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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Capo de La Cosa Nostra]
#591110
01/17/11 08:01 AM
01/17/11 08:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,325
MI
Lilo
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,325
MI
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The Killer Inside MeThis is based on a Jim Thompson novel ( aside- which I couldn't find at my local Borders  and then they wonder why more people are just ordering books online) and is set in early fifties Texas. It was directed by Michael Winterbottom. I thought it was a pretty repugnant artistically. I wrote a review on my film blog. Here are few paragraphs from that post: The Killer Inside Me has been described as a “character study”, as can often be fashionable with films and stories of this type. Beware: it's fast becoming – if it wasn't already – an industry shorthand for broody, introspective non-commitment. Writing for Film4, Catherine Bray notes, “Lou is a polite, rather dull man, leading a highly conventional life, and if it weren't for that fact that he commits some atrocious crimes, there would be very little point in making a film about him. If we accept this, then his violence is what legitimises him as a subject.” This, apparently, is what might have drawn Winterbottom to the character. But Bray is right to go on: “Violence being the thrust of the film, what does The Killer Inside Me have to say about violence? Not as much as you might hope, is the answer.” The film is vacant of any moral or personal complexity. Its despairing tone is a result more of its sheer, stubborn hopelessness than its atmospheric rendering of a period Texas. A Kiss Me Deadly-style conclusion lends the work absurdity, but not a jot of seriousness. That's why I wanted to read the book to see if the Kiss Me Deadly motif was really in the original story. What's your take on films like "Irreversible", "The Devil's Rejects", etc that seemingly lack a moral center? Would you agree that part of the whole point of film noir is to have a certain level of hopelessness and ambiguous moral view? Does a lack of moral complexity always harm a film in your view?
"When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives."
Winter is Coming
Now this is the Law of the Jungle—as old and as true as the sky; And the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk, the Law runneth forward and back; For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Lilo]
#591151
01/17/11 05:28 PM
01/17/11 05:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
Capo de La Cosa Nostra
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
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The Killer Inside MeThis is based on a Jim Thompson novel ( aside- which I couldn't find at my local Borders and then they wonder why more people are just ordering books online) and is set in early fifties Texas. It was directed by Michael Winterbottom. I thought it was a pretty repugnant artistically. I wrote a review on my film blog. Here are few paragraphs from that post: The Killer Inside Me has been described as a “character study”, as can often be fashionable with films and stories of this type. Beware: it's fast becoming – if it wasn't already – an industry shorthand for broody, introspective non-commitment. Writing for Film4, Catherine Bray notes, “Lou is a polite, rather dull man, leading a highly conventional life, and if it weren't for that fact that he commits some atrocious crimes, there would be very little point in making a film about him. If we accept this, then his violence is what legitimises him as a subject.” This, apparently, is what might have drawn Winterbottom to the character. But Bray is right to go on: “Violence being the thrust of the film, what does The Killer Inside Me have to say about violence? Not as much as you might hope, is the answer.” The film is vacant of any moral or personal complexity. Its despairing tone is a result more of its sheer, stubborn hopelessness than its atmospheric rendering of a period Texas. A Kiss Me Deadly-style conclusion lends the work absurdity, but not a jot of seriousness. That's why I wanted to read the book to see if the Kiss Me Deadly motif was really in the original story. What's your take on films like "Irreversible", "The Devil's Rejects", etc that seemingly lack a moral center? Would you agree that part of the whole point of film noir is to have a certain level of hopelessness and ambiguous moral view? Does a lack of moral complexity always harm a film in your view? I love Irreversible. From my understanding, Thompson's novel is very much from the point of view of its protagonist, to the point where certain elements, even the violence, is presented in a biased, distorted fashion. That's completely lost in the film; Winterbottom's artistic immaturity can't take the film beyond flat. I'm not sure if a lack of moral complexity necessarily always harms a film for me. I like serious films - that place themselves in the real world - to be complex insofar that life is complex.
...dot com bold typeface rhetoric.
You go clickety click and get your head split.
'The hell you look like on a message board
Discussing whether or not the Brother is hardcore?
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: J Geoff]
#591152
01/17/11 05:30 PM
01/17/11 05:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
Capo de La Cosa Nostra
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
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Here's a few more paragraphs from that review that highlight my particular problems with the film.
No human – even one who kills “without motive” – is removed from material life. Winterbottom's protagonist (though Winterbottom would no doubt prefer us to say Thompson's protagonist) is confusingly portrayed, not because he kills apparently without motive, but because there's no real interest in the world he lives in. The central conflict between his public persona and hidden, internal persona is superficial, mannerist.
Casey Affleck utilises the same physical movements and facial expressions as he did so effectively in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, but in that film there was a careful examination of and investment in character. Here, Lou Ford remains a deliberate enigma – brief flashbacks to his childhood border on the ridiculous, banal; more often they are simply odd and distracting, as ultimately gratuitous as the shot of Jessica Alba's obliterated face.
In her Sight & Sound piece, Hannah McGill sparks up an interesting political element in the film. “The clash between Ford's public and private selves,” she writes, “could be read as a metaphor – say, for a nation state that smiles while covertly committing atrocities... Winterbottom acknowledges that if it had come together earlier, its sociopathic faux-bumpkin might have been read as a George W. Bush avatar.” That the film is set, however unwittingly (though that doesn't matter), at a time in history and a part of the world in which the former US president grew up enhances this reading.
But if Winterbottom acknowledges this interpretation, he ultimately denies it. For him, the “book and the film are about how fucked up people are everywhere and how people mess up and destroy their lives.” What a fine assessment of life! That he has no interest in accounting for Lou Ford's atrocious acts of violence is telling of this artist's preoccupations. Also, of his severe limits.
...dot com bold typeface rhetoric.
You go clickety click and get your head split.
'The hell you look like on a message board
Discussing whether or not the Brother is hardcore?
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: J Geoff]
#591916
01/24/11 01:23 AM
01/24/11 01:23 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 466
Stewartstown, PA
VitoC
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 466
Stewartstown, PA
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Just finished watching the premiere of "Mean Girls 2." At best, it's a pale shadow of its predecessor. It has none of the zip, none of the addictive, exuberant, alive feeling and great writing of the first one. On IMDB, I gave "Mean Girls" a 9 (out of 10) but "Mean Girls 2" only gets a 5.
Last edited by VitoC; 01/24/11 12:58 PM.
Let me tell ya somethin my kraut mick friend!
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: VitoC]
#592681
01/30/11 03:06 PM
01/30/11 03:06 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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I just watched "Training Day" for the first time yesterday on tv with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. Man, what a bad ass SOB Denzel was.  I have not seen many of his movies, but like the ones I have seen. I've never seen him in this kind of role. He really made you hate his character that's for sure. I can see why he won his Oscar. TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 01/30/11 03:07 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Capo de La Cosa Nostra]
#592881
02/01/11 08:03 PM
02/01/11 08:03 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,766
South of the Pinelands
MaryCas
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,766
South of the Pinelands
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[quote=Capo de La Cosa Nostra]I watched 60 films last month, 53 of which were for the first time. 5 were at the cinema. If you want any thoughts on these, let me know...[quote] MammaMia (not the film) Average 2 a day. I don't even watch 2 a month. What was the most in one day? Did you miss any days? Has this done any damage to your cortex or, are you more vibrant, cogent, and lucid than before. Quite a feat Capo  The other night I watched one of my favorites "Jeremiah Johnson", (1972) starring Robert Redford, directed by Sydney Pollack. If you've never seen it, I recommend it for it's simplicity and cinematic beauty. Redford plays the part of a "mountain man". Someone who wants to leave the past and world behind by striking out into the American western wilderness and living a life close to nature. But the Indians and "white man" provide conflict for his serene, simple life-style.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, whoever humbles himself will be exalted - Matthew 23:12
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: J Geoff]
#592902
02/02/11 06:00 AM
02/02/11 06:00 AM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
Capo de La Cosa Nostra
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
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I began watching films on the 3rd Jan and didn't watch any on the 20th, 21st or 31st. I watched four films on the 29th, but three of those were Laurel and Hardy two-reelers; I watched three features - Lavender Hill Mob, Roger Rabbit and The Philadelphia Story - on the 27th. I feel pretty articulate; the more films I see the more I want to see. It's contagious. I guess I can think of worse ways of spending one's time. 
...dot com bold typeface rhetoric.
You go clickety click and get your head split.
'The hell you look like on a message board
Discussing whether or not the Brother is hardcore?
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Capo de La Cosa Nostra]
#592908
02/02/11 09:06 AM
02/02/11 09:06 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,635
VinnyGorgeous
BANNED
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BANNED
Underboss
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,635
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I watched 60 films last month, 53 of which were for the first time. Do you work?
"What is given, can be taken away. Everyone lies. Everyone dies." - Casey Anthony, in a poem, July 7, 2008
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Capo de La Cosa Nostra]
#592933
02/02/11 02:34 PM
02/02/11 02:34 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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That's quite a list Capo. Many of those films I have not seen. Some classics (ie Butch Cassidy & The Postman Always Rings Twice). HBO has aired "A Serious Man" a number of times, but for some reason it's never interested me enough to watch it. I see, however, you saw all three Bourne movies and rated them all the same. I assume you enjoyed them. I love that series. TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#592960
02/02/11 05:01 PM
02/02/11 05:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
Capo de La Cosa Nostra
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
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That's quite a list Capo. Many of those films I have not seen. Some classics (ie Butch Cassidy & The Postman Always Rings Twice). HBO has aired "A Serious Man" a number of times, but for some reason it's never interested me enough to watch it. I see, however, you saw all three Bourne movies and rated them all the same. I assume you enjoyed them. I love that series. TIS Yeah, they're all great. The first one is the best, I think.
...dot com bold typeface rhetoric.
You go clickety click and get your head split.
'The hell you look like on a message board
Discussing whether or not the Brother is hardcore?
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Capo de La Cosa Nostra]
#592993
02/03/11 01:29 AM
02/03/11 01:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,635
VinnyGorgeous
BANNED
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BANNED
Underboss
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,635
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I really loved A Serious Man. A lot of people complain how slow it is and how very little happen, but imo, those people just didn't get the movie. To me it was absolutely brilliant. We all want to know the answers to everything, think everything happens for a reason, when in reality things don't happen for a reason.
"What is given, can be taken away. Everyone lies. Everyone dies." - Casey Anthony, in a poem, July 7, 2008
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: VinnyGorgeous]
#595544
02/25/11 04:17 PM
02/25/11 04:17 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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I just finished watching "The Social Network" on "On Demand." The only Oscar nominated film I've seen.  It was interesting, the cast (all of whom I never heard of except Justin Timberlake) were all very good as well. Not being a regular user of FB, I've heard bits pieces of Zuckerberg's story, like issue with the Winklevoss twins, so that and other gaps were filled in. Whether it's true in reality or not, I had read that Zuckerberg's character was not very likable and the film certainly portrayed him that way. In the very first scene Mark's girlfriend is breaking up with him telling him, "Dating you is like dating a stair master."  This movie is probably the "first" of it's kind depicting the landmark "Technology" boom that we are experiencing today. In that regard I think it will be historic. Oh, and nice touch playing "Baby You're A Rich Man" during the ending credits as well. TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 02/25/11 04:19 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#595548
02/25/11 05:07 PM
02/25/11 05:07 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,325
MI
Lilo
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,325
MI
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I just finished watching "The Social Network" on "On Demand." The only Oscar nominated film I've seen. TIS Check out Winter's Bone
"When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives."
Winter is Coming
Now this is the Law of the Jungle—as old and as true as the sky; And the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk, the Law runneth forward and back; For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: VinnyGorgeous]
#595720
02/27/11 02:07 PM
02/27/11 02:07 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,190
Brazil
Tony Mosrite
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,190
Brazil
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I really loved A Serious Man. A lot of people complain how slow it is and how very little happen, but imo, those people just didn't get the movie. To me it was absolutely brilliant. We all want to know the answers to everything, think everything happens for a reason, when in reality things don't happen for a reason. I just watched it last night and it was the first Coen Brothers movie I've ever watched and not loved right away. I was kinda stoned and almost falling asleep in the beginning though, had to get up and turn the lights on but the movie didn't keep me all that up. it is slow, but that's not necesarialy a problem. I'll definitely watch it again and all odds are that I'll love it once I really get into it. I just know I didn't get it, like you say... I absolutely loved "Burn After Reading" which is somewhat similar to this one: "small" movie with a lot of thing happening for no reason. SIDE NOTE: watched "Inglourious Basterds" again on friday, and I have to repeat what I first posted in these boards when I first watched it: if you at least don't get somewhat amused with this film, you have a serious problem, my friend. even my ex-girlfriend who's a "Twilight" series die-hard fan liked it when we watched in the movies.
"I'm just a humble motherfucker with a big ass dick"
The Bunk
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: J Geoff]
#595878
02/28/11 09:19 AM
02/28/11 09:19 AM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
Capo de La Cosa Nostra
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,543
Gateshead, UK
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Haha, I would think Twilight fans would be natural lovers of Inglorious Basterds. 
...dot com bold typeface rhetoric.
You go clickety click and get your head split.
'The hell you look like on a message board
Discussing whether or not the Brother is hardcore?
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion, Part II
[Re: Capo de La Cosa Nostra]
#596350
03/05/11 01:04 PM
03/05/11 01:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,190
Brazil
Tony Mosrite
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,190
Brazil
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Haha, I would think Twilight fans would be natural lovers of Inglorious Basterds. mostly, if a person is able to enjoy "Twilight", that means she is absolutely unable of appreciating other pieces of art that have something good to it. also I just re-read your thoughts on "Basterds" and it seems you have much more of them than I do. I couldn't come up with that many flaws even if I'd took Roger Ebert's diss class. also I think someone's feelings towards this kind of movie reflect something about this one's guy approach to life. I just like to sit and watch that nonsense and I don't care what the fuck Tarantino stands for. it just amuses the hell out of me.
"I'm just a humble motherfucker with a big ass dick"
The Bunk
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