I wouldn’t say that Sam won in any sense of the word – Jill is dead, and what few shreds of sanity he had (and let’s face it, Sam was on the edge to begin with) are completely gone. It’s the classic “sane mane in an insane world” but like no other version seen before. Lowry knows how ridiculous it all is; a world where Buttle can be arrested instead of Tuttle because of a literal “bug” in the computer, and his friend Jack gains advancement through torture – how long could Sam have lasted in a world like that? Brazil is more 1984 than The Giver, or so it seems to me.
I agree Troy – I think that’s why Stillman’s films are so special – and while I would rate them in the order they were made (Metropolitan being my favorite and Last Days being my least) they still offer an opinion and viewpoint that you don’t often see on screen. Although, I have to view my fondness for them the same way I view my love Oscar Wilde’s writing; as verbally delightful as they are, they always come across as representing something not entirely truthful; they speak the way the writer wishes they would speak. I haven’t decided yet if I think that air of theatricality is a good thing or not!
Does it count if instead of walking out I was forced to stay because I was with a group of people, and in lieu of storming out I made MST3K-esque comments about the movie? That might be an entirely different thread…but if not, then Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls was a recipient of said commentary.
Has anyone ever come across any definitive source that gives “…and I”‘s first name? Marwood is written on the front of the envelope he gets, but what of the oft-rumored “Peter?” Not that I’m over-thinking it at all…
Tom – first of all, the main character (Tom Townsend) isn’t a rich kid like the rest. He would’ve been, had it not been for his parent’s divorce. There’s the running joke of his wearing a flimsy trench coat during winter, but it’s ok, “it has a liner.” It’s also a debut film! There are some soft spots in the acting, but it doesn’t affect the film overall – and for a debut film, it’s not poorly made at all!
But my real disagreement here is when you describe them as a bunch of spoiled brats. Yes, they may be spoiled, but they’re not brats (well, not most of them.) If you actually take the time to listen to Charlie speak, he talks about downward social mobility, and the inability of people of the “preppie class” to accomplish anything worthwhile because of their stations in life. That’s half of the movie’s point right there; how we view that particular class, and how that class views themself. Maybe you should watch it again with less of a chip on your shoulder!
Tom, you found ALL of the characters worthy of a swift execution? I know some of them are annoying – but you found nothing at all to like in any of them?
Last I heard, Stillman’s in production for “Little Green Men” – based on the book by William Buckley.
There should be a Thunderdome-style death match between IMDB users and the perpetually annoyed AICN people. The Auteurs Garage participants could document it!
Oh come on – beyond the fairer sex (or gay) contingent here drooling, who the hell wants to see that trash? Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t particularly dislike Vin Diesel. Paul Walker on the other hand has the personality of dry toast. If you’re going to see a formulaic action flick, you might as well wait for the new Wolverine movie, or the G.I. Joe one!
Ah, my mistake – I’d have to say because it’s a great bad film! There’s no gag reel, and as far as last scenes to go out on it’s a great one. If I’ve got to die immediately after I might as well end it all on something that’s not subtle or nuanced. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone who hasn’t seen Sleepaway Camp, but when I imagine seeing the end and then flatlining, it just seems right.
Well forgive me and my not-so-subtle attempt at inviting myself. It’s ok, I can take a hint.
I guess I’ll just have to find myself another cinemaphile forum whose members own smokin’ hot cars and take people out for high velocity, gut-wrenching joy rides…
Do we still have rebels in the mold of Dean or Brando? I’m not so sure. They were even within the studio system! It seems to me that the mantle of rebel tilted more to the filmmakers during the 70’s, rather than the actors.
I’m thinking strictly of the question here, Kyle! Think about it: I’m already terminal. Cut down in the prime of life! I could choose from hundreds of classic films, or my favorite films…but I say a ludicrous situation demands a ridiculous movie.
I think it all depends on how we’re defining a rebel, especially for women. Is she a rebel if her character is rebellious? Or is she just an able actor? Is it the talent or the off-screen personality, or both?
Crap Monster: I agree; the mid 50’s brought about massive changes to youth culture; to think that Elvis was filmed above his waist for fear of scandalizing a television audience shows exactly how charged the period was. Couple that with the fact that post-war adolescence was the first time that teenagers truly had advertising directed at them, and real financial independence gave them a voice in the market. Think Alan Freed, the Mods & Rockers, etc. Much of the previous generation were genuinely scared at the prospect of the new crop being in charge of things, and that sort of fear allows for people being branded “rebels.” We’re not so easily shocked these days.
I’m a bit confused – do you mean you wince because you don’t think it can come across as believable, or because it’s just plain weird to you or makes you uncomfortable?
Well there’s nothing to say here that hasn’t already been said – but the fact remains that there are producers who have no original thoughts or collaborators and therefore must stoop to the remake. The best one can hope for is:
A. It will be received cooly and ignored, fading into obscurity.
or
B. More people will be turned on to the original, superior version.
Now filmmakers like Terry Gilliam, who took La Jetée and expanded and embellished it into 12 Monkeys have the right idea. If you insist on using a classic as source material, at least use something that has an interesting story that can be made into something different and contemporary. Apparently Gilliam hadn’t even seen La Jetée during the production of 12 Monkeys!
Good question! Off the top of my head, I’d say Raymond Burr as Lars Thorwald in Rear Window, as well as Akihiro Tomikawa as Daigoro in the Lone Wolf and Cub series.
Is it in his head or has Sam been Big Brothered..? over 3 years ago
I wouldn’t say that Sam won in any sense of the word – Jill is dead, and what few shreds of sanity he had (and let’s face it, Sam was on the edge to begin with) are completely gone. It’s the classic “sane mane in an insane world” but like no other version seen before. Lowry knows how ridiculous it all is; a world where Buttle can be arrested instead of Tuttle because of a literal “bug” in the computer, and his friend Jack gains advancement through torture – how long could Sam have lasted in a world like that? Brazil is more 1984 than The Giver, or so it seems to me.
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the whit stillman "trilogy" over 3 years ago
I agree Troy – I think that’s why Stillman’s films are so special – and while I would rate them in the order they were made (Metropolitan being my favorite and Last Days being my least) they still offer an opinion and viewpoint that you don’t often see on screen. Although, I have to view my fondness for them the same way I view my love Oscar Wilde’s writing; as verbally delightful as they are, they always come across as representing something not entirely truthful; they speak the way the writer wishes they would speak. I haven’t decided yet if I think that air of theatricality is a good thing or not!
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What films have you walked out on and why ? over 3 years ago
Does it count if instead of walking out I was forced to stay because I was with a group of people, and in lieu of storming out I made MST3K-esque comments about the movie? That might be an entirely different thread…but if not, then Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls was a recipient of said commentary.
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Peter Marwood or "...and I"? over 3 years ago
Has anyone ever come across any definitive source that gives “…and I”‘s first name? Marwood is written on the front of the envelope he gets, but what of the oft-rumored “Peter?” Not that I’m over-thinking it at all…
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the whit stillman "trilogy" over 3 years ago
Tom – first of all, the main character (Tom Townsend) isn’t a rich kid like the rest. He would’ve been, had it not been for his parent’s divorce. There’s the running joke of his wearing a flimsy trench coat during winter, but it’s ok, “it has a liner.” It’s also a debut film! There are some soft spots in the acting, but it doesn’t affect the film overall – and for a debut film, it’s not poorly made at all!
But my real disagreement here is when you describe them as a bunch of spoiled brats. Yes, they may be spoiled, but they’re not brats (well, not most of them.) If you actually take the time to listen to Charlie speak, he talks about downward social mobility, and the inability of people of the “preppie class” to accomplish anything worthwhile because of their stations in life. That’s half of the movie’s point right there; how we view that particular class, and how that class views themself. Maybe you should watch it again with less of a chip on your shoulder!
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the whit stillman "trilogy" over 3 years ago
Tom, you found ALL of the characters worthy of a swift execution? I know some of them are annoying – but you found nothing at all to like in any of them?
Last I heard, Stillman’s in production for “Little Green Men” – based on the book by William Buckley.
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the whit stillman "trilogy" over 3 years ago
Ah, Polly Perkins pulling a train. A composite, like New York Magazine does!
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Funniest thing I've every heard about movies over 3 years ago
There should be a Thunderdome-style death match between IMDB users and the perpetually annoyed AICN people. The Auteurs Garage participants could document it!
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
Oh come on – beyond the fairer sex (or gay) contingent here drooling, who the hell wants to see that trash? Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t particularly dislike Vin Diesel. Paul Walker on the other hand has the personality of dry toast. If you’re going to see a formulaic action flick, you might as well wait for the new Wolverine movie, or the G.I. Joe one!
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
Anytime, Shotzi. Upon reflection I think my post may have not come across as sassy as intended, but I’ll stand by my assertion.
Edit: sometimes text in forums lack the proper sarcasm.
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
I’m starting to feel like I’m talking to you in a Turkish bath, Shotzi.
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
I think you’ve wooed in bathhouses before, Shotzi my dear. Etiquette is everything.
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Answer This Awesome Question I Am About to Ask over 3 years ago
Sleepaway Camp.
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Answer This Awesome Question I Am About to Ask over 3 years ago
Ah, my mistake – I’d have to say because it’s a great bad film! There’s no gag reel, and as far as last scenes to go out on it’s a great one. If I’ve got to die immediately after I might as well end it all on something that’s not subtle or nuanced. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone who hasn’t seen Sleepaway Camp, but when I imagine seeing the end and then flatlining, it just seems right.
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
Is there a spoiler? I only ride in cars with sweet spoilers.
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
Well forgive me and my not-so-subtle attempt at inviting myself. It’s ok, I can take a hint.
I guess I’ll just have to find myself another cinemaphile forum whose members own smokin’ hot cars and take people out for high velocity, gut-wrenching joy rides…
Go to Comment
A TOAST TO THE REBEL IN FILM - WHO ARE THE GREATEST ON-SCREEN REBELS? over 3 years ago
Do we still have rebels in the mold of Dean or Brando? I’m not so sure. They were even within the studio system! It seems to me that the mantle of rebel tilted more to the filmmakers during the 70’s, rather than the actors.
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
How about a double bill with Kindergarten Cop? Or Mr. Nanny?
After an evening of such fine cinema I may just have to finish it all off with a cyanide cocktail.
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A TOAST TO THE REBEL IN FILM - WHO ARE THE GREATEST ON-SCREEN REBELS? over 3 years ago
I’m going to have to disagree with you there Paya (On Knightley – Portman was fantastic in The Professional!)
She’s far too much of a starlet to be considered a rebel, I’d say. However, Faye Dunaway might fit the bill…
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Answer This Awesome Question I Am About to Ask over 3 years ago
I’m thinking strictly of the question here, Kyle! Think about it: I’m already terminal. Cut down in the prime of life! I could choose from hundreds of classic films, or my favorite films…but I say a ludicrous situation demands a ridiculous movie.
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
Oh sure, compare me to the one who acts as if his nerves don’t connect to his central nervous system. That’s so typical of you, Shotzi.
We’re talking about this on the car ride home.
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A TOAST TO THE REBEL IN FILM - WHO ARE THE GREATEST ON-SCREEN REBELS? over 3 years ago
I think it all depends on how we’re defining a rebel, especially for women. Is she a rebel if her character is rebellious? Or is she just an able actor? Is it the talent or the off-screen personality, or both?
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
Like Oscar Wilde said:
Women love us for our defects. If we have enough of them, they will forgive us everything, even our gigantic intellects.
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A TOAST TO THE REBEL IN FILM - WHO ARE THE GREATEST ON-SCREEN REBELS? over 3 years ago
Can any of us say that if we were on the way to the Oscars in a limo that we’d do otherwise?
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FAST & FURIOUS: WHO'S EXCITED over 3 years ago
I couldn’t resist! Believe me when I say I tried to. I really, really tried.
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A TOAST TO THE REBEL IN FILM - WHO ARE THE GREATEST ON-SCREEN REBELS? over 3 years ago
Crap Monster: I agree; the mid 50’s brought about massive changes to youth culture; to think that Elvis was filmed above his waist for fear of scandalizing a television audience shows exactly how charged the period was. Couple that with the fact that post-war adolescence was the first time that teenagers truly had advertising directed at them, and real financial independence gave them a voice in the market. Think Alan Freed, the Mods & Rockers, etc. Much of the previous generation were genuinely scared at the prospect of the new crop being in charge of things, and that sort of fear allows for people being branded “rebels.” We’re not so easily shocked these days.
Paya – I think that’s acceptable!
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Performances that make you wince over 3 years ago
I’m a bit confused – do you mean you wince because you don’t think it can come across as believable, or because it’s just plain weird to you or makes you uncomfortable?
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People against the seven samurai remake over 3 years ago
Well there’s nothing to say here that hasn’t already been said – but the fact remains that there are producers who have no original thoughts or collaborators and therefore must stoop to the remake. The best one can hope for is:
A. It will be received cooly and ignored, fading into obscurity.
or
B. More people will be turned on to the original, superior version.
Now filmmakers like Terry Gilliam, who took La Jetée and expanded and embellished it into 12 Monkeys have the right idea. If you insist on using a classic as source material, at least use something that has an interesting story that can be made into something different and contemporary. Apparently Gilliam hadn’t even seen La Jetée during the production of 12 Monkeys!
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Performances that make you wince over 3 years ago
One that comes to mind is John Malkovich in “Rounders.” His Russian accent is quite possibly the worst I’ve ever heard.
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Actors Who Do a Lot With Very Little in a Film over 3 years ago
Good question! Off the top of my head, I’d say Raymond Burr as Lars Thorwald in Rear Window, as well as Akihiro Tomikawa as Daigoro in the Lone Wolf and Cub series.
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