I heartily second Irreversible. Became sickeningly tired of hearing the praise for a film that delivered little more than shock value. Puh-leeze. Can’t speak for Noe’s other work.
Solondz is the bitch prince of hack city, but I honestly can’t entirely go with it because I think he DOES try to have fun with his work… and I think that’s terrifically important… doesn’t mean I’ll watch him, though.
OK, here we go. I’ve got it. The King of Pretension: Paul Haggis. God, I hate that man. It’s Paul Haggis, ladies and germs. Top that.
I’d like very much to buy “A Man Escaped,” but I can’t shake the feeling that Criterion will undoubtedly release it themselves. I will only pause if somebody has heard that Criterion will be putting it out… Just wanted to ask…
As much as I adore the redux, I really miss the tone of the old ending, with the epic drums and slightly melancholy strains absorbing the story into legend.
Amazon’s “Used & Like New.” ‘Like New’ copies are available at significant discounts and are indistinguishable from new ones, in almost every case. I’ve been taking advantage. Most titles available for $35 generally can be found for $20. Also w/Justin… lots of cases and burned covers… cheap but those cases do take up space on a shelf. Pure, shameful vanity.
I like Greenaway very very much, but I sometimes wonder if my interest is not primarily cerebral. Which is odd, considering comments he has made regarding the nature of the medium of film, specifically how ‘so far’ in film history we’ve had little else but ‘illustrated text.’ As a painter with some exceptionally verbose and heady films, I found his statement to be curiously incongruous with his own choices. “A Zed and Two Noughts,” for all its internal fascination and visceral stimulation, I can’t deny I found a bit dull to watch. But then I suppose I may have a natural, personal bias towards any film/filmmaker that puts ‘art’ (or, well, anything) before story. Most always, after all, we’re dealing with narrative drama on a relatively linear plane…
But honestly, I do not want to be dismissive. I really, really like Greenaway, and always want to understand more. I will absolutely keep watching.
I’ve always found it difficult to admit liking him. He’s so self-satisfied that the last thing on earth he needs is the audience’s approval, let alone fan-cultdom. But hell, Jackie Brown? Pulp? Who can deny.
For a long time now he’s been doing nothing but making films about “sassy women.” At least we won’t be seeing any of those this time around (though we will have to stomach an eternally smug Eli Roth).
Not a great film. “It exists because it must exist.” But let’s not spend too long talking about Aronofsky. When Aronofsky pitched it to Rourke, the whole idea was that it would be his oscar-baby-comeback. Of all the institutions to pander to! Weak! I was perfectly fine with Penn’s win for Milk over Rourke’s Ram. I see The Wrestler as nothing more than an exercise for Aronofsky. “Yes, I can do this kind of film.” And it was fine. But why watch it twice?
Is one of them better than the other…? More intelligent? More creative? Made more successful films? Before asking for the answer to “life, the universe, and everything,” one must understand the question!
PRETENTIOUS FILMMAKERS/FILMS about 3 years ago
I heartily second Irreversible. Became sickeningly tired of hearing the praise for a film that delivered little more than shock value. Puh-leeze. Can’t speak for Noe’s other work.
Solondz is the bitch prince of hack city, but I honestly can’t entirely go with it because I think he DOES try to have fun with his work… and I think that’s terrifically important… doesn’t mean I’ll watch him, though.
OK, here we go. I’ve got it. The King of Pretension: Paul Haggis. God, I hate that man. It’s Paul Haggis, ladies and germs. Top that.
Go to Comment
Which film should I buy? about 3 years ago
I’d like very much to buy “A Man Escaped,” but I can’t shake the feeling that Criterion will undoubtedly release it themselves. I will only pause if somebody has heard that Criterion will be putting it out… Just wanted to ask…
Go to Comment
ASHES OF TIME REDUX about 3 years ago
As much as I adore the redux, I really miss the tone of the old ending, with the epic drums and slightly melancholy strains absorbing the story into legend.
Go to Comment
The Auteurs' Fake Criterion Covers about 3 years ago
Good Love & Death cover, and I think it would also look good with ‘And’ printed on the right.
Go to Comment
The Auteurs' Fake Criterion Covers about 3 years ago
That Martin cover is excellent
Go to Comment
A Random Film You Like about 3 years ago
Hilarious, Shotzi.
Go to Comment
How to complete the Criterion Collection about 3 years ago
Amazon’s “Used & Like New.” ‘Like New’ copies are available at significant discounts and are indistinguishable from new ones, in almost every case. I’ve been taking advantage. Most titles available for $35 generally can be found for $20. Also w/Justin… lots of cases and burned covers… cheap but those cases do take up space on a shelf. Pure, shameful vanity.
Go to Comment
Paul Haggis' Crash. about 3 years ago
Not much of a discussion necessary. Never met an intelligible person who thinks its anything but garbage. Rephrase: “Crash? More like Trash.”
Go to Comment
The Auteurs' Fake Criterion Covers about 3 years ago
That is an excellent Terminator cover, Chris Anthony.
Go to Comment
Peter Greenaway's The Cook the Thief His Wife & Her Lover on Criterion? about 3 years ago
I like Greenaway very very much, but I sometimes wonder if my interest is not primarily cerebral. Which is odd, considering comments he has made regarding the nature of the medium of film, specifically how ‘so far’ in film history we’ve had little else but ‘illustrated text.’ As a painter with some exceptionally verbose and heady films, I found his statement to be curiously incongruous with his own choices. “A Zed and Two Noughts,” for all its internal fascination and visceral stimulation, I can’t deny I found a bit dull to watch. But then I suppose I may have a natural, personal bias towards any film/filmmaker that puts ‘art’ (or, well, anything) before story. Most always, after all, we’re dealing with narrative drama on a relatively linear plane…
But honestly, I do not want to be dismissive. I really, really like Greenaway, and always want to understand more. I will absolutely keep watching.
Cook Thief on Criterion? EFF YEAH. Bout time.
Go to Comment
QUENTIN'S NEW FILM about 3 years ago
I’ve always found it difficult to admit liking him. He’s so self-satisfied that the last thing on earth he needs is the audience’s approval, let alone fan-cultdom. But hell, Jackie Brown? Pulp? Who can deny.
For a long time now he’s been doing nothing but making films about “sassy women.” At least we won’t be seeing any of those this time around (though we will have to stomach an eternally smug Eli Roth).
Go to Comment
What is (are) your favorite frame(s)? about 3 years ago
I know it doesn’t count, but the Super Mario Bros. screenshot made me so happy.
Go to Comment
Why isn't anybody talking about Benjamin Button? about 3 years ago
Just kidding.
Go to Comment
Why isn't anybody talking about Benjamin Button? about 3 years ago
Apologies.
Go to Comment
11 great films hard to find or not available on dvd in USA--name your own or comment on these 11.. what are your great films hard find or not available in in US format? about 3 years ago
The Reflecting Skin (Philip Ridley)
Go to Comment
Cannes Antichrist Reaction about 3 years ago
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090517/media_nm/us_cannes_antichrist
Oh, I can’t wait for this. He claims its the most important film of his career.
Go to Comment
The Last Days of Disco: REALLY? about 3 years ago
Just noting that the film is available to watch free anytime on Hulu, if anybody’s interest was piqued…
Go to Comment
WHO IS / WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FILM ACTRESS EVER? about 3 years ago
Emmanuelle Beart was constructed rather perfectly…
Go to Comment
When I say "A Perfect Film", What One Film Pops Into Your Head First? about 3 years ago
Barry Lyndon
I always liken the use of the Sarabande in the opening credits to being punched in the stomach and having the wind taken out of you.
Go to Comment
Last movie you saw and rate it about 3 years ago
Elmer Gantry: 7/10
Go to Comment
The Last Days of Disco: REALLY? about 3 years ago
If you have the opportunity to watch them consecutively, do it. Just sensible.
Go to Comment
11 great films hard to find or not available on dvd in USA--name your own or comment on these 11.. what are your great films hard find or not available in in US format? about 3 years ago
Danke, Cineaste. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and have been very surprised to have found virtually nobody who has seen it.
Philip Ridley, incidentally, has a film coming out this year :) Not dead! First in 14 years! Maybe he’s the new Malick.
Go to Comment
TheAuteurs List of the Week 5/17/2009: Your 5 Favorite Works of Animation about 3 years ago
Ah, Stimpy’s invention… I’m going to get misty…
Go to Comment
The Auteurs' Fake Criterion Covers about 3 years ago
That’s definitely a cover that Pacino would like…
Go to Comment
What Out of Print Criterions do you own? about 3 years ago
Wow… well I didn’t realize Ran went out of print. Thank god I just got it.
Go to Comment
Cannes Antichrist Reaction about 3 years ago
Let’s not forget Roland Joffe’s epic sequel to The Mission, Captivity.
Go to Comment
The Auteurs' Fake Criterion Covers about 3 years ago
Another great Falls cover.
Go to Comment
Was "The Wrestler" really a great film or just another Rocky about 3 years ago
Not a great film. “It exists because it must exist.” But let’s not spend too long talking about Aronofsky. When Aronofsky pitched it to Rourke, the whole idea was that it would be his oscar-baby-comeback. Of all the institutions to pander to! Weak! I was perfectly fine with Penn’s win for Milk over Rourke’s Ram. I see The Wrestler as nothing more than an exercise for Aronofsky. “Yes, I can do this kind of film.” And it was fine. But why watch it twice?
Go to Comment
which one?? about 3 years ago
Is one of them better than the other…? More intelligent? More creative? Made more successful films? Before asking for the answer to “life, the universe, and everything,” one must understand the question!
Go to Comment
which one?? about 3 years ago
I think it could be safe to say that Bergman is a more proficient director of actors…
Go to Comment