He’s most definitely found it. 100 percent. His recent foray into “quote” realistic territory is for sure a surprise and a happy one at that. It brings forth ALL of the TRUELY good qualities of his older films. And NEWS FLASH. It was never the special effects.
His true genius is his pacing, atmosphere and the strange and subtle ways his actors are directed to act. William Hurt in History of Violence and Viggo in Eastern Promises. I think he’s got a great late career future with his tasteful choices as of late. Simplicity is always a good choice. And even his “gore” seems better suited surrounded by a realistic context.
Brava, to any artist willing to change. Regardless of past motifs and stylistic “characteristics” associated with them. The fans be damned.
Yeah Fredo I agree that the trailer looks pretty Cliche. But i kind of hold out some hope for the actual movie. Though “Get Rich or Die trrying” was utter garbage.
Just finished the series for about the Seventh time. Anyone who loved this as a child asking if it holds up should have no fear. I can say with utter certainty that unlike most things in life, it is even better through older eyes.
The subtleties and mastery of the series can truly be appreciated the series is not at all about Action. But about internal characterization and contemplation. It is great filmmaking and Anime’s finest series.
Haven’t seen it yet but I plan to watch Rebuild 1.0 when it hits BluRay in March.
MIYAZAKI How i Wish My Neighbor Totoro was beside Spirited Away but as it stands best 3 in a row.
Princess Mononoke 1997
Spirited Away 2001
Howl’s Moving Castle 2004
To the girls kicking my chair during CACHE.
To the man who fell asleep beside me during THE ASSISINATION OF JESSE JAMES and started snoring.
To the untended small child who climbed up on the back of the seat during HERO and stared at me.
To the Russian Tourist snapping flash photography during a festival.
To the group of teenagers making jokes during BLOOD SIMPLE (rerelease) because they thought it was a B-movie.
To the group of teenagers making jokes during SPIRITED AWAY because noone else was in the theatre except me.
To the projectionist who fucked up THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE.
To the projectionist who fucked up BEING JOHN MALCOVICH.
To the projectionist who fucked up BABEL.
To the projectionist who fucked up MEMENTO.
To anyone making a scene of protest by walking out of a film.
To the theatre chains that turn on lights as soon as the credits start.
To the theatres with walls thin enough to hear the action film next door.
To cellphones, concessions, poorly placed exit signs and squeaky chairs.
Thank you.
Thank you for giving me a reason to never go the theatre ever again.
Also Takashi Miike has some real gems within the massive slew of films he pumps out.
I have to say Tetsuya Nomura also. Wouldn’t quite be considered a “film director” but he is def. a director. And as such, perhaps the greatest living creative in any field.
Of course the victim saw it coming. Thus his internal conflicted deliberation in what is bar none the climactic highlight of the film. In the end, knowing for sure without a shadow of doubt, the doubt that has tormented him over the years. KNowing for sure what happened is worth whatever the consequences. But I think he knew what those consequences could be.
Six Feet Under greater than Sopranos by maybe a mere 20 percent margin. Sopranos started strongly and prob. went a few seasons more than was ness. While Six Feet under really didn’t ramp up to it’s full glory til Season 3. And ended very very strongly.
Everything about it that I like is presented slightly more polished in Elephant and more enjoyable through higher risks in Paranoid Park.
I dig the direction of Van Sants called “Death Trilogy” but find Last Days in particular to be a bit more akin to the modern foreign films that like to substitute narrative for a pacing that poses and replaces any actual creativity in the piece.
But that qualm is more with the majority of recently critically hailed films and not so much with Van Sant and Last Days
I just received The Mirror from Netflix saw Kino on the disc and kind of cringed. Upon seeing the opening slate I was shocked to see tracking lines! I stopped it right there and then and upon doing some research I don’t think I’ll be watching the film anytime soon which saddens me because of how much I think i’d love it.
I suffered through Kino’s stalker and have marveled at Criterion’s Solyaris.
SHANTIH,
Is the 25p / or even 30p frame rate of Region 2 not jarring or distracting? I did hear the Artifical Eye release was better than Kino but was unsure about how the EU frame rate would play up.
Second Sydney. as prob. the best. I also like The Good Thief. And the vegas segment of My Blueberry Nights.
But in general this genre needs a pretty hefty makeover.
WEll when i was talking about the climax I meant the deliberation. When he’s storming around in the rain deliberating taking a sip of pure unfiltered truth. Because that’s what was in that cup. The Truth. And like the decision to take a bite from the fruit of knowledge could not of been easy to come by, nor was his to take that sip.
To me that was the moment. And that was the excitement. And that was the positive.
GREAT, GREAT fantastic thread. I can relate to this sooo much.
I gotta say Robley. In 6 months that transformation in Taste is quite remarkable. That’s like a 6 year movement for me. But def. a leap forward for you personally.
I used to live and die and breath for BRAZIL. But now I find the music horendous. and generally consider Gilliam to be an infantile creative. Brazil might be his best, but I loved it too hard, too unflinchingly that when the ball dropped. it dropped hard.
So yah, BRAZIL, AMERICAN HISTORY X, SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS, DARK CITY (big ouch upon a reviewing) ALL GILLIAM to some degree, BRAVEHEART, INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE
Having just seen this tonight (the Lionsgate BD) I found myself wondering if Criterion’s release would of been better. I found the transfer slightly lazy (as in it was directly taken from one source rather from several) There is a wide gap of quality from scene to scene shot to shot and sometimes the change is distracting.
But for my first viewing, it was a fantastic treat! What a film, i found it to be riskier and bolder than the other Godard I have seen.
Comparing it to Criterion’s DVD of film from that Era. I found the 8 1/2 standard DVD to be much cleaner and overall better picture.
Not a fair comparison by any means, I hope a few more people weigh in. Being able to do side by side comparisons.
Has CRITERION fully lost the lisence on this? If so those 2 editions may be all we have to go on for a while?
(SIDE NOTE. WHAT IS THE MUSIC PLAYING IN THE LIONSGATE BD. IT"S NOT FROM THE FILM!?)
Shadows has made me want to see more Cassavetes. While not spectacular it shows extraordinary promise for the Director. I have yet to have the chance to continue his filmography simply based on the time consumed in finding the best quality version of his work.
As a former competitive tournament player, I am very observant to the way chess is presented in films. (I actually served as a chess consultant on an episode of “House”. And was playing the speed game in the opening shot). 10 times out of 10 the off-handed casual game on screen is a recreation of one of history’s classic master matches. That said, I am always fairly impressed when the game is presented realistically.
My favorite film that ACTUALLY is about Chess would have to be “Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine”
a docu about the world famous set of matches between Grand Master Gary Kasparov and IBM"s deep blue. The film is quite entertaining as it focus’ a lot on the conspiracy theory and controversial side of the match. And is surprisingly quite well done. Should be an enjoyable watch to anyone relatively familiar with chess.
Also I’d like to highlight, that recently Allen’s “Whatever Works” had some realistic and humorous bits on chess and the “poison pawn”.
But at any rate here’s my list, both of pieces that feature a quick match in the subtext or are more integrally involved. Note: Searching For Bobby Fischer and The Luzhin Defense while prob. the two most accessible films actually about Chess, are both considered fairly poor examples within the chess community.
Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine
2001: A Space Odyssey
Twin Peaks (In the midst of the terrible season two arcs, some chess…)
NIGHT MOVES (75) Hackman
Whatever Works
Seventh Seal
Searching For Bobby Fischer
The Omega man
The Luzhin Defense
Alice through the looking glass ( I have no idea film version wise, but in the book Chess is presented in a highly compelling and imaginative way. There has to be SOME version that captures that spirit in some way. )
Are we REALLY counting Fanny Och? That just seems unfair.
Well after reading this thread shoot me in the head for not having seen Riget. I kind of feel like not even posting until after that. The Wire too seems to be getting ungodly praise from every corner.
I’ll just drop my best ofs n lieu of an actual top ten for the time being until i’ve seen those two.
Best Drama – In Treatment
Runner Up: Six Feet Under
Best Comedy – The Thick of It
Runner Up: Curb
Best Animated – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Runner Up: Mushishi
Best Short form series – Fanny Och Alexander
Best Show. Period. – Twin Peaks
And that’s the true testament of Twin Peaks’ greatness. The fact that so many people will still champion it despite it falling into terrible disrepair after episode 16. The good episodes are just toooo good to ignore. They elevate the show beyond the rest.
If by progressively get better you mean progressively you become more adjusted to the initial shock of how WRONG it is that they were even made. then sure.
Curiously, what are your takes on “The Square” and “Animal Kingdom”. I thought the Animal Kindgom trailer was extremely intriguing. Have they already shown in Australia?
Has Cronenberg lost it...or found it?! about 3 years ago
He’s most definitely found it. 100 percent. His recent foray into “quote” realistic territory is for sure a surprise and a happy one at that. It brings forth ALL of the TRUELY good qualities of his older films. And NEWS FLASH. It was never the special effects.
His true genius is his pacing, atmosphere and the strange and subtle ways his actors are directed to act. William Hurt in History of Violence and Viggo in Eastern Promises. I think he’s got a great late career future with his tasteful choices as of late. Simplicity is always a good choice. And even his “gore” seems better suited surrounded by a realistic context.
Brava, to any artist willing to change. Regardless of past motifs and stylistic “characteristics” associated with them. The fans be damned.
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Jim Sheridan's BROTHERS HD trailer almost 3 years ago
Yeah Fredo I agree that the trailer looks pretty Cliche. But i kind of hold out some hope for the actual movie. Though “Get Rich or Die trrying” was utter garbage.
Go to Comment
Andrea Arnold's New Film "FISH TANK" trailer over 2 years ago
Wonderful new Trailer that faired very well at Cannes from the director of “Red Road” Andrea Arnold! Any fans will be excited to see this one.
http://filmhype.net/films/fishtank.html
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Neon Genesis Evangelion over 2 years ago
Just finished the series for about the Seventh time. Anyone who loved this as a child asking if it holds up should have no fear. I can say with utter certainty that unlike most things in life, it is even better through older eyes.
The subtleties and mastery of the series can truly be appreciated the series is not at all about Action. But about internal characterization and contemplation. It is great filmmaking and Anime’s finest series.
Haven’t seen it yet but I plan to watch Rebuild 1.0 when it hits BluRay in March.
Go to Comment
Which Criterion Menu and Package Design Do You Love? over 2 years ago
The Merchant Ivory Collection was designed by Criterion themselves and can be found on their site
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Best 3 Consecutive Films by a Director over 2 years ago
EGOYAN
Exotica 1994
Sweet Hereafter 1997
Felicia’s Journey 1999
BESSON
The Big Blue 1988
Nikita 1990
Leon 1994
MIYAZAKI
How i Wish My Neighbor Totoro was beside Spirited Away but as it stands best 3 in a row.
Princess Mononoke 1997
Spirited Away 2001
Howl’s Moving Castle 2004
Go to Comment
How Much Do People Hate Going to movies with Mainstream Audiences? over 2 years ago
To the girls kicking my chair during CACHE.
To the man who fell asleep beside me during THE ASSISINATION OF JESSE JAMES and started snoring.
To the untended small child who climbed up on the back of the seat during HERO and stared at me.
To the Russian Tourist snapping flash photography during a festival.
To the group of teenagers making jokes during BLOOD SIMPLE (rerelease) because they thought it was a B-movie.
To the group of teenagers making jokes during SPIRITED AWAY because noone else was in the theatre except me.
To the projectionist who fucked up THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE.
To the projectionist who fucked up BEING JOHN MALCOVICH.
To the projectionist who fucked up BABEL.
To the projectionist who fucked up MEMENTO.
To anyone making a scene of protest by walking out of a film.
To the theatre chains that turn on lights as soon as the credits start.
To the theatres with walls thin enough to hear the action film next door.
To cellphones, concessions, poorly placed exit signs and squeaky chairs.
Thank you.
Thank you for giving me a reason to never go the theatre ever again.
Go to Comment
What are some good japanese directors still working? about 2 years ago
Hayao Miyazaki seconded. thirded. fourthed.
Also Takashi Miike has some real gems within the massive slew of films he pumps out.
I have to say Tetsuya Nomura also. Wouldn’t quite be considered a “film director” but he is def. a director. And as such, perhaps the greatest living creative in any field.
Go to Comment
Has anyone watched The Vanishing recently? about 2 years ago
Of course the victim saw it coming. Thus his internal conflicted deliberation in what is bar none the climactic highlight of the film. In the end, knowing for sure without a shadow of doubt, the doubt that has tormented him over the years. KNowing for sure what happened is worth whatever the consequences. But I think he knew what those consequences could be.
Go to Comment
Has anyone watched The Vanishing recently? about 2 years ago
.
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Six Feet Under vs. Sopranos about 2 years ago
Six Feet Under greater than Sopranos by maybe a mere 20 percent margin. Sopranos started strongly and prob. went a few seasons more than was ness. While Six Feet under really didn’t ramp up to it’s full glory til Season 3. And ended very very strongly.
Go to Comment
Last Days about 2 years ago
Everything about it that I like is presented slightly more polished in Elephant and more enjoyable through higher risks in Paranoid Park.
I dig the direction of Van Sants called “Death Trilogy” but find Last Days in particular to be a bit more akin to the modern foreign films that like to substitute narrative for a pacing that poses and replaces any actual creativity in the piece.
But that qualm is more with the majority of recently critically hailed films and not so much with Van Sant and Last Days
Go to Comment
Who wants "Stalker" to appear on Criterion? about 2 years ago
I just received The Mirror from Netflix saw Kino on the disc and kind of cringed. Upon seeing the opening slate I was shocked to see tracking lines! I stopped it right there and then and upon doing some research I don’t think I’ll be watching the film anytime soon which saddens me because of how much I think i’d love it.
I suffered through Kino’s stalker and have marveled at Criterion’s Solyaris.
Go to Comment
Who wants "Stalker" to appear on Criterion? about 2 years ago
SHANTIH,
Is the 25p / or even 30p frame rate of Region 2 not jarring or distracting? I did hear the Artifical Eye release was better than Kino but was unsure about how the EU frame rate would play up.
Go to Comment
best gambling films about 2 years ago
Second Sydney. as prob. the best. I also like The Good Thief. And the vegas segment of My Blueberry Nights.
But in general this genre needs a pretty hefty makeover.
Go to Comment
Criterion Blu-ray Cases about 2 years ago
Yep, I def. think their BD line is sleak and way above what anyone else is doing.
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Tim Burton blah blah blah about 2 years ago
I have spent way, way too much effort already through my life trash talking burton. The guy is a joke.
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Which Rumored Release(s) Would You Most Like to See Done? about 2 years ago
Glad i checked out the list. A bunch to look forward to.
THIN RED LINE BLU – RAY would be godly. While they’re at it maybe they’ll release the original theatricla cut of The New World on blu-ray.
But yah, basically the films Joe Banks said as well.
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Has anyone watched The Vanishing recently? about 2 years ago
WEll when i was talking about the climax I meant the deliberation. When he’s storming around in the rain deliberating taking a sip of pure unfiltered truth. Because that’s what was in that cup. The Truth. And like the decision to take a bite from the fruit of knowledge could not of been easy to come by, nor was his to take that sip.
To me that was the moment. And that was the excitement. And that was the positive.
Everything after, was the consequence.
Go to Comment
films you've grown out of as you've developed your tastes in films about 2 years ago
GREAT, GREAT fantastic thread. I can relate to this sooo much.
I gotta say Robley. In 6 months that transformation in Taste is quite remarkable. That’s like a 6 year movement for me. But def. a leap forward for you personally.
I used to live and die and breath for BRAZIL. But now I find the music horendous. and generally consider Gilliam to be an infantile creative. Brazil might be his best, but I loved it too hard, too unflinchingly that when the ball dropped. it dropped hard.
So yah, BRAZIL, AMERICAN HISTORY X, SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS, DARK CITY (big ouch upon a reviewing) ALL GILLIAM to some degree, BRAVEHEART, INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE
great topic.
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films where voice over narration enhances the film vs. those where it takes away from the film... about 2 years ago
Mallick owns V.O.
he’s perfected it.
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Is Adaptation really just a satire of Hollywood? about 2 years ago
That picture is what adaptation is all about. Ouroboros.
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films where voice over narration enhances the film vs. those where it takes away from the film... about 2 years ago
^ Same experience with Thin Red Line. the fact that the voice over can compete with the cinematography is absurd.
Go to Comment
Blu-ray release about 2 years ago
Having just seen this tonight (the Lionsgate BD) I found myself wondering if Criterion’s release would of been better. I found the transfer slightly lazy (as in it was directly taken from one source rather from several) There is a wide gap of quality from scene to scene shot to shot and sometimes the change is distracting.
But for my first viewing, it was a fantastic treat! What a film, i found it to be riskier and bolder than the other Godard I have seen.
Comparing it to Criterion’s DVD of film from that Era. I found the 8 1/2 standard DVD to be much cleaner and overall better picture.
Not a fair comparison by any means, I hope a few more people weigh in. Being able to do side by side comparisons.
Has CRITERION fully lost the lisence on this? If so those 2 editions may be all we have to go on for a while?
(SIDE NOTE. WHAT IS THE MUSIC PLAYING IN THE LIONSGATE BD. IT"S NOT FROM THE FILM!?)
Go to Comment
films you've grown out of as you've developed your tastes in films about 2 years ago
^sound logic
Go to Comment
where to start with cassavetes if you have not seen any of his films? about 2 years ago
Shadows has made me want to see more Cassavetes. While not spectacular it shows extraordinary promise for the Director. I have yet to have the chance to continue his filmography simply based on the time consumed in finding the best quality version of his work.
Go to Comment
films about chess about 2 years ago
As a former competitive tournament player, I am very observant to the way chess is presented in films. (I actually served as a chess consultant on an episode of “House”. And was playing the speed game in the opening shot). 10 times out of 10 the off-handed casual game on screen is a recreation of one of history’s classic master matches. That said, I am always fairly impressed when the game is presented realistically.
My favorite film that ACTUALLY is about Chess would have to be “Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine”
a docu about the world famous set of matches between Grand Master Gary Kasparov and IBM"s deep blue. The film is quite entertaining as it focus’ a lot on the conspiracy theory and controversial side of the match. And is surprisingly quite well done. Should be an enjoyable watch to anyone relatively familiar with chess.
Also I’d like to highlight, that recently Allen’s “Whatever Works” had some realistic and humorous bits on chess and the “poison pawn”.
But at any rate here’s my list, both of pieces that feature a quick match in the subtext or are more integrally involved. Note: Searching For Bobby Fischer and The Luzhin Defense while prob. the two most accessible films actually about Chess, are both considered fairly poor examples within the chess community.
Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine
2001: A Space Odyssey
Twin Peaks (In the midst of the terrible season two arcs, some chess…)
NIGHT MOVES (75) Hackman
Whatever Works
Seventh Seal
Searching For Bobby Fischer
The Omega man
The Luzhin Defense
Alice through the looking glass ( I have no idea film version wise, but in the book Chess is presented in a highly compelling and imaginative way. There has to be SOME version that captures that spirit in some way. )
prob. some big ones i can’t think of.
Go to Comment
Top 10 TV Shows of all time about 2 years ago
Are we REALLY counting Fanny Och? That just seems unfair.
Well after reading this thread shoot me in the head for not having seen Riget. I kind of feel like not even posting until after that. The Wire too seems to be getting ungodly praise from every corner.
I’ll just drop my best ofs n lieu of an actual top ten for the time being until i’ve seen those two.
Best Drama – In Treatment
Runner Up: Six Feet Under
Best Comedy – The Thick of It
Runner Up: Curb
Best Animated – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Runner Up: Mushishi
Best Short form series – Fanny Och Alexander
Best Show. Period. – Twin Peaks
And that’s the true testament of Twin Peaks’ greatness. The fact that so many people will still champion it despite it falling into terrible disrepair after episode 16. The good episodes are just toooo good to ignore. They elevate the show beyond the rest.
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psycho sequels about 2 years ago
If by progressively get better you mean progressively you become more adjusted to the initial shock of how WRONG it is that they were even made. then sure.
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JYE, FRASER-ORR, JOKS, KATHERINE: WHO ELSE IS FROM AUSTRALIA? about 2 years ago
Curiously, what are your takes on “The Square” and “Animal Kingdom”. I thought the Animal Kindgom trailer was extremely intriguing. Have they already shown in Australia?
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