I’m still waiting to see four very important films in the next couple of weeks: “Synecdoche, New York”, “Milk”, Slumdog Millionaire", and “Frost/Nixon” before I make my final list. But, thus far…
1. “In Bruges”
2. “Reprise”
3. “Religulous”
4. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
5. “Wall E”
6. “Red Belt”
7. “The Strangers”
8. “Encounters at the End of the World”
9. “Iron Man”
10. “The Dark Knight”
Oh, and I’ll be watching “Man On Wire” this weekend, which I feel may be list worthy.
You guys can go to my website at american-vulture.com to read reviews of all of my current Top 10, with the exception of “Wall E”.
To quote Patrick Bateman quoting Huey Lewis, “I want a new drug, One that won’t spill, One that don’t cost too much, Or come in a pill”. David lynch continues his mission to create an all-natural chemical-free, completely organic drug, heightening the senses with audio/visual stimulation; placing the recipient in an alternate reality by mainlining the drug directly into the eye sockets.
“My Dinner With Andre”. Louis Malle, Andre Gregory, and Wallace Shawn showed how drama, suspense, humor, and emotion can be portrayed through well-written dialogue.
Oh, boy. I gotta say, my favorite is “Down By Law”. But, after having seen “Broken Flowers” several times over the past couple of years, I might place it in the upper tier. It has a quiet beauty that is surprising, even for Jarmusch.
“Affliction” was depressing but brilliant, and it garnered James Coburn an Oscar. “Affliction” was also the last great performance by Nick Nolte. I have a lot of affection for “Auto Focus”; a sadly overlooked masterpiece. Another movie that never gets the attention it deserves is Schrader’s “Blue Collar” from 1978; a riveting study of class warfare and race; and it includes the single best performance of Richard Pryor’s career.
If not, that’s a real shame. Because Scottish film maker Bill Forsyth wrote and directed some of the best comedies of the 1980’s: Gregory’s Girl (1981), Local Hero (1983), Comfort and Joy (1984), and Breaking In (1989). A brilliant streak unequaled, except by maybe John Hughes. I love this guy’s sweet, understated comedies so much, that I believe from now on, anytime someone hosts a Forum about “What Film Should Criterion Do Next”, I will just repeat entries from Mr. Forsyth’s criminally overlooked canon. For starters, I would give the Criterion treatment to Local Hero and Comfort and Joy.
Thanks Andrew and Cole. “Gregory’s Girl” seems to be the consensus favorite so far. And for me, if I had to pick just one, it would be “Local Hero”. Just a gorgeous movie. And this is from a guy that despises sentimentality in film. But, for whatever reason, Forsyth just always seemed to strike that perfect tone that never seemed too sappy or maudlin.
TOM: Yes, and speaking of talented but overexposed stars (Robin Williams), Burt Reynolds gave his best performance in “Breaking In”, several years before his heralded “comeback” in “Boogie Nights”.
TOM WILSON: Burt Lancaster was magnificent in “Local Hero”. A classic Forsyth touch: Burt Lancaster as a corporate mogul with a star-gazing obsession.
ADAM SURAF: What a beautiful story.
MUSYCKS: And scenes like that one were deepened by well written characters. Forsyth never dumbed-down his characters or condescended to his audience. Oh, and let’s not forget Peter Riegert, and his perfectly subtle comedic timing.
MUSYCKS: I love the ending with Peter Riegert looking down from his high rise in Houston, calling the pay phone in Scottish village.
NOEL DANSECO: Believe me, as a video store owner who has selfishly used the business to build my own personal super-collection of dvds, I have tried to get my hands on those titles. But, then again, IF Criterion were to ever do a Bill Forsyth set, the wait would be worth it.
JOSH CABAT, I included “Comfort and Joy” in my original post. You’re right, it’s a great Christmas movie. “Comfort and Joy” is currently only available on VHS and Region 2 DVD. As a matter of fact, if Criterion could only choose two Forsyth films, “Local Hero” would be one, “Comfort and Joy” would be the other.
Hey, I’m not only going to disagree with the shocking amount of people here who have chosen “Burn After Reading”, I’m going to take a bullet for “The Happening”.
While I didn’t think “The Happening” came anywhere near restoring M. Night Shyamalan’s tattered reputation, I do believe it was a step up from “The Lady in the Water” and “The Village”. If you look at “The Happening” within the context of Shyamalan’s complete works, you will notice “The Happening” is the first film in which Shyamalan finally moves away from his contrived, worn-out Spirituality construct; creating a flawed, but admirable Political parable.
And as far as “Burn After Reading”: really? All I know is, I laughed, a lot. I thought Clooney was hilarious. “Burn After Reading” was a great parody of action/spy movies like the “Bourne” series. And you guys may remember that the first movie The Coens made after their masterpiece “Fargo” was “The Big Lebowski”, which also received a less than warm reception, but is now considered a cult classic.
Worst movie of 2008? Even though I didn’t see “Australia” or “Fool’s Gold”, I’d be willing to bet they’re much more deserving than “Burn After Reading” or “The Happening”.
William Friedkin is often left out of the “1970’s as the Golden Age of Cinema” discussion even after having delivered two masterpieces back to back, THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971) and THE EXORCIST (1973). But, Friedkin was never able to capitalize on his talent and sustain a lasting box office streak the way some of his 70’s contemporaries had, and by 1980 his clout in Hollywood had evaporated. He had a minor hit in 1985 with TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A., an excellent action film; and more recently, BUG (2006), an undiscovered gem. But, without a doubt, if you deliver one of the greatest action films in history with THE FRENCH CONNECTION and one of the greatest horror films THE EXORCIST, then by gum, you are great filmmaker.
I’m sorry if I’ve abused my Forum rights, by not really providing a topic for conversation, but I couldn’t contain my excitement. My Dinner with Andre!
Blue is my favorite. But, Red is probably the best film overall, because it’s more complex; because it has to be; seeing how it summates the three colors.
Films you love but most people hate. over 3 years ago
The Prestige
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Films you love but most people hate. over 3 years ago
Insomnia (American remake)
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Rate The Last Film You Watched over 3 years ago
Quantum of Solace. Not as good as Casino Royale, but good.
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The most beautiful films? over 3 years ago
George Washington by David Gordon Green
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favorite funniest movie over 3 years ago
The 40 Year Old Virgin is the funniest movie I’ve seen in years. I’ve seen it at least 10 times, and it has yet to falter.
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The Best Films of 2008 over 3 years ago
I’m still waiting to see four very important films in the next couple of weeks: “Synecdoche, New York”, “Milk”, Slumdog Millionaire", and “Frost/Nixon” before I make my final list. But, thus far…
1. “In Bruges”
2. “Reprise”
3. “Religulous”
4. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
5. “Wall E”
6. “Red Belt”
7. “The Strangers”
8. “Encounters at the End of the World”
9. “Iron Man”
10. “The Dark Knight”
Oh, and I’ll be watching “Man On Wire” this weekend, which I feel may be list worthy.
You guys can go to my website at american-vulture.com to read reviews of all of my current Top 10, with the exception of “Wall E”.
Go to Comment
Your interpretation of this film over 3 years ago
To quote Patrick Bateman quoting Huey Lewis, “I want a new drug, One that won’t spill, One that don’t cost too much, Or come in a pill”. David lynch continues his mission to create an all-natural chemical-free, completely organic drug, heightening the senses with audio/visual stimulation; placing the recipient in an alternate reality by mainlining the drug directly into the eye sockets.
Go to Comment
Films that changed how you looked at cinema over 3 years ago
“My Dinner With Andre”. Louis Malle, Andre Gregory, and Wallace Shawn showed how drama, suspense, humor, and emotion can be portrayed through well-written dialogue.
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Best of Coming-Of-Age Cinema over 3 years ago
“Small Change” and “Spirited Away”
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Jarmusch over 3 years ago
Oh, boy. I gotta say, my favorite is “Down By Law”. But, after having seen “Broken Flowers” several times over the past couple of years, I might place it in the upper tier. It has a quiet beauty that is surprising, even for Jarmusch.
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Jarmusch over 3 years ago
I agree with R.S. Brown regarding the Molina-Coogan piece from “Coffee and Cigarettes”. One of my favorite scenes ever.
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WHAT MODERN...AMERICAN...HORROR FILMS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE CRITERION COLLECTION? over 3 years ago
The Hughes Brothers’ overlooked masterpiece “From Hell”
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What is Kubrick's Most Under-Appreciated Film? over 3 years ago
Oh, I think there’s little doubt that too few people have seen “The Killing”.
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Paul Schrader over 3 years ago
“Affliction” was depressing but brilliant, and it garnered James Coburn an Oscar. “Affliction” was also the last great performance by Nick Nolte. I have a lot of affection for “Auto Focus”; a sadly overlooked masterpiece. Another movie that never gets the attention it deserves is Schrader’s “Blue Collar” from 1978; a riveting study of class warfare and race; and it includes the single best performance of Richard Pryor’s career.
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How Long Has This Website Existed? over 3 years ago
I love this site, and I don’t really care if there may be a few snots that belittle us newcomers. But, your question is good one.
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Anybody here heard of Bill Forsyth? over 3 years ago
Anybody here heard of Bill Forsyth?
If not, that’s a real shame. Because Scottish film maker Bill Forsyth wrote and directed some of the best comedies of the 1980’s: Gregory’s Girl (1981), Local Hero (1983), Comfort and Joy (1984), and Breaking In (1989). A brilliant streak unequaled, except by maybe John Hughes. I love this guy’s sweet, understated comedies so much, that I believe from now on, anytime someone hosts a Forum about “What Film Should Criterion Do Next”, I will just repeat entries from Mr. Forsyth’s criminally overlooked canon. For starters, I would give the Criterion treatment to Local Hero and Comfort and Joy.
Go to Comment
Anybody here heard of Bill Forsyth? over 3 years ago
Thanks Andrew and Cole. “Gregory’s Girl” seems to be the consensus favorite so far. And for me, if I had to pick just one, it would be “Local Hero”. Just a gorgeous movie. And this is from a guy that despises sentimentality in film. But, for whatever reason, Forsyth just always seemed to strike that perfect tone that never seemed too sappy or maudlin.
Go to Comment
Anybody here heard of Bill Forsyth? over 3 years ago
TOM: Yes, and speaking of talented but overexposed stars (Robin Williams), Burt Reynolds gave his best performance in “Breaking In”, several years before his heralded “comeback” in “Boogie Nights”.
TOM WILSON: Burt Lancaster was magnificent in “Local Hero”. A classic Forsyth touch: Burt Lancaster as a corporate mogul with a star-gazing obsession.
ADAM SURAF: What a beautiful story.
MUSYCKS: And scenes like that one were deepened by well written characters. Forsyth never dumbed-down his characters or condescended to his audience. Oh, and let’s not forget Peter Riegert, and his perfectly subtle comedic timing.
Go to Comment
Anybody here heard of Bill Forsyth? over 3 years ago
MUSYCKS: I love the ending with Peter Riegert looking down from his high rise in Houston, calling the pay phone in Scottish village.
NOEL DANSECO: Believe me, as a video store owner who has selfishly used the business to build my own personal super-collection of dvds, I have tried to get my hands on those titles. But, then again, IF Criterion were to ever do a Bill Forsyth set, the wait would be worth it.
Go to Comment
Anybody here heard of Bill Forsyth? over 3 years ago
JOSH CABAT, I included “Comfort and Joy” in my original post. You’re right, it’s a great Christmas movie. “Comfort and Joy” is currently only available on VHS and Region 2 DVD. As a matter of fact, if Criterion could only choose two Forsyth films, “Local Hero” would be one, “Comfort and Joy” would be the other.
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CONTENDERS FOR BEST FOREIGN FILM 2009 over 3 years ago
“Reprise” (Norway) directed by Joachim Trier, written by Trier and Eskil Vogt.
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The Worst Films of 2008 over 3 years ago
Hey, I’m not only going to disagree with the shocking amount of people here who have chosen “Burn After Reading”, I’m going to take a bullet for “The Happening”.
While I didn’t think “The Happening” came anywhere near restoring M. Night Shyamalan’s tattered reputation, I do believe it was a step up from “The Lady in the Water” and “The Village”. If you look at “The Happening” within the context of Shyamalan’s complete works, you will notice “The Happening” is the first film in which Shyamalan finally moves away from his contrived, worn-out Spirituality construct; creating a flawed, but admirable Political parable.
And as far as “Burn After Reading”: really? All I know is, I laughed, a lot. I thought Clooney was hilarious. “Burn After Reading” was a great parody of action/spy movies like the “Bourne” series. And you guys may remember that the first movie The Coens made after their masterpiece “Fargo” was “The Big Lebowski”, which also received a less than warm reception, but is now considered a cult classic.
Worst movie of 2008? Even though I didn’t see “Australia” or “Fool’s Gold”, I’d be willing to bet they’re much more deserving than “Burn After Reading” or “The Happening”.
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The Worst Films of 2008 over 3 years ago
Hooray for Alanedit! Simply for praising Woody’s “Vicky…”. Even though, again, I believe I’m in the minority; I actually liked “Quantum of Solace”.
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Do great films have to be depressing and bleak to be great? over 3 years ago
“No good movie is depressing; all bad movies are depressing.”
-Roger Ebert
I actually like my movies a little on the down-side.
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No william friedkin? over 3 years ago
William Friedkin is often left out of the “1970’s as the Golden Age of Cinema” discussion even after having delivered two masterpieces back to back, THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971) and THE EXORCIST (1973). But, Friedkin was never able to capitalize on his talent and sustain a lasting box office streak the way some of his 70’s contemporaries had, and by 1980 his clout in Hollywood had evaporated. He had a minor hit in 1985 with TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A., an excellent action film; and more recently, BUG (2006), an undiscovered gem. But, without a doubt, if you deliver one of the greatest action films in history with THE FRENCH CONNECTION and one of the greatest horror films THE EXORCIST, then by gum, you are great filmmaker.
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10 films you MUST have seen to even be in with a chance of being a true Cinephile over 3 years ago
This question is too overwhelming. Probably something from the 1970’s, the last golden era of American film. THE CONVERSATION or ANNIE HALL.
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My Dinner with Andre Criterion, June 23rd? Hip, Hip, Hooray! about 3 years ago
I’m sorry if I’ve abused my Forum rights, by not really providing a topic for conversation, but I couldn’t contain my excitement. My Dinner with Andre!
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FAVORITE 5 OR 10 WOODY ALLEN MOVIES about 3 years ago
Husbands and Wives
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Another Woman
Hannah and Her Sisters
Annie Hall
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The Auteurs Film Club about 3 years ago
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I have reviewed a few Criterion films at Suite101.Com; including The Lovers and Fishing With John.
M.G. Wood Articles at Suite 101:
http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/mgwood
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Which is the best of Kieslowski's Three Colors about 3 years ago
Blue is my favorite. But, Red is probably the best film overall, because it’s more complex; because it has to be; seeing how it summates the three colors.
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