleading. it's not even a matter of leaving stuff out of the trailer and being surprised when one actually sees the film; it's portraying a different story than the one the film actually tells.

[schoolofruckus]

I will only be happy if you have the means to blow it up and watch it on a screen large enough to let it work its virtues on you.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

I have a 26-inch widescreen TV, I could try to burn it to DVD. Not quite as good as a theater, but not the worst thing either.

[schoolofruckus]

If you can burn the DVD without losing too much, I would say that's the way to go. It's just....it's too big of a film to watch on a 17" (or smaller) laptop screen.

[iv3rdawG]

1- Meet the Spartans - 20th Century Fox - $18,725,000

:poo

[Down Rodeo]

SPOILERS:

nah man... You missed out on a lot of subtlety in their relationship. Sure, the greed takes prominence... The nastiness wins out. But there is definitely love and tenderness there. It never recovers from HW going deaf and turning somewhat against his father (also his father losing some of his ability to connect with his son), but it sure as hell is there.

See, I picked up on that subtlety at first, but when Daniel's behavior became so nasty, I was confused at what I had earlier thought were genuine feelings of affection towards H.W. Maybe he does love H.W. in some way, but the problem with the movie is that it doesn't give the audience a clear understanding of their relationship. Daniel is such an unbending character, it's a little hard to believe he can have genuine love for anyone but himself.

Another thing is, I think Daniel resents the fact that he has no blood kin in his life. That's why he reacts so violently to Henry, and why he somewhat despises H.W. because he's not his real son.

[anti-square]

See, I picked up on that subtlety at first, but when Daniel's behavior became so nasty, I was confused at what I had earlier thought were genuine feelings of affection towards H.W. Maybe he does love H.W. in some way, but the problem with the movie is that it doesn't give the audience a clear understanding of their relationship. Daniel is such an unbending character, it's a little hard to believe he can have genuine love for anyone but himself.

Another thing is, I think Daniel resents the fact that he has no blood kin in his life. That's why he reacts so violently to Henry, and why he somewhat despises H.W. because he's not his real son.

H.W. might not have been his son by blood, but Daniel certainly raised him like his own. Daniel instilled everything he knew about what he loved(which is the oil business) and truly felt that H.W. was a smaller version of himself. Sure, he utilized him as a way to get business, but I believed he wanted an extension of himself to share his passion and also continue his domination in the industry. This is why he completely lashed out at him when H.W. decided to venture on his own. His investment became formidable competition. Daniel's reasons might have bee self serving, but nonetheless betrayal was being felt at that moment.

[idrive1life]

My Top 10/11 of 2007

Global/Worldwide First Theatrical/International Festival Release

1/2. Le Scaphandre et le papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)
1/2. Sicko
3. Death Proof
4. There Will Be Blood
5. No Country For Old Men
6. Across The Universe
7. Bridge to Terabithia
8. Into The Wild
9/10/11. The Bourne Ultimatum
9/10/11. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
9/10/11. Breach

Honorable Mention (not in order): No End in Sight; Hairspray; Michael Clayton; Atonement; Ratatouille; Juno; Before The Devil Knows You're Dead; Margot at the Wedding; Zodiac; Eastern Promises

US First Theatrical Release

1. Efter brylluppet (After The Wedding)
2. Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others)
3/4/5/6. This Is England
3/4/5/6. Once
3/4/5/6. Sicko
3/4/5/6. Le Scaphandre et le papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)
7. Death Proof
8. There Will Be Blood
9. No Country For Old Men
10. Across The Universe

Honorable Mention (not in order): Away From Her; Rescue Dawn; Zwartboek (Black Book)

Number of 2007 Films Seen: TBD

The 10 Worst Films I've Seen in 2007: TBD

Haven't Seen: 4 Luni, 3 Saptamini Si 2 Zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days); Persepolis; The Savages; The Kite Runner; I'm Not There; Control; Assassination of Jesse James; The Darjeeling Limited; Bug; Southland Tales; Syndromes and a Century; Private Fears in Public Places; Regular Lovers; Lars and the Real Girl; Killer of Sheep; Wind that Shakes the Barley; Scott Walker: 30 Century man; Cats of Mirikitani; The Violin; Delirious; Tekkonkinkreet; Goya's Ghosts; Belle Toujours; Redacted; My Kid Could Paint That; The Simpsons; In the Shadow of the Moon; Starting Out in the Evening; My Blueberry Nights; Lust, Caution; El Orfanato (The Orphanage); Konstantin Lavronenko (The Banishment); Mogari No Mori (The Mourning Forest); Jeon Do-yeon (Secret Sunshine); Stellet Licht (Silent Light) ;)

[roberto73]

Here's my 2007 Top Ten. The rankings at this point are fairly arbitrary, except the movies in positions 1-3 are absolutely my three favorites of the year. But the exact positioning of the films in 1-3 and 4-10 could shift around given my temperament on any given day. And, okay, on a good day Zodiac could creep into the Top Three and temporarily displace No Country for Old Men.

Total 2007 releases seen: 81

Top Ten
1. There Will Be Blood
2. No Country for Old Men
3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
4. Zodiac
5. Atonement
6. Michael Clayton
7. Eastern Promises
8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
9. Rocket Science
10. Once

Honorable Mentions
The Hoax; Waitress; Knocked Up; Grindhouse; Superbad; Sunshine; Juno; Hot Fuzz; Into the Wild; Gone Baby Gone

[full on idle]

I want to see Atonement.

You guys, Evan Almighty is not great.

[wmgaretjax]

After the Wedding was spectacular. Forgot about that one...

[paulb]

I just got back from the theater from seeing There Will Be Blood, meh, I think I need to see it again, i missed 1/2 the movie from having a low blood sugar, but it seemed really over acted and I kept waiting for something big to happen and nothing ever came. I also kept thinking, "i wish i was watching Last of the Mohicans"....

[wmgaretjax]

I also kept thinking, "i wish i was watching Last of the Mohicans"....

Jesus christ... please tell me you are kidding... you aren't that stupid are you?

[mountmccabe]

My thoughts on There Will Be Blood, concerning the topics covered by various posters:

Plainview definitely grows to like HW because the kid helps him get business and because he shows a definite interest in the workings of the job. There is genuine affection there; it's most evident on the quail hunting trip and in some of the early scenes after HW loses his hearing. That's quite a shot, with him and Fletcher watching the oil burn. Plainview never quite recovers from the loss of HW's hearing and the change this brings about in the boy.

Or, rather, sending HW away allows Plainview to turn his attentions to Henry. He is skeptical and cold at first but he warms up and gets downright friendly with him. They work their way to the ocean which is very nearly the expected rebirth for Plainview - he has opened up to Henry. He has beaten Standard Oil and is in a position to consider settling down and relaxing. He even talks about the house he'll build. He is even reminiscing about the old days back in Wisconsin and... and if Henry had actually been from Wisconsin and responded to Plainview's mention of the Peach Tree dance things would've turned out much happier, much warmer for everybody. There would've been hugging and smiles and probably babies! Instead Plainview broods while Henry - unknowingly - enjoys the last night of his life.

So, basically, I think Plainview definitely loved and cared for both HW and Henry but his relationship with HW never quite recovered from the accident and Henry, well, I'd guess that trip to the ocean did end up being a watershed in Plainview's life; I doubt he ever trusted or really loved another human being again.

[paulb]

Jesus christ... please tell me you are kidding... you aren't that stupid are you?

your sigs keep getting better and better...and Last of the Mohicans is an excellent movie...the ending is so fuckin great.

[wmgaretjax]

your sigs keep getting better and better...and Last of the Mohicans is an excellent movie...the ending is so fuckin great.

you are too good to be real...

[mountmccabe]

I love Last of the Mohicans. The story is shallow but it is pulled off due to excellent acting, great cinematography working with beautiful scenery and great music.

And I agree, the extended climax on that movie is stunning.


There Will Be Blood, however, is way better.

[wmgaretjax]

excellent acting

Kind of like those old, silent black face films.

[bballarl]

I only like movies that play in art houses. In Cantonese.

[suprefan]

there will be blood *spoilers*








What world do you live in anyway? Yeah those things happen, but you know what, there are things that will drive a person to do them, and he was driven and wired that way. You never noticed it in his eyes how much he despised other ''people'' and everything? Why dont you look at it in the way that he was doing everything in his power to get his way even it if meant doing those things and not regretting it.



I think one of the best scenes was when he was in the restaraunt with H.W. and he embarrased the s**t out of the Standard Oil guy and didnt even beat him down when you probably felt he was going to do so. The intensity he had and just restraint he even showed was incredible. Go watch pansy s**t movies if you are going to be all wishy washy on movies that deal with the core of human nature, and thats survival in whatever form.








Atonement won't win Best Picture though.



Yeah it will, see what else its nominated for in major categories that it coudl win. Oh, nothing, cause its only nominated for that. It will win cause the academy will spread it around.

[bballarl]

YEAH!

[ghettojournalist]

finally saw "Away From Her" and really enjoyed it. Julie Christie gave a marvelous peformance, but my Oscar still goes to Marion Cotillard (although, my growing personal bias could push Julie's perf. in front). overall, the film is really good, but there are two scenes with which i kind of take issue. the young punk rang false to me, but nicely done. the Iraq war comment felt forced. did anyone else have similar feelings?

[schoolofruckus]

I love Last of the Mohicans. The story is shallow but it is pulled off due to excellent acting, great cinematography working with beautiful scenery and great music.

And I agree, the extended climax on that movie is stunning.


There Will Be Blood, however, is way better.

John is right on everything.


Yeah it will, see what else its nominated for in major categories that it coudl win. Oh, nothing, cause its only nominated for that. It will win cause the academy will spread it around.

No, it really won't. It was the 5th nominee here, and was in doubt until the nomination was actually announced. I know I got burned on it even making the final five, but that in itself is a triumph. It's just not hitting with enough people to take home the gold. It will almost certainly win Best Art Direction, Costume Design, or (in my opinion, most likely) Score. IT WILL NOT WIN BEST PICTURE.

Let me state once again that I'm a huge fan of the film; just not a believer in its Oscar chances.

[schoolofruckus]

Kind of like those old, silent black face films.

Is this a reference to a British guy being the star of a film about Native Americans?

[wmgaretjax]

Is this a reference to a British guy being the star of a film about Native Americans?

yeah... i thought it was funny at first... but it's stupid.

[bballarl]

Sorry to interrupt a serious conversation about film (I always seem to do this) but I just finished watching Amazing Journey: The Story of the Who and really enjoyed it. They don't really sugarcoat anything. A really good broad overview of the band's career. I think it could have been more in depth, ala the Petty movie that was released recently, but it had some quite insightful interviews and great footage. Worth seeing if you are a fan of the band, and a nice companion to The Kids Are Alright. B.

[ThomThom]

I just got back from the theater from seeing There Will Be Blood, meh, I think I need to see it again, i missed 1/2 the movie from having a low blood sugar, but it seemed really over acted and I kept waiting for something big to happen and nothing ever came. I also kept thinking, "i wish i was watching Last of the Mohicans"....

Oh christ Paul, your abominable love for Bon Jovi and ABBA sent me to the very edge of the cliff, but comments like this just push me right the fuck over.

[wmgaretjax]

I'm gonna netflix it... I enjoy The Who, but don't have any clue about their history.

[Down Rodeo]

I love The Kids Are Alright. I need to check out Amazing Journey.

[Down Rodeo]

Oh christ Paul, your abominable love for Bon Jovi and ABBA sent me to the very edge of the cliff, but comments like this just push me right the fuck over.

Man, give the guy a break already. Not everybody's going to love this movie after first viewing. He's right about some of the overacting anyway.

[paulb]

Oh christ Paul, your abominable love for Bon Jovi and ABBA sent me to the very edge of the cliff, but comments like this just push me right the fuck over.

love for Bon Jovi? I have never expressed love for Bon Jovi. ABBA, they've sold more record than you have, right? and Last of the Mohicans is excellent, i dont give a fuck what anyone says...

[Down Rodeo]

Last of the Mohicans is excellent, i dont give a fuck what anyone says...

Word.

[Mr.Nipples]

abba is awful...

[KungFuJoe]

I only like movies that play in art houses. In Cantonese.

kHLKhpjDsZg

[full on idle]

TV SHOW recommended by J. Hoo is brilliant. My favorite rental of the past week.

[schoolofruckus]

yeah... i thought it was funny at first... but it's stupid.

You do know his character is supposed to be a white dude who was adopted by the tribe, right? It's not like it's Al Pacino playing a Cuban dude.

[wmgaretjax]

You do know his character is supposed to be a white dude who was adopted by the tribe, right? It's not like it's Al Pacino playing a Cuban dude.

I remember when they did casting for that they came to some of the reservations out here... But none of the American Indians wanted to do it, so they ended up getting a bunch of white people for some of the roles.

But no, I didn't really know that... I remember thinking that movie was ridiculous (even though it was beautiful), i actually have a copy my dad gave me... I might revisit it again.

[amyzzz]

Definitely. I really think this movie's being marketed poorly. The commercials and trailers make it out to be a Remains of the Day/Howard's End/Room With a View kinda thing, where we watch people drink tea and discuss class differences for two hours. It's absolutely not this, which is why I keep trying to steer people toward it. It's so much better – and so much darker – than it looks.
That's not the reason why I didn't like this film overall. I liked everything up until the couple were separated. The rest of movie didn't connect with me. I liked the sexual charge between the couple, but I really didn't give a shit about Briony, and all of that part just felt overly sentimental and manipulative of the audience's emotions. I cried at the end, but I still didn't give a shit.

[amyzzz]

What world do you live in anyway? Yeah those things happen, but you know what, there are things that will drive a person to do them, and he was driven and wired that way. You never noticed it in his eyes how much he despised other ''people'' and everything? Why dont you look at it in the way that he was doing everything in his power to get his way even it if meant doing those things and not regretting it.



I think one of the best scenes was when he was in the restaraunt with H.W. and he embarrased the s**t out of the Standard Oil guy and didnt even beat him down when you probably felt he was going to do so. The intensity he had and just restraint he even showed was incredible. Go watch pansy s**t movies if you are going to be all wishy washy on movies that deal with the core of human nature, and thats survival in whatever form.












Yeah it will, see what else its nominated for in major categories that it coudl win. Oh, nothing, cause its only nominated for that. It will win cause the academy will spread it around.
I guess I didn't convey my feelings about this film very well. I agree that it was very well-acted, and Daniel Day-Lewis should get the Oscar, blah blah blah, but I just didn't like the movie. Not my kind of movie. I would even say that it was a very-well done movie, but I didn't like it. I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't like it. Don't take it so personally. I'm not slamming your opinion of movies.

[Tylerdurden31]

i got a few SAG promo DVDs from a friend of mine. Juno, Sweeney Todd, There Will Be Blood and one other that I can't remember.


Then he also suggested I take the Amy Fisher porno too.

[schoolofruckus]

Remember a few months back when we were talking about Peter Jackson making The Hobbit into two full-length (or most likely, two over-length) features?

Well. It's happening (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i331d7d05b8008476b2fae087024a2b8e), although he's apparently not going to be the director.

[amyzzz]

Has anyone seen The Orphanage?
(re: new director for The Hobbit)

[Down Rodeo]

Yes, The Orphanage is great. Creepy without pandering to the lowest common denominator.

[KungFuJoe]

Watched The Assassination of Jesse James for the second time this weekend. Loved it even more. I think this should have been number two on my list. For some reason I was more impressed with Brad Pitt & Casey Affleck's performance this go round. I truly hope Roger Deakins takes home his oscar for this one. Nick Cave's score was pretty good too.

[Jerm05]

i believe thats out on dvd next week. if this is true, i'm going to grab it.

[KungFuJoe]

hey Gabe, do you know about the Get Smart screening on the WB lot tomorrow night? I just got a call from the screening exchange. Too bad I can't go. Wouldn't mind seeing that one for free.

[schoolofruckus]

I did not know about that. I'm kind of surprised that they're doing a Screening Exchange thing here. I only get those emails intermittently, and it's usually for the most dogshit movies out there.

I could see Get Smart being okay. For free.

[KungFuJoe]

their screenings are usually terrible. i saw Smiley Face last year

[J~$$$]

Has anyone been to the Sundance cinemas in Japantown, SF.? (Sundance Kabuki) Is it a nice theater or just over priced BS?

[downingthief]

Saw Superbad (finally) and Eastern Promises over the weekend.

Superbad was good, but not great. Some funny moments, and lines, but overall was disappointed based on the hype.

Eastern Promises was....how can I put this...disjointed? Empty? I kept feeling like something was missing. Can't put my finger on what. It wasn't a bad movie, but I wanted it to be better.

[KungFuJoe]

I agree on Eastern Promises. I believe that, as well as History of Violence receive more praise than they deserve.

[amyzzz]

That's because y'all are dudes. Naked Viggo! YES!

[downingthief]

I would have preferred a naked Naomi.

[nationocean]

holy shit this thread has alot of posts.

so i shall add to it. ;)

[amyzzz]

So go watch Mulholland Drive.

[downingthief]

Oh, that has been done Amy. :)

[iv3rdawG]

And 21 Grams ;)

[schoolofruckus]

I loved the shit out of A History of Violence.

I thought Eastern Promises was a little slight, although the suggestion of a deeper, richer story for Viggo's character lent it some added intrigue. The naked Viggo knife fight was one of my favorite scenes from last year, though.

[full on idle]

Plus he did an incredible job as an actor, don't you think? His character was perfect, he was practically unrecognizable as the guy from Lord of the Rings.

[amyzzz]

And 21 Grams ;)
That movie was so depressing that I'd forgotten she was naked in it.

[kreutz2112]

So go watch Mulholland Drive.

I hated this movie. It came highly recommended also. The acting reminded me of soft-core porn on cinemax.

[thestripe]

I hated it too. I have tried to re-watch it hoping to change my opinion or find something in the film I missed, but still ended up disliking it.

[amyzzz]

Do you not like David Lynch films in general?

[kreutz2112]

That's the only David Lynch film I have ever seen.

[amyzzz]

Well, that explains it.

[kreutz2112]

educate me amy.

[amyzzz]

No, I'll probably embarrass myself. All I can say is Lynch movies are sexytime movies for me. Sexytime movies with a lot of doppelgangers, dwarves and debutantes.

[kreutz2112]

so all of his films are similar then? And I should have known what I was in for when I watched Mulholland Drive? If that is the case I will not be watching anymore of his movies.

[Stefinitely Maybe]

No, I'll probably embarrass myself. All I can say is Lynch movies are sexytime movies for me. Sexytime movies with a lot of doppelgangers, dwarves and debutantes.

For once, I agree with Amy.

David Lynch rules.

Anyway, I watched "Little Children" a few days ago. What a weird film. I'd give it 7/10 because it was certainly different and watchable, and because Kate Winslet gets naked, but I'm not really not sure it knew what it's point was.

Tonight I went to see "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead". It was compelling, simply because it starred Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke and Albert Finney (all giving awesome performances) and also a naked Marisa Tomei, so I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, but the story itself was not worthy of such great actors. It's like they tried to make a weak script into a strong script by having great people act it out, which never really works. I felt exactly the same watching De Niro, Norton and Brando in "The Score"; perfectly watchable but ultimately a waste of great talent that could have been used for something far better. 6/10

[kreutz2112]

so if I did not like Mulholland Drive would I like any other David Lynch films? I just thought the acting in Mulholland drive sucked. I am down with weird movies though.

[amyzzz]

No, they're not all the same, although I've seen quite a few with doppelganger characters (Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire), and the actresses are usually super-glamorous and super-hot. Most of them don't make sense and don't follow a logical timeline. :thu
I haven't seen Eraserhead or Wild at Heart, and probably a few others. And then there's the rated G (yes rated G) movie The Straight Story which is a more straightforward, true (?) story about an old man who drives his lawnmower across a couple states to visit his dying, estranged brother. That one is kind of sweet.

I know the hardcore movie ppl in this thread are gonna rip me a new one because I'm horrible at descriptions.

[KungFuJoe]

of course. Wild at Heart is a fun one. Blue Velvet is great too.

[kreutz2112]

No, they're not all the same, although I've seen quite a few with doppelganger characters (Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire), and the actresses are usually super-glamorous and super-hot. Most of them don't make sense and don't follow a logical timeline. :thu
I haven't seen Eraserhead or Wild at Heart, and probably a few others. And then there's the rated G (yes rated G) movie The Straight Story which is a more straightforward, true (?) story about an old man who drives his lawnmower across a couple states to visit his dying, estranged brother. That one is kind of sweet.

I know the hardcore movie ppl in this thread are gonna rip me a new one because I'm horrible at descriptions.

I am not a "movie person" by any means, but I thought your explanation was good and it answered my question.

[schoolofruckus]

Plus he did an incredible job as an actor, don't you think? His character was perfect, he was practically unrecognizable as the guy from Lord of the Rings.

Yes, I do think. I think his performance also elevated the movie from being just a pulpy, filthy Russian mob story.

For once, I agree with Amy.

David Lynch rules.

Anyway, I watched "Little Children" a few days ago. What a weird film. I'd give it 7/10 because it was certainly different and watchable, and because Kate Winslet gets naked, but I'm not really not sure it knew what it's point was.

Tonight I went to see "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead". It was compelling, simply because it starred Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke and Albert Finney (all giving awesome performances) and also a naked Marisa Tomei, so I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, but the story itself was not worthy of such great actors. It's like they tried to make a weak script into a strong script by having great people act it out, which never really works. I felt exactly the same watching De Niro, Norton and Brando in "The Score"; perfectly watchable but ultimately a waste of great talent that could have been used for something far better. 6/10

I agree with Stef on all of the above. Although I would have rated Before the Devil Knows You're Dead perhaps a little lower.

so if I did not like Mulholland Drive would I like any other David Lynch films? I just thought the acting in Mulholland drive sucked. I am down with weird movies though.

The acting in Mulholland Dr. is very typical of Lynch's other work. He shoots for extremely mannered, kind of unnerving behavior and demeanor from his actors, as it plays well with his surreal leanings. Eraserhead is different in a sense because it's really not even supposed to be tangentially linked to the world we live in; if you're down for something super strange, this would be one way to go. Wild At Heart is, in my opinion, also a bit of a departure because it's a fairly straightforward lovers-on-the-run story, only with Nicolas Cage doing a running Elvis impersonation. Tarantino bit the shit out of this movie when he wrote True Romance. And of course, there's The Straight Story, which I have to confess to not having seen, but which is (by all accounts) the ultimate outlier in Lynch's filmography (although the notion of there being a "typical David Lynch movie" is absurd).

In summation: give Wild at Heart, The Straight Story, and (if you're in the mood for a serious and disturbing art film) Eraserhead a chance. Avoid the rest (and stay particularly far from Inland Empire).

No, they're not all the same, although I've seen quite a few with doppelganger characters (Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire), and the actresses are usually super-glamorous and super-hot. Most of them don't make sense and don't follow a logical timeline. :thu
I haven't seen Eraserhead or Wild at Heart, and probably a few others. And then there's the rated G (yes rated G) movie The Straight Story which is a more straightforward, true (?) story about an old man who drives his lawnmower across a couple states to visit his dying, estranged brother. That one is kind of sweet.

I know the hardcore movie ppl in this thread are gonna rip me a new one because I'm horrible at descriptions.

No rip here. You nailed it.

[amyzzz]

I really, really love Robert Blake's performance in Lost Highway. Oh my GOD is he creepy. HE IS SATAN.

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/blake/interactive/gallery/07.lost.highway.jpg

[whynotsmile99]

eraserhead is amazing. You should really see it. It's my favorite Lynch. it's a really strange wonderful movie about fatherhood. Netflix it

[amyzzz]

Is it gross?

[Stefinitely Maybe]

I really, really love Robert Blake's performance in Lost Highway. Oh my GOD is he creepy. HE IS SATAN.

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/blake/interactive/gallery/07.lost.highway.jpg

Yeah, the first time I saw that scene at the cinema, I pretty much shat myself.

[schoolofruckus]

Is it gross?

Yeah, it's fairly disgusting in terms of the imagery. It's fairly low-budget, though (and in a way that's noticeable), so you may be able to distance yourself enough to not let it impede your viewing.

[atom heart]

There was a brief description of Eraserhead way back in this thread. I remember that it creeped me out just reading it.
Hopefully I'll get to There Will Be Blood this weekend so I can stop averting my eyes when I'm in here.

[Down Rodeo]

I agree with Stef on all of the above. Although I would have rated Before the Devil Knows You're Dead perhaps a little lower.

That's disappointing. I really liked Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.

In summation: give Wild at Heart, The Straight Story, and (if you're in the mood for a serious and disturbing art film) Eraserhead a chance. Avoid the rest (and stay particularly far from Inland Empire).

You could also check out The Elephant Man. It's definitely more straightforward and "normal" than Lynch's other movies.

[kreutz2112]

That's the only David Lynch film I have ever seen.

I lied...I have seen Dune

[amyzzz]

Oh shit. I didn't know that was Lynch! I need a Lynch box set. Is there one anywhere yet?

[wmgaretjax]

I really enjoyed "Little Children." I loved the scene with the street lamp and the gnats...

[whynotsmile99]

the straight story is another great Lynch movie. So far and way different than anything else he has done. It's a G rated piece about an old guy riding his lawn mower across the country. It's a really simple and lovely little movie. wonderfully acted.

a1Wjql9JfaQ&feature=related the spanish narration makes it seem cornier than it really is.

Milo and Otis was more scary and strange than this one.

BTW, has anyone see Milo and Otis. It was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I've been really wanting to watch it again.



2-KiinB5Ib8&feature=related

for those that like their MIlo and Otis with some Sigur Ros

-kuuuGmYqoQ

YmuDLpzTdBY&feature=related

[whynotsmile99]

the REAL double post. sorry

[amyzzz]

yikes. double post.

[whynotsmile99]

saw IM NOT THERE and RAMBO

I'm Not There was good. I enjoyed it very much. Very abstract, but I enjoyed the performances, the photography and the real use of Dylans songs. I loved that cover of Going to Acapulco by Calixico who I could have sworn was My Morning Jacket. Blanchett was incredible. One of the main problems I had with it was the Heath Ledger/Gainsbourg (who I'm crushing big on now) segments, which I felt had little to do with the rest of the film. That said, I loved their scenes and almost wished they just made a separate film with those two characters. The stuff with the children was heartbreaking. A very poetic style you don't see much at all in film. Very interesting watch for sure.

Rambo was...dissapointing. If you've seen those uncut red band trailers you've pretty much seen most of the good parts. I actually like what I saw a lot. It had a great set up, great silly action scenes, quite intense but ended wayyyyyy before it should have. I guess it means I was really enjoying what I was watching considering how dissapointed I was when it just arbrubtly ended. It was a quick 90 minutes and easily needed another battle or two. See it, but I was expecting more.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

I really enjoyed "Little Children." I loved the scene with the street lamp and the gnats...

I saw that film for the first time two weeks ago, and really liked it as well. One thing that I really appreciated was Field/Perotta's earnest compassion for the characters. So often these films about suburbia are exceedingly cynical and condescending, so the somewhat optimistic ending was kind of a surprise to me. Great acting too.

[mountmccabe]

saw IM NOT THERE and RAMBO

I'm Not There was good. I enjoyed it very much. Very abstract, but I enjoyed the performances, the photography and the real use of Dylans songs. I loved that cover of Going to Acapulco by Calixico who I could have sworn was My Morning Jacket. Blanchett was incredible. One of the main problems I had with it was the Heath Ledger/Gainsbourg (who I'm crushing big on now) segments, which I felt had little to do with the rest of the film. That said, I loved their scenes and almost wished they just made a separate film with those two characters. The stuff with the children was heartbreaking. A very poetic style you don't see much at all in film. Very interesting watch for sure.

That "Goin' to Acapulco" is Jim James (of My Morning Jacket) with Calexico.

I think I liked the same things about the movie - I SOOOO loved all the music - but I don't understand what you mean "had little to do with the rest of the film." None of the segments, really, had anything to do with each other other than being about Dylanesque characters.

Maybe what made that section stick out was that our point of view (and thus our sympathy) was more Gainsbourg than Ledger. Or maybe it is that there seemed to be much more of a background, much more of a story that we weren't seeing.

[full on idle]

My sympathy is always with Gainsbourg.

Little Children was great. At points hot, at other points, horrifying.

God that blind date. Fuck.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Yeah, that blind date was so uncomfortable to watch. Although I was more affected by the shot of his mother watching him come into the house as the car speeds off into the distance.

[paulb]

just saw Cloverfield....i liked it, entertaining....woulda liked to have seen more about the monster though.

[schoolofruckus]

Yeah, that blind date was so uncomfortable to watch. Although I was more affected by the shot of his mother watching him come into the house as the car speeds off into the distance.

Oh yeah.....the mother was fucking phenomenal. She was possibly my favorite performance in the film. Although they were all good.

I want to watch it again. It didn't rock my socks the first time I saw it, but I can't think of anything not to like about it. And NMH is right - the genuine compassion for the characters was a nice relief from the usual "suburbia is one fucked up joint, B!" histrionics.

[schoolofruckus]

Which is not to say that American Beauty, for example, did not have quite a bit of empathy - it did. I love the shit out of that movie, I don't care what anyone says.

[schoolofruckus]

In all this madness, I forgot to mention that I watched Waking Life for the first time ever tonight.

In a word: marvelous.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Waking Life is the first movie I can remember looking forward to watching a second time before I had finished watching it the first time.

[wmgaretjax]

King of Kong is one of my favorite documentaries ever. end of story.

[amyzzz]

Add me to the list of people who enjoyed Little Children.

Also, is it worth seeing I'm Not There if I don't like Bob Dylan's music?

[downingthief]

Which is not to say that American Beauty, for example, did not have quite a bit of empathy - it did. I love the shit out of that movie, I don't care what anyone says.

I do as well, Greg. A fantastic movie, all around.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Add me to the list of people who enjoyed Little Children.

Also, is it worth seeing I'm Not There if I don't like Bob Dylan's music?

By don't like do you mean don't care for or actively dislike?

[TomAz]

Add me to the list of people who enjoyed Little Children.

Also, is it worth seeing I'm Not There if I don't like Bob Dylan's music?

do you dislike Dylan's songs, or do you just dislike Dylan's voice? cuz if it's the latter you'll have no problem with the movie. If it's the former, you will.

[amyzzz]

Yeah, it's more his voice. I seem to recall listening to a couple songs, and the lyrics are great, but his voice is unbearable.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

It's split pretty evenly between Dylan covers and actual Dylan. Anyone who has any interest in film history or technique really should see this film, it's a treasure trove of styles and ideas and countless cinematic references.

[KungFuJoe]

School, check your pm if you're interested in going to a screening of Forgetting Sarah Marshall tonight.

[J~$$$]

VCsJ5Tb6WY0&eurl

[PotVsKtl]

zU73EMalvCY

[bmack86]

That video is pure insanity.

[J~$$$]

sexman needs braces!

[samiksha]

i saw it
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v183/62/114/220302261/n220302261_30731414_397.jpg

[iv3rdawG]

Man, 2001: A Space Odyssey was amazing at the Arclight.

[Down Rodeo]

Man, 2001: A Space Odyssey was amazing at the Arclight.

Damn, I'm jealous.

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

Man, 2001: A Space Odyssey was amazing at the Arclight.

Of course it was amazing, they showed it in the dome. ;)

I am more interested though to hear about your thoughts on the actual film itself, in terms of Kubrick's techniques and style. I myself think it might be the greatest film ever made, and will probably write about it in detail tomorrow. It was a truly special experience to see it on such a gigantic screen. I almost wept with joy. Kubrick is clearly in awe of the majesty and emptiness of outer space, and that doesn't translate as well on a television set. Of all films, this is one that needs to be seen in a theatrical setting.

[downingthief]

I am insanely jealous...

[wmgaretjax]

I am seeing it in 70mm on sunday at the Cinerama here in Seattle.

[Down Rodeo]

Ahhh, I hate you both.

[schoolofruckus]

Yeah, I'm super pissed I missed the Arclight screening last night. I've always intended to catch this one in 70mm.....one of the best films ever made.

I did watch El Topo last night. What an insane film that is - on par with the likes of Week-End for sheer lunacy captured on film. I'd have to see it again to dissect some of the symbolism - I detected a very strong current of man-as-animal depiction in the film's ultra-violent first half, and a spiritually-enlightening ascension into humanity in the second - but it was a blast either way. When reading up on it this morning, I was the opposite of shocked when I came across a sentence reading that David Lynch is a huge fan; Wild at Heart, in particular, has this film's essence all over it.

[wmgaretjax]

That was John Lennon's favorite film. "Holy Mountain" and "Sante Sangre" are great as well.

If you haven't seen "Un Chien Andalou," (and further into Bunuel, "Phantom of Libterty") I would check it out as well as it was a huge influence on Jodorowsky.

While I enjoy this films, I'm not a huge fan of ultra surrealist films. I think I prefer when this style becomes injected with some realist restraint. I love the Russian film "4" (Chetyre) for this, and I think that "Safe" is another great example of this.

[schoolofruckus]

Safe is a film I'd like to watch again. I admired it a lot, but I didn't love it.

I have Un Chien Andalou (due to the recent Dali exhibit I saw here) and Holy Mountain (just because it sounds equally awesome) both in my Netflix queue. I have Syndromes and a Century at home and once El Topo gets returned, it looks like Naked Lunch is next up. I also still have The Idiots, Damnation, and I'm a Cyborg But That's OK at home to watch (all of which I have bought in the last few months), among other things.

Silver lining for the fact that I'm losing a day of work per week starting tomorrow.

[wmgaretjax]

You have some good movies coming up my friend.

[iv3rdawG]

VCsJ5Tb6WY0&eurl

IuHcNkLo8Ok

Man these videos are great.

[Down Rodeo]

I did watch El Topo last night. What an insane film that is - on par with the likes of Week-End for sheer lunacy captured on film. I'd have to see it again to dissect some of the symbolism - I detected a very strong current of man-as-animal depiction in the film's ultra-violent first half, and a spiritually-enlightening ascension into humanity in the second - but it was a blast either way. When reading up on it this morning, I was the opposite of shocked when I came across a sentence reading that David Lynch is a huge fan; Wild at Heart, in particular, has this film's essence all over it.

Yeah, I really want to see that one. I've got the Werckmeister Harmonies arriving this weekend.

[wmgaretjax]

Yeah, I really want to see that one. I've got the Werckmeister Harmonies arriving this weekend.

You are in for a treat.

[schoolofruckus]

I have to say, I've gotten some really good recommendations from you, and Werckmeister Harmonies may be the best one. I can't wait to watch it again.

[bug on your lip]

holy tits schoolio

i just got back from watching THE KING OF KONG
it fukkin blew me away
it was packed and the audience were actually CHEERING! CHEERING!
FUKK!
they were that emotionally invested into it....
unbelievable...
i haven't seen something like that in a long time...
the fukkin characters too... i found myself a couple of times saying.. "oh mah caco/god, this is a documentary... this is real !!!"

i mean awesome man....
you have to admit.... even if lastgreatman and caco had a baby, it wouldn't be as strange as awesome man

i'll hang up and listen

[Jerm05]

Man, 2001: A Space Odyssey was amazing at the Arclight.

U23D at the IMAX was pretty amazing. fairly related (big screens) so i thought i'd mention it.

[schoolofruckus]

Good to know on both King of Kong and U2: 3D. I expect to see them both shortly (the latter in IMAX).

[KungFuJoe]

Number one guilty pleasure of 2007.

e3TcY_aBe7M



also, I bought and watched the director's cut of Demonlover tonight. It's batshit crazy, but I fucking loved it. Not sure how different it is from the original as I've never watched it in it's entirety. All I know is Connie Nielson is divine. The making of & behind the scenes with Sonic Youth is pretty bad ass too.

[algunz]

I tried to watch Ratatouille with my daughter tonight. She got freaked out by the animation of the cooks, and I ended up turning it off.


I am rather bummed that I have raised such a pansy ass.

[roberto73]

Last night I watched Black Sheep – not the fine David Spade/Chris Farley vehicle, but the recent New Zealand horror movie about zombie sheep. It wouldn't be confused for high art by anyone, but it was a lot of fun in a Sam Raimi/Evil Dead kind of way (and there was more than a little bit of Dead Alive in there, too). More importantly, it was nice to see a movie that wasn't oozing CGI at every turn. It's a throwback, I guess, but better this than another Saw/Hostel knockoff.

[TomAz]

I saw There Will Be Blood last night. I will incur everyone's wrath by not giving it unqualified praise, and actually criticizing it a bit. In the whole it is an excellent movie, extraordinarily well acted, directed, etc., but not without its flaws. My main problem with the movie is that the symbolism in the story gets so heavy-handed at times that it just made me roll my eyes a bit. Also, portions of the plot were obvious and predictable. Finally, and this is really only a small personal quibble that will only affect a few of us of a certain age, but there were several times during the movie that I had to remind myself I was watching the great Daniel Day Lewis, and not Tom Selleck in Magnum PI, due strictly to the uncanny physical resemblence.

All in all this was a very engaging movie, but.








Now, these aren't exactly spoilers, but I will talk specifics down here, in blue.









'Heavy handed symbolism': With a war in Iraq that has been criticized as 'blood for oil'. making a movie where oil and blood are interchangable or parallel symbols is already treading on well-traveled ground and has little wiggle room to start with. Two images strike me as crossing the line. one is at Daniel's baptism, where they are talking about being 'washed in the blood of christ', and Eli pours pure clear water on his head. I realize this is standard baptismal procedure in some churches, but the contrast of pure water as blood vs. dirty oil as blood is a little too much for me. The other is at the end when Daniel gets Eli's blood on his shoe, just as HW got oil on his shoe earlier in the movie. too much.

Predictable: did anyone ever doubt that Mary and HW would get married? even when they were 8 years old?

[KungFuJoe]

At first I thought you were saying that the film was trying to say something about the war, but after reading your critique I get what you're saying Tom. Perhaps you over analyzed the film though. To me, it was less about the oil and more about the importance of a family bond and the study of Daniel Planviews character. Heavy handed at times, maybe. Powerful & affective, absolutely.

In an interview PTA did for the LA Weekly he states that he tried to avoid exactly what your main gripe is about.


Possible spoiler alert.




Once on the film's Marfa, Texas, set, Anderson continued to whittle at and refine the screenplay with a dedication befitting his own monomaniacal protagonist, taking particular care to remove anything that risked overstating the movie's themes. He describes one offending scene, between Plainview and the mysterious drifter (played by Kevin J. O'Connor) who claims to be his half brother, in which one of Plainview's lines echoed Eli Sunday in an earlier scene. "That's not something I wrote with any kind of writerly intention — to parallel these two guys," Anderson says. "I didn't even notice it was there until somebody on the set said, 'That's an interesting moment.' And my alarm bell went off: Don't do that! No writer's intentions allowed! When you're working on something, there's always a danger of screwing the screws in so fucking tight that it's not breathing any longer."

http://www.laweekly.com/film+tv/film/paul-thomas-anderson-blood-sweat-and-tears/18140/


I found this artical very insightful to Paul Thomas Anderson's methods & overall intentions.

[noisemachine]

Two images strike me as crossing the line. one is at Daniel's baptism, where they are talking about being 'washed in the blood of christ', and Eli pours pure clear water on his head. I realize this is standard baptismal procedure in some churches, but the contrast of pure water as blood vs. dirty oil as blood is a little too much for me.
I don't know. I think thats kind of a stretch. May not have been intended, since as you stated, its standard baptismal procedure more or less. But then again, I didn't see the film at all as a "no blood for oil"/Iraq allegory.

[iv3rdawG]

Arrested Development Movie in Development!
Source: E! Online
February 2, 2008

Kristen at E! Online was told by Jason Bateman that "the creative minds behind 'Arrested Development' (Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard) have put the wheels in motion toward a major motion picture of the Fox TV comedy so many of us adore. I'm told by insiders that Jason and other Bluth family members have received calls from producers (Hurwitz and Howard) asking if they would be willing to shoot a movie."

"I can confirm that a round of sniffing has started," Bateman said. "Any talk is targeting a poststrike situation, of course. I think, as always, that it's a question of whether the people with the money are willing to give our leader, Mitch Hurwitz, what he deserves for his participation. And I can speak for the cast when I say our fingers are crossed."

She adds that other cast members were called and that everyone seems to be very much on board and excited by the prospect.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=41604

:dumbo

[schoolofruckus]

I saw There Will Be Blood last night. I will incur everyone's wrath by not giving it unqualified praise, and actually criticizing it a bit. In the whole it is an excellent movie, extraordinarily well acted, directed, etc., but not without its flaws. My main problem with the movie is that the symbolism in the story gets so heavy-handed at times that it just made me roll my eyes a bit. Also, portions of the plot were obvious and predictable. Finally, and this is really only a small personal quibble that will only affect a few of us of a certain age, but there were several times during the movie that I had to remind myself I was watching the great Daniel Day Lewis, and not Tom Selleck in Magnum PI, due strictly to the uncanny physical resemblence.

All in all this was a very engaging movie, but.








Now, these aren't exactly spoilers, but I will talk speci