Hi cinephiles
I’m going to be a pre-cinema and television arts major at CSU Northridge starting this January… naturally I want to brush up on my film history. I’m pretty new to this website and can’t wait to meet some film buffs with more knowledge than me. So write some good reviews and I’ll see you around!
(Long time Criterion buyer: Godard, Kurosawa, Anderson, Gabin, Carné, Renoir, and Truffaut)
I believe ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ was completely underrated by audiences and critics. I think it’ll stand the test of time… hell he thinks it’s his masterpiece. The colors were beautiful, musical themes strong, and I love how comparable it is to today’s situation in the Middle East. For me it’s very watchable. (and repeat) ((fan of epics))
As for ‘A Good Year’… I own it and don’t see myself watching it over and over again. I think Scott liked the novel and wanted a change of pace. Plus ‘Sideways’ is kick ass.
So I think Scott has slowed down for sure since the Blade Runner days. But he still has it.
I saw D-Wars knowing the story was going to be terrible. But I have respect for the South Korean film scene and excellent special effects. I enjoyed myself but I’ll never see it again.
I love to hear people describe their favorite genres. Oh, and why is it your favorite? If you were a filmmaker would your films fall under your favorite genre?
Dark comedy: It has the potential to address important issues (such as class struggle, murder, divorce) and present them in a brighter light. This can make for interesting contrast in the plot. I love to laugh, I love to learn. And if I were an auteur, I would explore dark comedies by linking gags and philosophy together. (I also love poetic realism)
Since I just talked about this in a short review… When Bill Murray blocked that little kid’s basketball in Rushmore! But being a little more serious, the end of Pepe Le Moke. Jean Gabin (in handcuffs) screams out to Gaby but she can’t hear him. So he commits suicide on the dock, damn cops couldn’t get Pepe! (Just another Jean Gabin film ending with defeatism)
I love Wes Anderson, but my film theory is heavily based on visuals instead of plot. So my hat goes off to Robert Yeoman.
I have a feeling we’re all going to see a very different Wes in the coming years. His next two films aren’t original, (adaption and remake) will this force him to do new things?
My vote was for Blood… it demanded more respect. (Visuals, sounds, man’s corruption, and the downside to Capitalism.)
And I agree with Juan CP, “oscars are complete bs.” Citizen Kane was nominated for nine oscars and it only won one. (writing because it didn’t go to Welles) The truth was most people thought Welles was too arrogant and Kane not winning was a way to get at him.
One of my favorite scenes from Pierrot Le Fou: Jean Paul Belmondo talks to that creep on the dock near the end of the film. The creep tells an entertaining story about three women and a song that’s stuck in his head. For some reason I get sucked into his story every time!
Everybody else has already said but I’m going for it!
Barry Lyndon
We watched this in class three years ago as a two parter. One of my classmates missed “Part 1” and needed to know the gist of the plot before the professor arrived. So everybody pitched in by saying, “It’s horrible! It’s too long… so boring!” But what amazed me was after they said that, they retold the story with many of the details! My class may have hated Barry Lyndon but they knew the story! Kubrick, you’ve done it again!
Maybe ‘The Auteurs’ forum has some glitch? Cause this is the second time I’ve seen a new thread talking about a movie and no one knows what the hell is going on. Or are people getting confused and posting replies as new topics?
Arrested Development (any new news on a possible script?)
30 Rock
Extras
Deadwood (I’d kill for that lighting!)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Venture Bros.
Stella
And my guilty pleasure: tim and eric awesome show, great job!
I rarely do… but I did go all out with my Extended Lord of the Rings DVDs. (my advice: don’t listen to the director’s commentary. listen to the actor’s commentary.) And Ron B beat me to it but Sideways has excellent commentary! Miles wears blue shirts for the entire film expect when their getting gas near the end. (before jack “trashes” the Saab)
I mostly listen to TV on DVD commentaries like The Office or South Park. Aqua Teen Hunger Force has some hilarious commentaries where (some professors I think) compare the main trio to philosophers.
Anybody have some first reactions to the new ‘Che’ trailer?
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/che/
“November 26, 1956; led by Fidel Castro (Demian Bichir), a band of 80 rebels sails to Cuba. Among these young rebels is Argentine physician, Marxist, soldier, Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Benicio Del Toro). Nation-less, strapped for resources and fueled only by determination, the group engages in swift, bloody battle to free the Cuban people from the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Che and his soldiers wrestle the nation?s resources and affection from Batista?s grasp. Though considered a hero by some, Che becomes a hugely controversial figure. At the height of his fame and power, he disappears. Entering South America incognito, Che recruits another band of guerilla fighters in the harsh Bolivian jungles. They embark upon a mission to spark revolution throughout Latin America.”
Judging by the trailer I say, “move over Daniel Day-Lewis… Benicio Del Toro is in town!” Yet his performance is getting mixed reviews. The BBC says the film lacks any new insight on the complex character. This leaves us with a 4 hour film with no one to root for. Perhaps that’s suppose to be a nod to realism, life is full of absurd choices from both individual men and governments. But why would I want to see a four hour film (two parts) if there’s no one to warm up to?
BBC- “In fact, the film often seems content to depict a catalogue of events from the revolutionary’s life, with precious little insight into the inner life of this complex character.”
Tom Wilson makes a great point by comparing Che to Jake LaMotta. This is full proof that modern film behaves like greek theater. It has the ability to show man’s fault so we don’t repeat. Can ‘Che’ be about morals?
50% of my final exam will be about (arguably) the greatest movie in film history: The Lake House. (I mean Citizen Kane!!) So I figured I’d start a topic why it’s such a remarkable film.
I happen to love the lighting. Ever notice how Kane’s face is shadowed in blackness when he’s up to no good? Example: Charles Kane and Boss Jim Gettys argue in the apartment of Susan Alexander. Both are in shadow except for Emily who stands between them. Of course this is the scene where Kane is caught in his little “love nest” and his opponent Gettys is threatening to put the whole story in the paper. (Ruining Kane’s chances for becoming Governor of New York)
Why do you love Citixen Kane. (Or dislike for that matter)
So it sounds like the trailer is a little deceiving, right Y.? Because I was under the impression the film was going to be centered around Del Toro’s performance. Is there a strong cast ensemble? (like the Castro brothers?)
Another thing I love about Citizen Kane: The kinetics of the camera movement. In the scenes when Charles is young, the camera tends to be closer with a lot of energy as he moves. Compare that to the long static shots of Kane in his last days. Also young Kane tends to where white with no tie and old Kane is always in a tie and black suit. Everything seems to evolve as the corruption takes hold.
Watching the trailer again this morning, I’m interested in seeing how the (seemingly) heavy use of handheld camera relates to energy of the plot. Obviously we’re in the middle of a revolution and that deserves some handheld (well a lot) but I hate it when it’s over done. Example of too much movement: the Bourne trilogy.
I agree with you Brandon… Che is just a face or name used today to symbolize a number of things. Think of the popularity behind those damn shirts. I can see positive attributes in the young Che (The Motorcycle Diaries) that can make a great hero. But I’m pretty sure this Che will be different. And your history book can explain that…
I believe a “purest auteur” can only exist on smaller projects with a limited crew. Where one person really is calling all of the shots from the start. Perfect example: the garage project on this website!
Criterion junkies here? over 3 years ago
The 40% off sale took care of my Christmas shopping! Thanks Criterion!!!
Favorites include: Pierrot Le Fou, Pepe Le Moko, Breathless, 400 Blows, etc.
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New to The Auteurs? You Belong Here over 3 years ago
Hi cinephiles
I’m going to be a pre-cinema and television arts major at CSU Northridge starting this January… naturally I want to brush up on my film history. I’m pretty new to this website and can’t wait to meet some film buffs with more knowledge than me. So write some good reviews and I’ll see you around!
(Long time Criterion buyer: Godard, Kurosawa, Anderson, Gabin, Carné, Renoir, and Truffaut)
Thanks for posting this topic Juan C.P!
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The use of Color in Pierrot Le Fou? over 3 years ago
I can’t say much… but Ferdinand does paint his face blue near the end. Like Jonathan, I’ll have to watch it again.
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Ridley Scott: Peaked early? over 3 years ago
I believe ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ was completely underrated by audiences and critics. I think it’ll stand the test of time… hell he thinks it’s his masterpiece. The colors were beautiful, musical themes strong, and I love how comparable it is to today’s situation in the Middle East. For me it’s very watchable. (and repeat) ((fan of epics))
As for ‘A Good Year’… I own it and don’t see myself watching it over and over again. I think Scott liked the novel and wanted a change of pace. Plus ‘Sideways’ is kick ass.
So I think Scott has slowed down for sure since the Blade Runner days. But he still has it.
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You know it's gonna be bad, but you watch it anyway... over 3 years ago
I saw D-Wars knowing the story was going to be terrible. But I have respect for the South Korean film scene and excellent special effects. I enjoyed myself but I’ll never see it again.
And I stopped watching Statham a few films back.
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How would you describe your favorite genre? over 3 years ago
I love to hear people describe their favorite genres. Oh, and why is it your favorite? If you were a filmmaker would your films fall under your favorite genre?
Go to Comment
How would you describe your favorite genre? over 3 years ago
Dark comedy: It has the potential to address important issues (such as class struggle, murder, divorce) and present them in a brighter light. This can make for interesting contrast in the plot. I love to laugh, I love to learn. And if I were an auteur, I would explore dark comedies by linking gags and philosophy together. (I also love poetic realism)
Go to Comment
BEST SEQUENCE OR SCENE FROM ANY FILM(CAN BE AN OPENING OR ANYTHING ELSE) over 3 years ago
Max Ophüls.. thanks.
Since I just talked about this in a short review… When Bill Murray blocked that little kid’s basketball in Rushmore! But being a little more serious, the end of Pepe Le Moke. Jean Gabin (in handcuffs) screams out to Gaby but she can’t hear him. So he commits suicide on the dock, damn cops couldn’t get Pepe! (Just another Jean Gabin film ending with defeatism)
Go to Comment
Do You Like Wes Anderson? over 3 years ago
I love Wes Anderson, but my film theory is heavily based on visuals instead of plot. So my hat goes off to Robert Yeoman.
I have a feeling we’re all going to see a very different Wes in the coming years. His next two films aren’t original, (adaption and remake) will this force him to do new things?
Go to Comment
How would you describe your favorite genre? over 3 years ago
Can I be picky and say drama is a form not a genre? (But I know what you mean)
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Your favorite title sequence over 3 years ago
Billion Dollar Brain… sexy girls, guns, Michael Caine with bold rimmed glasses, and lots of freeze frames. (very 60s baby)
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You know it's gonna be bad, but you watch it anyway... over 3 years ago
That’s probably the only way to watch it…
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Your favorite title sequence over 3 years ago
The Royal Tenenbaums… that’s a good one Yves. Symmetrical shots and interesting sets to introduce the cast. (with the children grown up)
And the score is very cinematic during the opening titles in The 400 Blows. Good ones!
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Best Picture Oscar for 2008 (?) over 3 years ago
My vote was for Blood… it demanded more respect. (Visuals, sounds, man’s corruption, and the downside to Capitalism.)
And I agree with Juan CP, “oscars are complete bs.” Citizen Kane was nominated for nine oscars and it only won one. (writing because it didn’t go to Welles) The truth was most people thought Welles was too arrogant and Kane not winning was a way to get at him.
Blood will be remembered in the long run.
Go to Comment
BEST SEQUENCE OR SCENE FROM ANY FILM(CAN BE AN OPENING OR ANYTHING ELSE) over 3 years ago
One of my favorite scenes from Pierrot Le Fou: Jean Paul Belmondo talks to that creep on the dock near the end of the film. The creep tells an entertaining story about three women and a song that’s stuck in his head. For some reason I get sucked into his story every time!
Go to Comment
What is Kubrick's Most Under-Appreciated Film? over 3 years ago
Everybody else has already said but I’m going for it!
Barry Lyndon
We watched this in class three years ago as a two parter. One of my classmates missed “Part 1” and needed to know the gist of the plot before the professor arrived. So everybody pitched in by saying, “It’s horrible! It’s too long… so boring!” But what amazed me was after they said that, they retold the story with many of the details! My class may have hated Barry Lyndon but they knew the story! Kubrick, you’ve done it again!
Go to Comment
What is so great about this movie? over 3 years ago
Maybe ‘The Auteurs’ forum has some glitch? Cause this is the second time I’ve seen a new thread talking about a movie and no one knows what the hell is going on. Or are people getting confused and posting replies as new topics?
There’s a mystery to solve on our beloved site.
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Help make The Auteurs totally awesome over 3 years ago
I’ve been seeing new topics appear but they seem to be replies to other threads. Is there something wrong with the ‘REPLY TO TOPIC’ box?
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tv shows? over 3 years ago
Arrested Development (any new news on a possible script?)
30 Rock
Extras
Deadwood (I’d kill for that lighting!)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Venture Bros.
Stella
And my guilty pleasure: tim and eric awesome show, great job!
Go to Comment
Commentaries -- who cares? over 3 years ago
I rarely do… but I did go all out with my Extended Lord of the Rings DVDs. (my advice: don’t listen to the director’s commentary. listen to the actor’s commentary.) And Ron B beat me to it but Sideways has excellent commentary! Miles wears blue shirts for the entire film expect when their getting gas near the end. (before jack “trashes” the Saab)
I mostly listen to TV on DVD commentaries like The Office or South Park. Aqua Teen Hunger Force has some hilarious commentaries where (some professors I think) compare the main trio to philosophers.
Go to Comment
Reactions to the 'Che' trailer over 3 years ago
Anybody have some first reactions to the new ‘Che’ trailer?
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/che/
“November 26, 1956; led by Fidel Castro (Demian Bichir), a band of 80 rebels sails to Cuba. Among these young rebels is Argentine physician, Marxist, soldier, Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Benicio Del Toro). Nation-less, strapped for resources and fueled only by determination, the group engages in swift, bloody battle to free the Cuban people from the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Che and his soldiers wrestle the nation?s resources and affection from Batista?s grasp. Though considered a hero by some, Che becomes a hugely controversial figure. At the height of his fame and power, he disappears. Entering South America incognito, Che recruits another band of guerilla fighters in the harsh Bolivian jungles. They embark upon a mission to spark revolution throughout Latin America.”
Judging by the trailer I say, “move over Daniel Day-Lewis… Benicio Del Toro is in town!” Yet his performance is getting mixed reviews. The BBC says the film lacks any new insight on the complex character. This leaves us with a 4 hour film with no one to root for. Perhaps that’s suppose to be a nod to realism, life is full of absurd choices from both individual men and governments. But why would I want to see a four hour film (two parts) if there’s no one to warm up to?
BBC- “In fact, the film often seems content to depict a catalogue of events from the revolutionary’s life, with precious little insight into the inner life of this complex character.”
Tom Wilson makes a great point by comparing Che to Jake LaMotta. This is full proof that modern film behaves like greek theater. It has the ability to show man’s fault so we don’t repeat. Can ‘Che’ be about morals?
Go to Comment
Citizen Kane (for my exam) over 3 years ago
50% of my final exam will be about (arguably) the greatest movie in film history: The Lake House. (I mean Citizen Kane!!) So I figured I’d start a topic why it’s such a remarkable film.
I happen to love the lighting. Ever notice how Kane’s face is shadowed in blackness when he’s up to no good? Example: Charles Kane and Boss Jim Gettys argue in the apartment of Susan Alexander. Both are in shadow except for Emily who stands between them. Of course this is the scene where Kane is caught in his little “love nest” and his opponent Gettys is threatening to put the whole story in the paper. (Ruining Kane’s chances for becoming Governor of New York)
Why do you love Citixen Kane. (Or dislike for that matter)
Go to Comment
Reactions to the 'Che' trailer over 3 years ago
So it sounds like the trailer is a little deceiving, right Y.? Because I was under the impression the film was going to be centered around Del Toro’s performance. Is there a strong cast ensemble? (like the Castro brothers?)
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Citizen Kane (for my exam) over 3 years ago
Thanks everybody! Thumbs up!
Another thing I love about Citizen Kane: The kinetics of the camera movement. In the scenes when Charles is young, the camera tends to be closer with a lot of energy as he moves. Compare that to the long static shots of Kane in his last days. Also young Kane tends to where white with no tie and old Kane is always in a tie and black suit. Everything seems to evolve as the corruption takes hold.
Go to Comment
Reactions to the 'Che' trailer over 3 years ago
Watching the trailer again this morning, I’m interested in seeing how the (seemingly) heavy use of handheld camera relates to energy of the plot. Obviously we’re in the middle of a revolution and that deserves some handheld (well a lot) but I hate it when it’s over done. Example of too much movement: the Bourne trilogy.
Go to Comment
Reactions to the 'Che' trailer over 3 years ago
I agree with you Brandon… Che is just a face or name used today to symbolize a number of things. Think of the popularity behind those damn shirts. I can see positive attributes in the young Che (The Motorcycle Diaries) that can make a great hero. But I’m pretty sure this Che will be different. And your history book can explain that…
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Favorite Theaters/Movie Houses over 3 years ago
The Crest Theater in Sacramento, CA. I have to travel a bit to get there but it’s a palace. One stage, three screens, and hundreds of seats.
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No such thing as a free lunch over 3 years ago
Hey Robert… there should be a FREE WATCH FILM link that’ll let you watch the film. Look underneath the photo or the trailer that’s popping up.
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GREAT SITE, BUT AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO'S NOT A BIG FAN OF AUTEUR THEORY over 3 years ago
I believe a “purest auteur” can only exist on smaller projects with a limited crew. Where one person really is calling all of the shots from the start. Perfect example: the garage project on this website!
So we’re the auteurs! Not them!
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