I am going with Paths of Glory. it had it all; Great cinematography, a great existential story and it moved, it had a heart beat. You can mention some pretty decent acting when it comes to Paths of Glory, too
I know this will be compeltely out of place here, but this film meant a lot to me in college and still resonates with me today, a s few years after graduation: Fight Club
1) Fight Club
2) A Clockwork Orange
3) Vertigo
4) The Godfather (1 & 2)
5) Goodfellas
6) The Battle of Algiers
7) Citizen Kane
8) Dr. Strangelove
9) Strangers on a Train
10) Rushmore
This is a good topic. I am a musician and can honestly say, if i did not obtain music without paying for it, i would nto be the same person i am today. Also, being a musician and releasing an album, for me, i feel that as long as soemone is listening than i dont mind/care how they obtained the songs. this point can be applied to film, i think most “artists” will just want their film to be watched, no matter the means the viewer takes to watch.
Frankly, i think this has been a pretty bad year for movies, especialyl oscar worthy ones, there is nothing i am really looking forward to seeing. Synecdoche, New York looks pretty awesoem, but i know i wont see it until it comes out on dvd. Doubt also looks enticing. The Dark Knight will not end up being the best film of the year, but it is pretty damn good and entertaining.
I will be the first to properly answer the original question: Waking life, to me, is a meditation.
He tries to create a film but there is no real tangible story. basically it consists of a few intereseting viniettes that discuss some way out there topics, mainly philosophical. in college, this film kept my friends talking and discussing for hours and hours. hell! i still try to see in 360 when i dream!
2007 was a pretty awesome year for films but 2008 has kind of stunk. really, beyond a few of the big blockbuster films of the summer, in which i enjoyed on non cerebral level, i really can’t think of anything else i really enjoyed this year. i have yet to see Synecdoche, New York which i am really looking forward to, so there is some hope. Am I missing something, is there some secret sub-genre of awesome film i have missed in 2008, or was this just a really poor year for film?
I am not saying that there weren’t any decent movies throughout the year, my point is that there was not anything of real sustenance or originality created in 2008. i think that a lot of the movies that are going to be suggested are basically the same film, re-hashed with different actors. I can’t really see a huge difference between A Christmas Tale, Rachel Getting Married or Wendy and Lucy. all slow melodramas revolving around someone who is depressed or “misunderstood”. a main reason i wanted to start this thread was to get some ideas of newer films to watch, so thank you for posting some suggestions and keep ’em coming!!
A Christmas Tale:
“a tale about members of a dysfunctional family who come together for a strained and animosity-filled Christmas reunion.”
Rachel getting married:
“a former model who’s been in and out of rehab for 10 years, returns to her parents’ home just before the wedding of her sister, Rachel long-standing family conflicts begin to resurface”
W & L:
" But her journey takes a heartbreaking detour when her beloved dog, Lucy, goes missing and her car decides to conk out in Oregon. There was a time when Wendy had nothing to lose, but now she could lose everything."
The first two are the same movie with different characters and you could basically just throw in W & L in for a few extra tears.
the movie is not for everyone and not great, but I think the film was decent, even though it lacked a cohesive “point”. I agree with aoaijea, that the movie is very free, and that that seems to be a theme in his last few films (Elephant and Last Days). I like the idea of putting nobodies in these films so that you, the audience member, can relate a little more easily with the character because it isn’t someone famous, it is just some person and that person could be you. plus, these 3 films are indie flicks and they are supposed to be ultra artsy and out there?
i agree with Drew about our generation. i am in my mid 20’s and got really into film when i was in college, but i found it very hard to discuss films that were not in the mainstream, with my fellow peers. however, i have a few friends that are into films that i like, but even still, they would have never heard of many of the directors or films mentioned on this site.
I own the Milestone version of The Trial and i think it is pretty good quality, no complaints really. I have also mentioned in a past thread that I would love to se emore of Welles’ work put out on US region DVD. I am a huge Welles fan and have yet to see Chimes or Ambersons and i would really like to. so if anyone can suggest a US region version of either of these 2 films, it would be appreciated. Also, if anyone knows of any other decent Kafka novels that have been made into films and are available in the US region format, i would appreciate that. One last item; do not buy Welles’ version of Don Quixote that has recently been released on DVD, it is horrible and unwatchable.
I just recently found out that this film was to be released by criterion, ironically at the same time i had planned on reading the novel. i am actually really excited for both. Is the Book as rad as apparently the movie is?
This is the onyl Kubrick film i have not seen. i am kind of hesitant because i have heard soooooo many mixed reviews and i dont want this film to ruin my view of Mr. Kubrick. but, i know i will see it eventually, and probably sooner than later.
As far as the age thing is concerned, i am in my twenties and can remember seeing stuff i shouldn’t have, by law, at an early age. i would actually say that i don’t think viewing R-Rated films before i was legally supposed to has had any traumatic effect on me, and it is no one elses decision beyond my own and my parents whether or not i should see/experience something. The only concsequence, that i can see, that someone seeing a movie before an appropriate maturity level, is that they will be unable to fully experience and appreciate the film.
Although i liked No Country much more than There WIll Be Blood, i think history will be more kind to There WIll Be Blood and it will everntually be deemed a classic/masterpiece. American Beauty, a film that i love, had some power at first, but has seemed to have lost some steam in regards to becoming a calssic/masterpiece. Also (and i am aware of the the fact that i am going to compeltely nerd up my statement), less we forget the Lord Of The Rings films? I completely believe they are masterpeices (as a whole).
Personally, I love American Beauty and thought that it was the first American Masterpiece in a very long time, when it was released. American Beauty really introduced me to film as an art form, as something that can inspire and move. I am really surprised how much steam this film has lost since its original release and I am really surprised how many people do not like the film. I thought for sure I would see it on top 100 lists, specifically AFI’s.
I have seen the Ice Storm and feel that American Beauty Is a far superior film, probably because i can relate with the era the film takes place in and because American Beauty digs deeper and, without boundaries, shows us the duplicity of man.
I watched The Spy Who Came In From The Cold about a month ago and was really excited to see it. I thoroughly enjoy spy/international/globe-trotting thrillers (this does, of course, include the Bond canon). I must admit, I was disappointed in The Spy… it just did not hold my attention, even though I really wanted to like, I just could not get into it. I am not sure why, maybe it was one of those night where I forced myself to watch a film even though I was not in the mood. I can say, that I do remember being slightly confused in the beginning and not really knowing why he had to perform on last mission. Should I Rewatch it again and maybe with a little more concentration?
Alright, so I just watched this film, albeit, in 2 parts and I was not really scared at all. in fact, I was kind of bored, especially during the first half. the synopsis claims that the movie is open ended on what actually occurred, well, that is an understatement. the story never gave you any real insight to a possibility, except for aliens. I am assuming this film was scary for its era, I do not think it has stands up today.
Alright, I just watched Synecdoche, New York and it is clearly the savior, for the 2008 year in film, that i was looking for. i can’t stop thinking about it and i can’t wait to watch it again!
I really wanted to like this film but it just took too much for me to get into the beginning and middle, that by the time they were in hell, i was spent and could not really enjoy that part of the film, as i know i normally would have.
What is Kubrick's Most Under-Appreciated Film? over 3 years ago
I am going with Paths of Glory. it had it all; Great cinematography, a great existential story and it moved, it had a heart beat. You can mention some pretty decent acting when it comes to Paths of Glory, too
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If you had to pick ONE film as your favorite... over 3 years ago
I know this will be compeltely out of place here, but this film meant a lot to me in college and still resonates with me today, a s few years after graduation: Fight Club
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Top Albums of the Year (aka What rocks your ipod) 2008 over 3 years ago
Los Campesinos! – Hold on now, youngster
I agree with Liam, that Saturday = Youth is awesome and would certainly make my top ten list.
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What's your Top 10? over 3 years ago
1) Fight Club
2) A Clockwork Orange
3) Vertigo
4) The Godfather (1 & 2)
5) Goodfellas
6) The Battle of Algiers
7) Citizen Kane
8) Dr. Strangelove
9) Strangers on a Train
10) Rushmore
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Who do you think the most overrated director is? over 3 years ago
Sergio Leone and Robert Altman…blow (sorry)
Fredo, you are sooooooooo wrong
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BEST SEQUENCE OR SCENE FROM ANY FILM(CAN BE AN OPENING OR ANYTHING ELSE) over 3 years ago
opening scene of Touch Of Evil!!! how many times has that been ripped off. also, any scene in Pulp Fiction, if you are into dialogue scenes.
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What Is "Movie Hell" For You? over 3 years ago
88 minutes
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Is buying pirated DVDs justified - due to state censorship? cost of original DVDs? love of films? over 3 years ago
This is a good topic. I am a musician and can honestly say, if i did not obtain music without paying for it, i would nto be the same person i am today. Also, being a musician and releasing an album, for me, i feel that as long as soemone is listening than i dont mind/care how they obtained the songs. this point can be applied to film, i think most “artists” will just want their film to be watched, no matter the means the viewer takes to watch.
Go to Comment
Favorite Kurosawa flicks? over 3 years ago
Rashomon
The Bad Sleep Well
Seven Samurai
**the name of my band’s first EP was called The Bad Sleep Well. and we have a song with the same title on our current record
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How Many of You Think That Batman Movie Was the Best Movie of the Year? over 3 years ago
Frankly, i think this has been a pretty bad year for movies, especialyl oscar worthy ones, there is nothing i am really looking forward to seeing. Synecdoche, New York looks pretty awesoem, but i know i wont see it until it comes out on dvd. Doubt also looks enticing. The Dark Knight will not end up being the best film of the year, but it is pretty damn good and entertaining.
Go to Comment
What movies desperately need a U.S. dvd release? over 3 years ago
ummm…There are a few of Orson Welles’ films: Othello,Falstaff, Macbeth. if these are available in US format, please let me know.
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Waking Life (Film or Meditation) over 3 years ago
I will be the first to properly answer the original question: Waking life, to me, is a meditation.
He tries to create a film but there is no real tangible story. basically it consists of a few intereseting viniettes that discuss some way out there topics, mainly philosophical. in college, this film kept my friends talking and discussing for hours and hours. hell! i still try to see in 360 when i dream!
Go to Comment
Pulp Fiction v Reservoir Dogs over 3 years ago
Easily Pulp Fiction. Don’t get me wrong, i like Resevoir Dogs, but after i saw it, i did not understand all of the hype.
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2008 - A Horrendous year for film? over 3 years ago
2007 was a pretty awesome year for films but 2008 has kind of stunk. really, beyond a few of the big blockbuster films of the summer, in which i enjoyed on non cerebral level, i really can’t think of anything else i really enjoyed this year. i have yet to see Synecdoche, New York which i am really looking forward to, so there is some hope. Am I missing something, is there some secret sub-genre of awesome film i have missed in 2008, or was this just a really poor year for film?
Go to Comment
2008 - A Horrendous year for film? over 3 years ago
I am not saying that there weren’t any decent movies throughout the year, my point is that there was not anything of real sustenance or originality created in 2008. i think that a lot of the movies that are going to be suggested are basically the same film, re-hashed with different actors. I can’t really see a huge difference between A Christmas Tale, Rachel Getting Married or Wendy and Lucy. all slow melodramas revolving around someone who is depressed or “misunderstood”. a main reason i wanted to start this thread was to get some ideas of newer films to watch, so thank you for posting some suggestions and keep ’em coming!!
Go to Comment
2008 - A Horrendous year for film? over 3 years ago
A Christmas Tale:
“a tale about members of a dysfunctional family who come together for a strained and animosity-filled Christmas reunion.”
Rachel getting married:
“a former model who’s been in and out of rehab for 10 years, returns to her parents’ home just before the wedding of her sister, Rachel long-standing family conflicts begin to resurface”
W & L:
" But her journey takes a heartbreaking detour when her beloved dog, Lucy, goes missing and her car decides to conk out in Oregon. There was a time when Wendy had nothing to lose, but now she could lose everything."
The first two are the same movie with different characters and you could basically just throw in W & L in for a few extra tears.
Go to Comment
What did you think of Paranoid Park? over 3 years ago
the movie is not for everyone and not great, but I think the film was decent, even though it lacked a cohesive “point”. I agree with aoaijea, that the movie is very free, and that that seems to be a theme in his last few films (Elephant and Last Days). I like the idea of putting nobodies in these films so that you, the audience member, can relate a little more easily with the character because it isn’t someone famous, it is just some person and that person could be you. plus, these 3 films are indie flicks and they are supposed to be ultra artsy and out there?
Go to Comment
YOUR FAVORITE SILENT FILM, PLEASE. over 3 years ago
Brand Upon The Brain was pretty awesome. I saw Nosferatu at an old theatre with a live orchestra, that too was pretty rad.
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I have lost faith in the majority of the younger generation. over 3 years ago
i agree with Drew about our generation. i am in my mid 20’s and got really into film when i was in college, but i found it very hard to discuss films that were not in the mainstream, with my fellow peers. however, i have a few friends that are into films that i like, but even still, they would have never heard of many of the directors or films mentioned on this site.
Go to Comment
Orson Welles' The Trial over 3 years ago
I own the Milestone version of The Trial and i think it is pretty good quality, no complaints really. I have also mentioned in a past thread that I would love to se emore of Welles’ work put out on US region DVD. I am a huge Welles fan and have yet to see Chimes or Ambersons and i would really like to. so if anyone can suggest a US region version of either of these 2 films, it would be appreciated. Also, if anyone knows of any other decent Kafka novels that have been made into films and are available in the US region format, i would appreciate that. One last item; do not buy Welles’ version of Don Quixote that has recently been released on DVD, it is horrible and unwatchable.
Go to Comment
WISE BLOOD on CRITERION! over 3 years ago
I just recently found out that this film was to be released by criterion, ironically at the same time i had planned on reading the novel. i am actually really excited for both. Is the Book as rad as apparently the movie is?
Go to Comment
Eyes Wide Shut over 3 years ago
This is the onyl Kubrick film i have not seen. i am kind of hesitant because i have heard soooooo many mixed reviews and i dont want this film to ruin my view of Mr. Kubrick. but, i know i will see it eventually, and probably sooner than later.
As far as the age thing is concerned, i am in my twenties and can remember seeing stuff i shouldn’t have, by law, at an early age. i would actually say that i don’t think viewing R-Rated films before i was legally supposed to has had any traumatic effect on me, and it is no one elses decision beyond my own and my parents whether or not i should see/experience something. The only concsequence, that i can see, that someone seeing a movie before an appropriate maturity level, is that they will be unable to fully experience and appreciate the film.
Go to Comment
Last Time Best Picture Oscar Winner was a Masterpiece? over 3 years ago
Although i liked No Country much more than There WIll Be Blood, i think history will be more kind to There WIll Be Blood and it will everntually be deemed a classic/masterpiece. American Beauty, a film that i love, had some power at first, but has seemed to have lost some steam in regards to becoming a calssic/masterpiece. Also (and i am aware of the the fact that i am going to compeltely nerd up my statement), less we forget the Lord Of The Rings films? I completely believe they are masterpeices (as a whole).
Go to Comment
American Beauty over 3 years ago
Personally, I love American Beauty and thought that it was the first American Masterpiece in a very long time, when it was released. American Beauty really introduced me to film as an art form, as something that can inspire and move. I am really surprised how much steam this film has lost since its original release and I am really surprised how many people do not like the film. I thought for sure I would see it on top 100 lists, specifically AFI’s.
I have seen the Ice Storm and feel that American Beauty Is a far superior film, probably because i can relate with the era the film takes place in and because American Beauty digs deeper and, without boundaries, shows us the duplicity of man.
Go to Comment
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold over 3 years ago
I watched The Spy Who Came In From The Cold about a month ago and was really excited to see it. I thoroughly enjoy spy/international/globe-trotting thrillers (this does, of course, include the Bond canon). I must admit, I was disappointed in The Spy… it just did not hold my attention, even though I really wanted to like, I just could not get into it. I am not sure why, maybe it was one of those night where I forced myself to watch a film even though I was not in the mood. I can say, that I do remember being slightly confused in the beginning and not really knowing why he had to perform on last mission. Should I Rewatch it again and maybe with a little more concentration?
Go to Comment
One of the Scariest Movies I Know! about 3 years ago
Alright, so I just watched this film, albeit, in 2 parts and I was not really scared at all. in fact, I was kind of bored, especially during the first half. the synopsis claims that the movie is open ended on what actually occurred, well, that is an understatement. the story never gave you any real insight to a possibility, except for aliens. I am assuming this film was scary for its era, I do not think it has stands up today.
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One of the Scariest Movies I Know! about 3 years ago
Also, this reminded me of a flat out waste of time/horrible horrible film: The Wicker Man.
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The Coen Bros. -- Best film about 3 years ago
The Big Lebowski
No Country
O Brother
Fargo
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2008 - A Horrendous year for film? about 3 years ago
Alright, I just watched Synecdoche, New York and it is clearly the savior, for the 2008 year in film, that i was looking for. i can’t stop thinking about it and i can’t wait to watch it again!
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Kwaidan about 3 years ago
I really wanted to like this film but it just took too much for me to get into the beginning and middle, that by the time they were in hell, i was spent and could not really enjoy that part of the film, as i know i normally would have.
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