Though I am not a huge fan of Gus Van Sant’s work, I do think his cinematographer does a brilliant job. His movies are beautiful to look at. I especially liked the visuals (and sounds) of Paranoid Park.
I’m in a similar situation as Tom McKenna, but with one crucial part changed: I’m a young teenager, with many movies I’ve yet to watch, but I simply cannot enjoy Magnolia. Generally I enjoy the P.T. Anderson’s films; in fact, at a cursory glance everything about Magnolia seems to be exactly the kind of movie I would love. But when I actually watched it, I thought it was ridiculous. Everyone in the movie operates in emotional extremes, characters feel like generic, cinematic cardboard stock, and by the end of the heinously edited melodrama fest everyone has a runny nose and swollen, puffy eyes. And that’s not even mentioning the sing-a-long. I just felt like this movie was everything I don’t like in a movie: bloated, saggy, and melodramatic.
I think I sound like I hate the film a lot more than I actually do; there were a lot of things it did right as well. The introduction had me absolutely prepared for what seemed to be an amazing cinematic experience, and I found myself wishing the game show plot was its own movie.
Could somebody please try to articulate what makes this movie so great? I know that that in itself is kind of an ignorant question, as in films effect people on different levels and such and such, but it would really help me out in my movie-watching life if I could at least get a glimpse at why this movie works for others and not me, or if maybe I’m just a daft punk who runs his mouth off with hastily written idiocy and stupid house band references.
In no particular order: Annie Hall, Purple Rose of Cairo, Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters. My list is dumb though, as I’ve only seen about a fourth of Woody Allen’s movies, with a large slant towards his “less well received” films.
I did see Vicky Christina Barcelona though, and I thought it was, well, not so good. It just didn’t feel cinematic at all to me, more just a humorless and thoroughly unnecessary narrator telling (not showing) the audience how two American girls get from scene to scene (to scene to scene to scene.)
I was just confused at how critics were praising this film for things that (in my opinion) they usually hate films for. I feel like I’m missing a subtlety or a crucial theme.
Oh, Rushmore! Jason Schwartzman, Wes Anderson, and Bill Murray are quite a potent combination.
I think I like Little Miss Sunshine way to much. The opening character introductions are just so perfect (Olive’s eyes…) and the such-a-train-wreck-I-can’t-look-away ending just gets to me every single time I watch it. And I’ve watched that movie too many times.
I also really like the movies Primer and American Movie. Primer is an amazing feat of crafty film making on a shoe string budget (not to mention, um, being really good and all) and American Movie is an amazing feat of crappy film making on a shoe string budget. American Movie leaves me feeling almost dirty, and I mean that in the best way possible.
I think Napoleon Dynamite is good for a cheap laugh, but that’s about it. I can’t remember where I saw it, but I remember reading an article where the author said (I’m paraphrasing) “it’s easier to hold such weird characters at arms length and laugh at them, then hold them close (like say… a Wes Anderson film).” I agree with that 100%.
Halim, that Hilary Duff clone was Hilary Duff’s sister! I don’t know if that was the joke, but I just wanted to say that. :)
Pulp Fiction was a shot in the arm for me. Up until then, I had never seen a film with such a flippant regard for profanity, violence, and everything unholy and ungodly in the view of my sheltered Christian upbringing. But the part that really makes this movie so influential for me is the jumbled chronology. I had never seen anything like it. Damn near singed my brain when I realized the story was running circles around itself.
Regarding Baumbach: I liked Kicking and Screaming. I thought everything else was kind of… just ok. I didn’t see much revolutionary, or even particularly noteworthy, of the Squid and the Whale. I thought it blended too well with the pack of dysfunctional-family independent dramas/dark comedies.
Also, I’d like to add those guys that make those heinous “parody” movies to this list.
Napoleon Dynamite. Hot Topic capitalized on the catchphrases of its idiosyncratic character, and as a result, many people simply like the film because of the “silly” things our eponymous character says. I actually don’t really like this movie, but theres more to it than “Vote for Pedro” and “Lygers”
“Day After Tomorrow.” When I first saw it, I thought it was the best thing ever put to film (or green screen, hehe). Of course, back then I thought Adam Sandler was the epitome of comedy, but even now, I can’t shake off how giddy this unapologetically stupid movie makes me. Pretty embarrassing.
Does Criterion release animated films? If so, I’d love to see Paprika or Tokyo Godfathers on their catalog (of anything by Satoshi Kon for that matter.)
Exiting Arm by Subtle was their best effort yet, in my opinion. Pocahaunted’s new LP is fantastic (if you’re into drone music), and Wavves’ new cassette is pure fun.
I enjoyed the film. You could do a lot worse this summer.
In regards to the criticism of hyped-up uberfans slamming the movie into the top 5 greatest films ever on IMDB, I couldn’t care less. The only thing I use IMDB for is finding out who worked on what movie and things like that. One must remember that the people who rate the movies are the same ones who post on the forums, and well, we all know what those troll infested swamps are like.
Come to think of it, Double Post could be a cute movie title.
And here are some more I’d like to add: Man Bites Dog (I think it was a Mark Twain quote?), Ghost in the Shell (I’ve actually never seen the movie or read the manga, but the title intrigues me so), Autumn Sonata (I guess its kind of cliché, but someone else brought up Bergman and I’m fond of this movie), Carnival of Souls (hehe), Eyes Without a Face (simple and direct; much like the film, it doesn’t beat around the bush.)
The Onion A.V. Club has a a few columns that I really enjoy reading, specifically “New Cult Cannon” and “I Watched This on Purpose.” You won’t find any monumental insights or ideas or anything like that, but the articles are short and often hilarious, as is the rest of the sight.
TOP 5 Childhood Films over 3 years ago
I loved the Brave Little Toaster.
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D.I.Y. Film Playlist over 3 years ago
Theme: Torture
1.) Epic Movie
2.) Epic Movie
3.) Epic Movie
4.) Epic Movie
5.) Epic Movie
6.) Epic Movie
In between showings audience members will be subjected to select excerpts from Epic Movie and Epic Movie.
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The Great Cinematographers over 3 years ago
Though I am not a huge fan of Gus Van Sant’s work, I do think his cinematographer does a brilliant job. His movies are beautiful to look at. I especially liked the visuals (and sounds) of Paranoid Park.
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Can we talk about "Magnolia" for a bit? over 3 years ago
I’m in a similar situation as Tom McKenna, but with one crucial part changed: I’m a young teenager, with many movies I’ve yet to watch, but I simply cannot enjoy Magnolia. Generally I enjoy the P.T. Anderson’s films; in fact, at a cursory glance everything about Magnolia seems to be exactly the kind of movie I would love. But when I actually watched it, I thought it was ridiculous. Everyone in the movie operates in emotional extremes, characters feel like generic, cinematic cardboard stock, and by the end of the heinously edited melodrama fest everyone has a runny nose and swollen, puffy eyes. And that’s not even mentioning the sing-a-long. I just felt like this movie was everything I don’t like in a movie: bloated, saggy, and melodramatic.
I think I sound like I hate the film a lot more than I actually do; there were a lot of things it did right as well. The introduction had me absolutely prepared for what seemed to be an amazing cinematic experience, and I found myself wishing the game show plot was its own movie.
Could somebody please try to articulate what makes this movie so great? I know that that in itself is kind of an ignorant question, as in films effect people on different levels and such and such, but it would really help me out in my movie-watching life if I could at least get a glimpse at why this movie works for others and not me, or if maybe I’m just a daft punk who runs his mouth off with hastily written idiocy and stupid house band references.
Go to Comment
Your favorite Woody Allen's film? over 3 years ago
In no particular order: Annie Hall, Purple Rose of Cairo, Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters. My list is dumb though, as I’ve only seen about a fourth of Woody Allen’s movies, with a large slant towards his “less well received” films.
I did see Vicky Christina Barcelona though, and I thought it was, well, not so good. It just didn’t feel cinematic at all to me, more just a humorless and thoroughly unnecessary narrator telling (not showing) the audience how two American girls get from scene to scene (to scene to scene to scene.)
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Best of Recent Asian Cinema over 3 years ago
Battle Royale was a real treat.
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Your Favorite Michel Gondry Film? over 3 years ago
Definitely agree with Dave Narco. Kaufman and Gondry are quite a team.
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The Great Cinematographers over 3 years ago
Oh, thanks DKAZ! I guess I should do my homework next time. :p
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Best Musicians Turned "Actors" over 3 years ago
I see John Lurie has been spoken for, so I’m going to add Richard Edson to this list (just saw Stranger Than Paradise, haha.)
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Can we talk about "Magnolia" for a bit? over 3 years ago
I was just confused at how critics were praising this film for things that (in my opinion) they usually hate films for. I feel like I’m missing a subtlety or a crucial theme.
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Some Movies that always lifts You up are... over 3 years ago
Oh, Rushmore! Jason Schwartzman, Wes Anderson, and Bill Murray are quite a potent combination.
I think I like Little Miss Sunshine way to much. The opening character introductions are just so perfect (Olive’s eyes…) and the such-a-train-wreck-I-can’t-look-away ending just gets to me every single time I watch it. And I’ve watched that movie too many times.
I also really like the movies Primer and American Movie. Primer is an amazing feat of crafty film making on a shoe string budget (not to mention, um, being really good and all) and American Movie is an amazing feat of crappy film making on a shoe string budget. American Movie leaves me feeling almost dirty, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Go to Comment
Some Movies that always lifts You up are... over 3 years ago
I think Napoleon Dynamite is good for a cheap laugh, but that’s about it. I can’t remember where I saw it, but I remember reading an article where the author said (I’m paraphrasing) “it’s easier to hold such weird characters at arms length and laugh at them, then hold them close (like say… a Wes Anderson film).” I agree with that 100%.
Halim, that Hilary Duff clone was Hilary Duff’s sister! I don’t know if that was the joke, but I just wanted to say that. :)
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Your Favorite Michel Gondry Film? over 3 years ago
The last lines of Eternal Sunshine send shivers down my spine. :) So much crammed into such a simple word (“okay.”)
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the hate corner over 3 years ago
I’ve got to agree with Mao. After cringing through the 3 hour boat crash that is Magnolia, I was left stupefied.
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Films you love but most people hate. over 3 years ago
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls!
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Films that changed how you looked at cinema over 3 years ago
Pulp Fiction was a shot in the arm for me. Up until then, I had never seen a film with such a flippant regard for profanity, violence, and everything unholy and ungodly in the view of my sheltered Christian upbringing. But the part that really makes this movie so influential for me is the jumbled chronology. I had never seen anything like it. Damn near singed my brain when I realized the story was running circles around itself.
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Directors that consistently make terrible films over 3 years ago
Regarding Baumbach: I liked Kicking and Screaming. I thought everything else was kind of… just ok. I didn’t see much revolutionary, or even particularly noteworthy, of the Squid and the Whale. I thought it blended too well with the pack of dysfunctional-family independent dramas/dark comedies.
Also, I’d like to add those guys that make those heinous “parody” movies to this list.
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SONGS (MUSIC ) ABOUT ACTORS OR FILMMAKERS over 3 years ago
Japanther has a song about River Phoenix. It isn’t particularly insightful, but I like Japanther. :)
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FANTASY ARTHOUSE DOUBLE FEATURE over 3 years ago
“Lilo and Stitch/Salo”
- Simon
Haha! I haven’t watched Salò, but I hear its gruesome, to say the least. I love that pairing!
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Movies people seem to love for all the wrong reasons. over 3 years ago
Napoleon Dynamite. Hot Topic capitalized on the catchphrases of its idiosyncratic character, and as a result, many people simply like the film because of the “silly” things our eponymous character says. I actually don’t really like this movie, but theres more to it than “Vote for Pedro” and “Lygers”
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Guilty Pleasures over 3 years ago
“Day After Tomorrow.” When I first saw it, I thought it was the best thing ever put to film (or green screen, hehe). Of course, back then I thought Adam Sandler was the epitome of comedy, but even now, I can’t shake off how giddy this unapologetically stupid movie makes me. Pretty embarrassing.
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December Films (poll) over 3 years ago
From the trailers, The Brothers Bloom is looking to be pretty lame, but I’m looking forward to it anyways because I enjoyed Brick so much.
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WHICH MOVIES...PUT OUT IN LAST 5 YEARS...DO YOU THINK WILL ONE DAY JOIN THE CRITERION COLLECTION? over 3 years ago
Does Criterion release animated films? If so, I’d love to see Paprika or Tokyo Godfathers on their catalog (of anything by Satoshi Kon for that matter.)
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Top Albums of the Year (aka What rocks your ipod) 2008 over 3 years ago
Exiting Arm by Subtle was their best effort yet, in my opinion. Pocahaunted’s new LP is fantastic (if you’re into drone music), and Wavves’ new cassette is pure fun.
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What was the first Criterion movie you watched? over 3 years ago
The 400 Blows
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Anybody else hate the Dark Knight? over 3 years ago
I enjoyed the film. You could do a lot worse this summer.
In regards to the criticism of hyped-up uberfans slamming the movie into the top 5 greatest films ever on IMDB, I couldn’t care less. The only thing I use IMDB for is finding out who worked on what movie and things like that. One must remember that the people who rate the movies are the same ones who post on the forums, and well, we all know what those troll infested swamps are like.
Go to Comment
Best title over 3 years ago
Come to think of it, Double Post could be a cute movie title.
And here are some more I’d like to add: Man Bites Dog (I think it was a Mark Twain quote?), Ghost in the Shell (I’ve actually never seen the movie or read the manga, but the title intrigues me so), Autumn Sonata (I guess its kind of cliché, but someone else brought up Bergman and I’m fond of this movie), Carnival of Souls (hehe), Eyes Without a Face (simple and direct; much like the film, it doesn’t beat around the bush.)
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Best title over 3 years ago
Oh, ok. Thanks for the clear up Alonso!
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CONFESSIONS--FILMS YOU ARE ASHAMED TO SAY YOU HAVE NOT SEEN (YET) over 3 years ago
The Passion of Joan of Arc
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Best Online Film Resources over 3 years ago
The Onion A.V. Club has a a few columns that I really enjoy reading, specifically “New Cult Cannon” and “I Watched This on Purpose.” You won’t find any monumental insights or ideas or anything like that, but the articles are short and often hilarious, as is the rest of the sight.
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