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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93370
04/12/06 07:45 AM
04/12/06 07:45 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,735
Lavinia from Italy
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Underboss
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,735
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Yesterday I finally managed to watch Crash. I admit I was a little biased because this movie was awarded BP at the Oscars instead of my beloved Brokeback Mountain. :p But at the end I found it to be a good movie. Very good, in fact. Definitely not a great movie, nothing unforgettable (which BBM is, IMO) but certainly a movie with a message, thought provoking and very well acted. So its victory at the oscars isn't such a scandal....if only BBM wasn't among its competitors. Just my two cents, as usual.... 
I don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don't tell the truth. I tell what ought to be truth (Blanche/A streetcar named desire)
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93374
04/12/06 10:19 PM
04/12/06 10:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,249 Desolation Row
Don Sonny Corleone
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Underboss
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,249
Desolation Row
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Match Point Man, what a great movie. Definately doent have (much) of a Woody Allen feel.A boring pretentious piece about Brittish upper class. For the first 90 minustes I couldnt figure out why it was Allen's "grand slam". But the last half hour makes it all worthwhile. I cant help but smile as I type this Amazing 4/4
If winners never lose, well, then a loser sure can sing the blues.
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93376
04/13/06 01:04 PM
04/13/06 01:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,155 Some anonymous motel room.
Don Vercetti
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,155
Some anonymous motel room.
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Another film watched at school. American History X - (Tony Kaye;1998;USA) After a Neo-Nazi is released from prison, he tries to save his younger brother from the same fate.There may be one or two instances in this film that go a little far with melodrama, but that aside, this is a very powerful film. Kaye manages to hold it together with a taut direction, and the performances are even better, especially from Edward Norton, in what may be his best role acting-wise. The scene where Norton is arrested in the street is piercing, and the image of him with that glare on his face is burned into my mind. It also has more to say about racism than Crash.
Proud Member of the Gangster BB Bratpack - Fighting Elitism and Ignorance Since 2006
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93377
04/13/06 02:36 PM
04/13/06 02:36 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,145 East Tennessee
ronnierocketAGO
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,145
East Tennessee
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AMERICAN HISTORY X is about as deep as a piece of paper, in terms of writing and directing.
However, it is the ACTING that makes this movie worth watching, from Edward Norton's Oscar-nominated turn to even Ed Furlong(before his smack-addiction killed his career) doing solid work, and hey, I can't say no to THE Keach!
If anything, the movie's greatest scene to which I liked in terms of writing is one that hardly anyone talks about.
*SPOILERS*
With Furlong writing that flashback to Norton's executions of those black criminals, remember that he types of how Furlong, if he had fully testified to what he saw, would have probably sent his older brother to a life/death sentence instead of a 7-year(or 5, I can't remember) prison term.
Then again, I sort of prefer the original scripted ending, to which with no dialogue, we watch how after his little brother's death at the school, Edward Norton then proceeds to shave his hair off. However, not with the angry viciousness that we saw his eyes display earlier as a skinhead, but now his eyes are just totally disapointed, disillusioned, you name it.
Still, a good film...and yes, it wipes its ass with that piece of shit CRASH. Funny enough, I'm surprised that Lavinia hasn't gone MAMA MIA over me for not liking it, like with DEER HUNTER and others.
AMERICAN HISTORY X(1998) - ***
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93381
04/13/06 04:02 PM
04/13/06 04:02 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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"Say" as in educate?
Art has no purpose other than to exist in a state of constant subjectivity, to the point that even a work of art's reason for having been made is down to personal opinion; it comes with no responsibility responsibility to teach or educate or inform. "Meaning", in Art, as is "Message", is abstract; it goes beyond narrative understanding or subtracting concrete intentions of authors.
It produces in us feelings of which only Nature is capable. In fact, I'd say Art is merely an internalisation of the external Nature in which it exists, in which it is created. It is an aesthetic, artificial response to the world, a reflection of its beauty, and yearning for comprehension of that beauty. Ugliness (racism in this case) is just an irregular form of beauty (human condition, nature, life in general, whatever that is supposed to be); because ugliness is mostly always considered something to "tackle" (hence "issue films" such as Crash and whatnot), many assume the films that do so are meant to, or are indeed supposed to, educate us and teach us all how to be better human beings. Whether or not they do is besides the point, since that would be down to audience involvement, not artistic intentions. We don't understand anything, so a work of art has no right, or responsibility, or qualification, to teach us.
So, to relate all of what I just said to what we're talking about, what, beyond "Racism is bad" (which is common sense anyway) does American History X "say" that Crash does not?
...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
#93383
04/13/06 08:50 PM
04/13/06 08:50 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,046 Miami, FL
Don Andrew
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,046
Miami, FL
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Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO: Then again, I sort of prefer the original scripted ending, to which with no dialogue, we watch how after his little brother's death at the school, Edward Norton then proceeds to shave his hair off. However, not with the angry viciousness that we saw his eyes display earlier as a skinhead, but now his eyes are just totally disapointed, disillusioned, you name it. I agree. Funny, I got this response when I posted that I liked the original ending at another message board, Disagree. That would undermine the message of the current film & be a completely different picture. It would also most likely be viewed as glorifying the Neo-Nazi life-style & be branded a racist movie. Basically, it would go down in history right next to Birth of a Nation. 
Hey, how's it going?
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93385
04/14/06 03:02 AM
04/14/06 03:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,735
Lavinia from Italy
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,735
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Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra: "Say" as in educate?
Art has no purpose other than to exist in a state of constant subjectivity, to the point that even a work of art's reason for having been made is down to personal opinion; it comes with no responsibility responsibility to teach or educate or inform. "Meaning", in Art, as is "Message", is abstract; it goes beyond narrative understanding or subtracting concrete intentions of authors.
It produces in us feelings of which only Nature is capable. In fact, I'd say Art is merely an internalisation of the external Nature in which it exists, in which it is created. It is an aesthetic, artificial response to the world, a reflection of its beauty, and yearning for comprehension of that beauty. Ugliness (racism in this case) is just an irregular form of beauty (human condition, nature, life in general, whatever that is supposed to be); because ugliness is mostly always considered something to "tackle" (hence "issue films" such as Crash and whatnot), many assume the films that do so are meant to, or are indeed supposed to, educate us and teach us all how to be better human beings. Whether or not they do is besides the point, since that would be down to audience involvement, not artistic intentions. We don't understand anything, so a work of art has no right, or responsibility, or qualification, to teach us.
So, to relate all of what I just said to what we're talking about, what, beyond "Racism is bad" (which is common sense anyway) does American History X "say" that Crash does not? Mick, are you sure you are only 18?  How can a 18 years old boy be so knowledgeable and wise without being also unbearably tedious? I feel like embracing you now, darling. (((((((((((((((((((Mick)))))))))))))))))))))))
I don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don't tell the truth. I tell what ought to be truth (Blanche/A streetcar named desire)
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93388
04/14/06 03:48 PM
04/14/06 03:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,455 California
XDCX
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,455
California
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Le Samouraï (Melville/1967/France) (1st time) I'll reserve my final rating until I view the film again (I have to watch a film at least twice before I'm comfortable rating it). Suffice it to say, my expectations were rather high for this film. I was impressed. I'm most impressed at how Melville draws us into the story before a word is even spoken. This is my first Melville film, and after watching this, I'm anxious to check out more of his work.
"Growing up my dad was like 'You have a great last name, Galifianakis. Galifianakis...begins with a gal...and ends with a kiss...' I'm like that's great dad, can we get it changed to 'Galifianafuck' please?" -- Zach Galifianakis
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93389
04/14/06 04:15 PM
04/14/06 04:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,155 Some anonymous motel room.
Don Vercetti
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,155
Some anonymous motel room.
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Glad you liked it. I've seen some of Melville's work, but eMule's ridiculously slow downloading lately has hindered me from seeing more of his or anyone else's work. Le Samouraï The Samurai Le Cercle Rouge The Red Circle Bob le flambeur Bob the Gambler Le Doulos The Finger Man Un Flic A Cop 
Proud Member of the Gangster BB Bratpack - Fighting Elitism and Ignorance Since 2006
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93390
04/14/06 04:46 PM
04/14/06 04:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,210
DonVitoCorleone
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Underboss
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,210
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Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx: [b]Le Samouraï (Melville/1967/France) (1st time) I'll reserve my final rating until I view the film again (I have to watch a film at least twice before I'm comfortable rating it). Suffice it to say, my expectations were rather high for this film. I was impressed. I'm most impressed at how Melville draws us into the story before a word is even spoken. This is my first Melville film, and after watching this, I'm anxious to check out more of his work. [/b] I watched this today as well. My second time. It was even better than the first.
I dig farmers don't shoot me please!
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93392
04/15/06 07:51 PM
04/15/06 07:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,246
MistaMista Tom Hagen
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Underboss
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,246
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Thank You For Smoking 2006/Reitman
Starring Aaron Eckhart, William H. Macy, Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Sam Elliot, and Maria Bello.
I had fairly high expectations going into this film as it's getting pretty solid reviews all across the board and it sports a stellar cast. I was happy that I was able to go into the film knowing not much more than that though, so I had a fairly open mind.
The film wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be. A kind of strange cross behind an outright satire and a regular dramatic piece, the film seemed as though it couldn't make up its mind as to which direction to go, and this versatility didn't make it any better.
I was happy with Aaron Eckhart's performance in the first film I've seen him in. And I thought the rest of the cast was pretty perfect for their parts as well. I especially liked the inclusion of David Koechner who I recognized from Anchorman.
Duvall was in excellent form. He seems to be fully embracing his status as senior statesman of Hollywood. His scenes were good but I felt he was somewhat under-used. Reitman's direction was nothing fantastic to speak of. Solid but not spectacular, with a few inspired moments here and there.
One unintentionally funny moment in the film was our introduction to Katie Holmes' character. Before we ever see her, she is described as being amazingly gorgeous, great body, simply stunning, etc, etc. And then after all that build-up, we get plain little Katie Holmes, who I've never found that attractive. Seems as though the writing didn't quite fit her exactly.
Overall, the film was just ok. It got a bit too moral and cutesy at times with the storyline with Eckhart's son, but it all came out alright in the end.
3/5 Stars
I dream in widescreen.
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93393
04/16/06 12:00 AM
04/16/06 12:00 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,246
MistaMista Tom Hagen
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,246
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Ali 2001/Mann
Starring Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Mykelti Williamson, and Jada Pinkett Smith
Spike Lee seems to have summed it up best when he questioned how a "boring film could be made about one of the most exciting figures of the 20th century." To me, that's exactly what this film came off as; boring. Uninspired. Yes, Will Smith's transformation from Fresh Prince to boxing legend is an admirable one, and yes, there is little wrong with Mann's lighting, shot framing, and overall composition. But for christsakes, for a film that tells the viewers very little about its subject, why is this thing so god damn long?
But, I did really enjoy Jon Voight's performance as Howard Cosell. I'm glad he received a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor nod. And Mykelti Williamson as Don King was a nice addition to the last half of the film.
As far as the film itself, in this one, unfortunately, boredom delivers a knockout punch.
2.5/5 Stars
I dream in widescreen.
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Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion
#93395
04/16/06 12:33 AM
04/16/06 12:33 AM
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,190 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Don Jasani
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,190
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Haven't seen Ali but I think that Spike Lee if he did say that, was an arrogant and racist prick for having said so. I'm not black, but does that mean that I can't write a book about Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Colin Powell, Malcolm X or whoever...give me a break. :rolleyes:
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