One of Susan Sontag’s few novels, “Death Kit” could make an awesome, haunting, frightening film. I’ve never met anyone who’s read this book, but it’s eminently filmable.
Has no one seen Philip Ridley’s “The Reflecting Skin”? It’s brightly disturbing, gorgeously shot, enchantingly scored and features Viggo Mortensen in one of his earliest appearances on celluloid (and in the nude).
I would love to see his follow-up, “The Passion of Darkly Noon”.
It has everything. Dreams, hallucinations, amazing images, music, performances to die for, pre-emptive self-criticism, joy and mystery. Most of all, it displays the futility of art engaged with commerce; the inability art struggles with to present “truth”—while going so far to conquer these very barriers.
Despite the homages, the only film I’ve seen that approaches these themes is Kaufman’s “Synecdoche”. Kaufman claims to have never seen 8 1/2. How implausible. Other than the immense difference in tone (Kaufman is depressed; Federico is joyful), the similarities are almost too numerous to ennumerate.
But…b&w, foreign language, 45 years old…who has the patience or curiosity?
Is it because there’s no available copy of Bergman’s “Face to Face” that no one has mentioned this harrowing masterpiece yet? Did nobody see it during its theatrical release? Is it so painful to witness Liv Ullmann’s performance that everyone has to repress and forget it altogether?
I’ve scoured every post on this thread and wholeheartedly endorse these prior suggestions —
The Apu Trilogy
Santa Sangre
Gospel According to St. Matthew
Seven Beauties
Fellini’s Casanova
Fellini’s Voice of the Moon (the only Fellini film I’ve never seen)
Here are two hitherto unspoken suggestions —
Bergman’s Face to Face
and the cinematic treasure that brought me to this thread (very surprised it’s not been mentioned already) ….
i haven’t read robert rodriguez’s “rebel without a crew”; but if it’s as good as his commentary track to “el mariachi”, that’s great advice. his “mariachi” commentary is on the laserdisc of that movie which i own. i don’t know whether it’s included on the dvd or not, but hunt it down. it’s just about as good as taking a class at a reputed film school.
another master class you have at your fingertips is scorsese’s “my voyage to italy” on dvd. it’s four hours long. it focuses exclusively on a “movement”, italian neo-realism, and it’s superb.
not sure where any of you can get a decent copy of patrice chereau’s “l’homme blesse”. the extant dvd has a terrible transfer. nonetheless, this 1983 movie starring a young jean-hugues anglade is probably the most erotic film i’ve ever seen if we agree that erotic means wanting (needing) to see two characters have sex
i seldom cry at movies. the few times i have, though, are completely memorable for being so rare.
in “the elephant man” when he’s given that gift of combs and brushes.
most oddly, at the end of “watership down” when the credits rolled, i started crying. this was when i first saw it and i was a grown man. what triggered my tears was seeing the dozens and dozens if not hundreds of names of the people who’d worked to bring this “cartoon” to life. i’ve never been and still am not a fan of animation. however, i’d read the novel before seeing the film and … what can i say. the credits made me cry.
vertov’s film theory (written or otherwise) is nothing i can discuss. all i know of him is his great work in “the man with a movie camera”. i was fortunate enough to see this screened at the seattle internat’l film festival a few years ago with members of the “cinematic orchestra” performing their score live. it was, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary events in my movie-going history. the audience’s response was thunderously rapturous. i’ve since played the dvd i have of this film and this score on my big screen at home for many a gathering of friends. it always knocks everyone’s socks off!
what always amazes me most about the film is the editing. i might also mention the many images scattered throughout of the “making of the film”, his wife with her scissors cutting the film, the reflection of his eye in the camera lens, the stop-motion. it was so ahead of its day. it’s a superb movie.
not that this adds anything to the topic-at-hand other than my great appreciation for vertov (his brother and wife) and their creation.
as i just wrote on another thread (vertov), i have to admit that my most thrilling film-going experience ever was seeing vertov’s “man with a movie camera” at siff a few years back with members of the “cinematic orchestra” playing their score live.
someone earlier mentioned maddin’s “brand upon the brain” with its live accompaniment (foley artists, “castrato”, etc.) i also witnessed a performance of this at seattle’s cinerama theatre last year with maddin himself as the narrator. as thrilling as it was to witness the meld between film images and live performance, vertov’s movie is so much more breathtaking than maddin’s. there probably never will be an experience like the one blending the “cinematic orchestra” with vertov’s film.
I like them equally. The “original” possesses much merit simply due to Kubrick himself. It’s b/w which is a plus. It has Sellers and he’s inimitable. I haven’t read the novel so I can’t comment on which version is more faithful. Shelley Winters was superb.
Lyne’s version has assets that outstrip Kubrick’s, I believe. I prefer the young actress here over Sue Lyons. I absolutely love the score. I had much more sympathy for Irons’ character than I did for Mason’s portrayal.
The biggest contrast for me was how much better, much, much better Shelley Winters was as Lolita’s mother.
I want to bring up Patrice Chereau, mentioned once already on this thread.
His “L’Homme Blesse” is fantastic insofar as it encapsulates a near-panicky feeling I’ve often felt myself when “chasing” an inordinate desire for somebody completely outside my circle of peers. Unfortunately, the extant DVD’s transfer of this film is terribly sub-par and nearly unwatchable. I have the VHS and it’s slightly better.
I’ll definitely check out the Chereau film mentioned earlier that the poster rates higher than “L’Homme Blesse”.
One of the most exuberant, joyful experiences I’ve ever had watching “gay life” onscreen is an unappreciated British TV program(me) entitled “Metrosexuality”. Its glossy surface, attractive cast, edits and score, even the costumes and hair-styling combine mightily to create a world that just about anyone would love to inhabit. It’s the heart, though, the scenario that resonates; gay parenting of straight teenagers that gives all that eye candy a soft, nougat center.
The double-disc DVD could be OOP, I don’t know; but with its bountiful supplements, it’s a rare treasure.
Not wishing to repeat any book already mentioned, I can only add one novel to this thread. It’s one of the very few books I’ve read twice. I think it could be adapted and made into an awesome film. For the greater part, it’s highly realistic in its contemporary narrative that takes place in a hospital in upstate New York. The final 40 or 50 pages, though, spiral into a metaphysical horror show deep inside a train tunnel.
It’s by renowned essayist, Susan Sontag. It’s entitled “Death Kit”.
Spectating gluttonously at the long table of cinema, neo-realism is obliterated by hollywood sentimentalities chokingly swallowed along with half-chewed spaghetti westerns before a quaff of french new wave brings forth an upheaval of undigested response.
These lists of films consumed reflect not refinements but spillage.
The auteurs are not opiates. Lifetimes of engagement created these pearls of cinema. If these films haven’t touched and changed you, zealotry is your calling card.
What movies desperately need a U.S. dvd release? over 3 years ago
I second (or third) the following:
Fellini’s Casanova
Santa Sangre
Cul-de-Sac
Greenaway’s Prospero’s Books
Baby of Macon
Tulsa Luper Suitcases 1-3
Betty Blue
Apu Trilogy
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Greatest Films You'll Never See over 3 years ago
One of Susan Sontag’s few novels, “Death Kit” could make an awesome, haunting, frightening film. I’ve never met anyone who’s read this book, but it’s eminently filmable.
Go to Comment
Obscure recommendations over 3 years ago
Has no one seen Philip Ridley’s “The Reflecting Skin”? It’s brightly disturbing, gorgeously shot, enchantingly scored and features Viggo Mortensen in one of his earliest appearances on celluloid (and in the nude).
I would love to see his follow-up, “The Passion of Darkly Noon”.
Go to Comment
If you had to pick ONE film as your favorite... over 3 years ago
Eight and a Half.
It has everything. Dreams, hallucinations, amazing images, music, performances to die for, pre-emptive self-criticism, joy and mystery. Most of all, it displays the futility of art engaged with commerce; the inability art struggles with to present “truth”—while going so far to conquer these very barriers.
Despite the homages, the only film I’ve seen that approaches these themes is Kaufman’s “Synecdoche”. Kaufman claims to have never seen 8 1/2. How implausible. Other than the immense difference in tone (Kaufman is depressed; Federico is joyful), the similarities are almost too numerous to ennumerate.
But…b&w, foreign language, 45 years old…who has the patience or curiosity?
Go to Comment
TOP BERGMAN over 3 years ago
Is it because there’s no available copy of Bergman’s “Face to Face” that no one has mentioned this harrowing masterpiece yet? Did nobody see it during its theatrical release? Is it so painful to witness Liv Ullmann’s performance that everyone has to repress and forget it altogether?
Go to Comment
Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
I’ve scoured every post on this thread and wholeheartedly endorse these prior suggestions —
The Apu Trilogy
Santa Sangre
Gospel According to St. Matthew
Seven Beauties
Fellini’s Casanova
Fellini’s Voice of the Moon (the only Fellini film I’ve never seen)
Here are two hitherto unspoken suggestions —
Bergman’s Face to Face
and the cinematic treasure that brought me to this thread (very surprised it’s not been mentioned already) ….
Pagnol’s Fanny Trilogy (Marius, Fanny & Cesar)
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Top performances of all time. over 3 years ago
I second (or third) Huppert in “Piano Teacher” and want to add Streep in “Sophie’s Choice”.
Go to Comment
Film Self-Education over 3 years ago
jake —
i haven’t read robert rodriguez’s “rebel without a crew”; but if it’s as good as his commentary track to “el mariachi”, that’s great advice. his “mariachi” commentary is on the laserdisc of that movie which i own. i don’t know whether it’s included on the dvd or not, but hunt it down. it’s just about as good as taking a class at a reputed film school.
another master class you have at your fingertips is scorsese’s “my voyage to italy” on dvd. it’s four hours long. it focuses exclusively on a “movement”, italian neo-realism, and it’s superb.
Go to Comment
Most erotic films you've seen. over 3 years ago
not sure where any of you can get a decent copy of patrice chereau’s “l’homme blesse”. the extant dvd has a terrible transfer. nonetheless, this 1983 movie starring a young jean-hugues anglade is probably the most erotic film i’ve ever seen if we agree that erotic means wanting (needing) to see two characters have sex
Go to Comment
List the most exemplary acting performance(s) over 3 years ago
Vanessa Redgrave in ISADORA
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Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection over 3 years ago
Karel Reisz’ ISADORA (roadshow version)
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Movies you love, but everyone else hates. over 3 years ago
POINT BREAK and TERMINAL VELOCITY….could it be the sky-diving?
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Movies you love, but everyone else hates. over 3 years ago
POINT BREAK and TERMINAL VELOCITY….could it be the sky-diving?
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films in greatest need: 1) the Big screen treatment 2) dvd release over 3 years ago
I agree with “corduroy” that Good Morning Babylon should be available.
Go to Comment
What film scenes really make you cry? over 3 years ago
i seldom cry at movies. the few times i have, though, are completely memorable for being so rare.
in “the elephant man” when he’s given that gift of combs and brushes.
most oddly, at the end of “watership down” when the credits rolled, i started crying. this was when i first saw it and i was a grown man. what triggered my tears was seeing the dozens and dozens if not hundreds of names of the people who’d worked to bring this “cartoon” to life. i’ve never been and still am not a fan of animation. however, i’d read the novel before seeing the film and … what can i say. the credits made me cry.
Go to Comment
Favorite Gary Oldman Role!! over 3 years ago
because of comments on this thread, i just ordered and will watch “leon the professional” for the first time!
has anyone mentioned how awesome gary is in “prick up your ears”?
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VERTOV over 3 years ago
vertov’s film theory (written or otherwise) is nothing i can discuss. all i know of him is his great work in “the man with a movie camera”. i was fortunate enough to see this screened at the seattle internat’l film festival a few years ago with members of the “cinematic orchestra” performing their score live. it was, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary events in my movie-going history. the audience’s response was thunderously rapturous. i’ve since played the dvd i have of this film and this score on my big screen at home for many a gathering of friends. it always knocks everyone’s socks off!
what always amazes me most about the film is the editing. i might also mention the many images scattered throughout of the “making of the film”, his wife with her scissors cutting the film, the reflection of his eye in the camera lens, the stop-motion. it was so ahead of its day. it’s a superb movie.
not that this adds anything to the topic-at-hand other than my great appreciation for vertov (his brother and wife) and their creation.
Go to Comment
What is your most memorable film going experience? (Only one per post please!) over 3 years ago
as i just wrote on another thread (vertov), i have to admit that my most thrilling film-going experience ever was seeing vertov’s “man with a movie camera” at siff a few years back with members of the “cinematic orchestra” playing their score live.
someone earlier mentioned maddin’s “brand upon the brain” with its live accompaniment (foley artists, “castrato”, etc.) i also witnessed a performance of this at seattle’s cinerama theatre last year with maddin himself as the narrator. as thrilling as it was to witness the meld between film images and live performance, vertov’s movie is so much more breathtaking than maddin’s. there probably never will be an experience like the one blending the “cinematic orchestra” with vertov’s film.
Go to Comment
IF WE IGNORE 81/2 AND DOLCE VITA, WHAT'D BE THE BEST FELLINI MOVIE? over 3 years ago
JULIET — probably because it was my first Fellini film. I love LA STRADA and CABIRIA also.
Each of these picks share MASINA.
I love SATYRICON for the sheer heights and depths of its imagination.
If a friend who’s completely unfamiliar with Fellini asks me to introduce this great auteur to him/her, I put on TOBY DAMMIT.
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Movies you love, but everyone else hates. over 3 years ago
I’m probably the only one on this board who likes, really likes, Tony Scott’s DOMINO
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Lolita over 3 years ago
I like them equally. The “original” possesses much merit simply due to Kubrick himself. It’s b/w which is a plus. It has Sellers and he’s inimitable. I haven’t read the novel so I can’t comment on which version is more faithful. Shelley Winters was superb.
Lyne’s version has assets that outstrip Kubrick’s, I believe. I prefer the young actress here over Sue Lyons. I absolutely love the score. I had much more sympathy for Irons’ character than I did for Mason’s portrayal.
The biggest contrast for me was how much better, much, much better Shelley Winters was as Lolita’s mother.
Go to Comment
Gay and Lesbian Cinema over 3 years ago
I want to bring up Patrice Chereau, mentioned once already on this thread.
His “L’Homme Blesse” is fantastic insofar as it encapsulates a near-panicky feeling I’ve often felt myself when “chasing” an inordinate desire for somebody completely outside my circle of peers. Unfortunately, the extant DVD’s transfer of this film is terribly sub-par and nearly unwatchable. I have the VHS and it’s slightly better.
I’ll definitely check out the Chereau film mentioned earlier that the poster rates higher than “L’Homme Blesse”.
Go to Comment
Gay and Lesbian Cinema over 3 years ago
One of the most exuberant, joyful experiences I’ve ever had watching “gay life” onscreen is an unappreciated British TV program(me) entitled “Metrosexuality”. Its glossy surface, attractive cast, edits and score, even the costumes and hair-styling combine mightily to create a world that just about anyone would love to inhabit. It’s the heart, though, the scenario that resonates; gay parenting of straight teenagers that gives all that eye candy a soft, nougat center.
The double-disc DVD could be OOP, I don’t know; but with its bountiful supplements, it’s a rare treasure.
Go to Comment
Who do you read? over 3 years ago
Not wishing to repeat any book already mentioned, I can only add one novel to this thread. It’s one of the very few books I’ve read twice. I think it could be adapted and made into an awesome film. For the greater part, it’s highly realistic in its contemporary narrative that takes place in a hospital in upstate New York. The final 40 or 50 pages, though, spiral into a metaphysical horror show deep inside a train tunnel.
It’s by renowned essayist, Susan Sontag. It’s entitled “Death Kit”.
Go to Comment
What I Watched This Month over 3 years ago
Orgiastic cinephiles cripple their grasp on life.
Spectating gluttonously at the long table of cinema, neo-realism is obliterated by hollywood sentimentalities chokingly swallowed along with half-chewed spaghetti westerns before a quaff of french new wave brings forth an upheaval of undigested response.
These lists of films consumed reflect not refinements but spillage.
The auteurs are not opiates. Lifetimes of engagement created these pearls of cinema. If these films haven’t touched and changed you, zealotry is your calling card.
Go to Comment
YOUR FAVORITE SILENT FILM, PLEASE. over 3 years ago
Vertov’s “Man with a Movie Camera” with its new score by The Cinematic Orchestra
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I need help over 3 years ago
you need help in learning how not to double-post.
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Availability of Greenaway films over 3 years ago
Why has nobody mentioned “The Pillow Book”? I completely love this film! It’s available right now on Amazon, brand new, for $22.49.
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FAVOURITE DOWNBEAT ENDING over 3 years ago
Ironweed
which, by the way, comes to DVD in a week or so and, shamefully, will be panned and scanned.
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what actors do you consider creepy? over 3 years ago
Laurence Harvey was lizard-creepy, suave as an iguana, beady-eyed and cold-blooded.
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