…until I discovered that many of it’s arguments were pretty weak. I saw this during my four years at the University of Colorado, Boulder (that is the college referenced in the South Park episode ‘Die Hippies, Die’). And I accepted its arguments as true to their word. Until I began to broaden my horizons by further studying science, skepticism and other economic theories. What became clear to me was that many Leftists are not Progressives, but more like Calvinists or Luddites.
One scene in this film that is particularly telling is scene where it is said by someone (I don’t remember whom) that in the centuries previous to the industrial revolution people people did not abuse or pollute the land because they considered the land to be property of God. Back in the middle ages, in the centuries previous to the industrial revolution, it was not that ‘people did not think of the land as property’ it was that ‘people were property OF the land’. The people back then were serfs, slaves of the land, and whomever controlled the land controlled the surfs. This is a display of a mode of thinking that implies the further you move away from industrial society the more you see a reverence for ‘Mother Nature’.
Micheal Shermer, publisher of Skeptic Magazine, explores this attitude in his book ‘The Science of Good and Evil’. He sites a study from the University of Michigan where anthropologists studied pre-industrial societies of the past and the present and discovered massive amounts of environmental degradation and economic exploitation. The only things that minimized these things were low population density and inefficient technology, not because of conscience act of conservation. As an example native American tribes were accustom to over hunting.
Our advanced technology driven industrial societies are actually very efficient when it comes to allocating, preserving and managing land. Using agriculture as a model a corporation would be extremely responsible in this instance if they were motivated purely on growing a product and bringing it to market. In this instance the corporation will research and develop new means of growing more crop on less land. For example back in the 1940’s, the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in a joint venture with the Mexican government contracted a young geneticist by the name of Norman Bourlaug to genetically engineer a strain of wheat that was disease resistant. That ended up feeding millions people in Mexico. Bourlaug then took his work to Pakistan, India, China and to parts of Africa. When he won the Nobel Prize in 1970 it was estimated that Bourlaug fed over one billion people.
Though if you watch movies like ‘The Corporation’ they would have you believe that genetically modified food is poisonous and creates poverty. Even worse is that “organic” food which is the only alternative to GMF takes far more land to cultivate. If we were to switch all existing farmland to growing “organic” food we would only be able to feed one third of the worlds population. And what is most ironic is that multi-national corporations like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have latched onto the “organic” food fad, because it is a way to sell less product for more money.
YouTube user Advocate1234 has made a series of videos critiquing the movie ‘The Corporation’. I don’t agree with the guy on everything though I find his critique of the movie to be very good. The first of which I have posted a link to below:
Here is a movie that most likely nobody on this forum has heard of. Though it is quite possibly THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
The Stunt People are a group of martial artists based in San Fransisco. They have produced many videos for YouTube and three movies that have practically gone strait to DVD, which they sell from their website. Their first feature length film was Contour. Here is a link to the official trailer:
I find many action movies today, even a lot of Asian action movies, are just not directed with the same eye for fluid visual style. They are either slowed down (see House of Flying Daggers) or over edited (see Transporter 3) to accommodate some lack of ability on the part of the actors, director, choreographer or just the crew in general. The Stunt People know how to stage, photograph and edit a fight sequence. These guys have a future in the movie industry, and Criterion could help them on their way.
Plus
THE TRIAL
by Orson Welles
Orson Welles has a whole host of unreleased (Chimes at Midnight has yet to have a region 1 DVD release) and unfinished films (The Other Side of the Wind). There is already a poorly done 5-disc DVD set under the name ‘The Orson Welles Collection’. Criterion could refurbish these films and semi-films and release them in an Eclipse box set.
Though ‘The Trial’ is probably my favorite of these lost gems. There has been a two disc DVD set of the film released in France. All that is available in the U.S. are poor quality public domain releases. The extras could include the Orson Welles directed documentary on the making of ‘The Trial’ and the one deleted scene with subtitles replacing the lost audio.
I agree with Shinichi. This has been a very good year for movies. Especially since I work in a movie theater.
Iron Man, The Dark Knight, Wall-E, Speed Racer, Burn After Reading, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button I got to see for free.
I would add that there have been many good comedies this year like Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Get Smart and even Don’t Mess with the Zohan had its moments.
Yes. I am not quite used to the forums on this site. I thought it worked in the same way as IMDB. But yes I am talking about ‘The Corporation’ and no I am not trolling for Monsanto.
Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God… Be Back by Five
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
I love the movie because it presents two things I absolutely love completely gratuitously, well choreographed action sandwiched in between conversations on philosophy. I love and respect the Wachowski brothers doing completely original and incredibly risky ideas. Whether it be making a two and a half hour, big screen version of Speed Racer, or having millions of people revved up for a long awaited sequel only to be confronted by a conversations about Manichean determinism.
I am anticipating Ninja Assasin. I hope the action will be just as well done as in Reloaded.
I have suggested that the Criterion Collection should release their first movie BOUND on a proper DVD. The only version of the film that is out now is the definition “bare bones” release.
It is surprising to hear that your B&N dose not carry Criterion Discs, Steve. Because the B&N closest to me has an entire section dedicated to the Criterion Collection.
I have said it before and I will say it again until everyone in this network knows about it. Contour is quite possibly THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
I have posted a link to the trailer before and I will post it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
And just so anyone reading this could get an idea of what the action is like in this movie, here is a link to a clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-eH_QuHnn8&feature=related
YouTube user dardrex777 has even compiled a series of ten Stunt People clips with commentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t7D6YKowII&feature=related
And no I am not affiliated in any way with the Stunt People. I just wish to see these guys receive the recognition that they deserve.
Thanks for the acknowledgment LEWIS886. Though I don’t believe that the Criterion Collection has a rule against publishing a DVD for movies that are already on DVD. I believe that DAZED AND CONFUSED had three previous DVD releases before the Collection decided to release the movie in a special 2 disc set with booklet, poster and special packaging. In fact I believe all of Wes Anderson films are released through the Criterion Collection simultaneously with their official studio DVD release.
What I am looking for is a Definitive Edition DVD of ORSON WELLE’S ‘THE TRIAL’. Something like the French 2-disc release of the film. I have seen the release that you mention, and it is definitely a step up from my public domain copy of the film (mine looks like they extracted the video from a bad VHS with tracking errors and all).
Some other films I know of that could use a Criterion Double-Dip:
Bound (The Watchowski Brothers first film. The current DVD release is just plain pathetic.)
The Game (David Fincher has even said that the Criterion had a good set ready for release.)
CONTOUR a film by the Stunt People directed by Eric Jacobus (I will keep repeating this title until everyone on this site knows about it.)
Orson Welles dose Shakespeare – Falstaff/King Lear/Macbeth/Othello (this would make a great ECLIPSE release)
Some more Welles – David and Goliath/The Stranger/Lady of Shanghai
I will second DANA on the choice of ‘Los Olvidados’. It is one of Bunuel’s best films and is not on DVD. Maybe it can be put in an ECLIPSE release along with ‘The Nazarine’ and ‘Tristana’. Maybe it could be given the name BUNUEL IN BLACK AND WHITE.
- Here is a film that does not improve upon spending two hours in a public restroom staring into toilet bowls. Everything is cold and wet. You meet a lot of very unpleasant people. And the only color you see is urine yellow with the occasional spot of tropical blue.
‘Taste of Cherry’
- Seriously who can not make this crap! I’ve made this crap! Give me the Palm d’Or! Seriously, the fact that this film is so widely respected by people who supposedly have “high class” taste, only shows how low standards for independent films have gotten! You have a one-dimensional character who drives around Iran for ninety minutes, picks up three people, and in the end nothing happens! Is this the film that the Criterion Collection chose to represent Iranian cinema! What about the film ‘Two Women’ directed by Tahmineh Milani? Milani was actually arrested for making the film and threatened with death!
For me if you enjoy a movie, you should just enjoy it for the qualities you see. I recall Roger Ebert once said, “For me ‘Wild Things’ is not a guilty pleasure. It’s just a pleasure.”
Some movies I see qualities that others don’t see. I love ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ even though pretty much everyone hates it. ‘Speed Racer’ would fall into the same category.
I enjoyed ‘The Spirit’ for it’s shear goofiness even though I could not point out a single other quality worth mentioning.
I would say a “guilty pleasure” should be like pornography. It should have no artistic quality. You don’t want anyone else know that you like it or own it on DVD. And for a small amount of the time you should of ashamed and disgusted by watching it. For me that film is ‘Attack Girls Swim Team versus The Undead’. It was a blind buy.
I just finished reading “Mindscreen” by Bruce Kawin.
Kawin is an old professor of mine. And in this book he argues that a movie can be told in the first person. And the examples he uses is Bergman’s ‘Shame’ and ‘Persona’ and Godard’s ‘Two or Three Things I Know About Her’.
I have promoted this movie on a couple threads now. But I can’t say this enough, Contour is quite possibly THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
The Stunt People are a group of martial artists situated in San Francisco. They have been producing short videos on the internet since 2001. Their first short film UNDERCUT was submitted to a MTV short film contest though it was disqualified because it received too many votes. CONTOUR is their first feature length film.
The story, “ha”, the movie begins with something resembling a story. But by the end of the movie it is quite clear that the filmmakers just went “aw… F—- it!” Nobody is going to watch this movie for complex characterization and a moving story arch.
The movie was made on a shoestring budget. The only lighting equipment featured in the film are Christmas lights. In any one scene it is possible to see all of the cast and crew on screen.
This movie features some of the finest directed, finest choreographed, finest shot and fastest fighting ever recorded by motion pictures. Too many action movies today are ferociously edited. Cutting in and out for close ups and reaction shots, the viewer is never allowed to properly contemplate the spacial relations of the choreography. The Stunt People, all of the cast and crew being martial artists themselves, capture all of the fighting with long shots. And they leave plenty of room to fit all of the combatants in the frame.
Here is a link to the official trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
Here is a clip from the final fight of the film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-eH_QuHnn8&NR=1
Here is a video made by dardrex777 highlighting 10 great Stunt People videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t7D6YKowII&feature=related
Hope to see a lot of people discover this film. Because it is a great movie and these guys deserve more exposure.
There is really a lack of action movies in the Criterion Collection. There was first Hard Boiled and The Killer, but those discs are out of print. The Rock and Armageddon have a lot of detractors. Robocop, out of print too.
Are there any really great action movies that should be in the Criterion Collection?
To me, ‘A Clockwork Orange’ belongs in a genera of films that combines revenge fantasy with the two act story. In the first act we see a sadist inflicting violence on innocent people. And in the second act we see the perpetrator on the receiving end of the violence. The most infamous film in this genera is ‘I Spit on Your Grave’, mainly because it is very poorly directed and its feminist pretensions. Quentin Tarantino’s most recent movie ‘Death Proof’ straddles the line between ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘I Spit on Your Grave’.
What makes ‘Orange’ unique is that it establishes Alex as a despicable yet quirky character in the first act. Kubrick films all of Alex’s sadistic activities from the perspective of his victims. And in the in the second act, he films Alex receiving the revenge of his victims from his perspective. It challenges the viewer to contemplate their own sadistic tendencies through their identification with Alex. The story uses genera as a test of empathy. It also allows the viewer to contemplate how every individual experiences pain and how ones actions have repercussions. In the first act of the film Alex simply sees people as objects, to him they exist only when he sees them, he can act upon them, dominate them, and as soon as they leave his field of vision they no longer exist. It is only after he turns on his own Broogs that the concept hits him in the head (literally).
The final scene of the film, the conversation between Alex and the politician is the only scene where the audience does not share the perspective with anyone in the scene. Alex has returned to his sadistic, un-empathetic self. The politician hopes to exploit Alex’s bad experiences in the second act as a means to gain political clout. He cheerfully disregarding Alex’s victims from act one, implying that they were enemies of the state. Kubrick turns the camera onto the crowd of reporters entering the hospital room, in turn flashing their cameras. In this moment Kubrick reveals the manipulative power of media to force empathy on the viewer, and especially the manipulative power of the motion picture medium. In the final shot we see a fantasy of Alex (what film professor Bruce F. Kawin would call a “mindscreen” in the first act, but this time we are removed from Alex. It is humorous when Alex states “I am free” because it displays, as was stated directly in ‘Full Metal Jacket’, a dichotomy of the nature of man.
I received my BA in film studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. There we were forced to work with 8 and 16mm film. I have a mound of celluloid in my room that cost me around $500-$800. There is only about 10 to 15 minutes worth watching.
My last year at CU Boulder I bought mini DV camcorder. I used it whenever I could, at the annual 420 celebration or during a directing and acting course. I got hours worth of good footage from mini DV, still do. The film I am most proud of is the day my friend Matt told me that he signed up for the marines.
Currently I am producing an video series to help promote my friends metal band. They go by the name of Ides of Eternity and they should have their first demo out soon. The series is called House of Metal and it consists of whatever I capture when I am around them. I search through all the footage and look for anything that fits together, bits of comedy, biography and music video. The first episode introduced the individual band members, and followed them as they talked about actors like Samuel L. Jackson. The second episode is a closer look at our rhythm guitarist Jeff. The episode displays his dry sense of humor and also incorporates footage of a Christopher Walken movie he was in as a child. I am currently working on the second part to the third episode.
Right now with all the concern over the environment and the economy I wish to use my craft to contribute constructively to solving these problems. Though the problems that I find is that most people in film and the arts in general are very ignorant about energy and environmental science. I’m no physicist, but much of the research I have done about energy runs counter to what many actors and directors are advocating. So that is why I wish to get into industrial film making for nuclear power. It is the only base load power source that does not produce CO2. The waste is small and controllable and the industry has the best safety record of all the energy industries. I have some documentaries scripted that I wish to make and hopefully that will be my springboard to narrative film making.
Most action movies don’t require to be promoted by the Criterion Collection because they have plenty of studio backing. That is probably why the action movies that have been on the list of Criterion titles are out of print. I see some suggestions that I haven’t heard of like ‘Zulu’ and ‘Dragon Gate Inn’
I started this thread so that I could mention ‘CONTOUR’ again. It is an independent film and is notable because it is a perfect display of 21st century film making technology has freed individuals to explore a genera previously not possible to independent filmmakers. And by being professional martial artists they know how to choreograph and photograph an action sequence.
CONTOUR (2006) – I have said it before and I will say it again, CONTOUR IS THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES
I have posted a link to the trailer before and I will post it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
Orson Welles’s The Trial (I am looking for a Criterion Definitive Edition DVD, with all of the extras of the French 2-disc release along with Welles’s documentary ‘Filming ’The Trial’’)
Bound (The Watchowski Brothers first film. The current DVD release is just plain pathetic.)
The Game (David Fincher has even said that the Criterion had a good set ready for release.)
Orson Welles dose Shakespeare – Falstaff/King Lear/Macbeth/Othello/Filming ‘Othello’ (this would make a great ECLIPSE release)
Some more Welles – David and Goliath/The Stranger/Lady of Shanghai (another ECLIPSE release)
‘By Brakhage’ – I received my BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. There we constantly heard of Stan Brakhage whom was a professor there. Also Matt Stone and Trey Parker also went to the University of Colorado, Boulder. Along with creating over 400 avante-garde films he has one acting credit for Matt and Trey’s first movie ‘Cannibal: The Musical’, or as it’s known in Boulder as ‘Alfred Packer: The Musical’. It is also rumored that the character Stan on South Park is a tribute to Brakhage.
‘Blast of Silence’ – One of the best, little known noir films ever. The film is also a time capsule of a past New York that is familiar but long gone. Most films feel as if they have a gloss of artifice that stands between the viewer and the environment, Blast does not have that gloss. The spaces look deep, the surfaces look wet and gritty the lighting appears natural. Plus the film comes with a recommendation from Patton Oswalt.
‘Diary of a Chambermaid’ – This is a blind purchase for me. I love Bunuel and I thought since I get one DVD free a blind buy is most useful. I am disappointed that this offer was not extended to the 10th of February when ‘The Exterminating Angel’ and ‘Simon of the Dessert’ are released. Though with the buy 2 get 1 free offer, along with my B&N membership, and my $30 B&N gift card, I can buy all of these discs along with ‘The Exterminating Angel’ in when it is released. I will be getting four Criterion releases for the price of two 2-disc Criterion releases.
I used to think this movie was great... over 3 years ago
…until I discovered that many of it’s arguments were pretty weak. I saw this during my four years at the University of Colorado, Boulder (that is the college referenced in the South Park episode ‘Die Hippies, Die’). And I accepted its arguments as true to their word. Until I began to broaden my horizons by further studying science, skepticism and other economic theories. What became clear to me was that many Leftists are not Progressives, but more like Calvinists or Luddites.
One scene in this film that is particularly telling is scene where it is said by someone (I don’t remember whom) that in the centuries previous to the industrial revolution people people did not abuse or pollute the land because they considered the land to be property of God. Back in the middle ages, in the centuries previous to the industrial revolution, it was not that ‘people did not think of the land as property’ it was that ‘people were property OF the land’. The people back then were serfs, slaves of the land, and whomever controlled the land controlled the surfs. This is a display of a mode of thinking that implies the further you move away from industrial society the more you see a reverence for ‘Mother Nature’.
Micheal Shermer, publisher of Skeptic Magazine, explores this attitude in his book ‘The Science of Good and Evil’. He sites a study from the University of Michigan where anthropologists studied pre-industrial societies of the past and the present and discovered massive amounts of environmental degradation and economic exploitation. The only things that minimized these things were low population density and inefficient technology, not because of conscience act of conservation. As an example native American tribes were accustom to over hunting.
Our advanced technology driven industrial societies are actually very efficient when it comes to allocating, preserving and managing land. Using agriculture as a model a corporation would be extremely responsible in this instance if they were motivated purely on growing a product and bringing it to market. In this instance the corporation will research and develop new means of growing more crop on less land. For example back in the 1940’s, the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in a joint venture with the Mexican government contracted a young geneticist by the name of Norman Bourlaug to genetically engineer a strain of wheat that was disease resistant. That ended up feeding millions people in Mexico. Bourlaug then took his work to Pakistan, India, China and to parts of Africa. When he won the Nobel Prize in 1970 it was estimated that Bourlaug fed over one billion people.
Though if you watch movies like ‘The Corporation’ they would have you believe that genetically modified food is poisonous and creates poverty. Even worse is that “organic” food which is the only alternative to GMF takes far more land to cultivate. If we were to switch all existing farmland to growing “organic” food we would only be able to feed one third of the worlds population. And what is most ironic is that multi-national corporations like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have latched onto the “organic” food fad, because it is a way to sell less product for more money.
YouTube user Advocate1234 has made a series of videos critiquing the movie ‘The Corporation’. I don’t agree with the guy on everything though I find his critique of the movie to be very good. The first of which I have posted a link to below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dD2mBr7O-Q&feature=channel_page
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Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
CONTOUR
a film by The Stunt People
directed by Eric Jacobus
Here is a movie that most likely nobody on this forum has heard of. Though it is quite possibly THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
The Stunt People are a group of martial artists based in San Fransisco. They have produced many videos for YouTube and three movies that have practically gone strait to DVD, which they sell from their website. Their first feature length film was Contour. Here is a link to the official trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
I find many action movies today, even a lot of Asian action movies, are just not directed with the same eye for fluid visual style. They are either slowed down (see House of Flying Daggers) or over edited (see Transporter 3) to accommodate some lack of ability on the part of the actors, director, choreographer or just the crew in general. The Stunt People know how to stage, photograph and edit a fight sequence. These guys have a future in the movie industry, and Criterion could help them on their way.
Plus
THE TRIAL
by Orson Welles
Orson Welles has a whole host of unreleased (Chimes at Midnight has yet to have a region 1 DVD release) and unfinished films (The Other Side of the Wind). There is already a poorly done 5-disc DVD set under the name ‘The Orson Welles Collection’. Criterion could refurbish these films and semi-films and release them in an Eclipse box set.
Though ‘The Trial’ is probably my favorite of these lost gems. There has been a two disc DVD set of the film released in France. All that is available in the U.S. are poor quality public domain releases. The extras could include the Orson Welles directed documentary on the making of ‘The Trial’ and the one deleted scene with subtitles replacing the lost audio.
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2008 - A Horrendous year for film? over 3 years ago
I agree with Shinichi. This has been a very good year for movies. Especially since I work in a movie theater.
Iron Man, The Dark Knight, Wall-E, Speed Racer, Burn After Reading, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button I got to see for free.
I would add that there have been many good comedies this year like Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Get Smart and even Don’t Mess with the Zohan had its moments.
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I used to think this movie was great... over 3 years ago
Yes. I am not quite used to the forums on this site. I thought it worked in the same way as IMDB. But yes I am talking about ‘The Corporation’ and no I am not trolling for Monsanto.
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Best title over 3 years ago
Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God… Be Back by Five
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
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Movies you love, but everyone else hates. over 3 years ago
The Matrix Reloaded
I love the movie because it presents two things I absolutely love completely gratuitously, well choreographed action sandwiched in between conversations on philosophy. I love and respect the Wachowski brothers doing completely original and incredibly risky ideas. Whether it be making a two and a half hour, big screen version of Speed Racer, or having millions of people revved up for a long awaited sequel only to be confronted by a conversations about Manichean determinism.
I am anticipating Ninja Assasin. I hope the action will be just as well done as in Reloaded.
I have suggested that the Criterion Collection should release their first movie BOUND on a proper DVD. The only version of the film that is out now is the definition “bare bones” release.
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Howzabout Some Horror on Criterion? over 3 years ago
Audition
and I don’t think it actually counts as horror but Orson Welle’s The Trial
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Barnes & Noble, buy 2 get one free... over 3 years ago
I certainly hope that is true. I might as well make it a Bunuel month.
The Exterminating Angel
Simon of the Desert
and maybe
The Phantom of Liberty
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What's the most annoying film music you've had to endure? over 3 years ago
Has to be the three note score of SPARTACUS.
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Barnes & Noble, buy 2 get one free... over 3 years ago
It is surprising to hear that your B&N dose not carry Criterion Discs, Steve. Because the B&N closest to me has an entire section dedicated to the Criterion Collection.
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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
CONTOUR (2006)
a film by The Stunt People
directed by Eric Jacobus
I have said it before and I will say it again until everyone in this network knows about it. Contour is quite possibly THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
I have posted a link to the trailer before and I will post it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
And just so anyone reading this could get an idea of what the action is like in this movie, here is a link to a clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-eH_QuHnn8&feature=related
YouTube user dardrex777 has even compiled a series of ten Stunt People clips with commentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t7D6YKowII&feature=related
And no I am not affiliated in any way with the Stunt People. I just wish to see these guys receive the recognition that they deserve.
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Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
Thanks for the acknowledgment LEWIS886. Though I don’t believe that the Criterion Collection has a rule against publishing a DVD for movies that are already on DVD. I believe that DAZED AND CONFUSED had three previous DVD releases before the Collection decided to release the movie in a special 2 disc set with booklet, poster and special packaging. In fact I believe all of Wes Anderson films are released through the Criterion Collection simultaneously with their official studio DVD release.
What I am looking for is a Definitive Edition DVD of ORSON WELLE’S ‘THE TRIAL’. Something like the French 2-disc release of the film. I have seen the release that you mention, and it is definitely a step up from my public domain copy of the film (mine looks like they extracted the video from a bad VHS with tracking errors and all).
Some other films I know of that could use a Criterion Double-Dip:
Bound (The Watchowski Brothers first film. The current DVD release is just plain pathetic.)
The Game (David Fincher has even said that the Criterion had a good set ready for release.)
CONTOUR a film by the Stunt People directed by Eric Jacobus (I will keep repeating this title until everyone on this site knows about it.)
Orson Welles dose Shakespeare – Falstaff/King Lear/Macbeth/Othello (this would make a great ECLIPSE release)
Some more Welles – David and Goliath/The Stranger/Lady of Shanghai
I will second DANA on the choice of ‘Los Olvidados’. It is one of Bunuel’s best films and is not on DVD. Maybe it can be put in an ECLIPSE release along with ‘The Nazarine’ and ‘Tristana’. Maybe it could be given the name BUNUEL IN BLACK AND WHITE.
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Worst Criterion DVDs over 3 years ago
I will third ‘Jubilee’
- Punk is dead and thank goodness.
‘The Element of Crime’
- Here is a film that does not improve upon spending two hours in a public restroom staring into toilet bowls. Everything is cold and wet. You meet a lot of very unpleasant people. And the only color you see is urine yellow with the occasional spot of tropical blue.
‘Taste of Cherry’
- Seriously who can not make this crap! I’ve made this crap! Give me the Palm d’Or! Seriously, the fact that this film is so widely respected by people who supposedly have “high class” taste, only shows how low standards for independent films have gotten! You have a one-dimensional character who drives around Iran for ninety minutes, picks up three people, and in the end nothing happens! Is this the film that the Criterion Collection chose to represent Iranian cinema! What about the film ‘Two Women’ directed by Tahmineh Milani? Milani was actually arrested for making the film and threatened with death!
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Guilty Pleasures over 3 years ago
For me if you enjoy a movie, you should just enjoy it for the qualities you see. I recall Roger Ebert once said, “For me ‘Wild Things’ is not a guilty pleasure. It’s just a pleasure.”
Some movies I see qualities that others don’t see. I love ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ even though pretty much everyone hates it. ‘Speed Racer’ would fall into the same category.
I enjoyed ‘The Spirit’ for it’s shear goofiness even though I could not point out a single other quality worth mentioning.
I would say a “guilty pleasure” should be like pornography. It should have no artistic quality. You don’t want anyone else know that you like it or own it on DVD. And for a small amount of the time you should of ashamed and disgusted by watching it. For me that film is ‘Attack Girls Swim Team versus The Undead’. It was a blind buy.
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Books about film. over 3 years ago
I just finished reading “Mindscreen” by Bruce Kawin.
Kawin is an old professor of mine. And in this book he argues that a movie can be told in the first person. And the examples he uses is Bergman’s ‘Shame’ and ‘Persona’ and Godard’s ‘Two or Three Things I Know About Her’.
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WHICH DIRECTORS...NOT...CURRENTLY REPRESENTED IN THE CRITERION COLLECTION DO YOU WANT TO SEE INCLUDED? over 3 years ago
“Takashi Miike – come on, man. He’s earned it! If ‘audacity’ were a disease, this guy would be in permanent quarantine!”
agreed
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Why would great cinematographers choose to become mediocre directors? over 3 years ago
You forgot Janusz Kaminsky. He was the cinematographer for many of Spielberg’s best films and then he directs LOST SOULS.
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Here is a movie that should be in the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
CONTOUR (2006)
a film by the Stunt People
directed by Eric Jacobus
I have promoted this movie on a couple threads now. But I can’t say this enough, Contour is quite possibly THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
The Stunt People are a group of martial artists situated in San Francisco. They have been producing short videos on the internet since 2001. Their first short film UNDERCUT was submitted to a MTV short film contest though it was disqualified because it received too many votes. CONTOUR is their first feature length film.
The story, “ha”, the movie begins with something resembling a story. But by the end of the movie it is quite clear that the filmmakers just went “aw… F—- it!” Nobody is going to watch this movie for complex characterization and a moving story arch.
The movie was made on a shoestring budget. The only lighting equipment featured in the film are Christmas lights. In any one scene it is possible to see all of the cast and crew on screen.
This movie features some of the finest directed, finest choreographed, finest shot and fastest fighting ever recorded by motion pictures. Too many action movies today are ferociously edited. Cutting in and out for close ups and reaction shots, the viewer is never allowed to properly contemplate the spacial relations of the choreography. The Stunt People, all of the cast and crew being martial artists themselves, capture all of the fighting with long shots. And they leave plenty of room to fit all of the combatants in the frame.
Here is a link to the official trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
Here is a clip from the final fight of the film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-eH_QuHnn8&NR=1
Here is a video made by dardrex777 highlighting 10 great Stunt People videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t7D6YKowII&feature=related
Hope to see a lot of people discover this film. Because it is a great movie and these guys deserve more exposure.
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Anybody seen films from India? over 3 years ago
I recall watching an Indian film by the name of Shadow Kill for a film class. The film has yet to see a Region 1 release. It was a very good film.
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When I say "A Perfect Film", What One Film Pops Into Your Head First? over 3 years ago
No Country for Old Men
Audition
2001
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Action movies that deserve to be in the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
There is really a lack of action movies in the Criterion Collection. There was first Hard Boiled and The Killer, but those discs are out of print. The Rock and Armageddon have a lot of detractors. Robocop, out of print too.
Are there any really great action movies that should be in the Criterion Collection?
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You choose the book to make into a film. Then choose the director. Go! over 3 years ago
Some are going to think I’m joking.
But when I think of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” I think Takashi Miike.
Has anybody see “Dead or Alive 2”, “Ley Lines” or the “Young Thugs” movies? Miike is a perfect choice for “Their Eyes Were Watching God”.
I also think of Miike whenever I read Frank Miller’s “Hard Boiled” but that is a more obvious choice.
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what's all the fuss about? over 3 years ago
To me, ‘A Clockwork Orange’ belongs in a genera of films that combines revenge fantasy with the two act story. In the first act we see a sadist inflicting violence on innocent people. And in the second act we see the perpetrator on the receiving end of the violence. The most infamous film in this genera is ‘I Spit on Your Grave’, mainly because it is very poorly directed and its feminist pretensions. Quentin Tarantino’s most recent movie ‘Death Proof’ straddles the line between ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘I Spit on Your Grave’.
What makes ‘Orange’ unique is that it establishes Alex as a despicable yet quirky character in the first act. Kubrick films all of Alex’s sadistic activities from the perspective of his victims. And in the in the second act, he films Alex receiving the revenge of his victims from his perspective. It challenges the viewer to contemplate their own sadistic tendencies through their identification with Alex. The story uses genera as a test of empathy. It also allows the viewer to contemplate how every individual experiences pain and how ones actions have repercussions. In the first act of the film Alex simply sees people as objects, to him they exist only when he sees them, he can act upon them, dominate them, and as soon as they leave his field of vision they no longer exist. It is only after he turns on his own Broogs that the concept hits him in the head (literally).
The final scene of the film, the conversation between Alex and the politician is the only scene where the audience does not share the perspective with anyone in the scene. Alex has returned to his sadistic, un-empathetic self. The politician hopes to exploit Alex’s bad experiences in the second act as a means to gain political clout. He cheerfully disregarding Alex’s victims from act one, implying that they were enemies of the state. Kubrick turns the camera onto the crowd of reporters entering the hospital room, in turn flashing their cameras. In this moment Kubrick reveals the manipulative power of media to force empathy on the viewer, and especially the manipulative power of the motion picture medium. In the final shot we see a fantasy of Alex (what film professor Bruce F. Kawin would call a “mindscreen” in the first act, but this time we are removed from Alex. It is humorous when Alex states “I am free” because it displays, as was stated directly in ‘Full Metal Jacket’, a dichotomy of the nature of man.
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How many of us work in film? (Pro or hobby) over 3 years ago
I received my BA in film studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. There we were forced to work with 8 and 16mm film. I have a mound of celluloid in my room that cost me around $500-$800. There is only about 10 to 15 minutes worth watching.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=96F42AC31AD93FD9
My last year at CU Boulder I bought mini DV camcorder. I used it whenever I could, at the annual 420 celebration or during a directing and acting course. I got hours worth of good footage from mini DV, still do. The film I am most proud of is the day my friend Matt told me that he signed up for the marines.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=789018899030F34F
Currently I am producing an video series to help promote my friends metal band. They go by the name of Ides of Eternity and they should have their first demo out soon. The series is called House of Metal and it consists of whatever I capture when I am around them. I search through all the footage and look for anything that fits together, bits of comedy, biography and music video. The first episode introduced the individual band members, and followed them as they talked about actors like Samuel L. Jackson. The second episode is a closer look at our rhythm guitarist Jeff. The episode displays his dry sense of humor and also incorporates footage of a Christopher Walken movie he was in as a child. I am currently working on the second part to the third episode.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5F94F026CA3D639A
Right now with all the concern over the environment and the economy I wish to use my craft to contribute constructively to solving these problems. Though the problems that I find is that most people in film and the arts in general are very ignorant about energy and environmental science. I’m no physicist, but much of the research I have done about energy runs counter to what many actors and directors are advocating. So that is why I wish to get into industrial film making for nuclear power. It is the only base load power source that does not produce CO2. The waste is small and controllable and the industry has the best safety record of all the energy industries. I have some documentaries scripted that I wish to make and hopefully that will be my springboard to narrative film making.
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Action movies that deserve to be in the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
Most action movies don’t require to be promoted by the Criterion Collection because they have plenty of studio backing. That is probably why the action movies that have been on the list of Criterion titles are out of print. I see some suggestions that I haven’t heard of like ‘Zulu’ and ‘Dragon Gate Inn’
I started this thread so that I could mention ‘CONTOUR’ again. It is an independent film and is notable because it is a perfect display of 21st century film making technology has freed individuals to explore a genera previously not possible to independent filmmakers. And by being professional martial artists they know how to choreograph and photograph an action sequence.
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Do we shine at the end? over 3 years ago
That is an interpretation that I had never heard of before. It is quite interesting.
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WHAT FILMS NEED THE TREATMENT? over 3 years ago
CONTOUR (2006) – I have said it before and I will say it again, CONTOUR IS THE BEST ACTION MOVIE TO EVER BE MADE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES
I have posted a link to the trailer before and I will post it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J35adpK9wo&feature=channel_page
Orson Welles’s The Trial (I am looking for a Criterion Definitive Edition DVD, with all of the extras of the French 2-disc release along with Welles’s documentary ‘Filming ’The Trial’’)
Bound (The Watchowski Brothers first film. The current DVD release is just plain pathetic.)
The Game (David Fincher has even said that the Criterion had a good set ready for release.)
Orson Welles dose Shakespeare – Falstaff/King Lear/Macbeth/Othello/Filming ‘Othello’ (this would make a great ECLIPSE release)
Some more Welles – David and Goliath/The Stranger/Lady of Shanghai (another ECLIPSE release)
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Barnes & Noble, buy 2 get one free... over 3 years ago
I filled out my order last night. I ordered:
‘By Brakhage’ – I received my BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. There we constantly heard of Stan Brakhage whom was a professor there. Also Matt Stone and Trey Parker also went to the University of Colorado, Boulder. Along with creating over 400 avante-garde films he has one acting credit for Matt and Trey’s first movie ‘Cannibal: The Musical’, or as it’s known in Boulder as ‘Alfred Packer: The Musical’. It is also rumored that the character Stan on South Park is a tribute to Brakhage.
‘Blast of Silence’ – One of the best, little known noir films ever. The film is also a time capsule of a past New York that is familiar but long gone. Most films feel as if they have a gloss of artifice that stands between the viewer and the environment, Blast does not have that gloss. The spaces look deep, the surfaces look wet and gritty the lighting appears natural. Plus the film comes with a recommendation from Patton Oswalt.
‘Diary of a Chambermaid’ – This is a blind purchase for me. I love Bunuel and I thought since I get one DVD free a blind buy is most useful. I am disappointed that this offer was not extended to the 10th of February when ‘The Exterminating Angel’ and ‘Simon of the Dessert’ are released. Though with the buy 2 get 1 free offer, along with my B&N membership, and my $30 B&N gift card, I can buy all of these discs along with ‘The Exterminating Angel’ in when it is released. I will be getting four Criterion releases for the price of two 2-disc Criterion releases.
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Who do you read? over 3 years ago
Micheal Shermer – The Science of Good and Evil, The Mind of the Market
Richard Dawkins – The God Delusion, Unweaving the Rainbow, The Selfish Gene
Franz Kafka – The Trial and The Metamorphosis
Alan More – Watchmen
Christopher Hitchens – God is Not Great and Why Orwell Matters
P. J. O’Rourk – On the Wealth of Nations (because I will never actually finish Adam Smiths actual body of work)
Herman Melville – Moby Dick
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Movies you hated that everyone else loves over 3 years ago
I’m gonna second Marcelo Reis. I absolutely hated “Kill Bill” as well.
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