If you read Ebert’s reviews, you’ll realize most of the time he uses 80% of his article to summarize the film’s plot. 80% is an understatement. But if all you look for in a review is synopsis, Ebert is your man.
(Not that I’m interested in more of his overtly personalized opinions on most films.)
Harold and Maude? It’s easy to love (even for young people who have little exposure to non-blockbuster cinema), Hal Ashby is a great but under-appreciated director. The mise-en-scene, the writing and the actors are all great in the film. (Love the opening hanging scene)
Plus, they can relate to the teenage angst (and it’s hilarious).
I saw this short film by Jean-Gabriel Periot at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston yesterday. It is an amazing short chronicling the history of Hiroshima from 1914 to 2006. It was very moving to see it on the big screen.
You can view it on his website:
http://www.jgperiot.net/FILMS/NIJUMAN%20NO%20BOREI/nijuman.htm
I would like to withhold any judgement before seeing a film, but I agree with Crap Monster- I’m repulsed that 21st century Hollywood is still making movies like Memoirs of a Geisha about other cultures in English. I don’t have to see it to find it offensive and laughable.
As for NINE, all I want to say is no one should remake a MASTERPIECE because there’s nothing to be improved. Excuse me, if you think this is not a remake. But it sound even more ridiculous to call it “a film based on a musical which is based on a play which is inspired by 8 1/2.”
I agree with JAEGER INKMAN that this discussion board should not scoop down to the level of the personal attack nature like one would see on Youtube or most websites. This will probably go on forever between “I think this is shit” and “I think this is awesome,” and there’s no way for each side to persuade each other.
Yes, it’s art and all that. And it’s safe to safe it’s mostly a matter of preference. But I have no problem saying that some art (including film) is just shit. Just because it’s art doesn’t mean it’s valuable. In this post-modern world, anything can be art.
Back to the topic, a friend of mine pointed out an funny part in the trailer of NINE, Daniel Day Lewis was singing this song “I am Italian” but the song is in English, and none of the actors seem to be Italian. It’s absurdly hilarious. Seems like Rob Marshall, as in Hollywood, likes to anglicize everything.
Sounds like a post of Guilty Displeasure, as one recent writer of Film Comment has pointed out.
Top of my list would be L’Avventura. I’ve seen a few Antonioni films, but I just didn’t feel connect with them (ironically they’re mostly about alienation).
I love a lot of Bergman films, but I really don’t give much shit about Through A Glass Darkly and Persona. Through… is just mediocre to me. Persona has some potential, but I thought Bergman was trying too hard.
Annie Hall will be another one for me. I think it’s decent, and has it moments, but I have never been head over heels for it like most of my friends. Manhattan, on the other hand, is magical to me.
Either way, I have not re-watched most of these films in a long time and most of them deserve a second chance. I may feel different about them at a different point in my life (I think that is what the recent Film Comment article is about, but I can’t recall the name).
I’d hate to contribute any more attention to this idiotic charlatan’s comments, but it’s hard for me to resist defending the honor of one of cinema’s best. Who am I to say he’s great, Jim Jarmusch, Wim Wenders and Paul Schrader have cited Ozu as the evil overlord who has tremendously influenced their diabolical craftsmanship.
If Ozu = Evil, Sion Sony Bono or whatever your name is = nobody.
The circus scenes in Ophuls’ LOLA MONTES is stunning. His tracking shots (and setups) in The Earrings of Madame de… is unmatched.
When I watched the extras on Criterion’s HIGH AND LOW, it tells all about Kurosawa’s notorious’ demands and attention to the visual details and preparation. That gave me a newfound appreciation to the film (which I already liked).
On a semi-related note, I have a pet peeve against CGI computer graphics. Hence, I am not impressed by any of that binary shit.
Gran Torino was a pleasant surprise for me, since I was never a big Eastwood fan. I thought the dialogue was hilarious (like calling out Toad on Ms. Yum-Yum). The chemistry between Eastwood and the two Hmmong teenagers are good, but I dislike the performance by the white actors (namely his son and the ginger priest). What strikes me about the film is Eastwood’s existential meditation though the ending is a tad too soapy.
Nathan M. – Ha ha… I don’t even think the film is “art-house” at all. I’m actually put off by the cinematography. The camera moves too much unnecessarily, like a Johnnie To movie. I just enjoy it enough for what it’s worth.
(I wish the forum has a reply function that helps tracking replies specific to my posts, that would be helpful.)
PONYO is like a back to the basics for Miyazaki, all hand-drawn and abandon even the slight computer graphics for the background in Howl. The color palette in PONYO is so vibrant and beautiful.
Story-wise, it’s pretty simple, so I think it’s naturally I feel the narrative is not as strong as his best. I agree that it’s definitely better than Howl, but not among his best (he never made a bad movie).
Barry Lyndon had 7 Oscar Nominations and won 4, so it’s arguably the most decorated among Kubrick’s film. It’s a stretch to say it’s “under-appreciated.”
Eyes Wide Shut, in my opinion, received the attention and appreciation (mixed reviews) it deserves. It is not among the director’s best.
The Killing gets my vote for being the most under-appreciated Kubrick film. It is a great film that rarely gets mentioned, but it’s certainly ahead of its time (like most Kubrick films) and influences the likes of Tarantino and more.
I’m sure there’re are a lot of poor lads like myself who don’t have a 40-inch LCD/plasma TV to enjoy the prowess of the Criterion blu-ray. Yeah, the blu-ray discs are very reasonably priced, but it won’t be significant enough unless the TV is nice and big enough. So until all that became the majority of consumers, there is not a real rush for them to put everything on blu-ray.
One thing interesting (and maybe trivial) to note to is that in the original Japanese version, Sousuke addresses his parents by first name instead of calling them mom or dad, which I found pretty unusual. I wonder in what ways the English dialogue changed the film. Damn Disney (and that awful remix of the theme song at end credits).
As much as I like it, I agree with The Auteurs’ review on how the second half is a little dragging.
Original Score or Philip Glass Opera? about 3 years ago
When you watch Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast, do you like to watch it with the original soundtrack or the Philip Glass oprea?
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what did you watch today? almost 3 years ago
MADE IN USA.
SOME LIKE IT HOT.
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Roger Ebert responds to people calling him 'Out of Touch' almost 3 years ago
If you read Ebert’s reviews, you’ll realize most of the time he uses 80% of his article to summarize the film’s plot. 80% is an understatement. But if all you look for in a review is synopsis, Ebert is your man.
(Not that I’m interested in more of his overtly personalized opinions on most films.)
Go to Comment
good examples to teach mise-en-scene and film language? almost 3 years ago
Harold and Maude? It’s easy to love (even for young people who have little exposure to non-blockbuster cinema), Hal Ashby is a great but under-appreciated director. The mise-en-scene, the writing and the actors are all great in the film. (Love the opening hanging scene)
Plus, they can relate to the teenage angst (and it’s hilarious).
Go to Comment
200,000 Phantoms almost 3 years ago
I saw this short film by Jean-Gabriel Periot at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston yesterday. It is an amazing short chronicling the history of Hiroshima from 1914 to 2006. It was very moving to see it on the big screen.
You can view it on his website:
http://www.jgperiot.net/FILMS/NIJUMAN%20NO%20BOREI/nijuman.htm
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200,000 Phantoms almost 3 years ago
Thanks for the correction, APURSANSAR.
Or people can visit http://www.jgperiot.net/FILMS/films.htm and click on short films (then 200,000 Phantoms)
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What Do You Think Of The New "Nine" Musical Trailer ? almost 3 years ago
I would like to withhold any judgement before seeing a film, but I agree with Crap Monster- I’m repulsed that 21st century Hollywood is still making movies like Memoirs of a Geisha about other cultures in English. I don’t have to see it to find it offensive and laughable.
As for NINE, all I want to say is no one should remake a MASTERPIECE because there’s nothing to be improved. Excuse me, if you think this is not a remake. But it sound even more ridiculous to call it “a film based on a musical which is based on a play which is inspired by 8 1/2.”
Stop riding Fellini’s coattails.
Go to Comment
What Do You Think Of The New "Nine" Musical Trailer ? almost 3 years ago
I agree with JAEGER INKMAN that this discussion board should not scoop down to the level of the personal attack nature like one would see on Youtube or most websites. This will probably go on forever between “I think this is shit” and “I think this is awesome,” and there’s no way for each side to persuade each other.
Yes, it’s art and all that. And it’s safe to safe it’s mostly a matter of preference. But I have no problem saying that some art (including film) is just shit. Just because it’s art doesn’t mean it’s valuable. In this post-modern world, anything can be art.
Back to the topic, a friend of mine pointed out an funny part in the trailer of NINE, Daniel Day Lewis was singing this song “I am Italian” but the song is in English, and none of the actors seem to be Italian. It’s absurdly hilarious. Seems like Rob Marshall, as in Hollywood, likes to anglicize everything.
Go to Comment
What's your favorite country (by cinematical standards) almost 3 years ago
All time favorite are probably Japan & France, followed by U.S.A., then Italy.
But Japan and France are no where near its golden days (but then, who is?)
Chinese cinema has been a major force in the past 15 years.
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3 Favourite Movies From 5 Favourite Directors almost 3 years ago
Yasujiro Ozu: Late Spring / Passing Fancy/ An Autumn Afternoon (Hey Josh Dushane, how did you get to see There Was a Father?)
Jean Eustache: The Mother and The Whore/ Santa Claus Has Blue Eyes/ Le Cochon
Billy Wilder: The Apartment/ Ace In The Hole/ Sunset Boulevard
Federico Fellini: 8 1/2 / La Strada/ Nights of Cabiria
Jim Jarmusch: Dead Man/ Down By Law/ Stranger Than Paradise
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Best title almost 3 years ago
Luis Bunuel always have the best titles:
The Exterminating Angel, That Obscure Object of Desire, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, The Phantom of Liberty, L’Âge d’or….
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Art-House films people give you "shit" for not liking almost 3 years ago
Sounds like a post of Guilty Displeasure, as one recent writer of Film Comment has pointed out.
Top of my list would be L’Avventura. I’ve seen a few Antonioni films, but I just didn’t feel connect with them (ironically they’re mostly about alienation).
I love a lot of Bergman films, but I really don’t give much shit about Through A Glass Darkly and Persona. Through… is just mediocre to me. Persona has some potential, but I thought Bergman was trying too hard.
Annie Hall will be another one for me. I think it’s decent, and has it moments, but I have never been head over heels for it like most of my friends. Manhattan, on the other hand, is magical to me.
Either way, I have not re-watched most of these films in a long time and most of them deserve a second chance. I may feel different about them at a different point in my life (I think that is what the recent Film Comment article is about, but I can’t recall the name).
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Top Films of 2009 - so far almost 3 years ago
My list so far:
1. Hunger
2. Goodbye Solo!
3. Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea
4. Up
5. La Nana
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Best Takashi Miike movie? almost 3 years ago
Fudoh is batshit crazy. Ridiculously violent and absurdly humorous, just how I would describe what Miike is about. Guilty pleasure.
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Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions almost 3 years ago
I bought BOTTLE ROCKET and LATE SPRING yesterday, and I found out I have two Disc 1 in my BOTTLE ROCKET, so I had to go back to B&N to switch it.
At least they got LATE SPRING right.
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Ozu = Evil? almost 3 years ago
I’d hate to contribute any more attention to this idiotic charlatan’s comments, but it’s hard for me to resist defending the honor of one of cinema’s best. Who am I to say he’s great, Jim Jarmusch, Wim Wenders and Paul Schrader have cited Ozu as the evil overlord who has tremendously influenced their diabolical craftsmanship.
If Ozu = Evil, Sion Sony Bono or whatever your name is = nobody.
All hail Xenu.
Go to Comment
What do you believe is the most visually impressive film of all time? almost 3 years ago
The circus scenes in Ophuls’ LOLA MONTES is stunning. His tracking shots (and setups) in The Earrings of Madame de… is unmatched.
When I watched the extras on Criterion’s HIGH AND LOW, it tells all about Kurosawa’s notorious’ demands and attention to the visual details and preparation. That gave me a newfound appreciation to the film (which I already liked).
On a semi-related note, I have a pet peeve against CGI computer graphics. Hence, I am not impressed by any of that binary shit.
Go to Comment
Last year at marienbad alternative cover almost 3 years ago
BEST. COVER. EVER.
Only if the criterion logo disappears (or embossed) will make it better, and have the French title instead.
Just like how it is in the opening credits.
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Greatest director that only made a few films? almost 3 years ago
Agree on Jean Vigo, Edward Yang and Jean Eustache… all died too young.
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Did I miss something almost 3 years ago
Gran Torino was a pleasant surprise for me, since I was never a big Eastwood fan. I thought the dialogue was hilarious (like calling out Toad on Ms. Yum-Yum). The chemistry between Eastwood and the two Hmmong teenagers are good, but I dislike the performance by the white actors (namely his son and the ginger priest). What strikes me about the film is Eastwood’s existential meditation though the ending is a tad too soapy.
Go to Comment
Did I miss something almost 3 years ago
Nathan M. – Ha ha… I don’t even think the film is “art-house” at all. I’m actually put off by the cinematography. The camera moves too much unnecessarily, like a Johnnie To movie. I just enjoy it enough for what it’s worth.
(I wish the forum has a reply function that helps tracking replies specific to my posts, that would be helpful.)
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Most depressing film you have ever seen? almost 3 years ago
Children Underground – documentary about Romanian street children. The fact that it’s real makes it very sad and depressing.
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HELP WITH A FILM TITLE almost 3 years ago
Nice title, Twist and Shout. I’m guessing the singer is twisting and shouting when he gets electrocuted.
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YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT 2046 almost 3 years ago
I think it has some great ideas but its ambitions don’t match with the execution. I was disappointed.
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Ponyo almost 3 years ago
PONYO is like a back to the basics for Miyazaki, all hand-drawn and abandon even the slight computer graphics for the background in Howl. The color palette in PONYO is so vibrant and beautiful.
Story-wise, it’s pretty simple, so I think it’s naturally I feel the narrative is not as strong as his best. I agree that it’s definitely better than Howl, but not among his best (he never made a bad movie).
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What is Kubrick's Most Under-Appreciated Film? almost 3 years ago
Barry Lyndon had 7 Oscar Nominations and won 4, so it’s arguably the most decorated among Kubrick’s film. It’s a stretch to say it’s “under-appreciated.”
Eyes Wide Shut, in my opinion, received the attention and appreciation (mixed reviews) it deserves. It is not among the director’s best.
The Killing gets my vote for being the most under-appreciated Kubrick film. It is a great film that rarely gets mentioned, but it’s certainly ahead of its time (like most Kubrick films) and influences the likes of Tarantino and more.
Go to Comment
Criterion's lame blu-ray debut almost 3 years ago
I’m sure there’re are a lot of poor lads like myself who don’t have a 40-inch LCD/plasma TV to enjoy the prowess of the Criterion blu-ray. Yeah, the blu-ray discs are very reasonably priced, but it won’t be significant enough unless the TV is nice and big enough. So until all that became the majority of consumers, there is not a real rush for them to put everything on blu-ray.
Go to Comment
Ponyo almost 3 years ago
One thing interesting (and maybe trivial) to note to is that in the original Japanese version, Sousuke addresses his parents by first name instead of calling them mom or dad, which I found pretty unusual. I wonder in what ways the English dialogue changed the film. Damn Disney (and that awful remix of the theme song at end credits).
As much as I like it, I agree with The Auteurs’ review on how the second half is a little dragging.
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Avatar (2009, James Cameron) trailer almost 3 years ago
Awful character design.
Look like giant Smurfs.
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Last movie you saw and rate it almost 3 years ago
The Night of The Hunter – 9.5/10
(Though I feel like the last 30 minutes slows down the movie considerably, Lilian Gish is a great addition and the movie continues to be beautiful.)
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