As with any other artists, filmmakers can be pretty reclusive or very outspoken. That certainly has idiosincratic reasons but, in some cases, it’s also a good marketing strategy (I think Kubrick was a very intelligent manager of his public image). Nevertheless, I sincerely think that directors should thrive to promote their vision and ideas through the films they make and not by granting interviews or appearing in red carpet premieres. Leave the stardom for the actors, because directors are the men and women working behind the curtain and that’s how it should be. This allows people to think more about the works themselves and less about the personal lives of their authors.
I agree with those who consider “Zodiac” as Fincher’s major achievement. I disagree however with the criticism towards"The Game", a film I found meticulously crafted and very purpose oriented. Michael Douglas is outstanding there and Fincher swerves more towards a Hitchcockian style (and I do love that), as opposed to the depressing noir shades of his previous (and marvellous) “Seven”.
I like many of the opening sequences you guys mentioned, but I must recall the first minutes of M. Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable”. That wonderfull one shot sequence when Elijah is born and the doctor becomes horrified, finding the newborn with his arms and legs broken, is a spine chilling start, masterfully put to life with a beautiful use of a mirror. Truly outstanding.
We need to make a distinction between science fiction and fantasy. Though both genres are very speculative, their nature is quite different, in spite of crossover attempts made by some filmmakers (usualy with little success). I agree that there are more sci-fi films being made during this last couple of years, but the general level of quality is low. That may certainly be blamed on the CGI addiction that makes writers and directors forget about story and characters in order to pull eye-filling fireworks. There aren’t many filmmakers today to enhance the importance of the content instead of the form. And that’s really sad for I’m a fan of science fiction and I don’t see any 2001’s or Blade Runner’s in the works for the coming years.
What’s the true meaning of the auteur concept, as cooked up by Bazin and his fellow Cahier du Cinéma friends? Is that still valid today? There are many colossal directors that never wrote their scripts. Can that mean they’re lesser artists for that? For all I know the input of directors in the final scripts frequently goes uncredited. I firmly believe that some filmmmakers who succeed in the box office are also innovative, creative and auteurs in the true sense of the word. In fact, the talent to captivate the critics and the public alike is rare and should be rightfully admired.
I certainly hope Cronenberg gets back to shape with this films, whose producer is my fellow countryman Paulo Branco. I miss the disturbing psychological games, the surreal and outright supernatural strength of his best works.
It’s a relevant and ongoing debate. Is the creative talent, specially in what comes to scriptwriting, placing TV productions side-by-side or even ahead of most films? Personally I think that, though we still have great talents working for the big screen, some TV series boast amazing storylines, excellent casts of actors and great direction. What does the future hold?
I’m seeing HBO’s “Carnivále” and I think it’s an amazing piece of storytelling and visually quite compelling, with a beautiful cinematography (the sepia hue is glorious). Nowadays I find myself being compelled to see some TV series and, sadly, thrown away by the majority of film releases. For instance, this year has been quite meager in what comes to cinema and I certainly hope that until the end of 2009 I get to see 2 or 3 productions of really outstanding value. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a cinephile, but I guess there are reasons to be concerned about the course of current film production. At least we still have the classics…
There surely is a sociological (also political and economical) undercurrent in the latest stream of sci-fi movies. We’re getting works like “I am Legend”, “Knowing” and the upcoming “2012”, “The Road” and “The Book of Eli”, just to mention a few, all profoundly influenced by a eschatological view of the world. Are we watching a renaissance of the collective fears of the cold war, with the atom being replaced by chemical/biological terrorism or plain judaico-christian apocalypticism?
I actualy don’t think that cinema is restricted to Hollywood. I’m a European and I love the cinematic heritage of my continent, that is certainly comparable to the American or Asian. Unfortunately, though I see some good signs coming from isolated filmmakers in different european areas (the old Eastern Block is emerging in quite a strong fashion), the establishment of current old continent film production is oscilating between the Hollywoodesque style and the anti-Hollywood, pseudo-artistic films (a kind of affirmation through difference, whatever that means). I fear for cinema as a whole, regardless of geographic boundaries.
I’m Portuguese (born in Viseu and currently living in Almada) and, contrary to may of my countrymen I feel that there is a true European nature and heritage that we all share, in spite of profound cultural differences. I don’t agree with you in criticizing “The Prestige”. Actually it’s a film that I loved, but I guess we can’t all like the same works, can we?
I guess that Hopelessly Addicted’s theory may explain why many films are flops on the theatre and successful in the home movie (DVD) market. I’m still below the 35 year marker but I’m progressively being cast away from movie theatres due to the idiocy and disrespect of most of the spectators for those who are there to actually see the film. I’m tired of popcorn munching, mobile phone addicted jerks that destroy the whole moviegoing experience. I find myself becoming further attached to my DVD player, at least I can see the film in some peace. It may not be the case for everyone but I’m sure there are many out there who feel the same.
Maurice Jarre’s “Lawrence of Arabia” is a masterpiece. John Williams’ soundtracks are always potent, including the not so often remembered collaborations with Oliver Stone in JFK and Nixon, both great movies with excellent soundtracks. I also love James Newton Howard’s music for Shyamalan’s films and I can’t recommend just one, you have to listen to them all. To end I must underline the high quality of “The Mothman Prophecies” OST by Tomandandy. An amazingly atmospheric and quite disturbing work.
Brett is the ultimate Holmes. I own the complete series produced by Granada, including the feature length episodes. Masterful acting, secure directing and an unsurpassable production design. In my opinion it’s one of the best TV series ever.
Just a few that come to my mind for now:
Brad Anderson’s “Session 9” and “The Machinist” (more a thriller than a horror movie).
Mark Pellington’s “The Mothman Prophecies” (I loved it but sadly there aren’t many out there who agree).
Roman Polanski’s “Repulsion”, “Rosemary’s Baby”, “The Tenant” and “The Ninth Gate” (yes I did like this one too).
George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” (the original 1968 film is great).
David Cronenberg’s “The Dead Zone” and “The Fly” (classics).
Frank Darabont’s “The Mist”.
M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs”.
You won’t be disappointed. I just guess that after seeing it you won’t look very kindly towards the upcoming film with Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes. :)
I’ll have to go with the nay. Sure he’s talented, but he’s walking the fine line between sincere hommage and outright cliché. I liked Jackie Brown but his latter efforts are quite poor. And the upcoming Inglorious Basterds seems to be the bottom of the pit for his career, ate least in my humble opinion.
To put it simple, not everyone has the ability to write, to put ideas into words. That happens with everyone including directors. I do admire directors who also create their scripts, but that doesn’t diminish their talent and their ability as directors. A good script is always essential to make a good film, but that doesn’t mean it has to be written by the director. A filmmmaker can rely on the screenwriter, as on a cinematographer or a music score composer. Not everyone can be a multi-talented artist. But all we need is people who are great in their job and I do think David Fincher is very good in what he does as a director.
If you want the classic among classics go for Friedrich Murnau’s “Nosferatu”. Preferably choose the version with the electronic soundtrack by Art Zoyd that enhances the terror factor in the film. True masterpiece!
The Mysterious, Elusive Auteurs almost 3 years ago
As with any other artists, filmmakers can be pretty reclusive or very outspoken. That certainly has idiosincratic reasons but, in some cases, it’s also a good marketing strategy (I think Kubrick was a very intelligent manager of his public image). Nevertheless, I sincerely think that directors should thrive to promote their vision and ideas through the films they make and not by granting interviews or appearing in red carpet premieres. Leave the stardom for the actors, because directors are the men and women working behind the curtain and that’s how it should be. This allows people to think more about the works themselves and less about the personal lives of their authors.
Go to Comment
WHO IS / WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FILM ACTRESS EVER? almost 3 years ago
I’d say Rachel Weisz and Catherine Deneuve.
Go to Comment
DAVID FINCHER'S "THE GAME" almost 3 years ago
I agree with those who consider “Zodiac” as Fincher’s major achievement. I disagree however with the criticism towards"The Game", a film I found meticulously crafted and very purpose oriented. Michael Douglas is outstanding there and Fincher swerves more towards a Hitchcockian style (and I do love that), as opposed to the depressing noir shades of his previous (and marvellous) “Seven”.
Go to Comment
Best or Favorite Opening Sequence almost 3 years ago
I like many of the opening sequences you guys mentioned, but I must recall the first minutes of M. Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable”. That wonderfull one shot sequence when Elijah is born and the doctor becomes horrified, finding the newborn with his arms and legs broken, is a spine chilling start, masterfully put to life with a beautiful use of a mirror. Truly outstanding.
Go to Comment
Has Science Fiction taken over the movie screen? almost 3 years ago
We need to make a distinction between science fiction and fantasy. Though both genres are very speculative, their nature is quite different, in spite of crossover attempts made by some filmmakers (usualy with little success). I agree that there are more sci-fi films being made during this last couple of years, but the general level of quality is low. That may certainly be blamed on the CGI addiction that makes writers and directors forget about story and characters in order to pull eye-filling fireworks. There aren’t many filmmakers today to enhance the importance of the content instead of the form. And that’s really sad for I’m a fan of science fiction and I don’t see any 2001’s or Blade Runner’s in the works for the coming years.
Go to Comment
DAVID FINCHER'S "THE GAME" almost 3 years ago
What’s the true meaning of the auteur concept, as cooked up by Bazin and his fellow Cahier du Cinéma friends? Is that still valid today? There are many colossal directors that never wrote their scripts. Can that mean they’re lesser artists for that? For all I know the input of directors in the final scripts frequently goes uncredited. I firmly believe that some filmmmakers who succeed in the box office are also innovative, creative and auteurs in the true sense of the word. In fact, the talent to captivate the critics and the public alike is rare and should be rightfully admired.
Go to Comment
Has Science Fiction taken over the movie screen? almost 3 years ago
I haven’t seen that one yet (it hasn’t been released here in Portugal), but I’ve seen the trailer and it surely seems promising.
Go to Comment
Cronenberg Does Delillo almost 3 years ago
I certainly hope Cronenberg gets back to shape with this films, whose producer is my fellow countryman Paulo Branco. I miss the disturbing psychological games, the surreal and outright supernatural strength of his best works.
Go to Comment
Do you really consider that TV series have caught up with film in terms of quality? almost 3 years ago
It’s a relevant and ongoing debate. Is the creative talent, specially in what comes to scriptwriting, placing TV productions side-by-side or even ahead of most films? Personally I think that, though we still have great talents working for the big screen, some TV series boast amazing storylines, excellent casts of actors and great direction. What does the future hold?
Go to Comment
Do you really consider that TV series have caught up with film in terms of quality? almost 3 years ago
I’m seeing HBO’s “Carnivále” and I think it’s an amazing piece of storytelling and visually quite compelling, with a beautiful cinematography (the sepia hue is glorious). Nowadays I find myself being compelled to see some TV series and, sadly, thrown away by the majority of film releases. For instance, this year has been quite meager in what comes to cinema and I certainly hope that until the end of 2009 I get to see 2 or 3 productions of really outstanding value. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a cinephile, but I guess there are reasons to be concerned about the course of current film production. At least we still have the classics…
Go to Comment
Has Science Fiction taken over the movie screen? almost 3 years ago
There surely is a sociological (also political and economical) undercurrent in the latest stream of sci-fi movies. We’re getting works like “I am Legend”, “Knowing” and the upcoming “2012”, “The Road” and “The Book of Eli”, just to mention a few, all profoundly influenced by a eschatological view of the world. Are we watching a renaissance of the collective fears of the cold war, with the atom being replaced by chemical/biological terrorism or plain judaico-christian apocalypticism?
Go to Comment
Do you really consider that TV series have caught up with film in terms of quality? almost 3 years ago
I actualy don’t think that cinema is restricted to Hollywood. I’m a European and I love the cinematic heritage of my continent, that is certainly comparable to the American or Asian. Unfortunately, though I see some good signs coming from isolated filmmakers in different european areas (the old Eastern Block is emerging in quite a strong fashion), the establishment of current old continent film production is oscilating between the Hollywoodesque style and the anti-Hollywood, pseudo-artistic films (a kind of affirmation through difference, whatever that means). I fear for cinema as a whole, regardless of geographic boundaries.
Go to Comment
Do you really consider that TV series have caught up with film in terms of quality? almost 3 years ago
I’m Portuguese (born in Viseu and currently living in Almada) and, contrary to may of my countrymen I feel that there is a true European nature and heritage that we all share, in spite of profound cultural differences. I don’t agree with you in criticizing “The Prestige”. Actually it’s a film that I loved, but I guess we can’t all like the same works, can we?
Go to Comment
Do you really consider that TV series have caught up with film in terms of quality? almost 3 years ago
I guess that Hopelessly Addicted’s theory may explain why many films are flops on the theatre and successful in the home movie (DVD) market. I’m still below the 35 year marker but I’m progressively being cast away from movie theatres due to the idiocy and disrespect of most of the spectators for those who are there to actually see the film. I’m tired of popcorn munching, mobile phone addicted jerks that destroy the whole moviegoing experience. I find myself becoming further attached to my DVD player, at least I can see the film in some peace. It may not be the case for everyone but I’m sure there are many out there who feel the same.
Go to Comment
The Perfect Film Score almost 3 years ago
Maurice Jarre’s “Lawrence of Arabia” is a masterpiece. John Williams’ soundtracks are always potent, including the not so often remembered collaborations with Oliver Stone in JFK and Nixon, both great movies with excellent soundtracks. I also love James Newton Howard’s music for Shyamalan’s films and I can’t recommend just one, you have to listen to them all. To end I must underline the high quality of “The Mothman Prophecies” OST by Tomandandy. An amazingly atmospheric and quite disturbing work.
Go to Comment
Any Sherlock Holmes fans? almost 3 years ago
Brett is the ultimate Holmes. I own the complete series produced by Granada, including the feature length episodes. Masterful acting, secure directing and an unsurpassable production design. In my opinion it’s one of the best TV series ever.
Go to Comment
Help me find some good horror films almost 3 years ago
Just a few that come to my mind for now:
Brad Anderson’s “Session 9” and “The Machinist” (more a thriller than a horror movie).
Mark Pellington’s “The Mothman Prophecies” (I loved it but sadly there aren’t many out there who agree).
Roman Polanski’s “Repulsion”, “Rosemary’s Baby”, “The Tenant” and “The Ninth Gate” (yes I did like this one too).
George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” (the original 1968 film is great).
David Cronenberg’s “The Dead Zone” and “The Fly” (classics).
Frank Darabont’s “The Mist”.
M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs”.
Go to Comment
Any Sherlock Holmes fans? almost 3 years ago
You won’t be disappointed. I just guess that after seeing it you won’t look very kindly towards the upcoming film with Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes. :)
Go to Comment
Tarantino...yay or nay? And why? almost 3 years ago
I’ll have to go with the nay. Sure he’s talented, but he’s walking the fine line between sincere hommage and outright cliché. I liked Jackie Brown but his latter efforts are quite poor. And the upcoming Inglorious Basterds seems to be the bottom of the pit for his career, ate least in my humble opinion.
Go to Comment
Help me find some good horror films almost 3 years ago
Yes, “Don’t Look Now” is fantastic. I surely endorse that choice too.
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Deeply Uplifting Films almost 3 years ago
“The Shawshank Redemption” definitely.
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Deeply Uplifting Films almost 3 years ago
“The Shawshank Redemption” definitely.
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what film changed you almost 3 years ago
“A Clockwork Orange” surely was an eye opener both towards the richness of cinema and music, particularly Beethoven.
Go to Comment
DAVID FINCHER'S "THE GAME" almost 3 years ago
To put it simple, not everyone has the ability to write, to put ideas into words. That happens with everyone including directors. I do admire directors who also create their scripts, but that doesn’t diminish their talent and their ability as directors. A good script is always essential to make a good film, but that doesn’t mean it has to be written by the director. A filmmmaker can rely on the screenwriter, as on a cinematographer or a music score composer. Not everyone can be a multi-talented artist. But all we need is people who are great in their job and I do think David Fincher is very good in what he does as a director.
Go to Comment
Most traumatizing scene in a film....... almost 3 years ago
Pasolini’s “Saló” is traumatizing and disgusting. I guess some people would also mention “Bambi” :)
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Best Cinematographers almost 3 years ago
Vilmos Zsigmond
Jack Cardiff
Darius Khondji
Eduardo Serra
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Best Cinematographers almost 3 years ago
Vilmos Zsigmond
Jack Cardiff
Darius Khondji
Eduardo Serra
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Favorite Romances of all time almost 3 years ago
My favourite is “Shadowlands”. It’s a tragic romance masterfully played by Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Truly unforgettable,
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Favorite Romances of all time almost 3 years ago
My favourite is “Shadowlands”. It’s a tragic romance masterfully played by Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Truly unforgettable,
Go to Comment
Help me find some good horror films almost 3 years ago
If you want the classic among classics go for Friedrich Murnau’s “Nosferatu”. Preferably choose the version with the electronic soundtrack by Art Zoyd that enhances the terror factor in the film. True masterpiece!
Go to Comment