Justin – Are you and Biberkopf the same guy? If so, nice to have you back. As you know, this place wasn’t the same without you.
With that, last night’s episode was perhaps the most intense yet, with that exploding tortoise and all. JEEZ LOUISE! Talk about unexpected. Interesting analysis KJ about the metaphoric connection between Jesse and Jane and the plasma. I like all the new developments that are pushing the story forward and giving more depth to the characters – Skyler getting a job and her new boss carrying a torch for her, Hank and his heart condition, etc.
I’m also looking forward to seeing how the murder investigation of the meth-head in the flop house will pan out, and if the woman will finger Jesse as the perp and lead the cops to him. I can see it now.
Just saw a film recently called “Taken,” with Liam Neeson. Average run-of-the-mill action flick, but it definitely fits this category to a “T.” Nothing like seeing a father open a can of whoop-ass on the mobsters who abducted his daughter. Hee Haw Cowboy!
Saw this film for the 30th time or something like that recently, and for some reason, it just never gets old. It’s just as fun as it was the first time, and I wasn’t even stoned. So, for those who love this film as much as I do, what do you think it is about this film that gives it that special “magic.” For me, it’s a collective – the characters, the astute attention to detail, the numerous immortal lines, and of course, all those really cool muscle cars. And who’s your favrotie character? Mine is Pinkford.
I hold Before Sunrise and Before Sunset in the same high regard. Linklater’s masterful dialogue in these films is what makes them so memorable. Very reminiscent of Woody Allen, in my opinion. My brother was a sophomore in high school in 1976, and also said he hasn’t seen one film that captures the color and spirit of that era like this film does. And it’s just so fun. Whenever I’m stressed or angry, I put this one on, and all is well.
While the premise of Crash is fascinating, I found this one to be one of the more inferior Cronenberg films. I have to agree with Jaspar on this one. I could get past the scenes that are very difficult to watch, but the characters just don’t do it for me.
Exactly VLADDYTROUT, and that’s what makes so enduring. Lucas set the pace with American Graffiti, and Linklater, interestingly enough, gave us an updated version, in the form of a period piece of all things, with D&C, but it probably could have been just as effective had it been the 80s. It’s Linklater’s talent for dialogue and character that gives him that edge.
Very much the genesis of any serial killer. What better premise to set a vampire tale to – a potential serial killer finding a kindred spirit in a vampire?
Nice observations Justin. The things you point out are among the many things I find that make this film so captivating – a horror film both subtle and though-provoking. It seems to capture that tender melancholy that is adolescence so well. I came across a review by a blogger named Tim Lucas, who I thought penned some interesting observations as well, i.e how the “strangeness immediately evident in Oskar’s and Eli’s relationship has a supernatural cause and the film, rather than becoming a pure exercise in horror and shock and revulsion, becomes a tragic essay on the theme of amour fou, and how love can make even monsters sympathetic and their most horrible traits forgivable.”
I think this one will definitely withstand the test of time.
It just goes to show that artists should stick to that adage: Do what you do best and do what you know best. Anything outside that will come off as painstakingly contrived.
Well put Zachary. Looking at all the posts on this thread, you can obviously tell the film is very thought-provoking in this regard, and left so many doors open for analysis – the hallmark of any great film, imo.
Bobby – I couldn’t agree with you more about Death Proof. Being the lover of road movies that I am, especially Vanishing Point, I was looking forward to this film, but couldn’t believe the majority of it centered around a group of woman sitting around in cafes and bars yapping it up in what seemed like strained attempts at “chick” dialogue. It prompted me to refer to this film as “chicks talking in bars and chicks talking in cars.”
Eli – I love this thread, and am working on an essay comparing these two films, which I hope to post by the end of the week. Criterion soooooo needs to give Vanishing Point the treatment it gave Two Lane Blacktop. Let’s hope Criterion gets the rights, because the DVD version out right now is shit.
1) When you would rather spend the evening sitting in front of the big screen with a good DVD than go out dancing with the significant other.
2) When someone asks you what would you do if you had a million dollars, and you say “Buy every Criterion DVD” and an old drive-in theater to fix up and show nothing but the great films.
Don’t ever expect to understand anything in a Lynch film, Eli. And don’t try and find it in any Lynch book or compendium, as Lynch has a strict protocol of refusing ever to discuss what his films are about, leaving his viewers open to making their own interpretations. It’s what makes him unique, I guess, much the same way Terrence Malick disappeared for 20-plus years after making Days of Heaven leaving everyone to wonder, “What the hell?” You just have to draw your own conslucions, I’m afraid.
Lynch is a master craftsman. His films are great eye candy and very atmospheric, and who knows if Mulholland Drive was intended to come off as it came off, or if it hit a lot of dead-ends because it was originally met to be a pilot for a television series that got rejected. I have no idea if the subplot of the assassination attempt of Rita’s character, or the bumbling hitman whose story is never fully told or fleshed out, or the subplot of Adam and his run-in with The Cowboy. They all really go nowhere, and if they do, well, I sure as hell don’t know where they’re off to. I can only deduce that this film, as one reviewer called it, is a “poisonous valentine to Hollywood,” a series of vignettes and a unique and captivating love story to the backdrop of Hollywood. Perhaps it is one director’s attempt at illustrating, in his own unique vision, the illusion that is Hollywood stardom and all the heartbreak, lonliness, treachery and desperation that goes with it.
What I got from Betty’s and Rita’s relationship was how the lure of fame can destroy even the most intimate and loving relationships, and how Hollywood chews people up and spits them out mercilessly, and how it can drive one mad.
Liz – Exactly. This film left me with a blank stare. It packed such an emotional wallop seeing how Diane turned out. It was so heartbreaking, and so Hollywood. I went out and bought this today because of this thread and going to watch it again tonight. It’s definitely a keeper.
Congratulations, Justin! You’re the 100th poster on this thread! You receive a complimentary liter of Typo-O negative blood, courtesy your friends at LTROI.
BREAKING BAD about 3 years ago
Justin – Are you and Biberkopf the same guy? If so, nice to have you back. As you know, this place wasn’t the same without you.
With that, last night’s episode was perhaps the most intense yet, with that exploding tortoise and all. JEEZ LOUISE! Talk about unexpected. Interesting analysis KJ about the metaphoric connection between Jesse and Jane and the plasma. I like all the new developments that are pushing the story forward and giving more depth to the characters – Skyler getting a job and her new boss carrying a torch for her, Hank and his heart condition, etc.
I’m also looking forward to seeing how the murder investigation of the meth-head in the flop house will pan out, and if the woman will finger Jesse as the perp and lead the cops to him. I can see it now.
Go to Comment
MOVIES TO WATCH WHEN YOU'RE PISSED about 3 years ago
Just saw a film recently called “Taken,” with Liam Neeson. Average run-of-the-mill action flick, but it definitely fits this category to a “T.” Nothing like seeing a father open a can of whoop-ass on the mobsters who abducted his daughter. Hee Haw Cowboy!
Go to Comment
Dazed and Confused about 3 years ago
Saw this film for the 30th time or something like that recently, and for some reason, it just never gets old. It’s just as fun as it was the first time, and I wasn’t even stoned. So, for those who love this film as much as I do, what do you think it is about this film that gives it that special “magic.” For me, it’s a collective – the characters, the astute attention to detail, the numerous immortal lines, and of course, all those really cool muscle cars. And who’s your favrotie character? Mine is Pinkford.
Go to Comment
BREAKING BAD about 3 years ago
Yeah – “I’M A BLOWFISH!” Now it’s time for a bong toke. LOVE IT!
Go to Comment
Dazed and Confused about 3 years ago
I hold Before Sunrise and Before Sunset in the same high regard. Linklater’s masterful dialogue in these films is what makes them so memorable. Very reminiscent of Woody Allen, in my opinion. My brother was a sophomore in high school in 1976, and also said he hasn’t seen one film that captures the color and spirit of that era like this film does. And it’s just so fun. Whenever I’m stressed or angry, I put this one on, and all is well.
Go to Comment
Crash (1996) about 3 years ago
While the premise of Crash is fascinating, I found this one to be one of the more inferior Cronenberg films. I have to agree with Jaspar on this one. I could get past the scenes that are very difficult to watch, but the characters just don’t do it for me.
Go to Comment
Dazed and Confused about 3 years ago
Exactly VLADDYTROUT, and that’s what makes so enduring. Lucas set the pace with American Graffiti, and Linklater, interestingly enough, gave us an updated version, in the form of a period piece of all things, with D&C, but it probably could have been just as effective had it been the 80s. It’s Linklater’s talent for dialogue and character that gives him that edge.
Go to Comment
Dazed and Confused about 3 years ago
You’ll have to provide a tour if we’re ever in the area Eraserhead.
Go to Comment
Six Feet Under vs. Sopranos about 3 years ago
HBO really puts out some top notch series. Showtime is giving them a run for the money though with Dexter.
Go to Comment
Vanishing Point vs. Two Lane Blacktop about 3 years ago
Each serves it purpose, and serves it well. Those satisfactions are permanent.
Go to Comment
Let the Right One In about 3 years ago
Very much the genesis of any serial killer. What better premise to set a vampire tale to – a potential serial killer finding a kindred spirit in a vampire?
Go to Comment
Let the Right One In about 3 years ago
Nice observations Justin. The things you point out are among the many things I find that make this film so captivating – a horror film both subtle and though-provoking. It seems to capture that tender melancholy that is adolescence so well. I came across a review by a blogger named Tim Lucas, who I thought penned some interesting observations as well, i.e how the “strangeness immediately evident in Oskar’s and Eli’s relationship has a supernatural cause and the film, rather than becoming a pure exercise in horror and shock and revulsion, becomes a tragic essay on the theme of amour fou, and how love can make even monsters sympathetic and their most horrible traits forgivable.”
I think this one will definitely withstand the test of time.
Go to Comment
SUMMER OF SAM (Overrated or Underrated?) about 3 years ago
It just goes to show that artists should stick to that adage: Do what you do best and do what you know best. Anything outside that will come off as painstakingly contrived.
Go to Comment
Let the Right One In about 3 years ago
Well put Zachary. Looking at all the posts on this thread, you can obviously tell the film is very thought-provoking in this regard, and left so many doors open for analysis – the hallmark of any great film, imo.
Go to Comment
Vanishing Point vs. Two Lane Blacktop about 3 years ago
Bobby – I couldn’t agree with you more about Death Proof. Being the lover of road movies that I am, especially Vanishing Point, I was looking forward to this film, but couldn’t believe the majority of it centered around a group of woman sitting around in cafes and bars yapping it up in what seemed like strained attempts at “chick” dialogue. It prompted me to refer to this film as “chicks talking in bars and chicks talking in cars.”
Eli – I love this thread, and am working on an essay comparing these two films, which I hope to post by the end of the week. Criterion soooooo needs to give Vanishing Point the treatment it gave Two Lane Blacktop. Let’s hope Criterion gets the rights, because the DVD version out right now is shit.
Go to Comment
Does anybody know anything about Robert Mitchum?!?!?!?!?!? about 3 years ago
Cape Fear
Go to Comment
You know your a cinephile when? about 3 years ago
Two things:
1) When you would rather spend the evening sitting in front of the big screen with a good DVD than go out dancing with the significant other.
2) When someone asks you what would you do if you had a million dollars, and you say “Buy every Criterion DVD” and an old drive-in theater to fix up and show nothing but the great films.
Go to Comment
Wall Street Redux about 3 years ago
I liked Wall Street, but a sequel? I guess Stone is trying real hard to diminish his credibility even more so. How about JFK sequel. too?
Go to Comment
SAM PECKINPAH'S RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY about 3 years ago
I haven’t seen this one yet. Will check out.
Go to Comment
Mulholland Drive about 3 years ago
Don’t ever expect to understand anything in a Lynch film, Eli. And don’t try and find it in any Lynch book or compendium, as Lynch has a strict protocol of refusing ever to discuss what his films are about, leaving his viewers open to making their own interpretations. It’s what makes him unique, I guess, much the same way Terrence Malick disappeared for 20-plus years after making Days of Heaven leaving everyone to wonder, “What the hell?” You just have to draw your own conslucions, I’m afraid.
Lynch is a master craftsman. His films are great eye candy and very atmospheric, and who knows if Mulholland Drive was intended to come off as it came off, or if it hit a lot of dead-ends because it was originally met to be a pilot for a television series that got rejected. I have no idea if the subplot of the assassination attempt of Rita’s character, or the bumbling hitman whose story is never fully told or fleshed out, or the subplot of Adam and his run-in with The Cowboy. They all really go nowhere, and if they do, well, I sure as hell don’t know where they’re off to. I can only deduce that this film, as one reviewer called it, is a “poisonous valentine to Hollywood,” a series of vignettes and a unique and captivating love story to the backdrop of Hollywood. Perhaps it is one director’s attempt at illustrating, in his own unique vision, the illusion that is Hollywood stardom and all the heartbreak, lonliness, treachery and desperation that goes with it.
Go to Comment
Best movie with a train in it ? about 3 years ago
OK people, don’t kill me for this: The Polar Express
Days of Heaven and Darjeeling Limited
Go to Comment
Wings of Desire Release... about 3 years ago
Go to Comment
Wings of Desire Release... about 3 years ago
Damnit! I still can’t figure out how to get pics on these threads. Here’s the link with the cartoon teaser:
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/548495-criterion-newsletter-wings-desire.html
Go to Comment
The Auteurs' Fake Criterion Covers about 3 years ago
Vanishing Point please!
Go to Comment
Mulholland Drive about 3 years ago
Heh! I got a kick out of seeing Billy Ray in the movie. Totally unexpected, as what you could expect from Lynch.
Go to Comment
Mulholland Drive about 3 years ago
What I got from Betty’s and Rita’s relationship was how the lure of fame can destroy even the most intimate and loving relationships, and how Hollywood chews people up and spits them out mercilessly, and how it can drive one mad.
Go to Comment
Mulholland Drive about 3 years ago
So true. You’re like the Terminator, Justin, you see everything.
Go to Comment
The Greatest Film of the 2000s about 3 years ago
It’s supposed to be only ONE film everybody.
I’m with Kenji: Mulholland Drive, with “Brokeback Mountain” being the runner-up
Go to Comment
Mulholland Drive about 3 years ago
Liz – Exactly. This film left me with a blank stare. It packed such an emotional wallop seeing how Diane turned out. It was so heartbreaking, and so Hollywood. I went out and bought this today because of this thread and going to watch it again tonight. It’s definitely a keeper.
Go to Comment
Let the Right One In about 3 years ago
Congratulations, Justin! You’re the 100th poster on this thread! You receive a complimentary liter of Typo-O negative blood, courtesy your friends at LTROI.
Go to Comment