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Brian Courtney's Posts

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Seijun Suzuki over 3 years ago

I have problems with this director but acknowledge a original style and disregard for classical narrative. Normally I have no problems if a film lacks a cohesive plot but with Suzuki I am at a complete loss for what is going on (not all the time). It is great post modern cinema and should be viewed by all filmbuffs. I have only seen japanese film through what can be found on criterion. In this regard Suzu pails in comparision to ozu, kurosawa, or Kenji. He might be a eastern Godard but without any significant political message. See Branded to Kill first.

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What films would you like to see included in future ECLIPSE releases? over 3 years ago

Early Bunel maybe? Late Truffaut? Late Fellini? These would be great sets but I would like a new set focusing on a director I never herd of and finding ne cinematic images.

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What Is Your Ultimate Bergman Film & Why?? over 3 years ago

Persona is the ultimate Bergman. This film explores the same dramatic territory with his regular actreses, but unlike other films he is less conservative in his narrative technice and editing. He experimented with allegory and dream sequences before and after but in this film Bergman really disturbs the viewers expectations and experiments with editing unseen in his other films. The acting and cinematography is top notch as well. I personally hate that most people only see seventh seal.

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What Is Your Ultimate Bergman Film & Why?? over 3 years ago

Yeah Serpants Egg is definetly a failure even for a hack. I can only say that the last ten minutes are good.

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Paul Schrader over 3 years ago

Liked all his films and find a definite thematic universe that they all take part in. Everyone should see The Walker

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New to The Auteurs? You Belong Here over 3 years ago

I have seen every criterion dvd. I am really runing out of films to see. Unfourntanetly the people in my enviorment do not share the same intrests or passion for film, especially if it is “art”. I hope you guys can create some intresting conversation so I can get back into film, or I might go out like Travis Bickle.

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Seijun Suzuki over 3 years ago

Campbell i completly overlooked that point

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Why is the Blob on criterion over 3 years ago

I do not think the blob belongs on criterion next to all the other important films criterion has. I do not think my view is elitist but if anyone can persuade me why such a film is worthy to be discussed seriously I would like to know. Also being that I am somewhay apprehensive about cult films in general is there any that you guys could tell me about that I might like seeing?

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Philip Seymour Hoffman has had enough over 3 years ago

best actor of his generation

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Jarmusch over 3 years ago

I like Jim Jarmusch. My friend and I first saw Ghost Dog and we were mesmerized for months. I checked out his back catalouge and was never dissapointed. His odd tone, pacing, and speech work with his bleak mise-en-scene creating a mystical experience. I find influences from existentalism and Samuel Beckett. Am I the only one that thinks Down by Law was a take on Renoir’s Grand Illusion- The second part.

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Best Bunuel scene? over 3 years ago

First thing that I thought of was (eglish translation) The Golden Age? Its been years but I remember some guy getting kicked in the ass several times. I was watching it at school w/ headphones and caused such a scene with my laughter. Can anyone clarify what exactly I am talking abut it really slipped my mind.

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What books would you like to see adapted for the screen? over 3 years ago

I want to see Plato’s republic/1984/ matrix hybrid film made- I already started the screenplay

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Double Features over 3 years ago

Salo and The Night Porter – good family entertainment

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Best Online Film Resources over 3 years ago

I think Ebert is right 90% of the time.

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Film quotes you love over 3 years ago

The rug really tied the room together
You are out of your element
i got a beverage here man
I am the walrus
This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass
You will be in a world of pain
some things have really come to light
- just saw big labowski while drinking everclear

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Separation and change in Ozu’s late period almost 3 years ago

Ironic that you interpret Ozu to criticize tradition yet Ozu in directing and in real life was very much bound to tradition. Ozu did not move to sound or color untill long after sound and color became the norm. I would very much like to see a essay on his relationship with his mother being a influence on his work. I guess a psychological study on Ozu is in order.

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What should be the purpose of Film? almost 3 years ago

Film should reaffirm the need to live while confronting one with the terrible consequences of living. Film can also simply provide the necessary escape from the tedious and horrible aspects of life.

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GREAT FILMS DEPICTING INSANITY AND MENTAL ILLNESS almost 3 years ago

The Aviator, clean and shaven, and I think Gone with the Wind too

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GREAT FILMS DEPICTING INSANITY AND MENTAL ILLNESS almost 3 years ago

Almost every Herzog film

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what did you watch today? almost 3 years ago

Still Life and Dong. May see Tender Mercies later

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Is length intimidating? almost 3 years ago

Josh Dushane I remember that you could not see 1900 to the end because life got in the way. Long films are to be seen in one sitting and as a rule in a theatre. The time put in is usually justified because hack film makers usually do not try to make epic length features. I find myself watching shorter films over long ones only because life does tend to get in the way.

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Is length intimidating? almost 3 years ago

Never heard of those 3 films. I will google them. When do we see the Human Condition?

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scorsese the best of almost 3 years ago

In the Sopranos Cristopher shouts to Scorsese “I liked Kundun,” is this sarcasam? I have a idiot friend that says Scorsese should stick to gangser films. Is there any truth to this? Favorite non gangster Scorsese films-discuss amongst yourselves.

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TOP 10 LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA almost 3 years ago

Why no Pedro?

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TOP 10 LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA almost 3 years ago

I thought Mexico was the same kinda ignorant and racist huh?

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Books almost 3 years ago

The Adventures of Auggie March then Echo Maker

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scorsese the best of almost 3 years ago

Non violent I guess. I think the Age of Innocence should be considered as classic, Ebert did put it on his great movies and it is on the NY Times top 1,000 list. Scorsese’s non violent films tend to have a non physical violnence of repressed desires.

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my epiphany almost 3 years ago

I am going to see stalker on sat. Should I see it with my non movie buff friend or alone?

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