I would like to raise an issue of concern on this site. As we all know, Mubi is SUPPOSED to be a place about auteurs’ films, high caliber cinema and discussion about these. However one could easily remark how the majority of topics are pointless and repetitive. Many of the «discussions» are as such: «Name your favourite movie». Most of the times, these types of topic offer the most superficial level of understanding and learning about this magnificient art.
I had hope that this site could fulfill my needs of movie-talking and analysis between fellow cinephiles, something you cannot always do in real life (except if you consider The Dark Knight to be a «crime masterpiece», as they say…). The kind of analysis provided in the Criterion booklets, for exemple, are extremely enlightening. I could read a thousand pages of those essays.
Now, Im not the kind of people to raise problem without offering solutions. The solution is simple: may anyone who wants to have in depth discussion about a film simply suggest a movie on this board. The people interested will then PM the person who suggested the movie to engage further discussion. Of course, if everyone wants to talk about the same film in this board, they could, but that would be surprising.
Now about the sarcastics… there is no need to return this topic agaisnt me by telling me this is a useless post. I simply dont care about this sort of irony. Im simply raising an issue about the lack of proper word exchange on Mubi.com. However what I care about, what I really really do care about is cinema, and thats why I am here, and thats the REASON you SHOULD be here.
I will probably write an analysis of one or two movies I really like in my future posts in order to get things going and show my enthusiasm, but for now I will simply suggest a list of virtually UNKNOWN films (since we all know the godfather and 2001 by earth…), including Criterion titles.
-Blow Out (Brian DePalma)
-Howards End
-The Man Who Fell To Earth
-Paris, Texas
-A serious man (really the only american film I cared about in 2009 along with…
-The Hurt Locket (there is substance in this film, this is no shoot em up ala Black Hawk Down)
Allright thats it, viva la Revolucion! Nah im just kidding…
@It is Antonioni who directed The Red Desert, not Fellini. And that is why im suggesting Antonioni, that and Blow-Up.
Anyways, what are you whining about, we all know its a matter of taste, no need to always remember the population that taste are not facts. The question is: Most boring directors? We are simply giving our own answers.
And if you are refering to me, no I am not trying to provoke an argument by any cost.
@Deckard: Well thanks, I surely did not knew about this weekly discussions. But you have to admit that the majority of the forum is spoiled with lists and top 10s.
@Christion: Where is the interest in such an answer. Exactly the problem about internet «discussions». You are not funny by any means if that was your goal.
You know what never mind, you guys obviously have no interest in anything. If you really were movie lovers you would be enthusiast. Keep going with your American irony. The reason im not participating is because the topics are superficial. And since when do you judge a person’s credibility by its number of posts?
As I previously said, I said those titles out of the blue, just as suggestion.
I have no idea about what your refering to. Is Deckard an admin? If he is than it would not matter to me. The thing is people are always negative, there is never place for proper discussion its always irony and pessimism and insults.
@Uli Cain: I think you do get my meaning perfectly. Slideshows are another example of missing the point.
I dont wish to offend anyone who do post pictures but it certainly not rich in terms of learning. You can be sure I will be posting on your threads. Thanks to you.
It is true, I believe, that the theme of mystery can be validated by many aspects during the course of the movie. But to go further would be: «Now that I accept the mystery how do I deal with my life?» And I think that is the center point of A Serious Man. As the events occurs, Larry meets different Rabbis in order to find answers, they all deceive him in a sort of way, but really do offer answers in their respective ways. The enthusiasm of the youngster, the experience of the Old Man. These rabbis do not offer a clear answer to Larry, cause there are none, they offer their perspective. And it is clearly illustrated by the fascination of the younger to the car lot.
It reminds me of the Seventh Seal, where Antonius Block seeks an answer, a word from god. But all he undoubtedly knows is the presence of Death. And what he fails to see is how to make the better out of his life by considering that he knows about Death and doubt about God, as we all do in a certain way.
So the conclusion of A Serious Man surely is a representation of «Accept the mystery», a religious question: «Do you believe in God’s intervention», but its also raising the issue about living the NOW and not the AFTER.
Im definitely not a fan of Star Trek, but if I had to choose for my favourite of the series it would battle between Wrath Of Khan and the more recent one.
As much as Wrath of Khan excells in the moviemaking department, today’s technologies offers a better immersion into a fantasy/sci-fi universe. Its one thing George Lucas understood but never succeded.
Star Trek did for its series what Casino Royale did for the Bond franchise, take the founding elements of the series and actualise them while maintaining a good balance between proper storytelling and entertainment. It is also worth mentionning that todays standards impose professionnal movie making techniques and special effects, something the Roger Moore era of Bond apparently did not know…
@Christian: Your raising a good question. I believe in fact that , just as in real life, many people will chose to validate the NOW:their life & this scene, by nothing else than religion. Which in fact is completely ironic, because not only does religion does force (indirectly) its believers to seek an answer because of the lack of proper answering to the questions asked in the first place, but also because religion do give the power to the world of the AFTER.
This circle really do constitue a tornado in itself, isnt ;) ?
Many people believe that Bond movies can be separated in two categories :
1) The down to earth 2) The campy fantasy films
While the real distinction between the film is this:
1) The Franchise is taking the step 2)The Franchise is copying the actual movie trend of its time
The best bond films: Goldfinger, GoldenEye and Casino Royale are the ones deciding of their sort. The producers are saying: this is James Bond, we created a style and we are offering the best of it.
Quantum Of Solace took a step back, the producers are saying: It is supposed to be James Bond, we are reproducing the Bourne franchise cause are safe on our money.
Just like Live And Let Die entered the blaxpoitation trend and Moonraker desperately tries to recreate Star Wars.
Thanks a lot! ;) The Coens really did outdo themselves on this one.
I think the next subject of subject of analysis for this movie would be the recreation of the time period and the representation of the jewish community. But thats looking at it from an historical point of view, which I do like.
@ Christian. Yes they did succeed many times trying to recreate other films, as a matter of fact I do believe Moonraker is seriously under rated…
Actually, strange news but, Sam Mendes is yet to be confirmed/confirmed as the next director. Yes the Sam Mendes who made American Beauty. Strange choice, not bad, but strange for such kind of production.
@Uli Cain: OHMSS is simply phenomenal. Its one of these few Bond films that can be observed as an individual film rather than just another film in the series.
@Max: The GoldenEye 007 game on N64 is hands down one of the best games of all time. But its the kind of thing I dont like to say. Im just too nostalgic on this one not to show my appreciation ;) These were the days…
Thanks to Criterion I discovered the masterpiece that constitutes Howards End. The force of its cinematography and directing is the ability to establish the setting without exposing/over-exposing the level of beauty of the UK. This draws the line between an historical film and a biographical film.
James Ivory knows its techniques with such expertise that he never reminds us we are watching a period film. He pretend we are just in it. Of course thats not much of cinematography as it is editing and directing but the cinematography itself is breathtaking.
The beautiful dance of the wind in the chestnut tree and the classical music. That really do strike a chord for me.
And the way the cinematography blends with the subject matter (social classes/status) the dirty street in wich Bast walks in at night, a dark prison covered by wall, in contrast with the magnificience of the panoramas of vast and green lands. All subtle ways to make us disgusted by Bast’s town. Which in turn makes is literal evasion all the more liberating. When he walks in between those purple flowers, beautiful simply beautiful…
@Allan: I guess the Bond franchise is a guitly pleasure everyone accept to fall in. So yes the irony is present in its most «geekest» way, but certainly not intentional.
@Matt: Actually I havent been posting on this site for 7 months, I have signed up 7 months ago.
I have posted few messages here and there in the topics lastly.
@Matt: I am. You can find my latest post about A Serious Man and Howards End. The fact that we are discussing James Bond at least proves to be interesting to us since we arent only making some list and top 10. As much as these movies can be ridiculous, we are actually having fun talking about them, thats the point.
I understand where your coming from PolarisDib, but I honestly cant find an issue with it. In my opinion, Scorsese is just not exceptionnal about movie commenting, but Quentin Tarantino is not less passionated and hes a blast to listen to because of the amount of information gathered in his commentaries.
Of course movie is not our life, literaly, its just an important part of it. Its a passionated statement.
French New Wave over 2 years ago
French new-wave is the Pre Kevin Smith era.
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I want to express a serious thank you to everyone on this board for one reason. over 2 years ago
Correction: there is nothing to know about Burn After Reading.
Yes thanks to this community! :)
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Last movie you saw and rate it over 2 years ago
Bottle Rocket
8/10
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Best Cinematography you have ever seen? over 2 years ago
Not being familiar with the Asian repertoire (Kurosawa), which im sure looks fantastic, i would go with 2001.
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Which directors have the worst fanboys? over 2 years ago
Kevin Smith (Save his respect)
George Lucas (Save his respect)
And the legendary
Uwe Boll
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FILMS YOU HAVE WATCHED TEN TIMES OR MORE over 2 years ago
Mission: Impossible & The Matrix.
I won’t lie. Many of these people might think they saw a movie over 10 times, but most of them really watch it 5-8 times in their lives.
But in my case, those two movies, i might have seen them 15-20 times each. Not that im proud or anything.
Go to Comment
FILMS YOU HAVE WATCHED TEN TIMES OR MORE over 2 years ago
Mission: Impossible & The Matrix.
I won’t lie. Many of these people might think they saw a movie over 10 times, but most of them really watch it 5-8 times in their lives.
But in my case, those two movies, i might have seen them 15-20 times each. Not that im proud or anything.
Go to Comment
FILMS YOU HAVE WATCHED TEN TIMES OR MORE over 2 years ago
Mission: Impossible & The Matrix.
I won’t lie. Many of these people might think they saw a movie over 10 times, but most of them really watch it 5-8 times in their lives.
But in my case, those two movies, i might have seen them 15-20 times each. Not that im proud or anything.
Go to Comment
I want to express a serious thank you to everyone on this board for one reason. about 2 years ago
For he is the Kwisatz Haderach!
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I want to express a serious thank you to everyone on this board for one reason. about 2 years ago
He is the One, and so is his wife.
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Most Boring Directors? almost 2 years ago
Godard and Antonioni
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REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
I would like to raise an issue of concern on this site. As we all know, Mubi is SUPPOSED to be a place about auteurs’ films, high caliber cinema and discussion about these. However one could easily remark how the majority of topics are pointless and repetitive. Many of the «discussions» are as such: «Name your favourite movie». Most of the times, these types of topic offer the most superficial level of understanding and learning about this magnificient art.
I had hope that this site could fulfill my needs of movie-talking and analysis between fellow cinephiles, something you cannot always do in real life (except if you consider The Dark Knight to be a «crime masterpiece», as they say…). The kind of analysis provided in the Criterion booklets, for exemple, are extremely enlightening. I could read a thousand pages of those essays.
Now, Im not the kind of people to raise problem without offering solutions. The solution is simple: may anyone who wants to have in depth discussion about a film simply suggest a movie on this board. The people interested will then PM the person who suggested the movie to engage further discussion. Of course, if everyone wants to talk about the same film in this board, they could, but that would be surprising.
Now about the sarcastics… there is no need to return this topic agaisnt me by telling me this is a useless post. I simply dont care about this sort of irony. Im simply raising an issue about the lack of proper word exchange on Mubi.com. However what I care about, what I really really do care about is cinema, and thats why I am here, and thats the REASON you SHOULD be here.
I will probably write an analysis of one or two movies I really like in my future posts in order to get things going and show my enthusiasm, but for now I will simply suggest a list of virtually UNKNOWN films (since we all know the godfather and 2001 by earth…), including Criterion titles.
-Blow Out (Brian DePalma)
-Howards End
-The Man Who Fell To Earth
-Paris, Texas
-A serious man (really the only american film I cared about in 2009 along with…
-The Hurt Locket (there is substance in this film, this is no shoot em up ala Black Hawk Down)
Allright thats it, viva la Revolucion! Nah im just kidding…
Go to Comment
Most Boring Directors? almost 2 years ago
@It is Antonioni who directed The Red Desert, not Fellini. And that is why im suggesting Antonioni, that and Blow-Up.
Anyways, what are you whining about, we all know its a matter of taste, no need to always remember the population that taste are not facts. The question is: Most boring directors? We are simply giving our own answers.
And if you are refering to me, no I am not trying to provoke an argument by any cost.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@Deckard: Well thanks, I surely did not knew about this weekly discussions. But you have to admit that the majority of the forum is spoiled with lists and top 10s.
@Christion: Where is the interest in such an answer. Exactly the problem about internet «discussions». You are not funny by any means if that was your goal.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
You know what never mind, you guys obviously have no interest in anything. If you really were movie lovers you would be enthusiast. Keep going with your American irony. The reason im not participating is because the topics are superficial. And since when do you judge a person’s credibility by its number of posts?
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
As I previously said, I said those titles out of the blue, just as suggestion.
I have no idea about what your refering to. Is Deckard an admin? If he is than it would not matter to me. The thing is people are always negative, there is never place for proper discussion its always irony and pessimism and insults.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@Sekzee: Glad we can understand. I would very much like to read your analysis.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@Uli Cain: I think you do get my meaning perfectly. Slideshows are another example of missing the point.
I dont wish to offend anyone who do post pictures but it certainly not rich in terms of learning. You can be sure I will be posting on your threads. Thanks to you.
Go to Comment
A Serious Man ending almost 2 years ago
It is true, I believe, that the theme of mystery can be validated by many aspects during the course of the movie. But to go further would be: «Now that I accept the mystery how do I deal with my life?» And I think that is the center point of A Serious Man. As the events occurs, Larry meets different Rabbis in order to find answers, they all deceive him in a sort of way, but really do offer answers in their respective ways. The enthusiasm of the youngster, the experience of the Old Man. These rabbis do not offer a clear answer to Larry, cause there are none, they offer their perspective. And it is clearly illustrated by the fascination of the younger to the car lot.
It reminds me of the Seventh Seal, where Antonius Block seeks an answer, a word from god. But all he undoubtedly knows is the presence of Death. And what he fails to see is how to make the better out of his life by considering that he knows about Death and doubt about God, as we all do in a certain way.
So the conclusion of A Serious Man surely is a representation of «Accept the mystery», a religious question: «Do you believe in God’s intervention», but its also raising the issue about living the NOW and not the AFTER.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
Im definitely not a fan of Star Trek, but if I had to choose for my favourite of the series it would battle between Wrath Of Khan and the more recent one.
As much as Wrath of Khan excells in the moviemaking department, today’s technologies offers a better immersion into a fantasy/sci-fi universe. Its one thing George Lucas understood but never succeded.
Star Trek did for its series what Casino Royale did for the Bond franchise, take the founding elements of the series and actualise them while maintaining a good balance between proper storytelling and entertainment. It is also worth mentionning that todays standards impose professionnal movie making techniques and special effects, something the Roger Moore era of Bond apparently did not know…
Go to Comment
A Serious Man ending almost 2 years ago
@Christian: Your raising a good question. I believe in fact that , just as in real life, many people will chose to validate the NOW:their life & this scene, by nothing else than religion. Which in fact is completely ironic, because not only does religion does force (indirectly) its believers to seek an answer because of the lack of proper answering to the questions asked in the first place, but also because religion do give the power to the world of the AFTER.
This circle really do constitue a tornado in itself, isnt ;) ?
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
Many people believe that Bond movies can be separated in two categories :
1) The down to earth 2) The campy fantasy films
While the real distinction between the film is this:
1) The Franchise is taking the step 2)The Franchise is copying the actual movie trend of its time
The best bond films: Goldfinger, GoldenEye and Casino Royale are the ones deciding of their sort. The producers are saying: this is James Bond, we created a style and we are offering the best of it.
Quantum Of Solace took a step back, the producers are saying: It is supposed to be James Bond, we are reproducing the Bourne franchise cause are safe on our money.
Just like Live And Let Die entered the blaxpoitation trend and Moonraker desperately tries to recreate Star Wars.
Go to Comment
A Serious Man ending almost 2 years ago
Thanks a lot! ;) The Coens really did outdo themselves on this one.
I think the next subject of subject of analysis for this movie would be the recreation of the time period and the representation of the jewish community. But thats looking at it from an historical point of view, which I do like.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@ Christian. Yes they did succeed many times trying to recreate other films, as a matter of fact I do believe Moonraker is seriously under rated…
Actually, strange news but, Sam Mendes is yet to be confirmed/confirmed as the next director. Yes the Sam Mendes who made American Beauty. Strange choice, not bad, but strange for such kind of production.
@Uli Cain: OHMSS is simply phenomenal. Its one of these few Bond films that can be observed as an individual film rather than just another film in the series.
@Max: The GoldenEye 007 game on N64 is hands down one of the best games of all time. But its the kind of thing I dont like to say. Im just too nostalgic on this one not to show my appreciation ;) These were the days…
Go to Comment
One Cinematograper, One Film almost 2 years ago
Thanks to Criterion I discovered the masterpiece that constitutes Howards End. The force of its cinematography and directing is the ability to establish the setting without exposing/over-exposing the level of beauty of the UK. This draws the line between an historical film and a biographical film.
James Ivory knows its techniques with such expertise that he never reminds us we are watching a period film. He pretend we are just in it. Of course thats not much of cinematography as it is editing and directing but the cinematography itself is breathtaking.
The beautiful dance of the wind in the chestnut tree and the classical music. That really do strike a chord for me.
And the way the cinematography blends with the subject matter (social classes/status) the dirty street in wich Bast walks in at night, a dark prison covered by wall, in contrast with the magnificience of the panoramas of vast and green lands. All subtle ways to make us disgusted by Bast’s town. Which in turn makes is literal evasion all the more liberating. When he walks in between those purple flowers, beautiful simply beautiful…
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@Allan: I guess the Bond franchise is a guitly pleasure everyone accept to fall in. So yes the irony is present in its most «geekest» way, but certainly not intentional.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@Matt: Actually I havent been posting on this site for 7 months, I have signed up 7 months ago.
I have posted few messages here and there in the topics lastly.
Go to Comment
REVOLUTION: DISCUSSIONS ARE PARTICULARLY UNINTERESSING ON THIS SITE almost 2 years ago
@Matt: I am. You can find my latest post about A Serious Man and Howards End. The fact that we are discussing James Bond at least proves to be interesting to us since we arent only making some list and top 10. As much as these movies can be ridiculous, we are actually having fun talking about them, thats the point.
Go to Comment
There is More to Cinema Than Life almost 2 years ago
I understand where your coming from PolarisDib, but I honestly cant find an issue with it. In my opinion, Scorsese is just not exceptionnal about movie commenting, but Quentin Tarantino is not less passionated and hes a blast to listen to because of the amount of information gathered in his commentaries.
Of course movie is not our life, literaly, its just an important part of it. Its a passionated statement.
Go to Comment
Essential Sci-fi Viewing almost 2 years ago
A Clockwork orange is not a sci-fi film. If you say its sci fi than you refuse or no nothing about our actual society.
One of the most under rated and unpopular sci-fi film is Dune, a fantastic adaptation from Herbert’s epic novel.
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